“IF THIS IS A DREAM, I DON’T WANT TO WAKE UP!” – POP! Goes The Solo Trip **THE END**

[DisneyKid4Life]

HAHAHAHA! Isn't it, though!? I usually think of all the crazy things I'm probably caught doing in other people's pictures, but that ride photo is probably bragging rights for that family - "LOOK AT THAT GUY! HOW COOL IS HE!?!"

Ahhh, I hope so!!! For some unknown reason I think this was the first time it really occurred to me that I could be in who knows how many other people's ride photos. I mean, I know it's obvious, but I just never really thought about it before.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

THE MOST EMOTIONAL, MEMORABLE, UNBELIEVEABLY WONDERFUL,
PERFECTLY MAGICAL MOMENT IN TIME... EVER!
Day 4 – April 30, 2013 Part 4



I arrived onto Main Street excited to finally see Wishes, since the sudden storm had screwed that up the day before.

Storms suck!

Unfortunately, the Weather Gods had other ideas.
Similar to the previous night on the Poly beach, a short time before show time, the rain started.

Again.


I blame Universal.


I hustled over to the Tomorrowland Terrace and grabbed a seat on the ledge, just under cover of the rain.

A short time later a family made their way over to where I was sitting, one of whom was a gentleman 83 years young, who took a seat next to me.

He was followed by his wife, who came along with a Disney blanket and draped it around him.

It was too adorable.

The family was simply lovely consisting of them, their daughter and grandchildren.

They asked if I was there alone, and when I replied that I was,
The wife pointed to her husband sitting next to me and proclaimed that “He” used to come here alone all the time before they had gotten married.

That was so nice to hear, as you can imagine.

I made some small talk with the group before focusing my attention on the man sitting next to me.

Folks, what a wonderful person he was, and what a wonderful way to pass the time waiting out the rain.

We talked a lot about Disney and his former job in construction in New York.

This prompted him to regale me with an amazing story where he was approached many years ago to work on a special project.


That project was Magic Kingdom.


As it turns out, he declined the offer as he didn’t want to leave his family.
But a large number of people who worked for him in New York ended up working on the project themselves.

To top it off, I just about fainted when he told that he was there, in Magic Kingdom, the day it opened.
And here he was, over 40 years later, still coming back again and again.

In my mind, I was sitting beside Disney Royalty.

I like to believe that things happen for a reason.

If the rain had not started, I would not have been sitting there, and I would not have met this wonderful man.

Take THAT Universal!

A short time later, the rain began letting up, and an announcement came declaring that in only a few short minutes, Celebrate the Magic would begin.

As an aside, Monorail Voice Guy gets lots of love (although New Guy not so much), as does Bus Voice Guy, so I am now taking the opportunity to give a shout out to...

Magic Kingdom Announcement Voice Guy !!

I had seen The Magic, The Memories, and You and loved it, so I was anxious to see the new show for the first time, as it hadn’t yet begun the previous October.

So I bid a very heartfelt goodbye to my new friend, telling him how much I enjoyed meeting and talking with him.

I kept thinking to myself as I made my way towards Main Street that I wish I had gotten a photo with him.

Before I knew it, I was making my way back from where I had just come, and politely asked if it would be ok to get a picture, and he was more than happy to oblige.

Many years from now, I am confident that will be me... Coming back... Again and again.

Then I was back off to Main Street to get ready for Celebrate the Magic, and hopefully…

Finally…

Wishes!

When I arrived back on Main Street, the rain had dispersed the crowd quit a bit, so it was easy to find a spot.

A few short minutes later, Celebrate The Magic began…

WOW, this was Magic, Memories, and You on steroids.
The projections here are simply outstanding.

I do miss the Magic, Memories, and You soundtrack, and "To All Who Come To This Happy Place!",

But "It Was All Started By A Mouse" is pretty darn wonderful and iconic too.

You know, if you really think about it, this is such an amazing and powerful statement.

A mouse is such a small creature, and to think all of this was started by something so small, it really makes you believe that anything is possible.

I also loved the finale with all the various character projections appearing one after the other, but the MM&Y finale is hard to beat.

Nonetheless, I had seen some brief clips online before I saw it live, and my initial thoughts were that it didn’t look that good.

I am glad I was wrong.

Now I was finally primed and ready for my favourite thing in all of Walt Disney World…

Wishes!… A story so big only the sky can hold it!.



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[Sundancer UK]

Awwh that's lovely - Disney royalty indeed!

 

[11point5]

Awww wow, the story of meeting that interesting Disney-loving man was definitely worth the repeated cliffhangers you've been doing! Hurray for multi-generational Disney love! : Celebrate the Magic looks really cool, you were able to get some really great photos! On my last trip it was right between when the old projection show ended and the new one was being configured....so we didn't get to see any pre-Wishes show. But your photos were a great sampler that got me excited to see this show on my next visit!

AND there's still more of this night to come, and I bet it will contain more magical moments!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I love it! How cool to meet someone who was at the MK opening day!

