Surprising a teenager with a trip to Disney (Updated 10/09)

[bizeemom4]

Returning to the Wilderness perks up Chloe for a little while. She goes for another swim and we go up to the room to change for dinner. She feels kind of warm after her shower and wants to take a nap. Who is warm after a swim & a shower? This can't be good.

I take the opportunity to review The Top Seven Attractions at Walt Disney World and wait. I feel her forehead while she is sleeping. Yep. She's cooking. Looks like we're in for the evening. Having made it all the way to the #1 attraction at Walt Disney World, I get dressed and head down to Roaring Forks to get dinner. I buy comfort food. A PB&J uncrustable for sleeping beauty and chicken nuggets, chocolate pudding & diet coke for me. Not gourmet but good. I also took the opportunity to take tourist pictures....the view of lamps from outside of our room:

And our door:

Chloe wakes up and eats a little and we wait for Wishes. The bellman said that we could see it from here so we look through the trees and wait.

And he was RIGHT! I did not take any pictures but I can assure you that you can definitely see the top 70% of the fireworks from this standard (?) view room. The best part is, you can turn around, walk back inside and crawl into bed to sleep. I would give up the bottom 30% of Wishes to avoid lining up and cramming into a bus if given the opportunity again. This is definitely a luxury. I called home and spoke to DH while watching Wishes - not to rub it in. DH tolerates (and sometimes enjoys) the World but doesn't want to go as often as I do (to state it politely). I called to let him know how happy I was to be here, sharing in this moment with Chloe.

We went to bed, night one of our camping trip, in our comfy beds amongst the trees and slept like babies. Camping isn't so bad, is it Chloe?

 

[disneydusted]

YAY!! An update! Hummm, I am wondering how Chloe's fever will end up? Hopefully it didn't last too long. That is so nice that you could see Wishes from your balcony!
I think my car is running on the same track as yours! Life is running fast these days!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

I'm glad you're back! And I hope Chloe wakes up feeling better! Love your pics of WL - we are staying there for the first time (just two nights) in December. I hope I get the same "standard" room you had!

 

[TexasBelle]

Bizeemom4:

Oh my goddness, I am so enjoying your trip report. As I read along I think about my DD14 - Rae, We call Princess Rae, although she has many other names too.

If she new it was from WalMart, she absolutely would not wear it. Maybe I'll cut some tags out of her Abercrombie stuff and sew them in. Then, she'll be proud to strut around in her nice, new "expensive" bathing suit.

I love this. Rae would never wear a swim suit from Wal$#%@, but I love the idea of taking the tags off.

Detox with Pixie Dust

But let me digress for a moment. Chloe is a princess but not the holy, wave ever-so- delicately-at-people-in-a-parade princess. Chloe is MY princess. I have created this spoiled, little bundle of joy. It's my fault that she has prima donna-esque qualities. Sadly, she was not born a royal. She is, however, at times these days, a royal pain in my brain.

In our normal life, we are best friends. I’m her biggest fan. To me, she’s always the best. She’s the smartest, best-dressed, prettiest, most talented girl on the planet. If something happens to her at school or work, I’m the first one she tells. She’s also the person that I fight the very most with in this world. Most days, I get lots of sass and attitude. I have pulled my car over more than once and threatened to turn around and go home if she said one more mean thing to me. We can easily get on each other’s very last nerve. At home, her brothers and I refer to her as the Rhino. She can be bad, as in "The Rhino is charging because you have annoyed it so you'd better RUN!" bad. Behind her back we say “Don’t poke the rhino” which means ask her your question nicely. Do not annoy Chloe.

As I read this with my new DH we both laughed because you were describing Rae perfectly. I loved it. If it's okay with you can we please use your idea and also call her Rhino. That's so fabulous.

Your trip sounds like such a perfect idea.

We did a surprise trip in 2006, with all of my kids, (3) 2 boys and Princess Rae (she's the baby). It was such a fun surprises.

We're heading back to Disney in 10 days for a 10 day trip. I can't wait and she is so excited. I have a pretrip report if you would like to read it, the link is at the bottom of my signature.

By the way what did you think about "Nineteen Minutes"? Did you finish it? Did you let Chloe read it? Rae wants to read it.

