ABCs of Trip Reporting, Pt. 2-Life Can Be Crappy and Then You Move On (3/7)

[All7OfUs]

I have visions of the toddler tossing out the sippy cup with the parents wondering what happened to it later!

I'll bet they cost more than a toothbrush at POP too.

I hope I am not to late but if I am thats ok. My guess for H is

Now I am going back to read the updates I missed.

Nope, not too late- still racking my brain on which I word to use. (Like there's a lot to choose from.. )

Great colorful update Liesa! Way to soak it in!



Bummer that the castle was such a nuisance. I kinda like it, myself.


On another topic, I noticed that both Marv and Camille owe me BIG TIME for their letter H answer. You're welcome!

I am busting a gut- stop it my abs hurt from the Roman Chair I did yesterday!- over here. OMgosh! What a hiliarious typo!! Seriously, they don't get funnier than that- and that's what I get for having auto spell check on...

But I did hear that sometimes there are folks who streak around eating steak nearby.

Yes, you should charge a consulting fee for that.

 

[tinacaplan]

OK, sometime between now and the last time I checked the Dis (which wasn't that long ago) you managed to post an update and get through three pages of chatter? Truly impressive...almost as impressive as your pictures of the castle. Beautiful. And...um...why did I not ever realize that castle changes colors?

 

[All7OfUs]

Letter H was a fun letter to guess on, wasn’t it?? The most detailed and knowledgeable answer came from Dan. If you have any questions about camping at WDW at Ft. Wilderness he’s our go-to guy. I’ve camped there twice, and did you know that if you want to know more about staying there, there is a friendly bunch of “Fort Fiends” (as they affectionately refer to themselves) right here on the DIS, where they have their own sub-forum?

“well me lady, you have finally chosen a picture of my favorite part of WDW.
you are at the FW wilderness campground and your girls are waiting to get into.

"hoop de doo revue" which is a "hoedown of a good time" if you ask me.
i dont think you are talking about the "hickory Hollow" camp loop that is a short stop away on the orange line that runs around the outer perimeter of the campground (at least that was what the they were alling that line when we were there) we ran past that loop on our campground runs, and would take a shortcut to the pool to cool off afterwards.”

Other answers that qualified ranged from horses, hay, hitching posts, and horse shoes to Hall. Pretty much if you submitted an answer, you got a couple of easy points.


Are you ready for Letter I?? This one is a wee bit tougher, but I think you can do it!! This time


PM YOUR ANSWERS!! As they get a bit harder, I want to make it more competitive.

Where did I take the following picture?

AND,


What is something you can find nearby that also begins with the same letter? This one has to be a PROPER NOUN. If you don’t know what that means, PM me.

Good luck, everyone!!!

 

[maroo]

WOW! Maroo. That truly is amazing. Disney is really a magical place for everyone. I'm excited to hear the rest.

You got some more! I hope you saw the next update!!

Aww, Maroo....had me crying happy tears too!! Truly amazing what effect a Disney magic can have and in perhaps the least expected ways.

Wonderful, just wonderful....cannot wait to read more!

More for you coming right up!!!!

That is a GREAT story Mary, I've got tears coming down my face, what a wonderful moment to share with his family

It was so cool to be there for all of these things!

Awesome post Maroo!

Thanks!

Yay for Disney magic!!!

Exactly! Disney rocks!

Maroo, what a fantastic post and how great that Baker was touched by some Disney magic!!!

Thanks! It was so awesome!

Maroo- Love love love the update and magic that was sprinkled on Baker.
THAT'S what it is all about!!!

It was so awesome!!!!

Wow Maroo, just wow! I have to admit that your update made me a little teary-eyed. What an amazing effect Disney had on Baker! No wonder the whole table was crying. I'm sure that is a memory his family will cherish forever. So incredibly moving. I think I mentioned before that my dearest friend in the world has a son with Asperger's. Reading Baker's story reminds me that those rare glimpses of interaction are possible (and beautiful). Thank you for sharing.

You are so welcome! I am so glad I can spread around some of the magic!

AMEN! I personally love watching other people's kids reactions to things at Disney. It's all part of the magic for me. Special moments like those just bring our everyday life into perspective. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Exactly!

