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

[punkin413]

you're so sweet, memom!!! i needed that little dose of happiness after my long day in court taking guilty pleas from drug dealers and thieves.

 

[Happy Elf]

Oh MeMom, that is so sad about your friend's grandson. I said a prayer for him and will continue to do so!

You had a very nice tribute to your Dis "family."

This has been a sad day for me as I had to say goodbye to a friend who was battling breast cancer for the second time. She was a wonderful person who I will miss dearly!

 

[MeMom]

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

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!

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!!!

All of your prayers are much appreciated. Mrs. R sent us a picture of her grandson from a few weeks back, and she asked for prayers, acknowledging that although we can not always wrap our human minds around it, God only sends things that will be good for us in the end. In our weakness, we truly cannot comprehend a sick baby ever bringing forth anything good, but we have to just put our trust in Him that it is.

(<---- 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.

I think you guys will have a great time. You can stroll around World Showcase at your own pace, sleep late or get out early, and just do things however you decide to without a lot of planning or regard to a whole group. You'll probably enjoy it more than you realize and be planning to do it more often.

Thanks for coming out of hiding. We're very glad to have you join the group.

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?

Thanks for the prayers.

Drew is back at work. He still can't lift a lot, but at least he's working.

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!

I'm glad you de-lurked, too, for whatever reason you decided to. Just out of curiosity, how long did you read before you spoke up? I wonder sometimes if people really do enjoy the pictures and kind of feel comfortable here yet never, ever come and join in.

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

Although some of our friends with new cars who used to live in New York and have brothers named David are too busy to post on their own trip reports very often. I won't say names though.

I'm glad you checked in and updated with new pictures. That land/sea trip is going to be so fun for your mom and dad!

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!

We will. I'm so excited about seeing all the Christmas decorations again!

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.

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

Maybe a big Dis meet will happen somewhere down the road.

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.

Yeah, I bet it was that potty picture that just did it for you, huh? You saw that and just knew you had to stay there someday!

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...

Thanks for the encouragement. I would share it with Mrs. R, but it's about all she can do right now to just hold it together and get through her days, so when I see her, I stay totally focused on school business only. I sent her an e-mail and told her I'd be praying for her family daily, but I hoped she wouldn't be offended if I didn't talk about it when I saw her in the halls. She wrote back and said not only was she not offended, but she appreciated that, because telling the same story over and over to people was wearing on her and made it hard for her to keep from crying.

What a wonderful story! thanks for sharing

I hope this little guy is able to tell an equally wonderful story someday.

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.

Will you be there around 4? If so, why don't we meet at Liberty Tree Tavern? We have a 4:15 ADR, so we could meet right out front before we go in. Or, if you have somewhere you know that you will be at a certain time, we could come by there. Since it's your daughter's birthday trip, we'd love to bring some magic to her day by showing up with a little surprise from her favorite character. We did this two summers ago for a Diser's daughter who was celebrating a birthday. We left a birthday bag with some little goodies on her door, and she loved it! Just let us know if you'd like to meet up. I'll PM you our cell phone numbers, in case you do want to meet.


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

I didn't take notes, but it appears that I went over to Hollywood Studios while Jill and family went back to Pop for naps.

Not sure exactly where I tool this one.

If I was alone, I know I was doing some shopping,

and taking pictures of off the wall stuff.

I distinctly remember being disappointed that Jill and Brooklynn weren't with me to see this gang come by.

I like this quaint little side street.

Window display.

I've never taken a subway. They are under the ground, you know. It suffocates me to think about it.

You can almost see my patriotic Mickey shirt in the window reflection.

It's always fun to see these guys.

I love to just stand back and watch the little boys and the not so little boys just beam when these guys come out.

Advertisements for what we'll be seeing in a couple of weeks.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love all the details that you capture. Case in point -- have been going to DHS since the year it opened as Disney-MGM -- have I ever seen the subway entrance? No. Have I ever seen the dentist directory? No. I clearly need to be more observant! I need to have eyes like MeMom!

