♥ ♥ A Wish Granted - One Magical Morning ♥ Photopass PICS! ♥ 10/12

[maroo]

This is one trip report no one will want to miss...

It will be relatively short - covering just a few hours in the life of a little boy!

His dream was granted - and so much more!

Meet Lucas:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1585-1.jpg



Lucas wished to go to Disney World with his family and his wish was granted this week! In fact, they are still in Disney World - and so am I!

But I just can not wait to tell you guys about a very magical morning.

This is our placeholder...

We still need to get home from Disney - sort through 2 digital cameras, 4 Photopass cards, a little bit of video - so we can tell you about his wish - and how Disney granted it!

I simply can't wait!

Are you in? If so - please post, please tell your friends, and we will get this party started as soon as possible!


Who in the world is Maroo? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33525797&postcount=52)
Lucas, his family and his WISH! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33526090&postcount=54)
The Steam Train Engineer and a REAL Spike! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33536896&postcount=68)
Our Hero is No Longer Anonymous! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33546510&postcount=83)
A COMPLETELY Empty Main Street! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33549727&postcount=91)
Lucas talks Trains! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33558147&postcount=122)
A Dream is a WISH your heart makes! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33562111&postcount=136)
A Whirlwind Tour and a BIG Surprise! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33571579&postcount=167)
The Family of the Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33586553&postcount=212)
So, you want to HEAR the story? Maroo on a Podcast! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33664974&postcount=267)
Some MASSIVE Pixie Dust! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33753251&postcount=285)
Opening Ceremony - from a DISer Perspective (make that THREE DISers!) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33834564&postcount=312)
Photopass Pictures! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33919213&postcount=326)

[TarzansKat]

I'm in and I'm DANG excited!!!! :yay::yay::yay:

[that's nice]

Patiently waiting to hear all about it!!!!!!!!!!popcorn::

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I can't wait to read all about it.

:surfweb:

[MRYPPNS]

I'm in :cool1:

[ennisb]

I'm in ready for some good words from you

[StefaniLyn]

:surfweb: eagerly awaiting your return so I can hear all the magical details!:wizard: and subbing so I can read all about it asap!

[CDSTapisRouge]

Oh you know I am on the edge of my seat! I CAN NOT WAIT to hear...and see pics!:banana:

[GreatBiscuit]

I'm all checked in. Just waiting on the luggage to arrive.

popcorn::

[VroomVroomLightning]

I am sooo here! I am soo exicted to here about Lucas's trip!!

[Ashton]

I'm in!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!!:woohoo:

[Lil Bo Peep]

popcorn::

[eandesmom]

I'm in!

[JPFamilyMom]

impatiently errr patiently awaiting your return:rolleyes1:rotfl:

read some of what you wrote on facebook, so think I have an idea, but could be totally wrong.

Can't wait for your return, you are certainly missed on many threads :)

[wkualum]

I'm in too! whatever it is makes me VERY happy!!!

:love:

[MagicMomentsMom]

I can't wait to hear all about it! Hope you're having a fantastic time!

[jenb1023]

I know most of the story but I still can't wait for the TR!!!

[Corrine 1973]

Can't wait!!!

[Lady SnowElla]

I can't wait to hear all about it.

[ashleykinkade]

can't wait to hear all about it!!!

[All7OfUs]

Of course, we are all here and waiting!!

[Rebecuberduber]

Count me in!

[mousebymarriage]

I'm in! I can't wait to read all about the trip and see some pics!popcorn::

[Tink rules]

I'm here!!! :goodvibes

[Backstage_Gal]

Signing on!

[Sandy321]

:rolleyes1

popcorn::
just waiting!

[celerystalker]

Thanks to sandy for telling me about the thread. I'm in!

[lauren_elizabeth]

Awwww! :goodvibes I'm definitely in for this one!

[Pollito916]

Can't wait to hear all about it! :goodvibes

*getting tissues ready*

[purpletiger]

:surfweb: Here

[lillylynnb]

:surfweb:

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

I'm in

:wizard:

[nicolemomof4cuties]

:thumbsup2

[cajunfan]

I read your tweets! I am ready for DETAILS NOW!!!

I never ever claimed to be patient! :goodvibes

Lynn

[that's nice]

Maroo... OHHHH MAROOOOOOOO!!!!

3 pages of people dying to hear what happened... You must be having too much fun in the World!!!!:yay:

[shannn]

I'm in and I've got my tissues at the ready!

[jkCT]

I can't wait to hear all about it! :wave2:

[maroo]

First of all....

WOW guys! 3 pages? :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2


I'm in and I've got my tissues at the ready!

Tissues will be a very good idea! ;)



I am now home. Just got in. I have been working on uploading my pictures. Over 1500 from this trip with my camera alone (not counting photopass)... :laughing:!

But I do have pictures to at least start this story and I promise not to drag this out!

I can not wait to tell you guys all about it!!!!

[StefaniLyn]

:surfweb: so, um, like are we talking just mere minutes . . . or would I be better off getting some shuteye? :laughing: Seriously, the suspense is killing me.

[maroo]

Oh goodness!! :hug:

Go to sleep!

Tomorrow I should be able to post at least an introduction worth reading!

I really want to be able to get the pictures from Lucas' family - which could take a few days...But I hope to start on at least the background about how this even was able to happen at all by tomorrow sometime!!

[JPFamilyMom]

Oh goodness!! :hug:

Go to sleep!

Tomorrow I should be able to post at least an introduction worth reading!

I really want to be able to get the pictures from Lucas' family - which could take a few days...But I hope to start on at least the background about how this even was able to happen at all by tomorrow sometime!!

:banana::banana: Well I am very anxious, but I'll have more time over the weekend to read, so if it took you a couple days I could let it slide this time ;):rotfl2:

popcorn::

[StefaniLyn]

:banana::banana: Well I am very anxious, but I'll have more time over the weekend to read, so if it took you a couple days I could let it slide this time ;):rotfl2:

popcorn::

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo o!

[AshClan]

:wave2: I'm in too! Can't wait!!

[Fairy Godnana]

I'm in!! Been lurking for a while, but love the your wish trip reports!!!

[RobinHoodGirl]

Sounds like this will be a great story! I'm in :)

[teekee2]

I'm in!! Been lurking for a while, but love the your wish trip reports!!!

I too have been lurking and am in and anxiously awaiting to hear about the trip!!:thumbsup2

[thesaurinis]

waiting to read more.:thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

I'm here, a bit late, but here. :)

[cajunfan]

Do we have a "impatiently tapping foot" smilie? :rolleyes1

Can't wait to hear all about it! Are we having to wait until after they get home tomorrow? :scared1:

Lynn;)

[maroo]

I PROMISE...

I will have something posted tonight! To at least get us started on this little trip report!

And I am planning about 10 chapters...so this won't all roll out at once...I gotta do this one justice and make sure I spell everything right! :teacher:

Meanwhile...I am eating all of your popcorn!

popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

since I don't drink coffee.... ;)

[cajunfan]

Here is all the popcorn you could want...just keep writing!!! ;)

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[maroo]

First a little background...

And I promise - as soon as we can get started on the days events, I will! popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

But this should help explain how this day came together. :cloud9:


First, I should probably introduce myself - for those of you guys that don't know me. (SO sorry to those of you guys that have heard this story a million times!)

Some of you may be wondering why I am telling this story. Who IS this person???

I want to emphasize, that I am just reporting the story. I don't work for Make a Wish, Disney or Give Kids the World (although I would love to work for all three!)

I am just a regular person that was very, very fortunate to be able to participate, but it is not at all about me :guilty: – it is a story about a little boy’s courage and the kindness of many, many people! There are several people that will be highlighted in this story….and one, in particular, is anonymous. :cool2:

I am introducing myself first to get myself out of the way - because this story is not about me! :sad2: In fact...as you will soon learn...I hoped to literally be in the background the whole time and just recording a short tour for the family. :cool2:


I am maroo. AKA - Maroo. A few people in this world insist on calling me by my name, which is Mary. :laughing: But many of my friends in real life actually call me Maroo. ::yes::

I am single. No kids. I have a regular day job. My second "job" is taking care of Lauren and Rachel - two of my friends who happen to be disabled and need an extra hand every now and then. I get paid to help them. Which is a joke, because I would gladly pay for the opportunity - but it does fund my Disney addiction, so I will take it, I suppose. And I spend a LOT of time on the DIS!!! A lot. ::yes::

My friendship with Lauren enabled me to attend to her medical needs on her Make-a-Wish trip. I helped plan her trip, found the DIS, fell in love with Disney World, got addicted to the DIS, and now help other families plan their wish trips. (I love the DIS and what they do to help Wish Kids plan these special trips!)

Wish trips are hard to plan because they have limited time to see the parks, extra activities at Give Kids the World (a resort for Wish Kids that may just deserve a whole trip report), and park tickets to Disney, Sea World AND Universal. That is a LOT to fit in to just 5 full days. :eek:

It is a logic problem just to figure out what days are best for each park and fit in the GKTW parties, extra planned activities, etc. And, of course, consider each family’s extra needs when traveling with a special needs child. These are complicated trips.

And many of these families don't even have the time to plan their trips at all - their sick children require their time and attention that they may otherwise use to plan their once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

So, I try to help them plan. And that is how I got involved in this story...so, now that we have established that...let's move on to the FUN part!!


Click HERE to CONTINUE: Lucas, his family and his WISH! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33526090&postcount=54)

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Great Start~:surfweb:

[maroo]

Lucas, his Family and His WISH…


Let me introduce you to Lucas and his family. :woohoo: :yay:

You can check out his complete story on their pre-trip report - written by his Mom. You may notice that very little, if anything, was said about the plans for this wonderful morning - because a lot of it was last minute and a complete surprise to all of us.

Click HERE to read the PRE-Trip Report about their trip! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2169670)

Lucas is 7 years old (or 8????). His little brother is Alex! And he has two awesome parents!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1573.jpg

The short story is that Lucas has a disease called (Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis). LCH is disease caused by too many histiocytes, a type of white blood cell, that cluster together and destroy healthy tissues and organs such as skin, bone, lung, liver, eyes, ears, and the central nervous system.

The treatment for this disease includes chemotherapy that is normally used to treat cancer. Lucas has been on chemo a year - once a week for 52 weeks and will be on maintenance chemotherapy for a while. :sick:

Lucas has taken this all in stride. He is a very brave boy. While they normally sedate children his age for the scans and tests he regularly has to check the progress of his treatment – he “did some research” :teacher: and figured out what each test was for, how it was done, and decided he was not scared of the tests. He could do them without the medicine. :thumbsup2

He charms his chemo nurses. Always entertaining them with stories and making them laugh. His enthusiasm, even in the face of such a serious illness, is contagious. If you met him in the grocery store, you might not even know he was sick.

Don't be fooled by his full head of hair - his chemo does not cause his hair to fall out. (Thankfully! But I am telling you guys this because I used to think that all chemo made your hair fall out?) Lucas looks healthy – he can walk – even run. But he tires very easily (which is the purpose of the wheelchair in the parks!)



Lucas' wish was to "See the Steam Trains in Disney World." Lucas is a BIG steam train fan. He loves steam trains. He reads books about steam trains. He researches steam trains. He loves steam trains! So, when the Make a Wish folks came by and told him he was going to Disney World - his first thought was how excited he was going to be to learn about the steam trains!

Make a Wish tried to book the official Steam Train Tour for Lucas and his family and was told by Disney that the tour was restricted to children 10 and older. :sad1:

During the planning process, his Mom and I talked on the phone a few times. It was one of these first conversations that she explained that his original wish was to learn about the steam trains and go on a special tour, but then she explained why he could not go.

I told her, "Just tell them he is 10! They won't ever know?" :upsidedow I was so frustrated to think this little boy would not get his wish on a technicality. :headache:

His Mom was wisely not too excited about the thought of lying to Disney. :rolleyes1



I posted a thread on the DISboards Theme Park Board asking if anyone had been on the tour. :confused3 I was seeking information about the tour, why it may be restricted to adults and wanted to know if ID was required for the kids to prove they were indeed 10 years old.

A very, very kind DISer saw my post and PM’d me. :flower3: :hug: She was intimately familiar with the tour and had contacts in high places in the steam train world at Disney. She wrote some emails. Maybe made some phone calls? But SHE is the star of this story. She may come by later and introduce herself…or she may not. But she is the reason Lucas was able to see his wish fulfilled and I am forever grateful. And to say that his family will be forever grateful is an understatement!



The people she contacted at Disney contacted me and over the course of several weeks we worked out a time when they would be able to have their very own, private, steam train tour! :cool1: It would not be the full tour (as that tour is not currently being offered), but it would be guided by a REAL Steam Train Engineer!



