To sum up my Disney World posts, I decided to make a list of things I observed when I was there. Perhaps some could help out a future traveler?
--Disney makes a killing selling ponchos. It rained at least once the entire time we were there. I’d see people walking out of stores with handfuls of ponchos. At 8.95 a pop, they don’t come cheap when you buy a bunch.
--People will pause at the worst possible moments to take a picture. I nearly ran into several folks who decided to stop in the middle of the crowd to take a shot.
--You’ll wonder how the characters don’t pass out in their heavy costumes. Are there mini fans inside?
--Personal space is the thing of the past while at Disney World in the summer, especially during parade times. And occasionally on bus rides, if you’re staying on Disney property. They’ll pack you in there like sardines so you’re suddenly face to face with a perfect stranger. You’ll hope they don’t have bad breath. Or BO.
--You’ll lose weight with all the walking. Unless you’re me. Then you’ll gain it, because you simply MUST try all the food offered.
--Dole Whips are amazing. Get one. (For more details, click here.) Dole Whips are basically pineapple juice with pineapple soft serve ice cream.
--You’ll come home with souvenirs that will probably never get used again. See: Mickey ears. But they’re fun to wear around the park.
--Fast Passes will become your best friend. DO NOT stand in a two hour line. Fast Pass the ride. Seriously. Unless waiting for two hours is your thing.
--You’ll probably be standing in front of something that someone wants to take a picture of. I remember at one point we rested against a lamp post and suddenly there was a couple in front of me, clearly waiting for me to move. It seriously was just a LAMP POST. Were they documenting all the lamp posts at Disney? I wanted to ask, but they didn’t speak English.
**Also, Krystal has written a review of my book The Swimmer's Assistant here. Thank you, Krystal!!**
Showing posts with label Disney World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney World. Show all posts
Friday, July 12, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
We Went To Disney World Part Eight: Meeting Rapunzel
Look, it’s like the Disney movie Tangled threw up in our house.
We have Tangled sheets.
We have Tangled blankets.
We have Tangled dolls.
We have Tangled clothes.
We have Tangled wigs.
My daughter latched onto Tangled as soon as it came out. I’m thinking it’s because Rapunzel wore the color purple. Natalie has always loved purple.
When she was in PreK, they had to draw who they wanted to be when they grew up.
When she was 3 I think it was, she wanted this giant My Size Rapunzel doll. It creeped the hell out of me but I found it for 50% off so she got it:
I remember thinking, “If she’s that jazzed to hug a hunk of plastic, imagine how she’ll be when she can see the real thing?”
(And speaking of the doll, it has spooked me on more than one occasion:
Does she not look like the child from The Ring? Only with blond hair? Spooky.)
Well, Natalie was thrilled over the prospect of meeting Rapunzel when we went to Disney World. Rapunzel lives in a place with Cinderella and Aurora. She is not with Flynn Rider, which bummed Natalie out.
“I wanted to call him Eugene!” she pouted. “And threaten him with a frying pan.”
Still, she was eager to meet Rapunzel. And she had to be patient, because our wait was an hour. She had on her wedding Rapunzel gown from The Disney Store. She insisted upon it, claiming that Rapunzel wanted to see her in that particular dress. How she came to that conclusion is beyond me.
So when it got to our turn, we’re led into a room. First you meet Aurora, and Natalie was polite enough, but her eyes kept flicking to Rapunzel, who was in the middle. I could see she wanted to race right over, but she knew she had to wait. Plus, she likes Aurora, because she also likes pink. In fact, that’s what she told Aurora.
“I like your pink dress!” All while staring over at Rapunzel.
Yes, Tommy was with us. He was not as eager to meet princesses, but perked up when he got attention since he was a mini Flynn Rider.
Then it was the moment Natalie was waiting for. Rapunzel was smiling over at Natalie. She looked over at Tommy and shouted, “Flynn!” and enveloped him in a hug. She looked at Natalie and went, “You’re wearing my wedding dress! It’s like looking in a mirror!” She asked Tommy if he had her crown in his satchel.
“Yes!” Tommy said.
