Andrea's Wish Trip - June 8-13

[Andreaswish]

I love all the pics! The one with DH and Matt was so sweet. I love capturing moments like that! I am so thankful you are doing your TR. I think I have read every other one on the boards and needed a fix before our trip in 5 days
I notice your ticker counts down until your daughter's 9th birthday. Sam's 9th birthday is August 23...am I calculating correctly? Is that your DD's birthday, too??
Great start to the TR! You have me motivated to start packing!!
Mary Anne

That is one of my favorite pictures. I really wished I would have had a picture of him and Goofy. Oh well I always have my memories.

Yes, Andrea's birthday is August 23. Wow Sam and her share a birthday and they each get to go to Disney . Hope you guys have a great trip.

Diane

 

[merneric]

That is cool that they share the same birthday!

Can't wait to read more of your TR!

Mary Anne

 

[Andreaswish]

When we got pictures of the characters we forgot our autograph books - bummer, but we figured we would get them in the parks. So no biggie.

Well we head to Magic Kingdom. The kids couldn't wait, but were a little confused at how many areas you had to go through before you actual got to Magic Kingdom. We head down Main Street and the kids are in awe. We go to Tommorowland first. We did the Buzz Lightyear ride first - Matt's must do ride. We all liked it a lot, Grandma got the highest score.

We did a few other rides in that area then headed for Fantasyland. We rode the Tea Cups, Dumbo, Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventure, It's a Small World, and Mickey's PhillarMagic. The kids and us adults loved PhillarMagic (plus it was cool in there). We then had a snack and saw a few minutes of the parade. We did a couple more rides and then took the Haunted Mansion ride (which was a mistake the beginning scared the kids some. So that was the last ride we did at Magic Kingdom. A few of the rides were out for Andrea so we did the rides the kids wanted to do. We took some pictures by the castle and then headed out of the park.

We had a few more things we wanted to see but the kids were getting burned out and needed a break. Maybe we will go back later on that evening.

When we were returning the wheelchair Andrea saw Chip and Dale one of her favorites. She started chasing after them so I had to follow. The rest of the group stayed where they were. So they missed out on the cute interaction with them. She unfortunately grabbed her brother's autograph book so she didn't get their signatures. Boy are we having trouble with getting autographs. She wanted to go back but we were already on the tram to get to our van. Maybe at the next park.

Back at he GKTW Village, we wash up some and head to dinner. Again the food was good. We did some things around the village.

Here is a sloth that was visiting: Matt enjoyed it.

Then we saw Andrea's star on the ceiling in the castle.

We had some more ice cream and went to bed.

more to come Day 3

Diane

 

[Andreaswish]

Day 3 (Tuesday)

Well the kids are up early again. We get ready to go see what Nickelodeon character showed up at the GKTW Village. Well in the castle there is Spongebob Squarepants, one of the kids favorite Nick character. This time we remembered our autograph books and guess what he can't sign books because his arms don't really move. They did get his autograph stamped in their books.

Matt even went up to see Sponge Bob.

Here we all are with SpongeBob, the kids were a little bummed there were no more characters.

We have breakfast at the village and get in our van and head to:

Andrea can't wait to see Scooby. So we ask for a private meeting with Scooby and Shaggy planned for the afternoon. We head into the park. I just want to say thanks to those who said we should not miss Universal. Their team members we fabulous, we got through with the GAC quickly and usually with a guide (team member bringing us through). Our first ride was Jimmy Neutron, I read it was a good gauge of how the kids would do the other rides. I was a bit concerned with Matt not liking it, but he loved it. We did most of the rides in the studios and meet a few characters:

Winnie and Woody Woodpecker: The kids got there autographs also.

She also got to see Scooby and Shaggy and both kids got more autographs, somehow Andrea's autograph book got passed to Scooby and Shaggy twice so she has two signatures each. (don't tell anyone but Woody was the one that passed Andrea's book again).

Andrea loved the gift shop outside of Men in Black. Why do you ask - well of course it's because of the pugs. She bought a pug in a purse. Here she is posing with a larger pug she wanted to buy, but we told her we had no room to take it home.

