Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[HopperFan]

We were chosen too. I happened to walk up to a CM to ask to see his pins. He asked if we wanted a VIP seat for the parade. It will always be a highlight for my family.

We were taking pictures with my new camera and CM came up to us. We talked about the camera and he said "How would you like to test it out from VIP seats?" It was probably the same CM, he is one of them in charge of parade, James. Great guy, spent some time after with him too. He's at MK now. (To keep relevant with the RoL thread he told us lots about it).

Funny was when he asked I was wracking my brain to figure out where the VIP seating was .... it didn't click with me. Then he says we are his first so we can pick our float. We chose the "Goofy Float."

My DS is disabled. He didn't blink at our vests and hats but didn't understand why we were going backstage. We climbed on our float and then all these characters started walking out. His eyes got so big and they all came to see him. He was so excited. He is VERY MUCH in to characters. Then we start moving, totally perplexed. We rolled out the gates and the place was packed. He didn't quite get it. But then we noticed that people were looking at him and starting to smile and wave to him, some were lifting their cameras to take pictures of him. It was like a light switch went off his face lit up and he started waving to everyone. It really was special for our family because of him. It's not often he is a "star" usually on the sidelines watching his siblings. It was obvious people were reacting to him. We were merely his entourage. One of our great WDW memories!

 

[HopperFan]

So on another note...since I had all this free time on my hands I started reading other threads. Found out some interesting tidbits on DVC.
1. There is a DVC discount for Club Villain in DHS ($99 for members v. $129 regular price). I'm sure this is old news to most but I just found it today. Called up DVC and got a refund of $90 back

2. Changes in membership for those buying resale went into effect on 4/4/16. Inquired about this while I had DVC on the line - the perks they cut out really suck!!! These changes don't affect me but still. The only perks you get with a new resale DVC membership are: TOTWL access, pool hopping and free DVD rentals at the resorts. This means no AP, dining or merchandise discount, no access to special events. Glad we bought in when we did.

Discounted for DVC, AP and CMs for certain times. Great deal, one of the best discounts out there.

 

[bluezy]

We have never gone to the parks on our first day. Looks like flights may get us in around noon. Debating if it's worth the extra money (7 adult tickets as no one is under 10 any longer) to go to the parks the first day. Flights leave early - around 6 in the morning and we currently have Ohana booked for dinner at 8. But, MK is open late this day. Unless they change that....who knows..... I would like to hear from the first day park people. Is it too exhausting? We already have 7 days planned for the parks. Is 7 1/2 too many.....I haven't been able to make up my mind and I'm running out of time to do so. Thanks!

We used to be "hang out at the resort and swim or go to DTD/DS on the first day" people. Then we got the Buy 4/Get 3 Free deal for room and tickets back in 2009 and found ourselves with tickets for every day of our stay. So since we usually arrive at the resort by noon, we decided to just go to Epcot for a few hours that afternoon/evening. We had dinner there, rode a few rides, and then headed back to the hotel by 8:00. We went for a quick swim and still got to bed at a decent time so that we could hit rope drop the next morning. We were hooked. From then on, we always bought the extra day of tickets so we could always go to a park on arrival day. We liked that it gave us a head-start at Epcot and made our full day at Epcot less hurried. And now with FP+, you can schedule 3 rides at convenient times and get those taken care of (very helpful in parks that have tiering). We usually spend about 4-5 hours casually touring the park and find that's a good way for us to ease in to our vacation. In your case, I'd probably schedule 3 FP's at MK for late afternoon/early evening and then head to Ohana for dinner and call it a night. Or you could schedule FP's at Epcot and take the monorail the TTC and walk over to Ohana. Personally, I wouldn't want to go to the park after your dinner since it's so late -- I'd want to get back to the hotel and get a good night's sleep to hit the ground running in the morning.

 

[Marlyn]

We were taking pictures with my new camera and CM came up to us. We talked about the camera and he said "How would you like to test it out from VIP seats?" It was probably the same CM, he is one of them in charge of parade, James. Great guy, spent some time after with him too. He's at MK now. (To keep relevant with the RoL thread he told us lots about it).

Funny was when he asked I was wracking my brain to figure out where the VIP seating was .... it didn't click with me. Then he says we are his first so we can pick our float. We chose the "Goofy Float."

My DS is disabled. He didn't blink at our vests and hats but didn't understand why we were going backstage. We climbed on our float and then all these characters started walking out. His eyes got so big and they all came to see him. He was so excited. He is VERY MUCH in to characters. Then we start moving, totally perplexed. We rolled out the gates and the place was packed. He didn't quite get it. But then we noticed that people were looking at him and starting to smile and wave to him, some were lifting their cameras to take pictures of him. It was like a light switch went off his face lit up and he started waving to everyone. It really was special for our family because of him. It's not often he is a "star" usually on the sidelines watching his siblings. It was obvious people were reacting to him. We were merely his entourage. One of our great WDW memories!