Natalie immediately grabbed it and went, “You can wear it, Rapunzel,” in an amazed voice. It’s probably the same way I’ll speak to John Krasinski or Elijah Wood if I ever meet them.
Rapunzel returned the crown to Tommy and went, “You can keep it safe for me, Flynn.”
Rapunzel asked about their adventures:
Tommy was like, “Actually, meeting princesses is pretty cool.”
Natalie, who has always been mesmerized by Rapunzel’s long hair, went, “I like the flowers in your hair. Is your hair soft?”
Rapunzel answered, “Thank you! You may feel if you’d like.”
Afterwards she asked if they’d like to take a photo with her:
“Bye Rapunzel. I love you!”
Then we met Cinderella, and as you can see, Natalie wasn’t as enthralled.
Since we were the last people to go through before they switched out the princesses, Rapunzel said, “How about a group photo?”
Natalie was excited to have another chance with Rapunzel:
When it was over, Natalie went for another hug:
“Thank you,” I said.
“Thank you!” Tommy repeated.
“I love you all!” Natalie said and curtseyed on her way out.
“I knew she’d be nice!” Natalie informed me. “I love her dress. I love her hair! I knew she’d be NICE! Can we meet her again someday?”
I smiled. It might be a few years before we could afford Disney World again. So I kissed the top of her head and went, “Someday.”
We have Tangled sheets.
We have Tangled blankets.
We have Tangled dolls.
We have Tangled clothes.
We have Tangled wigs.
My daughter latched onto Tangled as soon as it came out. I’m thinking it’s because Rapunzel wore the color purple. Natalie has always loved purple.
When she was in PreK, they had to draw who they wanted to be when they grew up.
When she was 3 I think it was, she wanted this giant My Size Rapunzel doll. It creeped the hell out of me but I found it for 50% off so she got it:
I remember thinking, “If she’s that jazzed to hug a hunk of plastic, imagine how she’ll be when she can see the real thing?”
(And speaking of the doll, it has spooked me on more than one occasion:
Does she not look like the child from The Ring? Only with blond hair? Spooky.)
Well, Natalie was thrilled over the prospect of meeting Rapunzel when we went to Disney World. Rapunzel lives in a place with Cinderella and Aurora. She is not with Flynn Rider, which bummed Natalie out.
“I wanted to call him Eugene!” she pouted. “And threaten him with a frying pan.”
Still, she was eager to meet Rapunzel. And she had to be patient, because our wait was an hour. She had on her wedding Rapunzel gown from The Disney Store. She insisted upon it, claiming that Rapunzel wanted to see her in that particular dress. How she came to that conclusion is beyond me.
So when it got to our turn, we’re led into a room. First you meet Aurora, and Natalie was polite enough, but her eyes kept flicking to Rapunzel, who was in the middle. I could see she wanted to race right over, but she knew she had to wait. Plus, she likes Aurora, because she also likes pink. In fact, that’s what she told Aurora.
“I like your pink dress!” All while staring over at Rapunzel.
Yes, Tommy was with us. He was not as eager to meet princesses, but perked up when he got attention since he was a mini Flynn Rider.
Then it was the moment Natalie was waiting for. Rapunzel was smiling over at Natalie. She looked over at Tommy and shouted, “Flynn!” and enveloped him in a hug. She looked at Natalie and went, “You’re wearing my wedding dress! It’s like looking in a mirror!” She asked Tommy if he had her crown in his satchel.
“Yes!” Tommy said.
Natalie immediately grabbed it and went, “You can wear it, Rapunzel,” in an amazed voice. It’s probably the same way I’ll speak to John Krasinski or Elijah Wood if I ever meet them.
Rapunzel returned the crown to Tommy and went, “You can keep it safe for me, Flynn.”
Rapunzel asked about their adventures:
Tommy was like, “Actually, meeting princesses is pretty cool.”
Natalie, who has always been mesmerized by Rapunzel’s long hair, went, “I like the flowers in your hair. Is your hair soft?”
Rapunzel answered, “Thank you! You may feel if you’d like.”
