"You're definitely feeling and not concealing!" - A COMPLETE July 2014 TR!

[TheLittleKatie]

Hey Kaitlyn!
I've just really enjoyed reading through your trip report
My boyfriend and I just got back from a split stay at the Beach Club and Grand Floridian - I can see why it's your favorite resort!!

By the way - you and I bought the same Alex and Ani bracelets from DTD!! *high five*

And I just LOVED your meet and greet with Gaston. You're right, he is so handsome! And hilarious. My, what a guy!
And how sweet was Prince Charming when you met at dinner! Bless him I enjoyed reading about that meal, considering it for my next trip!

Looking forward to hearing more

 

[Newsies]

Hey Kaitlyn!
I've just really enjoyed reading through your trip report
My boyfriend and I just got back from a split stay at the Beach Club and Grand Floridian - I can see why it's your favorite resort!!

By the way - you and I bought the same Alex and Ani bracelets from DTD!! *high five*

And I just LOVED your meet and greet with Gaston. You're right, he is so handsome! And hilarious. My, what a guy!
And how sweet was Prince Charming when you met at dinner! Bless him I enjoyed reading about that meal, considering it for my next trip!

Looking forward to hearing more

Hii!!!

Thank you so much! It means a lot to me!

Ooh, split stays sound fun. But it also sounds like a lot of packing and unpacking. I don't know if I'd be able to manage LOL! Always wanted to see the beach club though.

*returns your high five!*

Hahaha thank you! He was a funny meet for sure! I meet him again later on in the trip and it gets even better. It might have been the same Gaston too!

Prince Charming was uber-sweet. He's such a cutie! 1900PF was a great meal, I hope you decided to get an ADR! It's a must-do at least once in my eyes.

The next installment is coming up right now

 

[Newsies]

Day Seven: Grace's Birthday (Magic Kingdom) Part Two​

Q: What’s the most magical way to celebrate a birthday evening at Disney World?
A: At the Magic Kingdom with the hottest ADR on the market!​

We went back to the hotel and decided to splash around in the pool for a little bit. We spent a good 2 hours in the pool. The un-birthday party was going on as usual, but the host seemed rather unenthused. These two girls were playing around with a bucket after a game and he told them he wouldn’t let them play anymore if they didn’t stop? Like, what? I had a Mickey Premium bar during this time as well. It was rather good. I don’t actually remember a lot of it since we were there for a long time, but I assume we also had lunch there. I believe I got a cheeseburger that I didn’t enjoy, if I recall correctly.

Any-who, after our pool-time shenanigans had come to a conclusion, we had to get ready for what was possibly the most anticipated ADR of this trip- Be Our Guest!

Our original plan was to go to BoG the first Monday we arrived, but it was full, so we decided to snag one for Grace’s birthday. Beauty and the Beast is her favorite princess movie, so we decided it made more sense to go on that day anyway.

We arrived at MK just in time for our ADR. We made our way to the castle and were greeted by it in aaaaallll its beauty.

It's been years since we've had anybody here, and we're OBSESSED!​

We had to stand just outside the doors for about 5 minutes, but I didn’t complain. Even though it was hot, Disney had one of those cute carts with the paper water cups out. I love them. Anyway, then our waitress (whose name escapes me even though she was wonderful!) escorted us in. I must have been hyperventilating from how excited I was. She brought us into the main dining room. I stepped inside and my jaw dropped. She commented, “Aaaaand, she’s amazed.”, which sums it up perfectly.

To drink, I got the fruit punch with the lime foam on top. It was so good. I really, really like new foam stuff Disney is trying. I know a lot of people aren’t big on the whole “unnecessary foam” trend on drinks, but in this case, the foam is flavored and serves to compliment the drink. Kids especially will love it, which I guess is what they were doing with the fruit punch in the first place.

My biggest regret of the meal was not getting one of the souvenir Belle glasses with it, especially since I lost my Ariel one from Monday. RIP in peace souvenir Ariel cup.

Also here's a close up of the napkin rose that I basically refused to destroy until it was absolutely necessary. ​

We also got some delicious bread with our meal as you can see above. As our dinner was coming out, I decided to go get some pics of the gorgeous restaurant.

I took this one from my seat. According to my DCP cousin Sherry from the first installment, the face on the angels are either modeled from the painter's babies, or the painters themselves. And the snow falling in the window is actual footage from the movie.

This left me in awe.

"But whatever you do, don't go into the west wing."

Another one of my favorites. This statue is beautiful in real life, much like the rest of the room it sits in, and it spins to make it look like they're dancing. The room is full of portraits of them as well, and it's really cute.
​

I came back quickly, though, because I didn’t want to miss my meal. A few minutes later, it came out. I ordered the steak with pommes frittes.

GASP! Photos of FOOD? From KAITLYN?​

The steak was standard- cooked well with a little bit of spice to taste. It was delicious, but I think next time I go I’m going to get what my dad ordered. He had a shrimp and scallop dish of some sort that was served in a pastry shell. It was so good.

I think Grace liked her steak, but she wasn’t that hungry. I think she has some social anxiety problems that get triggered by being in restaurants, so I didn’t blame her. Then the waitress brought her out a cupcake and a card signed by Belle and the Beast, as well as the rest of our desserts!

I , of course, had to try the gray stuff- it’s delicious!!!!

