Make A Wish Sends Lauren to Disney World! * IT IS FINISHED...* *Updated 1/28/09*

[HeatherSue]

I'm sorry Lauren didn't have as much fun at BBB as you thought she would!

But, she got smiles and a really kind gesture out of Sandra!! I am in shock!! I guess I can now forgive her for being so grumpy with poor Arminda....maybe...

Tinker-Lauren is GORGEOUS!!!!

Sorry to hear about your hot tub misadventure! Isn't it great that they actually drain it when they find UFOs in it, though?

 

[1stTimeDisneyer]

Great Reviews! I am loving it!

 

[VacationKicks]

Great TR, I laughed, I cried.

I made BBB res. for my kids on our upcoming trip in Nov., I worry my kids will feel too old but they're only going to get older so we are giving it a shot, even my 14 yr. old son!

 

[jamal]

Maroo, These chapters had me all up and down for you. Lauren looks so beautiful as Tinkerbell; I hate that she was unhappy but teens have their own way of thinking!

You are cracking me up with all the beating yourself up you do about the camera. My goodness! You had hundreds of responsibilities every hour, every minute of the trip!

Rock on.

 

[SueM in MN]

We hopped on the monorail. Lauren was pretty nervous about getting on since it moved…She didn’t realize they had a ramp. Bless her heart. But the monorail folks were great…we told them we were headed to MK and they were ready to help her off when we got there. Impressive. Evidently they have little walkie talkies or something and they relay the message down the monorail line.

For readers who might be curious, wheelchair ramp being put into place.

and ramp put into place for wheelchair to drive in.

** ALERT! Soap Box Ahead!! Now, I have to say this…to the other Wish families reading this and to those families that wait for other Wish families. We had a hard time with this. We really did not like breaking in front of the lines. I really had to remind myself that the purpose of this once-in-a-lifetime trip was to give Lauren’s family a hassle free trip. Well, our trip was not hassle-free. Our hassles were just different. For us to go rest a while required a trip across the park to the First Aid Station. Lauren had to stop and get shifted in her chair once an hour. Her day to day hassles are too many to name. So for this one week, she had fewer hassles than many people around her, and maybe, just maybe, it made up for some of the hassles she has for the rest of her life. So we got over our discomfort with breaking in line and just enjoyed it for Lauren (and William, who puts up with a lot, too!!) Ok, off my soap box…but definitely wanted to stay that for the benefit of other wish families (just enjoy it, guys) and for other WDW guests (just wanted you guys to know it is hard for us to break in line, too! Thank you so much for your patience!)

Most people understand (and most people on WISH trips feel the same way your group did about breaking in line).
And, sometimes, even with breaking into line, you will still have waited longer than other guests because you needed to wait for the special wheelchair car.

Yeah...I really never got into the make-up, take forever to get ready, stage. Not sure why...but never did. But I do give Lauren more of a break than it probably seemed. The problem there is not the time it takes...it is more that she can't do it herself...so its, "Straighten THAT piece of hair...not THAT one...THAT one right there...in front of my ear...yes, that one." She just can't do it herself. And sometimes it makes me cry that she can't. And sometimes I get MAD that she can't and take it out on her (not intentionally)...which is not fair at all...and sometimes she gets mad that she can't do it...or more that she can't communicate to us HOW she wants it done. How exactly do you describe the piece of hair one inch to the left side of your ear halfway down the bottom of your head to someone? Is it your left or my left? ...but I digress...

Lauren is VERY patient with us. She can't do it herself and that is not her fault and most of the time she is completely patient and gracious with any of us that try to do it for her. And she should get a medal for that. A teenage girl being nice to us adults that are doing her hair. You know, many severely disabled girls have very short hair, per the requests of their caregivers, so it is easy to manage...and not the hair they would like to have. I am so proud to call Lauren's family my friends...because they really do TAKE CARE of Lauren. Not just her physical needs, but her emotional ones too...which is harder, sometimes, than just the physical stuff. They all deserve medals.