WOW!! With you, when it rains, it pours... pours WONDERFUL, smile-inducing, happy tear making updates!

How neat to have a glimpse into this family's joyous moments of Baker's discovery and experience. I loved every moment of hearing about it all over again- the first time was great, this was just as much so!

The pictures were so fun to scroll through! Thanks for sharing!

You R welcome!

Just echoing Dawn's AMEN here!! Beautifully said, Mary!

Thanks!

Mary, I just finished making cookes for my baby who is graduating college on Saturday and thought I'd take a quick peek at the DIS, and found your update and I'm sitting with tears in my eyes laughing and crying! Way to go Baker. Glad he had a great grilled cheese!

Lauren is graduating in two weeks. Her big "Senior Day" is tomorrow though...which for me is more important than graduation...because they announce a bunch of awards and even a couple of scholarships. I am so nervous!

Ditto what Dawn said so eloquently.

Great updates, Maroo!

Thanks!

Wow, those photos are so amazing and I know will be treasured forever by you all!
that was so wonderful that Mickey went the extra mile for Baker!

I agree with you Mary, take time and look around, you never know what you might get to experience and see!

Totally agree!

Mary those pix of Baker are just awesome !!!As for the grilled cheese !!No words can express the joy to Baker and his family!!!!!

Totally agree!

Mary, you did have me crying. Thanks for sharing such special moments with Baker and his family. I love the Grilled Cheese and the fact that the CMs were right on it for him! I noticed Baker's dad in the background the first time - what special moments to cherish forever!

It was such an awesome day!

 

[maroo]

Mary, this is the very first thing I did this morning - for some reason, rather than praying morning prayer, I came here to see of you'd posted the rest of the story...and my oh my, now I know why...yes, tears, but happy tears for Baker and his family...and YOU, because we all know how much love goes into these trips for you.

Thank you so much for sharing the photos and story of Baker meeting Mickey - what a wonderful reminder of what Disney can be. Walt would be so proud of Mickey.

I so hope this gave you joy straight from heaven this morning!!

When you do pray your morning prayers tomorrow, please remember the folks down here in Mississippi - including sweet Baker's family - this flooding is getting a bit out of hand down here!

Mary - I should know better than to read your updates at work! I am sitting at my desk trying not to cry. Such wonderful experiences for Baker - both asking for the grilled cheese and in the interaction with Mickey Mouse. To me, when they talk about Magical Memories at WDW, this is exactly what they are talking about and those special moments and memories are two of the many reasons I love Disney so much. Thanks for sharing!

You are so very welcome, my friend!

wow what great updates, and very cool how the chef came out to see him after hte grilled cheese. just a small reason why most people dont understand why people continually go back to disney...it is the extra mile they put in and the extra things they do that make them better than other vacation destinations.



and like others have said what an awesome interaction with mickey...he really did go the extra miles to show he cared.

Mickey was AWESOME!!!!!

I have no words, I can't even see the screen as I'm typing because I have so many happy tears filling my eyes, you just made my day. What a beautiful and AAAAmazing experience for Baker and his family. I'm sure everyone around had to be touched by what was going on right there.

Aw! I am so sorry I made you cry! It was such an awesome moment for all of us!!

Oh my goodness Maroo! I had already commented on your post with Baker at 50's Prime Time and then you posted this next one!

I'm just moved beyond words and I'm sure if I'd have been there, I would have shed a few tears! It's just incredibly touching that Mickey (and those CM's) went out of their way to bring a little joy to Baker, and consequently his family as well. Just beautiful! How did they know? It's so heartwarming and it's little touches like this that make Disney a special place.

(Last summer we went to DL for the first time and my DD8 was having some issues. At breakfast, Chip and Dale came by and noticed how sad she looked. Dale then hopped over to her, got up her and started parading around the room with her. He brought the biggest smile to her face and her entire mood changed. It was so very sweet!)

The look on his dad's face is one of pure joy. His sister's face is even more telling, total happiness for Baker!

And I love the random lady who's watching from afar! It's an excellent reminder that there's no reason to be huffing and impatient waiting in line. If you slow down, you may just seem some magic happening! Thanks again for sharing this with us.

