A seed was planted and here’s what grew....Magical Memories About This Page:

[PAmommy]

Hi Darlene-just wanted to tell you how much I (once again!) have enjoyed reading your TR. I can't believe I haven't had a chance to read it before today! Don't worry about rushing to finish it-it'll give us all something to look forward to! Hope all is well with you and Lenny and that darling daughter of yours.

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by revral

Great report. I'm really enjoying it. As for Fantasmic I agree with you. Although I might and that's a big might try it again as I've been pleasantly surprised by RnR & CoP when I tried them a second a time. However, I have a feeling that Fantasmic is going to be one of those things that just doesn't do anything for me no matter how many times I see it.

Thanks - I'm glad you're enjoying my TR. And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who feels that way about Fantasmic. I was never overly impressed with what I saw on Youtube either but I did it for Abby and Lenny

Originally Posted by B.M.

Great update, glad you were able to finally see Fantasmic! - we have not seen any of the night time shows yet as two of my kids have sensory issues so we have to avoid them, but Fantasmic is the one I'd most like to see

Thanks. Up until this year, Abby wasn't ready for it either and she did really well with it but I think seeing it so much on Youtube really helped her. She knew what was going to happen so there were no surprises for her. Plus too, with Lenny using his scooter, we were way up in the back and not so close to everything.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great day Darlene! Glad you were finally able to see Fantasmic! Great pictures from the day!

Thanks Marnie

Originally Posted by sc507

Great update! I'll have to agree with you though and risk the flack I don't really care for Fantasmic either - it was okay, but nothing I'll wait forever for again.

Thanks - I'm glad you're enjoying it. Now that there's 3 of us, I don't feel so alone in not liking Fantasmic. But that's the great the thing about Disney - there's something for everyone. Can you imagine how bad the lines would be if everyone liked everything ?

Originally Posted by auntlatoya

Another great installment to your trip report. You guys seem to make the most of your day in such a relaxing way. I always feel like I am rushing everywhere trying to get everything in, but you do so much without that rushed feeling. How great.

Thanks - I'm glad you're enjoying it. And we really do try to keep our days somewhat relaxed. We get to what we get to and we're happy with it. Of course too, going 3 times in 3 years, we knew what were must do's and what were if we felt like it or got around to it

Originally Posted by emvenable77

Great pics of Toy story. Glad you guys were able to ride it. It was closed when we were there and that whole area was empty. I am hoping to catch it if we go in May since that is one of Abby's favorite movies. Thanks for the pics of it. We didn't do Fantasmic this trip. I don't think Abby would have liked it at this time (too loud and dark) but like you said it can always be a possibility for a future trip. Sorry about the rude people at pizza planet and the ones at the shows. Sounds like people from our town. Lol

Sorry to hear you missed Toy Story - it is such a fun ride and that closing down on top of IASW being closed I think put a damper on Abby's vacation but you know what, she was very mature about it and said "we can ride it the next time we come back." Hopefully you get to a point where you can see Fantasmic and that it's not crazy busy when you do. And when all else fails, YouTube it . Rude people are everywhere but only at Disney is it easier to ignore them.

Originally Posted by unewillow

All caught up I hope you get your Imageworks picture situation sorted out. I think that that particular area unfortunately has some bugs in its system, when we got our picture taken there in April is was somehow "lost" in transit for about 3 days of the trip. I think we were supposed to be able to pick it up on like, Tuesday and it didn't appear at our resort until Friday. But, in the end we did finally get our pictures.

As for Fantasmic, having seen it twice, I could happily not see it again. Especially, as you said, if I have to line up and wait for it. I would also rather go ride something while it's showing. I'm almost at that point with Illuminations as well, I could hit-or-miss it. I am glad to hear that Abby seemed to enjoy the shaw and how magical that she got her light-up Mickey ears after all

You'll have to stay tuned to find out about our picture - I'm not giving away anything. And as for bugs in the system there, it doesn't really surprise me - there never seems to be enough CM's there to help anyone to begin with.

I hear you about Fantasmic and Illuminations - especially since they changed Illuminations. That used to be our one must see night show of our vacations but now that it's different (and I'm going back years before the first time they changed it), we happily walk out of the park while everyone else is waiting for it. Like some other things at Disney, if Abby wants to watch it, she'll YouTube it here at home whenever she wants and she'll always have a good view with no waiting. As for ther ears - I still can't believe that happened. Disney magic is all I have to say about it though.

