When you wish upon a star..Hannah's make a wish trip

[HeatherN]

After we saw Captain Hook we decided to find the Make a Wish Lounge.It is a private lounge just for wish families to cool off and take a break.It was a very cool refreshing place to rest for a few minutes.We took advantage of their bathroom to change our clothes because we had reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table.I had heard in other trip reports that the people ho staffed this were really great and a few people even managed to make some extra special character meets here or fanagle a reservation.The young girl who was there was polite, but she certainly didn't go out of her way to do any "special" perks here.She gave us a bottle of water though.She was shopping online when we came in and I got the feeling like she was anxious to get back to it.It would have been a great place for younger kids to take a nap but for us, we didn't need to hang out there long.

We had reservations at 1:20 and I was nervous about being able to find the place in time.Fortunately we found it fairly easy(how hard could it be? It was IN the castle) They took our info and that went quickly.I was very greatful that this was all arranged by our wish granters and we didn't need to worry about paying for it too! Thanks Chrissy and Dena!!!!! We were quickly showed inside and there was CINDERELLA!!!!!!!! Cinderella or Bella as Hannah often refers to her, is Hannah's absolute favorite and her main part of her wish.Hannah tried to wait patiently for our turn to see her.(notice the gorgeous and perfect dress she was wearing for this occasion-compliments of Lisa)

While we were waiting a nice CM came over and started chatting with us.Logan was wearing his great outfit sent by Sally-who by the way also made the outfit Hannah was wearing earlier in the day.Logan's shirt said "Prince charming in training-Kisses welcome"So both the outfits were getting great compliments, and she was even calling over other CM's to show them.She asked if we had autograph books because she would slip them in between people so we had more time to spend with Cinderella.She noticed our great clipboard and tags right away.Karla had sent those to us.She said something about me being a scrapbooker and how cute the clipboard was.I told her about this board and all the DISboutiquers and she was quite amazed.Then before we knew it, it was our turn! Hannah was quite inpressed.She was in heaven meeting her beloved Bella.Logan actually completely fell in love and got a hug from her.This was the only character he allowed near him the whole trip! It was a fairly quick meeting but very satisfying.The kids were thrilled!!!! For a time I was dissapointed about this because you get one picture with Cindy.I chose to do a family pic and I hate the way I look in it(totally selfish but oh well.I had been wearing a hat and my hair looked awful when I took it off for the meal)I wished I had one good shot of Hannah alone, posed with her but I missed the oppertunity.I stewed about this for a few days but quickly got over myself.The kids were thrilled with the encounter and that is what matters.I also was able to crop one shot and got a cute one of Hannah and Cinderella's faces.Cinderella was lovely and quite beautiful I might add.She was the "real" Cinderella in all of our eyes.

Before we knew it they were calling our name to seat us for lunch.....

 

[Katy Belle]

Such a great report!! I've just read it from start to finish!

The whole thing is just heartwarming! All the love in all those outfits and all the love on your kiddos faces! What great memories you are creating for your beautiful children!

Looking forward to the rest!
Katy

 

[twob4him]

Oh my....this made me cry! Sooo sweet and I just love the outfits!

 

[swwake]

I didn't know there was a MAW lounge. That must be something new since my MAW days. What a great idea. Where is the lounge? Or is that a secret?

I am so glad that the main part of the wish went so well. The pictures are priceless.

Those outfits! Oh my! DISers made these for you? I haven't been on the MAW threads until now, so is this something that's common over here? What a great idea. And they are gorgeous.

I guess if I would find some time to go back and read from the start, I'd understand. I will sometime soon.

You are making me want to go back and volunteer to be a wishgrantor again. I still give money to MAW, but not time because I can't seem to find it. Maybe I'll dig up a little time somewhere! Katie would love to do it with me. She even mentioned it after last week.

 

[HeatherN]

I didn't know there was a MAW lounge. That must be something new since my MAW days. What a great idea. Where is the lounge? Or is that a secret?

I am so glad that the main part of the wish went so well. The pictures are priceless.

Those outfits! Oh my! DISers made these for you? I haven't been on the MAW threads until now, so is this something that's common over here? What a great idea. And they are gorgeous.

I guess if I would find some time to go back and read from the start, I'd understand. I will sometime soon.

You are making me want to go back and volunteer to be a wishgrantor again. I still give money to MAW, but not time because I can't seem to find it. Maybe I'll dig up a little time somewhere! Katie would love to do it with me. She even mentioned it after last week.

