{Dee-tales} We Winged it at Disney

DISNEY WORLD. Disney World with kiddos. Where do I even begin? My fam just returned from Lake Buena Vista’s most lovely, and we’re still in a delightful daze. Things sure have changed since my last visit in 1997 {that’s so gross, I know…what the freezie have I been doing all these years?} and I’m not sure one little blog post can sum up my excitement! But, I want to share some thoughts. It was so different seeing this perfect place though kiddos’ eyes.

We took a mini vaycay last week to see my in-laws who were vacationing in Bradenton {Hi Auntie Fancy Nancy! Hi Annie!}, and we decided to all head up to The House of Mouse for a quick 2-day visit. We’re hoping to go back again soon for a longer stay, so we’ll just call this trip to Diz a little “appetizer!” 

The months leading up to the big trip are sort of a blur. {CoCo and Big Mike always planned our family trips, and Sheesh and I just went along for the ride!} It was my turn to lead the pack, and I had so many questions! {Sooooo many!} Friends and family from near and far offered outstanding advice {you know who you are, and I love every single one of you}. My only problem? I wanted to do everything they said! EVERYTHING.  I didn’t know where to start!

I’m a planner. I need to know what’s happening every second of the day or I get a little stir crazy {who, me?}…surprises give me the shakes! I got myself so worked up that I’d leave something magical out {gasp!}, so I just decided to wing it. Yep. That’s exactly what we did. We winged it for 2 days in the Magic Kingdom. I gave my list of tips a quick scan, booked our Fast Passes and left everything up to ‘ol Walt’s crew. I figured everything would fall in to place once we got there. And, it did!

As much as I’m a big planner, I’m an even bigger list maker. So, here is a rundown of my recent Disney thoughts…in no particular order {just like my brain}. Grab a snack, kids. This one’s long!

{Art of Animation – Little Mermaid Rooms}

Yes, people roll their eyes that it’s crazy far from everything, but who cares? You’re on vacation. The price was just right and the décor was spot on. The Twinados love themselves some Ariel, so Disney nailed it on this one. Seashell headboards? Under-the-Sea painted shower tiles? A framed painting of Prince Eric? Perfection. We had just enough room for our luggage and the Kohler showerheads were amazeballs. The walk to the bus stop is definitely a hike, but we had a rental and just drove over to the main building each morning. {Not sure if that’s legal?! Oopsies, if so.}

{Strollers}

My chicklets haven’t been in a stroller in forever, but we decided to rent one incase their lil gams needed a lil rest. Glad we did. We rented it right at the park {go through the gates, head to your left under the tunnel} and they give you get a discount if you rent for more than one day. When you exit the park, you turn in your stoller and pick up a new one the next day. {Just hang on to that receipt!}  I was uber worried about people thiefin’ our stuff…but the “Stroller Areas” near each ride or attraction were nicely policed by Disney staff. {It took me a few hours to feel comfy about this, but eventually, I totes let down my guard.} I’ve heard there are several stroller rental companies in Orlando {that will even deliver the stoller right to your room!} so you should definitely check them out, as well. Our timing didn’t match up with return policies, so that’s the main reason we just rented at the park.

{The Mommy Hook}

One more thing about strollers…if you don’t have The Mommy Hook {Walmart, $6}, you need to run out and get it, loves. {Now! This instant!} We used this lil gem back in the day with our City Mini, and it’s a huge carabiner that holds several bags. There is not much storage on the Disney strollers {2 mesh cup holders and a pocket behind each seat}, so Mommy Hook to the rescue!

{Bags}

Me and the hubs both wore backpacks {no shame} and when it was time to go on a ride, and we’d have to leave big bags in the stroller, I’d take out a wristlet that had all of our valuables in it {moolah, credit cards, IDs, small camera…and my discontinued lipstick. No way was I gonna let anyone run off with THAT} and carry that with me.

{Characters}

Each day, 2 characters are RIGHT there waiting for ya as you go through the tunnel. Have those autograph books ready to roll! We bought cheapies ahead of time and brought clickable pens so we didn’t have to fumble around chasing caps if they fell. {Note: next time, we’ll bring clickable Sharpies…bigger for plush characters to grip.} We love, love, love, LOVED all of the character meeting opportunities. Just under the tunnel, grab a sheet that lists all of the visit times. This seemed so different than the 90s. Back then it felt like you had to run after your favorites to snap a pic or a high five. Not this century! {Ohhhh, heck no, darlins’.} The gals met everyone in the MK except Merida. {Next time, ya lovely lass!}

She was speechless. What's a matta, boo? Cat got your tongue?

