Dan's Trip Reports revisited--Embryo I--Part 1 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Dan Murphy · 05-11-2001, 01:30 AM

I am posting this 'old' trip report for the 3rd time. The previous ones were lost in board updates. Over the months, I have received emails to repost these, as well as I have seen references to them on the Community Board, requests to repost, and some folks don't know what they were. At the time, December, '99 and January, '00, they were somewhat unique. They were enjoyed then, hopefully they will again.

I will attempt to present my trip report in a somewhat different than normal fashion (why should I change now?). In life, there is first an embryo, then fetal development, and then a glorious birth of a baby. I hope to present my story along those lines, in 3 parts. Today will start with the embryo. Actually this first part will sound like it belongs on “Inspiration Board”, but it really is “Trip.”

The Embryonic Stage

As the kids were growing up, we always said, “We should go to Disney World.” It was always, “not enough time”, or “we don’t have the money to do it “this” year”. Well that changed in 1998/99.

The Crew:

Dan Murphy—me, age 55, Financial Planner
Marie—my dear wife, a few years my younger, full time mom, spouse, and homemaker
Natalie—my dear daughter, turned 19 on our trip, first year college student
Vincent—my dear son, age 22, working towards becoming a firefighter

Our Magic Time:

Sunday, November 28th—Monday, December 6th

The beginnings of our trip to WDW actually began in January 1998. My dear wife, Marie, then was diagnosed with breast cancer.

This, obviously, was a life-altering event for her and our family. She started her treatments shortly thereafter--surgery, chemo, and radiation, in that order. It was a long, arduous, dragged-out battle. Day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month, it went on and on and on. In early May ’98, Marie was in the later weeks of the chemo part of her treatment.

During the fist week in May, I had to go, (and I do mean that--I had to go), on a 3 night/4 day business convention. Last year, (’98), it happened to be held at the WDW Swan & WDW Dolphin. Well, I went to the convention with great reservations of leaving Marie home, if only for a few days.

Upon my arrival at WDW, I had mixed feelings. Here I am at a place that is designed, certainly with families as a major consideration, and not only am I here alone, but my wife is home, sick, fighting for her life.

I did go about my business.

First day was basically travel and check in, as it so frequently is. That evening was a cocktail reception at which thoughts were back home, not at the party. The second day was taken with the usual daytime meetings and an awards banquet in the evening. I called frequently to the home front to check in and touch base. I really had wished I were home.

I basically was totally free to do as desired on the third day. “Well”, I said, “as long as I am here at WDW, I might as well try to see what it was like a little bit and what it was we had missed over the years.” As a then total WDW neophyte, I wandered around the lobby, trying to find out, “What do I do?” I went to the Disney counter and asked some questions, (which now in retrospect, would be much more efficiently dealt with on DIS. LOL). I purchased a one-day ticket, ($$ LOL), took the Friendship boat, (I thought that to be totally cool),:D to MGM Studios, and spent the day wandering aimlessly around the park, much as we would do at Six Flags that we have here in Chicago and have visited numbers of times over the years.

After docking at the boat dock, (again I thought this to be sooo neat), I went in with my little ticket in hand, zipped in into the machine, (cool)

, stopped at the Gas Station and said “Good morning” to an employee who was most friendly,

(now known as a CM), and stopped at Starring Rolls Bakery for a pecan roll and coffee, ($$). I went into MGM, made a right turn, (now probably would go left, LOL), on to Sunset Blvd, (didn’t really know it had a name then). I wandered down to ToT and only gawked at it in amazement. Unbelievable! I would never, in my life, go on that. WRONG! I had a pop at Market Ranch, ($-unbelievable). I then strolled into a currently showing B&TB performance.

I thought back to the previous year, (’97), as I watched the B&TB stage show in Toronto, site of that year’s same convention I was now attending in Orlando, but with no health problems looming. My, what a year can bring!

