Happy New Year 2011! Emily's MAW/GKTW Trip - The Final Gives!

[effervescent]

We got a box from Mike W. (not sure of the dis name, though Nurse Ann seems to have some kind of suspicious inside scoop and says that it is most likely from effervescent??)

"I throw my hands up in the air sometimes, saying heeeeey-yo!"

Inside the box was a wrapped package for each of us

McQueen tshirt for Carterman

Incredibles shirt for Drew (which was an awesome choice becasue he has these Incredibles pajamas and we have a running joke that everytime he wears them we say "those are some incredible pajamas!" and he thinks it's hysterical - so now we can do it with the shirt too!)

In this one, he's running so fast his hair and shirt are flying back!

For DH, Star Wars Mickey!

For me, Ariel! (some days I am just not getting in the picture, sorry. Ok, MOST days!!)

For Brenna, Princess Aurora! This dress is really fantastic, the pics don't even do it justice! And, matching bows too!

Look closely so you can see the sparkles on the skirt -

And for Miss Em - Tigger blouse and patchwork skirt!!!

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much, everything is just fabulous!!!!!!

Yes that was from me! I had my husband mail the package and he forgot to include my note. I'm so glad that you like everything! The pictures are so cute, everyone looks great especially Emily and Brenna. I am a big Tigger fan but none of my kids are so I really enjoyed making girly Tigger stuff! I hope that you all have a wonderful trip and I can't wait to read all about it!

 

[that's nice]

I love this! It is awesome! What great outfits!

You are getting sooooooo close!!!!!!!

 

[Emilyswish]

Ok this is getting serious now. I still haven't made headway on my Christmas cards and I'm still behind on 4 Big Gives!

Everytime I realize how close we are I get butterflies in my stomach. I'm not even that excited about Christmas, just the trip!!!! I mean Christmas comes EVERY year right? This is once in a lifetime for us! (Ok, I'm already secretly planning another trip to WDW sometime in the future , but the whole MAW/GKTW part is once in a lifetime!!)

Today we received packages from Callie C. in TX and Allison M. in NC. Thank you so much!! Will post pics asap!

 

[ms_mckenna]

Ok this is getting serious now. I still haven't made headway on my Christmas cards and I'm still behind on 4 Big Gives!

Everytime I realize how close we are I get butterflies in my stomach. I'm not even that excited about Christmas, just the trip!!!! I mean Christmas comes EVERY year right? This is once in a lifetime for us! (Ok, I'm already secretly planning another trip to WDW sometime in the future , but the whole MAW/GKTW part is once in a lifetime!!)

Today we received packages from Callie C. in TX and Allison M. in NC. Thank you so much!! Will post pics asap!

Yeah glad you got it
Disney is like Christmas and yes I am quiet sure that GTKW and MAW make it even more special! I am pretty excited for you guys so I can only imagine how excite you guys are!!

 

[brookerene]

Wow what greart and fun photos! That Sleeping Beauty Dress looked so cute on your little girl! The Tigger outfits are so cute on Emily! I like the hats too, they'll come in handy during your trip... even in winter!

 

[marvali]

Okay, jumped over here from Tim's (That's Nice) TR! I breezed through your report since there is too much to read everything, but I wanted to check out your schedule since our Disney trips are at the same time and we just might see each other roaming around the parks!

There are a couple of similarities. Gee-off and my DW (Alison) are both 6th grade math teachers!! And your Drew has a love of soccer in common with my DS13, who is also named Andrew!

So glad you guys got a Wish Trip from MAW, and will get to stay at GKTW! Looks like a super place from the early pics Tim has posted!

Couldn't help stopping at all the Big Give posts and checking out all the wonderful gifts! I never cease to be amazed at what a great job they all do, and how generous they all are!!!

Shhhhhhhhhhhh, don't tell my DH, but I just made reservations for a late breakfast (more like an early lunch for us) at Akershus on 12/29!!!