I spent an embarrassing amount of time dreaming about the gray stuff before arriving at this restaurant.​

Naturally, the gray stuff was fantastic. It was light and airy but still flavorful. I also liked the crunchy little chocolate balls on top. I wasn’t very impressed with the brownie crust underneath it though- it was actually almost too tough to bite into. I had to break it apart with my hands before I ate it, and even then it wasn’t that impressive. I had almost all of the gray stuff, but I couldn’t be bothered with the cupcake when Grace asked if I wanted it- I had to save a little bit of appetite for the final surprise at the end of the night. ... Okay, I had a little bit of her cupcake, featured in my photo above, but only because the chocolate ganache and raspberry combination was sooooo good. Shh. Don't tell anyone.

Finally, we had to say “au revoir” to our dinner, and “bonjour” to the Beast!

For those of you unfamiliar with Be Our Guest, if you attend dinner service, sometimes (most of the time), the Beast will see guests in his reading chamber (This isn’t offered at lunch because during lunch that room becomes the quick-service kiosk. I go more in depth about that tomorrow ). I remember actually waiting a pretty long time in line to meet beast. I think we waited 10 minutes? It seemed long because the line is so crowded and compressed.

As we neared the front of the line, I asked a CM if the Beast signed autographs. He said no, because Beast sometimes accidently rips right through the book. I understand, Beast. I did that with The Fault in Our Stars.

We got to the front of the line and the beast welcome Grace and I with outreached arms, so we both hugged him. Man, he is TALL! Most of what I remember from our interaction was that I asked him if he was reading any good books, and he (with the help of a CM) told us he was reading Sleeping Beauty, Belle’s favorite. It was a really long charades game, Grace and I thought he was reading Peter Pan at first from the way he acted it out. LOL.

I AM SO MAD AT HOW BLURRY THIS PHOTO IS​

It was a decent character experience, but I’d consider skipping it the next time I go. It didn’t seem that redeeming for the amount of stress ensued and time wasted in the line.

Then, after a quick stop to the bathroom, it was time to leave the Beast’s castle.

Again, the imagineers really outdid themselves this time. This whole place was fantastic.​

The next hour or so was kind of a blur in a way. I think we went on Under the Sea again, then headed over to Fantasyland. We went on It’s A Small World again to kill time, then utilized our FP+ for Peter Pan’s Adventure. That was another surprise for Grace.

While we were queuing in the FP+ line, we decided to tell Grace that there was one last surprise for the evening, and that this ride was a hint as to what it was. She was puzzled, because she didn’t know what it could possibly be (in all fairness, she had never heard of the surprise anyway. It’s a pretty obscure experience). Grace and I went on PPF together.

PPF is one of my favorites. And there was a guy with a camera in front of us, taking pictures of EVERYTHING, to which I shouted “TURN YOUR CAMERA OFF” and mumbled an explicit name under my breath. Grace found this quite funny and soon we were both laughing really hard. We went to PoTC and the jungle cruise as well, but both were closed due to inclement weather (it wasn’t even raining that badly).

Afterwards, we didn’t have much time, so we went on the monorail and headed over to the Contemporary Hotel- for “dessert”. Unbeknownst to Grace, she was about to arrive at one of the best-arranged surprises of the trip. Those of you who read my PTR know what it is. Those of you who are just joining along for the TR, however, will have to wait to find out

 

[Silvermist20]

Glad to see your experience was good at BOG. My mom and I might want to go there for my sweet 16 trip next year.

Can't wait to read your sister's reaction to "dessert." (I read your PTR so I know what it is already.)

 

[kaelalala]

yay BOG! I've had dinner there twice now and it's always lovely. I love the lunch even more though so I'm hoping you were hinting that you also got to eat lunch there later in the trip, haha! anyways, I too love the grey stuff. I don't even need to ask the dishes. I know it's delicious.

ahhhh! I can't wait to see what the surprise is hehehe

 

[Newsies]

Glad to see your experience was good at BOG. My mom and I might want to go there for my sweet 16 trip next year.

Can't wait to read your sister's reaction to "dessert." (I read your PTR so I know what it is already.)

BoG was honestly one of the best restaurants on the whole trip. And it's even more special when you're celebrating. I'm (fingers crossed) going back to WDW for a grad trip next year and I'm going to hop up on another ADR as soon as I can.

SHHH. Don't spoil it for the rest of them but her reaction is pretty great. I promise.

yay BOG! I've had dinner there twice now and it's always lovely. I love the lunch even more though so I'm hoping you were hinting that you also got to eat lunch there later in the trip, haha! anyways, I too love the grey stuff. I don't even need to ask the dishes. I know it's delicious.

ahhhh! I can't wait to see what the surprise is hehehe

Yesss! You are correct- in an upcoming installment I describe my lunch at BoG. It was just as good as dinner. I don't want to go too much into it right now though, so you'll have to wait AND YES! The grey stuff is fantastic- no dish interrogation required.

Coming up soon

 

[Newsies]

Day Seven: Grace's Birthday (Contemporary Resort) Part Three

Q: How much birthday magic can you squeeze into one little evening?
A: More than you can WISH for ​

When we got out of Peter Pan's Flight, we noticed the sky was darkening. This is not good for us. Our surprise reserves the right to cancel in the event of inclement weather. Then we have nothing to provide closer to Grace's birthday.