 

[MeMom]

i needed that little dose of happiness after my long day in court taking guilty pleas from drug dealers and thieves.

And you're probably still tired from the late babysitting/concert night, too.

That's why I come to the Disboards - I can escape from the craziness of real life. I was in a nearly two hour meeting today with a grandmother who doesn't understand why no one is doing anything to help her ADHD non-med grandson. None of the eight teacher and administrators and psychologists sitting around the table had done anything to help him, in her eyes, in spite of the folders filled with documentation on everything we have been doing to help this very bright and very, very, very hyperactive young man.

The school psychiatrist said that in twenty years, he was the second worst case she has seen. The family admits that they cannot take him out in public because he runs off, won't sit still, won't listen, etc, yet they want us to make him do all that.

Oh MeMom, that is so sad about your friend's grandson. I said a prayer for him and will continue to do so!

You had a very nice tribute to your Dis "family."

This has been a sad day for me as I had to say goodbye to a friend who was battling breast cancer for the second time. She was a wonderful person who I will miss dearly!

I'm sorry you have had such a sad day. Cancer is just some crummy stuff. I am sorry you lost your friend. I'm sure she will live on in memories of the past and in good deeds you will do in her honor.

Friends of ours through the school my kids went to lost their daughter in a car wreck while she was on a mission trip. She was so incredibly active in her church, and it's just hard to understand what good could come from her not being in this world spreading her love for Christ. This will be their second Christmas without her, and to honor her and keep her influence alive, I will again be sending some money to her parents right after Thanksgiving.

Like last year, I will have them choose something nice they would like to do for someone else in their daughter's honor - something she might have done for someone or just something they think she would have approved of. Everyone involved is blessed - me in being able to share, the recepient in having the holiday made a little easier or happier, and E's family, in honoring their much-loved and much missed daughter.

 

[MeMom]

I love all the details that you capture. Case in point -- have been going to DHS since the year it opened as Disney-MGM -- have I ever seen the subway entrance? No. Have I ever seen the dentist directory? No. I clearly need to be more observant! I need to have eyes like MeMom!

If you only knew how bad my eyes are, you wouldn't say that.
Think Mr. Magoo.
I just enjoy finding new things every time.
I would like my job to be taking pictures of Disney things for magazines and books.

******************************* *****************************
They just announced that Opryland turned on their Christmas lights for the first time for the season. It looked very pretty on the news. We went out there last year, but I'm not sure about this year. It's sort of a faux Disney experience.

 

[punkin413]

They just announced that Opryland turned on their Christmas lights for the first time for the season. It looked very pretty on the news. We went out there last year, but I'm not sure about this year. It's sort of a faux Disney experience.

cool! brett (my brother) is working there now. he's the food and beverage manager (or something like that) but he also works at the sports bar there - rusty's. if you guys go look for a tall, skinny guy and tell him his sister dawn says hi and that she loves him and misses him!

 

[punkin413]

I distinctly remember being disappointed that Jill and Brooklynn weren't with me to see this gang come by.

where were they? and where were they going? i don't think i've ever seen a crowd like that at DHS!

That's why I come to the Disboards - I can escape from the craziness of real life. I was in a nearly two hour meeting today with a grandmother who doesn't understand why no one is doing anything to help her ADHD non-med grandson. None of the eight teacher and administrators and psychologists sitting around the table had done anything to help him, in her eyes, in spite of the folders filled with documentation on everything we have been doing to help this very bright and very, very, very hyperactive young man.

The school psychiatrist said that in twenty years, he was the second worst case she has seen. The family admits that they cannot take him out in public because he runs off, won't sit still, won't listen, etc, yet they want us to make him do all that.

i totally agree about escaping. our senior judge asked me how old i was the other day. i told him 32. he then commented on how i love disney world and how i always get kids meals at lunch (i can't eat a full size meal usually if it's fast food) and how i don't know how old i am. i just looked at him and said, "it's my dose of un-reality and i need it with what i do for a living!" i also said, "michele and shannon (my bosses) have shopping and i have disney world." and he responded, "you know, your habit is probably less expensive than theirs!" which is TOTALLY true!

here's a hug for your ADHD kid situation. that has to be frustrating.

