One Year Ago Today - A Magical Trip

[NostalgicDad]

Exactly one year ago today, the kids were coming home from school and we were surprising them with our Christmas trip to DL. They had no clue as we had the luggage secretly loaded and they thought we were going out for an early dinner. However, we were actually headed to the airport and they all fell asleep during the 45 minute drive, then awoke as we were parking at the airport. That was the first really cool part but they still didn't know our destination, other than LAX. Keeping it from them at this point was pretty tought. Still not knowing upon landing, the limo driver was waiting at baggage claim with our name on a sign. That was the second really cool part. The limo driver almost let the cat out of the bag but managed to avoid it somehow. Still not knowing and the kids occupied with enjoying the luxurious amenities in the limo, we headed away from LAX for roughly an hour's drive to Anaheim. We managed to keep from saying DL until we finally got close and they saw the road sign, Disney Way. That was the 3rd (but not final) really cool part and the excitement overflowed. The next 4 days were some of the best days we've spent together as a family. DL at Christmas time is even more magical than normal. Of course, having to leave DL at Christmas time is also more difficult than normal. But, at least we had a limo ride back to LAX to make it a little easier.

Oh, how we would love to be there again right now, doing it all over. This year wasn't meant to be, though. It's just way too expensive to get our family of 5 out there more than once in a year. So, maybe next year we can visit DL during Christmas time again. Oh, the final really cool part is writing this and being able to relive that memory with you folks. Thanks for keeping the Disney spirit alive!

 

[Daisybelle]

What a wonderful surprise for your kids! That is so cool. But, like, you didn't put any pictures with your story? Is that legal for you to do that??

 

[captsparrowslady]

Great Story!! It makes me sad. We were in DL in Jan. of this year it was sooooo great. I too, want to be there again, but it is not to be. The unempoyment numbers have caught up with this apt.

2 have no jobs = no DL

Just very good memories.

 

[pixiewings71]

Oh how fun!!! I know how excited my girls were when we surprised them in April of 06....and we drove the whole trip. I can just imagine how much fun the plane and then limo ride was!! I wish you could be there too....I know we are lucky in that we can drive so it's easier for us to make multiple trips in a year....even so we aren't going to do as many in 2009......it's just not in the cards. When are you going back?

 

[BraMax]

Isn't it wonderful to be able to surprise kids like that. We've done that and had the kids conviced that we were only going away for a weekend. My oldest couldn't understand why we had to go to the airport for a place that was only 3 hours away by car lol. They bugged and bugged once we got into the airport and we gave them hints and clues as to where we were going because we knew as soon as the customs agent asked for our passports and where we were going it would be given away. My oldest was disappointed at first that he wasn't going to see the dinosaurs after all . But once it sunk in he was

 

[Brancaneve]

It's nice to hear all of the adults respond to the initial thread and gush about the big surprise. But what is most profound, is that your children will talk about this either now or years later when they are adults. They will never forget what their parents did for them. I'm sure they will be reliving those moments on the disboards.

And for those who are unemployed, my heart and prayers go out to you and I wish that your dream of finding the perfect job will come true.

 

[trodrigue]

I'm impressed that you can make it a surprise. I am always way too excited to keep it to myself. Thanks for your note Danny. It was fun to relive your families moment with you.

 

[SnowWhite09]

That sounds like a fantastic surprise! We are visiting DL in May next year from Australia and are surprising our daughter with her first trip (mine too) as close to the date as possible - that will hopefully be on the day .

Enjoy your memories and I hope you can get back there soon!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

That's such a cool story Danny. Thanks for reliving it with us. I know what you mean about the airfare though. We have to fly in and it's crazy expensive. I used mileage for my DH and myself and still had to pay almost $600 for DS to fly out with us! That's insane! And DS is flying out w/ DH on Dec 31 because it's cheaper to fly on the day of the holiday that everyone wants to celebrate. I couldn't fly out 'til Jan 1 because I have to work on Dec 31. Anyway, thanks for the story...

 

[NostalgicDad]

What a wonderful surprise for your kids! That is so cool. But, like, you didn't put any pictures with your story? Is that legal for you to do that??

I knew someone would say that!

Here's a shot of all of us in front of the tree, exactly one year ago today, 12/13........

