fulseasmama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2010
- Messages
- 365
I love, love, love your TR and I am so happy you are getting a chance to finish it for yourself as well as for all of us who love reading it. Thanks for sharing your trip and pictures with us!
From wish tripper to greeter - Ali's MAW trip report 4/19 - 4/25 FINALLY FINISHED!!!
- Thread starter kellyw8863
- Start date
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
Thank you! And thank you for reading
. I must've needed the break, because I'm thoroughly enjoying myself again. After all this time, I may even have it finished tomorrow
. I must've needed the break, because I'm thoroughly enjoying myself again. After all this time, I may even have it finished tomorrowblessedmom4
WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2010
- Messages
- 4,472
I must've needed the break, because I'm thoroughly enjoying myself again. After all this time, I may even have it finished tomorrow
I am so happy to see you are enjoying yourself again
...that is what it is all about! 
jessica52877
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2004
- Messages
- 6,518
I really enjoyed the update! Thank you! It looks like you are enjoying yourself at the MK which I am so glad to see. The girls also look happy! I love the fairies! They seem so fun to meet.
Emilyswish
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2010
- Messages
- 428
Yay! Can't wait to hear the end!
We had some similar experiences with our daughter not being able to handle the parks so well, but we still had an amazing trip too! After seeing your AK stuff, I am even more sad we didn't get there though.
Next time! 
We had some similar experiences with our daughter not being able to handle the parks so well, but we still had an amazing trip too! After seeing your AK stuff, I am even more sad we didn't get there though.
Next time!
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
Thank you! It has been fun looking through the pictures and trying to remember the little things. I just wish I did a better job of writing it all down at the time!
I am so happy to see you are enjoying yourself again
Hi Jessica! We had a blast. My only regret of the day is that we didn't wait around so that Maya could meet Princess Tiana, but more about that later.
That's right - next time! That's what I keep telling myself about all the things that we didn't get to do. Now that I'm back in TR mode, I'll have to pop over to yours. I can't wait to read it!Yay! Can't wait to hear the end!
We had some similar experiences with our daughter not being able to handle the parks so well, but we still had an amazing trip too! After seeing your AK stuff, I am even more sad we didn't get there though.
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
After visiting with the Fairies, we went back to the little seating area with our new number, and waited for our turn with the princesses. I was thrilled to learn that Aurora was in the house (Maya's favorite princess). We waited for another fifteen minutes, or so, and then we were taken back for a private meet and greet with the princesses. I'm not sure if having the room to yourself is a wish thing, or if this is how it always is?
First up was Aurora. She was so incredibly kind, and just gushed over both girls. Maya was in absolute heaven.
At this point, Maya was getting to be an old pro at meeting characters, and was seriously chatting it up. You can see in this picture that she is showing Aurora her bracelet made by one of the Big Give ladies.
After we were done with Aurora, the girls were able to spend some time with Cinderella. I was a little nervous that they would notice it was not the same Cinderella from 1900 PF - a minor thing, really, but they were at the point where they truly believed.
After they met with Aurora and Cinderella individually, they had the opportunity to meet with them together. We seriously were in there forever.
And then there were hugs all around.
For me, one of the best parts was having the chance to speak with Jack, one of the CMs. He was an older gentleman, and so incredibly kind and funny. He kept cueing the PP photographer to take more pictures. After explaining to him that our first day was a little less than what we had hoped for, he asked for our map of the park. He then proceeded to go through the map and mark where all of the characters would be for meet and greets, and the times that they would be there. We were touched. And to make it even more special? My father's name is Jack. He died 17 years prior, long before he ever had the chance to meet either of the girls, and I couldn't help but feel like this was his way of being there. Cheesy, I know, but what can I say?
After that, we went to grab some lunch at the Pinocchio Village Haus. Apparently everyone else had the same idea, because it was packed. I was able to grab a table with the girls while Garth and his parents went to get lunch for everyone. If I'm remembering correctly, we all had burgers, and the food was just okay.
After lunch, we headed over to Frontierland. We thought that the girls might want to ride Splash Mountain and/or Thunder Mountain Railroad. First, we saw Jesse and Woody. I will say that this is the only time that we truly felt guilty for using the GAC. The line was long, and it was very hot out. We approached the CM and were told to step aside, that we would be next. Of course after the girls had the chance to meet with them, they went to take a break meaning that the folks already waiting in line had to wait even longer. Ah well.
Here, Woody is acknowledging that it's his picture on the page. We got so many compliments on the girls' autograph books.