We sometimes have a very frustrating 'game' of 20 questions because my DD can't talk and she wants something very specific. Luckily, she's pretty good at 'body language'.
When I knew that DD was disabled, one of the things I wanted to make sure was that her clothing and hair styles were never chosen for convenience. Luckily, my older DD has always been the 'style advisor' for her sister. The 2 of them spent a few hours on the internet looking at hair styles the last time she got her hair cut. Interestingly, her last hair cut is amost the same style as Lauren's.

We head to Tomorrowland to go to Buzz Lightyear. They point us to the exit and we bypass a long line. I am not sure if it was the magic button or the inability for her to transfer from her wheelchair that gets us past this line...but this ride is my very favorite!! They have an awesome wheelchair accessible vehicle that Lauren can just drive into and ride like everyone else. LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! How cool is that!

It is the 'magic button'. People with wheelchairs usually wait in either the regular lane or the Fastpass lane until just before boarding.

For those inquiring minds that want to know...this ride allows a wheelchair to go up that ramp and into the car. The car then folds shut and Lauren can ride in her wheelchair the whole way. If she could physically do it, she would be able to fire the laser and everything...it is right in front of her chair. (But since I was like 2 cars behind her, this was hard to get a picture of.) I do have to say, though, that getting off is a little tricky. For some reason they did not really stop the ride. Instead, they wanted her to back up FAST and get off...so the ride is moving forward and they want Lauren to back up, sideways, down a ramp she can't see...while the ride is still moving forward. That didn't work too well, so they did stop the ride and the rest of the people on the ride had to wait...eventually they all heard, "This ride is about to be in motion" or something like that! So if you hear that...maybe some poor person like Lauren is trying to get off...bear with us.

Here's another picture of the wheelchair accessible car. It's hard to get a good picture because it's dark and everything moves fast.

We actually got to ride Buzz twice, I think...maybe three times? I can't remember. Because no one was waiting for the wheelchair car. But we eventually got off...

We had a similar situation. No one else was waiting for the wheelchair car and the CM who put us on changed jobs - the new CM coming to work in the area didn't realize anyone was on the wheelchair car until it was too late to let us off.
They are VERY efficient at getting manual wheelchairs on and off; they can do it without slowing the line.
I think they sometimes forget that someone using a power wheelchair on an unfamilar ride car may not be able to get off as quickly.

Then we head to Monsters, Inc. In line we sent a text message to some dude and William told him a joke. "Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ATE 9!" The show was great…and they told William’s joke!!! And said his name out loud and everything! It was so awesome because he felt so special…and that was nice since Lauren was getting a lot of attention on this trip.

Also...First Aid is awesome! If you ever need to just lay down a few min. Or take meds. Or some kind of treatment (asthma or something). You can bring your stuff to First Aid and they give you an exam room all to yourself, with a door and everything! NICE! Go DISNEY!

I don't have a picture of the private rooms at First Aid, but here's a picture of the non-private rooms. This kind has a curtain, not a door. And, they usually only have one person using a room at a time, even though there are 2 cots in here.
The CMs at First Aid are great though.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

what cha doin? hURRY PLEASE, your adoring fans are getting restless

 

[maroo]

what cha doin? hURRY PLEASE, your adoring fans are getting restless

Hey now! I gave you guys 2 updates in 24 hours! Isn't that enough. lol



I am SOOOO glad that I have a fan!! That is so cool!

I do plan to work on the MNSSHP one tomorrow...it may be a two post one...we were busy folks...and lots of pics!

 

[maroo]

I'm sorry Lauren didn't have as much fun at BBB as you thought she would!

But, she got smiles and a really kind gesture out of Sandra!! I am in shock!! I guess I can now forgive her for being so grumpy with poor Arminda....maybe...

Tinker-Lauren is GORGEOUS!!!!

Sorry to hear about your hot tub misadventure! Isn't it great that they actually drain it when they find UFOs in it, though?

Lauren has this way about her...of bringing out the best in particularly difficult people. I had forgotten that Sandra was Arminda's FGIT! I do remember now...how strange. Susan was great, too, by the way! She was very sweet to Lauren and did all of the "ritual BBB" stuff for her. Lauren just didn't like it.