I was starting to wander back on Sunset Blvd, when I was taken up by the Street Performers—so cool. My unknowing wandering continued.:D

I did have the required Guidemap in my hands, (yes, ladies, I read maps and don’t ask directions. That works very well for me in my non-Disney life, and I will, in the “birth segment” refer back to this statement).

I went to Hollywood Blvd, through the MGM main circle, (still don’t know if it has a “formal” name), and went to The Great Movie Ride. I kind of liked this goofy, (no pun) ride.:D I walked into ABC Commissary, got intimidated by the crowd, and walked out. LOL Now I realize that that was just a small number of people, (guests). I think I finally got something at Backlot Express, details of it are fuzzing up after 18 months. Whatever it was, it didn’t make much of an impression on me, other than probably how much a burger costs at WDW, LOL.

I looped over to Star Tours. This was familiar territory for me, as we did do Disneyland in ’92. Enjoyed the flashback again to happier, and healthier days.:D I took a few pictures of the great looking “At-At” out front, cuz I like Star Wars. I found my way, with my Guidemap, to the Backlot Tour ride. As I went through the various “stages” of this attraction, I thought how nice it would be if Marie was with me then, seeing the street settings of houses which different films and shows had used over the years.:D

After the ride, which I did think was kind of neat, (sort of reminded me of the Universal Studios tour we also did in ’92), I went over to the New York Street, sat on the curb under the big arch by the garden, got out my cell phone, and called my voice mail for messages. (bet you thought I was calling home—just a little bit later)(tough for me to totally get a way from it). Even though I changed my VM to “absence”, one of my clients had left a message. I called him and said to him, “You will never believe where I am calling you from. I am in Orlando, FL, but I am looking up this street and I can see the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building in the distance.” So neat! I then explained and told him I would call him on my return to the “real world”.

That pretty much wound up my day and initial experience with WDW. I again used my trusty Guidemap, found the exit and started my way to it. I did get sidetracked to Keystone Clothiers for the, now known, required Disney things. I did like picking out for Marie, Natalie, and Vince,:D but wished they were with me.

I then boarded the Friendship boat for the ride back to the Swan. I got out my cell phone again and called home. Now, mind you, this was not my first call home. I had made plenty of calls up until then, but this one was going to be cool (NOT). Marie answered and I said, “You will get a kick out of this. I just left a Disney park, am on a Disney boat, on Disney water, with a Disney bag of clothes, going back to a Disney hotel. Everything is Disney! Everything!:D We really should come here with the kids when you are well!” Well, the tears started to well up and I wanted to get off the phone.

I ended the call and docked at the Swan with sad feelings.

That evening, one of the mutual fund companies I use for financial “product”, was hosting a 7:30 PM “Thank you” dinner at Morocco in Epcot to be followed by Illuminations. The bus picked us up at the Swan and dropped us off at Entrance Plaza at Spaceship Earth, (didn’t then know it had a name), and we proceeded to move, just short of a jog, through Future World and World Showcase, as the bus had been late. We made it to Morocco and had an enjoyable meal with fellow associates,:D but I was really alone.

After dinner we went outside and stood near the Friendship boat dock to watch Illuminations. Needless to say, I was impressed. After that a group of us, or maybe it was just me, (I think I was alone), walked out of Epcot, through International Gateway, along the Boardwalk, and back to the Swan. Beautiful walk, but lonely.

I called home, talked with Marie, and said I’d be home in the afternoon of the next day. Tough day and evening.

I made it home and we move forward from early May to about August or so, (‘98).

Now, I thought this Trip report would not be soooooo long. Honestly, I am just typing this from memory, (referring to my now souvenir Guidemaps for locations and names), as I go along. The brain must still be fresh. LOL It is longer than I thought it would be; I ramble.:D LOL This will, I guess be referred to as Embryo, Part I. And I will post it now so I can get a start on this Trip Report thing. I did tell you it sounds like it probably, (this part), belongs on Inspiration with Nikole & Michelle, but it is my Trip Report, so it goes with Kelsie.

