The Trip Report That Never Was and Always Will Be ~ UPDATED 8/8

[__disneygirl]

The Lost Trips
November 2015: Part 3

The morning after the party, we had a perfect breakfast at Contempo Cafe, which is definitely one of the best quick services on property. I actually specifically went there in November just to get my friend & I takeout from there because I knew he would enjoy it more than anything from MK.

And now let me do a little Ode to Contemp & Chill... AKA a quick review of staying at the Contemporary.

I absolutely loved staying here and I would really like to do it again, I've thought of it a lot since. This resort is so quintessentially Disney for me, and I really love everything about it from the location, monorail, decor, rooms, shops, restaurants (each one has such great food and serves different purposes), Mary Blair mural, you name it. Despite my resort hopping prowess, I think I would really enjoy staying here an entire week. Our location during this trip felt extra magical because the floor we stayed on allowed us to open our doors and have the view of the iconic 4th floor so at times, the monorail would come sailing by just as we were exiting the room and it felt like something out of a movie.

These mats always make me SO HAPPY. I swear every time I see them I get an extra pep in my already spirited step. It's like I always say... it's the little things!

Our room's decor was not my FAVE (I know I just said I love the decor, but I mean of the resort overall), it was a little too Hilton Garden Inn and not Disneyish enough. I'm not saying I need an Art of Animation character explosion room, but ehhh I need a little more, like the way the Boardwalk had its own style but also had Minnie Mouse in old timey beachy clothing lamps. You know?

That said, I LOVED the bathroom! THIS decor was extremely all wham.

Long live the Contemporary!

There may be a lot of randomness here on out, since I don't remember the exact order of things too well but hey MAGIC KINGDOM!!!!!

Gina & I like to take photos of each other through the Confectionary window to relive our glory days at the 2013 Monstrous All-Nighter... who REMEMBERS?

Handprint on a Mansion grave...

This painting remains one of my favorites I've ever seen at Disney and I want to buy it! The color is just right.

Hi Lee-Anne!!

Tram life... I love this pic of Jess haha

The divine DeVine

How exciting to see FLIK out and about!

Meeting Poca

Gina & I at the Hanson concert

Some pin trades from the trip

Being our attractive selves...

We were actually doing yoga moves against the wall to make our feet feel better from all the walking!

This is actually a really fun memory, I remember laughing a lot. I love Gina!!

​

 

[__disneygirl]

The Lost Trips
November 2015: Part 4

HANSON MEET & GREET!!!!!!!!!! Hey boo

I posed with their beer like a spokesmodel! Oddly, I haven't been phoned for a professional beer modeling job with Hanson, but I'm sure that call is coming.

Then they did this beer talk thing where they talk about their beer!

I love them. Sigh... it really is convenient that my favorite band loves Disney. I prefer it to basically anything else in the world that could have happened. Synchronicity, my friends!

We took the Friendship boats over to Studios

AND SAW THE TRUE ONE AND ONLY LOVE OF MY LIFE, MISS EVIE STARLIGHT!

Fun fact... I was never more starstruck than when I found the actress who plays Evie on Instagram and saw that she was already following me. I felt extremely fabulous since her role is my ultimate Disney dream job.

The one, the only... Stone Granite!!!!!!!!

The Citizens of Hollywood truly are one of the best ideas Disney's ever had.

I just love her!

My true home.

We are hot and fancy even when dropping several floors.

It was fun visiting the Sunset shops with Gina since she had just worked there. We were pin trading and they had unique pin boards, which I always love!!

A hat at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and a drum at Rock N Rollercoaster.

One of the several Hanson concerts!

This was such a fun night. After we saw Hanson, we went to French Quarter to get beignets and see our OTHER favorite musician, Bob Jackson!!!!!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU BOB!

Some meet & greets at Studios

I think Sorcerer Mickey is my fave Mickey to meet!

Santa Goof all ready for Christmas

One of my favorite experiences every single Disney trip, that I absolutely have to do, is eating at Sci-Fi!

Jess & I posing for a goodbye photo after the last Hanson show.

Probably the coolest pin board ever... found at All Star Sports just as I was leaving.

So, like I said, after checking out of Contemp & Chill we moved to Coronado Springs. This was the first time I stayed there, but not the last. I ADORE Coronado! I will be writing about it a lot during the more recent trips, so for now I will move on. The last night, Lee-Anne and I stayed at AStSp. Can't really turn that into an acronym without getting banned from this board! Just like with all Disney resorts, I enjoyed staying there. I think it's so so cute if you have kids who love sports and would be really exciting for them. I enjoyed the family fun vibe there and overall just love the each one of the All Stars!​

 

[__disneygirl]

The Lost Trips
November 2015: FOOD

Obviously, it's incredibly typical of me to do a bonus update before we even get to the real Trip Report. I needed to show you food that I ate almost five years ago, because I know as fellow Disney fans, you will appreciate it! I decided to collect most of the food pics to this bonus post. ENJOY!

Tacos in Mexico, such a simple thing but one of my favorite meals at the parks!

Another favorite meal - the Gruyere mac & cheese from Les Chefs

Macaron ice cream sandwich in France

REST IN PEACE STARRING ROLLS CAFE.

A dessert I've written about many times in my reports... the SAFARI CUPCAKE!

Red Velvet cake!

Even though it doesn't seem that special... I HAVE to eat the Disney chicken breast nuggets & fries once every trip. They are just so good and taste better at the parks!

Thanksgiving Cupcake

One of my favorite meals at Disney - the African Stew at the Mara!

It may look like just a pile of stuff in this photo, but it is a VERY GOOD pile of stuff. I ate this many times on my last few trips.

Another favorite: this orange marmalade cupcake, also from the Mara!

If you read my old reports, you know how much I adore Food & Wine... but since I don't remember a lot of the dishes from this trip, I didn't really cover that. So I will just include some food pics now!

I ALWAYS get the chicken roll in Morocco. A CLASSIC!!

Nitrogen Ice Cream needs to be added to Stacey's Must-Dos!!!

Another favorite, the pulled pork slider in Hawaii!

Last but not least... a moment of silence for... Art of Animation's Create Your Own Pasta.

For some Godforsaken reason, Create Your Own Pasta has been removed from Disney which is, not to be dramatic, one of the worst things that has ever happened.

But we can't worry about that now because I have some serious writing to do!

UP NEXT: MY MAGNIFICENT RETURN TO DISNEY WORLD IN MARCH 2019!!!!!!!!!

​

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I just love your writing style. You capture your audience and don't let go.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Omg I so agree about Contempo Cafe. It is such an underrated QS. I ate there many times before some evenings at MK, a) because they take CM discount when MK QSs don't and b) it's really good and super relaxing in there IMO.

