Even more magik for the MagiKitty!

[DL55]

That was a nail biter! So glad you got in. I don't think it's wrong to use the tickets, they are paid for.

 

[MagiKitty]

Thank you both so much for the moral support! I did feel guilty, but for about 3 minutes. We just got so swept up in the excitement of seeing all the Disney stuff, so unplanned, so longed for.

I do know some people would have gotten all nasty and mean spirited and I truly feared for that.

Ultimately, I try to live a good life but sometimes you're presented with situations that "the right thing" and "the best thing" aren't necessarily the same thing. I would have had a lifetime of regret if I hadn't at least TRIED the tickets. We were fully prepared for rejection and just enjoyed the blessedness of being given the opportunity in the first place.

But it did work and boy were we thankful for it!

 

[whgrn]

You know, I'm a real stickler for honesty, but here's my thought.

1) the tickets WERE paid for
2) they were GIVEN to you by the original "owner"

Sometime you just have to bend it a leeeetle bit.

I'd give you an A- for honesty on this one. Glad you enjoyed it!! Maybe it was just "meant to be"!

 

[MagiKitty]

As we approached Spaceship Earth, we were disappointed to find out that it was closed for renovations. As we passed beneath it, we made a point to stop at the Kodak shop to see if we could get Pal Mickey updated for the day. I was told by the shopgirl that all information was already programmed and that there was no need to do anything to PM. This was contrary to what I had read on the DisBoards, but I decided to let it go and continue on.

The central fountains were already dancing to the music. This is one of my favorite things to see at EPCOT. I'm constantly amazed at how coordinated the music and water are. Sadly, I was one of the few people who stopped to enjoy. Everyone was either going left to head to Test Track or to Mission: Space or right to Soarin. We headed to Soarin'.

Jeremy is not a fan of Soarin'. He thinks its an ok ride, nothing to wait hours for. I like it well enough, but my real favorite is The Land. I have no idea why this ride does it for me, but I so enjoy it. I especially like going through the aerogardens. I just find them so fascinating.

First things first: head to the FastPass and get tickets to go to Soarin. Again, ran into problems with our tickets. Since Jeremy had just been waved through the entrance, his ticket was not truly activated and FastPass wouldn't recognize it. I had to call over a CM, who thought I was just an idiot who didn't know how to insert my ticket. After trying three times on her own, she decided to wave her magic pass and give me a second FastPass.

Walking past the line to Soarin, we noticed that people were literally running on. Seeing no line, people were just dashing up the ramps. Why not? We thought. Let's go too.

The line was really non-existent. We only had to wait about 10 minutes before we were flying over the California Napa Valley, over San Francisco, over the Hollywood Bowl. I had forgotten the bottoming of my stomach as we ascended. I had forgotten how they pipe in the smell of oranges as we flew over the grove. How wonderful!

As always, I was relieved to see Jeremy's crutches when we "landed". I know, its the most magical place on earth, but still I get nervous whenever we leave his crutches and chair behind. Jeremy uses crutches that have to be special ordered and takes nearly a year to actually get. Losing one of those would be terrible. Piling Jeremy and his crutches in his chair, we headed over to the Land. I was pleased to find out that I didn't have to maneuver Jeremy's chair onto the first part of the boat, the CM expertly parked him.

You'd think that I'd be much better at parking Jeremy's chair. But in actuality, I must have a depth perception issue. I have a hard time figuring out how to move him into position. He takes the lumps and bumps with a smile. I have the same problem driving my Target cart.

I love the Land. I just think its so clever, and its a lovely respite from the crazy crowds. I like looking at the fruits and vegetables and imagining them in my lunch later that day. I'd like to take the extended tour one day.

Leaving the Land, Jeremy and I struggled up the ramps to exit the building. Then we struggled going down the ramp outside. I always pray that I don't lose him and he goes flying somewhere. He always sits with his hand on the brake.

As we neared the parked strollers at the bottom of the ramp, I saw a couple heading into the building. I asked if they were going to ride Soarin and they said yes. I reached in and gave them our FastPasses, due to open in ten minutes. I figured someone should use them. I felt like I was passing it on--let goodwill rule! I know it wasn't anything extraordinary on my part, but it made the smallest of differences.

On to Honey I Shrunk the Audience! Being in a chair, Jeremy and I were roped off to the back of the waiting area with an elderly couple both in electrical charis. They were celebrating 48 years of marriage--48 years of blissful bickering. Honey, turn the chair off, you'll drain the battery. Honey, don't forget to set the brake. Honey, you're too close, you're going to hit something. Honey, turn on the light so you can see where you're going.

They were so cute. We got to talking about the parks, what we hoped to see. The couple live nearby and visit often. They still fight about where to go and where to eat. Its what keeps them young. They thought we were a nice young couple. They hope that we would have a similar happy life.

Silly me, I was so touched by these strangers. I too hoped that Jeremy and I would share a long, sarscasm-filled, rocky yet loving relationship. I appreciated that these people recognized us as a normal couple with a wheelchair. Too soon, the doors opened and we went to be shrunk by Rick Moranis.

 

[nyyankeegirl]

MagiKitty -- I must say, I'm a little sad to see these pictures. Seeing Pal Mickey again, just brings back memories! I miss him , but glad you were able to enjoy him too.
Enjoying your TR!!

The night seemed to extend forever. Before leaving the night before, we had stopped by the front desk and picked up the informational literature about the parks. We had determined the EPCOT would open at eight, and we would be there to see it open.

Grabbed a "breakfast" of leftover chips and drinks, and headed out to the Commander. Checked and double checked that I had both set of tickets: the park passes and those for MVMCP. Packed sweatshirts in case it got cold later in the night. Camera, sunglasses, money, way too much excitement.

Liki Tiki was about two miles from the Disney World welcome gates, but that was the longest two miles ever! We approached the parking gates with glee, happily handed over our money and headed to EPCOT. We were so early that we got the primo handicapped spot: the very first one, right under the monorail, practically in the park. Planning ahead, I still grabbed a complimentary wheelchair from the lot. I figured we had a long day ahead of us (hopefully) and we need to conserve Jeremy's energy.

Rolling up to the ticket gates, we joined the others waiting on line. Now we began to get nervous. We already knew the tickets wouldn't let us pass automatically, and there weren't any names on them. We decided to just play it cool, and to call my sister if we needed someone to bail us out of Disney jail.

The crowds grew larger and more restless as 8am approached. Pal Mickey started shaking, quite similar to my own body. Our first time at the park with him, we realized we had to do something for PM to talk. We shook him, we hugged him, we squeezed every appendage. Eventually he started talking, about the park and how it was going to open. We know Mickey, we know!

Finally they started to allow guests into the park. Now real excitement and panic started to set in. We came up to a kindly looking older gentleman, who before I could even attempt to swipe our cards told us that we couldn't enter. Huh? Did we already look guilty? Was there a poster somewhere with our faces on it telling the CM "don't let THOSE people in!"? I began to sweat.

The roar in my ears drowned out the fact that we couldn't enter the park WITH THE WHEELCHAIR. It was only supposed to be used to and from the parking lot. Jeremy would have to get up and make his way to the rental station to the right of the entrance. I handed the gentleman our tickets and turned to help Jeremy out of the chair, always cumbersome. The chair has to be locked, the foot pedals lifter and his crutches placed on his arms. Then he has to push himself up and I have to unlock the chair and move it from behind. Once accomplished, we turned to place our fingertips on the scanner.

The guy just waved Jeremy through. He recognized that it would be difficult for Jeremy to balance and place his finger on the scanner. Jeremy just went through the gate, as he can't get through the turnstile. One in.

In my head, I imagined Jeremy spending a wonderful day at EPCOT while I waited for him outside the gate. There was no way I was going get away with this. My fingerscan didn't go through. We tried again, still no go. Tried the other ticket. Nope. I told him that it had been doing this all week. The crowd behind me was growing impatient. I was turning red.

The guy said "the must have gotten deactivated. Have a nice day." He waved me through. I passed through the golden turnstile and met Jeremy on the other side. We made sure to keep it cool umtil we were out of eyeshot. Then we started grinning and laughing. We were on Disney property!

I had saved our Photopass from the Grand Floridian and we quickly set out to document our EPCOT admission. Now it felt official!

I left Jeremy sitting by the topiaries and went to get his chair for the day. We then headed to guest relations, because we just had to push our luck as much as possible. I got Jeremy at birthday pin and I had our tickets scanned to see if they were good for tomorrow. They were!

Feeling a bit guilty, Jeremy and I vowed to give Disney all our money in the next few days. If that meant buying souvenirs and eating our way around the World, so be it. But all that would commence after we rode Soarin'!

 

[DL55]

What a nice gesture to give your fast passes.
If you have problems parking the chair, what about a car?
I like the fast rides but I enjoy the slower rides also. Like to see the scenery.

 

[magsnden]

just wanted to say how much i'm enjoying your trip report!
your writing style is great, and hilarious! it's always difficult to get humor across in written words and you're great at it!

like

"In my head, I imagined Jeremy spending a wonderful day at EPCOT while I waited for him outside the gate. There was no way I was going get away with this. My fingerscan didn't go through. We tried again, still no go. Tried the other ticket. Nope. I told him that it had been doing this all week. The crowd behind me was growing impatient. I was turning red."

so funny, the suspense was really getting me!

can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[MagiKitty]

Why oh why do I go on Honey I Shrunk the Audience? I know that snake is coming, I tell myself not to freak out, and then it comes and I'm screaming like a baby. But it also kinda feels good.

Leaving the show, we then head over to Figment! I love Figment, he's highly undervalued in my opinion. Come on, he's pink and purple with little wings and horns! We had to wait until the handicapped accessible car came around, but once again the CM parked the chair for me and off we went. It makes me kinda sad that this attraction is so overlooked. Its really cute. They don't have enough Figment merchandise in my opinion.

Jeremy had put up with me enough at this moment. His magic was fading. He wanted to get on Test Track ASAP. So we went over to get out FastPasses. Once again, one ticket didn't go, but the CM was quick to give me a FP. We had to come back in an hour, no problem.

We thought for the teeny tiniest of moments of going on Spaceship Earth, but that was quickly vetoed. Let's eat.

By default due to proximity and my tummy, we headed over to Mexico for lunch. We managed to snag a beautiful table by the water. Jeremy held our table while I went to get food. By the time I returned, an army of pigeons had staked their claim on MY BOYFRIEND! They were surrounding him, clucking, planning their attack. How did they know we'd have nachos?

I was successfully balancing two platters, two drinks and a set of churros while battling my way through the throng of grey birds. I promised them I would give them some leftovers if they left us alone. They seemed to understand and the General Pigeon led the retreat. Our lunch was yummy and the scenery beautiful. We looked across the lagoon at Canada, France and England. I couldn't beleive we were here--and I couldn't wait to go there. But after we went on Test Track. Oh yeah, the pigeons ate the scraps of our nachos. They were quite happy.

Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking. Not the best of ideas to go on a thrill ride right after gorging yourself on Mexican food. I completely agree. But our FPs were up and we were going on it! Here is one of the most curious things about this ride: once belted in, we are assured that Jeremy's crutches can ride in the car with us. Are they kidding? Won't the crutches fly OUT OF THE CAR as we drive at 60 miles an hour? I assure the CM that we'd much rather leave the crutches with the chair, to which they inevitably answer--"no its ok, take the crutches with you". Do they understand that flying crutches is dangerous? Not to mention that a lost crutch for Jeremy is a bad, bad thing?

Regardless, Jeremy got his wish and we got ride HIS ride. They even let us ride twice in a row, which never happens. Its a giggling thrill everytime. They even offered a third ride, but that Mexican food was fighting back, and we both decided it was time to get off. But it was so much fun!

Leaving Test Track, we went back to World Showcase. As we were approaching Mexico, I saw out of the corner of my eye people lining up to take pictures with Donald Duck! Donald Duck in a sombrero! The line was only a few persons deep, I recognized my chance. I pulled the chair over to the side, threw the brakes on, and ran over to take my pictures with the Donald. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to actually BRING Jeremy with me. But I got my pictures! When I went back over to him, he was a little ticked off. He said, "where'd you go?". I told him that I had gone to get my pics taken. He began to pout "you could have told me". I asked if he wanted to go back and get one with Donald. He said no, and I knew that I was in trouble. But I did get my picture.

Now I just had to make a cranky boy feel better.

 

[Shmu]

Haven't said hi to you lately on your TR.
I have to go now but I'll be back later to catch up.
Still loving it.

 

[DL55]

I like Figment too.
Did the crutches ride or not?
I have to side with your DBF. You should of said something as you abandoned him for the picture. At least yelled at him as you were running toward Donald.

 

[magsnden]

that's hilarious about abandoning jeremy and running over to donald! and look at your thrilled smile in the picture! it seems to say "being bad feels sooooooooooooo good."


so cool that you got to go on 2 times on TT. what happened, it was empty all of a sudden? you're in you own car too. i have never seen that happen!


i also like figment, but i must admit i liked the original ride better. i know it was a long time ago, but i still miss it.


great report!

 

[Shmu]

Couldn't sleep very well so I was up way too early this morning. Perfect chance for me to catch up on your TR. I didn't realize I was so behind. I have laughed and cried. You have kept me entertained on this very lonely morning.

Finally, our music queued up and the fireworks began against the backdrop of Cinderella's castle in the distance. I leaned in to Jeremy and wished him a happy birthday. The cruise was far beyond what I had expected and I was so glad I was able to share it with such wonderful people. Deb leaned over to her own husband and I felt bad that they were separated during the wonderful evening. She then leaned over to me and placed something in my hand. Initially, I thought it was a bill for our share of the cruise, which I had already prepared in my own envelope, along with a small gift of thanks in a form of a picture frame for her. I told her that the bag between us contained our portion but she smiled and shook her head.

She said, "we're leaving tomorrow morning and there's still two days left on our passes. We want you to have them. Go see Disney." I looked at her incredibly, my eyes welling with tears. How could I be so blessed to meet such kindhearted souls? I asked if she was sure, didn't she want to extend the passes to non-expiration and use them on their next trip? What about the fingertip scans?

She said the passes were from Shades of Green and that they finger scans hadn't worked since day one. They still had days on them and they would go to waste otherwise. She had asked her husband what he thought and he agreed to give them to us. I quickly leaned over to Deb and gave her the biggest hug possible. I couldn't beleive what a birthday gift this was going to be for Jeremy. I couldn't believe what was sitting in my hand.

This made me cry in a good way. I love hearing stuff like this.

The crowds grew larger and more restless as 8am approached. Pal Mickey started shaking, quite similar to my own body. Our first time at the park with him, we realized we had to do something for PM to talk. We shook him, we hugged him, we squeezed every appendage. Eventually he started talking, about the park and how it was going to open. We know Mickey, we know!

I'm on the edge of my seat.

Then we started grinning and laughing. We were on Disney property!

The central fountains were already dancing to the music. This is one of my favorite things to see at EPCOT. I'm constantly amazed at how coordinated the music and water are. Sadly, I was one of the few people who stopped to enjoy.

I like to grab a snack, sit close by and just enjoy. One of my favorites too.

On to Honey I Shrunk the Audience! Being in a chair, Jeremy and I were roped off to the back of the waiting area with an elderly couple both in electrical charis. They were celebrating 48 years of marriage--48 years of blissful bickering. Honey, turn the chair off, you'll drain the battery. Honey, don't forget to set the brake. Honey, you're too close, you're going to hit something. Honey, turn on the light so you can see where you're going.

They were so cute. We got to talking about the parks, what we hoped to see. The couple live nearby and visit often. They still fight about where to go and where to eat. Its what keeps them young.

Leaving the show, we then head over to Figment! I love Figment, he's highly undervalued in my opinion. Come on, he's pink and purple with little wings and horns!

I love Figment too.

Jeremy held our table while I went to get food. By the time I returned, an army of pigeons had staked their claim on MY BOYFRIEND! They were surrounding him, clucking, planning their attack. How did they know we'd have nachos?

Leaving Test Track, we went back to World Showcase. As we were approaching Mexico, I saw out of the corner of my eye people lining up to take pictures with Donald Duck! Donald Duck in a sombrero! The line was only a few persons deep, I recognized my chance. I pulled the chair over to the side, threw the brakes on, and ran over to take my pictures with the Donald. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to actually BRING Jeremy with me. But I got my pictures! When I went back over to him, he was a little ticked off. He said, "where'd you go?". I told him that I had gone to get my pics taken. He began to pout "you could have told me". I asked if he wanted to go back and get one with Donald. He said no, and I knew that I was in trouble. But I did get my picture.

Now I just had to make a cranky boy feel better.

OMGosh that is so funny.
You had no thoughts of Jeremy in that picture.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I hope all is well in your world, I miss your TR, can't wait to read more.

 

[marcel54]

Great Figment pic and Donald too.