Hi guys! So for those of you who follow me on social media, you probably know that I got home from Disney last night... sadly.
This trip was CRAZY. It was a whirlwind. There were just so many things going on and in some ways it feels like a dream or something. I don't think I will be doing a TR on it - I really didn't document things the way I normally do. A lot of people have already protested that idea though so I think I might just do a different kind of report or something, with less details.
Just a quick rundown now: the first day I was at Gina's and the next morning we drove to All Star Music to check in to the Broadway section. Then we headed to Animal Kingdom and then to Magic Kingdom in time for Festival of Fantasy. I was dressed as Rapunzel and got treated like royalty all day, it was incredibly fun. Then we ate at Kona for dinner and went back to MK all night. The next day Lee-Anne arrived and we went to the Halloween party! I was a Haunted Mansion Ballroom Dancer again, but altered the look a bit. Unfortunately the rain REALLY got to me this night (that kind of costume getting wet is a miserable experience) so I can't say it was my favorite
MNSSHP, but it was still to die for. Pun intended. The next day we were all at Hollywood Studios the whole day cause it was DAPPER DAY! I was so excited to take part in a Dapper Day, but by this time I was so tired of costumes LOL. It ended up being so much fun, though the park was really crowded so we didn't get to do a ton. I was happy cause my outfit didn't look like anyone elses, which is always pretty much my goal. The next day we moved over to a Little Mermaid room at Art of Animation, which was the most fun room in the world to stay in. That day and the next, Hanson played Epcot, so we were mostly there. They were life changingly magnificent as usual on stage, and we also got to see them do a beer seminar for the Pale Ale they created called MMMHops. Then we hung around for their press event in front of Spaceship Earth and they took the time to talk to us a bit which was amazing. I've met them so many times but I will never not get so excited just to talk to them. They're my favorite thing in the world. Yesterday, Gina and I went to Magic Kingdom all day until it was time for me to leave around 5. I was so sad, obviously. I still am. I want to be there right now!
One thing I will tell you is that I have never been so bothered by rain and crowds in Disney in my life. I thought September was supposed to be a good time to go, turns out not so much compared to when I usually go (April and October). Even the Halloween party was so much more crowded than any other one I have been to, which I don't understand cause last year we went ON Halloween and the place seemed empty except for when we watched the parade and HalloWishes. I guess you really never can predict these things, no matter how much time and research is dedicated to it. I still enjoyed myself to a ridiculous degree, but having to wait on line for every single thing no matter where you turn, food, drink, rides, bathroom, tram, bus, e v e r y t h i n g took some getting used to. I'm just really spoiled having gone during low crowds almost every trip.
I can handle a lot of discomfort in Disney, in fact I rarely complain about the things most people are annoyed by, however one thing that REALLY bothers me is getting wet and having to walk around all day like that. If you are going to Disney in the next week or so, or during a ridiculous time for rain like this past week was, PLEASE listen to me on the following points.
1. Bring several pairs of socks with you to the parks. There were times I brought a 2nd pair and felt stupid for not bringing a 3rd or even 4th. Seriously.
2. Wear one, bring one as far as shoes go. I know it's annoying to carry around a 2nd pair of shoes, especially once the first pair is soaked to the bone, but trust me, your feet are going to be wet and sad.
3. Bring an umbrella everywhere, at all times, no matter what.
4. Bring a change of clothes to the parks. Let me just tell you that on our last full day I wore sneakers, brought extra socks and flip flops, wore one outfit and brought a dress, leggings, shorts, and a hoodie, carried these things around all day and was STILL uncomfortable and wet. I went through all of these items. Seriously. I am all about traveling light around WDW, but get a good backpack you don't mind toting around, pack what you need, and deal with it. Unless you don't mind being wet and uncomfortable, which is awesome for you but I hate it.
5. Bring plastic bags so that you can keep your wet items inside them within the bag you're carrying, so nothing else gets wet. The rain starts and stops and starts and stops, so there are going to be a lot of times your wet umbrella/shoes/clothes are gonna need to be wrapped up and put away. All merchandise locations will give you a clear plastic Disney bag, these are perfect for these situations.
6. Prepare for things to be canceled or closed. Plan several different times that you can see the parades/fireworks/anything outdoors. For instance, if you have a 5 day trip and your 3rd day is your day to see Festival of Fantasy, make sure you have a backup day. We saw it on our 1st day, but on the last day it was rained out. If we had not already seen it, we would have been devastated. The Florida sun showers everyone is used to is one thing, but downpours that feature lightening and thunder could totally blow your vacation, especially if you/your child MUST DO a certain thing. Always have a back-up.
Some/all of these points may seem obvious to some, but I have never dealt with rain like this in all my trips and it's almost comical how it happens at the most inopportune times. You get all ready to go do something and BOOM, monsoon. It can really mess things up if you don't keep a good attitude. I've been in Disney so much and been so fortunate that when it ruined our plans I could keep a smile on knowing that I've done almost everything and I'll be back, but if you have a once in a lifetime/every few years kinda trip just stay positive and be happy with doing whatever you can, because it can get really frustrating.
Okay guys, I'm off to class but I just wanted to update you all! I will be updating this report as soon as I can... til then, see ya real soon!
After the past week I was starting to wonder if it stopped raining in Florida.
Just kidding. 
It's totally understandable that you can't document every moment of every trip. And rain....ughhh. I hate when the rain ruins plans. But I am sure you had an amazing time despite it. Can't wait to hear more of this current TR. 