After meeting Jesse and Woody, we walked past Splash Mountain, which the girls did not want to ride - Ali because she didn't want to get wet, and Maya because of the big drop at the end. Between Kali River Rapids and Space Mountain, we really ruined them. So, we took Ali over to Thunder Mountain Railroad.
After standing in the FP line FOREVER, we finally got up to the front. I could see that Ali's anxiety was mounting the closer that we got. By the end, she was covering her ears and crying, so we skipped across a car to the exit side and left while Garth and G-Pa continued to ride.
It was really getting hot outside, so we knew we had to start wrapping things up. I really wanted to try a Dole Whip, and the girls really wanted to meet Jasmine and Aladdin, so we headed towards Adventureland. I think one of our best experiences with a character meet and greet was with them for one very minor, simple reason. When the CM approached Aladdin to let him know that he had a MAW kid waiting, his face truly lit up, and he responded with something along the lines of, "Great! Where?" I know we all want to think that our kids are special, but he truly seemed to enjoy the whole MAW aspect of meeting the kids.
Aladdin and Jasmine seemed to have the most natural relationship/banter back and forth. Here he is making fun of Jasmine for not being able to find her page in the autograph book despite the fact that they were all in alphabetical order.
After meeting Jasmine and Aladdin, we headed over to the Magic Carpets, which really were just like Dumbo. But, the girls enjoyed themselves. Another rare family photo.
The girls were starting to ask to go back to GKTW, so we knew we had to wrap things up before they fell apart. I stopped to get a Dole Whip for me and G-Ma, while everyone else headed towards the Haunted Mansion. I really wanted to go on this ride since it was one of the few that I remembered from my trip there back when I was in second grade.
We tried every which way to Sunday to get the girls on this ride, but they were not having it. A fantastic CM walked past us as we were unsuccessfully debating the merits of friendly spirits, and she suggested taking us in through the back so that we could avoid the elevator thing at the beginning. She thought that the girls might be more accepting that way. So, she took us all the way through the bowels of the haunted mansion so that we could skip the "scary part," only to have the girls pitch a fit at the last minute. I ended up riding in a car by myself, while G-Ma and G-Pa went behind me. Garth took the girls to the bathroom before getting in the car for the ride home.
After the Haunted Mansion, we made a quick stop to see if Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen were at Liberty Square yet, and we were still about 20 minutes out. My only regret of the trip was not waiting for them, since Maya really wanted to meet Princess Tiana. Ali was melting down, and we were trying to avoid an ugly exit. In hindsight, we should have taken Ali to the Wish Lounge (we hadn't seen it yet) and let Maya stay to wait for the characters. But, we weren't thinking. So we left with a disappointed Maya.
I will say, though, that the disappointment dissipated quickly at the idea of returning to GKTW for ice cream cones and a swim in the pool.
Next Up: Final Moments at GKTW, Downtown Disney, and Animal Kingdom Lodge!
First up was Aurora. She was so incredibly kind, and just gushed over both girls. Maya was in absolute heaven.
At this point, Maya was getting to be an old pro at meeting characters, and was seriously chatting it up. You can see in this picture that she is showing Aurora her bracelet made by one of the Big Give ladies.
After we were done with Aurora, the girls were able to spend some time with Cinderella. I was a little nervous that they would notice it was not the same Cinderella from 1900 PF - a minor thing, really, but they were at the point where they truly believed.
After they met with Aurora and Cinderella individually, they had the opportunity to meet with them together. We seriously were in there forever.
And then there were hugs all around.
For me, one of the best parts was having the chance to speak with Jack, one of the CMs. He was an older gentleman, and so incredibly kind and funny. He kept cueing the PP photographer to take more pictures. After explaining to him that our first day was a little less than what we had hoped for, he asked for our map of the park. He then proceeded to go through the map and mark where all of the characters would be for meet and greets, and the times that they would be there. We were touched. And to make it even more special? My father's name is Jack. He died 17 years prior, long before he ever had the chance to meet either of the girls, and I couldn't help but feel like this was his way of being there. Cheesy, I know, but what can I say?
After that, we went to grab some lunch at the Pinocchio Village Haus. Apparently everyone else had the same idea, because it was packed. I was able to grab a table with the girls while Garth and his parents went to get lunch for everyone. If I'm remembering correctly, we all had burgers, and the food was just okay.
After lunch, we headed over to Frontierland. We thought that the girls might want to ride Splash Mountain and/or Thunder Mountain Railroad. First, we saw Jesse and Woody. I will say that this is the only time that we truly felt guilty for using the GAC. The line was long, and it was very hot out. We approached the CM and were told to step aside, that we would be next. Of course after the girls had the chance to meet with them, they went to take a break meaning that the folks already waiting in line had to wait even longer. Ah well.
