Trip Report *COMPLETED* No Ring (delayed), No Rivers Light, & Donald Duck’s the President

As I stir my pasta noodles for dinner, a single tear slides down my cheek. DEPRESSION. It’s cold, it’s dark, and I am home…this unfamiliar place that is not my Disney World hotel room. (PLUS WHY AM I COOKING?!) This cold Philadelphia air chills me to the core, and when I woke up this morning I contemplated chucking my cell phone out the window. I knew my alarm was waking me up for work, not to catch a Disney bus. What is this life?! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY does it have to end?! The hardest part of planning, and changing your plans, and obsessing over your plans, and then finally living out your plans is the part at the end. The part where it’s all over, it’s all done, and going on a Disney website, or checking a restaurant menu is like pouring salt on an open wound.

As you can tell from my title, no I didn’t get my Disney World proposal and no I didn’t get to see Rivers of Light. Thought I would throw all the heartbreak right at you from the get go, so we can move on to happier memories. (This just means my boyfriend owes me a BIGGER diamond, and a trip back! Maybe when ROL opens?!)

I have just returned from the most fabulous trip to Disney, and I am already itching to go back. I am trying to convince someone, anyone (hello out there!) to book a weekend getaway… That’s the thing with Disney, they always leave you wanting more! Unless it’s it just something us Disney addicts feel, we are always eager for our next fix!

For those who don’t know me, I’m Nicole, and I love Disney World. I have loved Disney World for 11 years now. (This is how they start these meetings right?!)

I was in the Disney bubble from November 4th to November 13th and it was not enough time. NOT ENOUGH TIME I TELL YOU!!! I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and fell truly, madly, and deeply in love with this BEAUTIFUL riverside resort. My last two trips have been in July and August, and I think those trips (in the summer nonetheless) were MUCH less crowded. SO MANY PEOPLE! It was the end of a race weekend, the last week of food and wine, NJ teacher convention week, and election week. One word of advice, DO NOT EVER GO AT THIS TIME! (keep rereading the go at as goat LOL)

Let’s begin!



November 4th-

Our flight was not until 5:50 PM Friday night. I originally was planning to work in the morning, but it turned out I was able to take the whole day off. Of course I woke up super early with excitement, did all my last minute packing, and then stared at the clock for hours on end. Go figure!

This text arrived and my anxiety immediately started kicking in. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN! Will we not have room? Will they downgrade us to a tent along the riverbank? Will I have to fight off alligators and zika mosquitoes while sleeping outside? My boyfriend tried to calm my fears, and decided we should get a move on it. Airport here we come!

SEPTA was on strike (public transportation buses, etc) so of course traffic was nightmare! I tried my hardest not to freak out and bite off all my nails before even reaching Orlando.

After what seemed like forever, we made it! Hustled through security and straight for the bar!

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3—oops?

And our first food picture of the trip! Chicken tenders! My anxiety was so high all day that I forgot to eat, and I was feeling pretty tipsy. Food is always a good idea!

We paid our tab, and decided to wait by the gate for our magical plane to Orlando! TAKE ME HOME BABY!!!

Ummm.. where is our plane?

Come to find out our flight is delayed until 7 PM… I was too hyper and couldn’t sit still so off we went to check out the airport shops and burn off some energy.

We stumbled upon this wonderful sight, and couldn’t resist.

So much for trying to stay hungry to use up those quick service meals tonight!

The time ticked by soooooooooooo slowly. We watched a woman scream at the American Airlines attendant because he was making her check her bag… SCREAM. She kept threatening him, saying she was going to call Disney and tell them he ruined her trip. There was a family standing beside us, and they told the father he had to go on a later flight because they oversold the plane, and even he didn’t go as ballistic as this woman. Getting to Disney is stressful people!

Soon I was admiring this stunning view. HAPPY PLACE HERE I COME!

And we’re off!

Our flight was quick and painless, and soon the announcement came on that we arrived in Orlando!! A little boy a few rows behind us screamed out “NOOOOOOOO, we went to the wrong place! We are supposed to be in Disney World!”

I showed my boyfriend what I pro I was at maneuvering through the Orlando airport, B side, you can’t hide from me! My Mickey turned green and all my anxiety from earlier in the day melted away. The familiar aroma of the Orlando airport, the big Mickey hands waving you home, the smiling cast member’s faces, it didn’t matter if I’d be sleeping in a river, I was here!