Tinker-Lauren...actually the REAL Lauren was mad at me for putting up the pics that I have used so far. She only wants me to use the ones AFTER she put her OWN makeup ON TOP of the makeup that the BBB folks did...she added some spice to it before our MNSSHP! So, she only wants those pics on from now on.

And, Lauren said that she did like BBB...once she got back to the room and "fixed" it.

and the hot tub thing...was just FUNNY...I mean...go figure.

Great Reviews! I am loving it!

thank you so much!! And thank you for posting!!!!

Great TR, I laughed, I cried.

I made BBB res. for my kids on our upcoming trip in Nov., I worry my kids will feel too old but they're only going to get older so we are giving it a shot, even my 14 yr. old son!

You are so kind...keep with us...because I will be doing more updates...we are really only on day 2 of 7. And this trip is about to get interesting...

Maroo, These chapters had me all up and down for you. Lauren looks so beautiful as Tinkerbell; I hate that she was unhappy but teens have their own way of thinking!

You are cracking me up with all the beating yourself up you do about the camera. My goodness! You had hundreds of responsibilities every hour, every minute of the trip!

Rock on.

I hate to tell you...the next few days of this TR are nothing but ups and downs...! So put on your seatbelt, my friends...this is a roller coaster of a trip, for sure!! And we are heading to the top of the coaster with this MNSSHP!

Teens definitely do have their own thought process...how did we survive?

That forgetting the camera thing was one of the worst planning moments. I had wanted to be a fly on the wall at that lunch anyway...and I missed it all...literally and figuratively!

and I am so glad that someone recognizes how busy this trip was for us. There really is never a dull moment. When you are doing things for yourself and your kids are with you...but can take care of their basic needs, the trips are busy...but when you are meeting basic needs for yourself plus someone else, it gets a little interesting. It is a wonder, I guess, how we got any pictures at all!

For readers who might be curious, wheelchair ramp being put into place.

and ramp put into place for wheelchair to drive in.

Most people understand (and most people on WISH trips feel the same way your group did about breaking in line).
And, sometimes, even with breaking into line, you will still have waited longer than other guests because you needed to wait for the special wheelchair car.

We sometimes have a very frustrating 'game' of 20 questions because my DD can't talk and she wants something very specific. Luckily, she's pretty good at 'body language'.
When I knew that DD was disabled, one of the things I wanted to make sure was that her clothing and hair styles were never chosen for convenience. Luckily, my older DD has always been the 'style advisor' for her sister. The 2 of them spent a few hours on the internet looking at hair styles the last time she got her hair cut. Interestingly, her last hair cut is amost the same style as Lauren's.


It is the 'magic button'. People with wheelchairs usually wait in either the regular lane or the Fastpass lane until just before boarding.

Here's another picture of the wheelchair accessible car. It's hard to get a good picture because it's dark and everything moves fast.

We had a similar situation. No one else was waiting for the wheelchair car and the CM who put us on changed jobs - the new CM coming to work in the area didn't realize anyone was on the wheelchair car until it was too late to let us off.
They are VERY efficient at getting manual wheelchairs on and off; they can do it without slowing the line.
I think they sometimes forget that someone using a power wheelchair on an unfamilar ride car may not be able to get off as quickly.



I don't have a picture of the private rooms at First Aid, but here's a picture of the non-private rooms. This kind has a curtain, not a door. And, they usually only have one person using a room at a time, even though there are 2 cots in here.
The CMs at First Aid are great though.

Wow...Sue, I am continually amazed by your knowledge of all things Disney with a disability! You sure have been there! And you know your stuff!!!

I hope this TR will add something to your arsenal of knowledge.

It really was a wonderful experience. Even Lisa, who hates crowds and spending money, saw the benefit of Disney for Lauren in particular. They are just SOOO accessible and disability minded.

Lauren said, "That is the only place in this world where I did not feel disabled. We have to go back."