The Jungle Cruise was closed, PoTC was closed, Aladdin's Carpets were closed, so we just decided to head over to the Contemporary, despite being about an hour away from the designated check-in time for our surprise. We got on the monorail and told Grace that we were going to walk around the Contemporary and maybe get a dessert "until the sky cleared up". They went to look at the shops and I ran downstairs to check-in. I had to make sure that the surprise was still going on because it had been thundering for a little bit. Fortunately, it was still set to go on.

So for about 40 minutes we walked around the shops. Grace was getting bored (because we had no intention of actually buying anything) (it was kind of mean, actually, she kept hinting that she wanted a bag or a bracelet or such and mom kept being like "uhhhhhh just wait okay"). We got drinks at the quick service cafe next to Chef Mickey's (once again we had to tell Grace "no" because she wanted a cupcake but we were about to have a lot of dessert. Tough birthday for her). We sat for about 5 minutes until it was time to break the surprise.

We went down to the lobby, and up another escalator, promising a shortcut to a special shop I wanted to visit. When we arrived on the floor, it was right in front of us.

SURPRISE!​

Yo-ho, yo-ho!​

For those of you who don't know what this is, it's an experience where you meet up with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, have some snacks, then your pirate host takes you on a cruise to watch the Electrical Pageant and Wishes.

Grace didn't know what it was, but she was elated nonetheless because she loves Peter Pan and all things Disney-pirate related. There was a really cute little girl wearing a costume of the pirate fairy in the Tinkerbell movie. I forget what the fairy's name was, but it was a bomb movie.

After check-in, we still had like 30 minutes before the whole event was set to begin. We all got bandanas and there was a cute little table with a craft station. My parents reconnected with some old college friends. In fact, they were the same friends who introduced my parents to each other. So, I technically owe my life to them. Kind of. It was pretty cool.

Also, I really liked the pirates. Also also, 10 points if you can tell me where you last saw the pattern on my dress.​

Finally, they allowed us in!

The first order of business was a meet and greet with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. If you decide to plan a Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage thanks to my lovely TR, I recommend getting in line as soon as you get there, even if they're not out yet. The line fills up quickly and if you're not in line soon-ish you won't have time to eat much dessert. As Grace and I gave our autograph books, Mr. Smee gave us big hugs and danced with us!

shake yo @zz, but watch yo self​

Then Captain Hook pointed to my pins. The character attendant explained that he wanted to know where my Captain Hook pin was! I told Hook that I would buy a pin with him on it later... as well as one with Peter. Then he raised his hook and... growled at me? That was a first for the trip. I started laughing. Then we took a photo and I gave him a hug and we went on our way.

This evening I realized how tall Hook was. Even for a fur(?) character, he's pretty big. What hook gotta be so tall for? Already got a hook for a hand no need to be scaring children any more by being freakishly large. Or, maybe Smee and I are just fun-sized.​

There was a lovely assortment of desserts available to us. I stole like 8 bags of cotton candy and 50 chocolate coins and had approximately a gallon of POG juice. POG JUICE! FOR THE FIRST TIME! IT WAS WONDERFUL! There were also free Mickey Premiums and Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches but for some reason I only decided to pull a sad, pathetic strawberry pop from the freezer? I don't know what I was thinking that evening but I didn't eat much. Also, the cake wasn't that good. It was some cinnamon pumpkin blend and I was very disappointed.

Pretty sure there's cake underneath the blur.

CAWTEN candy, GETCHA cawten candy right hurr

When this candy was all gone, a little boy turned to me and said "CAN YOU BELIEVE WE ALL ATE ALL THAT". I told him that we were all just really good pirates. I think I still have chocolate coins from this trip mixed with Grand Floridian turn down chocolates in a WDW bag somewhere in my room probably.

POG, YAS!​

That went on for 30 minutes before our pirate hosts, Patch and his "identical twin brother", Patch, rounded us all up. They announced that we would shortly be getting on the boat and had us alll sing happy birthday to Grace (we had informed the woman on the phone that we had a birthday in our family when we booked the trip). They also picked two boys to carry the flag to their respective boats. Patch had one boat, and Patch had another one. I was on... um, Patch's boat. LOL. Depending on what boat you were, you were either on Team Hook, or Team Smee. I believe our family was Team Smee.

"Identical twins". Our Patch was the one on the left.​

Another tip I have for ya'll is to GO TO THE BATHROOM!!!! Before you get on the boat, go to the bathroom down the hall. If Patch and Patch have rounded you up already, it's too late. You're on the boat for about an hour, maybe a little less. Having to go to the bathroom = not fun. That happened to a woman on our boat and we all felt really bad. Luckily, I went beforehand.

This might be counteractive to the advice above, but I brought a warm drink onto the boat and it was a really good decision. It was tea- the English Breakfast blend that comes in the little bag. I got it almost every morning in my mug. It's addictive.

​

The two flag-bearers walked us all out. Smee grabbed little kids hands and skipped them down the pier as we went down to the boats. The girl next to me was taking pictures and she leaned in and said, "this is so cute". I agreed. It was the cutest thing EVER. Then Hook and Smee waved us off and we were on our way!

The boat started off with singing and banter from our captain, Patch. He was SO funny! He sang a song about all different people he made up like "Lady Lillian Luke" and then he would go up to a random woman and be like, "OH HERE SHE IS! IT'S LADY LILLIAN LUKE RIGHT HERE SHE'S WITH US TONIGHT!"

The Electrical Water Pageant was first (of course) and we were right up close to it. At one point, he said "AND NOW, A TRIBUTE TO ALL COUNTRIES, BUT MOSTLY AMERICA!" And of course, as everyone who's seen the parade knows, the only design on the electrical boards were American flags and stars. I legitimately died. He's the best.