Afterwards she asked if they’d like to take a photo with her:
“Bye Rapunzel. I love you!”
Then we met Cinderella, and as you can see, Natalie wasn’t as enthralled.
Since we were the last people to go through before they switched out the princesses, Rapunzel said, “How about a group photo?”
Natalie was excited to have another chance with Rapunzel:
When it was over, Natalie went for another hug:
“Thank you,” I said.
“Thank you!” Tommy repeated.
“I love you all!” Natalie said and curtseyed on her way out.
“I knew she’d be nice!” Natalie informed me. “I love her dress. I love her hair! I knew she’d be NICE! Can we meet her again someday?”
I smiled. It might be a few years before we could afford Disney World again. So I kissed the top of her head and went, “Someday.”
Monday, July 8, 2013
We Went To Disney World Part Seven: Meeting Merida
“This is where Merida lives?” Natalie asked. “Will Angus be with her?” She smoothed down her dress. “Should I curtsey when I see her? She is a princess, after all.”
I almost fell over from the cuteness of it all. I mean, curtseying!
“You can curtsey if you want,” I said. “But you don’t have to. I think Merida will just be happy to see you. And no, Angus won’t be here, he’s in the, erm, stables.”
Natalie grinned and spun so her dress fluffed out around her. “I just love Merida.”
My longtime readers might remember that she’s dressed like Merida before. Just for fun:
And for Halloween last year:
Plus, there was a Merida themed birthday.
Yes, if you haven't figured it out, we were in line to see Merida, the princess from the movie Brave. You can see Merida on the side of the castle. The lines can get quite long so we went in the morning, right after Natalie finished with her Bippity Boppity Boutique makeover.
We didn’t have to wait a long time. Soon we were up front and our turn was next. Natalie fingered her button on her sash, the one that said A Brave Princess. The people over at Bippity Boppity Boutique made it for her, because she told them her Daddy was deployed.
“Do you think Merida will like that I’m brave too?” Natalie wanted to know.
“I think she’ll love it. Oh, sweetie, it’s your turn. Merida is waiting.”
Merida was smiling over at Natalie, who approached slowly. This was one of her heroes. She felt like men probably feel when they meet a sports star. She felt like I probably felt when I find a fantastic deal at Target (70% off furniture. Yeah baby!)
“I like your button,” Merida said. “Are you brave like me, then?”
Natalie gave her a wide smile. “Yes. Very. I was YOU for Halloween!”
“Oh lovely!” Merida said and then looked over at me. I had on a green shirt. She went, “You look like my mother.” And yes, she spoke in a Scottish accent so it sounded like, “You look like my moth-hah.” It can sometimes be awkward when characters acknowledge you. Sometimes I’m not always as witty as I’d like to be. Sometimes I mutter something dumbly to my feet or just grin like Hannibal Lector.
This time I had a response. I said, “Please don’t turn me into a bear.” I had seen Brave many times, thanks to Natalie. I knew the story.
Merida laughed. “I might!”
“She acts like a bear in the morning,” Natalie said. Well. Not really. But I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had. I am not pleasant before I’ve had my Diet Coke.
They took a picture…Merida suggested the pose, because they were two brave women.
“Goodbye Merida. Take care of Angus,” Natalie said seriously. “Because he’s a big horse.”
“I will,” Merida promised and waved.
Natalie came over to me and sighed happily. “I love her. She’s nice, like I thought. Oh, now it’s time to shoot the bow and arrow!”
Yes, there’s an area where kids can color and then wait to shoot a bow and arrow. Not a real one, mind you, because Disney does not want to be sued for hitting someone in the eye. A nice woman is there and she’ll help the kids. Here is she explaining to Natalie what she has to do:
Natalie took it seriously.
And yes, she got the arrow into the net thingy that was set up.
“I did it!” Natalie said jubilantly.
Meeting Merida was a hit.
I was just hoping that meeting Rapunzel, Natalie’s most favorite princess ever, would go just as well…
I almost fell over from the cuteness of it all. I mean, curtseying!
“You can curtsey if you want,” I said. “But you don’t have to. I think Merida will just be happy to see you. And no, Angus won’t be here, he’s in the, erm, stables.”