We are planning a return trip in 2009. And I never thought I would say that!

That is so cool that your DD has a hair style like Lauren's...she really likes hers...especially when we can style it right!

 

[SueM in MN]

Wow...Sue, I am continually amazed by your knowledge of all things Disney with a disability! You sure have been there! And you know your stuff!!!

I hope this TR will add something to your arsenal of knowledge.

I think your TR will be a very good addition.

It really was a wonderful experience. Even Lisa, who hates crowds and spending money, saw the benefit of Disney for Lauren in particular. They are just SOOO accessible and disability minded.

Lauren said, "That is the only place in this world where I did not feel disabled. We have to go back."

We are planning a return trip in 2009. And I never thought I would say that!

That's why we keep coming back....
Although, I do think my DH is happy that our recent "Quest for pictures and measurements of all the Companion Restrooms Trip" is complete.

That is so cool that your DD has a hair style like Lauren's...she really likes hers...especially when we can style it right!

i don't have any good pictures of my DD; as soon as she sees the camera, she either puts her head down or turns it. We joke that owls and DD are the only creatures on earth that can turn their heads 270 degrees.

 

[AshClan]

I was way behind! Thank you for all the wonderful chapters, Mary. You certainly had your ups and downs!

A few things:

OF COURSE you went to the MK first! I do that whenever possible. I really don't feel like I'm "THERE" until I get to walk down Main Street. Your meeting with the stepsisters and stepmother cracked me up. I haven't met them yet, but have heard wonderful things. Must get to that soon!

Tell Lauren she looked BEAUTIFUL in her Tink garb. I'm sure she did an even better job with her makeup "enhancements", but she looks darn good to me in the pics you posted!!! I'm glad she finally got to be Tinkerbelle. Sorry she had some tough moments after that, but, as Jami said, it's a teenager thing. My boys are bad enough, girls are tougher! Sounds like she managed to recover fairly quickly

Lauren said, "That is the only place in this world where I did not feel disabled. We have to go back."

I LOVE THIS!!! Every CM should see this quote. That's what they should all be striving for. Actually, we should all strive for it! You are wonderful for all you did to make this trip so special for Lauren, too. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Hi Mary!
I am addicted to your TR.
Lauren is a beautiful girl, her happiness in the pictures is contagious.

I think this trip was probably the trip of a lifetime more for Lisa than the kids. I grew up with a brother who has CP, and I know the sacrifices my mother made for him and for us. Life is hard on the mother of a special child. It is hard to ignore the stares, always trying to guage if they are stares of curiosity- as you often get from small kids- or rudeness.
I bet the escape from the stresses of everyday life were a welcome relief to Lisa.

Thanks for all the info on GKTW. My neighbor's son was granted a wish trip- they are going next summer- without giving away any surprises, I am going to tell her about the fin things to expect.

 

[mom2lilnick]

I am loving this TR.. I keep checking for updates!

 

[maroo]

I was way behind! Thank you for all the wonderful chapters, Mary. You certainly had your ups and downs!

A few things:

OF COURSE you went to the MK first! I do that whenever possible. I really don't feel like I'm "THERE" until I get to walk down Main Street. Your meeting with the stepsisters and stepmother cracked me up. I haven't met them yet, but have heard wonderful things. Must get to that soon!

Tell Lauren she looked BEAUTIFUL in her Tink garb. I'm sure she did an even better job with her makeup "enhancements", but she looks darn good to me in the pics you posted!!! I'm glad she finally got to be Tinkerbelle. Sorry she had some tough moments after that, but, as Jami said, it's a teenager thing. My boys are bad enough, girls are tougher! Sounds like she managed to recover fairly quickly



I LOVE THIS!!! Every CM should see this quote. That's what they should all be striving for. Actually, we should all strive for it! You are wonderful for all you did to make this trip so special for Lauren, too. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Yes, I am glad that we went to MK first...but honestly, I let the crowd calendar guide me on that. But next time we go, we will do MK first!! Possibly the MNSSHP!! It was so fun...and coming up!!