Lucas was so excited about this! I was able to tell him the good news over the phone. And he was so cute….he was so excited and just goes on and on talking about the trains he loves (using words I don’t really understand – Lucas will be one fine engineer one day!) :teacher:



As a huge bonus – I was going to be at Disney the same time they would. After discussing it with Lucas and his Mom, I told Disney that I would be attending the tour as well, but not as a participant – as a photographer! I wanted his family to be able to just enjoy the tour and not see it from behind a camera lens. If I could hang out in the background and take pictures – it would help the family AND I would get the major bonus of actually seeing his wish granted. What an awesome moment!


So that is where this story begins….A Steam Train Tour is on the agenda.




But the week before we were set to travel to Disney – I received an email from Disney with a bit of extra information. First – they wanted us there at …..






6:30 AM! :scared1:



:faint:





Yes, I almost fainted! That is 5:30 AM Central Time – quite early!

They said they had some “extra” stuff planned and needed us there early! Can you guys be there that early???





Uh…let me think…. YES! We will see you guys at 6:30 in the morning at the Magic Kingdom gates!



Click here for the next chapter: The Steam Train Engineer and a REAL Spike! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33536896&postcount=68)

[Rebecuberduber]

Wow, this is awesome. God bless your persistence in orchestrating his wish!! I'm so happy they had your help in this and that you didn't give up! I can't wait to hear what happens!! :jumping1:

[cajunfan]

YEAH!!! A Start to the story! I can't wait to see how you get to MK at 6:30 am! I had to be behind the TTC before the start of the marathon one year (voluntearing!) and had a hard time with that!!

Lynn

[MRYPPNS]

I have goosebumps just thinking about what Disney could have in store for Lucas at 630am!

popcorn::

[that's nice]

What a great start!!! I already have chills reading this! I cannot wait to hear more!!!!:goodvibes

BTW welcome back Maroo!!!!

[Dani C]

I am so glad they chose to grant this special wish. Thank you maroo for the report and also for helping Lucas and his family with the photos.

[AnneR]

Maroo -

I'm in. The tears are flowing just from your introduction. How wonderful for Lucas to get his wish.

Keep it coming.[/COLOR][/COLOR]

[wkualum]

In what seems like a horrible world sometimes, this type of wish goes to show how truly great this place is. :love:

Can't wait to read more!!

[Corrine 1973]

What a great start. I can't wait to hear more!!!

[StefaniLyn]

How wonderful of you to volunteer to photograph the event for the family Maroo. I know what it's like to be watching the event unfold from behind a camera lens and I'm sure it was an extra special treat for mom (or is the regular photogrphaer dad?) to be able to emerge and enjoy the moment knowing every second would be recorded for her. Bless you!

I can't wait to read more!!!:surfweb:

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm in and can't wait for more!

[jenb1023]

I can't believe I missed the start of this!

Love it so far! What special people your mystery helper and you are to get this all arranged for him! I wish I could have been there to see everything but I am sure you will tell us about every moment and will show us lots of photos so it feels like we were there.

[cajunfan]

I really am waiting...uhmmm...working on this patience stuff...
;)

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::



Lynn

[All7OfUs]

Wonderful start so far. Yeah, I agree 6:30 is way early, but with what's in store for you, 6:30 is nothing!!

[maroo]

One of the first questions I asked the Disney manager was, “How do we handle transportation to get to the MK that early? Are the monorails even running?” His answer was…Sure!

We were afraid the monorails would not be running quite that early, so we opted to beg the Contemporary Resort guard to allow the family to park there for the morning and walk to the Magic Kingdom. I was at Disney with my friend who had a car, so she just dropped me off at the MK gates (yes, we used the bus lane! :ssst: :tiptoe:)

The CM at the Contemporary was more than happy to allow Lucas and his family to park there! In fact, I think Lucas’ Mom will have to provide the details of that encounter, because I believe it was a magical moment of its own! :thumbsup2

We all met for the first time outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom. It was dark. And no one was around! Pretty cool! :cool2:

I love meeting our Make a Wish families! It is so fulfilling to see the families in person! The DIS has been so instrumental in bringing people together. I have met life long friends on this board. :hug:

And now a wish granted – simply because some people, who have never met in real life, care enough to interrupt their daily “real” life to help the “virtual” lives on the DIS. These certainly are real people. Virtual or not. This is not just “some internet forum” – this is a place where life-long friendships are formed and now wishes are granted. pixiedust:

But back to the wish!

It was not 5 minutes before Kent from Main Street Operations and Ed (THE Disney Steam Train Engineer) came out to greet all of us.

It was so surreal. A real engineer. In full “costume” – although in this case it is much more of an identity for him – his uniform. Walking in the dark through the turnstiles at the Magic Kingdom. Everything was quiet. No monorails running. Just a few employees walking around getting the park ready for the day. :cloud9:

Our first stop was a bench right outside of the tunnel where you enter the Magic Kingdom. Some of you may recognize it. We sat down while Kent and Ed explained what the schedule would be for the day – although they gave no details. He said, “There are over 30 people in there working to make this morning happen. We have several things in store for you guys.” :cloud9: popcorn::

Then Ed came over with a special gift for Lucas. This was the first gift of the morning.

It was a very, very special gift.


Ed gave Lucas a railroad spike! Cool, eh?




:scratchin And some of you guys are thinking….uh, what’s the big deal?


Well…this is REALLY, REALLY cool. This was a REAL railroad spike! And THIS spike came from the DISNEY Railroad. In fact, Ed said that it is the only one of its kind to EVER be given to a guest. Some very special guests have received silver spikes, which are replicas of the real thing – but no guest has ever been given a real spike.

This spike – is the first one given to a guest. Ever.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1570.jpg

Now, if they had ended the day right there, we all would have gone home happy! What a special gift! And we met a real Steam Train Engineer! We can go home now! :woohoo:

Then Ed came over with two hats for the boys. They were engineer hats and I believe they make some sort of sound when you push a certain button? I am not sure. :confused:

But the primary purpose of the hats was to give the boys something to collect every steam train engineer’s autograph as they met them during the tour. Certainly something the boys will cherish for years to come!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1573.jpg

We then had a few minutes to collect our thoughts. And for the ladies to dry their tears. :sad1: And take a few pics. Lucas’ Mom has not been real happy with the pictures of her. She was in tears (good tears!) for most of this day, so please excuse her red eyes. :hug:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1592.jpg

We also got some more gifts. We all got buttons. It was a rectangular button given to each person that goes on the official Steam Train Tour.

The other was a collector’s pin that would go on a lanyard – it is also given to each person that attends the tour, but are not sold to the public in any other way. (And let me interject here...Disney never intended to allow me to “just be the photographer” – they planned from the beginning for me as part of the group. I got pins, too.)


They also gave Lucas several golden tickets that look like this:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1583.jpg

The golden ticket allows the ticket holder to ride the steam train as a VIP guest. The VIP guest normally gets to blow the whistle and say, “ALL ABOARD!” for the guests! He got several tickets so he can give them to some of his friends at school! :thumbsup2

Honestly…the day could have ended here.

But we have yet to even enter the Magic Kingdom.

Up next: An EMPTY Magic Kingdom!
But FIRST: She is No Longer Anonymous! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33546510&postcount=83)

[Sarilas]

Maroo, I am BAWLING! This is just phenomenal... what a story!

[All7OfUs]

These pictures are just so wonderful! What an amazing day this family has had already, and it's, what? 7:30?? What a truly wonderful group of folks at Disney RR to have put so much love and thought into this!

[that's nice]

What an amazing start! I can't wait to hear what other surprises they had for you!!!:goodvibes

[maroo]

Maroo, I am BAWLING! This is just phenomenal... what a story!

Hang on, though! Much more is coming!


These pictures are just so wonderful! What an amazing day this family has had already, and it's, what? 7:30?? What a truly wonderful group of folks at Disney RR to have put so much love and thought into this!

They said at the end that they actually had a real meeting to decide what cool things they could do for Lucas. I love Disney!!!

What an amazing start! I can't wait to hear what other surprises they had for you!!!:goodvibes

I am working on uploading more pictures right now! :thumbsup2

[CDSTapisRouge]

pixiedust: Oh Mary... I'm in tears! I can't wait to hear what else they did for Lucas! So far they have gone beyond my expectations! Simply amazing!!! :littleangel:

[AnneR]

OKAY

My mascara is running into my eyes and you are not yet into MK. What a special trip.

[mickeysmyboy]

Oh my goodness! What a story!! I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes! I can't wait to hear about the rest of the day!

[Corrine 1973]

I am loving this story. You have me glued to my seat wanting more.popcorn::

[maroo]

pixiedust: Oh Mary... I'm in tears! I can't wait to hear what else they did for Lucas! So far they have gone beyond my expectations! Simply amazing!!! :littleangel:

I had very high expectations...I have seen what Disney can do for these wish families...and they way exceeded mine!

OKAY

My mascara is running into my eyes and you are not yet into MK. What a special trip.

I cried the whole morning.

Oh my goodness! What a story!! I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes! I can't wait to hear about the rest of the day!

It is truly amazing! Just wait, the morning is not over yet!

I am loving this story. You have me glued to my seat wanting more.popcorn::


Ok...you know I love you. :hug: You gotta go pack!!! :) :rotfl: :rotfl2:

[KathyRN137]

Maroo, you're my super hero!! http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Smilies/character0028.gif


Kathy

[Tink rules]

You know... I usually don't let things "get to me"... but I've got tears in my eyes!!!

[CDSTapisRouge]

[U]
A very, very kind DISer saw my post and PM’d me. :flower3: :hug: She was intimately familiar with the tour and had contacts in high places in the steam train world at Disney. She wrote some emails. Maybe made some phone calls? But SHE is the star of this story. She may come by later and introduce herself…or she may not. But she is the reason Lucas was able to see his wish fulfilled and I am forever grateful. And to say that his family will be forever grateful is an understatement!
[/URL]

Walt Disney once said: "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."

:grouphug: Without you, Maroo, this would not have been possible! You took the time to find answers when they were told no! This whole Magical Day was thanks to so many people taking the time to care about a very special child and his AWESOME family! I am just grateful that everyone stepped up for this one. My emails were sent to everyone I could think of, ONE person wrote me back, one very dear friend that took the time to pass the request along. You wrote the Disboard message, I sent the email, he passed it along to the fabulously wonderful people of Main Street and the day was created! Wonderful people taking the time to care! Everyone played their part to creat the Magic!!! I am just honored that I was able to help! Much love to everyone involved! I can't wait to hear the rest of the story! pixiedust:

[jenb1023]

I have tears in my eyes from reading the update too and I already knew about the spike. What a special treasure for Lucas! The only one given EVER! These moments are one of the many reasons why I :lovestruc:lovestruc WDW so much!

Walt Disney once said: "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."

:grouphug: Without you, Maroo, this would not have been possible! You took the time to find answers when they were told no! This whole Magical Day was thanks to so many people taking the time to care about a very special child and his AWESOME family! I am just grateful that everyone stepped up for this one. My emails were sent to everyone I could think of, ONE person wrote me back, one very dear friend that took the time to pass the request along. You wrote the Disboard message, I sent the email, he passed it along to the fabulously wonderful people of Main Street and the day was created! Wonderful people taking the time to care! Everyone played their part to creat the Magic!!! I am just honored that I was able to help! Much love to everyone involved! I can't wait to hear the rest of the story! pixiedust:

CDSTapisRouge - You and Maroo along with the amazing Cast Members at WDW made a little boy's wish plus more come true! You all are amazingly special, caring people!

[cajunfan]

CDSTapisRouge....thanks to you and MAROO for making this so wonderful for Lucas.

I followed this on Twitter ( Iactually had to go set up an account so I could follow along:))...I cried then, and I actually do the same thing when I read it here!

I can't wait to hear more, but you get better first Maroo!

Lynn

[maroo]

I want to make sure no one missed this in scrolling through the fine print....

So I am about to BOLD it...

THIS is the person who made this happen for Lucas! :thumbsup2

Walt Disney once said: "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."

:grouphug: Without you, Maroo, this would not have been possible! You took the time to find answers when they were told no! This whole Magical Day was thanks to so many people taking the time to care about a very special child and his AWESOME family! I am just grateful that everyone stepped up for this one. My emails were sent to everyone I could think of, ONE person wrote me back, one very dear friend that took the time to pass the request along. You wrote the Disboard message, I sent the email, he passed it along to the fabulously wonderful people of Main Street and the day was created! Wonderful people taking the time to care! Everyone played their part to creat the Magic!!! I am just honored that I was able to help! Much love to everyone involved! I can't wait to hear the rest of the story! pixiedust:


Thank you so much for finding us!