Make sure they are aware of the food allergies. They are very good about having the chef speak to you about the menu, and recommending any items that you need to avoid, and recommendations that are safe!

As for your schedule, I think I found the latest update. We will be in MK that Tuesday also, but you will probably be long gone before we arrive since it will be late in the evening. After we check in at Kidani on Wednesday, we plan to also head over to Epcot. My goal is to be there no later than the time WS opens at 10:00am, which is close to the time you have your ADR at Akershus! I plan to spend a lot of time in WS trying to catch the Storytellers, so maybe our paths will cross there that morning. We have a dinner ADR at Tutto Italia later that day.

We acually plan to do MK on Thursday, and hope the crowds won't be so bad since we figure most will want to be there on NYE instead. Plus they do the NYE fireworks that night also, sort of a trial run! Most people want to do MK and Epcot on NYE, and those typically fill to capacity, but DHS also has NYE fireworks, and it usually isn't that bad then (relatively speaking). We actually did the same thing on July 4th two years ago, and the crowds there weren't bad at all and we still got to enjoy fireworks. Since we will probably be out late on NYE, we plan to do AK on the 1st since it probably won't be as crowded, and not arriving for rope drop shouldn't be a huge drawback!

One other thing I noticed and will comment on. You mentioned what to use for autographs, and the clickable Sharpie is definitely a suggestion, but I have read in places that they really don't like Sharpies for the characters to do autographs. It is too easy for them to get marks on the costumes trying to get them open with their "large" hands, unless it is someone like a princess or something that doesn't have to wear different hands than their own. Whatever you decide to get, just make sure it is larger so the costumed characters can grip it easier!!

Hope you guys have a great trip!

 

[Emilyswish]

Yeah glad you got it
Disney is like Christmas and yes I am quiet sure that GTKW and MAW make it even more special! I am pretty excited for you guys so I can only imagine how excite you guys are!!

The kids love what you sent, don't want to say what it was until I can post the pics too! Thank you again!

Wow what greart and fun photos! That Sleeping Beauty Dress looked so cute on your little girl! The Tigger outfits are so cute on Emily! I like the hats too, they'll come in handy during your trip... even in winter!

Thanks Brooke, the DisBoutiquers are really impressive, we are so thankful!!

Okay, jumped over here from Tim's (That's Nice) TR! I breezed through your report since there is too much to read everything, but I wanted to check out your schedule since our Disney trips are at the same time and we just might see each other roaming around the parks!

There are a couple of similarities. Gee-off and my DW (Alison) are both 6th grade math teachers!! And your Drew has a love of soccer in common with my DS13, who is also named Andrew!

So glad you guys got a Wish Trip from MAW, and will get to stay at GKTW! Looks like a super place from the early pics Tim has posted!

Couldn't help stopping at all the Big Give posts and checking out all the wonderful gifts! I never cease to be amazed at what a great job they all do, and how generous they all are!!!

Make sure they are aware of the food allergies. They are very good about having the chef speak to you about the menu, and recommending any items that you need to avoid, and recommendations that are safe!

As for your schedule, I think I found the latest update. We will be in MK that Tuesday also, but you will probably be long gone before we arrive since it will be late in the evening. After we check in at Kidani on Wednesday, we plan to also head over to Epcot. My goal is to be there no later than the time WS opens at 10:00am, which is close to the time you have your ADR at Akershus! I plan to spend a lot of time in WS trying to catch the Storytellers, so maybe our paths will cross there that morning. We have a dinner ADR at Tutto Italia later that day.

We acually plan to do MK on Thursday, and hope the crowds won't be so bad since we figure most will want to be there on NYE instead. Plus they do the NYE fireworks that night also, sort of a trial run! Most people want to do MK and Epcot on NYE, and those typically fill to capacity, but DHS also has NYE fireworks, and it usually isn't that bad then (relatively speaking). We actually did the same thing on July 4th two years ago, and the crowds there weren't bad at all and we still got to enjoy fireworks. Since we will probably be out late on NYE, we plan to do AK on the 1st since it probably won't be as crowded, and not arriving for rope drop shouldn't be a huge drawback!