Originally Posted by saibot0001

I was thinking the same thing. Although, our last trip, I did try to slow down more, and it was much more enjoyable. Glad that Abby found her bookmark. Sorry about all the rude people you encountered on that day. It is sad to see how many people have lost common courtesy. Glad the CM at Pizza Planet allowed you to get the adult size pizza. On our last trip, one CM in AK allowed my daughter to order off the adult menu. When we tried to order of the kids menu for her, the CM said the kids menu will not be enough for her, you can order of the adult and we did. My dd was sooo happy b/c she was able to get something besides nuggest or hamburger. lol. We do enjoy Fantasmic, but there are many things that we don't enjoy that others do, so I don't think anyone should give you flack for sharing your opinion. Actually since we are going during Thanksgiving week this time (and not doing the dinner package), I tried to get my family to skip it, but dd's LOVE this show and begged for it, so we will be doing it. I'm dreading the thoughts of the LONG line though. Before we never waited I guess for 2 reasons, we have always gone during value season and we have always gotten the dining package. Love the picture of Abby with her light up ears so glad someone returned them, and I love that you all were able to give the girls the RnRC pins. It's neat to be part of sharing the magic. Another great trip report. Oh, and I love the towel animal. Cute...and I'm still holding on to find out about the missing pictures. lol

Like I said, we do what we do and we don't worry about what we don't. I knew Abby would find the bookmark eventually (even if it was after our trip had ended and the truck was unpacked). Rude people are everywhere but easier to deal with at Disney IMO and those CM's that give you that little extra magic are great. Good luck with Fantasmic when you go around Thanksgiving and thanks about the light up ears. I can't believe someone returned them but I'll say it again - Disney Magic. I'm glad the girls enjoyed the pins and I wouldn't be surprised to find out one of these days that someone who knows them belongs on here (that happened last year - someone we met at IASW and talked to about the Auto Train is now a member on here and she remembered meeting us). I'm glad you're enjoying my TR but you'll have to wait about info on those pictures.

Originally Posted by Cam22

What a great time at DHS! You did an awesome job of getting so much done, especially those attractions on Abby's wish list!

Thanks Cam. It was a lot of walking back and fourth but Abby had a lot of fun so it was worth it for me .

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by rhinohunter

Great update. You are a very patient person. Not sure I would have been so nice when some of the things you endured happened. Glad you had such a good time.

Thanks. I know having Abby has taught me patience but being in Disney also helps - things are easier to deal with there

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

What a great day at the Studios and such luck that someone had returned the Mickey Ears! It was very sweet of you guys to pass along the pins you had to someone who appreciated it! I'm glad to hear that the pin traded for is in a treasured location!

I have to agree with you on the Fantasmic! issue. We've skipped it several trips in a row. I don't like waiting, the seating is pretty uncomfortable and it is a mad house on the way out!

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks - we did have a great day. We're glad the girls liked the pins too. As for Abby's pin - she now has a growing collection. She had a few pins that have been sent to her by Fairy Godmailers and they now have a spot on her lanyard which is now hanging in the office. I have a feeling the next time we go it won't be pennies we'll be looking for but rather pins . The Mickey ears were Disney Magic and since we waited until most people were already gone, leaving Fantasmic wasn't too bad.

I was going to try and post more tonight but it's not going to happen - it's later than I thought it was.

Originally Posted by smoore424

Yet another great day (and busy) day!

We enjoy 'Ohana for dinner, never tried breakfast. Sorry the food didn't agree with you again.

We enjoyed Fantasmic enough, but not enough to deal with the crowds again. I hear the later showings are supposed to be less crowded so we have decided on our next trip to do Fantasmic only if it's a later show.

What is it with people being rude at the shows? The only experience with a rude people from our last trip was at Fantasmic (someone didn't like DS(14) walking by them twice well before the show started. They were trying to eat. HELLLOOO you just walked by us to get to your spots while we were trying to eat (and we politely let you pass) and there was a HUGE group of people blocking DS's other option - bet you wouldn't have said a word if DH had walked by. Oh, and if you want to eat your dinner in peace, eating while waiting for Fantasmic to start is not the way to go about it). I guess it's the fact that it's the end of a long, probably hot day and there are way too many people to deal with.

