keenercam
Loves Mickey!
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2001
- Messages
- 10,466
Some background: DD's marching band was scheduled to perform at Disney's Music Days on 3/31. Thanks to my friend, Dave, on the WISH training thread, I got a great DING fare for $39 each way. Originally, DS12 and I were going together, but he is starring in his school musical and couldn't miss rehearsals, so I cashed in his ticket, moved my return flight 13 hours later, and planned my first solo trip. DH was so generous and understanding about me going and didn't mind my exuberance in telling everyone I knew about my "solo" trip. Poor guy. It's not that I don't LOVE to go to WDW with him. Originally, his job would have prevented him from going, and then when that wasn't an issue, DS12 wasn't going, so someone had to stay home and play parent. I was just so grateful he was understanding about me going. My plan was always NOT to chaperone, but to still share the experience. After all, the chaperones were staying off-site and spending a day at the "U" place. That held NO interest for me. So, I had the best of both worlds -- share the experience, but none of the responsibility! 
Since I wanted to use our DVC points, I "advertised" for a roommate among the other parents going on the trip and had the good fortune that a friend named Tiny wanted to share accommodations. The cash contribution she made toward the room allowed me to renew my Premium Annual Pass with no guilt. And she was absolutely the most perfect roommate! So, I took Friday, 3/31, off from work and left a bit early on Thursday to finish packing. It had been a very stressful time, waiting to hear from colleges/universities for DD (including her first choice) and coming up on the one-year anniversary of my Dad's death, followed 16 days later by my Mom.
So, the cast here was me (a 42 yr old certified Disney freak!), my friend Tiny, and my daughter's HS marching band and colorguard.
--------------------
Well, my trip was everything I hoped for and so much more. The perfect combination of familiar Disney magic, new experiences, alone time, time with wonderful, generous friends, the satisfaction of fitting in some training for the Minnie 15K, and great food.
I am not a creative writer. I have spent too much of my life learning to write crisply and concisely. So, no entertainment here, guys. Just the bare facts heavily imbued with lots of enthusiasm and superlatives, of course!
My arrival at MCO and Magical Express to OKW were without incident. I had spoken with my roommate, Tiny, from the airport and knew we were in building 64 and it was near the Hospitality House but didnt have a real appreciation for the location until a Bell Services CM walked me to my building just about 90 seconds from HH. I knew it was going to be a great location. I arrived just after midnight.
Woke up Friday at about 6 to go out for a wog. I followed the resort map to find the jogging path and then just meandered along it for nearly 3 miles. At one point, I found the nature trail and it put me within sight of SS; I was excited at the prospect of exploring further. But, I left that for Saturday I figured that would be good motivation to get out for another wog. On the way back to my room I stopped at the OKW general store where I bought goodies for DH and DS and some food small bags of pretzels, a bag of pre-cut salad, some bottled water, and a package of sliced turkey. Also stopped for coffee at Goods to Go. Not bad. Tiny had waited for me to go to the MK, so I grabbed a quick shower and we were on an 8 am bus from Hospitality House. We could have also taken the bus from Penninsular Road, but walking to HH was more celebratory, somehow.
We arrived at the MK in plenty of time for me to renew my PAP and get into a great position for the Opening Celebration. Then a stroll up Main Street to the Bakery, where I got coffee and cut fruit and Tiny had a delicious mix of yogurt and fruit and granola. YUM! (Ill be saying that a lot this trip!) As we approached the Castle, it was nearly time for the 9:40 Cinderellabration. It was so fun and the colors of the gowns were exquisite in the morning sun.
Then off to Mickeys Philharmagic, which Tiny had never seen (her last trip was 2 years ago when her son was in the band and choir. She didnt have a biological child on this years trip, but many students had adopted her during her sons high school years and were thrilled to share the adventure with her). After checking in with my office (UGH!!), we went to Small World and Tiny was suitably impressed with the freshened look. It was so much fun to guess the countries represented in each display and to point out all sorts of little details to each other. Haunted Mansion was next, and Jenn called me just as we were in queque to tell me she was finally HOME in the MK. I have to say There is NOTHING quite as wonderful as hearing your 17 year old bubbling over with delight because she is in Disney World. When we came out of HM, there were Jenn and her friends in line and after a huge hug and wishes for a fabulous day, I was off to continue to enjoy my adults-only exploration of the MK. Wandering through the shops at whim was another new and wonderful experience!
