Episode MMXIV: We Don't Say Goodbye, We Say Kwahirini (updated 2/28)

[MEK]

But let me just tell you about James P Sullivan. I got SO MANY KISSES. And you probably can't really tell in the picture, but he is hugging me SO tight. It's like he knew what I had been through to make it to this vacation and he was telling me that everything was okay and that I was safe. I think maybe he has my door and came into my room on one of the many nights I cried myself to sleep. And I know how absolutely ridiculous that sounds. But in that moment, that's exactly what it felt like.

And the only place I've shared that story is here.

That is an awesome story and an awesome feeling. Thanks for sharing!

And who doesn't just love OMD. I love it in there. It is so Walt and it feels like home to me. Even though I usually nod off for a few seconds during the movie, I must see it almost every trip!

 

[MidnightParade]

Aww what a great part of your day! Taking your time exploring One Man's Dream and then getting squishes from Sully!

I do feel bad for Mike though, he just looks so awkward! lol

 

[Tracy161]

Aren't Disney CMs the best?! That's one of the beauties of solo travel, I think sometimes you have greater opportunities for interaction.

Ahhh, I absolutely love One Man's Dream! Last year I purposely designed my trip so that I could be there on my birthday morning.

Wow, your experience with Sulley gave me goosebumps. What a great memory!!! And isn't it great to have this fabulous community to share it with, knowing that we'll all "get it"?

Also, I totally understand wanting to pace your TR to make it last as long as possible. I've promised myself that I am doing a TR for my next trip... whenever that may be... and I know for sure that I will be doing the same thing!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

YES YES YES... ONE MAN'S DREAM... requirement or you don't get to come in. It should be on a sign outside.

Wait, I though you were getting a photo with Mike and Sully? Where'd ya go??? Oh wait, there you are. Perfect!

Aww Sue, that is really such a sweet story and really does convey what we all know. Disney is Magic.

 

[teekathepony]

Going back one...
Tea time looks lovely. I wish so much that I liked tea but I just can't get into it.
The Grand Floridian makes me feel the same way! I don't really like it in there.

And up to date...
One Mans Dream is a definite requirement for me every trip. And I see something new each time! I love it, love learning the stories behind it all. Awww what a sweet character interaction with Mike and Sully! Mostly Sully. I love that about characters who are good at their jobs, they know who needs a hug and you take whatever you need from that. Sounds like the photog was good at reading people too, Princess! Too funny about using that pic on your Facebook cover and mike being blocked out! Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[TinkerbellM6]

Hi Sue!

I just caught up on the last 3 updates, yay! I want to comment on everything but I don't want this to be obnoxiously long lol.

First, a bit off topic but I read some of your blog and LOVED reading your thoughts on the Oscar nominees. I'm an entertainment junkie as well so I love getting other people's perspectives on the movies. It helps me appreciate the movies deeper.

The afternoon tea is on my Dis bucket list....it looks sooo yummy and relaxing!! I could probably eat a pound of lemon curd in one sitting.

Your M&G with the monsters choked me up. I totally know how important Disney is when you are facing hardship. The thing about Disney is that it's always there, not just for the happy times but sad times also. It's always dependable and consistent, so when life feels crazy at times-it's there to pick you up. The fact that Sully intuitively just knew that you needed that extra TLC...well that is just so special.

The Walt Disney historical stuff is so amazing. I'm such a WD fan and I adore learning as much as I can about my idol. One day I NEED to go to San Francisco to check out his museum.

I'm so glad we are Facebook friends!! I've made a few friends through here that I treasure as if we've known each other a lifetime. It's nice to have people who understand that Disney is a lifestyle not just a vacation place.

-Megan

 

[TinkerbellM6]

Oh and I forgot to mention that your TR is totally making me want to check out the Star Wars movies bc I haven't seen ANY of them!!! I need to!! Haha.

 

[Suelala]

I just keep lurking! Have to say how much I am enjoying this TR because I will be doing a partly solo trip in October, and I love seeing the fun you are having! thanks.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

yeah for One Man's Dream! Just so much awesome stuff in there and I love that it isn't just old stuff but also models of new attractions and stuff from Hong Kong Disney, etc. ... really shows how his "dream" lives on

Great, great, great Meet & Greet and just awesome that it can give you those positive feelings!

 

[khaleesi]

Such a great meet and greet with Mikey and Sulley!

We've done this meet and greet a couple of times with the kids and each time I walk up to them I instantly notice that vast difference of "hugability" of the two characters. Sulley is obviously looks and feels like a giant teddy bear so the kids immediately gravitate towards him. Poor Mikey on the other hand looks so bony that it just feels like his arms would snap off like a tree branch if I even attempted a hug! We still love him though.