Here we all are with Scooby, Shaggy and The Mystery Inc Van. Notice Andrea's hat, Scooby liked it a lot. Another one of Andrea's purchases.

Then we ate some lunch and found a few Simpsons. Andrea went and got some pictures and hugs. Matt didn't want to see them.

We did a few more things at the Universal Studios, then it started to look like it was going to rain. Change in plans, we were going to go to the other park. We decide to leave and go back to the GKTW Village.

more to come later....Day 3 to continue.

Diane

 

[wkualum]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your trip report. It looks like you all had a great time!

More please

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I just found your report and am signing up. So far so good!

 

[cajunfan]

Is this getting in the way of my enjoyment?!

Ok, I am not a patient soul, but would love to hear more about your trip!

Lynn

 

[jessica52877]

I am just catching up on the TR. I am glad that Matt warmed up to some of the characters. The pictures of his dad and him is really cute.

Universal seems so great to wish families. I really love that they seem to step it up!

 

[Andreaswish]

Well let’s continue Day 3.
Where was I, of yes we were at Universal Studios. It was starting to sprinkle, so we decided to leave. We stopped by Shrek 4D and then went to get pictures of Donkey and Phiona. This was so much fun. She got to go to the front of the line; Donkey asked who is this princess? “Andrea” Phiona told Donkey. Then he asked who was next to her Andrea said “Grandpa Bobby” Donkey says “grandpa pa” get in the picture too. Then Donkey asked who is that with the camera? Andrea said “that my dad” donkey says
“daddyo needs to be in the picture too.
Here is the picture:

After the picture we decide to go and head toward the front. It continues to look like it is going to rain. We get to the area with all the restaurants inside of Universal Studios and head towards the parking garage and return the wheelchair. The kids look at the souvenirs and they each make a couple of pressed pennies. Can you guess what one Andrea made?? Well, Scooby Doo of course.
We then head to our van and it is raining and we go back to the GKTW Village. We change and clean up. We head over to the Gingerbread House for some yummy supper. A magician comes around and invites us to the theater for a show later on. So we go to one of Andrea’s favorite places in the village Amberville. She loves the trains (inside and the outside). She also loves the power boats. Tonight the boats had some visitor’s two ducks. Andrea and another girl were trying to chase the ducks out of the boat area. The ducks weren’t really affected by their attempts. After the boats, we all headed out to go Dino Putt. We started the first two holes and then I realize I forgot the camera and really wish I had it. We were walking to the next hole when we saw two armadillos a mommy and a little one. They seemed very tame and Andrea and Matt petted them. There are some fun surprises on the Dino putt. If you have time you should check it out.
We then go to the theater for the Magic Show. It was pretty full so we stood up for awhile. It was pretty good, but Matt was tired and wanted some ice cream so the two of us head for yummy ice cream and head back to the villa. My mom came back a few minutes after us.

So my dh, Andrea and Grandpa stayed, and the magician asked for a volunteer. Andrea raised her hand (which is totally out of character she is usually shy especially when there is a crowd) and the magician picked her to do a card trick with him. She had to pick a card and remember and put it back in the deck. Then she had to throw the cards up in the air, she got a little wild and cards landed on the stage, and the first couple of rows in the theater. Then he told her that her card was inside the balloon and she had to pop the balloon. Ta-da the card was correct and was in the balloon. She got laughs for the cards flying everywhere (he should have been more specific with his instructions). She came back to the Villa telling us how we had missed her on the stage. Once again we wished we had our camera. After this night we never left our villa without our camera. Also, those of you who don’t have a video camera you can borrow one from the GKTW village.

We ordered pizza and went to bed. Here is Matt and Andrea watching cartoons in their pj’s. Then we all head to bed and dream about Disney and Universal.

They are waiting for the pizza to arrive and getting very sleepy.

Lesson learned today : Always have a camera with you at the village and at the parks. Learned the hard way.

 

[jessica52877]

Bummer not having the camera with you but you have the memories! I love that Andrea was picked. That is so special and she'll remember that. I am craving some ice cream now! Wouldn't know why! LOL!