I realized late last night that I had not emailed you the trip report link yet. It was on my list for this morning.

You are no longer anonymous! Thank you for your persistence!

Much love and thanks to you!!! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

And without further ado - On with the story!!

A COMPLETELY Empty Main Street! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33549727&postcount=91)

[maroo]

Maroo, you're my super hero!! http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Smilies/character0028.gif


Kathy

You are so sweet. But really...I didn't really do anything!

Now below...... There's your hero!

She didn't know Lucas. She is a busy Mom. And stopped her world to persistently create magic for Lucas and his family.

I was just very, very fortunate to be able to participate.


You know... I usually don't let things "get to me"... but I've got tears in my eyes!!!

:hug:

Sorry...really should put a TISSUE ALERT on this whole TR.

I have tears in my eyes from reading the update too and I already knew about the spike. What a special treasure for Lucas! The only one given EVER! These moments are one of the many reasons why I :lovestruc:lovestruc WDW so much!


CDSTapisRouge - You and Maroo along with the amazing Cast Members at WDW made a little boy's wish plus more come true! You all are amazingly special, caring people!

:) The only one EVER! Pretty awesome!

His Mom wrote me today and said that they were able to get a shadow box to keep the spike in so they can hang it in his room.


CDSTapisRouge....thanks to you and MAROO for making this so wonderful for Lucas.

I followed this on Twitter ( Iactually had to go set up an account so I could follow along:))...I cried then, and I actually do the same thing when I read it here!

I can't wait to hear more, but you get better first Maroo!

Lynn

Thank you! Thank you for following along, too! I think you will enjoy Twitter. I never thought I would...but the messages are so short and you get pictures...so it is easy to follow along.

[Sandy321]

Maroo :thumbsup2 Thanks for putting the links to the next chapter at the end of each chapter!

You linked to Mattsmom's pre trip report - is she making a trip report (the pre trip report got moved and locked! :sad2:)

Originally Posted by CDSTapisRouge
Walt Disney once said: "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."


This gives me chills!! The goosebumpy kind - the reason I keep going back to Disney - the people!!

:grouphug:

[MagicMomentsMom]

what an amazing start to the morning-- the spike is unbelievable, Disney really is magic-- and so are the people here on the DIS board, that CDSTapisRouge would step up and seek out a way for the wish to really come true. And you Maroo! I can't wait to read more!

[Rebecuberduber]

Wow, this is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!!:sad1:(<--happy tears)

[pigget74]

This is truely amazing and DISNEY and the DIS at its best! I ahve dired the tears and am waiting on the next installment.

[jham]

Maroo! I'm so glad I found this. Life has been busy and I've not been on the DIS as much as I like to so thanks for posting the link on Amber's FB wall! :rotfl: Beautiful story! My dad was an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad so it's even more special and magical in my eyes! I can't wait to hear more!

[maroo]

Maroo :thumbsup2 Thanks for putting the links to the next chapter at the end of each chapter!

You linked to Mattsmom's pre trip report - is she making a trip report (the pre trip report got moved and locked! :sad2:)



This gives me chills!! The goosebumpy kind - the reason I keep going back to Disney - the people!!

:grouphug:

Thank you for the information about their thread being locked! It was moved to completed reports and she has not even started yet! :( But I emailed OhMari and hopefully she can move it back. :)

I love Disney!!!

what an amazing start to the morning-- the spike is unbelievable, Disney really is magic-- and so are the people here on the DIS board, that CDSTapisRouge would step up and seek out a way for the wish to really come true. And you Maroo! I can't wait to read more!

I love your user name! :thumbsup2

It is completely amazing what Disney will do for these kids!

Wow, this is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!!:sad1:(<--happy tears)

You are very welcome! I am to be able to share it with you! :)

This is truely amazing and DISNEY and the DIS at its best! I have dried the tears and am waiting on the next installment.

:) Well, the next installment is actually coming right up! :)

My being home with the flu is going to help this go a lot faster!

Maroo! I'm so glad I found this. Life has been busy and I've not been on the DIS as much as I like to so thanks for posting the link on Amber's FB wall! :rotfl: Beautiful story! My dad was an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad so it's even more special and magical in my eyes! I can't wait to hear more!

Hi there!!! Long time no see!!

Please let others know this is out there, too...I would love for everyone on the DIS to get to see this! It was just an awesome morning!! :)

[maroo]

This whole morning was a wonderful, fascinating experience for all of us. But I have to say…for me…one of the highlights of the whole thing is coming up (and this says a LOT – it was a magical morning!)…

By this point the sun was starting to rise. But we were still the only guests in sight. We were led through the tunnel into the Magic Kingdom.

Check out the vehicle driving on Main Street – they were still cleaning up from the night before!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1593-1.jpg

And I followed Lucas and his family into the Magic Kingdom. :cloud9:

Surreal. Just surreal. There was no one there but US! A few employees walking here and there – but the Magic Kingdom was ours! :woohoo:

Of course, this was an occasion for LOTS of pictures! As a good DISer, I hope I don’t disappoint here. As I walked around Main Street, I was already thinking about THIS trip report. About how cool this was going to be to share with all of my Disney friends.

You guys GET IT!

My friends at home have no idea how cool this is….But you guys. You know.

I am leaving these pictures pretty big…just so you guys can really see!

The sun coming up....

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1635.jpg


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1654.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1653.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1628.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1629.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1630.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1637.jpg

You know.... They say a picture is worth a thousand words....

So I will just leave it at that....

:cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9:


Click Here to Continue: Lucas talks Trains! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33558147&postcount=122)

[Sandy321]

Maroo! I'm so glad I found this. Life has been busy and I've not been on the DIS as much as I like to so thanks for posting the link on Amber's FB wall! :rotfl: Beautiful story! My dad was an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad so it's even more special and magical in my eyes! I can't wait to hear more!

My grandfather was an engineer on the railroad - the EJ &E (from Chicago to Gary IN - and back!)

I'm posting it on different clique threads I post too!! :thumbsup2

Maroo continued prayers for a peaceful recovery!!

lilmissie you snuck in as I was editing!! I just started a pre trip report - and I am talking to myself on it!! roflol!!

Maroo you need to make a book of your pics for them! Do you have a Ritz Pix or Wolf Camera? Snapfish.com also does these digital books - here's an example of the one I made for DS and his DW:

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c228/angelmum3/wedding09/weddingbookpicRyan2003.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c228/angelmum3/wedding09/weddingbookpicRyan2004.jpg

[lilmissie]

I just stumbled across this now and loving it! I can't wait to read more!!

[oklamomof4boys]

I haven't been on disboards in quite a while- I saw the link on fb and now I'm back!

[jham]

Those "no one in the parks" photos are amazing! Who can say they saw the sun come up over Main Street? :cloud9: Sent a shout out to the disboutiquers and my FB peeps.

[Tink rules]

Don't worry Maroo...

They are happy tears!!!

& today when I am feeling a bit down... you are giving me a reason to feel happy...:goodvibes

[mickeysmyboy]

:cloud9: WOW! Those completely empty Main Street picture are just absolutely stunning!!! Your so right, a picture is worth a thousand words! Can't wait to read more!

[NaeNae]

Maroo what a wonderful story. Can't wait to read more. Need those tissues for sure.:thumbsup2

[*Toadstool*]

Those "no one in the parks" photos are amazing! Who can say they saw the sun come up over Main Street? :cloud9: Sent a shout out to the disboutiquers and my FB peeps.
Thanks for the link Jeanne! :)
I'm so happy that they got to do the train thing. :lovestruc

[cajunfan]

All I can say is WOW!


Lynn

[lovesdumbo]

Such a touching story. Can't wait to read more! LOVE your photos of an empty MK!!!!

[eyor44]

I feel like the rabbit in "Alice" I'm late, I'm late.....but I am so glad I found this one. Not sure how I missed the link. Love the pics of Main Street. :love:
Absolutly beautiful.:cloud9:

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

Can't wait to hear more!

[720L]

I LOVE your trip reports! The pics of MK empty are awesome! How nice of all the Disney CM's to go the extra mile for this sweet little boy! Can't wait to read the rest.....

[2xcited2sleep]

Positively bawling my eyes out. I :lovestruc the DIS and Disney. What an amazing group of people that can come together to make dreams come true.

Maroo - I agree with a previous poster. You ARE a super hero. How rewarding it must be to help make a wish famililes plan their trips. I never thought about how challenging it must be. I KNOW how much planning is involved in a 'regular' trip.... I just never considered how these families would need some special help. If you ever have too many trips to plan... let me know! I'd love to pass on some of the magic! :wizard:

The only spike to be given to a guest... EVER. :faint: Oh my goodness. That's amazing right there!

Your pics of an EMPTY Main Street are AMAZING. What an experience. I can't wait to hear what else they have in store for this special family. And their very special photographer. :goodvibes

Thanks so much for sharing. :goodvibes

[disneylovinfamily]

wow, what an amazing story! I can't wait to hear more!

[dfchelbay]

Fabulous so far. Cant wait to read more. popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[Plantlady]

Beautiful trip report!

[DisneyMom5]

Hi Maroo! I'm loving this report so far. I am familiar with who you are from other Wish reports I've read. I'm friends with the founders of the Big Give, and always seem to find myself reading the reports they talk about. Sniff.

I think we were there around the same time, so it's really neat to see your pics.

Thanks for all you do! :goodvibes:grouphug::wizard:

[jenb1023]

Love the photos of Main St and an empty MK!!!! You're right - most people don't get it but we do and you guys had an amazing morning so far! Keep the photos big for the whole tr so we can get into every detail of the magic!

[PNO4TE]

Hi, Mary!!! :wave2: I am so glad to have found this. :lovestruc

[kimmylaj]

okay i need more i need the whole story right now! i started reading this morning and was so excited to see an update, i am usually a patient person
( i do teach preschool) but this story is amazing, even my mom is reading along and she is not a computer kinda person. this just makes me say i love disney, i love the whole concept of wish trips and i love the dis. where else can this be arranged and then shared with so many people. so wonderful

[jeminni]

Thank you so much for all you do to help make a wish and for posting this great report. :goodvibes

[jessica52877]

Wow! What a great story so far! This is just wonderful!

[ChelleinNC]

Thank you for this wonderful report and thanks to Tinkrules -Michelle for sending me over here :hug:

[Kristina]

Hi Marooo :wave:! I spoke to you last night (day for you?) in the D23 live stream chat on the other site and I promised myself I would come check out your latest trippie! What a wonderful story so far :goodvibes! I work with special needs children and I understand your emotion and motivation for all that you do! Lucas and his little brother are so cute and I'm looking forward to reading more ::yes:: but at the same time, is it wrong for me to say...I want that spike ;)!

[that's nice]

Maroo... so far this story has been nothing more than MAGICAL!!!

What great pictures! I don't think I have even seen a sunrise picture from the MK before... it's awesome!!!:goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

Maroo, this story is so wonderful, and we're only in the first few moments! How truly magical, and how amazing! I can't wait to read more. :goodvibes

[JPFamilyMom]

ok, I'm all caught up- GREAT:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2pictures of an empty mainstreet. WOW! that is such an amazing sight. Beautiful :cloud9:

Great story, I've been glued to the computer this morning. Now off to get kiddos ready for church.

Can't wait for the train talk popcorn::popcorn::

[HeatherSue]

Oh MY GOSH!! The sunrise over main street! The completely empty park! The train spike! This is awesome!!!!

[wkualum]

Wow...leave for the weekend and look what I miss!

How magical for Lucas and his whole family. Can't wait to hear/see the rest!!

[maroo]

We took a break after walking around Main Street a bit and they brought water for each of us.

Ed then took Lucas below the train station to talk trains! :yay:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1598.jpg

I have to admit, most of this went above my head. But I have lots of pictures of THEM talking trains! Lucas had a few questions that Ed didn’t even know the answer to! :teacher:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1613-1.jpg

They talked about all of the trains. Especially the Lilly Belle. This is Lucas’ favorite train! He LOVES the Lilly Belle.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1617.jpg

After they talked trains, Ed took us somewhere really special. He took us to the engineer’s backstage area. No pictures allowed in this area. It was really neat to see the “guts” of the train engineer’s area – scheduling boards for all of the trains, pictures…it was really cool! Lucas loved it! :thumbsup2


Next we went to take some pictures on Main Street before the early reservation guests were allowed in the Magic Kingdom.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1639-1.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1640.jpg

Again – totally cool! Completely surreal! We were the only guests around.

Lucas had fun posing with the scarecrow baseball player!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1647.jpg

Two Steam Train Engineers stopped by to meet Lucas. They were “in disguise” today, working in a different area, but Lucas and Alex got their autograph on their hats!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1657.jpg

Then they told us about the next surprise! Lucas and his family were going to get to go meet Mickey Mouse before the park opened!!! :cool1: :yay: :woohoo: :cheer2: Awesome! :thumbsup2

Next up: Lucas Travels in Style!