It was pretty amazing!! And I agree... Mike is just awkward and James is exactly how Boo described him: "Kitty!" Hehe.

That is an awesome story and an awesome feeling. Thanks for sharing!

And who doesn't just love OMD. I love it in there. It is so Walt and it feels like home to me. Even though I usually nod off for a few seconds during the movie, I must see it almost every trip!

Thanks!! I love how you said that it feels like home. I couldn't agree more. In addition to wanting Disney to do local running events, I think they should do a touring version of OMD. And the animation class. I need to work for them and coordinate all these things!!

Aww what a great part of your day! Taking your time exploring One Man's Dream and then getting squishes from Sully!

I do feel bad for Mike though, he just looks so awkward! lol

It was wonderful! And Mike is definitely awkward. Even more so than me!

Aren't Disney CMs the best?! That's one of the beauties of solo travel, I think sometimes you have greater opportunities for interaction.

Ahhh, I absolutely love One Man's Dream! Last year I purposely designed my trip so that I could be there on my birthday morning.

Wow, your experience with Sulley gave me goosebumps. What a great memory!!! And isn't it great to have this fabulous community to share it with, knowing that we'll all "get it"?

Also, I totally understand wanting to pace your TR to make it last as long as possible. I've promised myself that I am doing a TR for my next trip... whenever that may be... and I know for sure that I will be doing the same thing!

Disney CMs are absolutely the best! And nothing at all like I've read about on other boards. I would agree about going solo... it's kind of like when you're walking through the mall and the kiosk people always stop the person walking alone... but in a GOOD way. LOLOL. Wearing the button helped, too.

That's awesome that you were there on your birthday!!! What a great way to celebrate

I absolutely love that I can tell that story about Sully here and not have to worry that people will think I'm crazy!!

Hopefully you can schedule a trip soon!!

YES YES YES... ONE MAN'S DREAM... requirement or you don't get to come in. It should be on a sign outside.

Wait, I though you were getting a photo with Mike and Sully? Where'd ya go??? Oh wait, there you are. Perfect!

Aww Sue, that is really such a sweet story and really does convey what we all know. Disney is Magic.

Agreed about OMD.

Hahahahah.... you gotta look closely. I kind of blend in

Disney is definitely magic. It's my Happy.

 

[khaleesi]

Going back one...
Tea time looks lovely. I wish so much that I liked tea but I just can't get into it.
The Grand Floridian makes me feel the same way! I don't really like it in there.

And up to date...
One Mans Dream is a definite requirement for me every trip. And I see something new each time! I love it, love learning the stories behind it all. Awww what a sweet character interaction with Mike and Sully! Mostly Sully. I love that about characters who are good at their jobs, they know who needs a hug and you take whatever you need from that. Sounds like the photog was good at reading people too, Princess! Too funny about using that pic on your Facebook cover and mike being blocked out! Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

My mom was always a tea drinker and it kind of rubbed off. It's nice because sometimes I just want a warm beverage and I can't stand coffee.

I know... reading all the little signs with the details is so incredible. I'm the type who prefers a museum to a beach. So a little tiny museum tucked into my favorite place in the world is absolutely perfect!

I have an M&G coming up on my MK day that actually tops this one. I can't wait to talk about it!

I thought I was very clever with the FB photo... sometimes I forget that not everyone is as obsessed as I am

Hi Sue!

I just caught up on the last 3 updates, yay! I want to comment on everything but I don't want this to be obnoxiously long lol.

First, a bit off topic but I read some of your blog and LOVED reading your thoughts on the Oscar nominees. I'm an entertainment junkie as well so I love getting other people's perspectives on the movies. It helps me appreciate the movies deeper.

The afternoon tea is on my Dis bucket list....it looks sooo yummy and relaxing!! I could probably eat a pound of lemon curd in one sitting.

Your M&G with the monsters choked me up. I totally know how important Disney is when you are facing hardship. The thing about Disney is that it's always there, not just for the happy times but sad times also. It's always dependable and consistent, so when life feels crazy at times-it's there to pick you up. The fact that Sully intuitively just knew that you needed that extra TLC...well that is just so special.

The Walt Disney historical stuff is so amazing. I'm such a WD fan and I adore learning as much as I can about my idol. One day I NEED to go to San Francisco to check out his museum.

I'm so glad we are Facebook friends!! I've made a few friends through here that I treasure as if we've known each other a lifetime. It's nice to have people who understand that Disney is a lifestyle not just a vacation place.

-Megan

Hi there! YAY for someone reading my blog!! Hehe. I like to write... and I tend to communicate much better that way. Glad you enjoyed the Oscar talk. I loooove movies.

That lemon curd is delish! You'll love it!