Our magical express filled up quickly, and I didn’t even mind that we were one of the last stops. I soaked up that arrival feeling, the feeling that a full trip is ahead of you, that this really is the ultimate moment of beginning, that the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, it gave me more time to answer trivia questions! I think everyone on the bus thought I was psycho with the amount I got right!

And off we drove into the night. Even though the sign wasn’t lit up due to construction, I still felt it. The transition to being “on property”. That butterflies fluttering in your stomach feeling, when you know you’ve truly been welcomed home.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 10th

All that doggy paddling and wave riding really worked up our appetite! We headed for lunch at Leaning Palms.

Joe had the Island Burger. It was a burger with Monterey jack, BBQ pork, and pineapple piled on. He said it was different, but delicious. I can attest to the second part because I looked up the next moment and it was gone!

Dessert was the ever famous chocolate cake. Mickey sprinkles! I love these little cakes. They are never dry, and they are oh so chocolately. Mickey + Chocolate = Happy Princess Nicole

We had the famous "Disney ice cubes." They taste better. Anyone with me?!

I had the chicken wrap, with house made chips. The wrap was really good. It looks like a blob in the picture, but it was hefty! It was filled with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and parm cheese. It felt refreshing to put a fresh vegetable into my body.

I think every Typhoon Lagoon lunch trip is not complete without one awkward photo of myself with cake. Girls love cake! And when Joe surrenders his desserts to me, I can have my cake and eat it too!

After lunch we rode the Crush-n-Gusher. Uphill climbs. Intense water coaster. Sounds like the perfect Nicole and Joe after lunch attraction! I don't think my friend and I ventured to this area of the park on our last visit, because this all seemed new to me!

They had three different slides, or "fruit chutes." We rode each one multiple times because the waits were so short! Score!! The pineapple plunger, the coconut crusher, and the banana blaster. I think the banana blaster was our favorite. The name alone cracks me up! LOL!

Crush-N-Gusher is was so much fun, I recommend it to everyone! It reminded me of the Aquaduck on the Disney Dream ship. There were moments when we were just flowing along, and then we'd float open this blast of water that would shoot us down under hill and another turn. This water slide truly goes up hill and down hills, just like a rollercoaster! A roller coaster on a tube? If you can dream it, you can do it! I was screaming my lungs out, Joe was laughing until his abs hurt. We couldn't of loved a water attraction more!

We were also able to peek at the new construction, Typhoon Lagoon I shall return! The construction site is massive!

After dozens of water coaster rides, it was time to head on out. I couldn't resist a photoshoot.

I think that is the Mummy pose, and not surfin'. Oops! LOL

I always get the strangest looks! Why oh why could that be?!

The view from here is breathtaking. You forget you are in Florida.

You are just walking along, all excited, and then BAM! This view in your sightline. Could anything look more appealing? I have a crush on the wave pool!

Our time at Typhoon Lagoon was ending. When I think back to our trip, the memories from this day are the most vivid. It was cold and November-y back at home, so getting to swim and dodge waves all day in Orlando was a definite perk. Being a carefree adult is hard, sometimes you need a little help to find that inner child in all of us. Typhoon Lagoon provided the perfect setting for us to "hang loose". I don't think I've laughed so hard in all my life!

We made it home, and decided to switch it up and get off at the South depot. We wandered through the resort while the sun beat down and dried our wets bathing suits.

Although it felt like a typical July summer day, especially after swimming, it was time to celebrate Christmas! The ultimate brain confusion! Swimming by day, caroling by night, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party here we come!

 

[coachwnh]

Being a carefree adult is hard, sometimes you need a little help to find that inner child in all of us.

I don't think I've laughed so hard in all my life!

Nothing better than being a kid and laughing. Looking forward to both tonight and tomorrow!!! Looking forward to your Christmas Party pictures.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

One of our favorite trips to Disney was when we stayed at the Yacht Club after our APs expired. No reservations, FPs, nothing. We relaxed at the pool and caught up on some much needed rest. I totally agree with you. Sometimes Disney becomes the Amazing Race. It really is crazy how much you can miss by not slowing down. It's great to hear your no hassle water day was so much fun. Hope you and Joe have a great Christmas

I hope you have a great Christmas as well! And I totally agree with Disney feeling like the Amazing Race. Sometimes you rush around so much you forget to really experience your vacation! The Yacht Club is my dream resort! Sounds like an amazing relaxing trip that I would love! It's like that Ferris Bueller quote, "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop to look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

I love the wave pool -- my favorite!!