Let’s also talk about how the characters are so in tune with their storyline. The accents! The one-liners! We couldn’t get enough. Alice saw the Twinados gleefully skipping right toward her and right on point in her English accent, she says, “Well, luke! We have some Tweedlettes! Just like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb!”

They also don’t brush off your sweetie to move on to the next kid. We felt like time hogs {OINK!} most of the time, but not once did we hear anyone tell us to hurry up. {Hmm. Maybe they did, but who knows? We were too caught up in seeing the Cheshire Cat sized smiles on the gals to notice!}

{Hello, Princess}

Yes, I sadly have to admit, that when I’d hear cast members say “Hello Princess!”… I had to realize that they weren’t talking to me.

{Eats}

The meal plan worked well for us. We liked how you can use all of your meals ANYTIME throughout your stay. Ex: We had 8 snacks to use over 2 days. We used 2 the first day…and 6 the next day. It didn’t matter when you used them. That was very convenient.

RICE KRISPIE TREATS – I love me a crunchy, marshmallowy, buttery gem, and The Mouse somehow knew. {Who told him?!} Get the chocolate dipped, M&M-glazed, Mickey-shaped ones at the Confectionary. If you don’t, I’ll be mad. {Psst…these count as a snack on the Meal Plan. Just sayin’.}

The Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café was, in fact, out of this world. Burgers the size of Mars, Turkey sammies the size of Saturn, Chicken clubs the size of Pluto. {You get the point!} We opted for a Quick Serve here. Glad we did. We ended up splitting 1 platter and saving other Quick Serve points for another time. There is PLENTY of food to share.

Nom nom nom.

Cinderella’s Royal Table {1900 Park Fare} will forever be a special memory for our fam. Lady Tremaine and Druzella scared the bejeezie out  of the gals before we went, but when they actually saw them close-up, it was adorable. {I made them watch a video of the dinner on YouTube ahead of time. They don’t like surprises either. They ‘git it from their Mama.} Cinderella was gorgeous, of course, and Prince Charming had his hands full because my girls wouldn’t leave him alone! {Sorry, buddy!} And, was he ever the gentleman…because after T-1 threw her arms HIGH around his leg and gave a huge squeeze hug with all her might {juuuuust missing the crown jewels!!!!} he knelt right down instead and whisked her right into a dance in half a second flat. #gentleman

The food choices there were also insanely cool. Prime rib, SUSHI, pot stickers, pizza, chicken nuggs, corn dogs...GUMMY BEARS!! 

I'm not lying about the sushi!

Chef Mickey – the Fab Five. You’ll see all of them. We did the breakfast. Best bagel w/butter on property {if I do say so myself!}. Mickey waffles. Glazed donut holes. Frittata. Crepes. Lemon thyme roasted potatoes. Huge spread. {See if you can sit with a view of the pool. There’s more room over on that side.

Make sure your Minnie ears fit before you go!

{Memory Maker}

Get it. Worth every single cute copper penny. They took almost 300 pictures for us throughout our stay. Photogs scan your Magic Band and your pics are sent right to your My Disney Experience account. I also brought my own camera along {Heaven forbid I miss documenting a millisecond of the girls’ lives. Gasp! hehe} and the photographers actually encouraged me to get photos first before they stepped in. I tried to stay off to the side, but they put me right front and center. {Classy times a thousand.} It was easy to download our pics after the trip and there are a few extra goodies on your photo account when you go to view them. I won’t tell you what they are….because you might be on Team Surprise!

{People}

I remember this from many years ago, and I’m so glad that nothing has changed: people don’t give a flyin’ what they wear, how they act, what they do at Disney. I LOVE THAT. I saw a 20-something year old girl bring plush Seven Dwarves to show Snow White…and S-Dub spent a good solid 5 minutes with her, commenting on every single one. I saw a lady celebrating her 50^th and she rocked Happy Birthday buttons, a boa, double mouse ears, some sort of light up contraption and a lanyard of pins…and she didn’t give one damn. I saw families with matching shirts, tour groups with flags the size of Texas and Grandpas wearing sparkly fairy wings. Everyone was in their own little world, not giving a crap, and that’s how it should be.