Lauren saw the BBB pictures that I put up in the TR on Friday and she said that she "looked better that I thought"... But, the pics of her AFTER her enhancements will be coming up.

I guess I should write in to Disney and tell them that she said that. And that all of their efforts are not going unnoticed. Do you have any idea who I would write?

Thank you so much for your comments and everything you have added to this TR...

Hi Mary!
I am addicted to your TR.
Lauren is a beautiful girl, her happiness in the pictures is contagious.

I think this trip was probably the trip of a lifetime more for Lisa than the kids. I grew up with a brother who has CP, and I know the sacrifices my mother made for him and for us. Life is hard on the mother of a special child. It is hard to ignore the stares, always trying to guage if they are stares of curiosity- as you often get from small kids- or rudeness.
I bet the escape from the stresses of everyday life were a welcome relief to Lisa.

Thanks for all the info on GKTW. My neighbor's son was granted a wish trip- they are going next summer- without giving away any surprises, I am going to tell her about the fin things to expect.

Addicted...yeah, me too! My friends are making fun of me...because it is the first thing I do when I get to Lauren's house...show them what I have written...see if I have any PM's...see if anyone has posted...read other TRs...you know the drill. Yes...addicted! Facebook is missing me!

You are so right about Lisa. She has three people to take care of medically...her husband - Type I diabetic...her son - immune system issues, gastric ulcers, etc...and Lauren - she says she is the most "normal" person in her family! m

Because Lisa has so much on her...it is good that we sort of have a team helping them out...Lauren's grandparents are WONDERFUL...they help every week...either on a Saturday or a weekday, picking kids up from school, etc. And I get to help some, too. We also have other folks that just randomly help. Our church is wonderful...in fact...I have to GO to church...I better wrap this up!!!

Please direct your neighbor to the Wish Trippers Unite thread...here is a link...

Wish Trippers UNITE thread...Lots of info re: Wish Trips!

It was very helpful in my planning and a great "support group" for people with children with special needs.

Thank you for all of your comments...thanks for posting...and thanks for reading!

I am loving this TR.. I keep checking for updates!

Awww...you are so sweet!!

I have been working on getting my MNSSHP pics organized. I should have an update up by tonight!!

I think your TR will be a very good addition.

That's why we keep coming back....
Although, I do think my DH is happy that our recent "Quest for pictures and measurements of all the Companion Restrooms Trip" is complete.

i don't have any good pictures of my DD; as soon as she sees the camera, she either puts her head down or turns it. We joke that owls and DD are the only creatures on earth that can turn their heads 270 degrees.

I love Disney!

Although, I do think my DH is happy that our recent "Quest for pictures and measurements of all the Companion Restrooms Trip" is complete.

Oh, that is so funny...bless your heart...you are always thinking of us as you tour WDW...stopping to get measurements of bathrooms when you could be out and about...now THAT is sacrifice!! Thank you, really, for doing all of that...it is very helpful for planning purposes!!

Aw...You are going to have to sneak up on your DD to get a picture!! Or have two cameras out...


Thanks, ALL, for reading and posting! I should have another update tonight and will see Lauren this afternoon to show them all of the updates.

See you guys later!!

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

MORE!!! MORE!!! I can't wait for more! I am LOVING your trip report Mary!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Please direct your neighbor to the Wish Trippers Unite thread...here is a link...

Wish Trippers UNITE thread...Lots of info re: Wish Trips!

It was very helpful in my planning and a great "support group" for people with children with special needs.

Thank you for all of your comments...thanks for posting...and thanks for reading!

I case they lose this link to the Wish Trippers Thread, there is a section about WISH trips in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. That section includes a link to the Wish Trippers Thread and also some other useful links, like Give Kids the World, Make a Wish and Wish Trip reports (including this thread).
You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread stuck near the top of the disABILITIES Board or Cheshire Figment and I both have a link to it in our signatures.

 

[maroo]

MORE!!! MORE!!! I can't wait for more! I am LOVING your trip report Mary!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!