I also really like the music in the pageant. I don't know. It's always been the first "parade" I see every trip, so it's kind of an optimistic, "a-whole-trip-at-WDW-ahead-of-us" kind of music for me.​

Then, of course, almost immediately after The Electrical Water Pageant came Wishes (minus some buffer time filled with singing "yo ho yo ho a pirates life for me" and telling pirate jokes). We were on the right side of the ship, but the castle/show was to the left of the boat. So our view was just a liiiiittle obscured. I've heard of people avoiding this by "requesting an even-numbered bench" at the time of the reservation, but that's pushing the envelope just a little bit, don't you think? Other than that, the music was piped into the boat and we were right up close. It was perfect.

I don't know what it was tonight- maybe it was just all the candy I had consumed- but it was the first time I had ever openly cried over Wishes. I had gotten teary eyed before (especially with my dole whip that Wednesday) but tonight was different. It was a "listen-closely-to-jimminy-and-take-the-message-to-heart-and-also-let-the-amazingly-orchestrated-score-overwhelm-you" kind of night. But, spoiler alert- it wouldn't be the last time I let this happen to me on this trip.

When Wishes had concluded, we had to make our way back over to the Contemporary. Patch decided to play trivia with us. His rule was, "the smaller your hand is, the better I'll see it!". So, I decided to keep it cool. Until he asked who Ariel's two best friends in the whole wide sea were. Lord, my hand shot up so fast. I won a plastic sword.

As we approached the Contemporary, I routinely kept looking back from the pier to Grace. There was one last birthday surprise waiting for her at the dock.

Patch started telling the story of Peter Pan as he reached the dock, and how he "wished" to meet him, and Grace started piecing it together. She let out a gasp and I wish I had my camera out and pointed at her when Peter Pan himself appeared on the deck and started crowing at us all.

I got in line to meet Peter with Grace as dad started taking with Patch. I wish I had them in my possession to post, but alas- perhaps they were not meant to be posted after all. Grace turned to me at one point as she fumbled with her phone and proclaimed "I'm shaking right now". That was the second time she said that on that particular day, in case you were wondering.

I let Grace go up first and have their little interchange. Then it was my turn. And here's how our conversation went down:


Me: Peter, it's so nice to meet you!
Peter: It's nice to meet you too!
Me: I've been working on my crowing!
Peter: Alright, well let's hear it!
Me: *Crows* *Wakes up the whole Contemporary resort*
Peter Pan: Hey, that's pretty good! *points to my lanyard* Where'd you get those treasures? Did you steal them from pirates?
Me: I bought them!
Peter: You... (cocks his head to the side) bought them? What's bought?
Me: Okay, so, people have this thing called money-
Peter: What's money?
Me: It's like... I don't know- it's something you can use to get other things. Sometimes I have it but I usually don't. Anyway, you go to this place called the store and trade the money for other things-
Peter: What's a store? Where's the store?
Me: It's a place with a bunch of things... there's one right inside! And you can use the money to buy things.
Peter: Oh... what's money again?

I don't know what draws me to this image. But I really, really like it.

AT THIS PREFORMANCE: The role of MATILDA WORMWOOD will be played by PETER PAN. The roles usually played by PETER PAN will be played by KAITLYN​

After Peter Pan was done, we had to get straight back to the hotel. It was approximately 11:00 and we had to go to sleep.

I highly recommend the P&PFV. It's an unforgettable experience, a great way to meet Peter, Hook and Smee (highly sought out and difficult to meet characters), and just a fun way to spend an evening no matter what you're celebrating

The next day was an important day- because it was the last chance for me to experience the magic of the Disney Parks that trip.

 

[Silvermist20]

That looked like it was a lot of fun!

The dress design was from the Animal Kingdom chapter. BOOM!

Mhm, Patch and Pacth are soooo identical. I could barely tell them apart in the picture.

I love the Electrical Water Pagent. I feel like it's a little bit underrated though.

PETER PAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all I have to say about that.

Noooo the TR is almost over!

 

[Newsies]

That looked like it was a lot of fun! The dress design was from the Animal Kingdom chapter. BOOM! Mhm, Patch and Pacth are soooo identical. I could barely tell them apart in the picture. I love the Electrical Water Pagent. I feel like it's a little bit underrated though. PETER PAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all I have to say about that. Noooo the TR is almost over!

We all had a blast. My dad said it was his favorite part of the whole trip.

10 POINTS AWARDED TO YOUR HOUSE

Right? SOOOOOOO identical!

The EWP is one of the most underrated aspects of WDW. It's such a nice way to end the evening, especially if you can see it from your resort.

EXACTLY!!!!! PETER PAN!!!!!

I'm sad to report that the next update will most likely be the last REAL update But that just means it's almost time to start a new PTR, right

 

[momplus3]

I would love to do the Pirates and Pals Fireworks cruise! The EWP is so awesome from shore - to see it up close would be great.

We have book the Frozen Premier experience for our December trip! Cannot wait for Anna and Elsa cupcakes!

 

[Newsies]

I would love to do the Pirates and Pals Fireworks cruise! The EWP is so awesome from shore - to see it up close would be great. We have book the Frozen Premier experience for our December trip! Cannot wait for Anna and Elsa cupcakes!