Susan, The Make a wish Lounge is at the end of main street(near the castle) it's on the left right next to the first aide building.In fact they share the bathroom with them so it was completely deserted while we were there.There is one in Epcot also but we didn't get to see it because we were there after they closed it for the evening.It is a wonderful, quiet place to rest and regroup.It's also a perfect place for the kiddos who need to do medical stuff.

Yes, the DISers made the kids outfits! They made each of the kids and outfit for every day of our trip.We also had wonderful gifts of pressed penny tubes,scrapbook stuff, autograph tags and clipboard, even a bunch of activity books and stickers and such.Look for the DIS boutiquers thread in the family section.Many of them have a spot in their signatures that links to something called "the Big Give".They had chosen one other family and done a give, but we were the first Make a Wish family they chose.Since then they have gone on to do other make a wish families too.These people are an amazing, talented, generous group.I can't even begin to tell you how special we felt having gorgeous customs to wear on our trip.There are pictures of all the customs we recieved starting on page 6 of the trip report.
That is wonderful that you were a wish granter and still support them.I am looking to go back to work soon but hoping that I may have some time in the future to do some work with them.We will forever be greatful for this trip and I am hoping to pay it forward someday.

 

[t-beri]

Heather Hearts Cpt. Hook!!!! Look out Paul!!

I'm so glad that Logan warmed up to at least ONE character. I LOVE that, "kisses welcome" !! Reminds me of all of Clays kiss prints

Hannah and Lily have something in common CINDERELLY!! Lily LOVERS her a lot. She is certainly her favorite princess. Lily was a little unsure of the characters though so we got a lot of the "@$$ out" hugs, like this

But here is Little's face when she FINALLY got to meet Cinderella

Not to hijack your TR, just thought you might like to see what our families look like too!!! I'm always excited to see what my online friends look like.

Keep the updates a comin'!!!
...t.

 

[t-beri]

Sorry, I could've sworn I resized those!!

...t.

 

[HeatherN]

We were brought up a winding staircase to the dining room.The room itself was so beautiful and you really go the feeling you were dining in a castle.We had a wonderful, patient waitress.She was so pleasant and seemed real intent in making it a great experience.I had been a little concerned that the food would be to "fancy" for the kids liking but they did have the standard chicken fingers and fries so we were good to go! I ordered a wonderful roast beef dish in a burgandy sauce.Paul ordered the salmon but I think she heard him say "the same" because once it came out it was the same as mine.Paul didn't mind though because it was so delicious.There were four princesses that all came around t the tables, Jasmine, Belle, Snow White, and Sleeping beauty.They all spent a moment chatting, signing autographs and then posing for a picture.Snow White stayed the longest and was just wonderful.Hannah was once again, so excited by the whole thing.Logan-not so much. I think he was starving again(by now it was after 2:00, which is late for him to be eating lunch)But once his meal came he perked right up and seemed pretty happy again.

They gave Hannah a magic wand and Logan a magic sword.Then they had this little wishing ceremony where the kids make a wish and tap thier sword and wand to a little "wishing star" on the table.It was cute and they got a big kick out of it.They also got to keep the wand and sword.Logan picked at his food while Hannah chowed down.I took a lot of pictures but we were laughing so hard because Hannah was seriously cleaning her plate.The chicken nuggets were served with mashed potatoes, green beans and a garden salad.Hannah has always refused to eat all of those things before.She ate all of the potatoes and then started on the beans.She even ate the salad.By this time all the rest of us were finished but she continued to to eat.They cleared the table but she would not let them take her plate.We were laughing so hard that the man who cleared our table made a comment about it being the "pixi dust" that made her eat it all.I think maybe it was the fact that she was trying to impress the princesses.

I forgot to add that before we ordered the waitress asked if we had any dietary restrictions.Hannah cannot have dairy so the chef actually came out to the table and discussed what she could have.The kids were served ice cream for dessert and Hannah was able to have a raspberry sorbet.When the ice cream arrived Logan made a comment about the fact that he didn't care for the chocolate syrup on his and before we could say a word the waitress wisked it away and brought a plain one or him.The original one was quite cute-it even had a little chocolate shaped crown on it.Hannah finally got around to eating her sorbet.I didn't notice until later that she spilled some of it on her beautiful dress.I was feeling pretty sick about it , thinking it was ruined.Fortunately I had packed some shout wipes in our bag and attacked it right away.I had Hannah change back into her other beautiful outfit.Later that night I washed the dress back at the villa and the spot came out completely.I was so relieved!!!!! Finally we were ready to leave with two very happy kids.

 

[HeatherN]

Heather Hearts Cpt. Hook!!!! Look out Paul!!