[AnneR]

Keep it coming Maroo - we are anxiously waiting to hear...

[TarzansKat]

AWESOME!!!!!! I am so excited for Lucas and his family. Isn't it amazing how you can be excited for people you've never even met? I love the DIS! A special meet with Mickey? I can't wait to see pictures. :goodvibes

[maroo]

My grandfather was an engineer on the railroad - the EJ &E (from Chicago to Gary IN - and back!)

I'm posting it on different clique threads I post too!! :thumbsup2

Maroo continued prayers for a peaceful recovery!!

lilmissie you snuck in as I was editing!! I just started a pre trip report - and I am talking to myself on it!! roflol!!

Maroo you need to make a book of your pics for them! Do you have a Ritz Pix or Wolf Camera? Snapfish.com also does these digital books - here's an example of the one I made for DS and his DW:

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c228/angelmum3/wedding09/weddingbookpicRyan2003.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c228/angelmum3/wedding09/weddingbookpicRyan2004.jpg

Thank you for the prayers for a quick recovery! I am still feeling pretty crummy!

Thank you for posting this on your other threads! I want as many people as possible to be able to live vicariously through this incredible morning! PS: Do you know now why I was so excited on my pre-trippie! :)

You started a pre-trip report? I gotta go check that out!

and...a book........ hmm.... :scratchin


I just stumbled across this now and loving it! I can't wait to read more!!

I have more for ya this morning! :thumbsup2


I haven't been on disboards in quite a while- I saw the link on fb and now I'm back!

Woo Hoo!! Blast from the past! How are you? How are your boys??

Those "no one in the parks" photos are amazing! Who can say they saw the sun come up over Main Street? :cloud9: Sent a shout out to the disboutiquers and my FB peeps.

Awesome! We definitely want the DISboutiquers to sign on...and Facebook Peeps! That will be fun!

Don't worry Maroo...

They are happy tears!!!

& today when I am feeling a bit down... you are giving me a reason to feel happy...:goodvibes

:hug: I am sorry you are feeling down. I hope this brightened your day!

:cloud9: WOW! Those completely empty Main Street picture are just absolutely stunning!!! Your so right, a picture is worth a thousand words! Can't wait to read more!

It was....awesome. :cloud9:


Maroo what a wonderful story. Can't wait to read more. Need those tissues for sure.:thumbsup2

Major tissue alert coming up....

But this last update should not be too bad! ;)

Thanks for the link Jeanne! :)
I'm so happy that they got to do the train thing. :lovestruc

Go Jeanne! Thanks for bringing some more folks to see the awesome morning!

And :welcome: Toadstool!

Just wait...there is a LOT more coming!

[maroo]

All I can say is WOW!


Lynn

Yes! I agree....

Just wait......

Such a touching story. Can't wait to read more! LOVE your photos of an empty MK!!!!

Thanks for joining us! Did you see that we will be getting TWO Dumbo rides in a few years?

I feel like the rabbit in "Alice" I'm late, I'm late.....but I am so glad I found this one. Not sure how I missed the link. Love the pics of Main Street. :love:
Absolutly beautiful.:cloud9:

This quote...you will see this again.... :rolleyes1

Can't wait to hear more!

Got more for ya this morning! :)

I LOVE your trip reports! The pics of MK empty are awesome! How nice of all the Disney CM's to go the extra mile for this sweet little boy! Can't wait to read the rest.....

Some trip reports just write themselves. Some stories are just too good to keep to yourself!

Disney CM's....are awesome!

Positively bawling my eyes out. I :lovestruc the DIS and Disney. What an amazing group of people that can come together to make dreams come true.

Maroo - I agree with a previous poster. You ARE a super hero. How rewarding it must be to help make a wish famililes plan their trips. I never thought about how challenging it must be. I KNOW how much planning is involved in a 'regular' trip.... I just never considered how these families would need some special help. If you ever have too many trips to plan... let me know! I'd love to pass on some of the magic! :wizard:

The only spike to be given to a guest... EVER. :faint: Oh my goodness. That's amazing right there!

Your pics of an EMPTY Main Street are AMAZING. What an experience. I can't wait to hear what else they have in store for this special family. And their very special photographer. :goodvibes

Thanks so much for sharing. :goodvibes

This post made me cry! The DIS is a wonderful place. And how this all came together....... awesome!

I love logic problems. I used to buy those books where you can work logic problems to do for fun. A Wish Trip - is just one big logic problem...Where do you fit everything in? It is fun for me to help plan them!

If you guys are interested in helping our wish kids - Check out the link on the bottom of my siggie. It is blue. That is our wish trippers thread and everyone is invited to come along for the ride!

I think the best thing any of us can do for these families is to follow their stories. Many of them have Caring Bridge sites. Post, pray, just walk with them through life. :love:

YEP! The only spike. :thumbsup2

Empty main street - was AWESOME! Something I won't ever forget!

But just wait.... More awesome things are coming!

[maroo]

wow, what an amazing story! I can't wait to hear more!

More posted this morning!

I hope to do some more this evening, too!

Fabulous so far. Cant wait to read more. popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

I am enjoying all of the popcorn!

Beautiful trip report!

Thank you. :cloud9:

Hi Maroo! I'm loving this report so far. I am familiar with who you are from other Wish reports I've read. I'm friends with the founders of the Big Give, and always seem to find myself reading the reports they talk about. Sniff.

I think we were there around the same time, so it's really neat to see your pics.

Thanks for all you do! :goodvibes:grouphug::wizard:

Wish Trips are the BEST!! Seeing dreams come true and watching all of the pixie dust, is a wonderful opportunity!

Lucas and family were there on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Labor Day week.

Lori will be starting a full trip report soon of his whole trip! :)


Love the photos of Main St and an empty MK!!!! You're right - most people don't get it but we do and you guys had an amazing morning so far! Keep the photos big for the whole tr so we can get into every detail of the magic!

I definitely appreciated it! :) I already loaded all of the photos...so some are big and some will be "large" - I can resize any that you guys want more detail on!

More pics are coming! In a major way!

Hi, Mary!!! :wave2: I am so glad to have found this. :lovestruc

:wave2: Hello! :)

I am glad you found it, too. Tell you friends to come visit! I want everyone to be able to live vicariously through this one! :)

okay i need more i need the whole story right now! i started reading this morning and was so excited to see an update, i am usually a patient person
( i do teach preschool) but this story is amazing, even my mom is reading along and she is not a computer kinda person. this just makes me say i love disney, i love the whole concept of wish trips and i love the dis. where else can this be arranged and then shared with so many people. so wonderful

I am trying really hard to go fast!! I have another update for this morning and hope to have one this evening, too!


Thank you so much for all you do to help make a wish and for posting this great report. :goodvibes

I didn't do anything! I promise!

I couldn't NOT tell this story!

Wow! What a great story so far! This is just wonderful!

It was a wonderful, magical morning!

Thank you for this wonderful report and thanks to Tinkrules -Michelle for sending me over here :hug:

Thanks, Tinkrules! :)

And :welcome: ChelleinNC!

[maroo]

Hi Marooo :wave:! I spoke to you last night (day for you?) in the D23 live stream chat on the other site and I promised myself I would come check out your latest trippie! What a wonderful story so far :goodvibes! I work with special needs children and I understand your emotion and motivation for all that you do! Lucas and his little brother are so cute and I'm looking forward to reading more ::yes:: but at the same time, is it wrong for me to say...I want that spike ;)!

:wave2: Hello! My friend from the BOX!

The http://www.wdwradio.com LIVE feed of D23 has kept me sane for the past 2 days since I have been home sick.

Special needs kids are awesome. Lucas and Alex had a wonderful morning! I bet there are LOTS of people that would want that spike. Wait till Lou gets wind of it! :scared1:

Maroo... so far this story has been nothing more than MAGICAL!!!

What great pictures! I don't think I have even seen a sunrise picture from the MK before... it's awesome!!!:goodvibes

I love the sunrise pics! And how cool the castle looks around sunrise!

I will be blowing those pictures up sometime soon and framing them in some way!

Maroo, this story is so wonderful, and we're only in the first few moments! How truly magical, and how amazing! I can't wait to read more. :goodvibes

More is coming this evening!

ok, I'm all caught up- GREAT:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2pictures of an empty mainstreet. WOW! that is such an amazing sight. Beautiful :cloud9:

Great story, I've been glued to the computer this morning. Now off to get kiddos ready for church.

Can't wait for the train talk popcorn::popcorn::

I wish I could go to church this morning! :( But I am sure they don't want the flu!

Check back this evening for MORE! :)

Oh MY GOSH!! The sunrise over main street! The completely empty park! The train spike! This is awesome!!!!

:) Hi Heather!! :)

Wow...leave for the weekend and look what I miss!

How magical for Lucas and his whole family. Can't wait to hear/see the rest!!

You know you can't leave the DIS for two whole days! :rotfl: You never know what will be up when you get back! :cloud9:

Keep it coming Maroo - we are anxiously waiting to hear...

More coming! I promise!!

AWESOME!!!!!! I am so excited for Lucas and his family. Isn't it amazing how you can be excited for people you've never even met? I love the DIS! A special meet with Mickey? I can't wait to see pictures. :goodvibes

He is precious! Both Lucas and his little brother! They are precious. And his parents are awesome.

Pictures....pictures are coming! I promise!

[PNO4TE]

:wave2: Hello! :)

I am glad you found it, too. Tell you friends to come visit! I want everyone to be able to live vicariously through this one! :)

Headed to post it where Terry and Stephanie and Becky can find it. ;)

[cajunfan]

It will be a long day waiting for more, but you need to rest and take care of yourself girl!

Plus, my day will be spent helping someone plan their trip!

Lynn

[Rebecuberduber]

This is all just too wonderful. I'm so loving this story. Thank you!

[Nicholfamily5]

This is such a great story! I've got goosebumps all over.

[Sandy321]

If you guys are interested in helping our wish kids - Check out the link on the bottom of my siggie. It is blue. That is our wish trippers thread and everyone is invited to come along for the ride!

I think the best thing any of us can do for these families is to follow their stories. Many of them have Caring Bridge sites. Post, pray, just walk with them through life.

That bears repeating! You are so right! I remember ----
:love::love:

oh and the digital book I made - I went to the camera store - it took hours trying to figure out the template and moving my pictures into their areas - till I figured everything out!!

The first post I pictured was the sheet from the wedding studio - their prices were/are ridiculous!! I made 2 of those books for $19.99!! I know a lot of teachers just upload pics to snapfish and do the same thing!! :thumbsup2

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Wonderful! Can't wait to read more!

[ennisb]

so far this is just amazing and I am so impressed .. can't wait for the next update.. Wish it was ready. Just don't want to wait :-)

[maroo]

Kent and Ed had just told us that Lucas was going to get to go meet Mickey Mouse before the park opened! And they said that they had, “Sent a car for him.”

Look...Something is coming for you, Lucas!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1659.jpg


Then we saw….THIS….

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1660.jpg


Whoa! Cool! An antique car!

Meet Barbara!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1666.jpg

Barbara is a very special CM. :love: She was our antique car driver and photographer!

When she arrived with the car, Lucas and his family jumped in and I started taking pictures of everything! Barbara said that she needed my camera…that SHE was going to be taking the pictures today.

I tried to explain that I was not actually part of this family – that I was only there to take pictures! But she would have none of that. In fact, Lucas’ Mom said, “She is family – Get in here Mary!”

:hug: :sad1: That was over the top sweet!

There was a large part of me that was worried…once I get wind that this was going to be such a special morning…why I was even there? I mean…they really did not need me to be there at all…since this was no simple tour. They had tons of people helping them take pictures, etc.

But Lori quickly put me at ease. They were so nice to me – I never felt like I didn’t belong right there with them. I am in tears just thinking about it. I did try to stay out of as many family pictures as I could – but they were so sweet to include me in everything they did.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1662.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1664.jpg

It was now a little past 8:00 AM and the early reservations guests had arrived and were now also in the park. So as we drove down Main Street, there were families waving. It was really, really cool!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1670.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1682.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1681.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1669.jpg

I took pictures as we drove. Barbara made several stops and took pictures of us.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1676.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1677.jpg

Then they explained that the Antique Car does not usually leave Main Street, but they were going to drive us to Toontown so that Lucas go to Mickey’s House.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1689-1.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1693-1.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1695-1.jpg

We got out of the car and walked quickly toward Toontown.....

Continued in NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33562124&postcount=137)!

