A Ten Day Ride on A Magic Camel - Almost Finished Trip Report

[Charleston Princess]

The clipboarders have come and gone, and I refrained from breaking out into the Laughing Place song when they stepped through the door.

Now, the pictures are showing up for me -- I guess it was my treat for surviving the brigade.

Don't worry, I plan on wearing my five dollar Walmart shorts with pride when I show up at the Beach Club this summer. It's how I can afford to stay there in the first place.

 

[snowbell]

Yeah -- I am finally all caught up. I have been in New Hampshire at a conference. Getting ready for another one in New York City next week... why do they always have to book my meetings during the holidays and when all I want to do is plan my disney trip...

Two weeks!!!! I hope you guys are gettisng excited. I will PM my number to you shortly.
Those pics of Brooklynn on the barnstormer are priceles.. reminds me of when my mom took me on the wild cat at Rye Playland... I was terrified..lol

 

[MeMom]

Thanks for the GF pictures!!!!! I'm on cloud nine right now---that is by far my dream resort to stay at......will see if THAT ever happens!!!! But I'm with you, I just like to "pretend" I could stay there everytime we visit it!!!! I'm so glad you took a picture of the bathrooms---I think their potties are SO pretty!!!

BTW--Luckily, no one was around to hear my "snort laugh/choke" while reading your story of the Barnstormer!!! I'm sure they would have made MUCH fun of me!!!!

I'm sure the day will come when you can stay there. I'd like to stay for a night or two, but that would be enough to satisfy me. Most likely, what we'll be doing down the road will be staying for eight days at a value and then moving over to another resort for the last couple of nights. That way we will be able to afford to stay as long as we want and experience the nicer resorts for at least a short time.

They all show up for me and a fun bunch of pictures they are.



Even a MeMom picture!

I forgot about that one. I thought the last MeMom picture was the last MeMom picture, but this really is the last MeMom picture.

Maybe.

I will have to look for a picture of that trip next time I go home...I'm pretty sure my mom was laughing at me...I know my aunt was when I got off dripping wet and sputtering, she still snorts when reminded of that ride...

Definitely find the picture and share it with us. You were five, right? If that's the case, you can probably make fun of the clothes and hairstyles your mom and aunt were sporting at the time, because you know how styles change. They may have laughed at a poor helpless little girl, but you can have the last laugh when you make fun of what now probably looks like some fairly odd hair and clothes styles.

The clipboarders have come and gone, and I refrained from breaking out into the Laughing Place song when they stepped through the door.

Now, the pictures are showing up for me -- I guess it was my treat for surviving the brigade.

Don't worry, I plan on wearing my five dollar Walmart shorts with pride when I show up at the Beach Club this summer. It's how I can afford to stay there in the first place.

I hope you got good reviews. Mine were good the other day - no ridiculous comments about an insufficient Word Wall or anything.

Yeah -- I am finally all caught up. I have been in New Hampshire at a conference. Getting ready for another one in New York City next week... why do they always have to book my meetings during the holidays and when all I want to do is plan my disney trip...

Two weeks!!!! I hope you guys are gettisng excited. I will PM my number to you shortly.
Those pics of Brooklynn on the barnstormer are priceles.. reminds me of when my mom took me on the wild cat at Rye Playland... I was terrified..lol

Usually I'm counting every day until a trip, but this time, the days are coming and going before I can stop and count them. Actually, and I can't believe I am even saying this, it's coming too fast! I still have a lot of things to do.

You and Julie (Swans) get together and decided what time we're meeting.


************************************************


While at the Grand Floridian, we decided we would eat there and then go walk out on the beach for a few minutes.

Here's what we ate.

Rich people eat chocolate chip cookies, too!

Sweet!


Rich people eat pizza.

Cool!
I mean hot.
I mean the pizza is hot, but it's cool.
Or vice-versa.

I don't think he looks very scary, but some amongst us might.

There were a couple of birds actually inside the eating area.

Outside, there were more than a few friends of the feathered variety.

After we were full, we walked toward the pools and beach area.

Isn't this a nice sight to see from your resort?

No doubt it would be nice to call this place home for a few days.

Jill and Brooklynn sharing some time in the sand.

She's a little more confident on the sand than she was last year.

Pretty flowers.

Pretty palm trees.

Looking down on empty benches.

Back toward Magic Kingdom.

Busy, busy monorails.

 

[shannon47142]

Pretty pictures og the grand Floridan.

Have you guys ever eaten at 1900 Park Faire? We did forthe first time last August--good food and even better character interaction(except for Prince Charming, he was a bit stiff!)

 

[mama2girls]

And, is it too late to move to Canada????? *ahem*[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Im with ya on this one! I bet we can split the rent on a cute little Canadian house! Let's just say that it is going to be an interesting next 4 years. Even though I did NOT vote democrat, I am praying that God gives Mr. Obama the wisdom to lead our country. I love what Sen. McCain said in his speech. If Mr. Obama fails we all fail. We need to support him for the good of our country.