It was so cool to watch!!! And definitely shed some tears over that one!

Maroo:

Absolutely amazing! What an incredible run of experiences for all of you. I'm so glad you got to witness these moments. The pictures really do tell the story.

I am so glad I got to capture it! A picture is truly worth 1000 words.

bawling sitting at my desk.

WOW, just wow.



What a great takeaway and so very very true!

Aw! So sorry!! Figured I would go ahead and do both tear jerkers at onces!

Yes, please!



"Grilled Cheese, Please!"



Fantastic picture and fantastic moment!



AMEN! Everyone could use a little Disney in their attitudes!

Thanks!! It was so awesome!

What a great update Maroo! That Mickey really went above and beyond. My favorite part is when he waved off his handler, and made it clear that he needed to stay to see Baker. I wonder if you could write to Disney to commend the CM working that particular afternoon at DSH. (Although there were probably a couple of them.)

We did write Disney! I wrote them and sent them a picture with the time and date we saw Mickey and how awesome it was that he not only stayed past his time, but really went way past the extra mile to engage him. I am just positive the Mickey had to have someone they knew that was autistic...The way he did it was passionate...if that makes any sense!

I write letters to Disney fairly regularly.

What an amazing update, Maroo. Like everyone else, I'm smiling and crying. It was great to see the even unfold in those pictures. You captured the whole thing beautifully. Personally, I love watching Disney magic unfold for anyone. Its what makes this place so special.

I totally agree!!!! So very special!

So much going on.....


What a great meet with Brook & family! I'm glad Tate didn't get mad with Henry playing with him.

Too bad the Robinson's didn't come home in time to hang out with cha!


Time for Letter H!!
Hoop Dee Doo Review & (loop 1700) Hickory Hollow!



First off, you all (ya'll ) must of been shocked to hear Baker ask for the Grilled Cheese then to see this interaction with Mickey... <-- happy tears!

Secondly, I think I could sit all day and watch kids reactions to characters or the magic of Disney. I love the pictures! They really show Baker connecting with Mickey and having a ball doing it!

I am so glad you loved this as much as I did! We were totally shocked!

That would be Y'ALL, Tim. I just like bustin your chops.

Maroo, how amazing was the interaction with Baker!!??!! I laughed and cried my whole way through it, mostly cried happy tears. Such a sweet moment.

And as for my H Liesa, thanks to Glennbo's TR ....Hoop De Doo Revue and it's has to be near the horses.

It was so awesome!!!!

Liesa and Mary, thanks for the many wonderful updates! Your TR is moving along quite well at the moment while I don't have that much time for the DIS (just work but also lots of other nice events like weekends with friends, movies etc.). I really enjoyed your tales!

My guess for letter H is: Hoop de do Review and horses

 

[englishrose47]

Liesa, did I miss the drama posts??? Our little 15 1/2 old Maltese is in ICU, so it's been a bit intense here - we are not sure she will make it, so please hold our little one in prayer? And our 18 yr old baby as well - she is severely depressed without Jackie here (Gracie is a puppymill survivor and needs another furbaby around). It's been a full 24 hours in many ways.

Waiting....drama....

Nope, see no drama was missed. The castle pics are fabulous! Is this still the solo part of the trip? Thanks for gentle colors on a morning when it soothed my soul.

Christine prayers going out !!!

 

[maroo]

There is only one thing worse on the DIS than a cliffhanger.......


A cliffhanger that is depending on Maroo to fill you in!!!!!



I so thought I would have time to work on this tonight.........

I so hope I can get to this tonight!!

 

[KatMark]

Liesa, did I miss the drama posts??? Our little 15 1/2 old Maltese is in ICU, so it's been a bit intense here - we are not sure she will make it, so please hold our little one in prayer? And our 18 yr old baby as well - she is severely depressed without Jackie here (Gracie is a puppymill survivor and needs another furbaby around). It's been a full 24 hours in many ways.

Christine, I did not see this earlier and wish I had known (as you know we are going through our own thing with our puppy). I will be keeping your puppy in my prayers.