{Skechers}

I busted a pair of my favorite sandals the day before we drove up to Disney. {R.I.P. metallic taupe Merona gladiators} I guess that’s a good thing because I was smitten by a pair of Skechers finest athletic slides and they served me well on this trip.

{Winnie the Pooh ride}

There are a ton of activities for kids {and grown up kids!} to do while waiting in line. Tons!!!! Keep the hand sani close by though. Capiche?

{Clowns}

No thanks. Never. {#byefelicia} There was a big tent near the Dumbo/Barnstormer rides, and it was rumored that clowns were lurking about. I didn’t care to find out. {Shudder.}

No.

{Parades/Fireworks}

We were all sorts of stupid lucky with spots for these. We were trying to make it up to the Train Station landing to watch the Electrical Parade, but we didn’t make it in time {playing Frogger with moving floats wasn’t on the agenda!}. So, we stood in the circle that faces the Train Station landing, and it was filled with badassery. The view was…wait for it...electrifying! For the “Wishes” fireworks display, we ended up standing in an alcove to the right of the Tomorrowland Restaurant. The view of the castle was slightly tilted, but it was stunning. {And no one was creeping in around us.}

Is this post starting to drag...on? {get it?}

No creepers in sight!

{BUCKEYES}

The entire state of Ohio was there…and we didn’t mind one bit. Everywhere we looked, the park was sprinkled with “Undisputed” shirts {holla!}, scarlet bags and grey baseball hats. Uncle Urban even joined us on the bus…

{Restrooms}

Hold it ‘til you get to the Rapunzel ones near Fairytale Hall. Listen to me.

These ones.

{It’s a Small World}

As long as I live, and as God is my witness, I will never tire of this ride. Try to snag the window tables at Pinocchio’s Village Haus because it overlooks the entrance. Kick ass view.

Blurry buns.

{Seven Dwarfs Mine Train}

I will never. Ever. Get the sound of my T-1 screaming {WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!} out of my mind for as long as I live.

I can't.

{The Polynesian}

Bucket list, baby.

{Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique}

FAVORITE ALERT!!!!!!! Saved the best for last! Bibbidi Bobbidi {Bleepin’} Boutique, ya’ll. Enchanting, precious, wonderful. Not enough words to describe this charming little experience. My in-laws gave the girls special Cinderellie dresses to wear as they were dolled up to look like the beauty in blue.  They wore a necklace/bracelet set from their bestie {Elle!} and they were ready to get their princess on. We went around 5 p.m. – right before we went to dinner at Cinderellas’ Royal Table. {Fitting, eh?!} The fairy godmothers truly made our Twincesses feel special. As soon as they were shown hairstyle choices, I was SO excited and immediately started to suggest the style they should get. I was giggling, high-pitch laughing, jumping, clapping. {Simmer down, Dee. Take a big fat seat in the middle of the room and just watch, ya freaking Chihuahua.} Amidst my ridiculousness, I realized it wasn’t my deal. I backed the heck off, sat my toosh down on the benches and just admired what was happening. The g-mamas asked the GIRLS what they wanted. I loved that. Truly.

I die.

Soon after their hair was slicked back with what I think was Dep?? Dippity Doo??...and all baby bangs and all double colics were impressively smoothed over…there stood THE most beautiful bun I had ever seen in my ballerina-filled life. {Adorned with a bedazzled crown and accented with a jeweled Mickey right smack in the center. The mouse doesn’t miss a beat, does he?} Anything else? Yep. The backs of the buns were topped off with a rhinestone Mickey clip. Pretty blue and pink manis, make-up, and a darling dusting of glitter capped off this awesome half-hour of fun. We walked right across to Castle Couture for a photo shoot. They have a little room set aside strictly for BBB royalty…and they’ll upload the pics right to your Magic Band if you have Memory Maker. Bravo, Mouse. Bravo indeed.

{MY ONLY REGRET}

I forgot the dang Dole Whip!!!!!!!!! Ugh.  Shame. Boo. Hiss. {Note: Winging it can cause a 29-ish gal to pout.}

In closing, I know I’ve only graced the surface of Disney thoughts…and I know I’m doing a disservice by only including a few things in this post, so head on over to the Facebook page and let’s talk more!!! Tell me everything Disney! Anything! Let’s keep the Diz chat going so others can reference it as they prepare for the happiest place on Earth.

See ya real soon!...