From what I know, Contemporary used to be way more Disney-fied, but like with the Pop room makeovers, they are just sanitizing everything and it makes me sad. Gimme more Mickey please and thank you.

I'm so jealous that Gina got to work on Sunset back in its heyday. Not to say it's still not a fab place to work at when I was there, but I wish I was there for Sweet Spells, Villains in Vogue and all that great stuff. I talked about it with a lot of my coworkers there and still do with them. Sunset Merch is the best CM family out there.

I love your love for Miss Evie and the Citizens! They are EVERYTHING. One time when I was working at that one cart on Sunset, they came by and it was SCORCHING OUT and Evie addressed me by name asking why I hadn't laid down on the cooler. I felt so validated in that moment.

I'm living so hard for all your throwbacks. This was all from my in-between time before I literally haven't missed one year since 2016 of not being in the parks, either here or on the West coast. It's wild how times have changed in half a decade. So excited for all your thoughts on the current state of things! I know you've alluded on insta, but I'm ready for the whole story.

 

[PrincessFelisha]

What??! No more Create Your Own Pasta??? We stayed in Art of Animation in January of 2016 and I think I ate it every night (thanks to your recommendation on here I believe!!)

 

[__disneygirl]

I just love your writing style. You capture your audience and don't let go.

Thank you for this great compliment!

Omg I so agree about Contempo Cafe. It is such an underrated QS. I ate there many times before some evenings at MK, a) because they take CM discount when MK QSs don't and b) it's really good and super relaxing in there IMO.

From what I know, Contemporary used to be way more Disney-fied, but like with the Pop room makeovers, they are just sanitizing everything and it makes me sad. Gimme more Mickey please and thank you.

I'm so jealous that Gina got to work on Sunset back in its heyday. Not to say it's still not a fab place to work at when I was there, but I wish I was there for Sweet Spells, Villains in Vogue and all that great stuff. I talked about it with a lot of my coworkers there and still do with them. Sunset Merch is the best CM family out there.

I love your love for Miss Evie and the Citizens! They are EVERYTHING. One time when I was working at that one cart on Sunset, they came by and it was SCORCHING OUT and Evie addressed me by name asking why I hadn't laid down on the cooler. I felt so validated in that moment.

I'm living so hard for all your throwbacks. This was all from my in-between time before I literally haven't missed one year since 2016 of not being in the parks, either here or on the West coast. It's wild how times have changed in half a decade. So excited for all your thoughts on the current state of things! I know you've alluded on insta, but I'm ready for the whole story.

I don't know why all the restaurants don't just have a cast discount... especially QS MK not owned by any other company... side eyeing Disney all the time for this haha

So, I'll write about this in the report but I was disappointed staying the the All Stars that they no longer have unique rooms. My favorite thing was how Movies used to have the cute in-room decor of Mickey as a director, Goofy running the camera etc, it was SO CUTE and themed perfectly. Sigh

I'm so jealous of your PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Evie. Being a CoH is definitely the dream job but working on Sunset where they are just a part of the daily routine comes close.

Thank you so much for being so interested & supportive Timmy!!!! I really appreciate it

What??! No more Create Your Own Pasta??? We stayed in Art of Animation in January of 2016 and I think I ate it every night (thanks to your recommendation on here I believe!!)

When we discovered this in November, we were deeply disturbed. It's also removed from Port Orleans Riverside, I'm very sorry to report!

 

[__disneygirl]

MARCH 24, 2019
Day 1, Part 1 in Which I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!????!!!

I think all of us can relate to that feeling of leaving for our trips and it just doesn't seem like we are actually going to be in Disney within a matter of hours. Since we've been back in the "real world" for awhile, it's hard to imagine that wave of magic enveloping you in its pineapple-flavored embrace.

However, for me, having 3 and a half years in between trips was definitely giving it an extra level of surrealism. I actually have NEVER gone that long without going to Disney before since my first trip as a child, but as I've said, I had some other adventures to go on and some other things to explore before heading back to my 2nd home.

Now, before I begin, a little disclaimer here: I didn't take notes on these trips because I wasn't 100% convinced I was writing a TR, so everything may not be AS detailed as in the past. If there's some stuff left out, that's why! You may find entire evenings summed up with like, one picture, but I will try to include as much vital information for your everyday life as well as witty commentary and observation on the magical lands of fantasy we all like to frolic in.

I still have my pretty great memory, social media posts, and thousands of photos to go off - so we should be good! Speaking of social media, if you want spoilers/to follow us, our Instagrams are @capriamoon (me), @JessicaFaye508, and @thelucysky (Gina).

I've already mostly explained why I didn't return to Disney for over 3 years. From November 2015-March 2019, I just really had to focus on other things.

I don't do anything halfway or small, and I feel like in the past, my Disney Trips really consumed my life in a way that made it at the best very difficult and at the worst impossible to focus time, energy, and money on furthering my life & career. The ironic thing is without my passion for Disney, I wouldn't have been driven to do a lot of what ended up getting my life to a better place, which is why I will continue to reiterate that you should ALWAYS follow your heart and dreams.

I have absolutely no regrets about spending so much time and money on Disney trips from 2010-2014, they helped make me the person I am today and on the road to that person, I had one hell of a good time. I often refer to that era in which Jess, Gina, and I were in Disney often running around from dawn to dusk with our biggest concern being Tonga Toast as a second childhood. If you can recreate a childhood as an adult, perhaps we did.

It really did feel that way at times. It was just so innocent - a lot of people talk about their wild phases of drinking and doing drugs... I was hoarding every penny I made so I could laugh maniacally with Gina outside of the castle at 5AM because we were witnessing Goofy dance to *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" during the Monstrous All Nighter. It's... not the same. If you have to sow wild oats, blow off steam, and treat your depression/anxiety with something... Disney is a pretty safe catalyst in which to do that.

However, just like anything else, it can become an addiction and that's definitely what happened. I knew what my goals were, but I really couldn't find my own way there. I kept missing it, or slipping up somehow... but Disney was always consistent. It wasn't until I took the reigns and faced all my demons that I was able to realize their lack of power and my abundance of strength. That may sound dramatic, but remember, i'm an actress. This is the toned down, less intense version of the story!

In short, during my break from Disney, I traveled to other places, got my Bachelor's degree, built up my acting resume, and purchased a character entertainment company that I now run and perform for. Though I missed my Disney adventures at times, I knew it would always be there, and I realized the greatest adventure of them all is the one you go on with yourself when you discover who you really are and what you are capable of. Like Elsa discovered, the things about yourself you may not love so much - or even fear - could actually result in unbelievably beautiful power and self discovery. You are the one you've been waiting for all of your life.