That's such a cool story Danny. Thanks for reliving it with us. I know what you mean about the airfare though. We have to fly in and it's crazy expensive. I used mileage for my DH and myself and still had to pay almost $600 for DS to fly out with us! That's insane! And DS is flying out w/ DH on Dec 31 because it's cheaper to fly on the day of the holiday that everyone wants to celebrate. I couldn't fly out 'til Jan 1 because I have to work on Dec 31. Anyway, thanks for the story...

Exactly. For us, multiplying everything by 5 tends to run those totals up quickly!

 

[deletedpenguin]

Great story, and I was going to say: Where's all the photos?!

Side question though, what font did you use on your card?

 

[DangerMouse]

Exactly. For us, multiplying everything by 5 tends to run those totals up quickly!

Which is exactly why our family of 5 isn't going this Christmas either.

Side question though, what font did you use on your card?

I think that's trade gothic (condensed). My dh is a font geek and has taught me well.

 

[NostalgicDad]

Great story, and I was going to say: Where's all the photos?!

Side question though, what font did you use on your card?

I think these next 12 days of Christmas, I will be posting in the POTD thread from our trip last year. That should keep my spirits up!

As far as the font, I believe Danger Mouse is correct. However, I didn't specifically choose it as I was able to use a template on my smugmug account.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Aw, Danny, what a GREAT story ~ thank you so much for sharing it with us! I got teary as I read it!

Please know that your pictures help many others keep the spirit alive that aren't able to make it here either, whether it be during this time of year or any other. Even for those of us that have the luxury of living so close, it's a special treat to get to see your pics on the POTD thread every day.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

 

[NostalgicDad]

Aw, Danny, what a GREAT story ~ thank you so much for sharing it with us! I got teary as I read it!

Please know that your pictures help many others keep the spirit alive that aren't able to make it here either, whether it be during this time of year or any other. Even for those of us that have the luxury of living so close, it's a special treat to get to see your pics on the POTD thread every day.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Thank you and the same to you and yours!

 

[deletedpenguin]

Which is exactly why our family of 5 isn't going this Christmas either.



I think that's trade gothic (condensed). My dh is a font geek and has taught me well.

I think these next 12 days of Christmas, I will be posting in the POTD thread from our trip last year. That should keep my spirits up!

As far as the font, I believe Danger Mouse is correct. However, I didn't specifically choose it as I was able to use a template on my smugmug account.

Thanks! I like it, works well here. I do a bit of graphic design, but still have yet to be able to get to the point where i can name the fonts off the top of my head.

 

[KCmike]

Are you going to post pictures on the Picture of the Day or here?

We are also a family of five and man oh man it gets touch paying for all those plane tickets and park hoppers but man oh man it is so much fun to be there all together! Was this your first time in DL at Christmas? Can't wait to see the photos!!!!

My kids are ages 14 (oldest girl), 11, and 11. My twins are boy/girl. They are already asking where we are going next year for vacation.

 

[NostalgicDad]

Are you going to post pictures on the Picture of the Day or here?

We are also a family of five and man oh man it gets touch paying for all those plane tickets and park hoppers but man oh man it is so much fun to be there all together! Was this your first time in DL at Christmas? Can't wait to see the photos!!!!

My kids are ages 14 (oldest girl), 11, and 11. My twins are boy/girl. They are already asking where we are going next year for vacation.

Yes, last December was our first time to experience DL during the Christmas season.

Other than the one I posted earlier in this thread, I'm just posting one a day in the POTD thread.

I hear you. Airfare alone would be about $500 more this year.

 

[MommyLove]

Thank you SO much for sharing that. It made me get that Disney-magic feeling inside!

This year will be our first time ever for any of us to see DL all decorated for Christmas. Well, technically it will be next year, but it's only 2 weeks away, lol. We haven't told the kids yet. I just booked the room tonight and I'm so excited I could cry.

Anyway, thanks again for sharing. And for the fantastic pic in front of the tree. You have a lovely family.

Now I'm off to check your POTD pics!!

 

[NostalgicDad]

Thank you SO much for sharing that. It made me get that Disney-magic feeling inside!

This year will be our first time ever for any of us to see DL all decorated for Christmas. Well, technically it will be next year, but it's only 2 weeks away, lol. We haven't told the kids yet. I just booked the room tonight and I'm so excited I could cry.

Anyway, thanks again for sharing. And for the fantastic pic in front of the tree. You have a lovely family.

Now I'm off to check your POTD pics!!

Glad that helped you get the Disney magic flowing! I appreciate the comment about the picture. You guys have a great trip in a couple of weeks!