Josh's Big Adventure--part 1

joshsmom

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Nov 19, 2003
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Well, there it was, Josh's 8th birthday. It was about time to let him know that the next day he was going to WDW. I set up a scavenger hunt within the house for him with clues and keys to collect. He had a fabulous time doing the scavenger hunt and I have pictures of each key!! Finally he went to the basement and to the DVD player. He read the last clue and then pushed play. He sat down to watch the video, but didn't really react. I asked him if he understood what was going on and he said "we're going to Disney World". It was very matter-of-fact. Then I said "we're going to Disney World TOMORROW" Once it sunk in, he was running all over the house and then all over the neighborhood. It was priceless. Although we were all excited, he did end up getting some sleep.

January 6th--DAY ONE

We got up at 4am for the 8am flight. We had to be there 2 hours ahead of time of course. No one had ANY trouble getting up and out the door!! Airport was no problem at all. There was one other family going to Disney, but they weren't DISers. I gave them the info though--so hopefully we'll see them here some day!

Flight was rough--lots of turbulence. Got off the plane, onto Mears, and arrived at All Star Movies in a matter of an hour. Our room was READY (at 12:30pm!!!) so we were able to go there and change out of our sweatshirts and coats. We got Woody, which was a surprise to Josh. He didn't know I had asked for the Toy Story area!!! It was AWESOME. Weather was about 72 degrees and sunny. We headed to MK. To our amazement, there were NO characters out at MK when you walk in. We were disappointed, but Josh wanted to go on was Space Mountain. He'd never been on it before and really wanted to try it. Well, he loved it!!! Had trouble getting him off the ride so that we could move on!!! Rode TTA and BL. Even rode AO, which we'd never ridden before. We only had a few hours because we had 5:30 PS for CP.

Never did a character dinner before and this was THE BEST one to start with!!! Food was awesome and because it was off season, the restaurant wasn't crowded. We got MAJOR face-to-face time with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. Got pics and autographs and Josh was in heaven. Grandma was even excited!! After dinner, Josh got a cupcake with a candle in it for his B-Day. He thought that was cool and it was quite special. Afterwards we were going to try to watch Spectro, but the temperature had dropped like 30 degrees and we were in SHORTS!!! Josh was tired and didn't want to see the parade or fireworks. Since I knew Spectro would be there on Saturday, I told him that we were DEFINITELY doing that and Wishes on Saturday. He agreed.

So we packed it up for the night and headed to AS Movies. We laid out our stuff for the next day and decided we were going to Epcot. Josh was DYING to try M:S. So, mom and I played cards while Josh went off to dream land. It was a wonderful first day!!!


Oops!! Forgot that we also went to HM the first day--one of our FAVORITE rides!! We saw Madam Leota's tombstone effects, found the bats in the line, and found the hidden Donald and hidden Mickey on the ride!! We then found the ring outside and saw the pet cemetary. People were looking at us tlike we were crazy when we were looking for the ring--but then THEY got into it when we told them what we were doing!! It was an AWESOME day!!!
 
Very cool idea with the scavenger hunt! Sounds like you had a great first day. Can't wait to hear more.

Karen
 
Great first day Joshsmom! It was wonderful meeting you, Josh and your Mom at MGM during your vacation! Josh is a sweetheart!

Muffy
 
Great report. Sounds like you had a great time. What a fun birthday.

On a side note: My parents used to live in Granite. They ran the Baptist grounds just outside of town for about 5 years. They are missionarys, so move around a lot. I liked the area, very pretty and so close to St. Louis.
 

We arrived on the 10th and, despite chilly AMs and PMs, the weather was so warm and sunny I kept thinking to myself, "the universe is smiling on joshsmom and Josh and we are just lucky to be here in the 'world' at the same time as they are!"

So glad your trip was magical - ours was as well - I am completely reassured that the magic is still firmly in place since my last visit!
Can't wait to read the rest of your trip report!:smooth:

PS: we also celebrated our friend's b'day (27) at the CP with his favorite Pooh characters ! It was wonderful - lots of character interaction, Mickey 'pixie dust' sprinkled in his hair, a card signed by all the characters - he even got up and marched in the birthday parade with the little ones - you've got to love a man like that:teeth: !
 
Joshsmom-
we are all thrilled to hear about your 1st wonderful day - everyone in my neighborhood is STILL talking about that little Josh - we can't wait to hear more!!!!!!

Mama Quack
 
I'm also Joshsmom - and taking my little cutie right after he turns the big double digits (10). fun report - I'm so glad you had a great first day!
 














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