I can't wait to read more.

TexasBelle
Carolyn

 

[bizeemom4]

I'm glad you're back! And I hope Chloe wakes up feeling better! Love your pics of WL - we are staying there for the first time (just two nights) in December. I hope I get the same "standard" room you had!

I hope that you get a great room too. It was super nice to be able to watch Wishes without having to drag a sick kid out. I bet after two nights that you'll be wishing for more. I did and I never thought that I would even like it!

YAY!! An update! Hummm, I am wondering how Chloe's fever will end up? Hopefully it didn't last too long. That is so nice that you could see Wishes from your balcony!
I think my car is running on the same track as yours! Life is running fast these days!

Thanks for looking for me. If you are running on the same track, you can understand how busy life can get! Sorry to make you wait so long.

 

[bizeemom4]

Bizeemom4:

Oh my goddness, I am so enjoying your trip report. As I read along I think about my DD14 - Rae, We call Princess Rae, although she has many other names too.



I love this. Rae would never wear a swim suit from Wal$#%@, but I love the idea of taking the tags off.



As I read this with my new DH we both laughed because you were describing Rae perfectly. I loved it. If it's okay with you can we please use your idea and also call her Rhino. That's so fabulous.

Your trip sounds like such a perfect idea.

We did a surprise trip in 2006, with all of my kids, (3) 2 boys and Princess Rae (she's the baby). It was such a fun surprises.

We're heading back to Disney in 10 days for a 10 day trip. I can't wait and she is so excited. I have a pretrip report if you would like to read it, the link is at the bottom of my signature.

By the way what did you think about "Nineteen Minutes"? Did you finish it? Did you let Chloe read it? Rae wants to read it.

I can't wait to read more.

TexasBelle
Carolyn

Hi! Of course you can borrow it for Rae. From the mom of one rhino to another, it's my pleasure.

I did finish 19 Minutes, but not on the trip. It was disturbing yet a must read. I tried to get Chloe to read it but then she got involved with summer work for her then-upcoming schoolyear and didn't have time. If you have doubts about the content, maybe read it first and decide?

 

[TexasBelle]

I did read it in less then 3 days, and yes I found it rather distrubing also, and again like you said "a Must read" Rae started it but I decided to take it away from her, she didn't get very far. She keeps asking me if she can read it but I'm just not sure. Although it's better then "The Pack" have you read that?

Oh well enough about books.

Thanks for letting me use Rhino, I just love that... Her older brother will really like that.

Waiting for more Trip Report.

TexasBelle

 

[bizeemom4]

Our wake up call comes and we are awake quickly. I ask Miss Chloe how she's feeling and if she wants to go to Magic Kingdom. She said that she feels fine! YAY! I lay out my clothes and get in the shower. Chloe gets in the shower and while I am getting dressed, I notice that Chloe has picked out the same outfit!!! I did not intentionally pack us matching outfits, nor would I have ever asked her at her age to dress like her old mother. I took this as a very nice compliment and a throwback to the old days when we first went and I bought four little matching Disney tshirts for each of the kids for every day of our trip.

Our goal each day is to get deep into the park at rope drop and be front runners of the pack. We succeeded at AK (with 4 hours of sleep) and at MGM (when we were the first ones of the day on TOT). So I am stressing this morning as we find ourselves running LATE. Why does the thought of arriving at 8:05 at the HAPPIEST place on Earth cause me physical and emotional stress? We arrive at the bus stop and NO ONE is there so I am sure that we just missed the MK bus. Drat. We're definitely going to miss it now.

A bus comes in a few short minutes and doesn't stop anywhere else and takes us straight to Magic Kingdom. We hop out, run down and around towards MK, smile at the security guard rifling thru the Baggalini and then we bolt to the gates - which have not yet opened. HOW on Earth did we manage that? Another lucky day for us. I tell you, it's the parking level 7 at the airport. I'm only going to park there from now on. It has brought us luck each and every day of this trip.