Thank you so much!! I can't wait to hear about your travels, either!! Wish Trips ROCK!!!!

I case they lose this link to the Wish Trippers Thread, there is a section about WISH trips in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. That section includes a link to the Wish Trippers Thread and also some other useful links, like Give Kids the World, Make a Wish and Wish Trip reports (including this thread).
You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread stuck near the top of the disABILITIES Board or Cheshire Figment and I both have a link to it in our signatures.

Oh yes...I spent a LOT of time on Page 3 when I was planning my trip. And I never kept the link to the Wish Trippers thread...lol...I was always accessing it on Page 3.

 

[Khalana]

Will there be more? Oh please, oh please!! You're writing such an excellent and riveting TR. It's like a page turner!! Please, let us know what happens at CRT and how the rest of your trip went! Looking forward to more!!!!

 

[AButrcup1]

So I am totally addicted to this thread!Please we need more! Tell Lauren she is a beautiful girl,and I don't blame her for not being thrilled with BBB,my 14 year old thought it was too babyish(is that even a word?!)She stilled looked awesome as Tink though!
Andrea DH.Dan DD..Taylor,14 DS..Braydon,7

 

[maroo]

Ok...so where were we? Oh yeah, hottub...well, we don't want to think about THAT again...

After the Castle late lunch, Lauren and Lisa come back to the room. Lauren, by the way, is allergic to her costume ...so we put some medicine on the spots where she has broken out...and put a tank top on under her dress.

At this point there is lots of discussion. We have tickets to the MNSSHP for Tuesday night (today is Saturday, by the way)...but they say it could rain on Tuesday night...so we are thinking...let's go tonight AND Tuesday night. I know from reading lots on the DISboards that there is so much to do, that I figure we can stay just a little while tonight and catch the parade and fireworks and then we can ride the rides and do characters on Tuesday. (Remember, Lauren, Lisa and I have only done Buzz and Monsters, Inc. Lauren has seen NOTHING except Tomorrowland.)

So, after much discussion, we decide to go ahead and go tonight! Yeah!!!!!

So, everyone gets ready, while Lauren rests a little while. Now, I figure Lauren has already been "done" ya know. She has been out of her chair...it is about 6:00, so we get her back in her chair to leave, right? Right? Nope...she informs us that she needs to "get ready"...what? You are already ready? No...she tells us...I have to put my makeup on. What? You just got a makeover (a very expensive makeover at that) and we have TO GO! (Now this is where I don't get very nice about the makeup/hair deal... thankfully one of the only times...) I am like...come on...you don't need to do your makeup...it will be DARK outside! Lauren gets upset...I have to take a break...it was not very nice. I think she cried... Urg...I HAVE to get an attitude adjustment...it's her trip...good grief!

So, I apologize...get a better attitude...and we fix makeup and hair for about an hour...and THEN we are on our way!!!

Isn't she beautiful! (She was right, by the way.)

On the monorail we run into another cute little tinkerbell!

By the way, I am dressed up as "Cat in the Hat"...

Rick and Lisa are dressed up as "salt and pepper" and William is in his Karate outfit! Pictures of them are coming...



First, we head down Main Street...the parade is about to start (yes...we didn't get there till about 8:00!) William, Rick and I are starving...so we grab counter service. And wait for the parade...
Here are some pics...not in order of the parade route!

This is my favorite...I love Pluto and Goofy and Candy...

These guys were quite entertaining!

The details in these floats amaze me...

And the characters are so sweet!

In fact…here is Mickey himself!!

We enjoyed the parade a lot! I don't want to give anything away...but it is one of the only parades we see this trip...and it was a good one. And I have that song..."Boo to you and Boo to you and Boo to you...Happy Halloween" in my head to this day!

Now...Off to Adventureland...Magic Kingdom - MNSSHP - Part TWO!

 

[maroo]

Next we head toward Adventureland. Lauren hasn't seen any of this...and now it is dark... Oh well, we will see it on Tuesday afternoon (we plan to get to MK at about 4:00) in the sunlight.