I'm so glad that Logan warmed up to at least ONE character. I LOVE that, "kisses welcome" !! Reminds me of all of Clays kiss prints

Hannah and Lily have something in common CINDERELLY!! Lily LOVERS her a lot. She is certainly her favorite princess. Lily was a little unsure of the characters though so we got a lot of the "@$$ out" hugs, like this

But here is Little's face when she FINALLY got to meet Cinderella

Not to hijack your TR, just thought you might like to see what our families look like too!!! I'm always excited to see what my online friends look like.

Keep the updates a comin'!!!
...t.

You are too funny!!! I always did have a thing for bad boys! Paul was jealous of Goofy too because he asked for a kiss!
Lily is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I love these pics.What a little doll.We never did see Belle in her yellow gown, oh well, next time.I think Cinderella just has that magical effect on everyone.She is larger than life.

 

[SallyfromDE]

I love this picture of the Hannah and Logan. Loving the trip report. It sounds like you've had a fabrulous time.

 

[jessica52877]

What a wonderful meal at the castle. I think the outfits are darling.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I found the one thing that Hannah doesn't smile about...veggies!

 

[jham]

Great update! I just LOVE MK and Cinderella's Castle The pictures are great. I love that Hannah cleaned her plate at CRT. That is too funny. Logan looks great in his prince charming outfit! Cinderella is not only Hannah's and T's Lily's favorite, she is also MY Lily's favorite. I can't believe Logan didn't want the chocolate crown my boys loved them! (I think they're kinda full though).

I just had to copy T and stick a picture of (some of) my kids in your TR

 

[HeatherN]

Great update! I just LOVE MK and Cinderella's Castle The pictures are great. I love that Hannah cleaned her plate at CRT. That is too funny. Logan looks great in his prince charming outfit! Cinderella is not only Hannah's and T's Lily's favorite, she is also MY Lily's favorite. I can't believe Logan didn't want the chocolate crown my boys loved them! (I think they're kinda full though).

I just had to copy T and stick a picture of (some of) my kids in your TR

I LOVE it! Isn't that Tessa's future husband I spy??? Logan refuses to eat chocolate. there must be something wrong with him.

 

[bigdisgrandma]

There's nothing wrong with Logan. Karlyn's mom, Lindsey, doesn't like chocolate. When she was little, the easter bunny always brought her a white chocolate bunny I don't understand it because I could (and probably do) live on chocolate 24/7! Besides I figure that leaves more for me.

Jeanne and t-beri, love the pics of your kids. I am sorry that we will not be getting to eat at the castle because all your pictures look too wonderful. Oh well, we're just happy that it is only 20 days left now! Do you think a count down calendar on the big window in my living room for all the world to see is a bit much? My husband told me he thought that was a little over the top!

Denise

 

[HeatherN]

There's nothing wrong with Logan. Karlyn's mom, Lindsey, doesn't like chocolate. When she was little, the easter bunny always brought her a white chocolate bunny I don't understand it because I could (and probably do) live on chocolate 24/7! Besides I figure that leaves more for me.

Jeanne and t-beri, love the pics of your kids. I am sorry that we will not be getting to eat at the castle because all your pictures look too wonderful. Oh well, we're just happy that it is only 20 days left now! Do you think a count down calendar on the big window in my living room for all the world to see is a bit much? My husband told me he thought that was a little over the top!

Denise

Seriously Denise, You can never be too over the top when it comes to Disney!

 

[HeatherN]

Once we left Cinderella's royal table we wandered over to the toon town area.It was beastly hot and for some reason we didn't think there was a lot the kids would need to do there(I kicked myself later when I realized all we missed) Logan really wanted to ride the cars at the Indy speedway.Hannah was not interested so we sat in the shade and waited for them.We had a nice time people watching and spraying each other with the water bottles.I knind of feel bad now, but I didn't get up and attempt to get a picture of Logan on this.It was just so hot and the ride had a lot of people on it.Oh well, Here is Hannah waiting:

We headed over to Ariels' Grotto.Logan was feeling really cranky at this point and we figured it was because of the heat.We knew he would get wet but we just let him go at it because we had changes of clothing.I think the look on his face says it all:

Logan really had a great time in this area.He got a little mad when we made him stop the fun to come and see Ariel.I guess the little interlude with Cinderella didn't change how he felt about the other characters.Hannah on the other had LOVED Ariel.I just love the grotto where the pictures are taken.Ariel was super nice and the CM took a TON of photopass pictures.It was one of the nicest character meets.They really took thier time with her.