If you have ever traveled with me to Magic Kingdom (a shout out to my sister and BIL ), then you would know that the travel time between opening of the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella's castle is about 2.3 seconds. MOVE! RUN! You can breath when you are on the ride. So here we are, Chloe and I hot-footing it straight to Fantasyland. We slow down to glance over our shoulders at about three-quarters of the way there. EVERYONE is poking along. We look at each other and can't believe it...I start to say to Chloe "What are these people doing?" and my DD screams "Keep moving, MOM!" Like mother, like daughter, I guess.

To the victor....goes the castle.

We continue our pursuit of Dumbo, the Flying Elephant. We are easily the very first guests of the day.

We continue to goof around, mugging for pictures and the CM asks us to please sit down and buckle our belt. Ok, Mr. Cast Member, but no one else is even here yet?!! We do as we are told, sitting in the SAME Dumbo and click. MAGIC. We are instantly soaring into the air...all...by....ourselves.

We are so happy to be sharing in this moment together! How do you top that? You really can't but you can let it shine over your whole day and make you happy!

We did POTC - do you like it?

We actually had a very full morning, including a triple mountain whammy!

While in line to meet Peter & Wendy, Chloe spotted a pin on a CM that she had been looking for...already. It didn't take her to catch on and start a collection. She did a trade and then got her picture taken.

TWINS!

We had lunch at our favorite counter service - Peco's Bill. We split the chicken wrap, got apple slices instead of fries and got chilli cheese fries instead of dessert. We didn't know that we could do that until the CM suggested it to us.

I had read on here that the popcorn at Magic Kingdom is very good. I got a light snack just in case we got lost in the Wilderness and headed back for some well-deserved R&R.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

I'm so happy to hear that Chloe was healthy and ready to go in the morning!

Wow on riding Dumbo all alone! I don't think that ever happens - you guys must have sprinted!

Love the pictures - you two look very happy!

 

[TexasBelle]

I love the pictures.
How much fun to be in FantasyLand almost all by yourself.
That's perfect Disney for y'all.
I swear you and Chloe look like sisters.
Looking forward to more.

TexasBelle

 

[pooh'smate]

Great updates. Glad you are back.

 

[tinkerbelle_rox]

this thread is wonderful!

i'm 14 and i think that'd be majorly fun if my mother ever did that for me!
haha she tried one year to surprise us, but..well it didn't work out very well..
haha but it was still a trip to disney, so i can't complain

SUBSCRIBING!

 

[travelbug]

Really enjoying this TR, and hoping for another installment soon!

 

[NotSoEvilStepmother]

I'm a tad bit late, but I've just spent the last hour or so reading up on your guys' amazing trip. It sounds like it's just SO much fun. If my mother were to ever surprise me with a trip to Disney World, I'd be eternally grateful. Can't wait to hear about more of your adventures!

 

[disneydusted]

Loved the pictures! You guys looked like you were having such a great time! I'm glad you are keeping us updated!

 

[travelbug]

Bumping this back up. I was enjoying the TR so much, and hope for another update.

 

[ajschell]

I'm with you travelbug!!! Love this report. More please......

 

[bizeemom4]

Here are some more pix from that day....

Chloe turns this sleepy attraction into a real party!

We found the Photopass photographer in front of Haunted Mansion. The people walking thru the que must have thought we had gone insane because when we saw the photographer (a first for us at HM), we squealed and ran over towards him.

Chloe was supposed to look grim but she was stiffling the giggles. I'm pretty sure that if I am ever arrested, my mug shot will look something like this:

The next installment is coming right up!

 

[bizeemom4]

We returned to the Magic Kingdom that evening for a ride on the Riverboat (a first for Chloe - see her picture above), the Laugh Floor, the second triple mountain whammy, Wishes and Spectromagic. A few moments before Spectro was to start, we found a seat on the pavement near Peco's Bills and bought two gigantic Churros. We had never eaten a Churro before and decided that since it had been a few hours since dinner, we should eat more food. We decided that Churros translated means "cinnamon cardboard" and next time won't be getting that particular snack.

Spectro was fun as usual. There's something about the music that seeps into your brain. I find myself humming the song for days afterward. It makes good dancing music on the way to the exits anyway. Really, is there anything happier at Disneyworld than waltzing down Main Street at the end of a long, satisfying day while humming the soundtrack to Spectromagic? Sigh.