Natalie grinned and spun so her dress fluffed out around her. “I just love Merida.”
My longtime readers might remember that she’s dressed like Merida before. Just for fun:
And for Halloween last year:
Plus, there was a Merida themed birthday.
Yes, if you haven't figured it out, we were in line to see Merida, the princess from the movie Brave. You can see Merida on the side of the castle. The lines can get quite long so we went in the morning, right after Natalie finished with her Bippity Boppity Boutique makeover.
We didn’t have to wait a long time. Soon we were up front and our turn was next. Natalie fingered her button on her sash, the one that said A Brave Princess. The people over at Bippity Boppity Boutique made it for her, because she told them her Daddy was deployed.
“Do you think Merida will like that I’m brave too?” Natalie wanted to know.
“I think she’ll love it. Oh, sweetie, it’s your turn. Merida is waiting.”
Merida was smiling over at Natalie, who approached slowly. This was one of her heroes. She felt like men probably feel when they meet a sports star. She felt like I probably felt when I find a fantastic deal at Target (70% off furniture. Yeah baby!)
“I like your button,” Merida said. “Are you brave like me, then?”
Natalie gave her a wide smile. “Yes. Very. I was YOU for Halloween!”
“Oh lovely!” Merida said and then looked over at me. I had on a green shirt. She went, “You look like my mother.” And yes, she spoke in a Scottish accent so it sounded like, “You look like my moth-hah.” It can sometimes be awkward when characters acknowledge you. Sometimes I’m not always as witty as I’d like to be. Sometimes I mutter something dumbly to my feet or just grin like Hannibal Lector.
This time I had a response. I said, “Please don’t turn me into a bear.” I had seen Brave many times, thanks to Natalie. I knew the story.
Merida laughed. “I might!”
“She acts like a bear in the morning,” Natalie said. Well. Not really. But I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had. I am not pleasant before I’ve had my Diet Coke.
They took a picture…Merida suggested the pose, because they were two brave women.
“Goodbye Merida. Take care of Angus,” Natalie said seriously. “Because he’s a big horse.”
“I will,” Merida promised and waved.
Natalie came over to me and sighed happily. “I love her. She’s nice, like I thought. Oh, now it’s time to shoot the bow and arrow!”
Yes, there’s an area where kids can color and then wait to shoot a bow and arrow. Not a real one, mind you, because Disney does not want to be sued for hitting someone in the eye. A nice woman is there and she’ll help the kids. Here is she explaining to Natalie what she has to do:
Natalie took it seriously.
And yes, she got the arrow into the net thingy that was set up.
“I did it!” Natalie said jubilantly.
Meeting Merida was a hit.
I was just hoping that meeting Rapunzel, Natalie’s most favorite princess ever, would go just as well…
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
We Went To Disney World Part Five: Enchanted Tales with Belle and Be Our Guest
My birthday was on June 19th.
And on that day, I woke up early to attend the opening show at Magic Kingdom.
Basically people dance and a train with various characters pull up. They pick a family to come up front. I’m guessing that family has to be camped out early, which I can not do. We got there right at 9. I am not a morning person. I would not find joy camping out, even if it IS Disney.
Yes, I did sport my It’s My Birthday button that Disney provides and yes, I was wished happy birthday by the cast members. No, cupcakes were not given to me as easily as I had hoped. Boo. (And sometimes I forgot I was wearing the button so when people would say happy birthday I'd be like, "How did they KNOW?!" Then I remembered. Look, it was VERY hot there. It messes with the mind.)
When we got through the gates, I led us to Enchanted Tales with Belle. Since it does not offer a Fast Pass, it’s best to go first thing or during down times. I thought I was leading us the right way….until I realized we were in front of The Haunted Mansion.
“Um,” I said to the cast member outside. “Where is Enchanted Tales with Belle?”
“Keep going straight! It’s in Fantasyland,” she explained.