[maroo]

Lucas was quickly distracted by a sound…. A sound that had him practically running down the street. The TRAIN!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1697.jpg

Here it comes…

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1699.jpg

OH MY GOSH – It’s the Lilly Belle!!!!!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1704.jpg



Y’all…I can’t not even explain this. He loves THAT train. Not just trains. He loves THAT train.

He had never seen it before.

The look on his face. The way he was running around! It was so fun to watch! At some point I hope to have some video of this that his Dad took…but I can’t wait to tell you about this whole thing!

They let him walk into the front part of the train (what is this called? Anyone??). He was not too keen on this – actually – it was very hot and had fire in it. So they let him approach it from the side. They even let us walk out on the grass to go right up to it and touch it (it WAS hot!) and take pictures.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1710.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1712.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1714.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1716.jpg

This was THE Lilly Belle.

A dream come true, folks. A dream come true!


He met more Steam Train Engineers! They all signed his hat. Irwin has been there for years and years. They all talked to Lucas about the trains.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1709.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1707.jpg

It was magical. Completely magical!


Next Up: A Whirlwind Tour and a BIG SURPRISE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33571579&postcount=167)

[ennisb]

Speechless. I can't imagine what they will do next..

[maroo]

Headed to post it where Terry and Stephanie and Becky can find it. ;)

Woo Hoo! :wave2: Hi Terry, Stephanie and Becky!

It will be a long day waiting for more, but you need to rest and take care of yourself girl!

Plus, my day will be spent helping someone plan their trip!

Lynn

I am resting AND Trip Reporting! :goodvibes

This is all just too wonderful. I'm so loving this story. Thank you!

I am so glad you are loving it!!

This is such a great story! I've got goosebumps all over.

:) Me too!

That bears repeating! You are so right! I remember ----
:love::love:

oh and the digital book I made - I went to the camera store - it took hours trying to figure out the template and moving my pictures into their areas - till I figured everything out!!

The first post I pictured was the sheet from the wedding studio - their prices were/are ridiculous!! I made 2 of those books for $19.99!! I know a lot of teachers just upload pics to snapfish and do the same thing!! :thumbsup2

Awesome! I am looking at doing books today!

Wonderful! Can't wait to read more!

I just posted some more! TWO posts worth of awesomeness!!


so far this is just amazing and I am so impressed .. can't wait for the next update.. Wish it was ready. Just don't want to wait :-)


Here it is!!!! :)



I can't WAIT to see all of you read this part I just posted!!!!

[Sandy321]

gorgeous - and Maroo - love your tie dye Mickey Shirt!! :lovestruc I'm trying to make some shirts!!

terms? the Cab is where the engineers sit... you have the boiler, firebox behind ...?? Ask Lucas!!

(and I'm excited to read more!! What a beautiful day y'all had!!)

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

What a magical moment! :wizard:

[JPFamilyMom]

Girl how am I suppose to keep up, :lmao: just beautiful though.

Gosh what a dream come true, or should I say wish come true for him and the family. Just makes you appreciate Disney that much more for the extra things they will do.

Hope you are feeling better....

so now I'm in suspense, will have to check tonight again after boys go to sleep :thumbsup2

[maroo]

Speechless. I can't imagine what they will do next..

::yes::

gorgeous - and Maroo - love your tie dye Mickey Shirt!! :lovestruc I'm trying to make some shirts!!

terms? the Cab is where the engineers sit... you have the boiler, firebox behind ...?? Ask Lucas!!

(and I'm excited to read more!! What a beautiful day y'all had!!)

:rotfl: I guess I should ask Lucas!

LUCAS - LUCAS - Help me with my terms! :)

It was a beautiful day! I don't remember being hot all day! :cloud9:

What a magical moment! :wizard:

It was awesome!! Thanks for posting! :)

Girl how am I suppose to keep up, :lmao: just beautiful though.

Gosh what a dream come true, or should I say wish come true for him and the family. Just makes you appreciate Disney that much more for the extra things they will do.

Hope you are feeling better....

so now I'm in suspense, will have to check tonight again after boys go to sleep :thumbsup2

:rotfl2: I am moving pretty fast, aren't I! Pretty good for me...I have been known to drag out a TR for MONTHS! :blush:

I am finally feeling better! Still have fever...so no work tomorrow...but hopefully I can go back on Tuesday! :)

We will see if I can get some more up tonight ... if not, it will be tomorrow AM! :)

[ennisb]

This is like an adiction just waiting for my next fix :-)

[that's nice]

Keep going Maroo!!!!

I had chills reading the last two installments! I hope you post some more tonight!!!!:surfweb: Was it coincidence that that train was the Liberty Belle or did your wish granters know?:rolleyes:

[Dreamer & Wisher]

:goodvibes What a beautiful day so far!:goodvibes Disney put together a wonderful tour for him! :surfweb:

[MeMom]

So glad I didn't miss this completely. I've been out of the loop pretty much since Wednesday. What an awesome day for Lucas and his family! I am so glad you go to experience this with them.

[Tink rules]

Can't wait for more!!! :surfweb:

[AnneR]

Maroo

I sit here with tears running down my cheeks. What a special day for a very special boy. You must feel very blessed to have been able to share this day with this WISH family.

[mickeysmyboy]

OMG!! Again!! Absolutely amazing!! Not only the trains but his favorite train!? Unbelieveably awesome!! I can't wait for more :hug:

[jenb1023]

Wow, Wow, WOW!

A drive down Main St to Toontown in an antique car to meet the Lilly Belle! His favorite train! Just amazing!

I am so glad you got to be there to experience this with them and to then share it with us.

[ReAnSt]

Woo Hoo! :wave2: Hi Terry, Stephanie and Becky!

Hi Mary! I've been reading along but tend to lurk. Awesome report so far.

Are you feeling any better? I hope so. I saw you over on wdw radio.

[tinker1bell]

Woo Hoo! :wave2: Hi Terry, Stephanie and Becky!






Hi Maroo!!!!!!

I thought I cried buckets at the Magic Meet hearing about the one little boy wanting to ride Space Mountain, but man,,,I am bawling now.....

[lovesdumbo]

Thanks for joining us! Did you see that we will be getting TWO Dumbo rides in a few years?

Guess I'll need a new name-lovesdumbos-:laughing: I never did the thrill rides til my oldest DD developed a love for them. I took her with a friend for the first time when she was 3 1/2 and I was 6 months pregnant with my 3rd. My friend took her on Goofy's Barnstormer and she was hooked! Now I do all the thrill rides with her but still don't like ToT. Everest is my favorite-I never would have believed I would be doing those type of rides 10 to 15 years ago. I still love Dumbo though!:love:


OH MY GOSH – It’s the Lilly Belle!!!!!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1704.jpg

Wow!!! What an incredible morning for Lucas and I have a feeling it isn't over yet. How awesome that he has these incredible photos of that day too!!!!

[mrsksomeday]

Maroo :hug:, you have such a sweet soul. You give so much of yourself to make others happy. You are a wonderful, kind, caring, loving person. I am so happy I saw your link. As usual you have me crying in a good way.

There is nothing like having your life touched by someone with special needs. I can't wait to hear more!

[tinkslite]

at DHS on the 9th. My own special needs little guy was getting an Ice Cream Sundae made at the ice cream counter next to Tower of Terror, and I got to chat with Lucas, his mom and his brother for a few moments. They told me about the train and how wonderful Give Kids the World is. Glad it was all going well.

[StefaniLyn]

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better . . . of course it does, it's Disney! Eagerly awaiting the next installment :surfweb:

[pigget74]

WOW! This is truely amazing. I am drying the tears now!

[ireland_nicole]

Maroo, this is the coolest most magical experience! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! Can't wait to read the rest!

[disneylovinfamily]

wow, this TR should have a waring that you WILL cry when you read this! What a magical morning. I have goosbumps just seeing the pictures, amazing!

[Credit Man]

What a wonderful post. Awaiting the next installment.

[HeatherSue]

Oh my gosh, they drove you right to toon town!!!!!

The Lily Belle! Okay, now I'm crying!!

This is reaffirming my belief in Disney magic!!

[All7OfUs]

What a special and magical morning! Lucas is certainly having a grand time; you can really tell in his bright face!

Can't wait for more!

[If U Had Wings]

What an awesome special day so far. Can't wait to hear more.

[maroo]

This is like an addiction just waiting for my next fix :-)

Your next fix is coming very soon! :)

Keep going Maroo!!!!

I had chills reading the last two installments! I hope you post some more tonight!!!!:surfweb: Was it coincidence that that train was the Liberty Belle or did your wish granters know?:rolleyes:

It was a "coincidence"...

Although...Here is our list of "coincidences" so far....

1. That Lori even mentioned the train at all to me...she just said it in passing.
2. That anyone saw the very fast post I made on the Theme Parks board...have you seen how fast that board moves? Posts only stay visible on that board for an hour or so, usually.
3. That our hero, the former Disney steam train, would stop what she was doing to email me.
4. That she would keep emailing her contacts at Disney until one "got on board" to take it to a higher level.
5. That Kent, with Main Street Operations, would even have the time to coordinate all of this. They actually had a meeting about it.
6. That the train that was scheduled to run that morning was the Lilly Belle...
7. But the most amazing "coincidence"......That several of the people involved in this would either be a childhood cancer survivor or have a child with cancer themselves....

I don't really believe this was all one big string of events that just happened.

But it would be against DIS policy for me to really go into how many prayers were prayed when this was all going on. :) :rolleyes1

:goodvibes What a beautiful day so far!:goodvibes Disney put together a wonderful tour for him! :surfweb:

Yes they did!!! It was a magical morning!

So glad I didn't miss this completely. I've been out of the loop pretty much since Wednesday. What an awesome day for Lucas and his family! I am so glad you go to experience this with them.

I am glad you didn't too! I am hoping people will see it! Send your friends over, too...I hope this story really touches a bunch of people! It certainly touched us!

Can't wait for more!!! :surfweb:

More is coming very soon! :)

Maroo

I sit here with tears running down my cheeks. What a special day for a very special boy. You must feel very blessed to have been able to share this day with this WISH family.

I do feel very, very blessed to have been able to share this day with them!


OMG!! Again!! Absolutely amazing!! Not only the trains but his favorite train!? Unbelieveably awesome!! I can't wait for more :hug:

I know! It was SOOOOO cool!!

Wow, Wow, WOW!

A drive down Main St to Toontown in an antique car to meet the Lilly Belle! His favorite train! Just amazing!

I am so glad you got to be there to experience this with them and to then share it with us.

I know, right!! Now you see why I was calling you and so excited!! I am glad I get to share the details of it all now! It was an amazing morning!


Hi Mary! I've been reading along but tend to lurk. Awesome report so far.

Are you feeling any better? I hope so. I saw you over on wdw radio.

I hope you will keep posting!

I do feel a little bit better today. Still running fever. This doesn't seem to want to go away!

The WDW Radio live feed was fun to watch for the past couple of days! D23 sounds like it was pretty cool!

Hi Maroo!!!!!!

I thought I cried buckets at the Magic Meet hearing about the one little boy wanting to ride Space Mountain, but man,,,I am bawling now.....

I know...I cried at that story, too...And thought to myself that if that audience knew half of the stories I know from these trips...they would have needed even MORE Kleenex!

Guess I'll need a new name-lovesdumbos-:laughing: I never did the thrill rides til my oldest DD developed a love for them. I took her with a friend for the first time when she was 3 1/2 and I was 6 months pregnant with my 3rd. My friend took her on Goofy's Barnstormer and she was hooked! Now I do all the thrill rides with her but still don't like ToT. Everest is my favorite-I never would have believed I would be doing those type of rides 10 to 15 years ago. I still love Dumbo though!:love:


Wow!!! What an incredible morning for Lucas and I have a feeling it isn't over yet. How awesome that he has these incredible photos of that day too!!!!

Everest is my favorite, too!!! I rode it 12 times in one day on my last trip! :thumbsup2

You are right...it isn't over yet! :thumbsup2

Maroo :hug:, you have such a sweet soul. You give so much of yourself to make others happy. You are a wonderful, kind, caring, loving person. I am so happy I saw your link. As usual you have me crying in a good way.

There is nothing like having your life touched by someone with special needs. I can't wait to hear more!

You are so sweet. I love how you get it! I am glad you saw the link. I hope you will send your friends over, too! :)

My life has been forever changed by children and adults with special needs. Very special people.

at DHS on the 9th. My own special needs little guy was getting an Ice Cream Sundae made at the ice cream counter next to Tower of Terror, and I got to chat with Lucas, his mom and his brother for a few moments. They told me about the train and how wonderful Give Kids the World is. Glad it was all going well.

Aww!! I actually saw them at DHS on the 9th, too! I am sorry that I missed you!

