From wish tripper to greeter - Ali's MAW trip report 4/19 - 4/25 FINALLY FINISHED!!!

[kayrosek]

FOTLK looks great! I really wanted to see it but the kids were intent on redoing thier favorite rides so we missed that and Nemo. I have seen Lion King the musical done by a Broadway touring company. We did it as a mommy son night a couple Christmas ago and both Jonnie and I loved it.

 

[yinyanggirls]

It looks just as awesome as all the other pics I've seen before. It seems to always be a great time for the families. By the way, Ali's new dress is pretty cute.

 

[blessedmom4]

I LOVE FOTLK!!! I would love to see it on Broadway. I hope you get to go soon and relive the magic. The pictures are wonderful and the gilrs are as gorgeous as ever! Loving your TR!!!

Blessings,
Judy

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I would love to see FOTLK but Ty has kind of already said no. We might try it if he is having a good day and see what he thinks. It looks like a lot of fun!

 

[cajunfan]

I would love to see FOTLK but Ty has kind of already said no. We might try it if he is having a good day and see what he thinks. It looks like a lot of fun!

I LOVE FOTLK too! To me this is one of those shows that just really exhibits the Magic of Disney (I also loved Nemo...and really was not excited about seeing it at first)...Tell Ty Ms. Lynn said he HAS to see FOTLK!!

Great trip report Kelly! I am so enjoying seeing all the pictures! Tell Ali that I have stopped riding Kali RR because it does not matter where I sit...I WILL be the person getting SOAKED!

Lynn

 

[kellyw8863]

Wow! The lion king show looks great! I have seen it in many of the Wish TRs and think it just looks awesome every time! I have to take the kids if we go this Christmas. Your trip looks so great so far! Loving all the pics and stuff.

Thanks for the - its been a rough few days, but my kiddos make it all worth it! Took DS to the train museum today for mommy and me day, and just the way he lit up and started screaming "toot, toot!" as soon as we pulled onto the road (not even the parking lot yet! He couldn't even see the trains yet- he just knew where we were going!!) just made my heart melt and I forgot all my worries!

It was a great afternoon. I'm glad you found respite in the train museum, and I hope that things are going better for you.

FOTLK looks great! I really wanted to see it but the kids were intent on redoing thier favorite rides so we missed that and Nemo. I have seen Lion King the musical done by a Broadway touring company. We did it as a mommy son night a couple Christmas ago and both Jonnie and I loved it.

It was a blast! That's so cool that you saw the actual musical! I'm hopeful that the next time it comes to Boston, we will be able to go.

It looks just as awesome as all the other pics I've seen before. It seems to always be a great time for the families. By the way, Ali's new dress is pretty cute.

Were you guys able to go? It definitely was one of the highlights of the day. The dress is cute. Unfortunately, the only close size I could get was a 4, which she will outgrow before she gets to wear it this summer.

I LOVE FOTLK!!! I would love to see it on Broadway. I hope you get to go soon and relive the magic. The pictures are wonderful and the gilrs are as gorgeous as ever! Loving your TR!!!

Blessings,
Judy

Hi there! Thanks so much for sticking with us. I know I'm losing momentum.

I would love to see FOTLK but Ty has kind of already said no. We might try it if he is having a good day and see what he thinks. It looks like a lot of fun!

Maybe he'll change his mind. It really was so much fun, but very stimulating. Ali wasn't a huge fan, but she tolerated it so that the rest of us could enjoy it.

I LOVE FOTLK too! To me this is one of those shows that just really exhibits the Magic of Disney (I also loved Nemo...and really was not excited about seeing it at first)...Tell Ty Ms. Lynn said he HAS to see FOTLK!!

Great trip report Kelly! I am so enjoying seeing all the pictures! Tell Ali that I have stopped riding Kali RR because it does not matter where I sit...I WILL be the person getting SOAKED!

Lynn

I wish we had seen Nemo, but it's hard fitting the shows in on top of everything else. Too funny about Kali. I think Ali's just about done with the whole water thing.

So yes, I have lost momentum. Part of it is because I teach mostly seniors and their last day of school is Thursday. So, I have been busy grading and making final exams. And, we've been having a hard time with Ali. She's finally feeling better (mostly), but all kinds of weird, new behaviors have cropped up. She has developed some pretty significant facial tics (eye blinking and nose crinkling), and is into this whole hording thing. I'm so worried that she is developing some type of OCD. I'm hoping that her OT can clear some things up for us, because she does have sensory problems. I'm hoping that's all it is.

Okay, I'm going to try to get some more up before I get to work on my last final exam.

 

[jessica52877]

Glad to hear from you! I am sure you are busy and it hasn't been that long. I am queen of starting a TR and not getting very far with it!