Lunch was at PinocchiosI had heard the Italian sub sandwich is good, and it was delicious, served with baked Lays. YUM! We continued to wander the park at a very leisurely pace, and literally stopped to smell the roses in the rose garden off to the right of the castle. The roses were so beautiful and unique and it really made me want to plan a trip for the Flower and Garden Festival next year. I am glad I took some pictures. I dont think I have pictures of the MK flowers in any of my Disney photo albums.
We found ourselves in Tomorrowland with the objective of trying to help catch Stitch. We ran into a bunch of our kids who were being the kinds of teenagers that you admire. They were obviously having a great time and laughing and enjoying the experience in such a wholesome and reassuring way. No bad language or horsing around or anything like that. Simply terrific kids. We also did the Tomorrowland Transit Authority just because I HAVE to. I hope they never take away this attraction. It feels like what Walt wanted. Just cant explain it, but nostalgic and futuristic all at the same time. Just another one of those unique things that makes WDW what it is.
We took the back path to ToonTown where we thought wed catch the train, but the line was greater than I had ever seen there. Instead we walked toward Liberty Square, where we ran into more very well-behaved kids and I got lots of hugs and smiles. It hit me then that many of these kids had never been to WDW. I realized how fortunate I am to have been many times and how blessed my children are too. The great thing is, though, that Jenns smile was just as big as that on the faces of kids who were seeing everything for the first time. The wonder doesnt wear off. More of the Magic of Disney! If anything, I think Jenn really enjoyed sharing her knowledge and the experience with her friends.
So, this is where my trip became truly solo for a few hours. At around 2:20, we ran into another parent who was alone and she and Tiny wanted to do some things I wasnt really interested in (Hall of Presidents, SADCT parade), so I took the time to check in with my office, wander through a couple shops, and head back to the resort. On the way, though, I stopped at Caseys for a hot dog with mustard and sauer kraut, which I ate on the way to the bus stop.
It was a quick ride back to OKW, a nice quick walk from the Penninsular bus stop to building 64 and then a blissful hour at the pool with a good book. Once again I was struck by how easy it is to leave the parks mid-day and get back pretty quickly. I was back to the MK by about 5:30 and ran into Tiny and the other parent and her daughter and we all did Small World together. Then we just wandered around until it was time for the kids to report to the buses to change into uniforms.
We got to the castle by about 7:00 for the 7:30 performances and the parents were all on the left side of the castle even though I tried to tell them the band would go counterclockwise around the castle I mean, look at where the parade lines are set up! It wasnt until the first band came down Main Street and took a right instead of a left that the other parents made a beeline for the correct parade location. Jenns band was fourth and last before Spectromagic the prestige position, we are told. I knew they were planning on playing Zippity Doo Dah and Mustang Sally in the parade and they happened to be doing Mustang Sally to a very energetic and enthusiastic audience as they approached the castle. Jenn had written the flag show and as they came down Main Street, she and her co-captain were right behind the Honor Guard (American flag and Delaware flag guarded by saber and rifle) and they were spinning gorgeous multi-colored silks with panels shimmering under the street lights of Main Street. Jenn could not have been smiling any bigger I swear I could practically see her wisdom teeth! And she held her head so high in pride that you could feel it coming off of her in waves. I cannot imagine how she must have been feeling because my happiness for her was overwhelming. The culmination of four years of working very hard in marching band and finally, to have this honor.
The kids came back to the park after changing out of their uniforms and found us all at the castle waiting for Wishes to start. I heard Jenn before I saw her Mommy, Mommy! (she only calls me that when she wants something or is happy beyond words). She came up behind me and threw her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek -- Mommy, can you believe it? I just marched down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom! It was the most awesome time of my life!
Now, I should probably stop here to mention that my daughter is about to graduate HS and go off to college. We have had our struggles as she fights for freedom and independence and our objectives are to keep her safe until she is able to consistently make good judgments that come with maturity. Dont get me wrong I WANT her to be a responsible adult. I WANT her to be independent and strong. But, at that moment, I was so happy that she sounded like a little girl who had just seen Santa. I was so happy that she called me Mommy and had come to find me to share the experience. I was so happy that she told me she was glad I was there to see her perform. Its been a rough year. I thought about how proud my parents would have been to see Jenn march down Main Street. And, just the day before, Jenn found out shed been accepted to her first choice university. What a relief for all of us and how much that added to her trip! It felt like we were all able to breathe again. The parade was a celebration, for me and for Jenn, in so many ways that so many people couldnt even know. I knew that no matter what challenges will come, at that moment, she was happy and proud and my little girl. The magic of Disney!