It was a wonderful trip!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better . . . of course it does, it's Disney! Eagerly awaiting the next installment :surfweb:

Just wait......:rolleyes1

[maroo]

WOW! This is truely amazing. I am drying the tears now!

Aww.... I am so glad you have been touched by his story!

Maroo, this is the coolest most magical experience! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! Can't wait to read the rest!

More is coming shortly!! :) You are very welcome!

wow, this TR should have a waring that you WILL cry when you read this! What a magical morning. I have goosbumps just seeing the pictures, amazing!

Yes, it should! ;) WARNING: Tissue Alert!!

What a wonderful post. Awaiting the next installment.

It is coming right up!!

Oh my gosh, they drove you right to toon town!!!!!

The Lily Belle! Okay, now I'm crying!!

This is reaffirming my belief in Disney magic!!

They sure did! In that antique car! It was super cool!!

Can you believe that? It was the Lilly Belle! Awesome!

What a special and magical morning! Lucas is certainly having a grand time; you can really tell in his bright face!

Can't wait for more!

He is SO cute and there is video...which we will share with you guys as soon as we get it all together...which will be even cooler than the pictures!

What an awesome special day so far. Can't wait to hear more.

More is coming right up!!

[maroo]

At this point, we were running pretty “late” – they wanted us to be able to spend some time by ourselves in Mickey’s house and Minnie’s house!

This was really, really cool – but we really rushed through this! Which was fine!

This was my first time in YEARS to be in Mickey’s house and Minnie’s house. And we went through so fast, that I am not even sure what we saw. But I can tell you it was really cool to be in there by ourselves!

Here are some pics…

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1724.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1727.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1731.jpg


And this is one of my favorites!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1725.jpg


What happened next…Was pure Disney magic. Still gives me chills.


When we walked out of the house…we saw Mickey. Waving at US.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1744.jpg

Then he bent over.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-5.jpg

Opened his arms.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1745.jpg

And the boys ran into Mickey’s arms.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1746.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-8.jpg



Does it get any better than this????


Check out all of these characters! Mickey, Chip and Dale, Pluto, Donald and Daisy, Snow White, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Jasmine, Alice and the White Rabbit.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1748.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1749.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1751.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1755.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1756.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1763.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1764.jpg


All to meet Lucas and Alex!! :grouphug:



I was overcome. In tears. Ok, I was bawling!! Daisy was so sweet. :love:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1765-1.jpg



We got a group photo with everyone!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1767-1-1.jpg



But it is not over.



And what comes next.... :cloud9:




The Family of the Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33586553&postcount=212)

[ennisb]

I just loved that group shot. What an amazing morning it has been so far.

[jad215]

i did a fairly good job of controling myself (reading this at work :ssst:) until the part where Mickey bent over and opened his arms....out came the kleenex :sad1:

[DisneyMom5]

i did a fairly good job of controling myself (reading this at work :ssst:) until the part where Mickey bent over and opened his arms....out came the kleenex :sad1:

Ditto. And I've been keeping it together pretty well, considering I'm pregnant and cry at everything. :grouphug:

[MRYPPNS]

How Sweet!

[eyor44]

Ohhhhhh, I can't see the pictures at work (stupid firewall:headache:). I have to wait until tonight to see them. But, I do have a pretty good imagination!:goodvibes

[that's nice]

Now you even got me tearing up.:sad2: That was just amazing. All the characters came just to see Lucas and his family! That is just awesome.

Juliana was looking at the pictures with me and said 'WOW'. After she studied the picture for a minute she asked 'Where's Goofy?' LOL:rotfl:

Now she wants to type so here she goes:

xfrxqxkwfqwhsgcxc hj vxzxhh
juliana j

[wkualum]

Ohhhhhh, I can't see the pictures at work (stupid firewall:headache:). I have to wait until tonight to see them. But, I do have a pretty good imagination!:goodvibes

Same here....gonna see if I can pull them up on my phone!

[wkualum]

Same here....gonna see if I can pull them up on my phone!

I did see the pictures on my phone!! They are great ! I can't wait to read about what happened next. I just can't imagine it getting any better :)

[jenb1023]

I should know better than to read this particular TR at work. Thank goodness everyone is at lunch or I would have to try to explain why I am sitting at my desk crying and no one would get it.

That picture of Mickey with his arms open to the boys. :cloud9::love::lovestruc!!!! Now I am going to start crying again thinking about it. I don't know how you guys held it together as well as you did. Maroo - I love the photo Daisy hugging you too!

What an amazing group photo!

I can't wait to read more!!!

[WDWisOurHappyPlace]

Wow Mary, what a story!! Now I have to go fix my makeup. I'm all emotional just reading this, I can't imagine being there, I'd need oxygen.

I have a very good feeling of what will happen next, but I'll keep quiet:angel:. Can't wait for the next installment! I'll have the kleenex ready.

[If U Had Wings]

That's just incredible. Can't imagine how you wouldn't have been bawling.

[Cheloconnell]

Thank you for this wonderful story and bringing back some wonderful memories. My sister received a "Make a Wish" Disney Family vacation back in 1992 and it was truely wonderful. She passed away in 1995 and I am very grateful we all got to have this last family trip together.

What a wonderful experience for this brave little boy and his family :goodvibes

[mickeysmyboy]

WOW! I'm also drying the tears! It's absolutely unbelievable and truly magical to see these pictures and think how special this must haven been!!

I too have a feeling I know where this is going ;) But, I'm keeping my lips sealed!! :rolleyes1 Of course, I can't wait for another update!

[PNO4TE]

We got a group photo with everyone!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/th_IMG_1767-1-1.jpg

This should be their Christmas card photo!!

[AnneR]

All I can say is WOW!

The tears are flowing, just when you thought the day is full, there's more.

[mouseketeer_mom]

Thanks so much for sharing this story. Does Disney know how to do magic or what!?!?

now I'll try to dry my keyboard!

[cajunfan]

How spectacular!

Maroo, I would have been right there with you bawling! Heck I was bawling at your tweets...if I was there in person, I would have been a mess!

Thanks for sharing!

Lynn

[TarzansKat]

Okay, Maroo, you finally hit my soft spot.

I mean as if it wasn't wonderful enough that the train was his very favorite, that whole bit about Mickey opening his arms and the kids just running to him. Oh, lord, did my waterworks begin.

It just makes me so happy, and so teary to read about that.

Oh, shoot, here I go again. :lmao:

This is just one of those stories that gets you, and I'm really enjoying it.

[baby1disney]

Man...oh MAN!!! I'm sitting here at work reading this and bawling my eyes out!!! Lucas looked sooo stoked when he saw that train pulling up!!:goodvibes

For anyone who ever wanted to know what makes Disney so special to all who love it, read stories like this and the people involved...like Maroo...and you'll know exactly why!! This is why when most of us hear Disney..we just smile and shed a tear or two!!::yes::

Maroo-You are a WONDERFUL person and believe me..you inspire A LOT of people to do good in this world!! You are the kind of person that gives other people hop that there still are good people out in this world. And to any of the Cast Members who may read this, without you...NONE of this would be possible!!!! You guys are...is what makes Walt Disney World!!! Please keep on doing what you're doing!! You have MILLIONS of us behind you!!!:thumbsup2

[HeatherSue]

Oh my gosh, I'm blubbering like a baby. That is so awesome!! Wow, just wow!!!!

[carps09]

What a wonderful story! I can't wait to see more pictures!

[shannn]

Okay, the tears are falling for real now. What an amazing surprise and incredible experience!!!

[Sandy321]

The WHITE rabbit was there!! :cool1:

(he's usually running late somewhere... :rolleyes1)

[eyor44]

I finally got to see the pics. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Did you notice how Snow White is holding Lucas' hand in the group picture?

[ReAnSt]

We got a group photo with everyone!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1767-1-1.jpg



But it is not over.



And what comes next.... :cloud9:



I love the group shot. What awesome memories, which I am sure will not be forgotten.

I know some of what is coming up...:thumbsup2;) I can not wait to see the pictures.

[reelmom]

I can barely see through the tears to type this. What an awesome experience. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[jenjolt]

It is moments like this that really enstill for me what Walt really wanted Disney to mean to us....MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE!! What an amazing story for Lucas and his family! I'm so happy that you have shared this with us and have taken us along so that we might share in this joyful moment!!!!

I can't wait for more!!!

[mindy5648]

subing

[JPFamilyMom]

:sad1::sad1::sad1: Oh Mary, I'm just sitting here balling and everyone in the house thinks I'm crazy. What a truly beautiful wonderful magical morning.popcorn::popcorn::

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Wow. I love that picture of Mickey with his arms open wide! Now I am crying too. Can it get any better?:goodvibes



Thank you for this wonderful story and bringing back some wonderful memories. My sister received a "Make a Wish" Disney Family vacation back in 1992 and it was truely wonderful. She passed away in 1995 and I am very grateful we all got to have this last family trip together.

What a wonderful experience for this brave little boy and his family :goodvibes
:hug:

[jham]

Beautiful! I love Mickey with his arms reaching out. Love it.

[Rebecuberduber]

I'm speechless. I just cannot believe what Disney did for this little boy and his family. Words cannot begin to describe. What an incredible, incredible morning.

[*Toadstool*]

WOW!!!
The Lilly Belle!!! How awesome. I am amazed that Disney did all that just for this little boy. That speaks volumes for them.
I love Mickey bending down with his arms open for the boys. Priceless!

[All7OfUs]

What more could Disney possibly have done to make this little boy's dream come true?? Gives me chills!

Can't wait for the rest of the story...

[Tink rules]

Wow... if that's not magic... :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[jessica52877]

Oh my! I am loving this. This really is a wish turned into a dream come true! I am glad you were there Mary to pass along all the magic. It is just joy to see and hear about the joy that Lucas and family experienced that day!

[Matt1026]

at DHS on the 9th. My own special needs little guy was getting an Ice Cream Sundae made at the ice cream counter next to Tower of Terror, and I got to chat with Lucas, his mom and his brother for a few moments. They told me about the train and how wonderful Give Kids the World is. Glad it was all going well.


Oh how cool!!!! That is awesome how our paths have crossed. That was cool!

[Matt1026]

This should be their Christmas card photo!!

Trust me it will. It will also include the incredible Maroo with us!!!!! Like it not Maroon is now family

[Matt1026]

Man...oh MAN!!! I'm sitting here at work reading this and bawling my eyes out!!! Lucas looked sooo stoked when he saw that train pulling up!!:goodvibes

For anyone who ever wanted to know what makes Disney so special to all who love it, read stories like this and the people involved...like Maroo...and you'll know exactly why!! This is why when most of us hear Disney..we just smile and shed a tear or two!!::yes::



Maroo-You are a WONDERFUL person and believe me..you inspire A LOT of people to do good in this world!! You are the kind of person that gives other people hop that there still are good people out in this world. And to any of the Cast Members who may read this, without you...NONE of this would be possible!!!! You guys are...is what makes Walt Disney World!!! Please keep on doing what you're doing!! You have MILLIONS of us behind you!!!:thumbsup2


You have that right!! Maroo is an incredible person. I could tell by talking to her via email, the boards and phone but when you finally get to meet her in person oh WOW!!. After the magical morning she hung with my family for a while. Lucas took right with her. He wanted to ride all of the rides with HER. He thought she had come along just for him. Bless her heart the very next day we were at DHS and went on our very first ride of the day and guess who was getting off Maroon and Sharon. Lucas was so excited that he got to see her again. So we were able to spend some time together that day. I will tell you how all of this worked out we were suppose to meet her at MK for a breakfast with Pooh. Got on the Monorail and guess who should appear Maroo and Sharon. It was like it was meant to be. Lucas was again excited to see her. We can not express to her our apprciation for what she had done for my family. She went the extra mile to take care of us. Also I was glad to have her along that morning with us. We were so overwhelmed and she guided us right through everything. She made the morning so extra special and took such good care of us. It would not of been as magical without her.

Oh the CM's they are the most incredible people in the world. They made us feel so special. I could not believe it!! I wish I could use the right words to express my appreciation to them and what they all have come to mean to my family. We were in line at Sea World to ride a ride. We were talking to the worker there and the way were treated - I looked at my husband and said we are not in Disney anymore. Disney and their CM's are some of the most incredible people in the world. I know Thank you is not enough. I promise I will be started my TR soon but it has been a wild week. We are having to road trip again to take Lucas for his testing and we have had alot going on in our family too. I promise I will be starting it soon.

[Matt1026]

I wanted to say thank you to all of you for coming along on this Magical Ride with us. It was truly magical. Lucas is still carrying his spike around to show everyone. We are still glowing!!!!

[MagicMomentsMom]

wow--I'm sitting here with the tears just streaming down my face. What a wonderful day, I love that pic of Mickey with his arms wide open and the group shot is amazing, it will be a great Christmas Card pic!