We caught the launch back to the Lodge and saw the water parade from the boat. Cool. We had requested turndown service and this is what it looked like.

Tomorrow is another day at Magic Kingdom. How can we top today? Let's load test it and find out.

 

[bizeemom4]

Our second morning at the Lodge is very much like yesterday. Wake up call. Showers. Makeup. Today, I emerged from the shower to find that Chloe has again picked out matching outfits.

Way, way back at the beginning of my Pre-Trip report, I was discussing how to reveal this surprise trip to Chloe. When I was at the Disney Store looking for inspiration, I found this cute Cinderella glass box.

I had considered putting a note that revealed the secret inside the box. As you know, that's not how the story unfolded but I didn't return the box. I brought it along with all the other presents that I had bought her. WHERE IS SHE GOING WITH THIS, you ask? Well, yesterday at Magic Kingdom, we popped into Tinkerbell's Treasures and bought tiny crowns to wear. She's a princess and I've become a little girl again, remember?

When Chloe was in the shower, I went down and asked a CM at the front desk if I could get an autograph of Cinderella that I could put with a present that I had bought. The CM didn't understand what I wanted. I explained to her again that I was going to leave this present for my DD in the room and would it be possible for me to leave a note or something that said "From Cinderella" while we were out of the room. She said and I quote "You want a piece of paper?" AGH! I explained it again and she went thru the doors behind the front desk. She must have asked someone behind the scenes what this crazy woman wanted because when she came back, she asked me for my DD's name and our room number.

Back to the room and Chloe is ready. I dodge her questions about where I have been. We catch the bus to MK again. And again, we arrive before rope drop. Today is not an AM/EMH so we get to see the "morning" show. I don't even watch the show anymore....I like to pick out the first timers and watch their expressions as they see Mickey and friends. Is that weird? I hope it isn't because it really is fun and sweet to see people having so much fun. 3.2.1...the Magic Kingdom is OPEN! Ok, lady. The fun's over. Time to run up Main Street. Again.

This morning, we are headed to Big Thunder to try to be first on the ride for the day. Somehow, after the Adventureland rope drop, the crowd went one way and we ended up running a different direction. We met up with the crowd around Peco's Bills and the CMs seemed surprised to see us come from the other way. Maybe that way was supposed to be blocked? There was no one there and nothing was roped off so we went, not having any idea that we weren't supposed to be there. We 'walked' with the crowd the rest of the way to the place where Splash and BTMR diverge. We were on the left side of the crowd and needed to go right. The majority of the crowd wanted to go to Splash and needed to go left. Awkward. We 'blended' our way thru the crowd and arrived at the entrance to BTMR right behind a single guy - probably early 20's. Truly, HE was the first guest at BTMR but the CM said "Princess. We'll let you go first." Of course I was thrilled to have again 'opened' a ride at Walt Disney World. Chloe told me later in the day that she saw the guy's face and he looked 'crushed.' I wish that she would have told me that - we would have let him be the princess and go first.

Lunch today was at Columbia Harbor House. It had been on my list to try for a long time but I had never been. The first floor was busy but I had read a tip on here to go upstairs. We found our way upstairs and found a nice quiet table to allow Chloe to eat like a princess. Well, almost. She got a huge Nesquik with lunch and spilled the majority of it all over the table and floor. Chloe went to find someone to tell them that she had spilled it and to grab a bunch of napkins. A CUTE CM came to her rescue and not only helped her clean it up but reappeared with a brand new container. Aww. It helps to be young and cute, I guess.

The view is great from up here.

Lunch - Fish & Chips

Dessert - Apple Turnover - Icky - and Chocolate Mousse Cake (I think).

After lunch, we went to Toontown and waited like tourists to see Mickey Mouse. We got a bonus because look who we found in Mickey's house!

At this point, we were having so much fun, just enjoying being together sharing in this moment. We tried on hats and decided these were essential purchases.

When we saw Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters, oh my goodness. Chloe got lots of attention because of her princess crown and they just seemd to really enjoy picking on my flower pot hat. They also wanted to know why Chloe's crown was so small. I love these ladies though. I could listen to them make fun of people all day!

And this is why Chloe still does NOT have her driver's license.

Next up, Chloe misses the parade!!!