Day 3-7 trip report: My little disney family just arrived...without me!

[DIZZNY]

This is their first trip to DW in 1 1/2 years! That is a record for us, I think. I have been deployed to the middle east for over a year now and my hubby didn't want to go to DW without me. Very sweet but our points were wasting away and had to be used so I talked him into taking the girls (DD9 and DD6). They are very very excited, btw. They just boarded the Magical Express bus and are on their way to AKV concierge. We have never stayed concierge so it will be a treat for them. They deserve it. Their trip from home went pretty smooth. Their layover in Atlanta was about 3 hours but, in an airport full of planes with mechanical difficulties apparently (arghh), their plane was just fine and only delayed about a 1/2 hour by none other than a plane with a flat tire on the runway. He upgraded to first class(only $50) for the flight and my DD9 said she enjoyed the "room service." Silly kid.

They just missed the bus to AKV and waited about 30 minutes. They should be there now and I am just waiting for the call. I wish I could be with them but am really happy they are there.

 

[DIZZNY]

Oh, he just called! They said check-in was wonderfully easy and they have seen zebras and giraffes from their balcony already, found grandma, and are now on their way to the lounge.

I think I convinced him to try to relax today and enjoy the resort instead of going to the parks. We were only able to get AKV concierge for one night so they need to relax and enjoy it while they can. It is off to our home resort, WLV tomorrow for the rest of the week.

It is so nice to be able to share this with people...I don't think anyone really give a darn over here. Go figure...

 

[itsreally4mommy]

Aw, that must be hard to miss them and am sure they miss you. How wonderful to have DVC so they can have something wonderful to look forward to

And a big THANK YOU!

 

[DIZZNY]

It is nice to be hear all of them so happy. My mother-in-law is ecstatic and that is funny because she is already an eccentric Italian Long Islander. Funny lady. The concierge staff was even able to get a CRT reservation for them for tomorrow. I usually do all the reservations and forgot to take advantage of their service or even make the ressies myself at 6 months. When I remembered at 5 months, it was all sold out. But, the concierge staff kept trying and was able to get one this week. Sounds stupid but I feel blessed. Lots of pixie dust this trip, I guess.

Hmmm...my husband is liking it, too. I wonder if AKV points are in our future, too, so we can extend our stay. Whew, we might have to move closer to Florida.

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Oh This is really heart wrenching- You way over there and them in Disney w/o ya- But how cool for you to be able to keep track of them and share w/ us- I am not there right now (Wishing we were) Can't imagine being w/o a "piece" of family though- It is great that you get to get reports of what they are experiencing- make sure he takes loads of pics and keeps ya posted on what the girls reactions are to certain things they experience!
I am sure they are missing you as much as you miss them!

 

[SusieBea]

God bless you for your service! We appreciate you. Sounds like you're doing pretty well living vicariously through them right now. Maybe you can plan a welcome-home trip w/ all the bells and whistles when you return.

 

[DIZZNY]

I appreciate all your "thank you's." Honestly, it always feels a little funny to get them and even hippocritical. I am just doing my job...I signed up quite awhile ago and I am still paying back a very long committment I made. I see all these young men and women who have signed up since 9/11 and so many who are on there 2nd, 3rd, and heck some on their 4th and 5th yearlong deployments and I don't know how they do it. I can't wait to come home! I didn't have kids when I signed up and I never imagined being deployed away from them for 15 months. I appreciate that the Army has allowed me to live all over the country and world (S. Korea, Germany, etc), the education I received, and the many people I have met, but I can't take the chance of being forced away from my family again. I am becoming a civilian next summer.

We have a trip planned for January. I am running the DW marathon and since we have so many 'unused' points, we are all going for a 4 day weekend. Yeah!!!! I hope I can still walk around after the marathon. If not, I will be by the pool having a cold one or, if that is too chilly, in the lounge.
Then, we are going in March for Spring Break with a 3 day cruise finale. I am really looking forward to going Home again. I plan on making a reservation for BLT and the Treehouses over Thanksgiving (pixie dust), if my new job lets me. I think I will make it part of the contract.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow, thank you for your service, and for sharing your family's experience with us.

Bobbi

 

[Tozzie]

This is their first trip to DW in 1 1/2 years! That is a record for us, I think. I have been deployed to the middle east for over a year now and my hubby didn't want to go to DW without me. Very sweet but our points were wasting away and had to be used so I talked him into taking the girls (DD9 and DD6). They are very very excited, btw. They just boarded the Magical Express bus and are on their way to AKV concierge. We have never stayed concierge so it will be a treat for them. They deserve it. Their trip from home went pretty smooth. Their layover in Atlanta was about 3 hours but, in an airport full of planes with mechanical difficulties apparently (arghh), their plane was just fine and only delayed about a 1/2 hour by none other than a plane with a flat tire on the runway. He upgraded to first class(only $50) for the flight and my DD9 said she enjoyed the "room service." Silly kid.

They just missed the bus to AKV and waited about 30 minutes. They should be there now and I am just waiting for the call. I wish I could be with them but am really happy they are there.

I am glad your kids are having fun and a big big Thank you for your service!!!

 

[ACDSNY]

Sending pixie dust so that your family's trip will be magical and all reports will be wonderful. Sounds like you have some great trips coming up in the future too! Thank you for your service.

I have a cousin that will be going on his second deployment soon, once he gets back I think we'll see a DL trip in his future. His two sons are way into MM Club House.

 

[disneyobessed]

Thank you so much for sharing your story.. and more importantly for your service. we are heading to AKV in july... our new "home". God Bless you and your family.

 

[janni518]

My son just got back a few months ago and my dgf's littlest brother just finished his 3rd tour over there. Hope you're back stateside soon and able to celebrate with a bit of Disney yourself.

 

[Terry S]

Thank you very much for your service! I know you have to miss them terribly, it is great that you can live this trip through them.

 

[Halle]

Thank you for keeping us safe!!! My Dad is a Marine (once a marine always a Marine), spent four years in the Marshall Islands during WWII. The sacrifice you are making for us is unmeasurable, I know your children will be proud of what you are doing for everyone. Many thanks, you are a special person.
Halle

 

[ranthony]

Thank you for your service and for all the sacrifices you and your family have had to make these past months.

I am sure you will be in their thoughts many times in the upcoming days.

 

[eva]

Thank you so much for the service that you do for us and this country every day. I am so thankful for all you do. It has got to be awfully tough missing your family so much. Hopefully their joy during their visit to WDW will fill your heart until you are back safe and sound in the USA. God Bless!

 

[Mom2BCCC]

DH and I just returned from AKV on Wednesday. I'm ready to go back! Our first time in October. I couldn't believe the lack of crowds. We usually go during school vacations. Its a great time to go with the kids. I hope they have a great time - keep the reports coming.

Thanks so much for your service. Your family must be so proud.

 

[Mom B]

Bless you and your family! Thanks for your service and hope you are all together again soon!

 

[DonnaL]

Thank you and I'm very glad your daughters and husband are enjoying their time at WDW....so sorry you're not with them this trip. My daughter's boyfriend is currently completing his 2nd tour in the middle east .....this time Afghanistan....last time Iraq.....hopefully, he'll be home by Thanksgiving....so glad to hear you'll be home soon also. Take care and be safe.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Thank YOU!
Pixie dust for a wonderful trip for your family
For you
I hope you are all in WDW together next year for the best trip ever!