Hope Ali perks up even more!

 

[kellyw8863]

After FOTLK, we headed back towards the safari and who did we see? Lilo and Stitch! Ali was beside herself to see Stitch again. We had stopped earlier at a gift shop to let the girls pick out some stuffies, and both chose Stitch, so they had the dolls with them.

Ali didn't want to leave Stitch's side.

We had a very interesting conversation with the CM while Ali and Maya visited with Lilo and Stitch. I had forgotten that it was Earth Day on the day we were there, which was actually AK's 12th anniversary. He was saying that two years ago on their 10th anniversary, Jane Goodall came to visit, which was great because she helped with the design of the park - I did not know this!

We arrived back at the Safari, and the animal issue must have been resolved, because there was no wait and we were able to walk right on through the FP lane.

We were able to sit right up front, but the ride was so bumpy that it was hard to get good pictures of the animals. We saw some white rhinos that apparently appear grey.

Yes, the giraffe was actually this close.

We were lucky enough to see a baby elephant.

And some hippos.

Some cheetahs relaxing in the shade.

Some antelope and cow looking things (I forget what they're called).

And some ostrich eggs, which for some reason, the girls thought were really cool.

Unfortunately, we did not see the lions. Ali was so hopeful, but it just was not meant to be. Regardless, the girls absolutely loved it and squealed with every sighting. It didn't matter if it was a big game animal or a pigeon - they thought it was all great.

After the safari, I was hoping to do the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, but Ali was done at this point. Unfortunately, we were trying to get back to the parking lot during the parade. I really wanted to stop and watch it, but there were no spots in the shade and Ali just wanted to go. We had to wait for it to go by, and then we essentially followed it on its way out. So while waiting, the girls had fun with some drums.

Maya wanted a Mickey head ice cream, so while Ali played with the drums, we went on the hunt. Found a vendor, stood in line, and what did Maya order? A strawberry Dole fruit bar. Of course she didn't like it, so I ended up eating it. Oh well!

Once the parade went by, we were able to get out of there quite easily. A note to people planning on visiting AK. I would almost go in the afternoon in time for the parade and then stay until close. People were leaving in droves as soon as the parade was over. Seriously, you would think that the parade marked the closing of the park. Anyhow, we were oh so grateful that we were directed to "follow the blue line." We were to our car and out of the park before Ali had a chance to enter melt-down mode.

 

[kellyw8863]

We had planned for a swim between AK and going to the Christmas party, so we ordered a late lunch/early dinner of sandwiches from KK and ate them poolside. I was a little torn and had always thought we'd do Christmas dinner at the Gingerbread House, but the girls really needed to unwind without structure, so this worked for us. After a quick swim and something to eat, we headed back to the villa for baths and dresses.

The girls wore the dresses and accessories Monica (cydswipe) and family sent for them. Here's a picture on our front patio while waiting for the bus to come. Most of the week we walked, but tonight, they wanted to try the bus.

Once we got to the Avenue of Angels, they wanted to go on the horse drawn carriage ride, so we went to get in line. On our way there, we met Wendy (BillWendy)! Unfortunately, we were only able to chat for a few minutes, but it was so very nice to connect!

The horse drawn carriages were really neat. The carriage was completely handicapped-accessible with a wheelchair lift on the back.

We met this really neat family while on the ride. It appeared to be a mom, her son, who appeared to be very involved medically, and maybe her sister and parents? At any rate, we were talking to the other woman (not mom) and she was explaining what an incredible week it was for them. In her words, "He went on eight rides at Disney. Eight rides. Can you believe that?" She was glowing, and just so pleased that he was able to experience so much. She said that they almost didn't get to come because his respiratory status had been so bad, but that since they had been there, she had never seen his numbers look so good. It's just one more way in which magic happens when you're at GKTW.

After the carriage ride, we headed down the Avenue of Angels where everything seemed to be going on. I don't know this guy's name, but he was cute!

Here comes the parade! Let's get this party started!

The girls cut up a rug with as many different volunteers as they could find. I had to keep wiping away the tears watching the girls have such a good time, especially Ali. She just doesn't take to unfamiliar people easily, yet she was bee-bopping around like she owned the place.

It was about this time that we met Ann (Wee Annie) and her family. Ironically enough, we were only a couple of villas away from each other, and it took me until Thursday to spot her. It was lovely chatting, and Elke is adorable - looks just like her mom.

Then we headed into the theater to see Santa. Word to the wise - visit Santa first. We waited well over an hour to see him - I think it was after 9pm by the time we finally got through.

Despite the amount of time it took us to get in there, and in spite of the size of the line still behind us, Santa still took the time to visit with the girls and make it meaningful. We so appreciated this, as I'm sure the families who continued to wait behind us did too. The girls chose kitten things that mewed and purred, and decided to call it a night.

