Two Young at Heart at Disney 2007

[Angelrose]

Pretrip Report



I can’t believe I am starting to write this in March. I’m not going until December! But I just have to do something Disney related.

Last year’s trip was PERFECT. Just PERFECT. I can’t begin to tell you how much we enjoyed ourselves. Oh wait, I did with my trip report last year. As soon as we got home, we decided we were absolutely going to plan on going again this year. We even bought new luggage. We bought two new suitcases with four wheels that you can roll around even when they are upright. I didn’t want blue or black so we got a beautiful cranberry color, which is easier to find in the baggage claim. We also bought TSA approved locks for the luggage from safeskieslocks.com which can be opened by us with a combination which is easily reset to any desired number. TSA baggage screeners can open the locks with a key, inspect contents and relock if necessary. As soon as we got them home, I transferred everything in my overnight bag and threw the old one away. It was done for and collapsing. There is still room in the new one for a small child, but I’m sure I will be able to fill it up. In March I was checking out airfares for December. I found out that in leaving on Tuesday the 11 would be over $100 cheaper than leaving on Monday. I’m not going to book that flight just yet. My DH told me to try and book Cinderella’s Royal Table for dinner. I was over the moon with that idea. I know the very close friend of the Fairy Godmother so it will be wonderful seeing her at the dinner experience if I can book it. I can’t try to book until June so I have to be patient. I’m not good at that. Not good at all.

This trip is kind of special for us. We’ll be celebrating 42 years of wedded bliss and our 25th Disney anniversary. Yes, that’s right, we’ve been going to Disney World every year for 25 years. We usually stayed off property so we could stay longer. Our trips started out at two weeks. Then we had such a good time that we stayed a couple more days and then a couple more days, until finally we were there for almost three weeks. Last year we decided that three weeks was too long for us because it’s so hard for me to walk around. So now our trip is just a little over a week. But jam packed with fun and romance. Our bodies won’t take the thrill rides any longer, but we enjoy the beauty of Disney World at Christmas time and seeing the children’s reactions to the characters.

Oh I guess I should introduce the cast.

Me: Mary, 62, the trip planner. I start the countdown clock for our return trip the day we come back from our last trip. As of today (March 9, 2007) it’s only 275 more days. WOOOHOOO!

DH: Ron, 72, the best husband in the whole world. Spoils me rotten and does everything he can to make me happy. Also he’s my entertainment director. I plan the trip and he plans each day’s entertainment.

Well here it is May 1. I called and got our room reservations at the Polynesian. The codes don’t come out until August so I will have to call and change our reservations then. Only 201 more days.

It’s June 16th and I GOT IT!!! I got a dinner reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table. I am so happy. I called right at 7am and got right in. Now I have to wait a few more days to get reservations for the Grand Tea at the Grand Floridian and our dinner at Kona.

June 26th. I called and got our reservations for Kona for the four of us. I also got a reservation for the Grand Tea at the Grand Floridian. I emailed my friend and she put the date on her calendar. I can’t wait. Only 167 more days.

July25th. I got our flight reservations and our limo reservations all done. Things are coming along great. Only 138 more days to go.

August 15th. The AP codes came out this morning and I called tonight and got our discount. Saved almost $500! I can live with that. Only 116 more days.

September 13th. I got our seat assignments for our flight to MCO. We like the back row and got the seat by the window and the one next to it. Only 88 more days! Right now I am getting ready to close our pool for the year. Then I can start decorating the house for Halloween. Time is passing! I’m also helping with my DIL’s baby shower at the end of the month. They are expecting a boy, Jesse, towards the middle of November. We are all so excited.

September 21st. I got our seat assignments for our flight back home. We got the back row again. We closed the pool and now it is getting up in the 80’s again. But I am getting out all the decorations for Halloween. Another two days and I will be done with that. Next weekend is the baby shower. I am looking forward to that. In the meantime, I’m going to buy some pins for trading. Ebay here I come. Only 80 more days to go.

November 13th. Our grandson Jesse was born today. He weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz and was 21 inches long. It’s going to be so hard to leave him for our trip, but I’m already thinking of all the things I’m going to be buying for him. Only 24 days to go.

November 25th. I ordered our tickets today. One AP and one 8 day PH. I only have one more thing to do. Get my Disney Dollars transferred to my reward card. I got an email from my CM friend that she can’t make our tea at the Grand Floridian. I have to wait to hear if she can make it another time and try to change my reservation. I sure hope so. I was looking forward to it.. Only 15 more days to go!

November 29th. I got my Disney Rewards card loaded up with all 278 points. I have a feeling that most of them will be spent on presents for my grandson and the rest on pins. Only 9 days left. WOW I am really getting excited now. We are mostly all packed and ready to go.

