Thoughts on "How to get excited" - A FEEL GOOD THREAD

[Chabby]

I have too many beautiful memories of my LO enjoying the rides and the M&G. But my favorite memories relate to how the CMs made my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary vacation truly magical. They greeted us with flowers and "Happy Anniversary" balloons and buttons. Then when we got to the room they had a message from Mickey.
I cried, I was so happy for them. Every CM they encountered while wearing their buttons went the extra mile to make them feel special. Disney CMs are the best

 

[mom2rtk]

Your daughter is a beauty! Great pics

Loved the "princess days" with my now DD12. We've done all the meet n greets/princess meals...She already warned me no more princess dresses. Maybe I'll sneak a dress on my DS2 for Sophia!

Thank you. She's 13 now so our "princess days" are mostly over too. It was a great run though.

LOL on sneaking a dress onto your DS. I think my boys are glad a girl finally showed up here so they didn't face the same fate!

 

[LoKiHB]

Can't pick just one... So, I'll go with my overall favorite and a special moment:

1. Nothing beats walking into MK, stepping through the tunnel, hitting Main Street USA and looking up seeing the Castle. You just can't help doing that slow raising of the head from your feet, to the pavement, to the buildings to the statue all the way to the castle and (luckily for me) a deep blue sky each time I've been there.

2. Last year the complete immersion into our first SWW, and the awe of my oldest as he met his "heroes"

We are going back in a few weeks, and I for one am keeping an open mind about FP+ and Magic Bands until we experience it for ourselves.

I'll take sunny day at Disney over a bitterly cold day in NY without argument. Anyone that wants to switch, please feel free to let me know!

 

[DizFanSLD]

My absolute BEST moment was when we were at WDW on my DDs 7th Birthday. We were strolling down Main Street, grinning like crazy because we were so happy to be there. It was in the lull just after Rope Drop, and we came upon the Dapper Dans singing. We stopped to watch, and I caught the eye of one of them and pointed out her Birthday button so she couldn't see me. He nodded, and then they started singing Happy Birthday to her. We took pictures and then a CM pulled us aside and started talking to my DD about her big day. I realized what was happening, just before he asked her if she would like to lead the parade that afternoon. I almost hyperventilated, I was so excited. Later that day, my lifelong dream of being the Grand Marshall's of the WDW parade came true! And she had a birthday memory that she can treasure forever. I asked him why he picked us, and he told me that he looks for the happiest people he can find to be in the parade!

Best day EVER!

 

[Magpie]

There's so many...

I'll share one from my last trip, in December. It's nothing terribly special - just an ordinary evening at Animal Kingdom. But I hadn't realized how terrific those can be.

We were following our usual routine of hitting rope drop at one park in the morning, going back to our resort for a nap after lunch, and then heading over to a second park in the evening.

This afternoon, we decided to catch a bus over to Animal Kingdom, since it was only four and they were going to be open until 7pm. My husband was on a quest for a jalapeno pretzel.

We were amused to see all the people flooding out as we walked in. I picked up a Times Guide and saw that we could just make the last showing of the Lion King. On the way, my husband kept searching for a pretzel, but there were none to be found. We were a bit hungry, so we settled for a big sweet waffle thing. The castmember let us bring it into the show, as long as we put a plate over top of it.

After the show, my husband remembered he'd seen pretzels in Africa, so we ran up that way. It was strange being in the park as the lights went out and everyone left. We found the pretzels at the big food stall in Africa, which was just closing up. The castmember was entertained by how excited we were and gave us one for free.

Back out on the main road, we could see lights around the base of Everest, so we headed that way. Everest was running empty cars, and the castmembers were waving everyone through the FP line.

Everest is AMAZING in the dark! We could have stayed on and ridden over and over if we'd wanted to, but once was enough for us. After Everest we kept going and found ourselves in Dinoland, and rode Primeval Whirl. We were the only people on the ride. I tried to talk my husband into another ride, but he'd had enough of coasters. And he flatly refused to try Triceratop Spin.