[heaven2dc]

OMG - I am sitting here with tears going down my face! (looks like I'm not the only one) What an amazing story - all the characters there to greet the boys :grouphug: Plus Lucas getting to have his dream fulfilled - what a very special little boy :lovestruc

[eandesmom]

Tears streaming down my face!

What a special, magical morning! What a special family and little boy.

So much magic. Magical Maroo, CM's, Engineers and Trains. Golden Tickets. And oh, the Mickey moment!

:goodvibes

[kimmylaj]

come on i have to pick up ryan from school and i have tears running down my face again....just so magical

[maroo]

Following the awesome surprise character interaction...they led us…with all of the characters…to the train. WE were going to ride in the train! To the front of the park…….

Have you guys seen the opening ceremonies at the Magic Kingdom?

Lucas and his family – were going to get to be THAT FAMILY! The family that opens the whole park!!!!

party:

All of the characters got together and took their places on the train.


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1776.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1773.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1774.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1779.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1772.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1771.jpg

We were told by the coordinator that we would board the train with Mickey, stay on the train, even though it will stop for about 5 minutes or so. Then it will get going and we will have to closely follow Mickey right out of the train...then move fast and then follow the instructions of the Cast “on stage”…..

And I am thinking…REALLY??? You want us to get on that train and go to the front of the park and be THAT FAMILY…the very lucky Family of the Day? I was shocked. Stunned. Amazed. Honored. Excited. Scared. And it all went by so fast. I am glad we have pictures!

We boarded the train with Mickey. :cloud9:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1785.jpg

This was so cool. It was so laid back. Yeah…we are just hanging here with Mickey Mouse. He sat and “talked” to us. He showed the kids their autograph books which had been made special for them by a generous DISer – they were all filled out with each character’s signature.

I was glad I had my iPhone...because Barbara (our awesome CM photographer) still had my camera!

These pics may be a little strange, since they are from my phone.


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-10.jpg

He asked how old each of them were. Which was interesting to figure out since he has only 4 fingers on his hands! :laughing: It was a wonderful interaction!



When the train stopped for a few minutes, Mickey got out and got behind the boys so we could take some more pictures.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-18.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-15.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-14.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-13.jpg

Then the train got going again….

It was time!

Oh my gosh…look at that crowd! It was Labor Day morning, so there was quite a crowd out there!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-17.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-9.jpg



What a morning!!!



The AUDIO Version.... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33664974&postcount=267)

[maroo]

I just want to make sure you guys know that Matt1026 is Lucas' MOM!


Trust me it will. It will also include the incredible Maroo with us!!!!! Like it or not Maroo is now family

:sad1: <--------- Good tears.

You guys are so sweet!!! :) :love:

You have that right!! Maroo is an incredible person. I could tell by talking to her via email, the boards and phone but when you finally get to meet her in person oh WOW!!. After the magical morning she hung with my family for a while. Lucas took right with her. He wanted to ride all of the rides with HER. He thought she had come along just for him. Bless her heart the very next day we were at DHS and went on our very first ride of the day and guess who was getting off Maroo and Sharon. Lucas was so excited that he got to see her again. So we were able to spend some time together that day. I will tell you how all of this worked out we were suppose to meet her at MK for a breakfast with Pooh. Got on the Monorail and guess who should appear Maroo and Sharon. It was like it was meant to be. Lucas was again excited to see her. We can not express to her our apprciation for what she had done for my family. She went the extra mile to take care of us. Also I was glad to have her along that morning with us. We were so overwhelmed and she guided us right through everything. She made the morning so extra special and took such good care of us. It would not of been as magical without her.

Oh the CM's they are the most incredible people in the world. They made us feel so special. I could not believe it!! I wish I could use the right words to express my appreciation to them and what they all have come to mean to my family. We were in line at Sea World to ride a ride. We were talking to the worker there and the way were treated - I looked at my husband and said we are not in Disney anymore. Disney and their CM's are some of the most incredible people in the world. I know Thank you is not enough. I promise I will be started my TR soon but it has been a wild week. We are having to road trip again to take Lucas for his testing and we have had alot going on in our family too. I promise I will be starting it soon.

Lucas and his brother Alex are both very special young men!

I was very happy to be hanging out with them and am very, very thankful my vacation crossed paths with yours!

Hang in there...I know you guys have a long week ahead.

Once you start your trip report, let me know and I will post a link here!!

I wanted to say thank you to all of you for coming along on this Magical Ride with us. It was truly magical. Lucas is still carrying his spike around to show everyone. We are still glowing!!!!

I am still glowing, too!! :cloud9:

[TarzansKat]

Awesome! I love that Lucas was part of the opening ceremony. What a wonderful experience for the whole family. And that one on one time with Mickey must have been priceless. :goodvibes

[maroo]

I just loved that group shot. What an amazing morning it has been so far.

I know. Simply amazing!! And I am so glad I got to share it with you guys!

i did a fairly good job of controlling myself (reading this at work :ssst:) until the part where Mickey bent over and opened his arms....out came the kleenex :sad1:

I know...me too! That is when I lost it! And still cry every time I see those pictures!

Ditto. And I've been keeping it together pretty well, considering I'm pregnant and cry at everything. :grouphug:

Aww!! Congratulations!! :) You can cry anytime you want!

How Sweet!

I know! :love:

Ohhhhhh, I can't see the pictures at work (stupid firewall:headache:). I have to wait until tonight to see them. But, I do have a pretty good imagination!:goodvibes

Oh no! That is torture!!

Now you even got me tearing up.:sad2: That was just amazing. All the characters came just to see Lucas and his family! That is just awesome.

Juliana was looking at the pictures with me and said 'WOW'. After she studied the picture for a minute she asked 'Where's Goofy?' LOL:rotfl:

Now she wants to type so here she goes:

xfrxqxkwfqwhsgcxc hj vxzxhh
juliana j

Aw! Tell Juliana that I loved her note! :) And I know...where was Goofy?? And Minnie? :rotfl:

Same here....gonna see if I can pull them up on my phone!

Oh no!! I hope you were able to see them eventually!

I did see the pictures on my phone!! They are great ! I can't wait to read about what happened next. I just can't imagine it getting any better :)

Oh, there you are!! It did!!!!

I should know better than to read this particular TR at work. Thank goodness everyone is at lunch or I would have to try to explain why I am sitting at my desk crying and no one would get it.

That picture of Mickey with his arms open to the boys. :cloud9::love::lovestruc!!!! Now I am going to start crying again thinking about it. I don't know how you guys held it together as well as you did. Maroo - I love the photo Daisy hugging you too!

What an amazing group photo!

I can't wait to read more!!!

You will like this next update...Mickey has the autograph books that YOU made for them and is showing them all of the autographs they got!

Wow Mary, what a story!! Now I have to go fix my makeup. I'm all emotional just reading this, I can't imagine being there, I'd need oxygen.

I have a very good feeling of what will happen next, but I'll keep quiet:angel:. Can't wait for the next installment! I'll have the kleenex ready.

Let's see...were you right? :)

That's just incredible. Can't imagine how you wouldn't have been bawling.

I was. Trust me. I totally lost it.

Thank you for this wonderful story and bringing back some wonderful memories. My sister received a "Make a Wish" Disney Family vacation back in 1992 and it was truely wonderful. She passed away in 1995 and I am very grateful we all got to have this last family trip together.

What a wonderful experience for this brave little boy and his family :goodvibes

:sad1: :hug: :grouphug:

I am so, so sorry about your sister. I know you know how important these trips are to the family. Thanks so much for posting. :hug:

WOW! I'm also drying the tears! It's absolutely unbelievable and truly magical to see these pictures and think how special this must haven been!!

I too have a feeling I know where this is going ;) But, I'm keeping my lips sealed!! :rolleyes1 Of course, I can't wait for another update!

:) I bet you were right!

[maroo]

This should be their Christmas card photo!!

Great idea!!!! :thumbsup2

All I can say is WOW!

The tears are flowing, just when you thought the day is full, there's more.

I know! And there is more to come!

Thanks so much for sharing this story. Does Disney know how to do magic or what!?!?

now I'll try to dry my keyboard!

Disney does it RIGHT! They can make some magic happen!

How spectacular!

Maroo, I would have been right there with you bawling! Heck I was bawling at your tweets...if I was there in person, I would have been a mess!

Thanks for sharing!

Lynn

It was awesome!! And I am happy to share it with you guys that get it!

Okay, Maroo, you finally hit my soft spot.

I mean as if it wasn't wonderful enough that the train was his very favorite, that whole bit about Mickey opening his arms and the kids just running to him. Oh, lord, did my waterworks begin.

It just makes me so happy, and so teary to read about that.

Oh, shoot, here I go again. :lmao:

This is just one of those stories that gets you, and I'm really enjoying it.

Yeah. I lost it, too!

It makes me cry almost every time and happy!

Man...oh MAN!!! I'm sitting here at work reading this and bawling my eyes out!!! Lucas looked sooo stoked when he saw that train pulling up!!:goodvibes

For anyone who ever wanted to know what makes Disney so special to all who love it, read stories like this and the people involved...like Maroo...and you'll know exactly why!! This is why when most of us hear Disney..we just smile and shed a tear or two!!::yes::

Maroo-You are a WONDERFUL person and believe me..you inspire A LOT of people to do good in this world!! You are the kind of person that gives other people hop that there still are good people out in this world. And to any of the Cast Members who may read this, without you...NONE of this would be possible!!!! You guys are...is what makes Walt Disney World!!! Please keep on doing what you're doing!! You have MILLIONS of us behind you!!!:thumbsup2

Aw. I hope this inspires someone to get involved with Make a Wish, Disney and Give Kids the World. They are all wonderful to our wish kids!

Oh my gosh, I'm blubbering like a baby. That is so awesome!! Wow, just wow!!!!

:hug: Thank YOU for what you do for these kids, too!

What a wonderful story! I can't wait to see more pictures!

More pictures are up!! It will be a while before I get our photopass...which has even more pictures!

Okay, the tears are falling for real now. What an amazing surprise and incredible experience!!!

It was incredible! Completely incredible!

The WHITE rabbit was there!! :cool1:

(he's usually running late somewhere... :rolleyes1)

We were running a little late!

I finally got to see the pics. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Did you notice how Snow White is holding Lucas' hand in the group picture?

Did you notice that you mentioned the white rabbit a few pages ago! You are smart!!

I had NOT noticed that...so sweet!

I love the group shot. What awesome memories, which I am sure will not be forgotten.

I know some of what is coming up...:thumbsup2;) I can not wait to see the pictures.

I will never, ever forget that morning.

I can barely see through the tears to type this. What an awesome experience. I can't wait to see what happens next.

The next post is up!!! :)

It is moments like this that really enstill for me what Walt really wanted Disney to mean to us....MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE!! What an amazing story for Lucas and his family! I'm so happy that you have shared this with us and have taken us along so that we might share in this joyful moment!!!!

I can't wait for more!!!

YES! Disney does mean so much to all of us...because they get it!

I can't ever watch/listen to WISHES quite the same...that is for sure!

subing

Thanks for subbing in!!! :) I hope you enjoy the report!

[maroo]

:sad1::sad1::sad1: Oh Mary, I'm just sitting here balling and everyone in the house thinks I'm crazy. What a truly beautiful wonderful magical morning.popcorn::popcorn::

Aw. I don't think you are crazy! It was a wonderful, magical morning!

Wow. I love that picture of Mickey with his arms open wide! Now I am crying too. Can it get any better?:goodvibes


:hug:

I think it just did...see my last post!

And there is one more surprise left!

Beautiful! I love Mickey with his arms reaching out. Love it.

I know. I love that we actually caught it with our cameras!

I'm speechless. I just cannot believe what Disney did for this little boy and his family. Words cannot begin to describe. What an incredible, incredible morning.

I am having a hard time describing it, too! I keep using words like awesome, magical....but they don't really do the morning justice!

WOW!!!
The Lilly Belle!!! How awesome. I am amazed that Disney did all that just for this little boy. That speaks volumes for them.
I love Mickey bending down with his arms open for the boys. Priceless!

I am, too!! Disney is wonderful and it does speak volumes for Disney!

What more could Disney possibly have done to make this little boy's dream come true?? Gives me chills!

Can't wait for the rest of the story...

There is more.....:rolleyes1

Wow... if that's not magic... :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

Exactly!

Oh my! I am loving this. This really is a wish turned into a dream come true! I am glad you were there Mary to pass along all the magic. It is just joy to see and hear about the joy that Lucas and family experienced that day!

Yes it did!!

wow--I'm sitting here with the tears just streaming down my face. What a wonderful day, I love that pic of Mickey with his arms wide open and the group shot is amazing, it will be a great Christmas Card pic!