Oh. I thought I was in Fantasyland. Oops. I am awful with maps. Just awful. Plus I FELT awful because Tom’s Mom was with us and she’s huffing and puffing with sweat pouring down her face. I would never forgive myself if she passed out on my watch. What would Tom think? He’d be all, “Thanks for allowing my mom to keel over because you can’t read an easy map!”
So. We had to back up a little bit and then I got us to the right place. My mistake cost us a good spot in line but no matter, the wait said it was only 20 minutes, which is good for Enchanted Tales with Belle.
It’s a nice experience. First you’re led into Belle’s house. Then you’re led into a room where someone speaks to you about the time when Belle first fell in love with the Beast. I believe it’s Maurice’s workshop and because he’s an inventor, a door suddenly appears in front of you. You walk through and you’re in another room with her:
She asks people if they want a part in the story. Natalie raised her hand for everything offered. Before they gave the part, they asked the kids to all do certain things: roar like a beast, gallop like a horse, pretend to be cold…
...Natalie got that part. She was Maurice when he was freezing in jail. (Tommy said no thanks to a part.) Also, all kids are given a part if they want one. Adults included. No one will ever be left out.
They have the kids practice the part and then….another door opens and you’re in another room. Lumiere speaks for a bit and then Belle comes out! Everyone reenacts the story and Belle goes up to each person. (The best part to get, in my opinion, is the beast because Belle dances with that person. And no, they don't always pick boys. In our group, it was a little girl.)
Afterwards, anyone who wants to meet Belle and take a picture with her are able to do so. One of the workers calls out each person by name. Meaning when Natalie went up she went, "Belle, Mademoiselle Natalie to see you." (Boys were masters.) It was incredibly sweet.
Plus she gives them a bookmark. After Natalie met and hugged Belle, she rushed over to us and went, “Her dress is SOFT and she smells like FLOWERS!”
When that was over, we headed to the Be Our Guest restaurant. It was only 10 and there was already a line. The place opens up at 1030. They’re friendly though, they hand everyone who wants one an oversized umbrella to protect them from the sun. Still, we all felt like we wanted to melt. Tommy kept going, “Is it time?” Natalie kept going, “Belle’s dress was SOFT and she smelled like FLOWERS!” Finally, mercifully, the restaurant opened. As everyone walks in, the staff is by the door all lined up clapping for you as though you’re an important guest. Natalie gave a regal wave to them all.
We ordered our food and were given roses to place on our tables. Someone brings your food out to you. There are different rooms but we picked the main ballroom, the one where Belle and the Beast danced.
Everyone looks out of it thanks to the heat. (And yes, the cast members there sport breeches.)
I had the braised pork. Or maybe it was called something else. I don’t know. Whatever it was, it was tasty. And it came with a cupcake. You can have lunch at Be Our Guest on the Quick Service plan. Mind you, there are no nuggets and burgers for the kids here. Natalie had the mahi mahi and Tommy tried a sandwich they offered. He’s pretty picky but he liked it.
(To get better pictures and food details, check out disneyfoodblog.com. I got a lot of fantastic information from that site.)
I ended up having a fabulous birthday at Disney. No, they wouldn’t let me have the gray stuff at Be Our Guest though. It’s a chocolate mousse dessert that is only served at dinner. Perhaps next time? To cheer myself up, I got a Dole Whip. (Everyone MUST try a Dole Whip! Look it up on the food blog for the exact location. I'd get you lost, I'm sure.)
So eat at Be Our Guest if you can! The details are amazing.
(There goes Natalie with her half closed eyes again. She was so excited, she was blinking rapidly!)
The next Disney post will be about Mickey’s Backyard BBQ!
And on that day, I woke up early to attend the opening show at Magic Kingdom.
Basically people dance and a train with various characters pull up. They pick a family to come up front. I’m guessing that family has to be camped out early, which I can not do. We got there right at 9. I am not a morning person. I would not find joy camping out, even if it IS Disney.
Yes, I did sport my It’s My Birthday button that Disney provides and yes, I was wished happy birthday by the cast members. No, cupcakes were not given to me as easily as I had hoped. Boo. (And sometimes I forgot I was wearing the button so when people would say happy birthday I'd be like, "How did they KNOW?!" Then I remembered. Look, it was VERY hot there. It messes with the mind.)