You're a good mom buying Abby the necklace and the set of Mickey ears. How lucky were you to have the ears returned just at the right time?

Can't wait to hear more, and good luck with Lenny's procedure.

Thanks for all the comments. I'm disappointed too in Ohana's but at least this year was somewhat better than last. The night we were at DHS there was a second later showing of Fantasmic but we were getting tired so sticking around until 10:30 just wasn't an option for us. Rude people are everywhere but they're easier to deal with at Disney. And thanks for saying I'm a good mom - I try to be. Abby actually asks for very little at Disney so the few things she does ask for I do try and get for her.

I'll post more hopefully tomorrow (it's gotten too late tonight) and Lenny did well with his Cardiac Catheter. I have the results in another post somewhere.

Originally Posted by Wolfy6688

Another great day. I get really, REALLY annoyed at people taking advantage of the handicapped sections, even though nobody in our party is handicapped. It's just wrong. Would they also park in a handicapped parking space?

Can't wait to read what happens next.

It was - and you're right, it's annoying when people take advantage of anything they can. And to answer you're questions, yes people would park in the handicapped parking sections if they thought it got them somewhere. I know I see people do it all the time around here where we live but the police turn a blind eye to it even though all the signs say that it's a fineable offense of up to I believe $500 dollars.

Originally Posted by KMB733

Great update! You got a lot done at DHS and had a good time doing it too. Great pictures too!

Thanks. We had a great time all vacation and for getting alot done it was really a matter of time management at the Studios. Plus when you throw in we don't do a lot of the "big" stuff (RnRC, ToT, or Star Tours) that helps.

Originally Posted by WeRDisneyFanatics

Great update. I was interested in your take on Fantasmic -- that's something we've never done in all our trips. The timing just never seems to work out for us. I think we're going to finally make it in January so at least we can say we've done it once.

I think that's probably the only positive thing I can say about Fantasmic - that we did it once. Good luck seeing it for yourself on your trip.

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Wow, rotten luck with all the rude folks today - sorry for that!
I would love to go back to DL to see Fantasmic again, in part to compare it to WDW. We lived in LA when it debuted, and actually got to see it before it officially opened. From what I recall of that version, it was much better than the one at WDW.

The Studios were definitely the worst park for rude people but they are everywhere unfortunately. I'll have to YouTube Fantasmic from DL and see the difference for myself - you have my interest by saying it was better.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Sounds like you had a great day, minus a few rude people. Glad that you were able to get so much done especially all of Abby's favorites. Glad that the girls were able to enjoy the pins and that how sweet that they offered Abby one of theres.

Fantasmic sounded like a madhouse, as usual. I do enjoy the show but it is not something we try to do each trip just for that reason. Think everyone was ready for a good night sleep after the long day.

It was a great day - with the exception of those people - but I didn't let them ruin it for me. I'm glad the girls enjoyed the pins too and we were all surprised when they offered Abby one in return. We didn't expect it at all. Fantasmic was a madhouse and yes, we were all ready for bed when we got out of there. Luckily we have the van with us so it didn't take long to get out of there and back to the hotel for the night.

Originally Posted by Katie

Uggh, I cannot believe some people, taking the seat right from under someone. Glad to hear you had a good time, despite some rudeness. It was really lucky that someone returned the Mickey ears, perhaps karma for dealing with the rude people . Can't wait to read more!!

Karma, Disney magic - whichever word you want to put to it, it certainly made our night that it happened. Glad you're enjoying my TR and hopefully I'll post the next section tomorrow.

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by islandgirl

All caught up! Great TR!!! Wonderful pictures!!!

Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying it

Originally Posted by Pinkyt177

Wow, that is just plain rude that someone took abby's seat. I hate it when people don't pay attention to kids. Great updates, I'm learning so much from your trip report, keep it coming my dear!

Me too - kids are people with feelings too. They just happen to be in smaller packages for a while. I'm glad you're enjoying it and learning things. I try to keep my TR's fun, interesting and informative so it's nice to hear that it's happening.

Originally Posted by TheMadonna3

Sorry you didn't think Fantasmic! very magical. It's my favorite show!

I'm glad it's your favorite show. Like I said, Disney has something for everyone and I'm sure there's something that I really enjoy that other people don't (Finding Nemo comes to mind - I think there are a few people here who dislike that show)

Originally Posted by chezp

All caught up again - great updates! for the procedure.

