I woke up this day not knowing what I would face,
and reflecting on the day before, which was awesome!
Typically, I would wake up before DH, a little before DS, make myself some tea, and have a nice little cup of warmth to see me through my morning journaling. Yes, DIS friends, I kept a journal of the trip. Every morning, I would wake up and write my notes on what had happened the day before. That way it was still fresh in my mind. This ended up being a blessing, because without my notes...we wouldn't have a trip report!!!
Overall, this would be a good day, but not without it's challenges, for DS...and me.
After getting ourselves ready, we headed to Epcot, and not having a frame of reference, DS was reluctant. I swear, it was like the years we'd taken him there just flew right out of his head. Like he didn't remember anything. He kept saying, "I don't want to go to DisneyWorld."
That set the tone. Never mind the fact that any time he saw any kind of candy or treat he would have a complete meltdown when we told him no. And I mean a MELTDOWN.
Everything seemed like it was going to be a challenge. When we arrived, we headed to the Character Connection, figuring Mickey and friends would help get him in the spirit. I want to preface this with two things. One, that this child has loved characters since he was about eight months old. And two, that my boy needs consistency. He craves it. And if something changes on him unexpectedly, it can mean that all bets are off.
So now that you're fully prepared, let's discuss. DS was excited while waiting in line, and DH was keeping him entertained, and some kids behind us as well. I swear my husband is like the Pied Piper. The little ones just flock to him and giggle uncontrollably.
Finally it was our turn. I was so excited.
And then it happened. Something we're all aware of, and never think will be the end of it all.
Mickey had to leave.
For a quick cheese break or something. And in those few short minutes, all bets were off. Everything changed. When Mickey came back out, DS refused to go see him. The child who had loved characters every year before was suddenly shy! And not just flirty shy, no full on, petrified, please don't make me shy.
So we didn't. Make him, that is. I'm not that kind of parent. I went through the line by myself, Mickey, Pluto, with Minnie we tried putting her all the way on one end and then DH, and then me holding DS at the suggestion of one of the CMs and he lost it. That was it. He was done. So he and DH left to get the stroller and I was on my own for the rest of the line. I remember one of the CMs telling me what a great mother I was for not forcing him, and I thought wow! With DS' meltdowns, I wasn't feeling like a great mother. I was feeling like a pretty selfish one actually, since I stayed in the line and saw the characters by myself. She told me how people will drag their kids kicking and screaming, and I said, oh no. If he wants to go, he will. You don't drag your kids to Santa and you certainly don't drag them to Mickey.
After being hugged simultaneously by Chip and Dale, if that isn't enough to make a girl giggle, I don't know what is, and having all sorts of fun, I was waiting in line for Goofy. And the photographer with him looked so familiar. And then it hit me, and it was my turn. This is just a tiny cliffhanger folks, don't worry.
I told Goofy it was a pleasure and he then proceeded to flirt shamelessly with me. That cad. He kissed my hand, pretended to dance...who knew?
When I walked over to retrieve my card from the photographer, I said hello and asked him how long he'd been working in Epcot. About two and a half years, he said. I said, do you ever take photos with Aladdin? He said yes. I said, last year, you, and he said jumped the fence? It was him!!!! I was so excited. Daniel, the man who took my absolute favorite picture of my son from last year's trip. I gushed a big thank you, and he thanked me for remembering him, and we hugged, and it was just the greatest moment.
A little aside. For those of you who don't know this story, I'll regale you. Last year, we unexpectedly found ourselves in Morocco, and Aladdin and Genie had a really short line. DS was in a good mood, it was myself, DH, and FIL with him. So we figured, let's get some autographs and take some pics. Now last year, DS was shy of the face characters, but not painfully so. He would warm up eventually, it just took some doing. Well, Aladdin was wonderful. He got down on DS level, and started talking to him. While I was getting Genie's autograph, Aladdin lead DS to the fence over by the World Showcase Lagoon, and was just talking to him. I have no idea what he was saying as he pointed out over the water, but he just melted my heart the way he was connecting with my little boy. Daniel, the photographer I mentioned, actually jumped the fence to get these perfect shots of DS and Aladdin, and they are my favorite pictures of him from that trip.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled trip report programming.
So suffice it to say, as I left the character area, I was feeling good. Even if DS hadn't participated, I'd had some fun, gotten to thank Daniel, and pay it forward a little. Which was really nice considering what was to come.
Up next - Tick, tick, tick...boom!!! - Part Two