Well, didn’t that get the other folks all fussed up.
The loud, obnoxious group of women at the front of the regular line actually starting yelling. I kid you not. “HEY, WE’VE BEEN STANDING HERE FOR ALMOST AN HOUR! WE WERE FIRST! WHY SHOULD THEY BE ABLE TO WALK RIGHT UP TO THE COUNTER?”. A guest services agent immediately came over and tried to calmly explain that we were Diamond Lane guests and as such, were entitled to use the dedicated Diamond Lane check-in line. Well, that just accelerated their yelling and I seriously thought there might be a brawl. “OOOOHHH, DIAMOND LANE [insert snooty mocking tone here]. THAT DOESN'T MAKE THEM ANY MORE DAMN SPECIAL THAN WE ARE. WE WERE FIRST! THIS IS RIDICULOUS! WE DEMAND TO BE NEXT!”.
Oh, it was awkward. Never in my life have I witnessed such horrible guest behavior. I think that the guest services team also feared that things might get physical because a few extra staff were called from the back and they quickly took care of the loud, nasty ladies and their entourages of spouses and children. It burned my britches a bit that their shameful actions yielded them the immediate, personal service that they seemed to feel they deserved (I hate, hate, HATE to see poor behavior rewarded
….but oh well) but I could see why the Vistana staff wanted to stop things before they got worse. We just prayed that they were assigned to a different section of the resort than we were: if they acted this immature in the check-out line, can you see what kind of guests they would be a the pool?
The Diamond Lane attendant apologized sincerely and profusely. She felt bad for the spectacle, and it showed. She further apologized that our villa was not yet ready (as we knew before arriving, we were well ahead of the customary 4 pm check in time) but promised to text us as soon as the room was prepared.
Those same people were still at the check-in desk as we made our way back through the Welcome Center and to the parking lot, and made a point of turning to mutter a few loud rude remarks at us as we passed by. We ignored them, of course, but could not believe they were STILL feeling the need to be nasty, all because of the check-in process. Sometimes, the human race can be very disappointing.
Snow White was so gentle and sweet, though, and she took those little faces in her hands and spoke softly to them, and had them chatting with her as soon as they were able to find their voices. It was one of the most relaxing, peaceful Disney character meets that I had ever witnessed: completely unrushed and so very perfect for their first character interaction ever.
Bless her heart, Snow White [while seemingly engrossed in her time with the two girls] had fully noticed little Johan clinging to his dad’s hand on the sideline with his frowny face staring downward to the floor. After spending a wonderful amount of time with his sisters, she quietly tiptoed over, got down to his level, and quietly inquired “Well hello, little Prince. What is your name?”.
Snow White has magical powers. She somehow, in her own non-invasive way, managed to break through the five-year-old grumpies and was soon the recipient of high-fives while she gushed about his strong muscles. Lisa, who had originally been heartbroken that he wouldn’t take part in the experience (and that there would be no evidence of his presence in the photos that were being taken), stood quietly to the side with her eyes filled with tears. Photopass was capturing the whole thing and she would have precious memories of this moment for ALL of her kids, after all
.
Entitled people make me irate. Of course me yelling back at them that any idiot could have looked it up ahead of time and made an online request, and if their entitled mouthy butts had bothered to do any reading (provided that they were capable), they'd know that...well that probably wouldn't help much.
I also have a wonderfully level headed husband who would mutter "NO!" at me if I started to open my mouth. He knows.
I hope the stress and worry melted away quickly. People like that are their own karma.. they have to walk around life feeling like the whole world is out to get them. I can't imagine they are too happy or laid back. Personally I can only imagine that little scenario played out several more times if they visited any theme parks. Good freaking luck in Orlando if you're too precious to stand in a line and act like an adult.
The pics of the kidlets with SnowWhite are lovely!! I miss seeing those little smiling faces when they saw characters. Mind you, my son used to loudly and embarrassingly yell YUCK!! every time he saw a princess. You were never going to get him in a picture with one. Funnily enough he turned 13 today ... when I suggested a princess meal for the upcoming Disney trip he said Sure!. My how things have changed. Girls aren't so yucky anymore.
. It's so nice when a birthday falls on a weekend!
.Your kitties are so adorable. I adore Maine Coon cats. My 13-year-old is BEGGING us to get a cat, and she may be slowly wearing us down
Sorry the folks at check-in acted like such jerks. It's never a comfortable thing to watch a full-grown adult throw a toddler meltdown in public.