Id love to tell you all about how wonderful WISHES was that night. How that evening was the culmination for me of so many wishes coming true, but you can probably guess.
Next up Cams awesome day at EPCOT.
Since I wanted to use our DVC points, I "advertised" for a roommate among the other parents going on the trip and had the good fortune that a friend named Tiny wanted to share accommodations. The cash contribution she made toward the room allowed me to renew my Premium Annual Pass with no guilt. And she was absolutely the most perfect roommate! So, I took Friday, 3/31, off from work and left a bit early on Thursday to finish packing. It had been a very stressful time, waiting to hear from colleges/universities for DD (including her first choice) and coming up on the one-year anniversary of my Dad's death, followed 16 days later by my Mom.
So, the cast here was me (a 42 yr old certified Disney freak!), my friend Tiny, and my daughter's HS marching band and colorguard.
--------------------
Well, my trip was everything I hoped for and so much more. The perfect combination of familiar Disney magic, new experiences, alone time, time with wonderful, generous friends, the satisfaction of fitting in some training for the Minnie 15K, and great food.
I am not a creative writer. I have spent too much of my life learning to write crisply and concisely. So, no entertainment here, guys. Just the bare facts heavily imbued with lots of enthusiasm and superlatives, of course!
My arrival at MCO and Magical Express to OKW were without incident. I had spoken with my roommate, Tiny, from the airport and knew we were in building 64 and it was near the Hospitality House but didnt have a real appreciation for the location until a Bell Services CM walked me to my building just about 90 seconds from HH. I knew it was going to be a great location. I arrived just after midnight.
Woke up Friday at about 6 to go out for a wog. I followed the resort map to find the jogging path and then just meandered along it for nearly 3 miles. At one point, I found the nature trail and it put me within sight of SS; I was excited at the prospect of exploring further. But, I left that for Saturday I figured that would be good motivation to get out for another wog. On the way back to my room I stopped at the OKW general store where I bought goodies for DH and DS and some food small bags of pretzels, a bag of pre-cut salad, some bottled water, and a package of sliced turkey. Also stopped for coffee at Goods to Go. Not bad. Tiny had waited for me to go to the MK, so I grabbed a quick shower and we were on an 8 am bus from Hospitality House. We could have also taken the bus from Penninsular Road, but walking to HH was more celebratory, somehow.
We arrived at the MK in plenty of time for me to renew my PAP and get into a great position for the Opening Celebration. Then a stroll up Main Street to the Bakery, where I got coffee and cut fruit and Tiny had a delicious mix of yogurt and fruit and granola. YUM! (Ill be saying that a lot this trip!) As we approached the Castle, it was nearly time for the 9:40 Cinderellabration. It was so fun and the colors of the gowns were exquisite in the morning sun.
Then off to Mickeys Philharmagic, which Tiny had never seen (her last trip was 2 years ago when her son was in the band and choir. She didnt have a biological child on this years trip, but many students had adopted her during her sons high school years and were thrilled to share the adventure with her). After checking in with my office (UGH!!), we went to Small World and Tiny was suitably impressed with the freshened look. It was so much fun to guess the countries represented in each display and to point out all sorts of little details to each other. Haunted Mansion was next, and Jenn called me just as we were in queque to tell me she was finally HOME in the MK. I have to say There is NOTHING quite as wonderful as hearing your 17 year old bubbling over with delight because she is in Disney World. When we came out of HM, there were Jenn and her friends in line and after a huge hug and wishes for a fabulous day, I was off to continue to enjoy my adults-only exploration of the MK. Wandering through the shops at whim was another new and wonderful experience!
Lunch was at PinocchiosI had heard the Italian sub sandwich is good, and it was delicious, served with baked Lays. YUM! We continued to wander the park at a very leisurely pace, and literally stopped to smell the roses in the rose garden off to the right of the castle. The roses were so beautiful and unique and it really made me want to plan a trip for the Flower and Garden Festival next year. I am glad I took some pictures. I dont think I have pictures of the MK flowers in any of my Disney photo albums.