December 10th. I just printed out our boarding passes. Now just waiting , waiting, waiting. This is the longest day!

TRIP REPORT


Day 1 Tuesday December 11th

I didn’t get much sleep, but then I never do the night before. Ron was up at 2 and I was semi awake from 2 until I got up at 3. We got everything ready by the door and our DS Chuck picked us up right on time at 4. We got to the Atlantic City, NJ airport by 4:40. We needn’t have rushed. There were only a dozen or so people waiting in the security line. We breezed through and waited for our plane to board. It wasn’t a bad flight, just a tad bumpy. We did see a glorious sunrise. We both catnapped and arrived in just under two hours. Our Tiffany ride was waiting for us and helped us with our bags. We stopped at Publix to pick up a few essentials and were at the Poly by 10. Unfortunately our room wasn’t ready. They told us our room would be ready between 3 and 5. We really wanted to relax for a while, but that wasn’t going to happen. We sat in the lobby for a while thinking about what to do. We went over to the GF and looked at the tree for a while. They took away the chairs right by the gingerbread house, so everyone was grabbing the chairs on the other side. We sat around for a half hour and really wanted to do something. Epcot was calling. We took the monorail over and got our tickets and rented a wheelchair. SSE was open and no line at all, so we got on. There isn’t a whole lot new. Judi Dench is now the narrator. She is a fine actress, but not so good as a narrator. You have to strain to hear what she is saying. The dialog sounds like it came from those old travelogs of 50 years ago. There is a little video screen on each car and at the end of the ride it asks you a few questions and is supposed to make a little cartoon of what your future will be. Yep, that’s what it’s supposed to do. Out of all the cars, mine was the one to die from the “finger of death”. I got the dreaded blue screen. I have no future.

I consoled myself at the pin station and Mousegears. By then I was exhausted and we left for the Poly. It was just after 3 and our room was ready. YIPPEE! We got our luggage put away and laid down for an hour. That really helped. It was so humid and it really tired us out. We went back to Epcot and rode Soarin and had a bit to eat at Seasons. We were both running on empty and decided to call it a day. We stopped at CC and DH got his Dole Whip and I got my hot chocolate. Finally collapsed into bed by 10, only to hear the fireworks. I looked out our window and we could see the fireworks! They had upgraded us to a pool view and a view of the fireworks. How wonderful!

 

[Angelrose]

Day 2 Wednesday December 12th

What a peaceful nights’ sleep we had. We felt so rested and had an early breakfast at CC. I went over to the touch screen and started our order. Well, the “finger of death” didn’t disappoint and not only did I get a blue screen, I got a happy little notice that said VIRUS DETECTED. OOPPS. We just ordered our breakfast at the register. A few minutes later a CM went over and looked at the screens and said “OH NOOOOOO”. I pretended not to be there.

After breakfast we took a walk over to the GF to look in all the stores and people watch. The gingerbread house now has some lights on it, but you don’t get that wonderful gingerbread aroma anymore. Then it was time for MK. I love the opening show and the Good Morning song. Our first stop was Winnie the Pooh, then SW and PP, my favorite. The new HM is fabulous. I really like the new additions. We still had some time before lunch so we rode POC. It’s the first time we had seen it since they added Capt Jack and I especially loved the last scene with him in the treasure room. I had to have my ride on SW.. I know many people say it’s silly, but I love it. I just wish the world could be like that.

Lunch time was at CHH. We each got the ½ tuna sandwich and bowl of soup. I think next time we’ll just get one bowl of soup and share. It was just too much food.

Next stop was Toontown, just to walk around and I did a few pin trades. We walked back to Main Street and headed back to our room for a nap. We old folks need our midday rest.

Tonight is Spectro so we went back to MK, just in time to see Disney Dreams Come True parade. That was such a happy parade. After the crowd dispersed, we headed over to COP. Guess who showed up? Buzz Lightyear. I got my picture taken with him. I love the COP and have to see it every year. As we headed towards Main Street we saw the Dream Along with Mickey show at the castle. That was beautiful. It was another warm and humid day and I needed a frozen lemonade. YUM! That really hit the spot.

Now it was time to find a prime spot for Spectro. We found the perfect spot right by the Emporium. We settled down to wait and a CM came out with hula hoops, which he laid down to make a hop scotch. It was really cute to watch the kids hop through it and at the end, the CM would give them a sticker. I told my DH that if it was a few years ago, I would get in that line and hop scotch just to get that sticker. Jokingly, I told DH to do it for me. A few minutes later DH got up to stretch (I thought). He went over to the hop scotch CM and I wondered what on earth he was asking her. UMMMM He wasn’t asking her anything. He had gotten in line behind the kiddies. He did it, he actually hopped through it to the end and got his sticker. Later he told me that he told the CM that his wife made him do it! LOL I laughed so hard that I was crying. What that man will do for me.

