Free Dining 2013

[grimley1968]

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya...

Dad and I used to go to WDW together every year. During those trips, we had many once in a lifetime experiences. One year we got to meet a Disney animator that worked directly with Walt on alot of classic films. He even drew me a sketch and signed it, which I still have framed to this day. Another trip, we found ourselves on the first bus into Animal Kingdom on the first soft opening day. We were literally the first public group into the park and it was facinating to see how things progressed from that day. We celebrated birthdays, and many other things, but mostly just enjoying the Disney magic. I truely believe, he had a large part in my blooming love for Disney.

In 1999, three months (to the day) after our Disney vacation, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. I then realized that, at that point, Disney was much more than a vacation...it was memories, fun times, once in a lifetime encounters, and so much more. The next few trips to Disney were bittersweet. I would find myself watching the parade on Main Street, smelling the scents from the Confectionary, hearing the music...and for a moment, could see him standing next to me. At times, I became emotional for no reason, just something flashed me back to a memory. Now I know, that whenever I'm at Disney, I feel like I'm closest to my Dad...I feel like he's there with me (he is), and I make new memories doing new things or new attractions and thinking to myself "Dad would've loved this".

So there you have it...a Father...a Son....many years of good times....and many more years cut short. But lots of memories all the same...and lots more being made each and every year. It's more than a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's that reason that every time I go, there are certain things I must do out of tradition...and other things I do to make new memories. And sometimes, at just the right moment, I feel him walking by my side, smiling and just saying "I'm glad we're here".

Disney World was our world and we shared many special memories there. I remember him the best way I know how...by continuing the fun that we always enjoyed together. He always taught me to enjoy life, have fun and not worry about the little things.

Here's to you Dad...I shall ALWAYS remember!!!

As I said earlier...you asked for it.

And now you know.....the rest of the story.

It's amazing to read this today, of all days. It's the 18th anniversary of my Mom's passing. I, too, associate a lot of family memories with Disney memories. I was already somewhat emotional due to the date on the calendar, but this has led to me being even more so today.

This post really hit home for me, so thank you.

I'm sorry to read of your loss, but happy that you have a way to keep a connection alive. I feel the same way.

I don't know, this is a lot cheaper than a support group for me, and does just as much good for my purposes.

 

[acwaters]

Oh boy between your story and Joe's story i am not sure i can read anymore because of all the tears. I am however glad that both of you have those wonderful Disney memories to keep you going during hard times. I hope that one day my disney trips with my boys will be that special to them. Now i need to go get some tissues.

Wow, Black, what a sad, bittersweet, beautiful story... I am sorry for your loss.. I think I told you but mom died 3.5 weeks ago and I miss her so much.. We took her with us on our last Disney vacation and I know this next one will be emotional for me.. I love looking at our pictures and remembering how much fun we had and I still can't believe it has been almost a month since she has been gone or since I have talked with her.
That trip is something cancer can never take away from me and my boys.

 

[plutospalforever]

Just something to keep the kids excited since it's such a long time away
I have a glass vase that I decorated with a sign and Disney stickers; then typed up a bunch of "Disney" things to do and printed them out on Disney paper. Not sure if I'm going to let them pull one a day or every other day yet. It just has simple things like---eat on a Disney plate, eat Mickey pancakes, make Mickey cookies, watch a Disney movie, make a list of rides at each park they want to do..... just anything Disney related to keep the excitement going until we go

Love it! Gonna try it!

 

[plutospalforever]

Mine completely froze up and then went black today. I deleted the app off my iPhone and then reloaded it and its been fine since.

Thanks! That worked!

 

[Lazor460]

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya...

Dad and I used to go to WDW together every year. During those trips, we had many once in a lifetime experiences. One year we got to meet a Disney animator that worked directly with Walt on alot of classic films. He even drew me a sketch and signed it, which I still have framed to this day. Another trip, we found ourselves on the first bus into Animal Kingdom on the first soft opening day. We were literally the first public group into the park and it was facinating to see how things progressed from that day. We celebrated birthdays, and many other things, but mostly just enjoying the Disney magic. I truely believe, he had a large part in my blooming love for Disney.

In 1999, three months (to the day) after our Disney vacation, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. I then realized that, at that point, Disney was much more than a vacation...it was memories, fun times, once in a lifetime encounters, and so much more. The next few trips to Disney were bittersweet. I would find myself watching the parade on Main Street, smelling the scents from the Confectionary, hearing the music...and for a moment, could see him standing next to me. At times, I became emotional for no reason, just something flashed me back to a memory. Now I know, that whenever I'm at Disney, I feel like I'm closest to my Dad...I feel like he's there with me (he is), and I make new memories doing new things or new attractions and thinking to myself "Dad would've loved this".

So there you have it...a Father...a Son....many years of good times....and many more years cut short. But lots of memories all the same...and lots more being made each and every year. It's more than a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's that reason that every time I go, there are certain things I must do out of tradition...and other things I do to make new memories. And sometimes, at just the right moment, I feel him walking by my side, smiling and just saying "I'm glad we're here".

Disney World was our world and we shared many special memories there. I remember him the best way I know how...by continuing the fun that we always enjoyed together. He always taught me to enjoy life, have fun and not worry about the little things.

Here's to you Dad...I shall ALWAYS remember!!!

As I said earlier...you asked for it.

And now you know.....the rest of the story.

Wow what an amazing story!! So sorry about your loss I know it never really stops hurting. But what wonderful and very special memories you will always have! And yes he is there enjoying the new ones with you! Thanks for sharing your story!