Thanks Cheryl. Glad you're enjoying it so far. Lenny's doing well (thanks for the Pixies) and I have an update on that in another thread

Originally Posted by DisneyDana

Mine too! They just put so much into it. It's the most Disney like!

I have to agree with you there - it was Disney like. I just can't put my finger on why I didn't like it.

Originally Posted by HeatherD

I remember watching Fantasmic way back in the mid-90s when it first came to Disneyland. DH and I were still dating and it wasn't a big deal to stay up for the second show, when we were winding down and not wanting to run around anymore. Once the first showing was over, as everyone was leaving, we'd grab a table at a restaurant with a great view, get a snack/drink and wait for the next show to begin!

Nowadays, even though I love the show, I don't want to take that much time out of my day to see it...especially at WDW, where the wait is so much longer and the views are not as good (nor is the show, IMO - there are subtle differences between the 2). But, I feel that way about most of the shows - only going to them if we can sit down less than 15 minutes before it starts....

Otherwise, sounds like you have a good day - glad you found some light up ears for Abby!

Thanks Heather. We did have a good day and I hear where you're coming from on the sitting down 15 minutes before a show. It's obviously not possible depending upon when you go for Fantasmic but I can tell you this - I wouldn't want that kind of wait again. For me, there's only one show worth waiting for - Nemo. But like I said above, some people won't agree with me on that one.

Originally Posted by Roxie2006

Just caught up and wow what a great update. So Happy, Abby found her bookmark. All the pics are really good ones.

Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying everything.

Originally Posted by clio

I'm all caught up again. It sounds like you guys had a great time at DHS. I'm not that fond of Fantasmic either. In fact, the last time I saw it was a few years ago when we took a friend that had never been to Disney to see it. She enjoyed it, so I guess it was worth it. I started goung to DW back in 1976 and have also done things that are no longer there and have never done other things. Suprisingly, neither my DD or I have never ridden Dumbo but have ridden the magic carpets. There's just too much to see and do that one can never do it all in one trip and still have a good time.
Liz

We did have a great time at DHS. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who hasn't done everything - there IS just too much to do. Even more so now than years ago when it was only MK then just MK and Epcot.

Originally Posted by Vonnydee

I really love reading your exploits and will be sad when the TR comes to an end!! So please dont be in a hurry to finish it. Sending to you all, life can be so hectic at times. Take care of yourself, Lenny and Abby as family must come first, we will all be thinking of you.

Thanks Yvonne. I'm glad you're enjoying everything. As for finishing, I put pressure on myself to finish my TR as fast as I can but with everything going on this year, I do have to put us first. I'm just very thankful that you guys are so understanding with that. Thank you to all of you.

Originally Posted by Brooke

Love reading your reports! Loved this year's so much that I had to go back and read your other ones. Abby is such a precious little girl!

Waiting patiently for a conclusion. (and hopefully another PTR soon...)

Thank you. I had fun writing all of them and it's nice to know when you enjoyed this one so much that you wanted to read my other ones too. I do the same thing myself with the TR's I enjoy (looking for previous ones). And yes, Abby is so precious to us. She has her quirks but if I had to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn't change a single thing about her.

Thanks for your patience but unfortunately another PTR won't be happening for a while - sorry. We won't be going back at least until Fantasyland is done but I suppose if we take any other vacations I could do a TR about that (but nothing planned for that either)

Originally Posted by PAmommy

Hi Darlene-just wanted to tell you how much I (once again!) have enjoyed reading your TR. I can't believe I haven't had a chance to read it before today! Don't worry about rushing to finish it-it'll give us all something to look forward to! Hope all is well with you and Lenny and that darling daughter of yours.

Thanks Deb. All is going well now (see my other threads) and I'm gald you're enjoying my TR. There's just so many posts and so little time here on PP so it's easy to overlook things. I myself just found another Princess Sharon TR today that she started last month but I haven't had the chance to read much of it. I didn't even think to subscribe to it so when I have the chance I'm going to have to hunt it down (although with all the responses she gets it shouldn't be too hard - should it ).

[CinderAbby]

I just want to thank everyone again for your patience, your well wishes and your pixies. It's all been very much appreciated over this past week or so. I didn't get a chance to post the next section today like I was hoping to but I am going to try my hardest for tomorrow.