Here, Woody is acknowledging that it's his picture on the page. We got so many compliments on the girls' autograph books.
After meeting Jesse and Woody, we walked past Splash Mountain, which the girls did not want to ride - Ali because she didn't want to get wet, and Maya because of the big drop at the end. Between Kali River Rapids and Space Mountain, we really ruined them. So, we took Ali over to Thunder Mountain Railroad.
After standing in the FP line FOREVER, we finally got up to the front. I could see that Ali's anxiety was mounting the closer that we got. By the end, she was covering her ears and crying, so we skipped across a car to the exit side and left while Garth and G-Pa continued to ride.
It was really getting hot outside, so we knew we had to start wrapping things up. I really wanted to try a Dole Whip, and the girls really wanted to meet Jasmine and Aladdin, so we headed towards Adventureland. I think one of our best experiences with a character meet and greet was with them for one very minor, simple reason. When the CM approached Aladdin to let him know that he had a MAW kid waiting, his face truly lit up, and he responded with something along the lines of, "Great! Where?" I know we all want to think that our kids are special, but he truly seemed to enjoy the whole MAW aspect of meeting the kids.
Aladdin and Jasmine seemed to have the most natural relationship/banter back and forth. Here he is making fun of Jasmine for not being able to find her page in the autograph book despite the fact that they were all in alphabetical order.
After meeting Jasmine and Aladdin, we headed over to the Magic Carpets, which really were just like Dumbo. But, the girls enjoyed themselves. Another rare family photo.
The girls were starting to ask to go back to GKTW, so we knew we had to wrap things up before they fell apart. I stopped to get a Dole Whip for me and G-Ma, while everyone else headed towards the Haunted Mansion. I really wanted to go on this ride since it was one of the few that I remembered from my trip there back when I was in second grade.
We tried every which way to Sunday to get the girls on this ride, but they were not having it. A fantastic CM walked past us as we were unsuccessfully debating the merits of friendly spirits, and she suggested taking us in through the back so that we could avoid the elevator thing at the beginning. She thought that the girls might be more accepting that way. So, she took us all the way through the bowels of the haunted mansion so that we could skip the "scary part," only to have the girls pitch a fit at the last minute. I ended up riding in a car by myself, while G-Ma and G-Pa went behind me. Garth took the girls to the bathroom before getting in the car for the ride home.
After the Haunted Mansion, we made a quick stop to see if Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen were at Liberty Square yet, and we were still about 20 minutes out. My only regret of the trip was not waiting for them, since Maya really wanted to meet Princess Tiana. Ali was melting down, and we were trying to avoid an ugly exit. In hindsight, we should have taken Ali to the Wish Lounge (we hadn't seen it yet) and let Maya stay to wait for the characters. But, we weren't thinking. So we left with a disappointed Maya.
I will say, though, that the disappointment dissipated quickly at the idea of returning to GKTW for ice cream cones and a swim in the pool.
Next Up: Final Moments at GKTW, Downtown Disney, and Animal Kingdom Lodge!
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
The next morning, we had to check out of GKTW, figure out what to do about our rental car (we wanted to extend our trip, but we didn't want to have to drive all the way back to the airport), and then check in at Animal Kingdom Lodge for our final night in Florida. Checking out was awful. I cried like a baby. It was so hard knowing that this place existed and that while we were able to spend such an icredible week there, we would never be able to go back as actual guests, only as visitors.
Now on to the rental car fiasco. Stupidly I thought we'd be able to simply call up Avis and say, "Well hello there! We'd like to keep our car for an extra night," and have it not be a problem. But as they say, nothing in life is that simple. The problem was that we needed a new contract because the car was covered by Make-A-Wish and in order to get a new contract, we would need to show up at an Avis desk in person. We wanted to avoid returning to the airport, and quickly discovered that there was an Avis at one of the hotels near Downtown Disney. Fantastic. For what was so stressful in the beginning, the process was really quite easy, and we were on our way to lunch and shopping.
Once we got to DTD, I headed straight for the Rainforest Cafe to see if we could get a last minute reservation, while the rest of the family went to the Lego Store.
Next, we met at World of Disney for some shopping. I had to take a picture of this since it's Ali's favorite character.
And then it was over to Rainforest Cafe for lunch. I love, love, love their chicken salad sandwiches.
Maya was all excited to pitch pennies at the crocodile, but as you can see, Ali wasn't too sure.
Of course Ali spent the entire meal with her hands over her ears, but the "thunderstorms" here were much tamer than the ones at the RFC we have here at home.