Fast forward to early 2019 and there was some drama and suspense surrounding this trip because I was in my last semester of college and was very afraid I wasn't going to pass math.

You see, I am one of those people with a very bold, red line that separates the two sides of my brain. As a child, I was so talented in Language Arts that I took my SATs at age 12. I'm not sure why that was necessary, but it certainly made me feel better since the OTHER side of my brain is simply Spice Girls lyrics and various levels of discomfort with anything non-artistic. Therefore, similar to Tai & Josh, math and I do not mesh well. When it comes to math, I am the ultimate virgin who can't drive. It's like if you tried to read another language you knew maybe 5 words of of in total. Sure, here and there you'd understand some of it but as whole - it's a no from me dawg.

Though everyone - literally, everyone (I think Ashton Kutcher once left me a voicemail about this) told me to get my one math requirement over with early in my college career, of course in typical Lia fashion I did not listen, needing to experience for myself what I could have simply learned by taking advice.

Obviously, I left it for my final semester. Actually, I left it for the semester BEFORE my last, but I had to take a preliminary class for no credit to even be allowed INTO the math class that I needed to graduate. I, of course, completely failed the preliminary class but because I showed up EVERY DAY (including Christmas Eve when the college was practically closed and the semester over) to the very kind professor's office who sacrificed endless hours of his life to tutor me one on one, he passed me based on tenacity alone. Trust me - you had to pass 7 tests to pass the class and I passed two, but he let me into the next class I needed to take because he couldn't believe that I wouldn't give up and he really didn't want my graduation delayed. The lesson here: HAVE MOXIE!!!!!!!!! Refuse to back down. Confidently, delusionally, insist you can do it. And you will.

As a sidebar, I also feel the need to mention that this professor continued, over and over, to reiterate that I was NOT STUPID and it was the fault of the school system and teachers I'd had earlier in life, etc that I was having trouble grasping these concepts. Rather than say I was failing at math, he said I was failed by the system, and they shouldn't make it so hard for artists to graduate, etc. He would say almost every day how much respect he had for me for trying to work through advanced math I had never even seen before. So teachers, may I say, you make quite an impact and deserve to be paid so much more. So, so much more! Surely, we can take some of the millions paid to Kristen Stewart for gazing around the room uncomfortably and re-distribute it to teachers, can we not?

In addition to math, I'm also apparently bad at calendars since I scheduled the Disney trip on the week that my Spring Break fell during 2018. That would have been perfect except it was 2019. Not wanting to change the bookings, I figured I'd be okay missing a week of school, but now having made it into the ACTUAL math class I needed to graduate, I had a new professor who was not even a shadow of the kind, patient, and understanding professional I'd been working with before.

I found myself in hot water with this new evil dictator professor who spoke in a mumbly, low tone with a foreign accent making it even more difficult to comprehend his teachings. I won't get into the whole story, but let's just say we strongly disagreed about a grade. I tried everything, but he was implicitly strict. There was no giving me, or anyone, a break. He suggested, early in the semester, that I was already doing so poorly that there was no point in continuing the class - I would surely fail. He said I should drop it, walk during graduation as a fraud, and quietly take the class again in the summer.

I laughed at his ignorance. He did not know who he was dealing with.

I DO NOT QUIT!!!!!!!!!!

Except for complex carbohydrates and sugar. I quit them... every Monday. Heh. I'm getting better at it. Sometimes I quit them for forty-five whole minutes before reaching for the waffle iron first thing in the morning.

I was going to graduate that May, period.

Refusing to drop the class meant I really couldn't miss the sessions that were falling during my Disney trip, because I needed every single point toward my grade I could possibly get. Something told me not to cancel/postpone the trip just yet, though. That sounds foolish, but I am stubborn. I guess I wanted to have my cake and eat it too. When finished with that, I wanted three Mickey Bars and a churro.

I threw a massive amount of energy into learning this math backwards and forwards. I went to the tutor every single session that was offered and studied like mad. On top of my other classes, acting gigs and running/performing for the company... I barely had time to blink my eyes, but that did not matter. I decided this was going to work out and that was that.

My grades were so vastly improving by the time March rolled around that I started to get more confident, and decided to leave the trip dates as they were. I could miss the classes AND still graduate, because that's how good I was going to be.

The week before I was to leave for Disney, my professor asked me to stay after class. Surely, he was not only going to tell me that my failure was certain, but he'd also find a way to diagnose me with several terminal illnesses. I cringed as he opened his mouth to speak.

He said that due to my outstanding progress, when I took the final, he would break it up into multiple grades for me, akin to allowing me to re-take the early tests I failed. As long as I did well on the final, I would pass the class and certainly graduate.

This was stunning, because when I tell you I fought and fought him, offered to do anything I could to bring my grade up, he gave me a flat no multiple times. I had blown it - period.

However, I made the impossible possible with hard work, determination, and a little bit of magic - if that's not a Disney-style fairytale, I don't know what is.

You may wonder why you are reading a long explanation of my passing a math class. I told this story because I believe that many of the messages of perseverance found in Disney stories have shaped my personality some ways. I do not think Disney is altogether a frivolous, fun, childish subject that people should dismiss because talking animals are often involved.

As a character performer at my company, I try to instill those messages of kindness, hope, bravery, and strength in young girls and boys. I know the princess stories receive a lot of criticism - some of it warranted, and in my opinion some of it really not so much. I ensure that I am stressing to the children the positive themes of whatever princess I am performing as at that moment.

Are you stuck like Rapunzel? Well, she made the ABSOLUTE MOST out of her tiny space. She read every book, she learned how to do everything she possibly could in her situation. Rather than sit and mope, she did as much as she could with what she had. Are you being taken advantage of like Cinderella? Well, you can always find the kindness in your heart and the space to dream no matter how you are treated. You can protect your heart from filling with hate by treating others - including little animals - with all the love and respect in the world. Do you feel like you belong somewhere else, even though everyone else says you you should stay where you are? Be like Ariel, who wasn't afraid to trust her heart and break free from what was expected of her in order to find her true destiny.

I feel as though without consuming these stories of bravery and kindness over and over throughout my childhood and adult life, I may not have been as determined to pass math, or make it as an actress, or do any of the number of things I have done. Disney reminds us that the things our heart scream out are valid, and not just via fictional characters in fairylands. Walt Disney was a normal guy from a small town who liked to draw, and well, I think you know the rest of the story.