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, did I miss the drama posts??? Our little 15 1/2 old Maltese is in ICU, so it's been a bit intense here - we are not sure she will make it, so please hold our little one in prayer? And our 18 yr old baby as well - she is severely depressed without Jackie here (Gracie is a puppymill survivor and needs another furbaby around). It's been a full 24 hours in many ways.

Waiting....drama....

Nope, see no drama was missed. The castle pics are fabulous! Is this still the solo part of the trip? Thanks for gentle colors on a morning when it soothed my soul.

Kathy missed your post- but I missed not only yours, but an entire PAGE of replies!!

Yes, I will remember you this evening, as I lay me down to sleep! Poor babies!! I hope you can offer comfort during this difficult time!

Not so much drama yet... but it IS coming!

Liesa, those are great pictures of the castle -- in ALL of the colors. But I must admit that my favorite one is the purple (probably because purple is my favorite color).

I can't decide! REALLY!! Orange maybe, or the teal??

Leisa~It was nice talking to you yesterday. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your day.

I love the pictures of the castle. I have to agree with Kathy, the purple is my favorite.

You too, Darlin'!! It was great to find so much in common!

Oh how beautiful how the castle is changing, good job catching the calmness of the evening. Can't wait to see if you find eachother

I wished my pix weren't so blurry, but the darker it got, the worse they became!

Camille was there? Holy moley, missed more than I thought!!! How could I possiblly miss that Camille was there??

No, don't worry! Camille wasn't AT Disney, but we (several of us) had a GREAT DISMeet here in Salem, Oregon, not too long ago- we're doing a mini-report on that!

 

[All7OfUs]

OK, sometime between now and the last time I checked the Dis (which wasn't that long ago) you managed to post an update and get through three pages of chatter? Truly impressive...almost as impressive as your pictures of the castle. Beautiful. And...um...why did I not ever realize that castle changes colors?

It's clipping right along right now- this thread ebbs and flows, and right now, it's flowing. Mostly cuz I am antsy to get over with Day 3.

It does. At least every time I've seen it. I remember having a NOT so magical moment in 2000, when my kids were pretty little, and I had all 4 (at that time) with me, and it was LATE, and they were NOT feeling the "let's take another picture in front of it" thang. It was ugly with crying and the whole bit. And we still had to get back to FT. Wilderness.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I just don't know - that's my I guess I've been researching for 3 hrs - I'm giving up and going to bed.

 

[marvali]

My "I" guess is in, and this time since I was able to answer from home I made sure there was a recipient and subject in the PM!

 

[All7OfUs]

I just don't know - that's my I guess I've been researching for 3 hrs - I'm giving up and going to bed.

3 HOURS!!?? Sounds like how much time I put into Marv's Ali-do game. Hope yo slept well, Tammie!!!

My "I" guess is in, and this time since I was able to answer from home I made sure there was a recipient and subject in the PM!

So does this mean you have a couple days off?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I'll bet they cost more than a toothbrush at POP too.

Or perhaps a second (free) refillable mug?

I am busting a gut- stop it my abs hurt from the Roman Chair I did yesterday!- over here. OMgosh! What a hiliarious typo!! Seriously, they don't get funnier than that- and that's what I get for having auto spell check on...

When I read "nuisance" I thought well maybe Liesa doesn't like the castle to change colors?? Weird.

 

[All7OfUs]

Or perhaps a second (free) refillable mug?



When I read "nuisance" I thought well maybe Liesa doesn't like the castle to change colors?? Weird.

Ha, ha very funny!! Hey, that second mug makes another appearance pretty soon- be nice to it.

OK, OK , I'll go back and change it!! Sheesh-

 

[KatMark]

Liesa, just wanted to pop in and say I sent my response yesterday (and that is a HARD one) and to have a great weekend. I'm cleaning and baking cookies today and then off to Dubuque for Markie's college graduation and celebration.

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, just wanted to pop in and say I sent my response yesterday (and that is a HARD one) and to have a great weekend. I'm cleaning and baking cookies today and then off to Dubuque for Markie's college graduation and celebration.