I also love the lazy river--at least when I'm on it, it's relaxing! Just love floating in the tube and letting my mind wander without a care in the world. How often in life, can we actually get to do something like that?!

The wave pool and lazy river are the ultimate attractions!!! Especially at Typhoon Lagoon. Looking at the crystal blue water while it's 40 degrees in Philly right now has me craving some sunny relaxation!

I'm glad you got to enjoy TL, we all liked it sooooooo much better than BB. The tropical setting and the waves were even better than shore waves. You're right it must have been the pixie dust in the water BTW are we related I'd never let anybody get a pic of my hands if my nails weren't done, not to mention my obsession with Grey Goose slushes

I feel like people always prefer TL but I must experience BB someday! I think I will enjoy Typhoon Lagoon better because of the wave pool in the end, but I need to give Blizzard Beach a fair shot! Haha!
There has to be pixie dust in that water! I hurts my Jersey shore girl heart to admit I like the wave pool better than the actual beach! Shhh don't tell anybody
I think we may be long lost sisters or something, I better get on ancestry.com! Muahha

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 10th

We came back to the room, showered, and got ourselves ready for Christmas! I love the Christmas season, but I am always the person who is adamant about not decorating until the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is my ultimate favorite holiday and I feel sad when it gets pushed to the side! However, when in Disney with the MVMCP, you sometimes have to bend your rules a little bit! Let's celebrate the holidays!

I was so happy to FINALLY have there ears. If you followed along in my pre-trip report, you will know I woke up everyday to check the app to see if they were for sale yet! Last Christmas my best friend was in Disney and these ears sold out everywhere! I was on a mission this year to get them for us both! And I had success... about 10 days before my trip they popped up on the Disney Parks app. YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!! Next to the bride ears, these were my most coveted ears! (I am obsessed and psycho and all of the above I already know )

We were ready quickly and arrived at the Magic Kingdom in no time! First up on our agenda was The Hall of Presidents! Joe couldn't remember if he had seen this last time, and with it being election week, we were both feeling the need for it!

Everything looks so pretty dressed up for the holidays! I was in happy tears most of the night.
However, this is also where the saddest part of my trip occurred. Wait for it.......

We had about 15 minutes to spare before the next showing of HoP. Joe ran to get a Mickey pretzel with cheese and I told him I'd just jump in the Sleepy Hollow line for an ice cream cookie sandwich. The line was moving SO SLOWLY that I was about to jump out of my skin. And then when you got up to order, you had to move over to the second window and wait for you item, and even that window had a huge backup. I was watching the minutes tick by, and then I was next. The man in front of me of course didn't know what he wanted, and it took him about 5 minutes to figure out he was ordering 3 coffees. PEOPLE. DON'T YOU READ THE MENUS ONLINE LIKE ME?! (Sorry LOL) But as he's doing this, another lady comes up to the window asking for her money back because she doesn't want to wait any longer for her funnel cake. I had about 5 minutes to spare before the show so I figured it was a lost cause at this point. I couldn't successfully shove down a cookie sandwich in a minute. I jumped out of line and promised myself I'd be back later. I was heartbroken. That cookie sandwich is my favorite snack in all the world! Sometimes you have to weigh your options, and at this moment seeing animatronic presidents won out.

In my reading about the secrets of Liberty Square, I came across an article that said all the shutters are hung at an angle. I had never noticed until this trip! This is due to America not receiving any metal from England during the Revolutionary War. England thought the colonials would use all the metal they shipped for bullets! Americans would strip the shutters of their metal and hang them with leather. Who knew?! After time, the leather would become stretched out and the shutters would start leaning. Isn't this fact so freaking cool? Maybe I am a history freak and little details like this excite me to the core, but you have to agree with me! The Imagineers are my heroes. Little details like these are what make Disney World so special.

I always cry in this show. I am such a sap! Do you think I'll cry when Donald Trump is speaking? I actually watched him in Home Alone 2 last night. How crazy to think he'll soon be in this! No debating, just crazy to think of!

We exited just as the parade was coming around the corner, perfect timing! The parade was pushed to 5 a lot this trip because of filming for the Christmas special. I didn't mind!

They melt my heart with their cuteness! Even though I often dream of stealing Mickey away and running away into the sunset with him....