So instead, we went on Dinosaur! next. We were the only ones watching the film, and we thought we might be the only ones on the ride, but another guest joined us just as the film ended. When we walked down to the ride cars, the castmembers were all waving at us. We felt like celebrities!

After Dinosaur, I suggested another turn on Primeval Whirl, but my husband wanted to just walk around and look at Animal Kingdom in the dark, instead.

I'm glad we did! It was gorgeous. It really felt like we'd stepped into another world.

And at seven, we left the park and took a bus over to Epcot - which was bright, and crowded, and SO different! But still terrific!

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

There's so many...

I'll share one from my last trip, in December. It's nothing terribly special - just an ordinary evening at Animal Kingdom. But I hadn't realized how terrific those can be.

We were following our usual routine of hitting rope drop at one park in the morning, going back to our resort for a nap after lunch, and then heading over to a second park in the evening.

This afternoon, we decided to catch a bus over to Animal Kingdom, since it was only four and they were going to be open until 7pm. My husband was on a quest for a jalapeno pretzel.

We were amused to see all the people flooding out as we walked in. I picked up a Times Guide and saw that we could just make the last showing of the Lion King. On the way, my husband kept searching for a pretzel, but there were none to be found. We were a bit hungry, so we settled for a big sweet waffle thing. The castmember let us bring it into the show, as long as we put a plate over top of it.

After the show, my husband remembered he'd seen pretzels in Africa, so we ran up that way. It was strange being in the park as the lights went out and everyone left. We found the pretzels at the big food stall in Africa, which was just closing up. The castmember was entertained by how excited we were and gave us one for free.

Back out on the main road, we could see lights around the base of Everest, so we headed that way. Everest was running empty cars, and the castmembers were waving everyone through the FP line.

Everest is AMAZING in the dark! We could have stayed on and ridden over and over if we'd wanted to, but once was enough for us. After Everest we kept going and found ourselves in Dinoland, and rode Primeval Whirl. We were the only people on the ride. I tried to talk my husband into another ride, but he'd had enough of coasters. And he flatly refused to try Triceratop Spin.

So instead, we went on Dinosaur! next. We were the only ones watching the film, and we thought we might be the only ones on the ride, but another guest joined us just as the film ended. When we walked down to the ride cars, the castmembers were all waving at us. We felt like celebrities!

After Dinosaur, I suggested another turn on Primeval Whirl, but my husband wanted to just walk around and look at Animal Kingdom in the dark, instead.

I'm glad we did! It was gorgeous. It really felt like we'd stepped into another world.

And at seven, we left the park and took a bus over to Epcot - which was bright, and crowded, and SO different! But still terrific!

Sounds awesome! I may have to switch our morning at AK to a late afternoon!

 

[bandmhmommy]

We've had so many awesome memories, but our son's first trip was totally magical! He has just starting walking and was a bit scared of some of the characters. Then we got to see Pluto at Camp Minnie/Mickey... and he was in love. We were there for 15 minutes playing peek a boo with Pluto!

I'll see if I can post a picture of us...

 

[ashleymrush]

Before I share my story I want to say THANK YOU so much for this thread! I have loved reading the stories and seeing so many positive postings in one place. A couple even almost made me tear up. (I'm a sucker for magical experiences.)

On to one of my stories, I chaperone my high school's senior grad trip every year and take about 35 teenagers to WDW and Universal at once. (Crazy I know but I LOVE it.) Usually the students want nothing to do with the chaperones because they are all about doing their own thing, but a couple years ago there were a few girls on the trip that want to watch the fireworks with myself and another chaperone on our last night. They joined us over at a table by Casey's and as we watched Wishes together the girls started balling their eyes out. I asked once it was over if they were ok and they said that they couldn't believe how magical their whole trip was and that it was the best moment of their entire high school career. When I bump into these students today, which is a couple times a year, they always bring up their trip and the fireworks. Being able to bring kids like this year after year is always amazing and I can't wait until I get to do it again!