Oh Gosh, do I ever have a full weekend!! Tonight we start out with about 10 youth descending upon our house to watch The Count of Monte Cristo (which also means a whole bunch of cleaning), tomorrow a WHOLE bunch of yard work and Mikki's real birthday (we're having a giant, and elegant party for both girls on the 28th), and Sunday I get to pick up Andrew from the airport. The household is all abuzz about him coming home!!

Got your response, and I actually MIGHT put up a small hint later today- no one seems to be getting very close to that PROPER NOUN I had in mind.

 

[marvali]

3 HOURS!!?? Sounds like how much time I put into Marv's Ali-do game. Hope yo slept well, Tammie!!!

So does this mean you have a couple days off?

Supposed to finally be 4 days off, but........... off today, working tomorrow, and then hopefully off Sunday and Monday! Of course "off" means working at home on the sorely behind honey-do list!!!

Liesa, just wanted to pop in and say I sent my response yesterday (and that is a HARD one) and to have a great weekend. I'm cleaning and baking cookies today and then off to Dubuque for Markie's college graduation and celebration.

Congrats to Markie!!! I know it is going to be a special weekend for you!

 

[PennyLane1084]

You guys don't want to miss this story...especially my autism Momma's and Dad's out there!



It is this post…really it is at this point in my "Disney" life…that I come to the conclusion that Disney planning is not about me.

My plans for this family and their trip have been their ideas…and their desires…and I discussed all of the plans with all of them...

But when it comes right down to it, it was really too much about me - me wanting them to experience this or that - me wanting them to eat here or there…and certainly ME wanting them to be here or there at a certain time so we could accomplish this or that.

But they were having a BLAST!

While Sarah and I were doing the American Idol audition and the "big rides" and Beauty and the Beast - they have been having a great time at the resort just exploring and hanging out! They are completely happy when we meet up with them a little after our ADR time! They have not "missed" anything - they have been having a blast doing their own thing all morning and are perfectly happy not doing each thing on the list in my head.


So…I decide here (really an hour or so after this meal…but I don't want to spoil that bit of magic for ya!) that I should just relax and let things happen as they happen!

No more 17 point plans of being here or there…really. No more! Not with first time visitors to Disney.

Disney magic just happens. And it usually happens when my plans have fallen apart! God has got this under control.

PS - I used this knowledge when I "planned" Lauren's trip - it was probably my best planned trip so far! Relaxed! Fun! I certainly planned some key things - but not every second we would be gone…maybe I will do a pictorial TR of her trip at some point…

But…back to this trip!!!!

So…we met up and we headed to 50's Prime Time Cafe!

As we were walking over there, Tricia and I were talking. She had been completely amazed at how much Baker was interacting with the people and things around them. Disney is just perfect for him. He has been coming out of his shell and interacting…I mean, it isn't like he is holding conversations with complete strangers…but he was certainly acting different.

As you guys are probably aware - the 50's Prime Time Cafe is full of fun CM's that like to play jokes and such - and they were having some fun with Baker's Dad! And he was totally playing along!

Check out this picture!!

How much fun is that! We were all just laughing and carrying on with him!

We ordered something for Baker - but he wasn't really touching his meal. I think at some point we had mentioned to the staff that Baker has autism…anyway…we were trying to figure out what he might like instead when Baker did something that amazed us all…




(You don't want to miss this...)




He said…



Out loud…


"Grilled Cheese, Please"


Now at first we didn't quite hear him? We thought he had said something on purpose…but it was loud in there and we didn't really hear him…

So…he REPEATED…

"Grilled Cheese, Please"



Now…I just gotta tell you. I had heard Baker say "Momma"…maybe once or twice. And I had heard him repeat "Mickey" once, too! But Baker doesn't talk much at all. And he certainly does not talk in sentences! And he definitely doesn't ask for what he wants to eat!!!!

Dude!


We were all stunned…and then he said it AGAIN…three times, my friends!!!

"Grilled Cheese, Please!"



Seriously…we were crying at the table. Tricia…was sitting there in tears - good tears, of course! The waitress was so awesome! She left and came back in a FLASH with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich - cut just the way he likes it into two triangles. (How she knew that, I have NO idea!) The chef came by to see us and find out if Baker liked the grilled cheese! It was perfect!!!!