I'm not saying that's ENTIRELY why I'm the way I am, but I am saying that I feel a tingly feeling in my soul when Rapunzel says, "No! I won’t stop. For every minute of the rest of my life I will fight." This situation may not be quite as dramatic as desperately trying to escape your evil kidnapping youth-obsessed fake mom so you don't have to be enslaved for the rest of your life, but it was still pretty intense.

So, as I have repeated - believe in yourself! You care about THIS and not THAT for a reason. You know in your heart what is right for you... because you always know. Even if you're lost in the woods, you know where your home IS... you just don't know exactly how to get there. And that's okay. We're all on this journey and we can all make it home... Eventually.

The following piece of art is a drawing of Ariel that a little girl gave to me after I performed at her party. My mom and I decided she was our trip mascot. The mixed media here is really quite impressive and I do expect to find it in the Whitney Museum of American Art upon their grand re-opening.

On the morning of March 24th, my eyes opened after 78 seconds of sleep and a few hours later I was landing in ORLANDO, FLORIDA!!!!!!!

I have to say, though, as soon as I got to the airport to depart, seeing all the adorable little kids ready for Disney at the gate filled with pure excitement IMMEDIATELY whipped me back in time. It did not take seeing the castle or breathing in a deep whiff of Grand Floridian smell. Right away, at the airport, seeing the children made it feel as though no time had passed.

Felt great to see all the familiar sights of MCO again!

I went to the wrong place looking for Disney's Magical Express, which meant everything was going exactly according to plan since I have probably done that every single time since the invention of DME.

This is honestly one of my favorite parts of the trip. Even if I'm staying with Jess, I tend to book a resort for arrival because there is just something so novel about boarding the MOTOR COACH, especially when you haven't done it in so long.

It felt amazing to have one of these puppies on again!!!!

Row 10 it is!!!

I've never been happier to stand and wait in a line.

You may recognize that Mickey shirt from my previous trips... I bought it at Gina's Walmart after #StuckInDisney12 and it's always been one of my favorite shirts ever since! It felt AWESOME to get the Disney Trip Gear back in ACTION!!!!!

THERE'S JUST NOTHING LIKE THE FEELING WHEN THE SLIDING DOORS OPEN AND YOU SEE THE MOTOR COACHES!!!!!

I think, because I had been to Disney so often prior to the break, I settled in very comfortably and immediately, like when you get to a close relative's home and instantly kick off your shoes and sink into the couch. It's just COZY.

After a lovely ride, I found myself seeing my first not-so-hidden Mickey of the trip.

Hola, and Welcome to Coronado Springs!

I wasn't meeting up with Jess quite yet because she was working this day, but she had booked the room for us. When I checked in, the Front Desk CM told me that there was *A* room ready, but *THE* room we had been assigned to was not ready yet. I hadn't known that Jess requested a specific room, but figured she just asked for a good location or something.

The CM said she could give me the room that was ready now, but speaking to me as if I was in the know said coyly, "But I'm sure you want to wait for the room cause it's a GREAT room." Maybe I was just too giddy to ask details, but I just said sure, I don't mind waiting for the room. Those of you who read Jess's College Program Report back in the day will remember that her first Disney role was at Coronado, so I really didn't think much of it since she knows the resort well and probably threw in a good word for us.

Since I had flown down prior to the crack of dawn, it was actually still breakfast time. So I skipped with an excessive level of pep in my step over to the former Pepper Market!

I discovered it's now called El Mercado de Coronado, which was the first, but certainly not last, difference at Disney since the last time I had been there. For someone who was so used to having experienced everything at WDW many times, it was actually kinda good to have missed a few years. There were just so many firsts!

I didn't want to fill up too much, so I went with a kids meal of Mickey Waffles.

MY FIRST DISNEY FOOD IN THREE YEARS!!!!!!!!!

I was just so happy. Honestly, if I had hung out at Coronado for a couple hours and then flew right home, this still would have been an incredible trip!

You hardcore Disney fans know what I'm saying.

As you may have noticed, I also purchased my first #Refillable4Life mug in quite awhile. For those old boardies (old boardies?) who know why I will always call them that... cheers to you!

It was nice that they had my man BUZZ on there. Or should I say: Fue agradable que tuvieran a mi hombre BUZZ allí.

Was anyone else super disappointed with Toy Story 4? I was shocked. I love the first 3 films so much. Among other things that bothered me, they really didn't even give Buzz a storyline. He was such an important part of the original 3 and I didn't appreciate him being sidelined! I was just disappointed with the film as a whole, though it was super gorgeous to look at.

However, in March 2019, I didn't know that yet. After breakfast, I took my luggage into the restroom to change from Plane Clothing into Park Clothing - two very different sections of attire! Then I dropped my bags off at Bell Services, and off I went.

Any guesses on where I headed to first?

​

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Thank you for sharing your journey between the trip prior to this trilogy of trips! You are so unapologetically personable, I love it so much. I wish I was as strong-willed, driven and focused as you are. It's always so great to follow along with what you're doing, your passion for everything you do is so admirable. I'm glad to hear you found your footing and now you were able to make a big grand return to all our happy place.

Gosh I miss the Refillable4Life mugs. Those were the best. It's too bad Disney caught on and is like "Nah, we're not gonna let you save. You'll spend money on a new one EVERY. SINGLE. TRIP." I would've so thrived with one during all my CPs if that was the case lol

I'm really curious now what this whole thing about a different room is about... I'm excited!

 

[__disneygirl]

Thank you for sharing your journey between the trip prior to this trilogy of trips! You are so unapologetically personable, I love it so much. I wish I was as strong-willed, driven and focused as you are. It's always so great to follow along with what you're doing, your passion for everything you do is so admirable. I'm glad to hear you found your footing and now you were able to make a big grand return to all our happy place.

Gosh I miss the Refillable4Life mugs. Those were the best. It's too bad Disney caught on and is like "Nah, we're not gonna let you save. You'll spend money on a new one EVERY. SINGLE. TRIP." I would've so thrived with one during all my CPs if that was the case lol

I'm really curious now what this whole thing about a different room is about... I'm excited!

Thank you for this lovely reply and the compliments I just want everyone to know they can do whatever they set their mind to! One way or another.

Hahaha the chips and the rules making the mugs not-so-Refillable4Life would be fine with me if they had more designs. I don't know why they can't make it a "thing" like they do with magic bands or ears. Collect 'em all!!! I have an old Pop Century mug from when Disney was cool and had individual resort designs. It would be fun to collect one from every resort, not that I would know where to put them all, but still.

 

[__disneygirl]

MARCH 24, 2019
Day 1 Part 2 In Which I Find Zero Pascals

Obviously, I went straight to Magic Kingdom!

It had been too long. I simply couldn't wait another minute.