It's definitely a must-do at least once. It was unforgettable

EWP is so cool up close. It's not exactly something people get to see every day, and you can really see the detail well when you're that close to it.

HAVE FUN!!!! We were toying around with a couple different experiences for Grace's birthday, one was I think the Frozen premier and the other was Harambe Nights at AK. You have to do a trip report and tell us all about it!

 

[Newsies]

Day Eight: Magic Kingdom (Part One)

Q: Why is Kaitlyn so sad?
A: Because it's her last day at Walt Disney World ​

I tried to get up as early as possible that morning. I wanted to get to the park as early as possible because I wanted to catch the opening show again. The rest of my family wasn't going to go to the park until dinner time. They decided they were gonna rent a cabana for the day. Which I'm SO glad about! I mean, what better way to spend your last day at Walt Disney World than by the pool, rather than at the parks? Who wouldn't?

I took the boat over as per the usual and unfortunately, the show had just concluded. So I just headed in and went straight to New Fantasyland (decidedly my favorite part of the park) and headed into Gaston's Tavern. I ordered a cinnamon bun and a cup of Lefou's Brew. The cinnamon bun was OK. I thought it would be like the Main Street USA ones, but they weren't. It wasn't as delicious. It was just kind of like a generic sticky bun warmed up and expanded to the size of Texas. The Lefou's Brew however, was OUTSTANDING. The drink part of it was especially good. It took me a little while before I could get used to the marshmallow foam, but eventually I did and I found it good as well. I had breakfast was a lovely mother and daughter duo who had a little plush Beast with them. We had a wonderful conversation and they invited me to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade with them (which I unfortunately did not get around to seeing the ENTIRE trip and I regret).

Lefou, I'm afraid I've been thinking...

I mean, haven't we all erected a statue of ourselves in the middle of our town square at some point?
​

After breakfast, I looked around the little Beauty and the Beast shop next to the tavern because it was full of cute stuff. While I wanted nearly everything (ESPECIALLY the beautiful artwork), I decided not to get anything just yet. I had all day to purchase things.

I stepped outside and what do you know, people were lining up waiting for Gaston. Well, this girl decided to say goodbye to him before leaving home the next day. So I stepped in line and less than 10 minutes later, Gaston appeared in his usual, grand fashion. I was maybe the 4th person in line.

I stepped forward. Suddenly, he stopped me. Offended, he asked- "Did I SAY you could approach me?"

So I stood there for a few seconds before he motioned me to come forward with his hand.

He didn't hand the book back to me, "on principle".​

Me: Gaston, are you still chasing Belle?
Gaston: Of course. It's funny you should ask, really, because I'm going to propose to her tonight.
Me: Really? Because she invited me to dinner at her castle tonight, and her and the beast-
Gaston: DOG-SITTING. Belle is DOG-SITTING.

tfw DOGSITTING.​

Me: Well, I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed you're still chasing Belle.
Gaston: Yes, well, I can see how you would be disappointed that I'm after another woman. However, I can offer you the best gift I have to give- a hug.

So we hugged, and took a picture.

He's so tall ugh​

Then when I went back to the hotel in the afternoon, I found this waiting for me on the Memory Maker website.

HE OFFERED ME A HUG, SLAMMED MY BODY AGAINST THIS, AND THEN THIS HAPPENED. I'VE HAD IT, OFFICIALLY.​

Gaston, you're a little poop, but I miss you.

Mom texted me saying she wanted carmel corn, so I picked up a bag for her. She enjoyed it, I believe.

Following my 3 FP+ for the day, I decided to follow the hub clockwise in a circle so I could get my 1/3 in the morning done and then have lunch at BoG. I still had some time though, so I decided to stop and meet two princesses on my way over.

The stand-by line for Cinderella and Rapunzel at PFTH said 10 minutes. I, however, walked straight up to Rapunzel, who greeted me with a hug. She saw that I was alone and asked me if I was leaving my tower for the first time, which I thought was really, really cool of her. She was so sweet and wonderful!!!!

WHEN WILL MY LIFE BEGIN​

Cindy, however, was kind of... condescending? She asked me where my royal family was and when I told her they were back at the hotel she was just kind of like "... oh." I don't know how to describe it. She made me feel very uncomfortable.

Also, she wasn't the best Cindy I've seen. Just sayin'​

Then I made my way back towards Main Street USA and to Adventureland. I wanted to see if Aladdin and Jasmine were meeting, but it was only Jasmine and the line was cut off. So instead, I went on the Jungle Cruise! It was a ton of fun and I hadn't been on it yet, so I'm glad I got to do it at least once on the trip.

I then had a FP+ for Splash Mountain! It was fun, but also a little awkward since I was riding alone. I didn't download the photo of me all by myself on the ride. LOL. Coming off of the ride, I noticed Jessie and Woody were meeting, so I got in line. However, at one point, Jessie and Woody left for a break and only Woody came back. So, I decided to duck out and do something else.

After Splash Mountain, I noticed the stand-by line for BTMR was only at 10 minutes- so I went on it. It was so much more fun than I remembered it being! I love the mountains.

I decided to scope out Frontierland to see if Chip and Dale were meeting, since I hadn't met them on this trip. Sure enough, they were! In their little cowboy apparel!

I played around with them and asked them which one was stronger. Chip insisted it was him, but Dale insisted he was smarter. They pointed to my lanyard and wanted to know where their Chip and Dale pins were! I told them I was sorry, and that I'd pick some up that day.

no #treble​

When I was done with those two, I went to check out what the ride times were like for PPF and SW. They were both 50 minutes. Yikes!