 

[Andreaswish]

Bummer not having the camera with you but you have the memories! I love that Andrea was picked. That is so special and she'll remember that. I am craving some ice cream now! Wouldn't know why! LOL!

Well that is what I figured also, we do have the memories. It was so cute when I asked her all the details about the magic trick - her eyes lite up and she was all excited. I wished I was there at least her dad and grandpa got to see her doing it.

Diane

 

[wkualum]

Clappity Clap Clap! Great trip report! I'm sorta craving some pizza to be delivered to my door! Too bad it's almost 10:30 and I'm about ready for bed!

Sounds like you had a dreamy trip! How very exciting!

 

[maroo]

Awesome updates!!

I missed a few when I was out of town.

I need to add the "never be without a camera" to the list of top 20 hints for Wish Trips. We had that issue TWICE on our trip...possibly three times!

I love the special meet and greets at Universal! That is really awesome!!

Great TR!

 

[Andreaswish]

Day 4 (our day off) HA!HA!

Well we start out a little early again we have breakfast. I had the waffles with the strawberries and whip cream on them very yummy. The volunteer putting the whip cream sprayed me with the whip cream; luckily I could just wipe it off. She apologized and I went back to the table where everyone thought it was funny. So beware of the whip cream.

After breakfast we go back to the villa. The horses we right behind our villa neither of the kids wanted to ride them. We rode the merry go round and played with the power boats. We go back to the villa for awhile and then we head to Downtown Disney.

We went to World of Disney – wow this store is huge. The kids were shocked at all the areas to the store. We headed to the back for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and see if they had any openings later that day. We figured it was worth a try since we had to cancel the appt. for Sunday night. Well they said we could get Andrea in an hour and do her make over. Then while she was adding us in to the computer, she says wait a minute there is a cancellation in a few minutes. So we send the guys off to Lego right next door. Here is a picture of Matt with a full size Mickey Mouse- he really wanted to buy it, but once again way too big. It would need a seat on the plane.

Here are some of the pictures of Andrea getting made over. She looks scared in some of them; she didn’t enjoy it as much as she thought she would have.
Before:

After:

Wow look at Princess Andrea – doesn’t she look beautiful. It totally changes her look. Her brother, dad and grandpa almost walked right past her. She complained that her hair hurts!!! We did some more shopping.

Matt won a race at the Lego area, where kids build cars and race each other. Matt really liked the huge Lego statues and wanted to buy lots of Lego Star Wars items.

We had some lunch and we went to the pin trading shop. We were all way too hot to do anymore so we left. We couldn’t believe that it was after 4:00 p.m. and went back to the villa. The kids and I went swimming for awhile and then we went for dinner. While at dinner a man came around telling us about Village Idol, the kids thought about competing. They were given an option to sign up later. We went to Amberville and played in the arcade and rode the train.

We head over to the theater to watch the Village Idol. Wow there was some awesome kids, so brave. Some sang songs, a brother team told some jokes, and a child danced. Very cute and was very entertaining. We get some ice cream and head back to the villa to cool off. We were still quite busy for our day off.

It’s time for bed. We are planning on visiting Sea World on Day 5.
More to come soon.

Diane

 

[jessica52877]

Bummer she didn't like the makeover as much as you'll thought. I was wondering if it was because of pulling of the hair. I cannot imagine that I would like it at all! Or did you feel rushed? Just wondering! Glad they got you in though so you don't have to wonder!

LOVE the BIG Mickey! He was HUGE though!

The idol thing sounds really fun. A cute little talent show! I bet it was precious to watch!

I love down days! And I LOVE legos! I just bought one the other day for DS6. I really wanted it though!

 

[Andreaswish]

Bummer she didn't like the makeover as much as you'll thought. I was wondering if it was because of pulling of the hair. I cannot imagine that I would like it at all! Or did you feel rushed? Just wondering! Glad they got you in though so you don't have to wonder!

LOVE the BIG Mickey! He was HUGE though!

The idol thing sounds really fun. A cute little talent show! I bet it was precious to watch!

I love down days! And I LOVE legos! I just bought one the other day for DS6. I really wanted it though!