@capriamoon: I’m so excited and happy I might just pass out.

I just wanted to wander around a little. It was hard to know what to do -- I was so overwhelmed with options I simply chose none of them. Just being there was enough.

I asked a nice dad to take my photo in front of the castle.

Luckily, he took multiple so I had several options. There's nothing worse than the person who quickly takes the photo and hands back your phone. When I ask you to take my picture, I mean for a brief moment, you must become Annie Lebowitz.

I wandered into Tomorrowland where it became abundantly clear that more photos of myself needed to be taken. I was back in Disney, which needed to be documented!!

I then decided it was time for my first of many Disney slushes, so I enjoyed this one from Cheshire Cafe.

Wonderland Slushy - Minute Maid® Raspberry Lemonade with Fanta® Grape and a Candy-coated Straw.

Because I am a professional, I reviewed menus extensively before leaving for my trip. It was one of my only solaces between learning math. I can now help you figure out how to re-finance your home AND give you a rundown of Disney slushes. As I said, LeFou's Brew used to be the crown jewel, the star of the show. Then, Disney learned that like many things they had produced before, if consumers enjoy something, you should run it into the ground. Now, there are so many specialty Disney slushes, ice cream cones, pastries, and other treats that if you do not come up with a game plan, you will experience certain death or at the very least, feel you've missed out on a few things.

I knew ahead of time what snacks to make a priority and which to avoid, despite how good they looked in the moment. You only have so much stomach space, so top tier snacks only need apply. I really hope none of my non-Disney friends read this report. I'm 100% sure they will be scared of me, but you guys... get it.

Anyways, the Wonderland Slushy was DELICIOUS and I enjoyed it immensely as I practically glided through Fantasyland. I pulled out my #Refillable4Life mug and poured my slushy inside. The giant yet thin plastic cups they put these in will turn your hand into an icicle, so I always come prepared. It's also easier to sneak the mugs on rides.

I was thinking about my food options. Being that I hadn't been to Magic Kingdom in over three years, basically everything sounded good. However, my two faves are Be Our Guest and Casey's. I kept checking BoG to see if I could get a last minute reservation, and by golly, one popped up for an arrival literally like 20 minutes from that moment. Disney Magic was on my side! Also: I *never* say "by golly". These reports bring out all the old timey cheesy language in me, I'm tellin' ya.

Heading over to Beast's castle, I was simply thrilled. We have so many great memories here!

After ordering one of my favorite meals at Disney, I found a table in the Grand Ballroom. The Kingdom wasn't too crowded this day, though I would soon learn that that was rarer than ever.

I had almost forgotten what it was like to be in this enchanting restaurant, but suddenly felt right at home.

Like magic, I was soon being served the Braised Pork. Okay... I was SUPER excited for this meal, guys.

This is the Braised Pork (Coq Au Vin Style) – Slow-cooked Pork with Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots and Bacon served with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans Jardiniere.

That isn't the best photo of it I've ever seen, but trust me. I've gotten this every single time I've been to Be Our Guest because it is just so delicious that I find no reason to venture from it. The gravy is so flavorful, the mashed potatoes are just right, the green beans are my very specific preference of crunch level, the meat melts in your mouth not in your hand, etc.

I also appreciate that it tasted exactly the same as it has since 2013. You know? I'll never forget visiting this restaurant during the previews at MNSSHP in 2012, a total surprise, and being allowed to check out the menu. Food was not being served yet, and boy, did this help build anticipation! When I finally ate there a few months later, it lived up to the hype and then some... and has ever since. I was really BACK!

After my meal, I had to check out the West Wing. What can I say, I'm rebellious.

Sadly, there was no monstrous beast present to scold me for daring to enter. I was disappointed, as I would have loved the drama of it all!

Fun fact: the princess who gets the best questions from children is Belle. I'm not sure they fully grasp the whole "Beauty is found within" concept of the film at their tender age, so I try to remind them. It also makes total sense that Disney has the Beast character with Belle rather than the Prince, because the children (most of the time) don't remember that he's a Prince now. For example, one of my favorite questions was when a child interrupted storytime with: "So, does the Beast yell at you all the time?!"

Another example that made me laugh was when I was asked in a very nervous sounding tone, "So do you.... sleep... with the Beast?"

I always just explain that he's a Prince now because the spell is broken and he learned to love! It's... an interesting job.

After some browsing in Village Gifts (one of the best shops, btw!) I hit up an old favorite that, like the Braised Pork, I hope never changes.

The funny thing is, even when you don't go to Disney for over three years, everything sticks with you. For me, this means that I would still say, "Have a Philharmagical Day!" roughly three times a week.

I knew this show would help it sink in that I was really back at Disney because it is just SODISNEYOMG. What i'm saying is, it's not one of those attractions you mention when defending your theme park obsession to boring people. You know? You never say, "Oh well there's plenty of stuff for adults too, like Mickey's Philharmagic." NO. This is the character explosion epicenter of Walt Disney World and it always makes me feel like a kid again. Sure, it is well themed with a fun story, updated animation, and realistic smells, but I think what really hits us all in our gut is the whirlwind ride through multiple Disney stories that have at one point or another in our lives been really important to us. It brings them to life in a more spectacular way than when we lay back and click play on Disney+. You know? The music and the sounds just GET ME SO GOOD!

It will never get old.

I had to pee, which is always fantastic news while at Magic Kingdom, since I get to visit my Flowergleamandglowrooms.

When I am playing Rapunzel and kids bring up Disney World, I have this story I get into that goes something like this. "Can you tell Mickey Mouse to please put in a Tangled ride at Disney? We were so excited when he told us that he was building something for us at the Magic Kingdom that EVERYONE would visit. I thought, this is gonna be the BEST RIDE EVER! Then we went to the grand opening and it was... BATHROOMS!"

This always gets a tremendous laugh from nearby parents, which I choose to believe is due to my witty delivery and not because all the moms usually begin drinking hours prior.

ONCE AGAIN, I tried to complete Man's Most Difficult Task: finding the Hidden Pascals. Ladies and gentlemen, this game is rigged!!! It is NOT as easy as finding Hidden Mickeys. These Pascals are HIDDEN.

Someone told me that they may have removed a few of them, which seems unlikely but also makes sense because I could not find a single chameleon! Now... I think, eventually, on this trip I may have found ONE, which is ridiculous because there are apparently seven. I can understand if a few of them are super super hidden, but shouldn't there be a couple easy ones for little children, and um, me? Because what's the point if it's this hard?! I think they should throw in some easy ones for those of us who canceled their Highlights subscription years ago.

