Mom and Dad's Dream Trip-34 Yrs in Making-Jun08 SOUVIE PICS PG 51 NEXT TRIP!!???!!!!?

[blackforest]

My DD has a stuffed "Potato" too! We always called it a platypus?! His names was "Freud", "Fred" was to common!

Loving your trip report!

 

[MegansMom]

I'm first!!

What a fun day and dinner! Y'all are such great parents! I could definitely see how Megs was at her breaking point, in that picture. I think you did the right thing in going back to OKW.

How perfect did those buses work for you! man oh man I hope I have that luck this year!

and I must say...Lucky Lucky Lucky you! But poor Your dad and Connor! That sounds like me and Mike last year.

Thankfully, that hot weather is good for something!

YEAH Cheri is FIRST!!! We did have a fun day!!! I missed not getting to see Nemo--so cute--but we have seen it, so we didn't feel too bad in reality leaving at that point. Tom and I have had a couple of conversations about how we can never seem to make it past 2pm at AK!!! Isn't that funny!!!! Oh well--maybe next time!!! I know going back was the best thing to do for Megs and for Tom and I--last year when she melted down, we walked all the way from the back of the park by the train all the way to the front and the buses with her crying and shaking, and me crying because I knew how hard that is on her! We had several CMs try to stop me to make sure we were all right, but I had to keep on going for her sake--talking to stranger would have made it exponentially worse! Thank God Tom was behind me so he could explain the situation! ANYWAY--we did NOT want to have to repeat that again this year! So we left! AND HAD GLORIOUS NAPS!!!

I know they were soaked, but I think Dad and Conner got a kick out of the ride nonetheless!

I'm so sorry about the stink the CM made over the orange bracelet... but that post-3 hour nap picture is PRICELESS!

Me too!!! I know she was doing her job, but she had to see that I was a very concerned and informed parent that WAS trying to do what was best for her kid!! Trust me, I wasn't ABOUT to put Megan in a seat without an orange bar! I am SOOOOOOOOOO glad you enjoyed her picture from after the nap!! She was too cute that night---in a really GREAT mood!

My DD has a stuffed "Potato" too! We always called it a platypus?! His names was "Freud", "Fred" was to common!

Loving your trip report!

Is it the same Webkinz???? My best friend gave "Potato" to her right before we left for the trip--we thought it was a duck or probably a gosling--looked like one we had seen on an episode of Kipper. She has been calling it a gosling--so we are just sticking with that! Megan doesn't know about the computer side to Webkinz yet--but has two--Potato and a puppy that Mike and the kids gave her for Christmas!

I am glad you are enjoying the trip report!!! The next posting about our next day to MK is going to be a tear jerker!!! I am having a hard time writing it without crying!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Puccini from the fall collection is BEAUTIFUL IMO!!!

I hope you all enjoy Wall-E!! It really is not depressing--so sweet and you immediately fall in love with how adorable Wall-E is!! Like I said, not a traditional Pixar flick, but great nevertheless! I was so amazed by the animation too! So detailed and rich! I liked it, and I hope you do too!

I like the Frankly Scarlett .

Wall-E was WONDERFUL! We loved every minute of it!!! I won't say too much since I don't want to spoil it for any of your other readers, but WOW! What a complex, moving story!!! Wall-E reminded me a lot of my Connor with all of his collections.

Your update was terrific! That stinks about the CM and the orange bracelet -- grrrr! Too funny about Tom and the air-conditioned bathroom -- it reminds me of something similar later on in my TR! So does the whole Kali episode! And Boma! You know how I feel about Boma!!! I am starving now for their food!

I will have my box of Kleenex ready for the next installment!

 

[ampc3]

Sorry to hear about Megs almost melt down.. glad it all worked out in the end.

Can't wait to hear about your MK day

 

[blackforest]

"Is it the same Webkinz???? My best friend gave "Potato" to her right before we left for the trip--we thought it was a duck or probably a gosling--looked like one we had seen on an episode of Kipper. She has been calling it a gosling--so we are just sticking with that!"