When we got through the gates, I led us to Enchanted Tales with Belle. Since it does not offer a Fast Pass, it’s best to go first thing or during down times. I thought I was leading us the right way….until I realized we were in front of The Haunted Mansion.
“Um,” I said to the cast member outside. “Where is Enchanted Tales with Belle?”
“Keep going straight! It’s in Fantasyland,” she explained.
Oh. I thought I was in Fantasyland. Oops. I am awful with maps. Just awful. Plus I FELT awful because Tom’s Mom was with us and she’s huffing and puffing with sweat pouring down her face. I would never forgive myself if she passed out on my watch. What would Tom think? He’d be all, “Thanks for allowing my mom to keel over because you can’t read an easy map!”
So. We had to back up a little bit and then I got us to the right place. My mistake cost us a good spot in line but no matter, the wait said it was only 20 minutes, which is good for Enchanted Tales with Belle.
It’s a nice experience. First you’re led into Belle’s house. Then you’re led into a room where someone speaks to you about the time when Belle first fell in love with the Beast. I believe it’s Maurice’s workshop and because he’s an inventor, a door suddenly appears in front of you. You walk through and you’re in another room with her:
She asks people if they want a part in the story. Natalie raised her hand for everything offered. Before they gave the part, they asked the kids to all do certain things: roar like a beast, gallop like a horse, pretend to be cold…
...Natalie got that part. She was Maurice when he was freezing in jail. (Tommy said no thanks to a part.) Also, all kids are given a part if they want one. Adults included. No one will ever be left out.
They have the kids practice the part and then….another door opens and you’re in another room. Lumiere speaks for a bit and then Belle comes out! Everyone reenacts the story and Belle goes up to each person. (The best part to get, in my opinion, is the beast because Belle dances with that person. And no, they don't always pick boys. In our group, it was a little girl.)
Afterwards, anyone who wants to meet Belle and take a picture with her are able to do so. One of the workers calls out each person by name. Meaning when Natalie went up she went, "Belle, Mademoiselle Natalie to see you." (Boys were masters.) It was incredibly sweet.
Plus she gives them a bookmark. After Natalie met and hugged Belle, she rushed over to us and went, “Her dress is SOFT and she smells like FLOWERS!”
When that was over, we headed to the Be Our Guest restaurant. It was only 10 and there was already a line. The place opens up at 1030. They’re friendly though, they hand everyone who wants one an oversized umbrella to protect them from the sun. Still, we all felt like we wanted to melt. Tommy kept going, “Is it time?” Natalie kept going, “Belle’s dress was SOFT and she smelled like FLOWERS!” Finally, mercifully, the restaurant opened. As everyone walks in, the staff is by the door all lined up clapping for you as though you’re an important guest. Natalie gave a regal wave to them all.
We ordered our food and were given roses to place on our tables. Someone brings your food out to you. There are different rooms but we picked the main ballroom, the one where Belle and the Beast danced.
Everyone looks out of it thanks to the heat. (And yes, the cast members there sport breeches.)
I had the braised pork. Or maybe it was called something else. I don’t know. Whatever it was, it was tasty. And it came with a cupcake. You can have lunch at Be Our Guest on the Quick Service plan. Mind you, there are no nuggets and burgers for the kids here. Natalie had the mahi mahi and Tommy tried a sandwich they offered. He’s pretty picky but he liked it.
(To get better pictures and food details, check out disneyfoodblog.com. I got a lot of fantastic information from that site.)
I ended up having a fabulous birthday at Disney. No, they wouldn’t let me have the gray stuff at Be Our Guest though. It’s a chocolate mousse dessert that is only served at dinner. Perhaps next time? To cheer myself up, I got a Dole Whip. (Everyone MUST try a Dole Whip! Look it up on the food blog for the exact location. I'd get you lost, I'm sure.)
So eat at Be Our Guest if you can! The details are amazing.
(There goes Natalie with her half closed eyes again. She was so excited, she was blinking rapidly!)
The next Disney post will be about Mickey’s Backyard BBQ!
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