I love these lanterns! 13 lanterns, one for each of the original colonies. The details, I am turning into a puddle on my floor. I read in that same article about the shutters, that this oak tree was moved from somewhere else on Disney property in order to be placed in Liberty Square. It was, at the time, the largest tree they had ever moved. It looks so beautiful in it's home! See, Disney does care about trees!

After the parade, we made our way to the Tiki Room. It was SOOOOOOO CROWDED. I had never maneuvered though so many people in my life! We thought Epcot was bad, MK after a parade is worse! I think I can run with the bulls now...

After our serenade with birds, we had a fastpass for Jungle Cruise!
The wait time was 60 minutes, so thank heavens for Fastpass!

I didn't take any pictures, who am I? I think the crowds threw me off my game and I just needed to relax with the Tiki birds and our Jungle Cruise skipper. Ah, it was the Jingle Cruise! The jokes were just as corny as I remembered, and they were all themed to Christmas!

The one joke that had me busting out laughing was when our Skipper said the decorations were on the skimpy side this years thanks to Shanghai. She made our crew collectively proclaim "Thanks Shanghai!" I was dying! It reminded me so much of WDWmagic!

What to do after we cruised to the jungle? Why not eat in the jungle with our new skipper friends? Let the corny jokes continue! Skipper Canteen time!!

As I was taking this picture, the Cast Member screamed out, get my good side! She's the one with her arm up in the air! The CM's here were so wonderful, I was in my element joking back and forth with them!


We were seated in less than 5 minutes, and got to behold this glorious menu. I had made this ADR, then cancelled it, then made it again, then cancelled, until finally deciding to just go for it!

First up was the bread, it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. Is that enough "o's" to express how delish it was? I hope so! LOL

Joe had the Char Siu Pork and I ordered the "Tastes like chicken" because it is!

I cannot think of the correct adjectives to describe how amazing this way. It was one of my favorite meals of the entire wee. SOOOOO GOOD. If you are debating going to Skipper Canteenn- debate no more! GOOOOO!!! I think I may have even like this meal more than Be Our Guest...

And now that they serve alcohol..... YES PLEASE. TAKE ME BACK. I AM DROOLING. DRIP DROP ALL OVER MY KEYBOARD.

For dessert, Joe had the Kungaloosh! and I had the Coconut bar with pineapple-basil compote and vanilla cream.

I liked Joe's better and kept stealing bites. He actually loved this dessert too and was trying to block my fork every time I tried to get some! How rude! Get the Kungaloosh! To die for!!

Our waiter was the nicest guy and I wish I caught his name. He took about 10 minutes to stand with us and tell us tips for the Christmas Party. He recommended we wait for the second parade, and ride the rides in the meantime because the first parade is usually more crowded. He told us which spots had which snacks, from eggnog to cider to hot chocolate. He pointed all over our map and really gave us helpful hints! I appreciated all his help so much! Cast members that spend time like he did are the nicest people! He was probably finishing his shift and about to leave, and instead he offered all he could. I am still so appreciative! Thank you kind sir!

We left Skipper Canteen full and happy, and ready to take on this night. Christmas time was here! Time to party!!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nothing better than being a kid and laughing. Looking forward to both tonight and tomorrow!!! Looking forward to your Christmas Party pictures.

Hope Santa is good to you!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 10th

While we ate, these pictures appeared on the app! I love them SO FREAKING MUCH. We took them as we made our way into the park. The Photopass photographer really took his time with us, even though there was a crazy line, and I am so happy with how they turned out. I love Photopass and don't think I will ever take a trip without it!

Those smiles are so real and genuine, we were the happiest people in all of Walt Disney World!

I hope everyone has a magical Christmas Eve and Christmas, and also a Happy Hanukkah today as well! I hope Santa brings you all what you wanted! I asked him at the party and he said everyone on the WDW magic forums is on the nice list

I cannot be happier, and have so much love in my heart. I wish the same for all of you. Hug your loved ones close, enjoy your friends and family, and celebrate the magic of the season!

Merry Christmas!

 

[coachwnh]

Great pictures of the two of you on Main Street, USA!!!! Merry Christmas to you, too.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

THEY CAME! My most prized ears!

