Ach Feckless I'm so sad your report is over but I've loved every moment of it and will look forward to the next one
What a great update, but so sad to see your trip end.
I can't believe the roller coaster of emotions you went on that day.
I think it is always good when kids get lost in a safe setting like you had, where all turns out for the best in the end. It is good to get a reminder that you have to use your brain and think things through to avoid getting lost in the future. I can only imagine how frustrating it was for you, dealing with the crowds and trying to reassure yourself that your kids are smart enough to take care of themselves. If I were in the same situation, my husband would have been going crazy too!
I remember losing my 4-year old son at the zoo once. We were in a pavillion and everyone was running around trying to find him, heading outside, looking all over the place. I just kept saying that there was no way he left the building. I knew he was smart enough to not go through any doors, but everyone wanted to look outside for him. Sure enough he was calmly sitting watching the penguins waiting for me to come get him. Such a relief once he was found.
I can't believe you almost forgot your passports. I would have been freaking out!
I've never eaten in France, but your dessert report makes me want to give it a try. Mmmmm. So nice of you to send champagne to that couple. A great gesture that I'm sure was a highlight of their trip.
Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. Counting the days until you can bring us your 2014 trip report.
Nothing like a nice calm day with no drama to end a trip to disney!!
I have to say that the final pic is priceless! Thanks for sharing
Such a GREAT trip report! I feel your sadness at it's end but I know with time another one will come and a pre-trip report can't be THAT far off eh?
My pre-trip report will be about a year away, I would say! Oh well, I'll have to suck it up. LOL I wish I was planning one right now! You enjoy your planning!
I loved your assessment of the dining plan. You really do need to understand how you and the family are going to use it. I'm sure this assessment will help others when considering what to do for future trips.
I hope so! This was the decision that we struggled with the most, and I was leaning towards getting the DDP. I went over my calculations with DH, and he felt that it wouldn't be worth it. He was right! Mark the calendar!
You wouldn't be a parent with out the obligatory I've "lost" my children story. I know when I float around the parks at night taking pictures, that between all the hidden cameras (Night vision!), undercover security people and CM's and uniformed security people, the park is as well guarded as it possibly could be. I have had discussions with security and they have let me know that even though I may be in a deserted part of the park at night taking pictures they are watching over me to make sure ~ I ~ am safe. Security in my experience is awesome! Very caring and very patient and friendly!!
A while ago I read a post from a parent of a teen wondering if it would be OK to let her 14 year old off the leash and do some things on his own in the park. The resounding response was that even though Mom and Dad wouldn't have eyes on him Disney parks security would and to let him explore!
I think you handled the Fantasmic disaster perfectly and now everyone knows what to do the next time. My 13 year old recently learned he must carry his wallet and cell phone every time he leaves the house. He was driving me crazy so I had to lay down the law. Now it's automatic so I no longer have to worry about him if he should go off on some adventure. Gotta love those cell phones! Instant access....
Yes, DD tends to leave her phone, or not to respond to texts. Drives me insane, but at least IF she has her phone she can contact me if she needs me or is in trouble. She's heading into Junior High (middle school) in the fall so she needs to have more freedom. When I was her age I was babysitting a 4 and 8 year old for 2 days a week all summer! And DS is a sensible kid. I was dropping them off at the cinemas to save a space in the concession line a few months ago while I went to park the car, and as he was getting out, DS said, "When the man in the white van with the blacked out windows takes me to look for his lost puppy, when should I tell him to drop me back?"
Well, here's to a great trip report and here is to the future. I know you have the Disney Blues but that next trip will be here before ya know it! ..... And here's to more Disney dreamin!!
~NM
Next time I will have a margarita on hand.
I know the sadness you feel when a trip and trip report are over. I'm suffering from the trip part now. 
We wanted to watch Fantasmic but by the time we got to the park for the 9 pm show it was standing room only and my feet weren't feeling the standing part. I was too tired to stay for the 10:30 show so its back on the list for the next trip whenever that might be. The last two years I and my best friend have made a trip to WDW in January or February without children/husbands. It's almost like going by yourself. 
Don't get me wrong, I love my hubby and kids, but going by yourself is also awesome!!!!!!!!! I feel lucky that I get to do both and will look forward to whatever comes first. He asked for help once and just decided to stay put outside Bug to go back with us. We decided after this trip it would be better for him (and us) if he was able to bring a friend next time unless his older brothers are joining in on the fun. He would have had more fun in the SAB pool etc. with someone his age. That's what happens when your children are 10 years apart. Oh well. 