Several years ago, I sat down on a bench in Epcot beside an older woman and we struck up a conversation. She told me that she lives in a senior's home in Orlando, has an annual pass, and goes to WDW EVERY SINGLE DAY! She says it's never boring, there's always something new happening or a special event going on, she gets a little exercise, and she's surrounded by happy people. I thought it was a great idea - I can't imagine a better way to spend my retirement years!

This is such a great trip report!

TP

 

[annie170]

What a great story! Not many people can say they've met someone who was at opening day. Lovely man, indeed!

Your Wishes photos are great, as usual.

 

[JolllyHoliday]

What a heart warming story. Loved it and your pictures are great too !!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Awww I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that story! You are right, if there hadn't been a rain delay you would never have had that conversation. To be there opening day in 1971 and then over 40 years later still enjoy the magic - Priceless!!!! There's just not an emoticon good enough for that emotion!

I'm going to miss Walt's opening speech for MM&Y but I see a shot of him on the castle - is there where it says it all started with a mouse? I'm looking forward to seeing the new show but like you, I think I have low expectations since I really like the old show. But heck, I don't mind being proven wrong! Your photos of the show on the castle are awesome! I keep asking you what camera do you use and I keep forgetting... taking a guess that you've said a Canon elph?? Correct me if I'm wrong. Makes me want to run out and buy one of those. However, if you have to do any manual adjustments to your settings to get those fabulous photos then forget it! ha ha!!

Thanks for sharing this update. I wish that family could know how touching it was not just for you but for others as well.

 

[GinnerD]

A personal encounter like meeting that gentleman is priceless! Good for you in going back to get a picture with him. You would have kicked yourself later, had you not!

 

[darrenf67]

Awesome moment - almost like fate - meeting your future self! Brought a tear to my eye

 

[Tracy161]

Wow! Talk about an amazing story!!! Definitely got goose bumps reading it that one. Things definitely happen for a reason and sometimes the rain works out after all, huh?! That's really also the beauty of solo trips - you're in a much better position sometimes to engage in conversation with perfect strangers!

 

[Kimbeachy]

I am a long time lurker of trip reports and haven't ever commented, but your last update was so awesome that it brought tears to my eyes. It was such an sweet thing that you did to go back and ask for a picture with the nice old gentleman. It probably made his day! I think that it is the hope and prayer of all of us "Disney Freaks" (lol) to think that we will still be able to go and enjoy the parks at that age! Very much enjoying your trip and can't wait for more!

 

[teekathepony]

Oh Rob, our fake stories could never outshine this one. What a sincerely sweet, wonderful experience to meet someone who was there on the opening day. I'm so glad you were (temporarily) rained out and got to meet him; Disney Royalty indeed! Thanks for the story.
I may have looked up a video of the Celebrate the Magic show... I wasn't going to, I was going to let it be a surprise in November, but I couldn't help it. WOW! What an amazing show, I can't wait to see it live! I also missed "To all who come to this happy place," but the Mouse quote is awesome too.
Can't wait for wishes!

 

[khertz]

What a sweet story! Sometimes the "inconveniences" we experience in the parks, like rain, can lead to the most magical or special moments. I'm glad you were able to go back and get a picture with him to remember him!

I'm pretty excited for the projection show. We were there in October last year too when it was still in the transition between MMY & Celebrate, so I'm happy we will have the new show this year.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, that is such an awesome story! How cool you got to talk to that man and then top if off with the castle show.

 

[Cira]

tO: dISNEYKIDFOR LIFE
I am particularly thrilled that you went back and took the photo. I've had too many regrets after I have gotten back home of things that I "shoulda, coulda, woulda" done, but didn't. APPLAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the castle photos from the show.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Awwh that's lovely - Disney royalty indeed!

Oh Elaine, he was such a lovely man. I am so grateful to have met him. This meeting really set the tone for the rest of the night... coming up next.

Awww wow, the story of meeting that interesting Disney-loving man was definitely worth the repeated cliffhangers you've been doing! Hurray for multi-generational Disney love! : Celebrate the Magic looks really cool, you were able to get some really great photos! On my last trip it was right between when the old projection show ended and the new one was being configured....so we didn't get to see any pre-Wishes show. But your photos were a great sampler that got me excited to see this show on my next visit!

AND there's still more of this night to come, and I bet it will contain more magical moments!

It was such a wonderful chance meeting Suzi.

It's really a fantastic show. I too had that issue on my previous trip in October as it was in between shows at the time. It's a great show.

Oh yes indeed. In fact, this actually wasn't the story alluded to in the cliffhangers. That's coming up next update.

I love it! How cool to meet someone who was at the MK opening day!

Several years ago, I sat down on a bench in Epcot beside an older woman and we struck up a conversation. She told me that she lives in a senior's home in Orlando, has an annual pass, and goes to WDW EVERY SINGLE DAY! She says it's never boring, there's always something new happening or a special event going on, she gets a little exercise, and she's surrounded by happy people. I thought it was a great idea - I can't imagine a better way to spend my retirement years!