 

[Bronson55]

Nov 10th

We came back to the room, showered, and got ourselves ready for Christmas! I love the Christmas season, but I am always the person who is adamant about not decorating until the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is my ultimate favorite holiday and I feel sad when it gets pushed to the side! However, when in Disney with the MVMCP, you sometimes have to bend your rules a little bit! Let's celebrate the holidays!

I was so happy to FINALLY have there ears. If you followed along in my pre-trip report, you will know I woke up everyday to check the app to see if they were for sale yet! Last Christmas my best friend was in Disney and these ears sold out everywhere! I was on a mission this year to get them for us both! And I had success... about 10 days before my trip they popped up on the Disney Parks app. YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!! Next to the bride ears, these were my most coveted ears! (I am obsessed and psycho and all of the above I already know )

We were ready quickly and arrived at the Magic Kingdom in no time! First up on our agenda was The Hall of Presidents! Joe couldn't remember if he had seen this last time, and with it being election week, we were both feeling the need for it!

Everything looks so pretty dressed up for the holidays! I was in happy tears most of the night.
However, this is also where the saddest part of my trip occurred. Wait for it.......

We had about 15 minutes to spare before the next showing of HoP. Joe ran to get a Mickey pretzel with cheese and I told him I'd just jump in the Sleepy Hollow line for an ice cream cookie sandwich. The line was moving SO SLOWLY that I was about to jump out of my skin. And then when you got up to order, you had to move over to the second window and wait for you item, and even that window had a huge backup. I was watching the minutes tick by, and then I was next. The man in front of me of course didn't know what he wanted, and it took him about 5 minutes to figure out he was ordering 3 coffees. PEOPLE. DON'T YOU READ THE MENUS ONLINE LIKE ME?! (Sorry LOL) But as he's doing this, another lady comes up to the window asking for her money back because she doesn't want to wait any longer for her funnel cake. I had about 5 minutes to spare before the show so I figured it was a lost cause at this point. I couldn't successfully shove down a cookie sandwich in a minute. I jumped out of line and promised myself I'd be back later. I was heartbroken. That cookie sandwich is my favorite snack in all the world! Sometimes you have to weigh your options, and at this moment seeing animatronic presidents won out.

In my reading about the secrets of Liberty Square, I came across an article that said all the shutters are hung at an angle. I had never noticed until this trip! This is due to America not receiving any metal from England during the Revolutionary War. England thought the colonials would use all the metal they shipped for bullets! Americans would strip the shutters of their metal and hang them with leather. Who knew?! After time, the leather would become stretched out and the shutters would start leaning. Isn't this fact so freaking cool? Maybe I am a history freak and little details like this excite me to the core, but you have to agree with me! The Imagineers are my heroes. Little details like these are what make Disney World so special.

I always cry in this show. I am such a sap! Do you think I'll cry when Donald Trump is speaking? I actually watched him in Home Alone 2 last night. How crazy to think he'll soon be in this! No debating, just crazy to think of!

We exited just as the parade was coming around the corner, perfect timing! The parade was pushed to 5 a lot this trip because of filming for the Christmas special. I didn't mind!

They melt my heart with their cuteness! Even though I often dream of stealing Mickey away and running away into the sunset with him....

I love these lanterns! 13 lanterns, one for each of the original colonies. The details, I am turning into a puddle on my floor. I read in that same article about the shutters, that this oak tree was moved from somewhere else on Disney property in order to be placed in Liberty Square. It was, at the time, the largest tree they had ever moved. It looks so beautiful in it's home! See, Disney does care about trees!

After the parade, we made our way to the Tiki Room. It was SOOOOOOO CROWDED. I had never maneuvered though so many people in my life! We thought Epcot was bad, MK after a parade is worse! I think I can run with the bulls now...

After our serenade with birds, we had a fastpass for Jungle Cruise!
The wait time was 60 minutes, so thank heavens for Fastpass!

I didn't take any pictures, who am I? I think the crowds threw me off my game and I just needed to relax with the Tiki birds and our Jungle Cruise skipper. Ah, it was the Jingle Cruise! The jokes were just as corny as I remembered, and they were all themed to Christmas!

The one joke that had me busting out laughing was when our Skipper said the decorations were on the skimpy side this years thanks to Shanghai. She made our crew collectively proclaim "Thanks Shanghai!" I was dying! It reminded me so much of WDWmagic!

What to do after we cruised to the jungle? Why not eat in the jungle with our new skipper friends? Let the corny jokes continue! Skipper Canteen time!!