One other thing I noticed and will comment on. You mentioned what to use for autographs, and the clickable Sharpie is definitely a suggestion, but I have read in places that they really don't like Sharpies for the characters to do autographs. It is too easy for them to get marks on the costumes trying to get them open with their "large" hands, unless it is someone like a princess or something that doesn't have to wear different hands than their own. Whatever you decide to get, just make sure it is larger so the costumed characters can grip it easier!!

Hope you guys have a great trip!

Hi Marv, thanks for commenting! I have read some of your PTR after I went searching for past Christmas week trip reports and read that you have been a few times during that time. I noticed your wife was also a Math teacher too.

That would be neat if we ran into you at Epcot! You really can't miss us; wheelchair, double stroller, 4 kids, 2 redheads (me and Drew), & matching outfits!!!!

Thanks for the tip about the autograph pens, that makes sense! It's hard being a newbie!

 

[hollie1974]

Your family is just beautiful! I LOVE the halloween pic!

New Years in Disney? That sounds simply AMAZING! Countin down the days with you!!

 

[smileycrissy]

I love how Brenna has her poses ready for the princesses!! She looks like one in that Sleepy Beauty dress. And Emily is just too darn cute. I love that you are getting such precious Em & Dad shots from the Big Give.

I think that is wonderful that you are planning on going back to Disney again. I'm big on the postive thinking (hence the optimistic name, LOL) so I know you guys will have a wonderful trip now and when you return again.

 

[ms_mckenna]

You are quiet welcome you were my first give and we really enjoyed doing it. My Emily helped pick out prints and pictures

 

[Emilyswish]

Your family is just beautiful! I LOVE the halloween pic!

New Years in Disney? That sounds simply AMAZING! Countin down the days with you!!

Thank you so much! i think spending the holiday there will make it that much more memorable!

I love how Brenna has her poses ready for the princesses!! She looks like one in that Sleepy Beauty dress. And Emily is just too darn cute. I love that you are getting such precious Em & Dad shots from the Big Give.

I think that is wonderful that you are planning on going back to Disney again. I'm big on the postive thinking (hence the optimistic name, LOL) so I know you guys will have a wonderful trip now and when you return again.

I've been coaching her just a little on the posing . . .
It'll definitely be quite a few years before we can think about going back, like maybe when the kids are 9 and 12?? But it'll give me lots of time to plan, right?

You are quiet welcome you were my first give and we really enjoyed doing it. My Emily helped pick out prints and pictures

Aww, how sweet. Tell Emily we said thanks too!

 

[Emilyswish]

Here we go!!!! Christmas cards are all addressed now.

Next, we got a box from ?? Davis in TX.

There was a roll-up toy carrier for each of the kids with toys included!!

Cars, Cars, princesses, and Pooh and Friends! So cool!

And then . . .


There was a custom scrapbook!!!!! Did I mention that I love scrapbooking??? You did such a great job on this book, I had to take pics of every page.

Thank you sooooooo much, again we are overwhelmed with your kindness!

 

[Emilyswish]

This one came from ?? Miller in MD.

What could it be?

Gee-off wasn't really sure!

Personalized Pillow Cases!!!!!!

And all 4 together

I know, WOW!! But that wasn't all!!!!

Then we pulled out this -

A custom bag made for Em's KidKart (wheelchair)!! Seriously.

Hanging on the KidKart

Interior pockets!

This will be perfect for carrying the things we need to bring with us to the parks!! Thank you!!!!!

 

[Emilyswish]

This one was from Allison M. in NC

She made each of the kids a personalized autograph book!!!

I apologize for not getting better pics of each book cover. My good camera malfunctioned just as DH was getting ready to take pics and we had to switch to the other camera quickly. I'll get some close-ups of the covers and post them though! They're great!

Also, on the same day, we got a box from Callie C. in TX.

The kids loved all of the pics on the box, especially the princesses making silly faces!