Blown away......I was completely blown away!


And that isn't the best part of this day….





It is coming, though! It is coming!!!

OMG Mary - This story is AMAZING!! I was on the verge of tear reading this. I can't believe not only did Baker ask for Grilled Cheese once but THREE TIMES!! Just amazing. I can't say that enough. If anyone ever doubts that magic exists, they should take a trip to Disney World. Wow, I can't believe how great this trip is turning out. This is life changing stuff going on.

 

[PennyLane1084]

If I am going to make you cry...the least I can do is try to limit kleenex usage...so I will go ahead and post the next one...because it will make you cry if the first one tonight didn't.




I know it has been months since we started this story…

But this next post…is basically the best moment of the whole trip for Baker and his family…and they have had some GREAT moments!

Something I worried about as we were planning was how to get Baker to meet Mickey Mouse. At the time of this trip, there was no such thing as a FastPass to meet Mickey. And I really wanted Baker to have some time to spend with Mickey that was sorta private…but not with a bunch of people having to wait on him. There was really no way to make that happen…

After we finished eating at 50's - we decide it may be a good time to try to find Mickey Mouse…since Baker has taken to talking in sentences and such, we figured it would be really cool to give him the biggest reward and let him meet his HERO, Mickey!

The line for Mickey - regardless of the time of day or the time of year - is pretty much always packed with families…

So imagine my shock and amazement to see only two families in the line! We were SOOOOO excited!

Even this short wait is a little much for Baker…he really wants to get over there to meet his hero!

His Mom kinda has to hold him back in line.

We had been talking to the CM's in line - and both of them really were apologizing because they really hate to make severely autistic kids wait - they even tell us that they are working on a system where these kids can wait in an alternate area, which would be really cool!

Anyway…it was finally Baker's turn when the character handler announces that it is time for Mickey to go get some water or a snack or something! Oh no! Seriously? What is Baker going to do when he sees Mickey walk out the door?! EEK!

But Mickey shakes his head - No… No. And points to Baker. Doh! Mickey just told those folks he is staying out here and wants to meet Baker!

The first part of the meeting, Baker didn't really get into it…Makes me wonder what was going through his head. Mickey really had to work at this…

And Baker finally looked at him…but not really for very long…and Baker didn't really connect…..

We tried the group picture thing…which never really works very well.








So Baker got back in his wheelchair…






And was ready to move on to something else…




But Mickey was not done with Baker!









Mickey was AMAZING……..


Mickey got right in his face…and Mickey went the extra 10 miles to connect with Baker!!

And the magic just happened!!!

I will let the pictures tell this story....

It was SOOOOO awesome! Every bit as cool as it looked!

Mickey was AMAZING!!!!! The whole thing seemed like it went in slow motion…And Mickey was supposed to be on break forever ago!

Mickey staying back to meet Baker was so very special to me. I know the "rules"…I am sure Mickey was supposed to go backstage when he was told…but he saw the BIG picture…and ignored the rules…and created a memory for his family that they will never forget! And I know I won't forget! And now many you will remember it, too!



I just want to point out a few things in these pictures…..sorry for the repeats…


But in this picture…Look at his Dad's face…behind him… Just joy and amazement! So cool!!

Every time I see this picture, it just makes me want to cry…I love the look on Baker's face…but I also LOVE the look on Sarah's face! She is so happy for Baker!

And...I love the lady we don't know in the background of this picture…

I sometimes feel bad for the families that have to wait for a character interaction with someone I am with…a wish family or autism or severely disabled...that is making that character interaction take longer than most typical families. And I feel bad for the typical families having to wait… But then I catch the background of a picture like this and I realize that some of those people waiting are getting just as much out of watching this amazing encounter unfold as we are!

And I am reminded that all of us, I guess - at Disney, and in our regular lives - would benefit so much from worrying less about how long we were waiting in lines and focus more on the cool things going on around us…If I could just remember that the next time I get in the slowest line in the whole grocery store…to look around me…what cool things can I see while I wait.

Words can not describe this second amazing experience. Again, Disney Magic. AMAZING! CM's like that Mickey are truly born to work at Disney.