[sc507]

Glad to see you posting and that Lenny is doing well! Looking forward to the next update whenever you get a chance

[omd]

Hope all is going well with Lenny. I am looking forward to the next installment of your TR.

[rhinohunter]

Thanks for the update. Hope all is going well with Lenny.

[CinderAbby]

Thanks again everyone. Lenny is feeling well. The area where they inserted the catheter is still bruised and tender but other than that, he's feeling well. I'm obviously not so stressed out now but things have taken their toll - I've just been extremely tired lately. Maybe I'll be able to get Abby to agree to an early bedtime tonight so I can get some extra sleep (one can only hope).

[CinderAbby]

Monday August 16th

Even though I was really tired, I got up to do laundry once again at 5:45. Today however, as soon as I got back to the room, I laid down until my timer went off. I got back up to put our stuff in the dryer and when I got back to the room, I felt a little more awake. I spent the next half an hour comparing the new pressed penny list to the old one. Not much had changed and the list I got from Presscoins.com was actually more current than the DHS one. When I was done with that, it was time to go get the laundry and on the way back, I started to get tired again. I said the heck with it and when I got back to the room, I just plopped the basket down on the table and went back to bed. I had already folded everything so it didn’t matter to me if it sat in the basket folded or if I put it back in the drawers. I just needed the sleep.

I woke up at 9 and then started wondering what ever became of our Nemo picture from Epcot. I hadn’t heard anything back so I found my receipt with the phone number I had written down for Imageworks and I gave them a call. The phone rang about 10 times the first time so I hung up but then I called right back. This time the phone was answered and I again explained what had happened (including that I had called Saturday but had not heard back). The CM was great - with the info I was able to give her (namely the photo ID number) she not only found it, she said she’d print it right away. She then put me on hold to go speak to a supervisor. When she came back, she apologized for putting me on hold and apologized for any inconveniences and then started asking about my resort, my room number, our check out date, Abby’s name and how we spell it, etc (I thought nothing of that question as I was still half asleep). She again told me that she was in the process of printing it and that it would be at our resort by Tuesday at 1 pm. I then asked what if the person I spoke to on Saturday had already taken care of it and instead of getting just one Nemo picture I end up with 2? She said not to worry about it at all, anything and everything I received was mine to keep. I didn’t have to return anything or pay for anything else. I was surprised but I was very happy that they still had the picture in the system to reprint. Once I thanked her again (which I did several times on the phone) and hung up, Lenny asked why I was on the phone crying. I said I hadn’t been crying - maybe it sounded that way because I was still sleepy - and that I had been on the phone with Imageworks about our picture. I told him that it was being reprinted and that I could pick it up at the gift shop the next day. We were both happy with that and started to get ready for the day.

We didn’t really have any specific plans for this day. We had done pretty much everything we wanted to so today was going to be a repeat day. Or it would be as soon as Abby got up. She slept really late - until almost 10 but since I wasn’t moving too fast myself, there was no reason to make her get up. Because she woke up so late, I told her to have just a small breakfast of pop-tarts as I wanted to have an early lunch. With a 4:30 dinner reservation, I didn’t want to skip lunch and have extra CS credits left. I wanted to use them up when we could. She was fine with that as the pop-tarts are an occasional treat for her that she enjoys. When she was done with those, she wanted to mail out the few postcards we had filled out during the vacation before we headed to the MK, her park choice of the day. As the two of us went to the main building to buy stamps and mail the postcards, we walked by the pool. Abby looked at it and commented on how many people were using the pool. I looked at it and thought to myself that there weren’t that many people but I said to Abby. "You’re right, there are people using the pool. We can too if you want. We don’t have to go to the MK right away if you don’t want. Let’s take care of these postcards first and you think about it." Okay was her response and after we dropped off the postcards, we went by the pool again. I asked Abby if she had made up her mind and she said that she wanted the pool. When we got to the rooms, I told Lenny there was a change of plans - we were going to use the pool first and he was all for it.