I've read blogs and such from CMs who talk about the special days they've had while working for Disney and so many of them seem to focus on how their job and the whole Disney experience helped turn a bad situation for a guest into something special. When you're already there for a happy reason, the pixie dust just adds to the happiness. When you're struggling, it can be what makes you hope again.

Very glad to be FB friends!!! YAY!!!!

Oh and I forgot to mention that your TR is totally making me want to check out the Star Wars movies bc I haven't seen ANY of them!!! I need to!! Haha.

Ohhhh no!! LOL. Yes, go watch them!!!! I think Star Wars has been a part of my life longer than anything. I mean, I grew up with Disney movies but IDK at the time if I realized the Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty were friends with Mickey Mouse. I saw my first SW movie before I went to WDW for the first time. Having SW be a part of Disney is perfect for me. I know there are diehard SW fans who disagree, but in my head it's perfection.

I just keep lurking! Have to say how much I am enjoying this TR because I will be doing a partly solo trip in October, and I love seeing the fun you are having! thanks.

Thanks for joining in and commenting!!! You will have a great time!! I definitely hope to be able to go with friends or family again at some point, but I will most likely be going solo again before that happens. I love it!

yeah for One Man's Dream! Just so much awesome stuff in there and I love that it isn't just old stuff but also models of new attractions and stuff from Hong Kong Disney, etc. ... really shows how his "dream" lives on

Great, great, great Meet & Greet and just awesome that it can give you those positive feelings!

I completely agree!!! I love knowing that his dream is alive and well and that we can see it in action.

Thanks!! It was so amazing!!!

 

[khaleesi]

Day Three, Part Six​

I walked out of my Monsters Inc M&G on and without a real plan. My TSMM FP+ wasn't for a while yet so I decided to pull out the Hidden Mickey book and see what I could find.

This plan took me back to the streets of America, looking for a slightly different version of a hidden Mickey. I would wind up finding some of the standard hidden Mickey's in the MK the next day, but discovering them and being able to photograph them proved to be two entirely different things.

I'm glad I decided to take this approach because I wound up looking a lot more closely at the buildings and the scenery.

So first up was this close-up of the newspapers in the San Francisco city scene:

The book goes on to mention that the some of these same newspapers have an article about a current Disney movie. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find that and I think it's because the scene itself was slightly faded.

No worries. Moving on, I found this adorable picture which I know I've seen on people's signatures and I'm sure I've seen it floating around Pinterest and stuff, too:

As I was wandering, I came across this sign and obviously had to take a picture of it:

Oh Disney. Don't tease me like that!!

At some point, it clicked in my head that a coworker had given me some cash because she really wanted a plush Animal from the Muppets. Why this didn't occur to me when I was actually seeing the Muppet 3D movie, I have no clue. But I made my way back over there and bought her Animal. And I also saw a shirt that I simply adored!

I came really close to buying it, but decided it against it for whatever reason.

For some reason, I apparently wandered back over to the streets of America. Not sure if I had a reason, but that's the order my pictures go and I have nothing in my notes. So, yeah.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad I went back because as I was walking I saw a couple taking pictures of each other. And I, the shy girl, actually walked up to these random people and asked if they would be willing to take my picture!

Oh Disney. Look what you do to me. You've got me talking to people I don't know and asking them for a favor

So confusing.

BUT YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And seriously, what a cool, simple little prop. I knew it existed from my hidden secret book but had no expectation that I would actually wind up with that picture. It's currently my profile pic on FB

I was starting to get hungry, so I weighed my options and wound up going over to ABC Commissary, but first I had to take this picture of my new friends:

Dinner wound up being a grilled chicken club, an iced tea, and a blueberry cupcake. The sandwich was good. It wasn't anything special, but I enjoyed it. The cupcake was really good!

And I'm totally counting that as a hidden Mickey

---
Tonight is Star Wars night at the ballpark!!!! Between me, some coworkers, and their families there are 32 of us going. I am SO excited!!! And I'll be wearing my awesome Kenobi-lightsaber colored shirt that you've all been looking at! WOOHOO!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

That is a great use of solo trip time Sue. Looking for hidden Mickeys. Since the whole point of touring solo is do what you want and really take it all in. Awesome!!!

Also, LOVING how much you came out of the turtle shell on this trip. Disney is the perfect place for it, it really is.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Some of those details along Streets of America are so fun. Hmmmm, maybe the Snow Emergency Route sign is actually a coded message for a secret FP+++ lane to meet Anna and Elsa.

Hope you have a blast at Star Wars night!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

sounds like a really nice time just exploring and taking in the details

That "nerds" shirt is so awesome - would have been tough for me not to get it

And way to come out of your shell some Sue! Go Disney and go you!

 

[khaleesi]

That is a great use of solo trip time Sue. Looking for hidden Mickeys. Since the whole point of touring solo is do what you want and really take it all in. Awesome!!!