I will try to develop Embryo, Part II, soon. It will take me from August ’98 up through my discovering DIS, sometime in the early part of ‘99.:D And a lot happened in between.

See ya’all soon.

Click this 2nd Mickey to read Dan’s Embryo Part II

EdiePA · 05-11-2001, 07:14 AM

I remember reading them the first time and this brought back all of those feelings for you and your family!

Looking forward to the next installment!

Edie

pumba · 05-11-2001, 07:56 AM

Robin1116 · 05-13-2001, 12:36 PM

Hey Dan!

Just got done reading your first installment... gosh to picture you without all of your great knowledge of Disney!

I guess we all start somewhere....

Looking forward to the next chapter....

Beanie · 07-01-2001, 04:26 PM

I know I have read these before, but I never had a chance to reply to them...so now I finally am...

Thanks Dan...I love reading your posts...you always have a detailed report and you describe everything as if I am standing there looking at the same things as well...Thanks for posting these again! I am really enjoying reading them again!

snuggles · 07-01-2001, 07:37 PM

Thanks for reposting! I always enjoy reading your reports.

antnee · 12-01-2001, 09:46 AM

Thanks for sharing this with us. If I hadnt read this report I would have thougt you were at WDW when the MK opened with all of your WDW knwoledge :D. Great trip report and I can see where you could have made a case for the IB.

Antnee

Patio · 12-01-2001, 01:00 PM

Beautiful Dan, just beautiful. I really enjoy all your posts and pictures, but it is so wonderful to hear how it all began. Marie, Natalie and Vince are very lucky to have you.

jennymouse · 12-01-2001, 05:15 PM

Dan, reading for the first time. Boy, you really did know what we were going through when Mom was diagnosed with cancer.....I never knew about your wife. Thanks for sharing.

FairyGodfriend · 12-10-2001, 09:50 AM

Dan, {{hugs}} that was such a sweet report. Having your wife home not feeling well and discovering the magic of WDW must have been a life affirming journey. Reading this now after meeting you makes this report even more special. MGM is my favorite park, sitting with a pecan roll and a cup of coffee, in "New York" ...so inspirational. On to "Part II"

nativetxn · 12-19-2001, 01:12 PM

This was fun to read again, thanks, Dan.

Katholyn

shamrock · 01-02-2002, 10:10 AM

These are wonderful! I thought they were lost

BUT THEY ARE HERE!!! I never got to read the last installment, can't WAIT to go read it. Thanks for reposting

Minniespal · 11-27-2003, 04:02 AM

Wonderful trip report ~ Thanx for sharing.

mamaprincess · 01-18-2007, 01:05 PM

Where can I locate the rest of the installments? I'd really love to know how your first family trip was!

I found it!!!

05-11-2001, 01:30 AM	#1
Dan Murphy We are family. Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chicago area, IL Posts: 74,980	Dan's Trip Reports revisited--Embryo I--Part 1 I am posting this 'old' trip report for the 3rd time. The previous ones were lost in board updates. Over the months, I have received emails to repost these, as well as I have seen references to them on the Community Board, requests to repost, and some folks don't know what they were. At the time, December, '99 and January, '00, they were somewhat unique. They were enjoyed then, hopefully they will again. I will attempt to present my trip report in a somewhat different than normal fashion (why should I change now?). In life, there is first an embryo, then fetal development, and then a glorious birth of a baby. I hope to present my story along those lines, in 3 parts. Today will start with the embryo. Actually this first part will sound like it belongs on “Inspiration Board”, but it really is “Trip.” The Embryonic Stage As the kids were growing up, we always said, “We should go to Disney World.” It was always, “not enough time”, or “we don’t have the money to do it “this” year”. Well that changed in 1998/99. The Crew: Dan Murphy—me, age 55, Financial Planner Marie—my dear wife, a few years my younger, full time mom, spouse, and homemaker Natalie—my dear daughter, turned 19 on our trip, first year college student Vincent—my dear son, age 22, working towards becoming a firefighter Our Magic Time: Sunday, November 28th—Monday, December 6th The beginnings of our trip to WDW actually began in January 1998. My dear wife, Marie, then was diagnosed with breast cancer. This, obviously, was a life-altering event for her and our family. She started her treatments shortly thereafter--surgery, chemo, and radiation, in that order. It was a long, arduous, dragged-out battle. Day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month, it went on and on and on. In early May ’98, Marie was in the later weeks of the chemo part of her treatment. During the fist week in May, I had to go, (and I do mean that--I had to go), on a 3 night/4 day business convention. Last year, (’98), it happened to be held at the WDW Swan & WDW Dolphin. Well, I went to the convention with great reservations of leaving Marie home, if only for a few days. Upon my arrival at WDW, I had mixed feelings. Here I am at a place that is designed, certainly with families as a major consideration, and not only am I here alone, but my wife is home, sick, fighting for her life. I did go about my business. First day was basically travel and check in, as it so frequently is. That evening was a cocktail reception at which thoughts were back home, not at the party. The second day was taken with the usual daytime meetings and an awards banquet in the evening. I called frequently to the home front to check in and touch base. I really had wished I were home. I basically was totally free to do as desired on the third day. “Well”, I said, “as long as I am here at WDW, I might as well try to see what it was like a little bit and what it was we had missed over the years.” As a then total WDW neophyte, I wandered around the lobby, trying to find out, “What do I do?” I went to the Disney counter and asked some questions, (which now in retrospect, would be much more efficiently dealt with on DIS. LOL). I purchased a one-day ticket, ($$ LOL), took the Friendship boat, (I thought that to be totally cool),:D to MGM Studios, and spent the day wandering aimlessly around the park, much as we would do at Six Flags that we have here in Chicago and have visited numbers of times over the years. After docking at the boat dock, (again I thought this to be sooo neat), I went in with my little ticket in hand, zipped in into the machine, (cool), stopped at the Gas Station and said “Good morning” to an employee who was most friendly, (now known as a CM), and stopped at Starring Rolls Bakery for a pecan roll and coffee, ($$). I went into MGM, made a right turn, (now probably would go left, LOL), on to Sunset Blvd, (didn’t really know it had a name then). I wandered down to ToT and only gawked at it in amazement. Unbelievable! I would never, in my life, go on that. WRONG! I had a pop at Market Ranch, ($-unbelievable). I then strolled into a currently showing B&TB performance. I thought back to the previous year, (’97), as I watched the B&TB stage show in Toronto, site of that year’s same convention I was now attending in Orlando, but with no health problems looming. My, what a year can bring! I was starting to wander back on Sunset Blvd, when I was taken up by the Street Performers—so cool. My unknowing wandering continued.:D I did have the required Guidemap in my hands, (yes, ladies, I read maps and don’t ask directions. That works very well for me in my non-Disney life, and I will, in the “birth segment” refer back to this statement). I went to Hollywood Blvd, through the MGM main circle, (still don’t know if it has a “formal” name), and went to The Great Movie Ride. I kind of liked this goofy, (no pun) ride.:D I walked into ABC Commissary, got intimidated by the crowd, and walked out. LOL Now I realize that that was just a small number of people, (guests). I think I finally got something at Backlot Express, details of it are fuzzing up after 18 months. Whatever it was, it didn’t make much of an impression on me, other than probably how much a burger costs at WDW, LOL. I looped over to Star Tours. This was familiar territory for me, as we did do Disneyland in ’92. Enjoyed the flashback again to happier, and healthier days.:D I took a few pictures of the great looking “At-At” out front, cuz I like Star Wars. I found my way, with my Guidemap, to the Backlot Tour ride. As I went through the various “stages” of this attraction, I thought how nice it would be if Marie was with me then, seeing the street settings of houses which different films and shows had used over the years.:D After the ride, which I did think was kind of neat, (sort of reminded me of the Universal Studios tour we also did in ’92), I went over to the New York Street, sat on the curb under the big arch by the garden, got out my cell phone, and called my voice mail for messages. (bet you thought I was calling home—just a little bit later)(tough for me to totally get a way from it). Even though I changed my VM to “absence”, one of my clients had left a message. I called him and said to him, “You will never believe where I am calling you from. I am in Orlando, FL, but I am looking up this street and I can see the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building in the distance.” So neat! I then explained and told him I would call him on my return to the “real world”. That pretty much wound up my day and initial experience with WDW. I again used my trusty Guidemap, found the exit and started my way to it. I did get sidetracked to Keystone Clothiers for the, now known, required Disney things. I did like picking out for Marie, Natalie, and Vince,:D but wished they were with me. I then boarded the Friendship boat for the ride back to the Swan. I got out my cell phone again and called home. Now, mind you, this was not my first call home. I had made plenty of calls up until then, but this one was going to be cool (NOT). Marie answered and I said, “You will get a kick out of this. I just left a Disney park, am on a Disney boat, on Disney water, with a Disney bag of clothes, going back to a Disney hotel. Everything is Disney! Everything!:D We really should come here with the kids when you are well!” Well, the tears started to well up and I wanted to get off the phone. I ended the call and docked at the Swan with sad feelings. That evening, one of the mutual fund companies I use for financial “product”, was hosting a 7:30 PM “Thank you” dinner at Morocco in Epcot to be followed by Illuminations. The bus picked us up at the Swan and dropped us off at Entrance Plaza at Spaceship Earth, (didn’t then know it had a name), and we proceeded to move, just short of a jog, through Future World and World Showcase, as the bus had been late. We made it to Morocco and had an enjoyable meal with fellow associates,:D but I was really alone. After dinner we went outside and stood near the Friendship boat dock to watch Illuminations. Needless to say, I was impressed. After that a group of us, or maybe it was just me, (I think I was alone), walked out of Epcot, through International Gateway, along the Boardwalk, and back to the Swan. Beautiful walk, but lonely. I called home, talked with Marie, and said I’d be home in the afternoon of the next day. Tough day and evening. I made it home and we move forward from early May to about August or so, (‘98). Now, I thought this Trip report would not be soooooo long. Honestly, I am just typing this from memory, (referring to my now souvenir Guidemaps for locations and names), as I go along. The brain must still be fresh. LOL It is longer than I thought it would be; I ramble.:D LOL This will, I guess be referred to as Embryo, Part I. And I will post it now so I can get a start on this Trip Report thing. I did tell you it sounds like it probably, (this part), belongs on Inspiration with Nikole & Michelle, but it is my Trip Report, so it goes with Kelsie. I will try to develop Embryo, Part II, soon. It will take me from August ’98 up through my discovering DIS, sometime in the early part of ‘99.:D And a lot happened in between. See ya’all soon. Click this 2nd Mickey to read Dan’s Embryo Part II __________________ *Dan-'Let's Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand'--We are Family* Why she runs..... Random acts of kindness, no matter how small, are never really lost. They live forever in the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of them----Lady M *Link to picture threads, many pictures ///Are You a DIS Oldtimer (or New)? ///LOTS of Resort Photos* dmurphydis@sbcglobal.net . Last edited by Dan Murphy; 07-19-2002 at 01:31 PM.