Even though I don’t swim, I went in for a while and then believe it or not, I got a chill so I said to Abby "do you mind if I get out?" Her response?? "We don’t have fun with you anyway mom so I don’t mind if you get out." There’s gratitude for you. I plan a nice vacation with things geared towards Abby and then she says something like that to me. Kids. So I got out of the pool and headed to the rooms. I went in and noticed the tips I had left of the beds were gone but the envelopes were still there. I didn’t think anything of it at the time as I just wanted to get into the warm shower and get redressed. Once I was done, I headed to pool to let Lenny and Abby know I was going to the food court for some lunch and to keep their eyes out for me to return. For lunch, I got an Italian sandwich for Lenny, the adult nuggets for Abby and a kids cheeseburger for me (I didn’t feel like one of the double monsters). With everything balanced on the tray, I headed out to the pool and Lenny and Abby were waiting for me at one of the tables. Lunch was good but before we were even done, Abby was going to run off and jump in the pool again. She wasn’t happy I made her wait but she came back and sat down. By the time Lenny and I were done eating though, it sprinkled a little and Abby was going to head back to the room. I asked her why - the pool is filled with water and who cares if it sprinkles while you’re in pool. Lenny wanted to use the sprinkles as an excuse to get ready for the MK but then I asked him why. If Abby was happy at the pool, there was no reason in my mind to stop her. We didn’t have any set plans except dinner and at that point in time I would have canceled that too as we had 3 ADR’s remaining but only 2 credits each.

Lenny seemed fine with that answer so they went back to the pool and I headed to the room with our leftover drinks and desserts. When I got there however, the Mousekeeper was there. I popped in long enough to put the desserts away and I was going to leave but I decided to double check that she took her tip earlier. She looked at me and said she hadn’t been in the room before then and thatshe didn’t take any money. I don’t know if there was a language barrier and she didn’t understand what I was asking or if she truly hadn’t been in the rooms. This really concerned me (and made me feel bad because I only take so much cash with me for tips) so I went to the front desk. When it was my turn, I asked if it was common for 2 people to enter the rooms during the day. I didn’t get a straight answer from the CM (who supposedly checked with a supervisor about it) except that if I wanted a certain person to get the money, I should write on the envelope something like to the person who actually cleans the room. That wouldn’t help IMO because if they can’t read English, it wouldn’t be understood and if someone is actually taking tips from the Mousekeepers, something like that wouldn’t stop them. So I just left the front desk kind of shaking my head. I felt badly but with no money to replace what was taken (it wasn’t a huge amount but I didn’t bring any extra tip money with me) I avoided going back to the room. I ended up heading to the gift shop as I noticed it was almost 1 pm. Even though I had heard nothing from Epcot the day before, I was really curious to see if our pictures had just been sent over without someone calling me. There was a package for me but I didn’t open it up until I got back to our table by the pool. Lenny and Abby were already there - It was sprinkling a little and Abby didn’t want to swim in it any longer - but we all sat down long enough to see what was inside the package. It was our Nemo picture - 2 of them in fact.

We stayed at the table a few minutes longer then headed back to the rooms. I was hoping the Mousekeeper was finished - and she was. I didn’t want to face her again as it really bothered me that she didn’t get her tip.

Once we were all set, around 1:30ish, we headed out to the MK. I have to say, this is the latest start I’ve ever gotten in all my trips to Disney. It was really weird showing up in the mid afternoon for the park (going on an arrival day is different and doesn’t count) and since the handicapped section was blocked off, we had to park on the other side of the parking lot. And that’s something we haven’t done in years. We finally made it into the MK and our first and only attractions before we had to leave for dinner were Peter Pan and Philharmagic.

Once we were back on Main Street, Lenny wanted to look for a shirt real quick so we cut through the line of shops on Main Street that ended with the Emporium just to see if we could find one. If we did, we’d come back after dinner and buy it. We didn’t see any that time but these shops have been rearranged since last year so I was kind of discombobulated and was unsure of where I was. And in the middle of all that, I briefly met Melissa (Singhsongs). I feel bad because I seemed rude to myself. We were in the process of just looking quickly for a shirt while on the way out of the park for dinner so basically it was a "Hi, great to meet you in person, sorry we have to go" meeting.

When we got to 1900 PF, it was time to check in but they hadn’t opened the doors yet so we were stuck waiting there in an increasing line.

They finally opened the doors, we had our picture taken and there were so many people in that small area, you couldn’t tell who wanted their pictures taken and who were just waiting to get into the restaurant.