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

Lovely updates and piccies!

I can't wait to see more of the GF NEXT WEEK!!!
We saw it briefly in July but it was dark and we only had about an hour there (which I spent most of shopping!!!)

The piccies of Brooklynn in the sand are really sweet. I remember our first holiday with my niece - she was 10 months at the time - my sister held her above the sand and tried to put her down but she didn't like the feeling under her feet so kept pulling her up feet & legs to her body, it was really really cute!!!

xxx

 

[MeMom]

Pretty pictures og the grand Floridan.

Have you guys ever eaten at 1900 Park Faire? We did forthe first time last August--good food and even better character interaction(except for Prince Charming, he was a bit stiff!)

It is a very pretty place. We have eaten only counter service there so far. It's nice to hear that it was all good, for future reference.

Im with ya on this one! I bet we can split the rent on a cute little Canadian house! Let's just say that it is going to be an interesting next 4 years. Even though I did NOT vote democrat, I am praying that God gives Mr. Obama the wisdom to lead our country. I love what Sen. McCain said in his speech. If Mr. Obama fails we all fail. We need to support him for the good of our country.

We've got a lot of Canadian friends hanging around here. I'm sure they'd pull out a cot or a sleeping bag if you want to go for a visit. I imagine they would be warm, wonderful hosts, too!

We can all just have hope that the country will have a bright future under leaders who truly seek the best for all of us. The older I get, the more I understand the phrase 'let there be peace on earth'. If we cannot have that, though, we can seek for peaceful moments within our own lives and treasure them.

As we all go through this time of year when our minds are more aware of things we are thankful for, I ask that you keep in mind a teacher friend of mine. Her six month old grandson is at Vanderbilt in critical care. He has some type of neuroblastoma, and his little body has purple lines drawn on it where he will be receiving radiation treatments. I am just filled with tears thinking of that little baby laying there, his parents by his side watching him. I know they would be so thankful to just be back at home with a healthy little boy who was screaming all night long, keeping them awake and making them all sleep deprived. Instead, they watch him sleep in an induced coma right now, hoping and praying that wise doctors will know just the right treatments to heal their little boy.

I know that we all have stories of our own and stories of people we know - of things that are making people's lives filled with sorrow or making them difficult right now. I know that we also have just the opposite - stories of things that are making people's lives wonderful and filled with absolute joy right now.

Just on this 'Magic Camel family of friends', we have:

new babies and all the joys and struggles that come with them

kids of all shapes, sizes, and colors - who make us laugh and cry, who bring us our highest highs and our lowest lows, who we love with all that is in us

family members away from us in different parts of the world serving our country in different ways

people planning to start families or move to new homes/locations

those who are adding to their families though adoption

families who struggle to make ends meet and families who have abundantly more than they need

people who are hurting emotionally or physically, but who step up to the plate everyday and move on with life in spite of their hurts

women who sew clothes and do nice things for children who are sick

men who are awesome dads and great role models for their own children and others

teachers who really do try to help children learn in spite of heavy chains of behind-the-scenes burdens that most people are totally unaware of

men and women who volunteer in their churches and communities to make things better for others

students who are going to class everyday to get their degrees so that they can move into the work force and begin to make their mark on the world in their chosen pursuits

people who have had difficult and hurtful pasts, but are working hard to have brighter futures

those who feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and those who prefer to just read along and not make comments


I am so thankful to be able to know this wonderful mix of friends. You are all out there in your different areas of the world, walking on your chosen paths. Or maybe you are on a path you didn't choose right now, but you're making the best of it until it meets back with where you want to be going. We're all out here in the real world doing what we do, and we meet together here to share a picture or a laugh, poke fun at each other, vent frustrations, encourage and praise, celebrate achievements big and small, share stories of trips past and trips to come, and just have a few moments of enjoyment with people who like some of the same things we do in the form of our entertainment/vacation interests.

Thanks for being our friends here. We enjoy your company, and we sometimes talk about you like we really know you. We are thankful for many things this year, and you guys are on that list. I would be extra appreciative if you would all keep Mrs. R's sweet little grandson on your prayer list at this time, so that her family can have much to be thankful for very soon.

I hope you will all have a Thankful Thursday. Two weeks from today, we'll be gathering around the feast that Chef Mickey prepares for us. It would be nice if you could all join us.
We could ask them if they have an extra large table!
I'm sure they'd be okay with "Magic Camel, party of a hundred"...right?!?!?


DisneyJoo- I see that you have posted while I was typing and proofreading. Good morning to you. Yes, I am up!

Brooklynn's not crazy about walking in the sand yet, either. She likes to sit in one place and play with it, but she's not too fond of trying to move around on it yet.