Her hair was just pulled to tight. I think she liked the rest of it. Her anxiety was a bit high during the whole experience, poor thing couldn't just sit back and enjoy the pampering. She had more fun at the Village's spa, oh well live and learn.

Diane

 

[maroo]

Andrea looks BEAUTIFUL!


That sounds very close to the reaction Lauren had. She thought she would love it, but then she really did not like the experience as much as the idea of the experience.

And getting that stuff out of her hair... And the smell of that hair stuff... we had an occasion to pull some of that stuff (the hair spray they use) out a while back and Lauren was like, "Get it AWAY...get it AWAY..." She doesn't like that smell anymore.

Did they compete in Village Idol? I don't recall many families going to that activity and how cool that you guys got to go! Sounds awesome!

And I would LOVE to have that huge Mickey in my house.

 

[Andreaswish]

Day 5 – Sea World & Christmas at the Village

We had another delicious breakfast at the Gingerbread house one of the workers teased Andrea about her chocolate milk. He wanted it and she said “no that’s mine; you can get your own.” He told her he was just having fun with her. While we were eating a cute young man in a wheelchair was celebrating his birthday, everyone in the area sang to him. Man that boy’s smile was unbelievable it brought tears to my eyes that it made him so happy being the center of attention. When we left we wished him a happy birthday and he smiled as us, again it melted my heart. We then went to go and meet the characters and this time we remembered our autograph books. Matt got into it this time, so we have pictures of him too. YEAH!! Max (Goofy’s son), Pluto, Belle and Mickey and Minnie were there. Matt was kind of crushing on Belle – very pretty and sweet. (Matt read this and told me to take it out I don’t want my friends finding out – so keep it our secret).

We then headed to Sea World another hot day, I think it was the hottest yet. Since we got there later than we wanted we didn’t get to feed the dolphins. We did get to see them, and Andrea was happy about that. We went an petted the sting rays; they really liked me and Andrea. They splashed us a few times which felt good. We went and saw the Blue Horizons show that included birds, dolphins, divers and acrobats. We liked the show and Andrea loved the dolphins. We saw the Manatees, turtles, alligators or are they crocodiles, sharks, and other fish. We watched the cute show of Clyde and Seamore, the kids liked it a lot. The best part was the mime making fun and playing with the people coming in to find seats. We went to a show indoors next to get out of the heat, this show was Pets Ahoy. This is a very cute show put on basically by cats, dogs, birds, rats, etc. They had a few glitches because the pets weren’t always doing what they were supposed to, this made it very cute. We got to meet some of the animals after the show, a special treat for my kids because they were missing their doggie Maggie. Next we grabbed a snack before we saw the last show we wanted to see. Man that was a long, hot walk. We sat in the soak zone, but didn’t get wet – Andrea was really bummed. It probably would have felt really good at that point, it was so hot and humid. We saw Believe with Shamu, it was beautiful, and the kids were amazed with the size of the whales. We went and bought each of the kids a dolphin stuffed animal and headed back to the village.

We got back to the village and went and got some ice cream for a quick refresher. Then we went and freshened up and went to go see Santa there was already a big line. Matt keeps on saying “I don’t know what to say to Santa??” I told him not to worry about it and he was fine. The kids picked out they gifts and we went to eat supper. Then Andrea decorated a cookie like her dog Maggie (lots of yellow frosting). We saw the parade and the weather was somewhat threatening so we didn’t get to go on the sleigh ride. The kids got a shake from the ice cream place and we went back to the villa to start packing up we have to leave in the morning and we also did some laundry.
The kids were really sad to have to leave this magical place. Matt got really upset and wanted to stay, he didn’t want to go to Disney All Star Movies resort. Let’s try to enjoy our last night in the wonderful village. Sleep tight. More to come soon……..hopefully tomorrow.

 

[that's nice]

Wow..

You guys had a busy day! It sounds like the kids were having a great time. It seems that you can just stay at GKTW and be entertained all day (although I'm sure the kids still would want to goto the parks)

 

[maroo]

awesome update!!!

It looks like you guys did a lot of the shows at Sea World! That is awesome!

Did you guys get a chance to feed the dolphins?

Awesome update and I can't wait for more!!