Part of the problem was there was a family with 3 little girls who had obviously been to BBB that day. Their hair was all done and I believe they were all dressed as Tinkerbell but the family came in with a huge double stroller and a single stroller and instead of trying to keep to the side, they kind of parked right in the middle to finish dressing up the girls (who a few minutes later would be escorted to their table by Prince Charming and Cinderella). And to add to the confusion IMO, all the Photopass people that were there spent more time helping the family get ready than directing people where to go. I can understand the rush to get them ready as I know the CM’s wanted to get the restaurant open but I also know that here, all strollers, wheelchairs and scooters get parked outside so I didn’t understand why they didn’t move the family out there to do that where there was plenty of room. It was the first seating after all and they were the only ones at the time with strollers and it wasn’t raining so it’s not like the hair do’s or outfits would have gotten ruined.

Once all of that was done and the CM got the kids through the crowd waiting at the door, the restaurant finally opened up and everyone was shown to their tables. As with most every other restaurant, I was told the chef would come out to talk to me and while I waited, Lenny went up to get something for himself and Abby. And as usual, steamed green beans and broccoli and boiled potatoes were deemed safe for me. I was asked about beef, pork and chicken I said I could eat those. Then the chef asked about different types of condiments - ketchup, soy sauce, etc. He was happy when I said I could eat those as he said he like to give food flavor and color. He went away and Lenny came back complaining that there wasn’t much for Abby to eat. Somewhere in between being seated, Lenny coming back and seeing the chef, the characters started with Prince Charming. He walked by the first table as no one was there and then came right to us. He saw Abby’s shirt which said Princess Abby and he started talking with her (I didn’t hear everything he said) but I did hear him ask her if she liked to dance. When she said yes, he commented that maybe after he and Cinderella had their waltz she would come over and dance with him. Abby again said yes and he left saying he would see her in a little while then.

After he left, Lenny again said there was nothing for Abby, especially no salad and that surprised me as the chef told me there was salad on the line. I went up with Lenny to go find it and in the process of doing that, we heard Cinderella announced but we didn’t see her approach the table. I found what they consider salad (mixed greens, etc) but they didn’t have the traditional iceberg/romaine salads that Abby would eat so we went back to the table. When we got back, Abby said Cinderella had already been there and that upset Lenny. Abby said Cinderella promised to come back and until she did, Lenny wasn’t happy. And come back she did - it only took another minute or two before she did but after missing her the first time, I told Lenny no one was to leave the table until we saw all the characters. Which thankfully didn’t take too long. Lady Tremaine was way too young even with all the makeup and she wasn’t very convincing to us. Anastasia was funny when she saw the Princess Abby shirt - she told us to rub it into her sister that Abby was a Princess and she wasn’t, which we did. When Abby pointed out the shirt to Drizella, she asked how Abby got to be a Princess. Abby responded "because my mom made the shirt". Drizella went on to say "that's all it takes to be a Princess? So if my mom made me a Princess shirt I would be one too?" Abby of course answered yes and Drizella said it would never happen then as her mom would never do something nice like that.

By the time we saw all the characters, I had received my food and Lenny had again commented that there wasn’t much for Abby to eat. I just got up from the table and went to the kids selections which had mac and cheese, corn and pizza - all favorites of Abby. When I came back with the plate, Lenny asked where I got it from. I pointed it out and Lenny said he just never saw the section - probably because it’s set so low at kids height. With all of us now having something, we started to eat. My dish was good - and way too big.

I enjoyed the veggies more than the meat. I gave Lenny the chicken as I just didn’t feel like it. The pork I was given was okay and kind of cold and the beef had good flavor but not as much as the prime rib from the line. The veggies were really delicious though. I don’t know what kind of sauce was on the broccoli but it had a lot of flavor and I actually wished I had more of that and less of the meat. The potatoes and green beans were good with some salt. So overall, another good meal we had there.

And while we were eating, Prince Charming and Cindy started their waltz.

When they were done, I was going to send Abby over to dance but a CM had already picked out a little girl and little boy to dance with them. What happened next had my jaw dropping. Prince Charming danced maybe only a minute if that with the little girl the CM picked out and then he came over and asked Abby for a dance. She stood up and he showed her how to move back and fourth and then he twirled her twice. He danced long enough that Lenny was able to get the video going and I was able to get out the still.