OMG - I am sitting here with tears going down my face! (looks like I'm not the only one) What an amazing story - all the characters there to greet the boys :grouphug: Plus Lucas getting to have his dream fulfilled - what a very special little boy :lovestruc

You are definitely in good company! :hug:

He is a very special little boy!

Tears streaming down my face!

What a special, magical morning! What a special family and little boy.

So much magic. Magical Maroo, CM's, Engineers and Trains. Golden Tickets. And oh, the Mickey moment!

:goodvibes

The Mickey Moment was awesome! :) Very special family and little boy! :love:
come on i have to pick up ryan from school and i have tears running down my face again....just so magical

:rotfl: Sorry bout that! :cloud9: But you have a few minutes in the carpool line to dry your eyes. ;)

Awesome! I love that Lucas was part of the opening ceremony. What a wonderful experience for the whole family. And that one on one time with Mickey must have been priceless. :goodvibes

It was SOOOOO awesome!

Priceless. Good term to describe it. Priceless.

[mickeysmyboy]

WOW! I was right! How unbelievably magical that such a special family got to be family of the day!! That must have been such a cool experience and I'm sure something you'll never forget!!! WOW!!!

[2cutekidz]

AMAZING!! I'm balling my eyes out!! What a magical memory!!

[HeatherSue]

:hug: Thank YOU for what you do for these kids, too!


Thank YOU for saying thank you. :hug: Without you, we wouldn't be able to find all of the wish families on the boards. So, thank you for helping us out!
---------------------

Oh my gosh, they got to be the family on the train!!!

I love the picture of you and Chip or Dale!

Your phone takes great pictures!

So cool to see the special autograph books in Mickey's hands!

Oooh!! This is so exciting!

I wish you had video!! Is there any video of the moment when you pull up to the train station?? It's so exciting!!

[RunningGirl]

Wow. This report answers the question "What's so special about Disney?"

And may I add, Maroo, that you are an amazing person and I have loads of respect for you. :flower3:

[eyor44]

Oh, I can't wait to see what happens next. This is all just so amazing. One of my friends from work was there at the same time. Now that I know what day this was, I'll ask her if she saw you all.

Matt1026, thank you for allowing Maroo to share your very special little boy and family's special time with us.

[MeMom]

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-17.jpg


Look at those boys checking out that crowd! What a wonderful day for all of you!

[tinker1bell]

As I was looking at the picture of Mickey with his arms spread wide, I started crying. Then as I was reading each post saying the same thing, I would cry over and over. Now I am crying today too. Maroo, what memories you have!!!!

[eandesmom]

oh WOW! Opening Ceremony! Wow! Just wow!

I'd like to expand upon that but am left with.

WOW!

[Ciciwoowoo]

Oh my goodness! The pictures with all the characters has me in tears too! Thank you for sharing these memories with us. :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Family of the day! Oh this has to be a day Lucas will never forget! Absolutely amazing...

[jham]

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1772.jpg


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-18.jpg



I love how in a total random photo you catch Snow White being so...well...Snow White!

I also love that picture of the boys with Mickey!!!

[DisneyMom5]

I'm kicking myself, because we were at Epcot that morning and MK that afternoon. I could have witnessed it myself! LOL

I just KNEW where this was headed when I saw the pic of all the characters!

[Pollito916]

[SIZE="3"]What happened next…Was pure Disney magic. Still gives me chills.

When we walked out of the house…we saw Mickey. Waving at US.

Then he bent over.

Opened his arms.

And the boys ran into Mickey’s arms.

Does it get any better than this????

Check out all of these characters! Mickey, Chip and Dale, Pluto, Donald and Daisy, Snow White, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Jasmine, Alice and the White Rabbit.

All to meet Lucas and Alex!! :grouphug:

I was overcome. In tears. Ok, I was bawling!! Daisy was so sweet. :love:

We got a group photo with everyone!!

Ok, now you have me in tears! :sad: And it hurts because I am sick, but this was awesome! :thumbsup2

And how great that Daisy came to comfort you when you were crying, even if it was happy tears! :goodvibes

[ekball]

OMG. All.....choked.......up......... Tears......streaming.....down.....face. Lovin' this. So much. :thumbsup2 What a special day. :cloud9:

[AnneR]

Just an amazing day and the park is just opening!

[StefaniLyn]

This is seriously the most amazing single day TR ever! A true dream come true in every aspect! Maroo, I'm so glad you were able to enjoy the magic with the family instead of just photographing it. It couldn't have happened without your kindness and generosity and you deserved every minute of it!

[JPFamilyMom]

I agree that gosh the pictures capture the characters being so like their characters. Walking and talking with them were they always walking and moving their arms and things like that? Very cool


:yay::woohoo: for being THAT family :cheer2::banana: That is so amazingly cool.

This is truly a trip to not be forgotten and a true Wish come true. I'm so glad Lucas got such a nice trip.

Hope you are feeling better Mary, can't wait to read more

[WDWisOurHappyPlace]

Maroo said:
Let's see...were you right? :)




Yep.

This is all SO special. And so incredible for you to experience this magic with them. Wow!

[All7OfUs]

Someone earlier said that it was fun to see Snow White being so very Snow White in that pic. But I think Mary and Alice are spot on in their character as well!!! How cool!

What an awesome view that must have been for you all from the train up there on the platform!

I can hardly believe how Providential it was for you to meet up with them TWICE more during the week! Amazing!

I'd say a lifelong friendship was cemented for you and Lucas' family. Congratulations, those are very rare!

[HeatherSue]

I'm kicking myself, because we were at Epcot that morning and MK that afternoon. I could have witnessed it myself! LOL

I just KNEW where this was headed when I saw the pic of all the characters!

I must be a little slow because I didn't realize what was going to happen until Mary told us! :lmao:

BTW, Maroo, DisneyMom5 is my real-life friend and she used to be my next door neighbor! She's wonderful!

[ennisb]

Just such a fantastic story. So much detail and effort to make each moment so special and something for the entire family to remember.

[My2Qtz0205]

At this point, we were running pretty “late” – they wanted us to be able to spend some time by ourselves in Mickey’s house and Minnie’s house!

This was really, really cool – but we really rushed through this! Which was fine!

This was my first time in YEARS to be in Mickey’s house and Minnie’s house. And we went through so fast, that I am not even sure what we saw. But I can tell you it was really cool to be in there by ourselves!

Here are some pics…

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1724.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1727.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1731.jpg


And this is one of my favorites!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1725.jpg


What happened next…Was pure Disney magic. Still gives me chills.


When we walked out of the house…we saw Mickey. Waving at US.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1744.jpg

Then he bent over.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-5.jpg

Opened his arms.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1745.jpg

And the boys ran into Mickey’s arms.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1746.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-8.jpg



Does it get any better than this????


Check out all of these characters! Mickey, Chip and Dale, Pluto, Donald and Daisy, Snow White, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Jasmine, Alice and the White Rabbit.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1748.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1749.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1751.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1755.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1756.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1763.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1764.jpg


All to meet Lucas and Alex!! :grouphug:



I was overcome. In tears. Ok, I was bawling!! Daisy was so sweet. :love:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1765-1.jpg



We got a group photo with everyone!!

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/2009/Lucas%20Morning/IMG_1767-1-1.jpg



But it is not over.



And what comes next.... :cloud9:




The Family of the Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33586553&postcount=212)






Ok, that did it. I was strong up until this post, but seeing Mickey open his arms up to those two boys, and having them run into them, has me boo-hooing! :sad1: Happy tears, though. That is completely magical.:cloud9:

[jenb1023]

Following the awesome surprise character interaction...they led us…with all of the characters…to the train. WE were going to ride in the train! To the front of the park…….

Have you guys seen the opening ceremonies at the Magic Kingdom?

Lucas and his family – were going to get to be THAT FAMILY! The family that opens the whole park!!!!

party:

All of the characters got together and took their places on the train.


We were told by the coordinator that we would board the train with Mickey, stay on the train, even though it will stop for about 5 minutes or so. Then it will get going and we will have to closely follow Mickey right out of the train...then move fast and then follow the instructions of the Cast “on stage”…..

And I am thinking…REALLY??? You want us to get on that train and go to the front of the park and be THAT FAMILY…the very lucky Family of the Day? I was shocked. Stunned. Amazed. Honored. Excited. Scared. And it all went by so fast. I am glad we have pictures!

We boarded the train with Mickey. :cloud9:

This was so cool. It was so laid back. Yeah…we are just hanging here with Mickey Mouse. He sat and “talked” to us. He showed the kids their autograph books which had been made special for them by a generous DISer – they were all filled out with each character’s signature.

I was glad I had my iPhone...because Barbara (our awesome CM photographer) still had my camera!

These pics may be a little strange, since they are from my phone.


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-10.jpg

He asked how old each of them were. Which was interesting to figure out since he has only 4 fingers on his hands! :laughing: It was a wonderful interaction!



When the train stopped for a few minutes, Mickey got out and got behind the boys so we could take some more pictures.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/photo-15.jpg

Then the train got going again….

It was time!

Oh my gosh…look at that crowd! It was Labor Day morning, so there was quite a crowd out there!

What a morning!!!

You will like this next update...Mickey has the autograph books that YOU made for them and is showing them all of the autographs they got!

So cool to see the special autograph books in Mickey's hands!


So, I knew they got to be family of the day and open the park but it is still so amazing to see! They got to ride the train with all of the characters to the front of the park to open the park!!!! It gives me chills typing it so I can't imagine being there.

How cool is it that you kept seeing the family too!

Okay, so you know you are a Disney person to the core when the sight of Mickey holding autograph books you made for the boys just made your day and made you say "Look Mickey is holding the books - wow how cool is that!" I know I am in good company here and can confess that. :rotfl: I am glad Mickey and the boys liked them!

[GreatBiscuit]

What an awesome experience! The empty park and car ride were cool, but just being there to see the magic, that's the best thing of all! Thank you so much for sharing. Can't wait to hear more!

[AnneR]

I came home tonight and rushed to this TR - :sad2:

I was hoping for the next installment.

[PandyPaws]

What a pleasant surprise! :) Long-time DIS-member, however I don't often get to log in much these days (I poke in once in a while when I can) So glad I stumbled upon this...I'm a current WDW RR Steam Train Engineer!! :D

I remember this day...I was operating one of the other trains. Sadly, I did not get to sign the boys' hats; however I did see them with their engineer hats on through the doorway of Main Street Station as I was pulling in :)
This is a tremendously wonderful pictorial recap of their Magical Day! These photos speak volumes :thumbsup2 I will be sure to forward the link on to Engineer Ed...I'm sure he would love to see this.

WDW RR Engineer Donna

[maroo]

What a pleasant surprise! :) Long-time DIS-member, however I don't often get to log in much these days (I poke in once in a while when I can) So glad I stumbled upon this...I'm a current WDW RR Steam Train Engineer!! :D

I remember this day...I was operating one of the other trains. Sadly, I did not get to sign the boys' hats; however I did see them with their engineer hats on through the doorway of Main Street Station as I was pulling in :)
This is a tremendously wonderful pictorial recap of their Magical Day! These photos speak volumes :thumbsup2 I will be sure to forward the link on to Engineer Ed...I'm sure he would love to see this.

WDW RR Engineer Donna


NO WAY!!!!!!


:wave2: SO nice to meet you!!!!!!!!


I am going to email a link to Kent, too. :thumbsup2

Do you know Barbara? I hope she gets to see it, too!

I will forward them a copy of all of these pictures, too!

THANK YOU for being a Disney CM! As you can see here, we love our Disney CM's!! :love:

[Leajess99]

OMGosh Maroo, I am now in tears from just reading this. Thank you and Licas' family for sharing this wonderful experience with us. I am so happy for y'all that it was so filled with surprises.

[pigget74]

I came home tonight and rushed to this TR - :sad2:

I was hoping for the next installment.

I was doing the same thing--hopefully it will be soon.

[eyor44]

popcorn::
We need an "on the edge of my seat" smilie.

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Will there be more?

Looking through the pictures again and it gives me goosebumps. What a wonderful morning so far. . .

Looking forward to reading more.:surfweb:

[cajunfan]

I believe there will be more.

I know that Maroo was pretty sick since coming back, and Lucas had aome major scans and Dr. Appts this week, so both Maroo and Lucas' mom are probably just taking care of other things at the moment.

That being said, I need another installment! ;)

Will popcorn work as a bribe?popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

Lynn

[DisBride2009]

How cool is it that you all got to open the Magic Kingdom that day. I always wished I can do that one day. That was a really special treat and especially when you got a real spike from the WDW Railroad. CONGRATS! :-)