My DD(now 13), then 4 received "Freud" as a gift. Freud is about 12"-13" long and is very furry. So Webkinz didn't even exist then! AHH, for the good old days!

 

[tink1957]

Enjoyed the update, Megan looks so cute in her Tink dress. I can't believe that CM at AK, oh well some people are just that way I guess. Glad you got to enjoy the ride anyway.

I can't wait to read about your MK day, please don't keep us in suspense too long.

 

[MegansMom]

I like the Frankly Scarlett .

Wall-E was WONDERFUL! We loved every minute of it!!! I won't say too much since I don't want to spoil it for any of your other readers, but WOW! What a complex, moving story!!! Wall-E reminded me a lot of my Connor with all of his collections.

Your update was terrific! That stinks about the CM and the orange bracelet -- grrrr! Too funny about Tom and the air-conditioned bathroom -- it reminds me of something similar later on in my TR! So does the whole Kali episode! And Boma! You know how I feel about Boma!!! I am starving now for their food!

I will have my box of Kleenex ready for the next installment!

I so KNEW you would like Wall-E!!! I am glad you all enjoyed it! I am also glad you enjoyed the update! I was starting to salivate writing that update just thinking about the food at Boma!!! SO good! I am so glad we went there this year!

Sorry to hear about Megs almost melt down.. glad it all worked out in the end.

Can't wait to hear about your MK day

That nap was GLORIOUS! It all worked out in the end! Now Annette, why are you so interested in my MK update?!?!?!

"Is it the same Webkinz???? My best friend gave "Potato" to her right before we left for the trip--we thought it was a duck or probably a gosling--looked like one we had seen on an episode of Kipper. She has been calling it a gosling--so we are just sticking with that!"

My DD(now 13), then 4 received "Freud" as a gift. Freud is about 12"-13" long and is very furry. So Webkinz didn't even exist then! AHH, for the good old days!

Yes the good old days indeed!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Enjoyed the update, Megan looks so cute in her Tink dress. I can't believe that CM at AK, oh well some people are just that way I guess. Glad you got to enjoy the ride anyway.

I can't wait to read about your MK day, please don't keep us in suspense too long.

I am so glad you enjoyed it!!! Megan was so cute in that dress--and of course she continues to wear it even now! I hope to post the first part of the MK day tomorrow--trying to get all the pics together for it! THERE WILL BE LOTS!!! AND VIDEO!!!! I hope to post it soon!

 

[IluvXU]

Boma is on my list for next trip for sure. I have a good friend headed back to WDW this August and that was the must eat place for her family again... got to try it!

Sorry Megan had a rough time of it... the heat can really do them in ... good decision to rest and get her out of the parks for a few hours! Excited for your MK update....

 

[trixiequilts]

I know many people have said this already, but wow about the CM at AK! Like you said, she was just doing her job, but obviously you were a prepared parent and had the card to help with situations like this. The second that CM saw the card she should have let you tell her how to handle it. I can understand safety issues and agree that they need to be enforced, however, GACs are available for a reason. You and Tom handled the situation beautifully, and were always looking out for Megan's needs. Some people just don't get it...

 

[MegansMom]

Boma is on my list for next trip for sure. I have a good friend headed back to WDW this August and that was the must eat place for her family again... got to try it!

Sorry Megan had a rough time of it... the heat can really do them in ... good decision to rest and get her out of the parks for a few hours! Excited for your MK update....

Boma really is very good--I think anyone can find SOMETHING they like there!!! It is neat too that you can get there early and go watch the animals out on the savanna.

We were sorry that we needed to leave, but the nap was also wonderful! I hope you all enjoy--it is going to be good!