As I was taking this picture, the Cast Member screamed out, get my good side! She's the one with her arm up in the air! The CM's here were so wonderful, I was in my element joking back and forth with them!


We were seated in less than 5 minutes, and got to behold this glorious menu. I had made this ADR, then cancelled it, then made it again, then cancelled, until finally deciding to just go for it!

First up was the bread, it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. Is that enough "o's" to express how delish it was? I hope so! LOL

Joe had the Char Siu Pork and I ordered the "Tastes like chicken" because it is!

I cannot think of the correct adjectives to describe how amazing this way. It was one of my favorite meals of the entire wee. SOOOOO GOOD. If you are debating going to Skipper Canteenn- debate no more! GOOOOO!!! I think I may have even like this meal more than Be Our Guest...

And now that they serve alcohol..... YES PLEASE. TAKE ME BACK. I AM DROOLING. DRIP DROP ALL OVER MY KEYBOARD.

For dessert, Joe had the Kungaloosh! and I had the Coconut bar with pineapple-basil compote and vanilla cream.

I liked Joe's better and kept stealing bites. He actually loved this dessert too and was trying to block my fork every time I tried to get some! How rude! Get the Kungaloosh! To die for!!

Our waiter was the nicest guy and I wish I caught his name. He took about 10 minutes to stand with us and tell us tips for the Christmas Party. He recommended we wait for the second parade, and ride the rides in the meantime because the first parade is usually more crowded. He told us which spots had which snacks, from eggnog to cider to hot chocolate. He pointed all over our map and really gave us helpful hints! I appreciated all his help so much! Cast members that spend time like he did are the nicest people! He was probably finishing his shift and about to leave, and instead he offered all he could. I am still so appreciative! Thank you kind sir!

We left Skipper Canteen full and happy, and ready to take on this night. Christmas time was here! Time to party!!

 

[Bronson55]

Your trip report title tipped everyone off as to your political leaning so yes, I assume you will to cry when your new president is added to the Presidents show. No debate

 

[LadyBelle]

THEY CAME! My most prized ears!

No, you cannot wear them with your wedding dress...

 

[PineapplePrincess]

Merry Christmas to you and Joe! You look extra beautiful in your bride ears!

 

[MinnieM123]

More wonderful photos!! Love your Christmas ears--you must wear those today!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I was intrigued by the story of the shutters in Liberty Square--I never knew that either--fascinating little piece of trivia you shared.

 

[blreinsel]

Love the Christmas party stuff so far! ONE DAY I WILL GET THERE!!! Your hair is adorable too, by the way lol. Seeing your bride ears put tears in my eyes all over again! I'm so happy for you!!! Merry Christmas!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Your trip report title tipped everyone off as to your political leaning so yes, I assume you will to cry when your new president is added to the Presidents show. No debate

Was just repeating a quote from a little girl in my title! And I usually cry due to the patriotism, so we shall see!

No, you cannot wear them with your wedding dress...

Hey! You are supposed to be on my side! LOL

Merry Christmas to you and Joe! You look extra beautiful in your bride ears!

Thank you I am soooooooo happy! They might be my favorite ears

More wonderful photos!! Love your Christmas ears--you must wear those today!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I was intrigued by the story of the shutters in Liberty Square--I never knew that either--fascinating little piece of trivia you shared.

Wasn't that information so cool? I had never know it before and now when I look back at the pictures it's so obvious they are crooked! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Time flies!

Love the Christmas party stuff so far! ONE DAY I WILL GET THERE!!! Your hair is adorable too, by the way lol. Seeing your bride ears put tears in my eyes all over again! I'm so happy for you!!! Merry Christmas!

You must go! Next up on my bucket list is Halloween! I need to be at Disney for every season, obviously! LOL... and thank you! I am so in love with my ears and my fiancé! Ahhh!!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Santa was good to you!!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 10th

We left dinner on a mission, it was time for rides! Although the Christmas party was crowded, the wait times were the shortest we had seen all trip! It seemed like masses were all waiting for the exclusive characters. While I would have loved to have taken my picture with every single character dressed up for Christmas, but it just didn't seem worth it to us to wait so long. We hadn't gotten the chance to go on many rides the other day at MK because of the crowd levels, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity to make up for lost time!

We stopped for some Photopass pictures since it had gotten dark while we were eating dinner! You know me, I need the castle at every angle, with every possible color scheme.