05-11-2001, 07:14 AM	#2
EdiePA DIS Veteran since 1997 Believing in God is way more important than believing in TFs... ;) Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: transplanted to Pittsburgh Posts: 1,209	Dan, Thanks for posting these again !! I remember reading them the first time and this brought back all of those feelings for you and your family! Looking forward to the next installment! Edie __________________ My son, the 'former' cheerleader .... Never, ever underestimate the power of a dare!!

05-11-2001, 07:56 AM	#3
pumba DIS PUMBARIZER I have a smile on my face a mile wide Let’s just say that Mr. Feeney came out “well done” Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 24,391	Thanks Dan.......didn't have the opportunity to read it the first time...... __________________

05-13-2001, 12:36 PM	#4
Robin1116 DIS Cast Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Posts: 594	Hey Dan! Just got done reading your first installment... gosh to picture you without all of your great knowledge of Disney! I guess we all start somewhere.... Looking forward to the next chapter.... __________________ Robin Longley DISNEYWORLD 81 - offsite w/family 92 - offsite w/family 98 - offsite (2x's Sheraton Safari) 99 - offsite (3x's Club Hotel by Doubletree, 2 weekend trips!) 2000 - Grovesnor & GV Concierge at Polynesian! DISNEYLAND Too many times to count, born a Disney baby in CA!!!

12-01-2001, 01:00 PM	#8
Patio DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: PA Posts: 2,335	Beautiful Dan, just beautiful. I really enjoy all your posts and pictures, but it is so wonderful to hear how it all began. Marie, Natalie and Vince are very lucky to have you. __________________ 2/89 - offsite 2/96 - DXL 3/99 - CBR 12/99 - Embassy Suites @ LBV 2/01 - CBR 12/01- AKL 12/02- AKL 6/04- Dolphin 7/05- Pop Century 1/08- Pop Century 1/09- Dolphin 1/11- Pop Century

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07-01-2001, 04:26 PM	#5
Beanie ~Snoopy Fan Forever~ Join Date: May 2000 Location: Northern NH Posts: 67,125	I know I have read these before, but I never had a chance to reply to them...so now I finally am... Thanks Dan...I love reading your posts...you always have a detailed report and you describe everything as if I am standing there looking at the same things as well...Thanks for posting these again! I am really enjoying reading them again!

07-01-2001, 07:37 PM	#6
snuggles A good day with short lines...what more could you ask for? An attic bathroom! See ya when you run out of gas Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Thomasville, Ga Posts: 10,534	Thanks for reposting! I always enjoy reading your reports.

12-01-2001, 05:15 PM	#9
jennymouse Nana to Skye & Haley! Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lexington, Kentucky & Beach Club Villas Posts: 5,345	Dan, reading for the first time. Boy, you really did know what we were going through when Mom was diagnosed with cancer.....I never knew about your wife. Thanks for sharing. __________________ Jenifer

12-10-2001, 09:50 AM	#10
FairyGodfriend DIS Cast Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 525	Dan, {{hugs}} that was such a sweet report. Having your wife home not feeling well and discovering the magic of WDW must have been a life affirming journey. Reading this now after meeting you makes this report even more special. MGM is my favorite park, sitting with a pecan roll and a cup of coffee, in "New York" ...so inspirational. On to "Part II" __________________ Last edited by FairyGodfriend; 12-10-2001 at 09:57 AM.

12-19-2001, 01:12 PM	#11
nativetxn Moderator Honorary Brit Everyone loves nativetxn 1967---"Summer of Love" sigh Rabid bat attack survivor Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: From Houston, Texas- Live in MI Posts: 64,482	This was fun to read again, thanks, Dan. Katholyn __________________ *Texas Born, Texas Bred and when I die I'll be Texas Dead*

01-02-2002, 10:10 AM	#12
shamrock mickey ºoº Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maine Posts: 29	These are wonderful! I thought they were lost BUT THEY ARE HERE!!! I never got to read the last installment, can't WAIT to go read it. Thanks for reposting __________________ <I> I LOVE Orlando ... man, what a town!!!<BR>Can we go again soon? Can we? Can we?</I>

11-27-2003, 04:02 AM	#13
Minniespal The Original 'Free Spirit' Who's Next?? Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 52,304	Wonderful trip report ~ Thanx for sharing.

01-18-2007, 01:05 PM	#14
mamaprincess DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 2,842 Paid DVC Rent/Trade Gold Membership	Where can I locate the rest of the installments? I'd really love to know how your first family trip was! I found it!!!

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