I know many people have said this already, but wow about the CM at AK! Like you said, she was just doing her job, but obviously you were a prepared parent and had the card to help with situations like this. The second that CM saw the card she should have let you tell her how to handle it. I can understand safety issues and agree that they need to be enforced, however, GACs are available for a reason. You and Tom handled the situation beautifully, and were always looking out for Megan's needs. Some people just don't get it...

Thanks so much for your kind words!! I think we did the best we could, I just hope that by the next time we go back, she doesn't NEED to sit behind that silly orange bar so we don't have to go through that AGAIN!

 

[cherbear]

YEAH Cheri is FIRST!!! We did have a fun day!!! I missed not getting to see Nemo--so cute--but we have seen it, so we didn't feel too bad in reality leaving at that point. Tom and I have had a couple of conversations about how we can never seem to make it past 2pm at AK!!! Isn't that funny!!!! Oh well--maybe next time!!! I know going back was the best thing to do for Megs and for Tom and I--last year when she melted down, we walked all the way from the back of the park by the train all the way to the front and the buses with her crying and shaking, and me crying because I knew how hard that is on her! We had several CMs try to stop me to make sure we were all right, but I had to keep on going for her sake--talking to stranger would have made it exponentially worse! Thank God Tom was behind me so he could explain the situation! ANYWAY--we did NOT want to have to repeat that again this year! So we left! AND HAD GLORIOUS NAPS!!!

I know they were soaked, but I think Dad and Conner got a kick out of the ride nonetheless!

I am glad you are enjoying the trip report!!! The next posting about our next day to MK is going to be a tear jerker!!! I am having a hard time writing it without crying!!!!!

glad you didn't have a repeat of last year!

oh let's all pass those tissues around now and get ready!!

 

[MegansMom]

I'm putting out the official tissue alert system---today I will be posting the first part of our first MK Day!!! I think it will be filled with teary-eyed moments, so I just want to be fair and warn you in advance----get those Kleenexes and Puffs ready!!! Stay tuned--coming soon!

 

[MegansMom]

Even though we all had a fabulous day the day before at AK, we all knew that today was the day we were all waiting for-----our first day back at Magic Kingdom!!! This is where it all started--our family's deep and profound love for all things Disney!! My parents still get tears in their eyes when they remember their first trip here years and years before before they ever even had kiddos. Mike, Kristi, and I fondly remember so many trips spent here as children enjoying every magical moment that this park has brought us. Tom and I still remember that precious look on Megan's face in 2006 when we walked in for the first time as our family and she got to see Mickey and Minnie within minutes of walking onto Main Street. SO needless to say, it is THE family favorite! I knew how much I loved the opening show, so I made sure that we all got up early and headed out in plenty of time to enjoy the show.

So we were all up at 6am again in our room without the help of our alarm clock---I think it was a combination of the sun streaming in barely through the blinds on the patio doors and the birds chirping outside of our room. We all excitedly got up and dressed, and began eating our breakfasts.

Megan made her usual call to Grandma and Grandpa, and we all were ready and at the bus stop by 8am. It wasn't long before our "chariot" arrived and whisked us away to MK.