Buzz had a 10 minute wait, so off we went to fire some lasers! Take that Zurg! I am not sure if my eyes are closed, if I am squinting, or just what the heck is going on! Guess this could be the reason why I lost... OPEN YOUR EYES NICOLE.

Joe won, but neither one of us was a galactic here! One day I will hold this title!

Photopass photographers were seriously out in full force. Places I had never seen them had photographers standing and waiting to snap your picture. Some of the places they were located were so picturesque! They should be there full time! Especially at my castle! Prince Eric built this for me!

I was so happy to have this picture! I love it soooooo much! My castle, at night! I could almost hear the waves crashing on the shore! Now if only I could swim like a mermaid...

Tomorrowland Speedway was our next attraction. Joe volunteered to drive, and by volunteered, I mean threatened to not ride if I drove. I am terrible at these kinds of things, so I don't blame it! For some reason, I always hit the car back and forth a million times on the metal track underneath.

I think I've mentioned my opinion of this ride before, but I love it! I get it takes up a lot of space for potential future attractions, but just look at the face of any kid exiting and you'll know it's irreplaceable. Is there any greater feeling that "learning to drive" in Disney? Isn't this every little kid's fantasy- to drive a car? And now in the happiest park on the earth it can. I am a big ole sap, I know.

Space Mountain was dressed for the occasion! We gave it a wave as we drove by...

I must agree with the above sign. Young and young at heart, racing away on a magical pretend road. There's no road rage, no multiple vehicle accidents, no treacherous weather conditions. You aren't racing the clock on your way to work, you're racing fellow Disney lovers, who have thrown all cares to the wind. Let the breeze blow by.... It was a perfect night for a ride.

We then headed out towards Main Street to catch a bit of A Frozen Holiday Wish. The crowds on Main Street were insane, so we only stayed for a few pictures

Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is gorgeous. It takes your breathe away. It could warm any Grinch's heart, and make any Scrooge believe in the season. The music, the happiness, the decorations, the magic... MVMCP encompassed everything I love about the Christmas season. Even though the park was crowded, there was something about it that made it feel so cozy and initiate.

We wandered away from Main Street, and found ourselves on the teacups! Joe spun me into oblivion. I closed my eyes and knew I truly was in Wonderland!

Fairytales can come true. It can happen to you, if you're young at heart.
Don't you know that it's worth every treasure on earth to be young at heart! For as rich as you are, it's much better by far, to be young at heart

 

[LadyBelle]

You must go! Next up on my bucket list is Halloween! I need to be at Disney for every season, obviously! LOL... and thank you! I am so in love with my ears and my fiancé! Ahhh!!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Santa was good to you!!

The Halloween party was really cool! I loved the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular and the parade was really cool - especially the first part when the Headless Horseman rides down Main Street. The eerie sound of just the horseshoes going down the route is awesome! Only thing I missed doing was getting into costume and getting candy.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 10th

Joe made me nauseous, and we had to hobble over to our next ride! He owed me a trip Under the Sea after making me so dizzy!

This part looked normal on the ride, I swear! But now it looks like Ariel's bathing suit top is see through! What did my camera do to you Ariel!

Joe and I sung along. Yes even Joe sang! There's just something about this attraction that makes you wanna tap your feet and sing along! I kept telling him our part was coming up! Joe knows he is my Prince Eric! LOL

The wedding scene is my favorite! Do you think I can borrow this dress? Oh I do wish this attraction were longer! I just cannot get enough of my mermaid!!!

We got no troubles, life is the bubbles, under the sea! While we exited the ride, some more photopass photos appeared on the app. I just love the Christmas pictures!

We exited Journey of the Little Mermaid, and headed into Storybook Circus. Joe had never been on Dumbo before, and well, that is just wrong. Dumbo is the most quintessential Disney ride and it was time he followed in my Disney footsteps! Did you ever see an elephant fly?

We rode in separate Dumbos because there wasn't anybody in line! I thought it'd be strange if we squeezed into one when little children were all claiming their own. I must admit, It was a little nerve wracking to go up and down all by myself! Give me a rollercoaster, and I'm fine, but flying solo in a elephant scares me. Go figure!

Next up on our agenda was the Barnstormer! I had never ever gone on this before, so I was super excited! We waited 10 minutes, probably the longest we waited for anything all night! I facetimed with my usual Disney partner, and she was sad I was trying something new with Joe and not her! I promised her we'd return together and try a million things Joe didn't get too. Now I might be in a dilemma though, I think Joe enjoyed Disney enough to go back soon! WAHOO!!!