Once we left the grotto we decided to check out It's a small world.Now I know that most people hate this ride but since we had never been there before it was a must do.We were let in through the wheechair entrance and had about a 10 minute wait.I snapped this picture while waiting in line.It isn't a very good picture but I was amazed at how long the line was waiting to get on this ride.I could not believe that people would wait over an hour to ride this.

While we were waiting there was a family in line behind us with a little boy about Logan's age.I wasn't paying much attention to the interaction between this boy and Logan but knew they were sort of playing around.For some reason I happend to look down just at the right time and this little boy SPIT in Logan's face!!! I was flabbergasted at what happened.I don't know what preceeded this, Logan may have done something to him(although I have to say Logan is usually pretty well behaved and knows that spitting is unacceptable)But still SPIT??? I was so grossed out.Logan was too and he was shocked.He said loudly,"mom, that boy just spit in my face" I didn't say anything to the parents(although I probably should have, but I am a really non confrontational person)The parents either chose to ignore it or didn't realize what had happened.They did appear to be foreign and I am not sure if they spoke english well.I did make a big deal out of saying LOUDLY how disgusting that was and cleaning Logan up with wipes and sanitizer.I had Logan stand in front of me so the boy couldn't get near Logan.I din't think Paul realized what happened until a little bit later which is probably a good thing.
Fortunately the line moved and we boarded the boat.I was really happy that they seated us in the front and the people wnt onto another boat.Had they been in the same boat I would have requested to be moved away from that family.We tried to put the incident behind us and enjoy the ride.It was really cute and we liked it BUT the song gets into your head and by the end we were all like "Enough already!" but it was cute and now we can say we did it once.
We then went and rode Peter Pan's flight which suprised us all when the little boat lifted right off into the air.The kids really liked that one.Then Hannah was insisting we ride the Dumbo ride.I wouldn't have minded but it was in the hot sun and we were boiling.None the less we rode it anyway.I honestly don't know how the CM's do this all day without passing out.

Once we exited the Dumbo ride we thought we needed to make sure the kids got hydrated.We walked to the stand near Ariel's grotto and got some cool drinks.We slipped to the side of the stand and there was a little path leading to a back room.We parked it there in the shade and had a little break and forcing Logan to drink.

Next up: Frontierland!

 

[mistymouse5001]

Once we left Cinderella's royal table we wandered over to the toon town area.It was beastly hot and for some reason we didn't think there was a lot the kids would need to do there(I kicked myself later when I realized all we missed) Logan really wanted to ride the cars at the Indy speedway.Hannah was not interested so we sat in the shade and waited for them.We had a nice time people watching and spraying each other with the water bottles.I knind of feel bad now, but I didn't get up and attempt to get a picture of Logan on this.It was just so hot and the ride had a lot of people on it.Oh well, Here is Hannah waiting:

We headed over to Ariels' Grotto.Logan was feeling really cranky at this point and we figured it was because of the heat.We knew he would get wet but we just let him go at it because we had changes of clothing.I think the look on his face says it all:

Logan really had a great time in this area.He got a little mad when we made him stop the fun to come and see Ariel.I guess the little interlude with Cinderella didn't change how he felt about the other characters.Hannah on the other had LOVED Ariel.I just love the grotto where the pictures are taken.Ariel was super nice and the CM took a TON of photopass pictures.It was one of the nicest character meets.They really took thier time with her.

Once we left the grotto we decided to check out It's a small world.Now I know that most people hate this ride but since we had never been there before it was a must do.We were let in through the wheechair entrance and had about a 10 minute wait.I snapped this picture while waiting in line.It isn't a very good picture but I was amazed at how long the line was waiting to get on this ride.I could not believe that people would wait over an hour to ride this.

While we were waiting there was a family in line behind us with a little boy about Logan's age.I wasn't paying much attention to the interaction between this boy and Logan but knew they were sort of playing around.For some reason I happend to look down just at the right time and this little boy SPIT in Logan's face!!! I was flabbergasted at what happened.I don't know what preceeded this, Logan may have done something to him(although I have to say Logan is usually pretty well behaved and knows that spitting is unacceptable)But still SPIT??? I was so grossed out.Logan was too and he was shocked.He said loudly,"mom, that boy just spit in my face" I didn't say anything to the parents(although I probably should have, but I am a really non confrontational person)The parents either chose to ignore it or didn't realize what had happened.They did appear to be foreign and I am not sure if they spoke english well.I did make a big deal out of saying LOUDLY how disgusting that was and cleaning Logan up with wipes and sanitizer.I had Logan stand in front of me so the boy couldn't get near Logan.I din't think Paul realized what happened until a little bit later which is probably a good thing.
Fortunately the line moved and we boarded the boat.I was really happy that they seated us in the front and the people wnt onto another boat.Had they been in the same boat I would have requested to be moved away from that family.We tried to put the incident behind us and enjoy the ride.It was really cute and we liked it BUT the song gets into your head and by the end we were all like "Enough already!" but it was cute and now we can say we did it once.
We then went and rode Peter Pan's flight which suprised us all when the little boat lifted right off into the air.The kids really liked that one.Then Hannah was insisting we ride the Dumbo ride.I wouldn't have minded but it was in the hot sun and we were boiling.None the less we rode it anyway.I honestly don't know how the CM's do this all day without passing out.