 

[Susiequsie60]

Whew. Just reading all of these responses is bringing back great memories for me. I can totally "see" - right down to the littlest detail - my 2 little ones dancing on stage at the Polynesian Luau. And I can see my adorable son with a napkin tied around his head, laughing at the HoopDeeDoo review - my husband thought it looked so cute! And the very first time we saw those sidewalk fountains at Epcot? The kids were in their glory!!

Want to know another very specific memory I have: walking around with the kiddies, holding hands, and talking to my husband about the fact that some day we'll probably be coming back to WDW on our own - without our son and daughter. Well, it's been about 7 trips (all as a family) and almost 20 years later, and we're heading back down next week. Yup - just the 2 of us to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

I'm really starting to feel the excitement now!!!

 

[PSUGuy]

First, we tested Magic Bands and FP+ in Oct and all worked out well for us, no complaints here.

As for Favorite Moments, as corny as it sounds, when we stroll into the BoardWalk lobby to check in and they greet us with, 'Welcome Home', we're home! It feels like home.

Then there's Hathaway Brown hitting on one of our stunning daughters during the Balderdash Competition.

Our first granddaughter's first Carousel ride in MK.

The time I was King Arthur (twice, different years) in the Holy Grail Show in WS.

Also, there's my 78 yr old Mom going on the ToT to see the pre-show, planning on the Chicken Exit. She got brave, rode it, and blew chunks shortly thereafter.

There's so much more. Shortly before every trip I get Buyer' Remorse and suffer from a lack of enthusiasm. My attitude is, 'Well, I guess we gotta get packed and go.'

As soon as we get through security for the flight down, I'm as pumped as ever, the flight counting as the first Disney Ride.


Bill From AP

 

[disnut8]

How about if anyone who so desires comes here to this thread and just posts their ONE absolute favorite memory, experience, event, or anything about being at WDW? I know that it really truly helps me have a place that I can check to just see "happy thoughts." What do you say?

This might be gross to some but it's special to two people. During a trip to celebrate my husband's and my 20th wedding anniversary, we had the husband's entire family and our son (well,he's my husband's family but go with it). On our last day together just the six of us, we went to Animal Kingdom. I trained so hard and it was cold (we were stupid enough to get married in January!) but we went anyway. All six of us. We had a great time and saw everything we wanted but the topper was my brother-in-law (so not a Disney fan) saying he wanted to do It's Tough to be a Bug for the second time that day. My son and and I were cold and wet so we opted out of it (we're Disney veterans so we didn't miss it). We all agreed to meet at the Flame Tree BBQ seating area which, as we know, is open as well. Cold and wet but my son and I managed to find some shelter to wait. And that's when it happened.

A Disney native bird flew down and landed on a trash can. There was some sort of half eaten bone with some flesh on it (a Turkey Leg?!) sticking halfway outside the container. The bird sat on the top of the container and proceeded to eat through a lot of mess to get to the meat.

My son and I spent that time talking about all kinds of things, nature included. WE were both cold and wet and at first, miserable. In the end, we had an experience not many mothers and sons will ever have. He was 19, I was 40 and now we are 31 and 52 and both of us still remembers that. He's a great father to two kids and he does things like this with his kids. Not that gross but as personal as can be with just them.

 

[frozengurl]

I Have been laughing and tearing up reading these!

My favorite moment had to be our trip this past October. I surprised the girls with "invitations" from Cinderella for a makeover at BBB and then join her for Dinner at CRT. I cry just thinking about their excitement. My DD 3 was the talk of the princesses, by the time Jasmine made her way to us she said "oh you must be the snuggly one all my friends are talking about!" After CRT we rode almost every ride in Fantasyland while everyone else was watching fireworks and waiting on the electrical parade. When we were leaving DH and I thought we could make it out before the parade started so we started heading to the front gates. However, once we got to the front they were roping off a new section right when we walked up, CM asked us if we were leaving or staying for the parade... we looked at each other and said "staying" Can't stop laughing about the magic at that moment because we got a front row seat to the Electrical parade without even having to wait! BEST DAY EVER

 

[frozengurl]

Oh wait oh wait I have one more... sorry I have to!
My DD 3.... shes a riot! When we met Ariel my DD full on grabbed her "sea shells" and asked "are these real" oh my that was funny... but poor Ariel

 

[Cyrano]

So many favourite memories and quite a few feature the family.