I made my way back to New Fantasyland for lunch at BoG... but I got sidetracked by an experience I had been wanting to try for a while... Enchanted Tales with Belle!

I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS PORTRAIT​

I waited in line for maybe 20 minutes. Luckily, I was the only one in my party, so I got to go in relatively quickly once I got into Maurice's cottage.

I LOVED the mirror. It was so cute. The wardrobe is also ADORABLE. And thanks to my fantastic jumping abilities, I was cast as Mrs. Potts!

literally me

LITERALLY me

I'LL GET WARM I'LL GET HOT HEAVANS SAKES IS THAT A SPOT CLEAN IT UP WE WANT THE COMPANY IMPREEEEEEEEEEEEESSED

obligatory dress photo because Belle's yellow dress awes me no matter where I am or what I'm doing​

Our Belle, once again, was very lovely. Like the Kardashian Belle I met at Akershus. I loved her yellow gown. The beast in our show was SO CUTE. She was a little girl with a big roar. And I also loved Lumiere. And I loved marching around singing Be Our Guest. I loved everything. Enchanted Tales was lovely. Plus, Belle gave me a bookmark! Alas, all good things must come to an end, so I thanked Belle for having me in the castle and (FINALLY) headed on down to Be our Guest!

A photo of me sincerely thanking Belle for allowing me to preform for her which is also what I do to anybody who sees me in any and every show I'm in​

I actually didn't wait terribly long for my meal. I ordered my food- the turkey sandwich with pommes frites, a bottle of water, and a strawberry cupcake- and shared my lunch with a group of college girls doing the DCP. They were amazing. We fangirled over everything Disney so hard during lunch. My Turkey sandwich was also FANTASTIC. Unfortunately, I made a mistake ordering the strawberry cupcake. I didn't like the icing at all, and there was certainly a healthy dose of it on top. Meh. At least I cut some calories by not eating it

When I got out of BoG, my parents were urging me to come check out the pool-side cabana they had rented out. Being curious- and feeling hot and sticky and in need of a pool anyway- I decided I would take a little break from MK just to see what all the commotion was about.

 

[Newsies]

Hey everyone.

So I know this thread is basically dying out but anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know that I literally finished writing the final updates today

I'll upload one of them tonight (just warning you, it's really sad and emotional. I get real deep).

Have a nice night!

-Kaitlyn

 

[momplus3]

Can't wait to read the last updates! Don't worry about getting emotional - I cry at the end of every trip.

 

[Newsies]

Can't wait to read the last updates! Don't worry about getting emotional - I cry at the end of every trip.

Getting emotional at the end of a Disney vacation is inevitable, especially if you're like me and don't know when you'll be back

 

[redbird423]

I am loving your trip report, and can't wait to read the end of it! Well, I mean, I'm sad that it's the end, but it's been so much fun to read!

I adore your enthusiasm and you are getting TONS of Magic out of this trip!

 

[Newsies]

I am loving your trip report, and can't wait to read the end of it! Well, I mean, I'm sad that it's the end, but it's been so much fun to read!

I adore your enthusiasm and you are getting TONS of Magic out of this trip!

Thank you so much! This is one of the sweetest responses I've gotten so far. It was certainly a magical trip and I hope this TR can only spread the positive vibes and enthusiasm

 

[Newsies]

Day Eight: Magic Kingdom (Part Two)

Q: How does Kaitlyn spend her final hours at the park?
A: With two princesses, two coasters, a feast, a fairy, and a mouse.
​

I made my way back to the hotel via boat launch and put my bathing suit on in a haste.

I took pictures of the cabana cause it was REALLY NICE, but I don't know what I did with them. Basically, it was a giant, shady cabana with comfy couches and a TV. There was a giant fruit bowl in the middle and at some point my family ordered a pizza (which they did not enjoy).

I swam for maybe an hour and sampled some fruit before heading back up to take a shower. When I came out, my parents informed me that I needed to cancel our ADR for Ohana's in the morning but that means we got to make an ADR for dinner tonight! I was luckily able to snatch an ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern dinner, then headed out the door for a few more hours of MK play time before dinner.

I was a little hungry so I decided to use some snack credits (we always have so many at the end of our trip!). I got a frozen-themed chocolate pineapple skewer, which I'm not sure was my best choice from the confectionary. But I wanted something sweet and was still craving pineapple from the afternoon. Then I headed next door and got a Butterbeer Frappuccino from the Main Street Bakery. Which resulted in this cute photo:

I said my name was "Ariel", but it's really "Kaitlyn"! I'm so #quirky!​

I got in line for Merida afterwards. I noticed it was getting cloudy outside, so I told myself that it was either now or never if I wanted to meet her. I waited in line for 20 minutes with a BTG breathing down my neck. I also saw some ducks.

QUACK QUACK​

As it started to thunder in the distance, the CM working the main gate kept informing us that if the storm got any closer, they would have to shut down. That made me a little scared since I had already invested a lot of time in this line. But luckily, I was the last person to get into the meet and greet area!

The CM was shouting to rush people, but Merida was doing her best to be as sweet as possible. She even signed a little girl's autograph book after the CM told her not to.