On our way back to the villa, we had to stop for ice cream. It seems that everyone else had the same plan and the line was loooonnnng.

The girls fell into bed and were out in a matter of minutes. Garth and I had a speedy drink out on the patio, and then joined them. We had an amazing, amazing day from start to finish.

 

[jessica52877]

Enjoyed the update! You got some wonderful pictures of the animals! Too bad you didn't get to see the lions! They are always lazy, sleeping and boring!

Christmas looks so wonderful! The girls outfits were so cute!

 

[yinyanggirls]

You got another day done! Hurray! I remember Ann telling me to look for the adorable girls in the blue dresses but I never saw you guys. Now I know why....you must have been in line in front of us. We waited about the same (I'll have to check my notes, lol).
I love the porch picture and the penguin one too. Either one would be an awesome Cmas pic!

 

[blessedmom4]

Now I am wiping the tears away, What a wonderful day and magical night! The smiles on your girls' faces says it all...GKTW IS Special, after reading so many TR I don't think there really is a word to quite describe it! (And for what it is worth, I can't believe you have written as much as you have already)!

Blessings,
Judy

 

[rcq925]

Wow what a wonderful day!! The Christmas at GKTW looks magical! I can't wait!!

I am so loving your TR! It usually brings me to tears, just seeing the smiles on the girls faces and your descriptions of everything are so great!! Keep it coming!

 

[kellyw8863]

Enjoyed the update! You got some wonderful pictures of the animals! Too bad you didn't get to see the lions! They are always lazy, sleeping and boring!

Christmas looks so wonderful! The girls outfits were so cute!

Thank you! We got so many compliments on the kids' customs.

You got another day done! Hurray! I remember Ann telling me to look for the adorable girls in the blue dresses but I never saw you guys. Now I know why....you must have been in line in front of us. We waited about the same (I'll have to check my notes, lol).
I love the porch picture and the penguin one too. Either one would be an awesome Cmas pic!

I'm feeling like Christmas was a bit chaotic. There was so much going on, and it felt like the kids were everywhere. I'm not sure these pics will make the holiday card, but I am planning on doing a picture "sponsor thank you" card for GKTW sponsors, so maybe there!

Now I am wiping the tears away, What a wonderful day and magical night! The smiles on your girls' faces says it all...GKTW IS Special, after reading so many TR I don't think there really is a word to quite describe it! (And for what it is worth, I can't believe you have written as much as you have already)!

Blessings,
Judy

Awww...thanks! You know who I really enjoyed watching? Maya, my non-wish kid. She just enjoyed herself so thoroughly. It was so hard to come back and not see that same quality smile day after day or hear the deep laughs. But we'll get it back.

Wow what a wonderful day!! The Christmas at GKTW looks magical! I can't wait!!

I am so loving your TR! It usually brings me to tears, just seeing the smiles on the girls faces and your descriptions of everything are so great!! Keep it coming!

You'll absolutely love it! I can't imagine going back and being unable to stay there.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I love the pics of the girls dancing They look so cute in their outfits. I can't believe how many Wish families from here were there at the same time! Your animal pics are great. The giraffe sure was close! We are hoping to do the carraige ride too. It looks like fun!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Hmmm, did we make it to FOTLK? I was debating whether or not to give away part of our trip, but no, we didn't. It was hard to let go of all the possible things we wanted to do but after our first Disney day it became obvious we would have to.

Oh, and I'd love to hear what you end up doing for thank yous. I was thinking of sending a pic also, but wasn't sure if I would include on in a letter or make actual photo cards, or???

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Awww! I loved reading about your AK day!!! And I absolutely adored the girls custom dresses, how cute!!!

I have to say, when I first learned about Chase's wish I thought we would skip AK but after seeing so many TR's I think that we are definitely going!!!!

 

[kayrosek]

Just stopping by to let you know I'm thinking about you guys. Hope everything is going well.

 

[kellyw8863]

I'm sorry for falling out of the loop. But thank you to everyone who has stopped by to say hello or to comment on our TR. Things have been crazy busy here with the seniors wrapping up their year and preparing for graduation, and Ali is STILL sick, so we've been dealing with that. I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things soon.

At any rate, I wanted to give a shout out to Jeanne (jham) of the Big Give. She sent Ali the most adorable summer dress complete with a hole for her feeding tube just because she was thinking of us. So thank you, Jeanne! You have no idea how much you made our day. I did take pictures of her opening it and wearing it (it fits fabulously), which I will post as soon as I get them off the camera.

 

[Applemomma]

Hugs for Ali....hope she's on the mend soon. And don't worry about the report...we'll be here when you get to it!

Hang in there Momma .....