We ran into some characters in Adventureland. This was FUN...her button gets her family to the front of each of these lines...so these magical moments happen very fast for us...


Rick and Lisa as salt and pepper...

*** THIS PHOTO HAS BEEN REMOVED!!! Per Lisa... If you want it back, tell her about it! (you will have to tell me, because she doesn't live on the DISboards! But I will be SURE to let her know you disapprove!)


William is dressed up in his Karate suit...

In fact...you would think he would be a little scared to take on this BIG guy...but no...

In fact...want to see that in motion...

Here is a VIDEO of that encounter!!

Click HERE to see William's Famous Kick!



Lauren and William (aren't they cute!!)

Lauren and one very cute Tarzan! For some reason he was more handsome in person...he was CUTE! Is Tarzan married?

And more character pics...

After that awesome encounter, we went to the Pirates of the Caribbean. This ride is not accessible at all. But the kids want to ride it. Luckily Lauren only weighs 65 lbs, so she is easy to transfer. We just pick her up and tote her where she wants to go. For this ride, she rode in Lisa's lap. They took her wheelchair so they could bring it to us at the exit. I did warn Lisa that there is a drop in this ride...since Lauren is completely on her lap and they are on the edge... but they were fine. It is interesting to note, though, that this ride actually scared Lauren. She didn't like it.



After this ride, it was very close to 9:30...time for FIREWORKS! HalloWishes! But William was NOT excited about this. He really doesn't like loud noises...they make his head hurt. So we sort of had a problem...Lauren and I really wanted to see the fireworks, but we didn't want to split up again. It turned out we didn't really have much of a view back in Adventureland anyway...Lauren, Rick and I head to a clearing and watch the end of the fireworks and then we all headed to Fantasyland.

Now, this whole time we are Trick or Treating! We got a TON of candy...really...a BUNCH of candy. I still have candy left, if that tells you anything...

Now, don't get me wrong...there is no more CHOCOLATE left ...but I do still have candy. We probably got 10-15 pounds of candy at this party...



I am not certain of the order here...but we rode several rides...the whole time we were saying...we need to go back to the Contemporary and go to sleep...but let's ride _______ first...

It's a Small World was a WALK ON! (Seriously - I was stunned.) Here are some pics...


This boat is pretty cool...Lauren just drives right on...

And drives to the front of the vehicle...Aren't they sweet!!

I love this picture of Lauren...looking up at all of the dolls...and check out those WINGS!

But this picture...I LOVE IT!!! And I can't take credit for this one...Lisa captured this shot...The wonder in William's eyes the first time he sees "It's a Small World"...Priceless...

We went to Mickey's PhilarMagic. This was a great show! I loved the music and smells and special effects. This was honestly one of my favorite rides/shows. I can't wait to see it again one day!

We also rode Peter Pan...now, for those of you guys who have never noticed...or forgot...or have no way of knowing...The loading for Peter Pan is REALLY not accessible.

In fact...this is the video I found that best shows it...I know...YouTube...can I post this??? If not, someone let me know...

Peter Pan's Flight Boarding!

So, as you can see...the Peter Pan ride boards quite fast. So, when Lauren drove up and told the CM she wanted to ride it, they thought we were crazy! But we just hoisted her up again, put her between Lisa and I, and off we went! I LOVE this ride...Have loved it a long time. And riding with Lauren the first time she rode it was so fun! We got to ride it twice in a row, which was neat...because I saw things the second time around that I didn't catch the first time around...I guess they did not want to watch us try to hoist Lauren up on that ride again, so they let us go twice!

Getting off was a little harder than getting on...but we made it! You should have seen us. With her little Tink dress on...trying NOT to flash the world... It was pretty funny...

At this point you guys are probably thinking...it is TIME for them to go HOME! It's late...and it is just their first day...

But there is more...in fact...one of the BEST moments of our WHOLE trip is coming up...but I can't post it tonight...sorry, guys...but hopefully tomorrow!!

Ok...here it is!!

Magic Kingdom - MNSSHP - Part THREE!