Also, LOVING how much you came out of the turtle shell on this trip. Disney is the perfect place for it, it really is.

I think I will have a really hard time next time I'm there with other people! I get used to having my own way. Haha.

Thanks! I'd like to say I haven't crawled back in it... I've gotten a little better. But I doubt I'd have the same reaction if I walked up to some random person on the street and asked them to take my picture for no apparent reason. LOL. We'll see happens!

Some of those details along Streets of America are so fun. Hmmmm, maybe the Snow Emergency Route sign is actually a coded message for a secret FP+++ lane to meet Anna and Elsa.

Hope you have a blast at Star Wars night!

That is a great idea for meeting Anna and Elsa! Haha. Maybe you have to sing to the sign? Do you want to build a snowman??

It was AWESOME!!!!! I'll be posting the link to my blog update.... although you may have seen my FB pictures already

sounds like a really nice time just exploring and taking in the details

That "nerds" shirt is so awesome - would have been tough for me not to get it

And way to come out of your shell some Sue! Go Disney and go you!

It was... and I love doing that. I'm already the type who would prefer a museum to a beach, so what other more adventurous types would probably consider boring I find to be incredibly interesting!

Looking back, I think the main reason I didn't buy it was that it seemed really thin. Because I really, REALLY liked it!!

Thanks My expert opinion is that I need to go back to make sure I'm comfortable with it! *grin*

 

[khaleesi]

​

Clickety-click here if you want to read about Star Night!

It was soooo much fun!! I posted it on the blog because sometimes my family reads that and I know they never come here.

I also some additional pics on Facebook... including my friend who showed up in full costume! LOL! And I may have geekified my fingers and toes a little bit. Just let me know if you want to be friends

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Sue! I am FINALLY trying to get caught up. So sorry for the apparently lack of being able to catch up lately. (And now that I've peeked at your blog, I'm even slower to respond since I was busy reading through it! Love it!)

Bear with me, I had a lot of catching up to do.

How fun to see the Beauty & the Beast stage production. Loved the Sheldon reference for the chair. We saw BatB on stage at the OC Performing Arts Center when Em was little and I cherish that memory of her watching her first stage show at 4 and loving it! There's NO WAY I'd recycle my copy of the playbill. What are people thinking to toss those aside. I'd likely frame it.

Ha ha! The key under the mat for Muppets 3D, I've missed it every trip until this last one. Looks like that can go on your list for next time.

That's great to do Start Tours back-to-back-to-back! I love the underwater scene. Shamefully I'm not as much a SW fan so I don't know all the characters and locations but I do was alive for the "original" SW movie that ran for a year straight at our local theater when I was young.

That's cool that you are the proud owner of the SW iron-on transfer! Perfect for your SW adventures at DHS.

Your ToT Magic shot with Chip is so cute. When they have you pose you have no idea what character will land in your hand. It's appropriate that the BatB theater is in the back.

Very impressive that the animation instructor recognized Walt's bday - even in Feb. It may have been mentioned already but at the Animation Bldg in DCA they have a set rotation of the characters that they draw. There's a board out front with the schedule so there's no voting. You can simply decide which class to attend. And YES, you Minnie is frame worthy! I'm impressed!

Ahhh tea at G Flo. I LOVE those occasions. Looks like a lovely time to spend at that beautiful resort. I think Em and I had Rachael as our server there once. She was young and adorable. No salmon sandwich for me either. Ick. I sub PB&J. My favorite sandwich is the chicken curry or egg salad - it varies by my mood. Today I'm craving that chicken curry now that I've ready your update.


Awwww you ARE a princess. Cute Solly and Mike photo. I'm 50 and a CM kept calling me that on one of my trips last year.

Oh man! That cupcake looks awesome. I love that it is so iconic with the sorcerer hat for that park.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

 

[librarygeek]

When you mentioned chatting with the CM, it just reminds me how I feel like at Disney things are so different - like you just share a bond with everyone there. I truly am the same way. I dread making phone calls or talking to people I don't know - I hate going into small stores because I'm afraid someone will ask me if I need help! But at Disney I can chat with people without a problem!

What an amazing meet and greet with Mike and Sully! I still haven't quite found their M&G area so I haven't seen them. I must try to do that sometime. Your story is so sweet and the M&G, and I love the fact that your profile pic covered up Mike - that's so perfect!

Ooh that cupcake looks so good!

 

[teekathepony]

I'm finally getting caught up all over the boards. Sorry it too me so long!
I've always wanted to take my book and search for hidden Mickeys for a bit. Sounds like fun! And like you said, you get to look more closely at buildings and scenery.
Aww I love the Singing in the Rain pic! I'm glad you asked the couple to take your picture!
Star Night looks like it was a lot of fun!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards