From Kick'n It at Kidani to Play'n It at Pop adults only p62/63 last thoughts&request

[MEK]

So I promised, as part of my final thoughts, that I would do a "top 5 list" compiled of my trip highlights. I spent some serious time contemplating this list. I wanted to keep it focused on things that really impacted the trip or moments where I really experienced some full force magic. So here it is......drum roll please......my top 5.

Starting, of course, with #5:

​

Celebrating Our Anniversary at the World

When we planned this trip the fact that is was a few weeks before our 20th anniversary was really just an after thought. We didn't sit down with pen, pencil, and internet and say, "Hey let's plan an anniversary trip at Disney World". Rather, we planned the trip for a little solo get away and for an opportunity to partake in free dining. As we were discussing the options we acknowledged that since it was so close to the big 2-0, we might as well celebrate. That turned out to be a very smart decision!!!

We never noted our anniversary on our reservation. We just showed up and asked for anniversary buttons. So what happened next was even more magical because it was largely unexpected. We received countless "Happy Anniversary" greetings from CMs all over the world. Each one made us feel special and unique, like we were suddenly celebrities. It was a great feeling to be acknowledged from a group of tens of thousands.

We were treated to 3 glasses of champagne, three greeting cards, a special dessert from Cape May Cafe, a special viewing area and seating for the Voices of Liberty, balloons in our room, and our very own light up tink and mcqueen. That's a lot of loot for one couple who would be thrilled with a little confetti sprinkled on a table cloth.​

So, thank you Disney, for making our trip even more magical. Thanks for exceeding our expectations and giving us some fabulous memories. Your smart marketing worked, because we will certainly return to celebrate more anniversaries at WDW! I can't think of a place we would rather be!

Next up....highlight #4....stay tuned!

 

[MEK]

#4 Relaxing and Enjoying the Hollywood Tower of Terror Queue

So maybe you are wondering how this made my top 5 list. But, as many of you know, I have a love - hate relationship with ToT. It makes me nervous. I went through a period of time where it actually made me so nervous that I actually would try to avoid the ride. And on several trips I managed to do that successfully.

But something happened in June. When I saw what a blast LJ was having on ToT, I had an epiphany of sorts. Here's a kid who was soaking up every experience, without fear, without trepidation. Here's a kid who was living life for the moment, never once pausing to wonder "what if". So as I sat to LJ's left, and turned to watch his broad smile, I couldn't help but feel my fear start to diminish . In fact, I was laughing and smiling, too, by the time the ride ended. I loosened my death grip just a bit, took a heavy sigh, exhaled, and just enjoyed.

So in September, instead of shaking and sweating while standing in line, I took pictures. I relaxed, I inhaled, I enjoyed the moments spent in line, and I took the plunge. Yeah, I was still nervous. But much less so than with previous descents.

So here's a few memories from that queue.....

So for those of you who can ride ToT back to back, numerous times, this feat may not seem like much to you. But for me, relaxing and taking pictures in the ToT queue is a huge step! Plus I got some pretty cool pics and I will enjoy looking at them for years to come!

Up Next......Highlight #3.

 

[eandesmom]

Wow, I didn't realize you hadn't noted the anniversary in your ressies. That makes the whole experience so incredibly cool!!!!!!!!!!

But something happened in June. When I saw what a blast LJ was having on ToT, I had an epiphany of sorts. Here's a kid who was soaking up every experience, without fear, without trepidation. Here's a kid who was living life for the moment, never once pausing to wonder "what if". So as I sat to LJ's left, and turned to watch his broad smile, I couldn't help but feel my fear start to diminish . In fact, I was laughing and smiling, too, by the time the ride ended. I loosened my death grip just a bit, took a heavy sigh, exhaled, and just enjoyed.

So in September, instead of shaking and sweating while standing in line, I took pictures. I relaxed, I inhaled, I enjoyed the moments spent in line, and I took the plunge. Yeah, I was still nervous. But much less so than with previous descents.

I this

How wonderful to realize and be open to what he could "teach" you! What a blessing.

 

[dawnbu40]

Isn't Disney just the best place to celebrate an anniversary?! We got all those good wishes too and some special desserts and it just makes you feel so good!
Those ToT pics are great! How cool that your young nephew set an example for you!

Looking forward to the next 3!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I love the top five list idea!!! Your were spoiled rotten at Disney for your anniversary -- so cool! One day I may venture into that Tower of Terrror queue again.

 

[jenjolt]

OOH Loving the top 5 MEK!!!! I have to agree with you on #4....love hate that about describes it!! Also a closer walk with Jesus as I board the elevator cart LOL!!!!

Can't wait for the rest of them!!

Hope you had a great holiday season!!!!

 

[jenjolt]

Oh, I love the top five list idea!!! Your were spoiled rotten at Disney for your anniversary -- so cool! One day I may venture into that Tower of Terrror queue again.

Notice she said queue and not the actual ride LOL!!!! Love it Jackie!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love the idea of this Top 5 list. I might have to steal it for my next TR.

I still can't believe all that you received for your anniversary, what a magical experience!

I don't think I can ever get over my fear to ride ToT. I'm just a wimp.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Notice she said queue and not the actual ride LOL!!!! Love it Jackie!!!

Yes, queue first and then, I will work up to the actual ride.

 

[MEK]

Wow, I didn't realize you hadn't noted the anniversary in your ressies. That makes the whole experience so incredibly cool!!!!!!!!!!

I'm positive I didn't note it, because I made the reservations through the AAA agent I use. I know that when I make DVC ressies they always ask if we are celebrating something special, but my AAA ressies are all made via emails. I have the best AAA agent - love her!

How wonderful to realize and be open to what he could "teach" you! What a blessing.

Really, when I looked over at him and realized how wonderful it would be to live in the moment without fears or phobias, I knew I had to try to let some of it go. So, yes, he did teach me through his example!

Isn't Disney just the best place to celebrate an anniversary?! We got all those good wishes too and some special desserts and it just makes you feel so good!

It really is! I could do it every year! It was fun going back through my pics last night. It made me realize, again, what a great trip this was.

Those ToT pics are great! How cool that your young nephew set an example for you!

Looking forward to the next 3!

It was fun to look at those, too. I posted them so long ago! Yes - LJ set an example for me and I need to get him back there before he loses his childhood innocence.

Oh, I love the top five list idea!!! Your were spoiled rotten at Disney for your anniversary -- so cool! One day I may venture into that Tower of Terrror queue again.

I do feel like we were spoiled rotten. But I could get very used to it! And you better get yourself back into the queue - there's so much to see. Who cares if you take the chicken exit?

OOH Loving the top 5 MEK!!!! I have to agree with you on #4....love hate that about describes it!! Also a closer walk with Jesus as I board the elevator cart LOL!!!!

I hear ya on that one! I used to say my prayers ever step of the way. Seriously, you need a ride with LJ to calm down those pre-ride jitters!

Can't wait for the rest of them!!

Hope you had a great holiday season!!!!

Coming up tonight when I can post some more pics!

My holidays were very fun and relaxing - hope yours were too!

Notice she said queue and not the actual ride LOL!!!! Love it Jackie!!!

Jen - I was trying to ignore that comment!

I love the idea of this Top 5 list. I might have to steal it for my next TR.

At work be back soon!

 

[manntra]

Oh, I love the top five list idea!!! Your were spoiled rotten at Disney for your anniversary -- so cool! One day I may venture into that Tower of Terrror queue again.

Sorry!

Loving your top five!
#5 Your anniversary was made even more special with all of the wonderful CM's
#4 I always had a love/hate thing going on with TOT too....I was always really, really, scared when moving forward when it is all dark except for the line in the middle...did I describe that right? I can picture it in my head ..right before the Hidden Mickey happens I would always look off to the left or right during that....nothing else ever bothered me but that. I don't know what changed in me but it doesn't even phase me anymore. I think going with someone younger and seeing the thrill in their eyes helps...we will see what happens in May
#3 looking forward to it! No fish pictures though

Tracy

 

[podsnel]

I am really enjoying this last bit of your TR! Especially the part about you living in the moment, exhaling and letting go....WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! That is EXCELLENT!!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Hello, I found your TR yesterday & finished reading all 58 pages today. Very enjoyable! Our last two trips were for our anniversary, our 40th & 43rd. No better way to celebrate an anniversary! Those were nice gifts that you received from Disney. Getting anything is sort of haphazard, our first anniversary trip nada, the last one, a free drink. You were lucky!
Anyway, great TR!

 

[MEK]

I love the idea of this Top 5 list. I might have to steal it for my next TR.

Sorry I had to run out at work. But I guess that's what they pay me for. Anyhoo - I totally think you and Jen should do a top 5 list. Or maybe a top 6 list so you can each have 3 things incase you don't agree on the top 5. then again, you could always be like Stacy and do a top 10!

I still can't believe all that you received for your anniversary, what a magical experience!

I know - we left feeling sooooooo spoiled. It was wonderful!