Hmmm...I wonder if you are going to Twistee Treat Lake Buena Vista? If so, that our absolute favorite treat in Orlando! I don't even want to admit how many times we usually stop there on a week-long vacation! The family that owns Twistee Treat LBV also owns a shop called Ginther's Swirls near Sea World. They sell all the same ice cream. We love their prices (and my hubby loves their peanut butter dipped ice cream cones!)
Gina, I have that Minion's blanket too
We got a couple of photopass pics done, aside from with Santa since he's obviously seasonal. The Coke bear meets at the Coke store. When you use photopass it has a digital background. The bear can also open and close his mouth.
We also found a photopass person near a fountain in the new section and got a few nice photos, including one with a Disney Springs frame. We always kept our eyes open for them but that was the only one we saw out, but they can be found sometimes.
. I am guaranteed a kitten snuggle when I bring it out at night. It is so soft, it's almost like its made of kitten fur!.
That's great news! We both can't wait to say hello in person! 
. Such a fun memory. Excited for a twistee treat update...one of my Orlando favorites thanks to you
Yes, the draft was on then.
.. Thanks for your patience! Hey there!! Thank you so much for the kind complimentsOhmygoodness, how have I missed this entire report!? I love a Gina TR!
Guess I have a lot of reading to catch up on. There goes my Sunday...!
, and a big 
to the thread! So glad you've found us and decided to join in again! I hope you managed to get through all 20 pages in your leisure time yesterday. We're only half way through so far......so there's still lots more to come .. It was such a great idea, and so very well received (judging by the feedback from other guests on our visit), so I'm surprise it wasn't extended into a more permanent fixture.Finally all caught up!!!!!! I just want to snuggle up Dash and V. I love them even if I haven't met them! Also your crispy kremes are making me crave one
. I've missed having you here!!
. I'm glad the pictures captured some of the 'feel' of the exhibit, because my description of it was woefully lacking at times. It's hard to put that feeling into words.I dissappeared again...but I'm back. I can't believe that people reacted like that at check in. I would have been very upset. What an example they are setting for their children. They were probably the ones yelling later in the week at children to be patient in ride lines. I'm glad you didn't let it damper your day. I just wish people would realize it isn't worth sweating the small stuff. Your Disney Spring visit looks like alot of fun, I was pretty intrigued by the idea of a fun character meet there, I'm sad it wasn't offered longer. I understand that they want to get people in the parks but surely the draw of a character meet would get people in the store and the wait would cause some impulse purchases for them...bummer. Glad little guy warmed up to Snow White. My little guys highlight was dancing with Minnie his cheeks turned five shades red and immediately asked if I got a picture..I didn't
. Yikes.
. It was a hot afternoon so the perfect time for a cool-off at Twistee Treat . Joe and Lisa followed us the short distance to the Lake Buena Vista location, which is harder than it sounds amidst the afternoon traffic around the Disney Springs area, so we were grateful the travel distance was minimal.
(and we cleared that with their momma and daddy in advance, of course.....while we like to spoil them when we have the opportunity, we like to do so within the comfort zone of their parents). With so many choices (sundaes, malts, shakes, twirls, cones, and specialty creations….then dozens of toppings and mix-ins to make the decisions REALLY hard!) and seven people, it took us a while to narrow down our fairly extensive order. We invited the smaller groups who wandered in to go ahead and be served before us….no sense in making them wait while our crew was tended to.
: in fact, they seemed totally flustered to have seven items ordered at once, and quite annoyed by our larger party. That said, the ice cream was (as usual) fantastic: while it normally would have been great to eat it outside in the glorious Florida sun, we all opted to sit down at two empty tables inside to enjoy our selections in air-conditioned comfort. In the heat of the day, it’s worth foregoing fresh air for cool relief.
. Heaven in a bowl. And this monster was only a medium: I can't even fathom the size of a large.
.... these pics were all taken after the sun went down].
. With all the sweet treats and culinary indulgences that we enjoy on our trips, the extra opportunity to work off a few of those calories would be nothing but beneficial . 
The ice creams sure went down a treat! They are such good value for money.
I too love the space of a condo or villa with a kitchen, although we have stayed on site previously and done split stays I do like the convenience and room of a 2 or 3 bedroom place. Of course, this time you had enough room for the nieces and nephew to stay with aunty and uncle
Looking forward to Discovery Cove
. 