I could tell in my Mom's eyes that she was already tearing up as the bus drove into the drop off spots and she could see parts of MK's facade. We quickly made our way through the security checks and through the turnstiles--and then that glorious show began!!! One of the best ways to wake up in my opinion!!! As we stood huddled as a family watching the show--all 10 of us--I started to get a lump in my throat and tears budded at the corners of my eyes. I was just overwhelmed with this great feeling of "WE DID IT!" We finally got all of us--minus Justin whom we dearly missed--back to WDW!!! My parents' long-time dream was actually a reality--having all their children and grandchildren swarmed around them back at the happiest place on earth! This place was just so special to our family--because through all the turmoil and highs and lows of our past, this was the one place where we could always let that all disappear and enjoy the magic and happiness together. I was also so excited and emotionally overwhelmed about Mike's kids getting to experience this magic for the first time, about Mike getting to experience it for the first time as a dad, and Megan getting to enjoy it for the first time with other kids. I was so grateful and overwhelmed and happy that the dam broke, and the tears began to stream down my face as Mickey and Minnie appeared on the train. At this point, I looked over to my lovely parents, and realized I was not alone. Clutching the handful of Mickey-eared confetti she had just been given to her heart, my mother was crying just as hard as I and my father's eyes were overcome with tears as well. When Mom and I realized we were both crying, we shared a huge smile and a wink, and mouthed to one another "I Love You!" I then turned to see my brother standing so proudly by his children with huge tears streaming down his face as well. I knew how long he had hoped to bring the kids to WDW, and I was just so excited for him that his dreams had finally come true as well! As I was beginning to turn towards Megan, I also noticed that my beautiful sister was also crying pretty heavily. We exchanged knowing smiles as we each wiped the tears from our cheeks. I put my arm around my wonderful hubby and leaned closer into two of my favorite people--Tom and Megs as they counted down the opening of MK! 3-2-1 HURRAY we all shouted with such joy!!! We all got doused with a good helping of confetti, and then started making our way through the tunnel to Main Street, all wiping tears and sharing hugs along the way. We all knew what joy was going through our minds, and understood each other's stream of tears. What a beautiful morning! I know we all continued to wipe away tears as we slowly meandered down Main Street with the crowds towards the most magical sight of all:

I think seeing the castle made some of us even tear up more! We decided to head straight back to Fantasyland--the heart of it all! After going around the castle, we headed to our first destination---DUMBO!!! It only had a 10 minute wait, so those of us who were going to ride quickly hopped in line!! The funniest part about going through that line, was that we had not previously figured out who would ride with whom. Thinking the line would move slowly, we huddled to try to figure it all out, but every few seconds or so, we would quickly discover that the line had moved well ahead, and we were causing a road block!! So we had to quickly discern how to separate the kids and the adults so that everyone was happy! It was probably too funny to watch!! As we began to walk up the final slope, I received a tap, tap, tap on my back---I turned around to see this beautiful family standing there--the Mom quickly asked if I was Jen, when I told her I was, I realized quickly that it was Annette (ampc3)!!! I was so excited that I actually got to run into a DISfriend so early on in our adventures!! We quickly snapped pictures of each other--her kids are too adorable!!

I wanted to so desperately chat with her or at least give her a hug, but the line was moving so quickly that we had to go! Annette--even though we only got to see each other for a moment, it was so nice running into you! Before we knew it, we were all climbing into our Dumbos:

Mike and Conner

Mom and Josh and Kristi and Megan (this will become a theme throughout the trip!!!)

Me and Maddie:

Dad and Tom sat this one out--Tom can't do rides that go around in a circle.

Here's our view as Maddie flew me around Fantasyland:

We had a great ride! Then we headed over to Snow White's Scary Adventures, and walked right on!! Everyone seemed to enjoy this ride pretty well. After that, we headed towards a family favorite--IASW!!!! Again we walked right on! Here is a little video clip from our first ride together as a family!!! It is a little dark--it was shot with my "broken" camera!! If I have done this correctly, I believe you just click on it to get it to play.



And here are some pics:

Notice again who Megs is sitting with????

I Love this one of Mike:

The child who did NOT want to ride IASW:

Goofy pic of Tom, but I needed one of him on here:

As we were leaving IASW, Tom grabbed some FP for Peter Pan for all of us! YEAH! Then we walked into Philharmagic:

Megan's "Serious Face"

They were all excited since they had never seen Philharmagic:

Cute group shot--again, who is Megan with??????

Needless to say, everyone LOVED this!!! Megan still leaned forward to hug Mermaid and Tinkerbell. No matter how many times she sees this, she still loves it and is still excited by it just like the first time!