Oh my....well, that wonderful story brought tears to me eyes!!! THIS sort of thing is why we go back to Disney over and over and over!!

 

[PaintsWindColors]

We were taking pictures with my new camera and CM came up to us. We talked about the camera and he said "How would you like to test it out from VIP seats?" It was probably the same CM, he is one of them in charge of parade, James. Great guy, spent some time after with him too. He's at MK now. (To keep relevant with the RoL thread he told us lots about it).

Funny was when he asked I was wracking my brain to figure out where the VIP seating was .... it didn't click with me. Then he says we are his first so we can pick our float. We chose the "Goofy Float."

My DS is disabled. He didn't blink at our vests and hats but didn't understand why we were going backstage. We climbed on our float and then all these characters started walking out. His eyes got so big and they all came to see him. He was so excited. He is VERY MUCH in to characters. Then we start moving, totally perplexed. We rolled out the gates and the place was packed. He didn't quite get it. But then we noticed that people were looking at him and starting to smile and wave to him, some were lifting their cameras to take pictures of him. It was like a light switch went off his face lit up and he started waving to everyone. It really was special for our family because of him. It's not often he is a "star" usually on the sidelines watching his siblings. It was obvious people were reacting to him. We were merely his entourage. One of our great WDW memories!

What a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[Paigevon]

We were taking pictures with my new camera and CM came up to us. We talked about the camera and he said "How would you like to test it out from VIP seats?" It was probably the same CM, he is one of them in charge of parade, James. Great guy, spent some time after with him too. He's at MK now. (To keep relevant with the RoL thread he told us lots about it).

Funny was when he asked I was wracking my brain to figure out where the VIP seating was .... it didn't click with me. Then he says we are his first so we can pick our float. We chose the "Goofy Float."

My DS is disabled. He didn't blink at our vests and hats but didn't understand why we were going backstage. We climbed on our float and then all these characters started walking out. His eyes got so big and they all came to see him. He was so excited. He is VERY MUCH in to characters. Then we start moving, totally perplexed. We rolled out the gates and the place was packed. He didn't quite get it. But then we noticed that people were looking at him and starting to smile and wave to him, some were lifting their cameras to take pictures of him. It was like a light switch went off his face lit up and he started waving to everyone. It really was special for our family because of him. It's not often he is a "star" usually on the sidelines watching his siblings. It was obvious people were reacting to him. We were merely his entourage. One of our great WDW memories!

What a beautiful, magical story. This made my heart happy. Thank you so much for sharing!!

 

[moobar25]

We were taking pictures with my new camera and CM came up to us. We talked about the camera and he said "How would you like to test it out from VIP seats?" It was probably the same CM, he is one of them in charge of parade, James. Great guy, spent some time after with him too. He's at MK now. (To keep relevant with the RoL thread he told us lots about it).

Funny was when he asked I was wracking my brain to figure out where the VIP seating was .... it didn't click with me. Then he says we are his first so we can pick our float. We chose the "Goofy Float."

My DS is disabled. He didn't blink at our vests and hats but didn't understand why we were going backstage. We climbed on our float and then all these characters started walking out. His eyes got so big and they all came to see him. He was so excited. He is VERY MUCH in to characters. Then we start moving, totally perplexed. We rolled out the gates and the place was packed. He didn't quite get it. But then we noticed that people were looking at him and starting to smile and wave to him, some were lifting their cameras to take pictures of him. It was like a light switch went off his face lit up and he started waving to everyone. It really was special for our family because of him. It's not often he is a "star" usually on the sidelines watching his siblings. It was obvious people were reacting to him. We were merely his entourage. One of our great WDW memories!

That's just awesome!!!!

 

[HopperFan]

Oh my....well, that wonderful story brought tears to me eyes!!! THIS sort of thing is why we go back to Disney over and over and over!!

He lives for each trip. It's why we go. He is treated well and every once in awhile we get some pixie dust. We have some great memories.

 

[moobar25]

Discounted for DVC, AP and CMs for certain times. Great deal, one of the best discounts out there.

That would explain why my night is fully booked. From time to time I kept checking availability for 4/23 in case the rest of our family wanted to join us. Had we known about the discount earlier they may have joined us. Oh well. I blame ROL on this

 

[DG-12]

I saw that one! I thought it was only for 10 and under, but now that I see it, I see it's just recommended for 10 and younger. hmmm, that could be fun too! Now I have a dilemma...which would you recommend? I'm not sure that the Magic Tour would be available - I booked the other one since I figured I could always cancel...

Let me ask my almost eight year old- she says family magic tour. But I would say this- Family Magic Tour is the whole family. Pirate Cruise they go off and do their thing. You get two hours to do what you want. Either way I am sure they will have fun.

 

[Marlyn]

He lives for each trip. It's why we go. He is treated well and every once in awhile we get some pixie dust. We have some great memories.

Disney is great for memories. I took my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007. They received so many magic moments. We were at character spot at Epcot. When they found out it was their 50th anniversary, they gathered all characters together for a group photo with my parents! It was awesome!