When they were done, he bowed and Abby curtsied to him. I know he had said he’d see her later for a dance but I never actually expected him to do it. It certainly brought a tear to my eye and it was such a wonderful way to end the meal. So overall, it was another great meal we had at 1900 PF.

After we left the restaurant, we hit the bathrooms real quick to wash up. The line in the ladies room was long enough that I either had to hold the door open or be hit by it when other people came in so I stood there and pinned it open. Out of the 4 or 5 people who walked through, only 1 said thank you. The rest I just said "you’re welcome" too as they kept walking. A lady ahead of me commented on how there’s a lack of manners nowadays and I agreed. A few minutes later when I met up with Lenny again and as we were heading for the elevator, I was telling him how even in a nice place like the GF people don’t have manners. As we were boarding the elevator - and I was still talking - a young couple happen to walk up and hear what I was saying and they totally agreed. Once on the elevator, they stood in the corner out of Lenny’s way so he could be right in front of the doors but despite agreeing with me only a minute before about the lack of manners, the minute the elevator door opened they jumped in front of Lenny to get off the elevator first. I just shook my head at them and we headed back to the monorail.

Once back at the MK, we went back to the Emporium to do some shopping. We found some shirts we liked (and the dressing rooms too) and then we headed to Tomorrowland.

Lenny wanted to press some more dimes for some reason and since we were there, Abby asked for the people mover. Once we were done with that, we made our way to Buzz Lightyear. The photo with Lenny and Abby came out good but mine didn’t so we only bought the one.

When we left Buzz, Abby wanted the people mover again. I’m not sure what she liked about it this year but like it she did.

When we got off, we had a decision to make. We could either stay for the MSEP or we could try and make our way to the Poly for the EWP again since my last recording didn’t come out so well. Abby said she wanted to go to the Poly but the monorail was taking forever that night and we were cutting it real, real close. We made plans that once we got there, I would run out to the beach with the camera and monopod and that Lenny would follow along. Abby wanted to go with me so I told her she had to keep up and pay attention. Once we got there, Abby and I hopped off before Lenny and headed for the stairs. Abby, being Abby, didn’t pay attention like I told her to and once at the stairs, missed one. Had I not been holding on the her, I think she would have gone all the way down. She got up saying she was okay and since I didn’t see any bruising, blood, scrapes, or rug burns, I told her that yes, she was okay but we had to get outside. We continued on, we got outside to the beach and I went as far to the right as I felt was good and I set up the monopod really quickly. We still had a two or three minutes to go (barely) so I looked at Abby’s knee again. It looked fine and she said she was okay and then sat down in the sand to play. Lenny came by about a minute later and I quickly told him what happened. Abby was okay and we were going to see the EWP so everything was good.

My recording was much better this time and since now there was no rush, we took our time putting things away (Abby still didn’t want to see the fireworks) and walking back to the GCH. When we got there and looked at the map, the distance from there to the TTC looked huge to me but instead of going back and taking the monorail like I wanted, Lenny just said lets walk back. I didn’t want to but both Lenny and Abby were both game so that’s what we did. Despite how far the maps made it look, in something like 10 minutes we were at the TTC - much faster than taking the monorail around the loop again. And since no one was around, it was a quiet, pleasant walk and kind of a nice ending to our day.

[HeatherD]

Great update! Such a sweet story about Prince Charming and Abby...

[sc507]

How great that Prince Charming remembered to come back to Princess Abby! Glad you got your recording of the EWP

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

Glad you got your picture reprinted. That's a mystery about the tip money.

[saibot0001]

Great update. Love the Nemo Picture (so glad they sent you 2)! I had to smile at the comment Abby made about you not being fun (or something like that) in the pool b/c my dd's have told me they have more fun w/ dh! I agree, kids. lol
I'm sooo glad Abby got to dance w/ Prince Charming! That is such a sweet experience and something she will always remember. We are going there for the first time this trip, so I especially enjoyed reading your review of 1900 Park Fare. I also loved your family picture from there. Oh, and that is really strange about the mousekeepers tip! Can't wait to read more.

[omd]

Reading about Prince Charming dancing with Abby made my eyelids all sweaty . It was just another example of Disney magic.
I love your update and it was definitely worth waiting for. My favorite picture was the one of Abby alone at Park Fare. She looks life she is having the best time. Looking forward to your next update.