Ooooooh, fleece character blankets!!! They are so warm, and they have been sleeping with them every night! If you look very closely you can also see the ADORABLE Minnie and Tinkerbell ribbon hair clippies in the bag in my hand (there was a set for each of the girls) that I also need to take close-up pics of and add later!!!!

Snuggling up

THANK YOU Callie and Allison!!!!!!!!!!

 

[billwendy]

AWESOME!!!! I love everything!!!

Things must be EXTREMELY exciting at your house these days with both Christmas, your visitors coming and your trip!!!!! How are you all holding up?

I was wondering - what ride is Drew looking forward to the most? how bout Carter? Brenna? Em?????

 

[cogero]

Thank you for sharing. Love seeing the joy on the kids faces.

 

[that's nice]

More Big Gives!!!!

I love the pillowcases!! I wish I had one for myself... I'm not sure but you might be able to have characters sign the pillowcases. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

The bag for Em's wheelchair is awesome! That will really come in handy!

You can't go wrong with fleece blankets... hopefully it will warm up down there and you won't need them.

Oh yea... I forgot to add.. that scrapbook is AWESOME!

 

[Emilyswish]

AWESOME!!!! I love everything!!!

Things must be EXTREMELY exciting at your house these days with both Christmas, your visitors coming and your trip!!!!! How are you all holding up?

I was wondering - what ride is Drew looking forward to the most? how bout Carter? Brenna? Em?????

We're holding up alright, thanks! At least it's all good stuff right now! I'm waiting for our MAW volunteer to call me back with a time to come over with our tickets and check!! Tomorrow, Monday, or Tuesday night!!!! And my parents will be here on Monday afternoon!

Honestly, I'm not even sure they remember that there are going to be rides there!!! I know Drew is looking forward to Toy Story Mania, Carter just wants to meet Mater and McQueen. I think Emily will love It's a Small World best. I think Brenna might enjoy the character meets - especially the princesses - more than the rides, but she really loves Carousels!!

Thank you for sharing. Love seeing the joy on the kids faces.

You and the rest of the Big Give team have put "perma-smiles" on ALL of our faces!!!!

More Big Gives!!!!

I love the pillowcases!! I wish I had one for myself... I'm not sure but you might be able to have characters sign the pillowcases. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

The bag for Em's wheelchair is awesome! That will really come in handy!

You can't go wrong with fleece blankets... hopefully it will warm up down there and you won't need them.

Oh yea... I forgot to add.. that scrapbook is AWESOME!

Everything is so awesome!! I can't wait to see if Ana actually got all of her "costume changes" in during your trip! I think we are going to have a hard time wearing everything that we've gotten - and that's not a complaint - we'll change as many times as we have to!!!

 

[Emilyswish]

Yesterday we got a package all the way from Canada - from Alison B.

She made Em, two fleece taggie blankets! Chip and Dale, and Stitch!

You have to watch the progression of Em's facial expression during these pics. She wasn't really into it when we started.

She felt the blanket

And then she went in for the chew!

Ahhhh! She loves it!

Here is the back side of the Stitch blanket

Thank you Alison!!!! She really loves them and keeps finding new ribbon loops that she likes "tasting".


Then today, we got two more deliveries!

This box was from Cristina in FL (smileycrissy).

I have to tell you that DH and I both teared up quite a bit at your thoughtful gift and how we'll be able to remember this special trip each year when we decorate the tree.

And Brenna was so sweet, she could tell DH was choked up and was patting him on the back.

She personalized Mickeyhead ornaments for each of the kids.

Thank you sooooo much Crissy, we will cherish them always.

 

[ms_mckenna]

Oh I love the pictures! I would quote but I have an Emily asleep on me. I am so glad they figured out whose blankets were whose and they like them. I figured it was something they could use at home too and I know when we were there in November it got pretty cool at night. The princess funny faces picture is one of my favorites of all time
You guys are getting so close!!! Are the kids wishing Christmas away yet so they can get to Disney?

I LOVE the bag that is so cool.