I don't think I can ever get over my fear to ride ToT. I'm just a wimp.

I think what you need is a group ride. You need to have a giant Dis meet at ToT. Everyone has to ride together - no excuses!

Yes, queue first and then, I will work up to the actual ride.

Oh brother - it may be a long time, a really long time, until any of us get you on ToT!

Sorry!

Loving your top five!
#5 Your anniversary was made even more special with all of the wonderful CM's

It was a great way to celebrate anniversary! I would like to celebrate like that every year!

Sorry!


#4 I always had a love/hate thing going on with TOT too....I was always really, really, scared when moving forward when it is all dark except for the line in the middle...did I describe that right? I can picture it in my head ..right before the Hidden Mickey happens I would always look off to the left or right during that....nothing else ever bothered me but that. I don't know what changed in me but it doesn't even phase me anymore. I think going with someone younger and seeing the thrill in their eyes helps...we will see what happens in May

Tracy -

I love the way you described it! That part in the dark and then you feel the elevator go into the shaft and .....Whoosh.......it's go time! I watch the ride on youtube a couple of times before I go. That always helps me remember what to expect.

I'm not sure if both of our friends will get on it. I think chuck will, but I'm not so sure about his wife. She is NOT a thrill ride seeker, but I know she won't mind if the three of us go without her.

I am really enjoying this last bit of your TR! Especially the part about you living in the moment, exhaling and letting go....WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! That is EXCELLENT!!

thanks Ellen - I feel like I've been working on this so long that its fun to relive the highlights. I will always remember LJ's face on the ride. That's a memory that will always stay with me and help me live in the moment!

Hello, I found your TR yesterday & finished reading all 58 pages today. Very enjoyable! Our last two trips were for our anniversary, our 40th & 43rd. No better way to celebrate an anniversary! Those were nice gifts that you received from Disney. Getting anything is sort of haphazard, our first anniversary trip nada, the last one, a free drink. You were lucky!
Anyway, great TR!

Welcome Wicket's Mom! thanks for joining in!!!! I can't believe you read the whole thing today. That is great. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed you anniversary celebrations so much. I'm not sure how we got showered with so many cool things. I sort of expected the champagne at the signature restaurants, but the balloons and cards were totally unexpected. Anyway - like I said - the best part was having people wish us a happy anniversary. Truely - its the kindness that counts the most!

 

[MEK]

#3 Photographing the Animal Kingdom (aka Channeling my Inner CP)

I don't know who called it that. I think it may have been wig'd. But I came across this new passion innocently enough. I went to the AK with hopes of getting a few new photos and I discovered sights I had never seen before! Fortunately, Denny was kind enough to indulge me and I was able to spend the better part of the afternoon taking photos. All of a sudden the world became a place of angles and light, shadows and details. I started to see the park in a whole new way. I remember thinking to myself, "how did I miss so much in my last 10 visits here?"

I found a few favorite spots to photograph. They included the area around EE, particularly to the right side of the gift shop; the tree of life; the oasis. So without further ado I will post 5 or 6 of my favorites.

And there are so many more to chose from. I know my next trip will probably not afford me as many opportunities to take pictures, because I will be in my "tour guide" mode. So I am happy and delighted to have had this chance to explore beyond the surface of the park. To see a million details and only have time to photograph a thousand of them. To use my imagination to see, hear, and experience new sights, sounds, and feelings.

I hope that I will always look at the AK in a new light!

 

[Charleston Princess]

"Channeling your inner CP!" I am so flattered! I do love the details of Animal Kingdom and loved all the pictures you took! Makes me really anxious to be back there!

 

[dawnbu40]

I loved your AK pics! AK is the park we always spend the least amount of time in and they made me realize we need to spend more time there on our next visit!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love that one of the pictures your posted was of a light fixture.

I think I need to do a photo tour of AK. Slow down and enjoy everything.

 

[MEK]

"Channeling your inner CP!" I am so flattered! I do love the details of Animal Kingdom and loved all the pictures you took! Makes me really anxious to be back there!

I think I better respond to one post at a time because this computer is acting cranky and slow!

I hear ya - I can't wait to get back there myself. It seems that I have a favorite park after each trip and right now AK is my FAV! I want to do a little bit more solo wandering and picture taking!

 

[MEK]

I loved your AK pics! AK is the park we always spend the least amount of time in and they made me realize we need to spend more time there on our next visit!

When I think of the AK I think of green - lots of green foliage! I think of hidden paths and quiet animals lurking in the brush. I think about all the little details hidden around every corner. LOVE the AK!