 

[Clamesa]

Unleash the Villains Friday, Sep 13, 2013
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Disney villains are so excited about Friday the 13th, they're taking over Disney's Hollywood Studios! Join in the fun for a night of mischief and a villainous dance party that will last until the 13th hour (1 a.m.).

Thanks again !! And I'm sorry you lost your father. I can see why Disney means so much for you.

 

[TheDisney411]

That is one way for sure - but don't you get penalized (as in a change fee) if your package amount is less than what was originally booked if less than 45 days out? I was thinking we could just keep his ticket since he will still be a disney adult when we go back for Spring Break in 2014. It would be nice to have one ticket already paid for on our return. Would his ticket still have his child (disney adult) dining credits that could be used in April if the original reservation was for September?

There could be a possible, minimal charge if you are less than 45 days from check in. Dining credits expire for your entire party at midnight on the day you check out.

 

[Lazor460]

ok, should have taken the hint at the tissue....

the best thing about Disney is the memories!!


We've always gone just because we are total Disney freaks (DH and I met working at the Disney Store)....but have to say it totally changed after my third son was born deaf. He had surgery for cochlear implants in Oct.2007 when he was 12 months old and his first trip was Feb. 2008. To see him dancing to the music on It's a small world....knowing that without this technology he never would have been able to hear it/fully experience it; it was like going to Disney for the very first time all over again. Now it seems like every trip we just enjoy Disney even more because we are seeing it through our kids eyes. Watching how excited they get is more fun then anything-even if it means riding Buzz 10 times in a row lol. Disney is all about memories--and having my now 6 yr old bust out singing It's a small world when we are in line at the grocery just brings me straight back to seeing him ride it/hear it for the first time.

That is a great story!! But what you said is soooo true....Disney is definitely about the memories! I cried the first time my kids saw the castle! They just stood there in awe and it is a moment I will never forget! Disney is about creating memories that will truly last a lifetime!!!

And thank you all of you who are sharing your stories! They are so bittersweet and very touching! God bless! And here's to more disney memories!!!

 

[TheDisney411]

Thanks! That worked!

Good

 

[Lazor460]

Unleash the Villains Friday, Sep 13, 2013
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Disney villains are so excited about Friday the 13th, they're taking over Disney's Hollywood Studios! Join in the fun for a night of mischief and a villainous dance party that will last until the 13th hour (1 a.m.).

So very excited to do this!!! Can't wait!

 

[Clamesa]

Hate the new site!

Me too, everything became a task, hate it, hate it!!

 

[TheDisney411]

Me too, everything became a task, hate it, hate it!!

I know, I think I hate it more every time I go on there! Lol! It is so NON user-friendly and the dining site is the worst - so slow and can not do multi day searches anymore. I don't know how much they paid for the "upgrade" but they got ripped off!

 

[Marsheliz]

Don't worry, she will be at Disney with you....singing to you with all the colors of the wind.

Aww, thanks I love it... I actually told my 4 year old a few weeks ago when I left the hospital and had to come home and tell him that the way to heaven is.. Second Star to the Right.. And straight on till morning LOVE DISNEY!!! Best therapy ever.

 

[Marsheliz]

Oh boy between your story and Joe's story i am not sure i can read anymore because of all the tears. I am however glad that both of you have those wonderful Disney memories to keep you going during hard times. I hope that one day my disney trips with my boys will be that special to them. Now i need to go get some tissues.

It definitely has helped.... I wanted to take her on one last vacation while she was still able and boy she loved it.. I have the best pictures.. I will have to find some to post. Cancer will never take that away from me!

 

[Lazor460]

I know, I think I hate it more everything I go on there! Lol! It is so NON user-friendly and the dining site is the worst - so slow and can not do multi day searches anymore. I don't know how much they paid for the "upgrade" but they got ripped off!

Omg I totally agree I was just thinking this am how much I miss the way it used to be! It's horrible!

 

[TheDisney411]

Aww, thanks I love it... I actually told my 4 year old a few weeks ago when I left the hospital and had to come home and tell him that the way to heaven is.. Second Star to the Right.. And straight on till morning LOVE DISNEY!!! Best therapy ever.

Y'all are killing me this morning! Between reading these sweet posts and then seeing and reading all this info on the news about these abducted girls being found alive in Ohio, I have been a weepy mess!!

 

[black562]

All of you have such wonderful stories. Disney holds so many wonderful memories for so many people. No wonder its so special to us all.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

All of you have such wonderful stories. Disney holds so many wonderful memories for so many people. No wonder its so special to us all.

I agree, starting from yours to the last one, everyone has such special memories and so many sad stories, but it is great to see that Disney brings back the happy memories with each and every trip.

 

[Clamesa]

That is a great story!! But what you said is soooo true....Disney is definitely about the memories! I cried the first time my kids saw the castle! They just stood there in awe and it is a moment I will never forget! Disney is about creating memories that will truly last a lifetime!!!

And thank you all of you who are sharing your stories! They are so bittersweet and very touching! God bless! And here's to more disney memories!!!

Oh, the tears of a mother, really sweet. The happiness of our children makes everything worth.


I cried the first time I saw the castle and I was 33 years old. I still remember my heart pounding for the emotions felt as I walked towards it. DH grew visiting but he says that he fell in love with the idea of Disney at the exact moment he saw me crying. It was our delayed honey moon and we went back a few months later to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

 

[kcwiak]

Well, I cried the first time I saw the castle and I was 33 years old. I still remember my heart pounding for the emotions felt as I walked towards it. DH grew visiting but he says that he fell in love with the idea of Disney at the exact moment he saw me crying. It was our delayed honey moon and we went back a few months later to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

Me too! And then again the next time and the next and so on.