My home:

Next, I visited the place that boasts not only my favorite quote at Walt Disney World, but one of my favorite quotes of all time. I've mentioned it a lot in the past... anyone know where I went?​

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I think you are awakening a very quiet dormant little Disney fan who had such a deep love for these parks. I still do, but I don't appreciate them enough. Your energy about your first moments in MK in 3 years and everything you did just warmed my heart so much. It's been a minute since I've had that, especially having worked there. Some days I'd just show up and lay in the hub grass or in the train station and that was it. No plan, I just needed a nap and that was the most convenient place. While you have a whole layout for trying new park slushies. I live for it.

You are so right about PhilharMagic. There is just something uniquely spectacular and youthful about it. It is quintessential Disney. I never appreciated it when I was younger, but now when I do it, I always leave with a smile. I might be entering my mid-20s, but Donald butt still makes me laugh.

I've heard rumors about the Pascals being removed, but nothing official so I'm assuming they are there and people just got bitter about not finding any. I know I've found like two in all the time I've spent over there.

My guess on your favorite quote would be about finding it "delightfully unlivable."

 

[__disneygirl]

I think you are awakening a very quiet dormant little Disney fan who had such a deep love for these parks. I still do, but I don't appreciate them enough. Your energy about your first moments in MK in 3 years and everything you did just warmed my heart so much. It's been a minute since I've had that, especially having worked there. Some days I'd just show up and lay in the hub grass or in the train station and that was it. No plan, I just needed a nap and that was the most convenient place. While you have a whole layout for trying new park slushies. I live for it.

You are so right about PhilharMagic. There is just something uniquely spectacular and youthful about it. It is quintessential Disney. I never appreciated it when I was younger, but now when I do it, I always leave with a smile. I might be entering my mid-20s, but Donald butt still makes me laugh.

I've heard rumors about the Pascals being removed, but nothing official so I'm assuming they are there and people just got bitter about not finding any. I know I've found like two in all the time I've spent over there.

My guess on your favorite quote would be about finding it "delightfully unlivable."

Okay FIRST OF ALL I really appreciate you validating me on the whole Hidden Pascals thing because I was thinking maybe people would reply and be like "actually I found all 89 of the Pascals" hahaha. It's hard!!!

I love how much you appreciate my Disneygoing but also, I envy you. Going to Magic Kingdom solely for a nap is pretty baller. I used to fantasize about doing stuff like that if I ever moved down!

You are very close on the delightfully unliveable... it's up there! But my actual favorite will be revealed soon.

 

[__disneygirl]

March 24, 2019
Day 1 Part 3 In Which I'm Queen of the King Suite​

Time for the wash cycle!!

I went on Splash Mountain because if I remember correctly, a Fastpass popped up at the last second just like the Be Our Guest reservation!!! I knew the pixie dust would be in full effect once I returned to WDW.

Here is my favorite quote in all of Disney:

I've written about it before in my reports. Since I was a child, I totally got it and it has always captivated me. This quote applies to so many things in life as well as being a blanket statement about human beings in general. It's also just what makes Disney Disney to me, the details.

I really love the Splash dump shop for some unknown magical Disney reason, I feel the nicest vibe in there. I was so excited because they had a Fox from Fox and the Hound plush!!! I haven't seen that movie in maybe 20 years but oh my it used to pull on my heartstrings so hard. There's a movie I need to throw on Disney+ one of these days.

It was truly a beautiful day.

If you need furs or traps, look no further!

I headed over to Storybook Circus next as I needed to take in Disney's least accurate smell.

I re-watched Dumbo prior to this trip for the first time in years and really enjoyed it. I also saw the live action Tim Burton film after I came home. The original is definitely the best, but I appreciated the re-imagined version as well. The story of Dumbo is just timeless and similar to my girl Elsa: the thing you think makes you stand out in a negative way is usually the key to your happiness & destiny. It's such a great message.

I thought this was one of the cutest stuffed animals i'd ever seen!

AhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhHHHHHhhh the smell of Storybook Treats. I say it's Disney's least accurate smell because I assume the sugary aroma doesn't quite match the actual smells of under the Big Top. I was going to maybe get a treat, but the line was super duper long, so I went on Dumbo!

What a wonderful feeling to experience another attraction that is just so DISNEY on my first day back!

I received the message that my room was ready, so I said adios for now to MK and gleefully headed back to Coronado.

As I walked to the room, I realized it was very close to El Centro, aka the center/main area of the resort, so I figured that was why the CM had been enthusiastic about me waiting for that specific room to be available.

I walked in the room and realized there was no bed, there was simply a couch in front of the TV. Oh okay... the couch must be a pullout. And that's our bed? I was kinda looking forward to a real hotel bed... but hey i'm in Disney so whatev--WAIT. Is that an open door?

Why yes.

I've compiled this video of Snapchat posts to help tell the story so watch below!

WE WERE UPGRADED TO A SUITE WITH A BEDROOM (KING BED!!!!!!!!), LIVING ROOM, AND TWO BATHROOMS!

I called Jess so I could thank her for scoring us the best room ever by screaming and rupturing her eardrums. It turned out that she had no idea what I was talking about!

She insisted she didn't do anything or request any kind of room, which means Disney just upgraded us for absolutely no reason! They didn't even really tell me, either, which is strange because usually I've heard the CM will specify that you're getting an upgrade. Though they had mentioned at the Front Desk that it was a nice room, this was a total surprise!

I'm about to get meta on you all... guess what Jess said about this incredibly magical moment?

@capriamoon: “The disboards fans will love this moment of the trip report!” - @JessicaFaye508

I was in Heaven!!! I don't think I've ever stayed in a hotel room with an actual separate living room. It felt so luxurious, and even better since 1. It was an amazing surprise for my triumphant Disney return 2. I paid nowhere near the price it actually costs! After doing some research I actually learned that there aren't many of these suites and they often book up quickly, so we basically got crazy lucky with someone canceling last minute or something like that. I was extremely grateful!

I was also glad I didn't get a snack at MK, as Cafe Rix has some of the most delicious looking cakes and pastry imaginable. And with my fancy room and it's fabulous location, I was able to quickly walk over and get a coffee and strawberry cake.

This was SO GOOD!!!!!! I swear you enjoy even just walking by the display of desserts, that's how good they taste.

Of course, when I got back to the room, I found SOMEONE lounging on my bed.

He always does this.

Of course, I couldn't go back to Walt Disney World without bringing my ultimate trip buddy, Hula Timon. He, however, was very unfazed by the decadent suite we had been lucky enough to get.

He's used to it. He does know the king of the jungle, after all!

I told Hula Timon he NEEDED to move over so I could fall into the squishy bed and rest a bit before my nighttime adventures!

@capriamoon: I’m just kicking back eating cake, watching Stace with my cooling aloe face mask on in our SUITE. Since Disney upgraded us for no reason other than we have THE MAGIC

It had already been such a pixie dusted trip, and we weren't even 24 hours in!​

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Oh my gosh, wow I'm dumb. I thought you were going on Haunted Mansion that's why I guessed the Haunted Mansion quote. Wow, I'm really really dumb. But anyways, I love that quote. As much as I have... for lack of a better word, uncomf feelings towards Song of the South, as one should, that is such a good quote and one that is a strong reminder that life is full of hardships, but it's better to face them than run from them.

Also, I never even realized that was Todd in that gift shop. Wow. I love Fox and the Hound, I'm definitely due a re-watch too. We love a movie that gives one a good cry and for me, "Goodbye May Seem Forever" is the most heartbreaking scene in any film ever. I don't know who came up with that scene or how they filmed it, but they need to pay for my therapy.

That is A GAG! What an upgrade! My first trip ever I stayed in a two bedroom villa, very similar to a sweet, and it wasn't even nearly as big as this. Also, I was with my whole family so I ended up on two couch chairs for my bed and my sisters had to figure themselves out in the rest of the living room while my parents got the King bed. We also only had one bathroom. If it were me, I would've LIVED to have had that to myself. Also, yes "Rich people are crazy." LMAOOOO

Yes Jess come through with the meta quote! We will never escape the DIS truly.

AND HULA TIMON!!! What a legend. So glad to have this icon back. I'm sad to hear he didn't get a face mask. Something to note for next time. Self-care is important even for someone as self-actualized as Hula Timon.

Can't wait to hear about your nighttime adventures! I'm sure everything just got better from this.

 

[DLo]

Wow nice upgrade ! Looks like a good start to your trip.

 

[__disneygirl]

Oh my gosh, wow I'm dumb. I thought you were going on Haunted Mansion that's why I guessed the Haunted Mansion quote. Wow, I'm really really dumb. But anyways, I love that quote. As much as I have... for lack of a better word, uncomf feelings towards Song of the South, as one should, that is such a good quote and one that is a strong reminder that life is full of hardships, but it's better to face them than run from them.

Also, I never even realized that was Todd in that gift shop. Wow. I love Fox and the Hound, I'm definitely due a re-watch too. We love a movie that gives one a good cry and for me, "Goodbye May Seem Forever" is the most heartbreaking scene in any film ever. I don't know who came up with that scene or how they filmed it, but they need to pay for my therapy.

That is A GAG! What an upgrade! My first trip ever I stayed in a two bedroom villa, very similar to a sweet, and it wasn't even nearly as big as this. Also, I was with my whole family so I ended up on two couch chairs for my bed and my sisters had to figure themselves out in the rest of the living room while my parents got the King bed. We also only had one bathroom. If it were me, I would've LIVED to have had that to myself. Also, yes "Rich people are crazy." LMAOOOO

Yes Jess come through with the meta quote! We will never escape the DIS truly.

AND HULA TIMON!!! What a legend. So glad to have this icon back. I'm sad to hear he didn't get a face mask. Something to note for next time. Self-care is important even for someone as self-actualized as Hula Timon.

Can't wait to hear about your nighttime adventures! I'm sure everything just got better from this.

You're not dumb! Haunted Mansion would have been super on brand for me!

Aww I forgot his name was Todd!!! Good catch. But heck yes on the therapy from that movie hahaha

Wow I'm really surprised my room was bigger than your villa!!

I'm so happy someone here remembers the king Hula Timon... thanks for dragging me on the lack of face mask for him

Wow nice upgrade ! Looks like a good start to your trip.

It was amazing!!! Thanks for reading

 

[__disneygirl]

March 24, 2019
Day 1, Part 4 In Which I Walk Around in A Daze Saying "Tarnation!"

After some solid rest and relaxation in bed with Hula Timon & cake (could there be anything better?), I freshened up a bit and got ready to go back out to the parks.

I have to say, I could get used to having that large of a room! At first I was like, wow, this is so much space... but I actually think it was perfect. It really felt special, like a real vacation. Gina was coming later in the week, and I texted her to demand she come immediately to enjoy the room (I think we were only at Coronado the first 2 or 3 nights?), plus encouraging Jess to stay that night even though she was going to be back from work super late and still needed to pack/prepare. I was also texting other friends I knew in Orlando and telling them I couldn't possibly enjoy this room by myself, but no one was really committing to coming over so I was like:

It was all good though, the room was clearly meant for my sole enjoyment, plus I needed quality Hula Timon time... he's really nasty when he gets jealous.

P.S... I joined TikTok! I will most likely have some princess stuff on there so I feel it's on brand with this TR! It's such a fun platform to be silly on, i've been laughing all day. My name on there is @liarussonyc if you want to follow me.

Off I went to Hollywood Studios!!!

This has always not-so-secretly been my favorite park. I love all of the parks so much that I was always apprehensive to pick one, but there is extensive evidence that Studios is my fave. I think because I am so connected to the showbiz world, it's just a really specific part of magic that makes my heart explode.

I am going to post a video of my snaps walking into the park because 1. It includes an important rant and 2. I was just soooo happppppy! Even just walking into the park alone is a wonderful memory.

More evidence that Studios is my favorite: I become indignant every time they remove something whereas with the other parks I can just be like, "Things change, Walt said the parks were never complete, etc."

I was INSANELY excited to see Toy Story Land, so I walked straight there. Yes, I had never seen it before!!!!!! I am a huge Toy Story fan, so really I absolutely could not WAIT to experience it.

By "I walked straight there" I meant, first I posed for a photo.

It's funny, I normally know Disney so well, but I didn't know exactly where to go. I knew it was in the former Pixar Place area so I figured I'd head that way and hopefully end up there!

TARNATION!

You guys, I really really loved it. Tarnation is truly an accurate reaction.

As you can see, I also went at the exact perfect time. It is extra stunning at Dusk. Please, next time, time your day around walking through here at dusk. There is just something about all the bright colors against the darkening sky that feels so perfect.

Every step I took was truly more magical than the next. I was madly in love with every sight, sound, and smell that surrounded me.

I think sometimes I'm needlessly wordy, so I'm just going to keep this short and sweet: they did an exceedingly wonderful job with Toy Story Land and I truly felt like a child again walking through. I spent quite a lot of time there during these 3 comeback trips and I will do the same in the future.

"I can't stop Andy from growing up, but I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

I just felt so lucky... it was absolutely worth the wait.

The lines were very long, and I had no Fastpasses, so I simply walked through and hung out for awhile, just enjoying Andy's backyard atmosphere.

For some reason, Toy Story makes me extra emotional. Not just because of the third film, either. They really did a great job of capturing childhood wonder and joy in the series and I feel that is totally represented not only in Toy Story Land as a while but especially in Toy Story Mania and also in the Andy's Room section of All Star Movies.

I did more wandering around the entire park. I think I just wanted to look at everything. There is just nothing like the Hollywood that never was and always will be. Did you know that's where my TR title came from?

If you know me, you know this is my all-time favorite attraction!

I always feel such a sense of relief when the screams come into earshot.

It wasn't time to go on quite yet though, as I had a date with one of my favorite shows!!!

I found a great seat.

I knew I had to see Fantasmic! right away. If you remember my old reports, you may know that Jess & I, and maybe to a lesser extent (but still pretty enthusiastically) Gina & Lee-Anne, used to go absolutely buckwild while watching this show. It's where we truly let our Disney freak flag fly, screaming at the top of our lungs for each character like the Beatles were floating by on one of the barges. It will always be one of the top things that just reminds me of pure, utter, ridiculous Disney Joy.

​

 

[__disneygirl]

March 24, 2019
Day 1 Part 5 In Which There Is A Painfully Small Amount Of Sleeping in Disney

That round of good, old fashioned Fant really was one of the best moments of the trip. I think that's when it really hit me that I was in Disney again. I knew the breakdown was coming, so I was prepared to cry, and boy did I! It was a very needed ohmyGodlifeissoamazing AND I'M BACK IN DISNEY and so many things have happened since I was last here that make me feel more complete as a human and therefore I'm able to enjoy-this-even-more cry though, so it's all good.

You know what isn't all good? The lack of the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake and many other of my dear Hollywood resident friends.

I went back to the scene of the death to pay my respects and mourn.

I personally feel like it's incredibly rude to keep the Starring Rolls umbrellas while not actually having Starring Rolls. WHAT A TEASE! I am hoping they kept these because they plan on reopening... a pipe dream.

After many tears, the park was closing soon so I just walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere and shops.

I regret not buying these ears. I love the black and gold!

On the way home, Hula Timon was once again happy to not have to share space with anyone else.

In addition to having an aroma that lacks a certain appeal, Pumbaa is normally all up in his business, so I think Timon really appreciates the time away from him.

It was quiet and lovely at Coronado Springs.

Panchito's was still open, so I checked it out and FOUND A PIN OF HULA TIMON!!!!!!!!!!

Honestly, in general Panchito's is a really good resort merchandise location... I feel like some of them just have a better selection/nicer stuff and this is one of them. I think that on our February trip Jess actually made a special trip there to get some Gran Destino Tower merch because they were really killing it with the new designs.

I really liked these Cinderella castle joggers, but I was trying to pace myself on buying stuff.

I'm not sure how things will be after Disney re-opens, but the past year, merch was FLYING off the shelves. I ended up having to track the pants down (and this was not the only instance of this happening the past year) so my former strategy of not impulse buying really doesn't work too well anymore cause girl if you want something you betta GRAB IT.

How cute is this pin of my main girl??

They also had some of these wood carvings I thought were only found at the Mexico pavilion, but of course it makes sense they would sell them here too.

A nice CM gave me some DVC stickers which is always a thrill even though I have no idea where to even put them but in the moment it's like FREE STICKERS!!!!!!!!!!!

You may have noticed that I hadn't actually eaten since lunch at Be Our Guest! I was too busy being boujie in my fancy room to worry about actual meals. I really wanted by beloved Wolfgang Puck Express, so I actually considered going from Hollywood to Disney Springs to eat.

However, because I had the most awesomest room ever, I decided to get food at Coronado and enjoy that.

Like at most resort counter services, the former Pepper Market (I already forgot the new name) menu became a bit limited at night but it was all good because they still had rice bowls, so I grabbed a chicken one. I also noticed on the sides menu, they had seasoned fries and those sounded SO good.

The food hit the spot!!! In my experience, Disney does Mexican/TexMex pretty well and I thought it was flavorful. I would have thought late night eating at Disney meant just some lame pizza or something, so I'm really happy they have this option.

I did end up having a friend come over who was down in Orlando visiting his family. We just hung out watching Stace (it wasn't his first time visiting me in Disney, so he knew the "no other channels or TV programming exist when Stacey is present" rule) and caught up... until 2:30am. Which was so fun, especially in my super cool suite!! But that meant by the time he left and I went to bed, I had been up for 24 hours and I had to get up at 6:30AM.

Now, this isn't an unusual occurrence or anything. Don't you remember Jess's iconic "THERE'S NO SLEEPING IN DISNEY!" report? However... it had been a few years since my past "no sleeping in Disney" days, and my body was aching. I didn't know if I would be able to get up so early still, but we had big plans, so I had to get my tiny bit of sleeping in Disney in!

At some point, I thought I might do video updates of my trips, though this idea went south quickly when I, um, stopped doing it completely after the first night. However, I did have some random footage of this first night, so here ya go!

Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better first day in my second home. Though I missed my friends, it kind of worked out that they couldn't be with me on this day. This would sound super insane to those who don't "get" the Disney thing, but it kinda makes sense that I would be "alone with Disney" to get reacquainted. I realize how weird that sounds... but I'm an only child and I've always spent solo time in the parks. It really makes me feel calm and centered. I got to do so many of my favorite things on this first day and on top of that, the room upgrade was just unbelievable! I rested my head on the pillow that night completely fulfilled with joy, especially because of what I wrote about leading up to this trip. I was now content in life, which allowed me to be even more content in Disney. Oh, it was like a dream... a magical dream come true.

UP NEXT: Considering what my job is, you'd think I'd want a bit of a break from Rapunzel..... but no.​

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Your love for Studios is making me so emotional. I miss my home park and I agree, Great Movie Ride HURT. It was the last ride I did at Studios a few months prior to the announcement and that was a truly rip my heart out moment. People would get so mad at me about it but like... I really liked it and yes I came around to "Things must change" and Mickey & Minnie's is cute but... GMR forever. She is irreplaceable. Also, really wish I had gotten Starring Rolls before it shut down, one of my biggest regrets, but I hope that maybe you found solace in Woody's Lunch Box and eventually Ronto Roasters. Easily two of my favorite QSs on property.

Up until 2:30am catching up with a friend in a massive Disney resort suite sounds like A DREAM. Granted that's a dream anymore but extra dreamy in such a magical place. I'm so glad to hear your trip started off so great. I cannot wait to see how the rest of your return goes! :goovibes