The parade was beautiful as usual. We got in back of the final float in back of the rope and headed down towards the castle for the fireworks and to see Tink fly. The castle looks AMAZING with all the lights. It looks like Jack Frost kissed every bit of it. After the fireworks we just watched the castle until they turned off the Christmas lights. By the time we got to the resort monorail, there was no line at all. Back to CC for our nightly hot chocolate and Dole Whip and off to bed.

 

[Angelrose]

 

[Angelrose]

Oh my gosh!! I just hit 1,000 posts! I am so happy.

 

[Angelrose]

Day 3 Thursday, December 13th

The day started off with breakfast at CC. I was afraid of my finger of death and just ordered at the register. Today we were going to DD. The buses were running just about every 20 minutes so no long waits. It’s still about an hour ride from the Poly including wait times. We arrived a little after 9 and walked around until it opened at 9:30. One CM was very kind and talked to us about Tinkerbell and pins. He even showed us a beautiful pin with Mickey and Walt. I bought a few pins and traded a few. The merchandise is pretty much the same as you can get in any of the parks. Our last stop was Goofy’s Candystore. I had to get my pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate, covered in multi color jimmies and drizzled with caramel. No calories there.

We had a big breakfast so we didn’t want any lunch. Instead we snacked on Giardelli squares and headed back to the Poly for a nap.

Tonight was our special anniversary dinner at CRT. I was so excited. I just want to say how kind and helpful everyone was there. Cinderella was just beautiful and so sweet. She didn’t rush anyone. We were seated by a window overlooking the carousel. This dinner was so special in so many ways. First it was our 42nd anniversary, second it was our first time there, and third, we know the very good friend of the Fairy Godmother. Our server was Collette and she was wonderful. She was always there to see if we needed anything. We started off with the green salad with berry vinagrette. That was so good. The pretzel rolls came with honey mustard and regular butter. The honey mustard butter was out of this world. I could have eaten the whole thing. There was just a hint of mustard with a sweet touch. Our main course came as soon as our salad plates were removed. I had the lemon lavender chicken with mashed potatoes and wilted spinach. DH had the tortellini with veggies. My chicken leg was huge with a ton of mashed potatoes. DH’s tortellini was beautifully done and the veggies were cooked perfectly. I knew I couldn’t eat all my potatoes so shared with DH and he gave me a few of his tortellini. I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our dinner. The chicken just melted in your mouth. For dessert we both got the chocolate cheesecake buckle. That was to die for. As we finished up dessert, Suzy and Perla came around. Whooosh! They stopped at every table for a quick photo and zooooooooom – they were back to the front of the room to wait for the Fairy Godmother. I couldn’t wait to see her. I had a picture of her and me from about 10 years ago that I had to give her. We got a quick hug and a picture and she told everyone that I knew her when she was just a baby fairy godmother. LOL We had a surprise coming. Collette brought us a white box that said Happy Anniversary. I opened it and there was a blue glitter plastic star that said “Wishing Star” and wrapped in tissue were two champaign flutes with CRT engraved on them. We were so surprised. Everyone who was celebrating an anniversary got one and everyone who had a birthday got a little cake. I thought that we would be the ones with the longest marriage, but there was another couple married 42 years and one couple married 50 years. After that we got to get a hug and a picture with the Fairy Godmother before she had to get ready for the next seating. It was time to go and they had my wheelchair waiting for me. We got out just in time to get a spot for Wishes and I got to see Tink fly again.

I will remember this day forever.

We went back to the room for a little relaxation and then went out to the dock for the water pageant and Holiday Wishes. All I can say is SPECTACULAR!

 

[Angelrose]

Day 4 Friday December 14th

It was foggy and very humid today. We had our usual breakfast at CC. I must say we enjoy this very much. It just starts our day off right. We weren’t sure which park to visit and finally decided to go to AK. We headed straight for Nemo the musical. WOW what voices they had! It was a very cute show and follows the movie. We went over to the FOTLK next. We were so early we were practically the first people seated. The show was magnificent as usual. Gotta love those tumble monkeys. The girl that plays the bird is always super. It was getting too humid for me there so we changed our plans and decided to go to Disney Studios. I have an autograph book that needs to be filled. But first I had to have my ride on TOT. It was great as usual. We found Mike and Sully and I got a big hug and a picture, but they do not sign. We found out where Remi and Emile were and tried to get in line, but it had closed while they were in the parade. After the parade we were third in line. When Remi and Emile came out, they closed the door behind them and wouldn’t let their handler out. LOL She did manage to get out after a minute or two. When it was my turn, they each gave me a big hug and then I handed Remi my autograph book. Then the fun began. I had a picture of Remi and Emile on their page. Remi signed first and was very happy to see his picture. Seeing Emiles’ picture, not so much. He threatened to cross out poor Emile’s picture. When the handler told him he couldn’t do that, he just ran off with my autograph book! I was laughing so hard. When he came back, he didn’t want Emile to have it and they fought over it. Peace was finally restored and Emile signed my book. I got my picture taken with them both. We left there and I was still giggling.