When it was my turn, she ran up to me and gave me a big hug and apologized for everything being so rushed. "They're just concerned for me health, ya know. And ya know how our hair gets in this kind of weather!" She explained. That made me real happy. I asked how she maintained her curls. "Spring water!" She answered before we snapped a quick photo and I was on my way.

Curlies UNITE
​

As I was leaving, the CM at the gate went "See Cosmic Rays right there? You can take shelter in there and have a nice snack as the thunder clears up, dear." Which I thought was super nice.

But the thunder was already clearing up, and I had a FP+ to utilize, so I headed on over to Tomorrowland.

Since I technically had about 30 minutes and the thunder had already stopped by then, I decided to get in line for a Buzz Lightyear M&G. It started light drizzling so the Photopass person went inside, but the CM still took photos on my phone. The Incredibles dance party was going on, so Buzz and I salsa danced for a little bit, then we took the photo. I didn't have much to say to him.

when you see us in the club u gonna turn this up

Reporting for duty.​

I snapped some photos of Frozone doing the macarena before heading over to Space Mountain.

Everybody in the whole Twitter universe loved this photo.​

At this point, I was like 15 minutes into my window for my FP+ so I headed in. This was really nice because the Standby line was like 50 minutes long. I got on within 5 minutes, though. Space Mountain was SO much fun. I didn't get a chance to ride it the last time I was at WDW since it was down almost all week, but I'm glad I got to this time. It's my favorite "mountain" now and I got to say I rode all 3 mountains in one day! AND, I finally got to say that I rode all the roller coasters at WDW. Sweet.

After that, I went to New Fantasyland. Besides my last FP+ of the day (and the trip!), I had final business to take care of.

The first order of that final business was one last trip on my favorite ride.

I took some shweet photos this time around.

It was such a struggle getting the boat, ariel, plaque, and castle in the same pictures.

Gadgets n' gizmos a-plenty.

I love her hair so much I love the workers who made her hair happen in this ride I love everything

SHA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA MY OH MY

Bye-bye, you two. ​

After I got off the ride, I lined up in the queue right next door and waited about 15 minutes before getting into the actual Meet and Greet area.

Ariel and I mostly spoke about my ears (Ariel themed-mickey hat ears that is. Not my real ears that'd be weird) for a bit. I told her they were inspired by her, and she said "I should probably get some pearls, huh?". I agreed and said that pearls made everything better. Finally, it was time to thank her for taking time to see me and depart for the last time.

She's such an important princess

Listening intently​

"Splash ya later!" She called as I walked out of the building.

Splash ya later, princess. Did I start crying a tiny bit afterwards? I won't tell you, but let's just say that I've never had a good track record with saying goodbye.

​

My window for my last FP+ opened up- 7DMT. It was just as good as the first time I rode it.

Then I had to hop on to the train from Fantasyland and head over to LTT. I just missed a train so I had to wait about 20 minutes but I was NOT about to walk all the way to Liberty Square in the rain. I kept myself occupied with Twitter until boarding.

After a relaxing train ride over to Liberty Square, I dashed to the building in the rain where my parents and sister were already waiting. We had to wait less than 5 minutes after check in to be actually seated.

1776- Mickey and the Gang edition​

To drink, I decided to try the Patriot's Punch. This was easily one of the best dining choices I made during the week. It was sweet and creamy and fruity and wonderful. If you didn't know, LTT is prix frixe/family style, so you're just brought out food like a regular family dinner. For an appetizer, we were served a salad and some rolls with butter. The salad, according to my parents was really good. I however, was too preoccupied with the rolls and butter to notice. Get this- REAL BUTTER. We were served REAL, HONEST-TO-GOD SALTED honey butter. It was the most beautiful moment of my life. My mom even tried hiding the rolls because she didn't want our waiter to take them away. LOL.

For dinner, we were served a platter with turkey, carved beef, and flank steak. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and mixed vegetables came along with it. It was all delicious but the macaroni and flank steak stole the show. I had like, 3 helpings of mac and cheese. Oops.

I wasn't terribly impressed with the dessert (some cranberry cake or something). It was good, but I was too stuffed from dinner to actually enjoy it.

After dinner my family walked around Liberty Square. We bought some ornaments for the Christmas tree. I believe we got a nice Belle ornament that Grace picked out and a couple of other small ones that I forget.

We knew we had to go on Haunted Mansion one last time before our departure, so that's exactly what we did. And it was glorious. We also went on It's a Small World again.

By that time, it was actually... kind of late-ish. In fact, the electrical pageant was going on, which means it was almost time for Wishes. We made our way over to Main Street USA. Grace, mom, and I went to meet Tinkerbell and Mickey because the lines were really short. We met Tinkerbell first. Tinkerbell was really sweet. We were the only person in the meet and greet, so she spent a considerable amount of time with us. She signed Grace's autograph book and Grace tap-danced for us. Then she had us make a wish. I wished to go back to Disney World one day. Grace wished for cake.

My last face character photo of the whole trip.​

When that was over with, we met magician Mickey. It broke my heart to realize it was my last time meeting Mickey that trip He greeted us with a story about his time on a safari and we posed like lions. I was solid until he thanked us for coming to visit him and hugged us. Then as we were leaving, he said he'd "see us real soon".

I actually kind of love this​

On the hallway out, mom asked if I was crying. I didn't answer her, but the answer was clearly "yes".

Mom, dad, and Grace all decided to head back to the hotel. I told my parents I was going to say goodbye to Sherry (my DCP cousin from the beginning of the trip) and see Wishes. My dad told me not to stay too long.