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

MeMom you are one of the sweetest people I know. What a lovely and touching note you wrote to all of us. I agree that I have considered you all friends in our own special way. It has been wonderful getting to know everyone and going through the good and bad. It would be so much fun to have a great big "ride on a camel" dinner someday. I'm in, but how could we all agree on a place?

I just prayed for the little precious baby boy and his family. I hope they can find the strenghth to cope and have thier happy outcome. I just can't imagine how difficult it would be.

Happy Elf - I wish we all could give you a hug. I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend.

I wish I had suitcases packed and Magical Express tags on them like in the window display.

 

[shannon47142]

and prayers for that poor baby!

 

[loribell]

Lots of prayers being said for that special baby.

 

[VandyFan10]

I am so thankful to be able to know this wonderful mix of friends.
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.

Right back at ya! I know I have definitely made some special friends in you guys. And I will keep that baby in my thoughts and prayers

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?!?!?

How AWESOME would that be??!!??!!??

 

[Philadisney]

Great pictures as always! The ones with the big group of characters are really cool - it always makes me laugh to see them all mixed together like that. Something about Snow White chatting with Pocohontas just seems odd

 

[Megablocks]

I'm glad you de-lurked, too, for whatever reason you decided to. Just out of curiosity, how long did you read before you spoke up? I wonder sometimes if people really do enjoy the pictures and kind of feel comfortable here yet never, ever come and join in.

That's a good question. I think I started reading shortly before my April trip, and I toyed with the idea of just registering and posting many times, but I kept on deciding against it. I finally decided that you and everyone were so nice and welcoming that it wouldn't be weird if I kind of came out of hiding. It took me a while largely due to the fact that I am sure shy. That probably comes across as strange to those who have seen the silly pictures of me floating around, but I am.

Love your MGM...grrrr I mean DHS...pictures. I really only go there for the street performers, the shops, ToT, and RNR. Well this time we will also be going there to experience TSM. I can't WAIT for that!

 

[MeMom]

cool! brett (my brother) is working there now. he's the food and beverage manager (or something like that) but he also works at the sports bar there - rusty's. if you guys go look for a tall, skinny guy and tell him his sister dawn says hi and that she loves him and misses him!

If we go, it'll be right at Christmas time. It just depends on what kind of schedule Jill has for December. It was pretty at Opryland last year, but after Disney, everything else just seems to fall a little short. For people who haven't seen how Disney does things, I know it is very nice.

where were they? and where were they going? i don't think i've ever seen a crowd like that at DHS!

i totally agree about escaping. our senior judge asked me how old i was the other day. i told him 32. he then commented on how i love disney world and how i always get kids meals at lunch (i can't eat a full size meal usually if it's fast food) and how i don't know how old i am. i just looked at him and said, "it's my dose of un-reality and i need it with what i do for a living!" i also said, "michele and shannon (my bosses) have shopping and i have disney world." and he responded, "you know, your habit is probably less expensive than theirs!" which is TOTALLY true!

here's a hug for your ADHD kid situation. that has to be frustrating.

They were up near the front - all just coming out headed for meet & greet spots, I suppose.

I think my Disney habit is pretty safe. It's more expensive than I'd like it to be, but it just gives me such a good feeling. I'm going back and forth about the March trip, because I know I have no business going moneywise, yet I know I am going to be craving a get-away when spring break rolls around. School is so stressful, and to know I could offset that with even four short days at Disney World would make all the difference in the world in how my whole January and February play out. Knowing that I had the trip to look forward to would make the insanity of those long, cold, intense (as far as the teaching) months so much more bearable. So, when I look at it like that, I realize I wouldn't be paying expensive plane fare just for those four days, but I'd be payng expensive plane fare for the whole winter to be better. When I look at it like that, then I'm ready to book the flight today. When I think more simply, like the actual numbers that will go onto the credit card, I hesitate a little.