It was already time to use our PP FP, so we headed right over there and hopped on!! This was one of our family favorites when we were kids, so it was really fun to ride it with everyone again!!! As we were exiting, I noticed the Dream Squad standing by the exit, so I started to slow up my pace hoping that whatever they were about to hand out, they would start with me--------------------------------------we all ambled slowly by-----------------------------and NOTHING!!!!!------------------------------so I thought, "HMM? I guess we just missed it!"----------------------------------------------WRONG!!!! As soon as the last member of our 10 member group passed, they began handing out Dream Fastpasses to the very NEXT group behind us!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I literally felt my stomach drop! Kristi said, maybe we should just ask??? So since we were still in the exiting area, we did, but we were kindly told--Sorry, but you have to be at the right place at the right time! They then handed them out for quite some time to all the people behind us!! I was half-tempted to run back through the queue and get back on, but the wait was pretty long already!! So we just accepted that we JUST missed a dream--SO CLOSE--but would just hope for bigger and better dreams in the future!!! To lift our spirits, we decided to head over to the Tea Cups!!! Dad and Tom elected out of this one, but headed over to Pooh to get FP while we rode--he received a special bonus FP for Philharmagic for later too. We only had a 10 minute wait!!!

Here are Maddie and Josh putting on their "game faces," since we were going to take on Mike and Conner for fastest spinning tea cup!

Here are the non-competitors!! Again, where is Megan????

And here are our FIERCE COMPETITORS!!!!!!!!

Needless to say, Mike and Conner won!! They had a little strength advantage!!! I'm weak--what can I say!!!!

As we were exiting the Tea Cups, we saw Alice and the Mad Hatter, and all the kids wanted to go get in line to see them, but unfortunately as we got to the end of the small line, we were informed that they would be leaving and weren't allowing anyone else in line. BUMMER! As we turned around to head towards our pre-determined lunch destination (Cosmic Ray's) I saw someone who looked VERY familiar!!! There was a bunch of executive CMs standing in a circle talking, and I recognized that one of them was Matthew--the CM that posed with our "Minnie Megan Mouse" from our last trip. (Remember the one that gave her the HUGE Minnie Mouse doll!!!) Here is a bad picture of the two of them from last year--I had a better one, but it is no longer on my photobucket!

The funny thing was that I had with me at that moment a Thank You card that we had written for him that had pictures of the two of them in it. I was going to drop it off at Guest Relations before I left the park that day!!! So I went up to talk to him to see if he remembered us, and as soon as he saw Megan, he said: "I remember you--you were my little Minnie Mouse!" She giggled when he remembered her! We stood and talked for quite awhile about how much we appreciated what he did for her last year, and I gave him the thank you card--so much better to be giving it to him in person! I was so excited to see him again and to be able to thank him on my own! He noticed that she was dressed as Tinkerbell today, and I explained that at 12:40 she was going to the BBB to be made up just like Tink! We talked for a few more minutes, and then began to part--as we were leaving though, he said," I will see you at the castle at 12:40 then, okay?" We said okay, but weren't sure why he wanted to come see us again!! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm??????????????????????????? We went right into Cosmic Ray's--it was a little after 11am, but we were all ready for some lunch and some A/C! The place was empty!! We all enjoyed our meals--I had the turkey & bacon wrap with the apples and the sugar-free brownie. All VERY good! We sat and ate, and talked about what a wonderful morning we had!! Mike couldn't believe all that we accomplished so far! We had a great lunch!

We then decided that we would use our Winnie FP together, and then split up for the girls' BBB!!! (Grandpa was going to take the boys to do some "guy" stuff!) Everyone enjoyed the Winnie ride, and Tom fulfilled a promise he had made to Megan by purchasing a Piglet and Tigger doll to accompany the rest of the crew that she had back at home! She was too excited!! And this is where we split--the boys off to boy adventures, and the girls off to pampering for our princesses!!

I SO love this picture!! We were on our way to the castle, and Megan decided to begin "flying" like Tinkerbell!! Oh, how I wish I could have bottled that moment! Tears once again budded in my eyes as I watched my angel revel in every magical second of that wonderful place!!