Last year I took them to Disneyland, they were 81 years old last year and my mom was in a wheelchair. After dinner one night our waitress came over and asked my mom what ride she wanted to go on. She said POC....so our waitress told us she was giving us a magical moment and escorted us over to Pirates and took us right to the front of the line and put us onto a boat. My mom was beaming from ear to ear at her "special" surprise.

 

[cdnjason]

Been busy with work. So much to get caught up on. We should make this thread our daily coffee break thread to discuss whatever with our new DIS internet friends. At this point, I feel as though I know so many of you beyond internet acquaintances.

 

[KristiK]

So, off topic, but I'm seeing that no outside food will be allowed in Animal Kingdom, and it's a precursor to rolling it out to all parks within six months to a year. Take with a grain of salt, but I don't like this at all. LOL.

 

[Marlyn]

Been busy with work. So much to get caught up on. We should make this thread our daily coffee break thread to discuss whatever with our new DIS internet friends. At this point, I feel as though I know so many of you beyond internet acquaintances.

We have started a ROL Lounge thread in the community board....for just that

 

[cdnjason]

We were taking pictures with my new camera and CM came up to us. We talked about the camera and he said "How would you like to test it out from VIP seats?" It was probably the same CM, he is one of them in charge of parade, James. Great guy, spent some time after with him too. He's at MK now. (To keep relevant with the RoL thread he told us lots about it).

Funny was when he asked I was wracking my brain to figure out where the VIP seating was .... it didn't click with me. Then he says we are his first so we can pick our float. We chose the "Goofy Float."

My DS is disabled. He didn't blink at our vests and hats but didn't understand why we were going backstage. We climbed on our float and then all these characters started walking out. His eyes got so big and they all came to see him. He was so excited. He is VERY MUCH in to characters. Then we start moving, totally perplexed. We rolled out the gates and the place was packed. He didn't quite get it. But then we noticed that people were looking at him and starting to smile and wave to him, some were lifting their cameras to take pictures of him. It was like a light switch went off his face lit up and he started waving to everyone. It really was special for our family because of him. It's not often he is a "star" usually on the sidelines watching his siblings. It was obvious people were reacting to him. We were merely his entourage. One of our great WDW memories!

That is a great story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[cdnjason]

We have started a ROL Lounge thread in the community board....for just that

Heading over now.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

We were taking pictures with my new camera and CM came up to us. We talked about the camera and he said "How would you like to test it out from VIP seats?" It was probably the same CM, he is one of them in charge of parade, James. Great guy, spent some time after with him too. He's at MK now. (To keep relevant with the RoL thread he told us lots about it).

Funny was when he asked I was wracking my brain to figure out where the VIP seating was .... it didn't click with me. Then he says we are his first so we can pick our float. We chose the "Goofy Float."

My DS is disabled. He didn't blink at our vests and hats but didn't understand why we were going backstage. We climbed on our float and then all these characters started walking out. His eyes got so big and they all came to see him. He was so excited. He is VERY MUCH in to characters. Then we start moving, totally perplexed. We rolled out the gates and the place was packed. He didn't quite get it. But then we noticed that people were looking at him and starting to smile and wave to him, some were lifting their cameras to take pictures of him. It was like a light switch went off his face lit up and he started waving to everyone. It really was special for our family because of him. It's not often he is a "star" usually on the sidelines watching his siblings. It was obvious people were reacting to him. We were merely his entourage. One of our great WDW memories!

Wow - what a wonderful story - a great memory for all of you! It must have been amazing to see that sea of people smiling up at you!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Disney is great for memories. I took my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007. They received so many magic moments. We were at character spot at Epcot. When they found out it was their 50th anniversary, they gathered all characters together for a group photo with my parents! It was awesome!

Last year I took them to Disneyland, they were 81 years old last year and my mom was in a wheelchair. After dinner one night our waitress came over and asked my mom what ride she wanted to go on. She said POC....so our waitress told us she was giving us a magical moment and escorted us over to Pirates and took us right to the front of the line and put us onto a boat. My mom was beaming from ear to ear at her "special" surprise.

I love stories like that!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

That would explain why my night is fully booked. From time to time I kept checking availability for 4/23 in case the rest of our family wanted to join us. Had we known about the discount earlier they may have joined us. Oh well. I blame ROL on this

I'm blaming ROL on a lot of things, especially my complete lack of organization on this trip!

And I still feel deflated and sad about it too!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Let me ask my almost eight year old- she says family magic tour. But I would say this- Family Magic Tour is the whole family. Pirate Cruise they go off and do their thing. You get two hours to do what you want. Either way I am sure they will have fun.

Yes, I was thinking of that angle! I will do more research on the family magic tour, but good to hear her feedback! I'm thinking maybe pirates because it's the last year he can do it, and then we'd still have fun doing the other one together on the next trip! That is my thought but will discuss with DH tomorrow!! Thanks for all the information!