Since my friend won't be able to take her grandson, I think if I do go, it will be just me and Kay, and I'll do something different with Brooklynn. I would feel guilty having Brooklynn and doing fun things with her knowing Kay would be missing out on doing them with Dillon.

My ADHD kid is pretty smart - very quick in Math and just a little below level in Reading. I will never really get to see what his best is, though, because of his behavior issues. What's really hard is trying to teach all the other kids around all of his disruptions. This is our third meeting on this child this year. He's already been suspended twice, and they're mad because we send him home. They don't want him suspended, because they have to take off work. They don't want him put in a behavior school, but if they don't get him on the right meds, that is inevitably what is going to happen. It's really sad all the way around - for him and for my other students.

I agree that I have considered you all friends in our own special way. It has been wonderful getting to know everyone and going through the good and bad. It would be so much fun to have a great big "ride on a camel" dinner someday. I'm in, but how could we all agree on a place?

I just prayed for the little precious baby boy and his family. I hope they can find the strenghth to cope and have thier happy outcome. I just can't imagine how difficult it would be.

Happy Elf - I wish we all could give you a hug. I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend.

I wish I had suitcases packed and Magical Express tags on them like in the window display.

I think a Magic Camel meal would just have to be at Chef Mickey's, since it's just the classic Disney experience. And there's tons of good food for all.

The family appreciates everyone who is thinking of them. Mrs. R told me that her other daughter's church just took a carload of groceries over to their house, so that when they are taking turns going home (they have an older child) there are no worries about food. Everyone is doing what they can, yet they/we all feel pretty helpless in the long run.

Magical Express tags are beautiful little things, aren't they? When they arrive, you know it's really real!

and prayers for that poor baby!

Lots of prayers being said for that special baby.

Right back at ya! I know I have definitely made some special friends in you guys. And I will keep that baby in my thoughts and prayers

How AWESOME would that be??!!??!!??

I'll share with her that all of my Disney friends are thinking of them, too. She'll get a kick out of that, since she just asked me a couple of weeks ago if I'd be going back to Disney over the holidays. When I told her Mickey was cooking our turkey, she just laughed and said that would be so fun!

Okay, so we know we're going to have a big huge meet and eat one day, right?!?!?

Do you guys all know how to behave out in public?
Dawn?
Dad?
Can you guys refrain from a food fight?
If so, we're on!
Chef Mickey's for a hundred at six at a to be determined date.

Great pictures as always! The ones with the big group of characters are really cool - it always makes me laugh to see them all mixed together like that. Something about Snow White chatting with Pocohontas just seems odd

I thought the same thing. It was cool to see them together, yet a little odd. I'm only used to seeing a gang of them like that when they're on the Fantasmic boat.

That's a good question. I think I started reading shortly before my April trip, and I toyed with the idea of just registering and posting many times, but I kept on deciding against it. I finally decided that you and everyone were so nice and welcoming that it wouldn't be weird if I kind of came out of hiding. It took me a while largely due to the fact that I am sure shy. That probably comes across as strange to those who have seen the silly pictures of me floating around, but I am.

Love your MGM...grrrr I mean DHS...pictures. I really only go there for the street performers, the shops, ToT, and RNR. Well this time we will also be going there to experience TSM. I can't WAIT for that!

I am the same way. I am pretty introverted in real life. I am friendly when spoken to, but I'm not one to start a conversation. I don't like being in front of big groups or talking much in small groups. I'm much more of a listener.

The street performers are sort of a hidden treasure. Unless you take the time to stop and watch their whole scenarios, you can't really appreciate how funny some of them really are.

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


Here's the rest of my walking around Hollywood Studios.

Jill's favorite pizza place.

I really never paid attention to Star Wars stuff, but since they were having the SW celebration, I decided to check it out.