For now I will stick with a personal one. Seeing Illuminations in the flesh made the hairs on the back of my neck tingle. I fell in love with EPCOT right there and then. It was beyond my expectation even thought I had watched it on Youtube and listened to the music on CD.

 

[Leader of the Pack]

It's been a Magical read today! Thanks to all for sharing your sweet memories!

 

[jester161]

First time we came to WDW our kids were still very young. We stayed at AllStar Movies, and on the first day we went to MK - they were so excited and we bought them their first disney character toys. The next day when we got back to our room, their toys were all sitting on the bed, around an empty pizza box, looking for all the world like they had been at a Pizza party!! We had never heard of mousekeeping then, and our kids thought that the magic had brought them to life!!!

Every day of that holiday the toys were in some different position- playing games or hide and seek!! The kids couldn't wait to get back to the hotel at the end of the day to see what they were doing!!

 

[Melany502]

My 6 year old son was chosen to be the beast for Belle's Enchanted Tales. The look on his face when he realized he had to dance with her at the end was priceless. My husband and I were in tears. Poor kid will appreciate dancing with a princess someday

 

[elainabelle]

Lurking for over a decade and rarely post, but this thread is worth a post. Three thoughts leaning more to the most "magical" moments as these are what get me excited.

1. 4 years ago, standing in a quiet area in AK between Asia and Africa that overlooks the Tree of Life, we got the call that confirmed that my athlete husband, had a rare and progressive form of MS. Each year my husband, daughter, son and myself, return to that spot to have a moment to look at the Tree and focus on our blessings. In March we will return again, this time with my husband in a scooter but we look forward to once again taking a moment to thank God for the blessings in our life while looking at the beautiful Tree of Life.

2. For the last three years, Disney World (specifically the first time we enter Fantasyland), is the only place my daughter, who struggles with depression, will turn to me and say, "Mom, I am so happy!" I look forward to hearing that again in March.

3. Wishes . . . I cry through the whole thing with a smile that makes my face ache by the end.

Thanks for a wonderful thread!

 

[mom2rtk]

Lurking for over a decade and rarely post, but this thread is worth a post. Three thoughts leaning more to the most "magical" moments as these are what get me excited.

1. 4 years ago, standing in a quiet area in AK between Asia and Africa that overlooks the Tree of Life, we got the call that confirmed that my athlete husband, had a rare and progressive form of MS. Each year my husband, daughter, son and myself, return to that spot to have a moment to look at the Tree and focus on our blessings. In March we will return again, this time with my husband in a scooter but we look forward to once again taking a moment to thank God for the blessings in our life while looking at the beautiful Tree of Life.

2. For the last three years, Disney World (specifically the first time we enter Fantasyland), is the only place my daughter, who struggles with depression, will turn to me and say, "Mom, I am so happy!" I look forward to hearing that again in March.

3. Wishes . . . I cry through the whole thing with a smile that makes my face ache by the end.

Thanks for a wonderful thread!

Hugs to you and your family. I hope you find the magic again in March.

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Lurking for over a decade and rarely post, but this thread is worth a post. Three thoughts leaning more to the most "magical" moments as these are what get me excited.

1. 4 years ago, standing in a quiet area in AK between Asia and Africa that overlooks the Tree of Life, we got the call that confirmed that my athlete husband, had a rare and progressive form of MS. Each year my husband, daughter, son and myself, return to that spot to have a moment to look at the Tree and focus on our blessings. In March we will return again, this time with my husband in a scooter but we look forward to once again taking a moment to thank God for the blessings in our life while looking at the beautiful Tree of Life.

2. For the last three years, Disney World (specifically the first time we enter Fantasyland), is the only place my daughter, who struggles with depression, will turn to me and say, "Mom, I am so happy!" I look forward to hearing that again in March.

3. Wishes . . . I cry through the whole thing with a smile that makes my face ache by the end.

Thanks for a wonderful thread!

ENJOY your next trip with your family!!!