After lunch, it was time to head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Because of the cost of flights, our chapter was reluctant to send us over April vacation, but because of our work schedule (and Ali's heat intolerance), it was our last chance to go unless we wanted to wait until the next year. We were able to negotiate with MAW a Monday - Monday (cheaper flights) with us responsible for one night of lodging. Since Ali's original wish was to go to the zoo (and see the "real tree"), it only made sense to spend that night at AKL.
The girls thought it was nice, but they wanted to know when they could go back to GKTW. Though they were enamored with the full length mirror in the room. Go figure.
The view from our balcony.
It was nice, but the girls were right - it wasn't GKTW.
We hadn't had any rain since we our first day, and it looked like thunder clouds moving in, so we wanted to get to the pool before it started. The life guard made a game of throwing little figurines into the water while the kids searched for them.
We had a dinner reservation that night for Boma, so after an hour, or so, in the pool, we headed back to the room to get ready. Then, we did some exploring before heading to the restaurant.
Despite the fact that we paid $14.00 for a single glass of wine, dinner was incredible. After teaching the book Things Fall Apart for the previous five years, I was thrilled to be able to eat yam foo foo. It was good! After dinner, we took the girls to the playground for a bit.
Then the skies finally opened up and the rains poured down. Garth and I got the girls ready for bed, and G-Ma and G-Pa graciously offered to "babysit" them so that we could go have a drink. Right down the hall from our room was an indoor firepit. We cozied up there with a glass of wine for me and a beer for Garth and decompressed. We did have a good laugh over the fact that they were running the AC so that people could tolerate the heat from the fire. Then, we settled in for our last night in the World.
Now on to the rental car fiasco. Stupidly I thought we'd be able to simply call up Avis and say, "Well hello there! We'd like to keep our car for an extra night," and have it not be a problem. But as they say, nothing in life is that simple. The problem was that we needed a new contract because the car was covered by Make-A-Wish and in order to get a new contract, we would need to show up at an Avis desk in person. We wanted to avoid returning to the airport, and quickly discovered that there was an Avis at one of the hotels near Downtown Disney. Fantastic. For what was so stressful in the beginning, the process was really quite easy, and we were on our way to lunch and shopping.
Once we got to DTD, I headed straight for the Rainforest Cafe to see if we could get a last minute reservation, while the rest of the family went to the Lego Store.
Next, we met at World of Disney for some shopping. I had to take a picture of this since it's Ali's favorite character.
And then it was over to Rainforest Cafe for lunch. I love, love, love their chicken salad sandwiches.
Maya was all excited to pitch pennies at the crocodile, but as you can see, Ali wasn't too sure.
Of course Ali spent the entire meal with her hands over her ears, but the "thunderstorms" here were much tamer than the ones at the RFC we have here at home.
After lunch, it was time to head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Because of the cost of flights, our chapter was reluctant to send us over April vacation, but because of our work schedule (and Ali's heat intolerance), it was our last chance to go unless we wanted to wait until the next year. We were able to negotiate with MAW a Monday - Monday (cheaper flights) with us responsible for one night of lodging. Since Ali's original wish was to go to the zoo (and see the "real tree"), it only made sense to spend that night at AKL.
The girls thought it was nice, but they wanted to know when they could go back to GKTW. Though they were enamored with the full length mirror in the room. Go figure.
The view from our balcony.
It was nice, but the girls were right - it wasn't GKTW.
We hadn't had any rain since we our first day, and it looked like thunder clouds moving in, so we wanted to get to the pool before it started. The life guard made a game of throwing little figurines into the water while the kids searched for them.
We had a dinner reservation that night for Boma, so after an hour, or so, in the pool, we headed back to the room to get ready. Then, we did some exploring before heading to the restaurant.
Despite the fact that we paid $14.00 for a single glass of wine, dinner was incredible. After teaching the book Things Fall Apart for the previous five years, I was thrilled to be able to eat yam foo foo. It was good! After dinner, we took the girls to the playground for a bit.
Then the skies finally opened up and the rains poured down. Garth and I got the girls ready for bed, and G-Ma and G-Pa graciously offered to "babysit" them so that we could go have a drink. Right down the hall from our room was an indoor firepit. We cozied up there with a glass of wine for me and a beer for Garth and decompressed. We did have a good laugh over the fact that they were running the AC so that people could tolerate the heat from the fire. Then, we settled in for our last night in the World.
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
Our final day was upon us. We had a couple of hours before we had to leave for the airport, so we started with breakfast at The Mara and ate outside overlooking the pool. I forget what everyone else had, but I had an egg sandwich on a croissant, and it was good, but HUGE!
After breakfast, the girls wanted to do some more swimming, but the grandparents wanted to explore, so we went our separate ways.