The grown up version of this little boy was in the parade earlier.

Not Star Wars, but in that same shop.

Indians Jones cart.

Information on some of the different trees.

Those were up by the Primetime area, I think.

Where to?

For me, it was time to head out of the park.

High School Musical was starting out for a show.

It was time for me to meet the rest of the group at the Polynesian. Our plan was to stake out a spot on the beach, get something to eat, and wait for those special Fourth of July fireworks.

Okay, that's it for this Finally Friday morning! Have a good one!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Definitely include me for the Chef Mickey's Party of 100 ressie -- I promise to behave myself and not eat too many of those Oreo bon bon Mickey head things.

Looking forward to the 4th of July fireworks from the Poly.

Have a great Friday -- let's hope all of our students behave like angels today.

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

Good Morning MeMom!

Great piccies as usual! They have really cheered me up and added to my good mood after a shaky start this morning! I am so excited about HS now!!!

I think pregnancy hormones made me a bit emotional today as I cried in Starbucks when their card machine wasn't working and I had no cash!!! I just wanted my latte!!! Luckily the woman serving me 'understood' and let me have my drink for free! I sprinkled her with some pixie dust!

We also had good news - about a month ago one of our much loved cats was very poorly and we thought we were going to lose him. He pulled through thankfully and is now better than ever. We got the money back today from our insurance claim - hurrah!

Last of all - and best of all - we're going tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I won't be able to get online anymore after today so hope you have a lovely week or so and I hope to catch you briefly on 24 Nov when I get back and before you go!!!

Much love, Julie xxx

 

[MeMom]

Good Morning MeMom!

Great piccies as usual! They have really cheered me up and added to my good mood after a shaky start this morning! I am so excited about HS now!!!

I think pregnancy hormones made me a bit emotional today as I cried in Starbucks when their card machine wasn't working and I had no cash!!! I just wanted my latte!!! Luckily the woman serving me 'understood' and let me have my drink for free! I sprinkled her with some pixie dust!

We also had good news - about a month ago one of our much loved cats was very poorly and we thought we were going to lose him. He pulled through thankfully and is now better than ever. We got the money back today from our insurance claim - hurrah!

Last of all - and best of all - we're going tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I won't be able to get online anymore after today so hope you have a lovely week or so and I hope to catch you briefly on 24 Nov when I get back and before you go!!!

Much love, Julie xxx

Have a great time! Be careful, take it easy, enjoy all the things you can do, and just remember the reason you can't do some things is because you've got this beautiful little baby coming!!! Next time you go to Disney World, you'll have your precious little one with you, and it will be better than ever!


And by the way, no crying in Disney World. There should be enough pixie dust floating around there to keep you smiling the whole time!

 

[MagicShell]

Memom,

I have been reading, just haven't said hi in a while. I will be praying for your friend's grandson. I am very thankful that my children have had no major health problems. I thank God for that every night. Congratulations on two weeks. Our vacation begins in 30 days!

 

[sunny_stace]

Oh the things you miss in one day! I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Happy Elf, and also about your friend's grandson MeMom.

There just seems to be so much sorrow going around right now. 2 of our staff at the hotel have lost parents in the past week, my best friend is having family trouble and I'm hiring at work right now and reading these resumes coming in is quite sad. So many people with amazing minds and skills are out of work...your message was absolutely uplifiting and beautiful MeMom
It is nice to have a group of friends to commiserate and celebrate with and just plain ol' shoot the breeze! I would love to be a part of the massive Chef Mickey's Magic Camel dinner!

For those of you needing an escape to Canada, come on up! I've got a guest room and extra couches! And for those of you who don't love birds...I'll keep you out of my hotel! We've got the Ontario Hawking Club in. We actually had a little blackbird wind up in lost and found!

Great updates! Brooklyn and Jill are so sweet together in the sand! I'm glad to hear that Drew is back to work, that will probably help him along a lot. It just gives you back a sense of normalcy I think. Looking forward to all that's to come!