Sherry was doing custodial (the usual) outside of Cosmic Rays with her friend. I spoke to them for like 15 minutes and I traded pins with her friend (I got an Ursula alphabet pin) before I hugged her and said goodbye. It was time for my last Wishes. I planted myself in the middle of the crowd and prepared myself.

When I tell you I cried, I cried. Ugly open sobbing in the middle of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park. I was able to snap a couple of photos amidst the tears.

​

Unfortunately, as soon as Wishes ended, I knew it was time to walk out of Magic Kingdom for the last time. The hardest thing to do is to leave somewhere you love without 100% certainty when you'll be back. As I reflected back on my vacation, I decided it was only appropriate to muster the strength to take one last look at the castle. So that's what I did. And it was hard, but somehow I was able to look forward until I was 100% out of the Magic Kingdom and on the boat launch back to the Grand Floridian.

To give you an idea of how emotional I was, I walked into the room and my dad saw my face and commented, "You're even worse than I am!"

I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and threw my stuff into my suitcase. I always think it's funny how carefully and intricately everything is packed a week before your vacation and how you just kinda want to throw things in the night before you leave your hotel. I fell asleep on the pull-out bed shortly after.

To quote Children of Eden- "It was the end of a perfect day."

 

[amberg93]

Of course I finally catch up at the end of the TR.

Obviously I won't comment on everything but I have a few things to comment on still

I fly because I get soooooo car sick that it's not even funny. Plus, I don't have my license (oops) and Marie hates driving so flying makes so much sense. Plus, I'm so impaitent when on the way to Disney.

Oh my goodness. You stayed at the Grand Floridian. I'm dying of jealousy because Marie and I aren't going to be able to stay there until... probably forever.

Gaston is an A+ character all the time.

Tink is magical, so I'm glad that you got to see her only a day later after that rain thing.

I'm glad you had a great 50's Prime Time experience. In October we had a meh one and the food didn't wow me in September either.

Aww you kept the A&E meet a secret to make her birthday. That's so sweet!

I want to meet the Beast, but the stress of trying to get a BoG reservation really doesn't make me want to.

The fireworks cruise is so awesome a surprise. You guys really made Grace's birthday something special.

Well that's rude of Cindy. Like, sometimes people go solo.

That Merida sounds like a sweetie.

I always cry for Wishes on the last day. It's emotional to be leaving. Though I do hope you get to return soon.

 

[Newsies]

YAY, feedback! Let me go through this play-by-play

Of course I finally catch up at the end of the TR.

It's fine!!!! I'm glad you're here

Obviously I won't comment on everything but I have a few things to comment on still

Aiight. Let's go

I fly because I get soooooo car sick that it's not even funny. Plus, I don't have my license (oops) and Marie hates driving so flying makes so much sense. Plus, I'm so impaitent when on the way to Disney.

HAHAHA SAME! I'm about to take my drivers test for the 3rd time in the beginning of December. I HATE driving. I hate being behind the wheel. Luckily, if I go to school in the city like I plan on it, I'll have a good excuse to not drive. I've always wanted to go on a plane.

Oh my goodness. You stayed at the Grand Floridian. I'm dying of jealousy because Marie and I aren't going to be able to stay there until... probably forever.

We were originally supposed to stay at the AoA. We booked through AAA and asked our travel agent to keep us updated on any promotions available and in February we got the call that we could upgrade to GF for only $400, so we took it.

Gaston is an A+ character all the time.

I miss him/love him/wish he had a M&G set up in my school

Tink is magical, so I'm glad that you got to see her only a day later after that rain thing.

I literally cried so hard every time I saw her. She's fantastic.

I'm glad you had a great 50's Prime Time experience. In October we had a meh one and the food didn't wow me in September either.

50PT isn't my tippy-top favorite but still a must-do for our vacations. Their brownie sundae makes it alllllll worth it

Aww you kept the A&E meet a secret to make her birthday. That's so sweet!

It was the hardest secret I ever had to keep. But she loved it, so it was worth it.

I want to meet the Beast, but the stress of trying to get a BoG reservation really doesn't make me want to.

I wasn't actually too stressed with BoG. We weren't able to get one for the Monday we wanted to go so we just took this one itty-bitty spot they had for Grace's B-Day. A&E stressed me out a lot, though. I was up at midnight for that one. But that night is a story for another time. Oof. It was like, tech week for my show and I had a test the next day and I didn't even think I'd be home in time to be at my computer at the midnight mark. What a time.

The fireworks cruise is so awesome a surprise. You guys really made Grace's birthday something special.

Thank you so much. We were worried because she had never heard of it, so we thought it might be a little underwhelming. But she loved meeting Peter, so in the end it all worked out. I've always wanted to have my birthday at WDW, so I had to make sure Grace's was special at least

Well that's rude of Cindy. Like, sometimes people go solo.

2/3 of our Cindys were rude this trip. I don't know what it was, but in addition to her the 1900PF one just flew by our table. Our Akershus one was nice, though. And for every "rude Cindy", there's always like 800000 great character interactions, so I didn't get to caught up with it

That Merida sounds like a sweetie.

She was one of my favorites this trip. It was kind of a last minute decision meeting her, but I decided to plop myself in line anyway because I wanted to talk curly hair with her

I always cry for Wishes on the last day. It's emotional to be leaving. Though I do hope you get to return soon.

Aww, thank you. I hope you get to return, too