Ok, I am going to break here for just a little bit--let you all enjoy the first part of this day!!! When we return, will our BBB be wonderful experience or a nightmare???? Just who on earth is "that guy"??????? Will we see Matthew again???????? Will we ever make it out of Fantasyland?????? Will we enjoy our dinner at Kona???????? Just HOW many drinks can one spill in one evening?????? Will we ever find our way out of Magic Kingdom????????? All of this and so much more!! More priceless pictures and videos to come in the next installment!! HOLD ON TO THOSE TISSUES, because you are going to need them!

 

[DisneyDreamnDeb]

Jen, I've read through this last post three times crying my eyes out! I love the pics. and the video! What a wonderful start to your day, that's so great you met a Dis member freind so early on! That would be so neat to run into someone while we are there!
Megan looks so cute in her Tink dress!!!
I finely got a day off today and was able to catch up on your report...these long hours are starting to get to me, but I just start humming "IASW" tune and that perks me up !!!
I'm on the edge of my seat ready for more!!!! Deb.

 

[Paparazzimama]

I'm going to lose my mind between now and the next post!!! LOL! How can you leave us hanging like that?!?! {sigh} Rant over {double sigh} So, here I am, once again, hanging on the edge of my seat to see what happens at the BBB - I have a feeling that Matt had something up his sleeve for yall!!!! Ooooh, I just can't take the suspense!

 

[bentleygirl22]

Come back come back I'm hooked on your trip report .. come back and tell me more ...... i'm sitting here waiting....
~Amanda

 

[IluvXU]

Jen... I teared up too. What a special trip for your family... and I do think MK is just so much more magical than any other park. It is surely where I get the lumps in my throat the most! Cannot wait to see what the rest of the day brings. Love the Tink costume...so glad you ran into the CM too!

 

[MegansMom]

Jen, I've read through this last post three times crying my eyes out! I love the pics. and the video! What a wonderful start to your day, that's so great you met a Dis member freind so early on! That would be so neat to run into someone while we are there!
Megan looks so cute in her Tink dress!!!
I finely got a day off today and was able to catch up on your report...these long hours are starting to get to me, but I just start humming "IASW" tune and that perks me up !!!
I'm on the edge of my seat ready for more!!!! Deb.

Deb, you are always so sweet!! I am glad you got a day off, and so honored you spent some of it catching up on my report--too kind! I find singing that tune perks me up too!! I am glad you are looking forward to more--Tom has to work late tonight, so I should be able to post another update later! Stay tuned!

I'm going to lose my mind between now and the next post!!! LOL! How can you leave us hanging like that?!?! {sigh} Rant over {double sigh} So, here I am, once again, hanging on the edge of my seat to see what happens at the BBB - I have a feeling that Matt had something up his sleeve for yall!!!! Ooooh, I just can't take the suspense!

You crack me up!!! Please don't lose your mind on my account! Stay tuned, because the next update should be here soon!

Come back come back I'm hooked on your trip report .. come back and tell me more ...... i'm sitting here waiting....
~Amanda

You are TOO sweet!! I should be able to post some more tonight--please feel free to eat, drink, and use the bathroom as you please while you are waiting!

Jen... I teared up too. What a special trip for your family... and I do think MK is just so much more magical than any other park. It is surely where I get the lumps in my throat the most! Cannot wait to see what the rest of the day brings. Love the Tink costume...so glad you ran into the CM too!

Thanks so much Laura!! I had tears running down my face again as I typed it--Megan couldn't figure out why AT ALL!!! I love the Tink costume too--she wore it last year for her bday and Halloween, but she still looks so cute in it everytime she puts it on! Stay tuned to see what else is in store!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Aggghhh!!!! You can't leave us hanging like that!!! I just now that something wonderful is going to happen in the next installment!!! And yes, Jen, you made me all teary eyed reading about your family's sentimental moment waiting for the MK to open, and the CM recognizing Megan!!! I'll just keep the kleenex right here beside the computer.