We found ourselves in Tomorrowland with the objective of trying to help catch Stitch. We ran into a bunch of our kids who were being the kinds of teenagers that you admire. They were obviously having a great time and laughing and enjoying the experience in such a wholesome and reassuring way. No bad language or horsing around or anything like that. Simply terrific kids. We also did the Tomorrowland Transit Authority just because I HAVE to. I hope they never take away this attraction. It feels like what Walt wanted. Just cant explain it, but nostalgic and futuristic all at the same time. Just another one of those unique things that makes WDW what it is.
We took the back path to ToonTown where we thought wed catch the train, but the line was greater than I had ever seen there. Instead we walked toward Liberty Square, where we ran into more very well-behaved kids and I got lots of hugs and smiles. It hit me then that many of these kids had never been to WDW. I realized how fortunate I am to have been many times and how blessed my children are too. The great thing is, though, that Jenns smile was just as big as that on the faces of kids who were seeing everything for the first time. The wonder doesnt wear off. More of the Magic of Disney! If anything, I think Jenn really enjoyed sharing her knowledge and the experience with her friends.
So, this is where my trip became truly solo for a few hours. At around 2:20, we ran into another parent who was alone and she and Tiny wanted to do some things I wasnt really interested in (Hall of Presidents, SADCT parade), so I took the time to check in with my office, wander through a couple shops, and head back to the resort. On the way, though, I stopped at Caseys for a hot dog with mustard and sauer kraut, which I ate on the way to the bus stop.
It was a quick ride back to OKW, a nice quick walk from the Penninsular bus stop to building 64 and then a blissful hour at the pool with a good book. Once again I was struck by how easy it is to leave the parks mid-day and get back pretty quickly. I was back to the MK by about 5:30 and ran into Tiny and the other parent and her daughter and we all did Small World together. Then we just wandered around until it was time for the kids to report to the buses to change into uniforms.
We got to the castle by about 7:00 for the 7:30 performances and the parents were all on the left side of the castle even though I tried to tell them the band would go counterclockwise around the castle I mean, look at where the parade lines are set up! It wasnt until the first band came down Main Street and took a right instead of a left that the other parents made a beeline for the correct parade location. Jenns band was fourth and last before Spectromagic the prestige position, we are told. I knew they were planning on playing Zippity Doo Dah and Mustang Sally in the parade and they happened to be doing Mustang Sally to a very energetic and enthusiastic audience as they approached the castle. Jenn had written the flag show and as they came down Main Street, she and her co-captain were right behind the Honor Guard (American flag and Delaware flag guarded by saber and rifle) and they were spinning gorgeous multi-colored silks with panels shimmering under the street lights of Main Street. Jenn could not have been smiling any bigger I swear I could practically see her wisdom teeth! And she held her head so high in pride that you could feel it coming off of her in waves. I cannot imagine how she must have been feeling because my happiness for her was overwhelming. The culmination of four years of working very hard in marching band and finally, to have this honor.
The kids came back to the park after changing out of their uniforms and found us all at the castle waiting for Wishes to start. I heard Jenn before I saw her Mommy, Mommy! (she only calls me that when she wants something or is happy beyond words). She came up behind me and threw her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek -- Mommy, can you believe it? I just marched down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom! It was the most awesome time of my life!
Now, I should probably stop here to mention that my daughter is about to graduate HS and go off to college. We have had our struggles as she fights for freedom and independence and our objectives are to keep her safe until she is able to consistently make good judgments that come with maturity. Dont get me wrong I WANT her to be a responsible adult. I WANT her to be independent and strong. But, at that moment, I was so happy that she sounded like a little girl who had just seen Santa. I was so happy that she called me Mommy and had come to find me to share the experience. I was so happy that she told me she was glad I was there to see her perform. Its been a rough year. I thought about how proud my parents would have been to see Jenn march down Main Street. And, just the day before, Jenn found out shed been accepted to her first choice university. What a relief for all of us and how much that added to her trip! It felt like we were all able to breathe again. The parade was a celebration, for me and for Jenn, in so many ways that so many people couldnt even know. I knew that no matter what challenges will come, at that moment, she was happy and proud and my little girl. The magic of Disney!
Id love to tell you all about how wonderful WISHES was that night. How that evening was the culmination for me of so many wishes coming true, but you can probably guess.
Next up Cams awesome day at EPCOT.
I think we actually crave the opportunity to be little girls and boys again.
You must be so proud of your DD! What a special moment for you both to keep in your hearts and to treasure always. 
thanks for sharing