Barnstormer was fun... it was short and sweet! I couldn't imagine waiting a long time for this attraction because it was over in the blink of an eye, but it still was super enjoyable! I would recommend it!

Holiday Wishes would be beginning soon, so we went to stake out a spot on Main Street. I was surprised we were able to get such a perfect spot!

If you think Wishes is beautiful, you would DIE at Holiday Wishes. I am at a loss for words. I have never seen a better firework show in all my life, and I do not think I ever will. It's like taking Wishes, Illuminations, Fantasmic, Star Wars, and the promise of Rivers of Light, and rolling it all into one glorious night time spectacular. JUST THINK OF IT. Disney Magic + the magic of Christmas. I can't even explain.

I cried like a baby. Christmas music, 360 degree firework displays, the castle lighting up, and SNOW falling from the sky. Joe and I both looked up with our mouths stuck open in amazement. People "ooooh" and "aaaah" at everyday small town fireworks. There aren't appropriate words in the dictionary to express the feelings evoked by Holiday Wishes. All the "oooohs and ahhhh"'s of the world could not do it justice!!!!

Holiday Wishes must be seen to be believed. Christmas will never be the same. I have reached the epitome of the perfect Christmas. It's a wonderful life!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

The Halloween party was really cool! I loved the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular and the parade was really cool - especially the first part when the Headless Horseman rides down Main Street. The eerie sound of just the horseshoes going down the route is awesome! Only thing I missed doing was getting into costume and getting candy.

That sounds amazing! I need to go! And I need to be Ariel! I've watched the headless horsemen on YouTube before and have been amazed, it's probably 1000x better in real life!!!

 

[Tiggerish]

Fast Forward to December 19th, 2016

Joe and I started dating May 19th, 2007. I usually dig into him every 18th of the month and remind him that tomorrow is 9 years and 4 months, 9 years and 5 months, 9 years 6 months etc. etc... You get my point! LOL... Joe usually shuts me up by promising to take me out to dinner or to the movies (Finding Dory, Inside Out, Zootopia, Jungle Book... they were all seen on a 19th ) So Sunday, December 18th it's our usual conversation and Joe promises to take me for sushi for our 9 year and 7 month anniversary. Phew! Thought we were gonna hit a decade before he popped the question!

So it's a typical Monday at work, it's crazy, and I am exhausted by the time I get home. I pulled into the driveway and noticed that our Christmas tree was put up with the lights on... We hadn't had time to put our tree up yet; we were seriously slacking. (post Disney depression I blame you)

So anyway I walk in the door and Joe tells me he put up the tree and I need to go see if he did everything alright. I walk into the living room and notice there is only one single solitary ornament, Minnie and Mickey as the bride and groom. I was super confused and turned to Joe to see him down on one knee. I honestly don't even know what he said, I think I blacked out. He was asking me to marry him! I don't even know if I said yes! I can't remember. Oh what a moment!

Joe had my friend hiding behind one of our porch doors, and she was able to capture the moment. What a little sneak he is!

After calming down, Joe informed me that I did, in fact say yes. And then he told me my bridal Minnie ears would be arriving in 3-5 business days. I don't know which made me more excited.

Of course I had to run and paint my nails! No mickey heads! Oh well LOL

My fiancé! My real life prince Eric. I am so happy and so in love.

My heart is so full of love. SO FULL. I love you all. Thank you for all your well wishes. I honestly could cry with how much I love my WDWmagic friends and I am so happy I can share a happy "middle" of this trip report.

What a great story and great photos!!! I was in a Hallmark store this weekend and saw that ornament and thought of you immediately.

OMG!! What a great engagement story! The picture that captured my attention the most was the one with your hands over your face in total surprise and amazement--that said it all. So happy for you and Joe.

That picture got me, too.

After dozens of water coaster rides, it was time to head on out. I couldn't resist a photoshoot.

I think that is the Mummy pose, and not surfin'. Oops! LOL

First up was the bread, it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. Is that enough "o's" to express how delish it was? I hope so! LOL

You're probably too young to remember The Bangles' "Walk Like an Egyptian" music video, but that's the signature move!

Fantastic rest of the TR. Happy New Year, and happy wedding planning!!!