Once we exited the Dumbo ride we thought we needed to make sure the kids got hydrated.We walked to the stand near Ariel's grotto and got some cool drinks.We slipped to the side of the stand and there was a little path leading to a back room.We parked it there in the shade and had a little break and forcing Logan to drink.

Next up: Frontierland!

Great job Heather! It looks like the kids had a fun yet exhausting trip!

 

[HeatherN]

Originally we thought that we would take a break in the afternoon and go back to GKTW and then come back in the evening.The only problem is we were having so much fun that we just couldn't make ourselves leave! The kids seemed ok so we just pressed on.We wandered over to Frontierland and we all got a kick out of the theming there.I was hoping I could maybe talk the kids into Big thunder mountain railroad.No such luck though. I was met with "no way" after they looked at it.The funny thing though was once they spotted splash mountain they both asked to go on it.I am not sure what made them want to, maybe it was the promise of getting wet.We have a six flags near our house and have season tickets.They have a similar(although tamer) ride like it and they will never ride it there, so I was quite suprised.We stood outside of it and made them watch the people go over the big drop to make sure they understood what they were getting into.They were sure they wanted to so we found the CM and she told us to go right into the fast pass line.I was so excited!

The theming of Splash Mountain is all about Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear(after the Movie -Song of the South)When I was a kid my dad would often tell us the story and he always made the voices of the characters.It was one of my favorite childhood memories.The kids were super excited to get on the ride.Paul and Logan sat in the front and Hannah and I right behind them.We were having a ball looking at all the animatronic animals and the song "zippidee, do dah" was playing.We were getting a bit silly and I was singing along.The people in back of us must have thought we were crazy but we were having so much fun I didn't care.We got near the end of the ride and we knew the big drop was coming up so we warned the kids.What happened during the drop can only be described by these pictures:

I zoomed in on just us so you could see Logan's face.Paul said he was gripping his knee so hard it left marks.I kind of feel like a bad mother after seeing this picture but he knew that there was a drop.It was however his first experience with a big ride like that.We HAD to buy the picture after seeing that!Suprisingly after getting off the ride he did seem ok and recovered quickly.Hannah was left begging for more. While waiting in the gift shop we pressed a few pennies and found some mickey shaped preztles.We bought a bag since it was evening anf we had not had dinner yet.None of us seemed really hungry as we were all still stuffed from our luch at Cinderella's.We then hopped right on the train that takes you around the park.This was pretty fun since we were able to ride all the way around and get a good look at all the areas.There is one spot where they have a Indian Village set up and some fake deer.We actually saw three live deer hanging out with the fake ones which was kind of funny.
Once we were done with our train ride we went into one of the gift shops that sold Christmas ornaments.I found the perfect ornament and mickey ear ornaments for the kids.We buy them an ornament every year and often try to make it to represent something special we did that year.I was so excited to get these and am happy to report they all made it home in one piece.We headed out and just kind of walked around Frontierland a bit.We were walking past Libert tree tavern and I was telling Paul that that was a place where you can have a character meal.We had stopped for something on the side of the building and were deep in conversation about it.I heard Hannah giggling about something but didn't pay too much attention.Paul all of a sudden said "Heather Look!" he was pointing at a side door.It had glass at the top.There in the glass window was Goofy! He was fooling around and jumping up and down and banging on the glass!It was quite a funny interaction. Paul kept saying "I am going to go over there and let him out" I kept telling him that I didn't think he would be allowed to just walk out of a character meal, but I could tell Paul really wanted to .The whole thing was rather funny and the kids LOVED it.I was laughing so hard that I forgot to take any pictures!! It was one of those rare, unexpected magical moments.We walked back toward the castle and got some frozen drinks that turned out to be so sweet I couldn't finish mine.Once we reached the castle we realized they had an area roped off.It was after 8:00 and when we looked at the map we realized that the spectromagic parade would start at 9:00.The roped off area was for wheelchairs so we headed over and secured our spot along the parade route.

To be continued:

 

[mom2lilnick]

Great TR! I love all the pics!