We tried desperately to get Maya on the waterslide, but she wanted no part of it.
The highlight of the morning was when some ducks landed in the pool...and then promptly pooped. We decided that was a good time to end our swimming for the day.
We changed up and met G-Ma and G-Pa for some touring. I have tons of pictures of the animals, but how many pictures of giraffes do you really need to see?
It was pretty cool, though. And then one last family pic in the bottom part of the lobby. Ali was tired and not feeling too great.
And that's it for pictures! We returned our car at the airport with no problems. We did have one problem with checking our luggage in that one of our bags was something like 52 pounds. We ended up having to shift some stuff around, but the Southwest people were really nice about it. When it came time to board our plane, I hopped into the pre-boarding line with Ali. After what happened in Manchester, I didn't even think to ask if we could all pre-board. But, the kind gate attendant asked me where the rest of the family was. When I pointed to them, he went and got them, and we were all able to board together, which was nice.
We arrived in Manchester with no issues and were really too tired to enjoy the limo on the way home. Everyone was hungry since our travel arrangements didn't agree with meal times, so we got the limo driver to stop at McD's. The kids were so tired that they fell asleep before they even ate. We arrived home around midnight, thankful that the parents would stay the next morning so that the girls could sleep in while we went to work. And that, my friends, is the end.
After breakfast, the girls wanted to do some more swimming, but the grandparents wanted to explore, so we went our separate ways.
We tried desperately to get Maya on the waterslide, but she wanted no part of it.
The highlight of the morning was when some ducks landed in the pool...and then promptly pooped. We decided that was a good time to end our swimming for the day.
We changed up and met G-Ma and G-Pa for some touring. I have tons of pictures of the animals, but how many pictures of giraffes do you really need to see?
It was pretty cool, though. And then one last family pic in the bottom part of the lobby. Ali was tired and not feeling too great.
And that's it for pictures! We returned our car at the airport with no problems. We did have one problem with checking our luggage in that one of our bags was something like 52 pounds. We ended up having to shift some stuff around, but the Southwest people were really nice about it. When it came time to board our plane, I hopped into the pre-boarding line with Ali. After what happened in Manchester, I didn't even think to ask if we could all pre-board. But, the kind gate attendant asked me where the rest of the family was. When I pointed to them, he went and got them, and we were all able to board together, which was nice.
We arrived in Manchester with no issues and were really too tired to enjoy the limo on the way home. Everyone was hungry since our travel arrangements didn't agree with meal times, so we got the limo driver to stop at McD's. The kids were so tired that they fell asleep before they even ate. We arrived home around midnight, thankful that the parents would stay the next morning so that the girls could sleep in while we went to work. And that, my friends, is the end.
MickeyReeds
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2007
- Messages
- 498
I really enjoyed reading your report! I hope all is well with your family.
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
Thank you! It took so long for me to finish the darn thing, it just feels...weird.
blessedmom4
WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2010
- Messages
- 4,472
Came by to read about the last fun at Disney once again. I am so thrilled you finished it, the memories are priceless...
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
Came by to read about the last fun at Disney once again. I am so thrilled you finished it, the memories are priceless...
Thank you!
Now that I have it all typed out, I just need to get the scrapbook done. Maybe I'll have it done by the time we return in 2013 (at least that's the plan). I hope that everything is well with you and yours!Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!!!!!!!
Great job and you FINISHED!!!! Which is a great accomplishment!
You did great! I am so glad you guys had overall a great trip!!
Hi, Maroo! I haven't "seen" you around much lately - I hope everything is well!
Thanks so much. We had an amazing trip. I can't wait to go back! We're hoping for April 2013. How soon is too soon to start a PTR?
yinyanggirls
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2009
- Messages
- 1,872
Love the tired but happy ending! And the pics are bigger here. 
blessedmom4
WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2010
- Messages
- 4,472
We are doing well, Thank you!I hope you all are well also.Thank you!
Okay, routing you on to get the scrapbooks finished!
I hope that everything is well with you and yours!
jessica52877
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2004
- Messages
- 6,518
What a wonderful ending to your trip. Thank you for finishing. It warmed my heart to see more smiles on your precious girls faces. I hope Ali is doing well still. I am going to check your caring bridge site now.
blessedmom4
WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2010
- Messages
- 4,472
LOVED this gif and wanted to say hi!!!
kellyw8863
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 647
Hi Jessica! Thanks so much! We really did have an amazing week. Ali has been doing well. Thanks for thinking of her!
Thank you!
The Big Give ladies really did an amazing job with everything.
LOVED this gif and wanted to say hi!!!
I love it! Thank you so much!
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