 

[Charleston Princess]

MeMom, I am definitely praying for your friend's grandson -- how heartbreaking!!!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I will pray for your friend's grandson. I feel so sad for tiny babies like him who can not possibly understand what is happening to them.

I will also pray for all of our friends on the DIS. It's amazing to thing of all the different people that we become friends with here.

Thank you for starting my day of in a prayerful and thankful mood. It will certainly set the tone for the rest of my day!

 

[MegansMom]

MeMom---

Know that that sweet little boy is receiving many additional prayers today---as well as the family that has to watch him endure these intense medical procedures!!!

Thank you for your beautiful tribute---it brough tears to my eyes!!! You worded so well the true feelings of kinship and friendship that I know we all hold for one another!!! Thanks you wonderful sweet lady you!!!!

 

[Im_with_Dopey]

(<---- long time lurker) Hi, just wanted to say what wonderful pictures you have. I'm guilty to being one that only thought of taking them of our family members doing things or posing, but my last trip I decided to branch out and take.... trees, flowers, birds, scenery, street entertainment. It truely was an amazing experience looking back at them and remembering what we were doing at the time of a certain picture. Can't wait to see more from you and I know you will be having an amazing time in a couple weeks with your family. There is just the two of us on our next trip in 30 days, might be alittle lonely as we have not done Disney alone. It will be a different experience for me and the Hubby. We will be celebrating a 35 year anniv.

 

[pooh'smate]

Hey Memom. I haven't had much time to dis lately but I have been reading along. I will most definately br praying for that angel of a boy and the dr.s too that they will have wisdom. How is Drew doing?

 

[Megablocks]

I will definitely be keeping the baby boy and his family in my thoughts and prayers

Besides that bit of sadness, what a great post--I am SO glad that I found this thread and finally started de-lurking, because I always love finding new posts and it really does brighten my day. I would love it if we could all meet someday!

Also....two weeks from today?! It's crazy how fast the time is going. I know that you will have a wonderful time. I will be eating over my boyfriend's, with him and his family, after having eaten at a restaurant for the past six years, but I will definitely be checking my watch and trying to figure out where you guys are. Tell Goofy he's my favorite and I'll see him in a few months!

 

[Nicole786]

What a beautiful post about our circle of friends! That little boy is in my thoughts that is so sad to hear

 

[DisKate]

What a lovely post MeMom....He will definatly be in my thoughts and prayers today. I hope that you have a wonderful time at Disney over Thanksgiving!

 

[kschafer]

MeMom, you brought tears to my eyes today with your sweet tribute to everyone around here. I will be praying for that little boy and that God has a path to peace and happiness for his family.

Thanks for being our friends here. We enjoy your company, and we sometimes talk about you like we really know you.

the thing is, we do know each other. True, most of us have never met in person but a true friend is one who is there for all the ups and downs. Someone to share your joys and someone who is there when you are in pain, need an ear or a prayer or can make you smile through the tears. I consider the Dis a part of my circle of friends.

I sure wish I could join you for your Thanksgiving dinner, party of 100! I can't wait to hear all about it

 

[lmillercrew]

That was beautiful! You have a way with words and I pray that that little boy and his family find comfort.
Awww... baby ducks! I love the GF!!! I want to stay there one day. Oh yes, I will. I will stay there one day.

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Coming out of hiding to say that I have dealt with Neuroblastoma, a close family friend of ours has a nephew, and he was diagnosed with this back in 2002... The prognosis was not good from the beginning and the parents were told to say their good-byes because it could be any day... There was no medical insurance and the treatments are very expensive... All of the family and friends rallied together to raise money to get the child the treatments... This kid fought more than I can say about most adults... This town fought harder than I have ever seen to make sure he was as comfortable as possible and his bills were being covered... I am happy to say that Mason is going into the 7th grade now and is healthier than most... Don't give up on your little guy in need over there, no matter what the doctors say, it's a tough fight but it can be done...

 

[kschafer]

Coming out of hiding to say that I have dealt with Neuroblastoma, a close family friend of ours has a nephew, and he was diagnosed with this back in 2002... The prognosis was not good from the beginning and the parents were told to say their good-byes because it could be any day... There was no medical insurance and the treatments are very expensive... All of the family and friends rallied together to raise money to get the child the treatments... This kid fought more than I can say about most adults... This town fought harder than I have ever seen to make sure he was as comfortable as possible and his bills were being covered... I am happy to say that Mason is going into the 7th grade now and is healthier than most... Don't give up on your little guy in need over there, no matter what the doctors say, it's a tough fight but it can be done...

What a wonderful story! thanks for sharing

 

[linmc1129]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's grandson. They will be in our prayers.
We changed a day of our schedule and it looks like we will be at Magic Kingdom on Wed the 26th. I think that's when you will be there. We will probably head strait to Fantasyland, then Toontown. Here's a pic of my family, so if you see us you can come say hi. I think I know what your family looks like, so I will keep my eyes peeled.

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