This is such a great trip report!

TP

Oh my goodness I was loving it Teresa. Such a wonderful man.

Wow, what a great story. I love hearing about things like that. You're right, there's not better way to spend your retirement. That's so wonderful.

Aww thank you so much Teresa! I truly appreciate that.

What a great story! Not many people can say they've met someone who was at opening day. Lovely man, indeed!

Your Wishes photos are great, as usual.

Thank you Annie. He was just lovely. I'm so glad I went back to get a photo. It was a great meeting for sure.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

What a heart warming story. Loved it and your pictures are great too !!!

Thank you so much. It was something I will always cherish.

Awww I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that story! You are right, if there hadn't been a rain delay you would never have had that conversation. To be there opening day in 1971 and then over 40 years later still enjoy the magic - Priceless!!!! There's just not an emoticon good enough for that emotion!

I'm going to miss Walt's opening speech for MM&Y but I see a shot of him on the castle - is there where it says it all started with a mouse? I'm looking forward to seeing the new show but like you, I think I have low expectations since I really like the old show. But heck, I don't mind being proven wrong! Your photos of the show on the castle are awesome! I keep asking you what camera do you use and I keep forgetting... taking a guess that you've said a Canon elph?? Correct me if I'm wrong. Makes me want to run out and buy one of those. However, if you have to do any manual adjustments to your settings to get those fabulous photos then forget it! ha ha!!

Thanks for sharing this update. I wish that family could know how touching it was not just for you but for others as well.

Ahhh I so agree with this Brenda. It was really just a chance encounter, but one I am so glad to have had. It was so wonderful. He was such a sweet man. And that's just it. He keeps coming back over and over. I swear I will be doing that too. It was so inspiring.

Yup, that's the spot for "It was all started by a Mouse". I really think you're going to love it. It's pretty fantastic.
Yes, it is indeed just a Canon Elph and no I do absolutely no manual adjustments (though with all of Wendy's great tips I may try in the future). It's all auto to this point though.

Oh Brenda it was my pleasure believe me. It was the beginning of an amazing end to my evening... coming soon.

A personal encounter like meeting that gentleman is priceless! Good for you in going back to get a picture with him. You would have kicked yourself later, had you not!

Absolutely priceless. Oh my I so agree with this. I really would have been upset with myself if I hadn't gone back.

Awesome moment - almost like fate - meeting your future self! Brought a tear to my eye

You know, that's a pretty good description Darren. It really did feel like it was meant to happen. And if that brought a tear to your eye... just wait.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow! Talk about an amazing story!!! Definitely got goose bumps reading it that one. Things definitely happen for a reason and sometimes the rain works out after all, huh?! That's really also the beauty of solo trips - you're in a much better position sometimes to engage in conversation with perfect strangers!

Aww I loved it so much Tracy. It's amazing how things happen like that. I was thinking initially that the rain was going to screw up my night yet again. But it really was the catalyst that put me in places I may not have otherwise been.
And you're so right about being solo. Had I been with others I may not have engaged with these people at all.

I am a long time lurker of trip reports and haven't ever commented, but your last update was so awesome that it brought tears to my eyes. It was such an sweet thing that you did to go back and ask for a picture with the nice old gentleman. It probably made his day! I think that it is the hope and prayer of all of us "Disney Freaks" (lol) to think that we will still be able to go and enjoy the parks at that age! Very much enjoying your trip and can't wait for more!

Thank you ever so much and I'm so delighted you took the time to leave a comment. It means a lot.

Aww thank you for your kind words. I'll see if I can get everyone outright bawling on the next update.
He really does show that Disney is for everyone and I am so glad I got that photo. They were all just so wonderful.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh Rob, our fake stories could never outshine this one. What a sincerely sweet, wonderful experience to meet someone who was there on the opening day. I'm so glad you were (temporarily) rained out and got to meet him; Disney Royalty indeed! Thanks for the story.
I may have looked up a video of the Celebrate the Magic show... I wasn't going to, I was going to let it be a surprise in November, but I couldn't help it. WOW! What an amazing show, I can't wait to see it live! I also missed "To all who come to this happy place," but the Mouse quote is awesome too.
Can't wait for wishes!

Aww thanks so much Wendy. It was such a great memory and a great moment... BUT... this is not the story alluded to in the other updates. That's still to come. Bring a tissue

The projection show is truly fantastic and so much better in person. If they ever combine the best of each show, I'm not sure I could handle it.

What a sweet story! Sometimes the "inconveniences" we experience in the parks, like rain, can lead to the most magical or special moments. I'm glad you were able to go back and get a picture with him to remember him!

I'm pretty excited for the projection show. We were there in October last year too when it was still in the transition between MMY & Celebrate, so I'm happy we will have the new show this year.

So completely true. It was such a "fluke" encounter, but it really set the stage for the rest of the evening. I too am so glad I got that photo. I would have been upset looking back if I hadn't.

It really is great. The actual projections are so far advanced (in my opinion) over the MM&Y it's shocking.