Woody and Buzz were by Al’s Toy Barn. I got in line for Woody and he liked his picture too. Then I was the last person in line for Buzz. They were so nice to us and spent a few minutes with us. It was quite a successful afternoon. We were lucky enough to catch a show of the Harlem Gospel Singers. WOW, just WOW! What a Joyful Noise! I was singing and tapping my toes and clapping my hands through the whole show. If I could have danced in the aisle, I would have.

Fantasmic was going to start in an hour so we wanted to rush right over. Since I am in a wheelchair we always go to the top row. We were lucky enough to get in the last handicap seat in the Mickey section. I was exactly dead center of the stage. I love this show. The boat at the end is my favorite.

To end our evening we went to see the Osbourne lights. DH pushed me through all the streets and I felt like I was part of the scenery. The lights and the music just make it so beautiful. My favorite is the blue angels. Then I say Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus.

By the time we got back to our room, it was time for Holiday Wishes and I watched them from our window. This was a perfect way to end our day.

 

[Angelrose]

Day 5 Saturday, December 15th

It was very humid again today. We had our breakfast and then we went back to Disney Studios. I wanted to see the GMR and the Muppets. But first Chip and Dale came out where we were taking pictures, and Dale kissed my hand, so, of course I had to get my picture taken with them. Minnie and Goofy were also out in the Christmas finery, so another picture was called for. The Muppets were next and then the GMR. As we left we saw Mickey and Pluto all dressed up for Christmas and I got in line. I wanted to ride TOT again but there was a 30 minute wait. I don’t think so. Now I use my GAC card on Soarin and they put me in the Fast Pass line. At TOT they said it wasn’t good for the Fastpass line. I really thought that was what the card was for, so handicapped people didn’t have to wait in long lines. But I was wrong, it says so right on the card. So exactly what good is the card?? I can’t wait in line that long anymore, even in the wheelchair and I was tired.

I’ve done pretty well in my pin trading, but today I got the prize. I saw a pretty pin and when I traded for it, the CM told me he knew that pin wasn’t going to last long. It was the Dream Team pin that they give to some lucky people. It really is a pretty pin and it’s all mine. Now the heat and humidity were getting to me. We took the boat ride to Epcot and walked around the countries. I bought a pretty pink silk purse and a smaller pink silk purse that had a purse inside in China. I got both of them for $18! What a bargain!

I really needed something to drink so we headed to Club Cool. I love the fruity drink from Japan called Vegitabeta. To me it tasted like apricot. It hits the spot better than Gatorade. I wish I could buy it locally. I Googled it but Coke has no plans to market it here. It says it is only sugar and water and beta carotene which gives it it’s color. But I’m here to tell you there is something in that drink that makes me feel better. Last year when I had a bad headache and upset tummy, I drank a few cups of that and my headache was GONE.

We had a 6pm reservation for dinner at Kona, but we wanted to see if they could take us at 5. They said no problem. We went back to our room to rest for an hour and then had dinner. DH ordered the vegetarian Pan Asian Noodles and asked them to put in a little broccoli, his favorite. I ordered the coconut, almond chicken with pineapple. They brought out the pineapple bread with the honey macadamia nut butter. We ate practically the whole loaf. (we hadn’t had any lunch) I don’t know what kind of chicken they have, but the breast was enormous! DH bowl looked so pretty with all the veggies in it. It was also a magic bowl. He ate for over an hour and didn’t seem to make any headway. DH made me taste his noodles. (Yeah, he really had to twist my arm for that). They were just as delicious as my chicken and greens. Our server Donna, was wonderful. After she took away our dishes, she brought us two little cream puffs on a plate with Happy Anniversary written in chocolate and had Mickey confetti candy sprinkled all over. They were sooo good. After that we STILL had room to share the Kilauea tort. I thought last years’ meal was wonderful, but this one was AWESOME.

I was amazed that I could actually walk after that. I could, but only until I got to my wheelchair. I was pretty much done walking for the day.

MK was open until midnight, so we took the monorail over and watched Spectro and Wishes again. Instead of waiting for the crowd to leave, we joined the sea of humanity and left.

It did rain a bit today, but always while we were inside. We were blessed to see a perfect rainbow today.

Bedtime before I fall asleep in the chair.

 

[Angelrose]

Day 6 Sunday, December 16th

It was still showering this morning when we went down to CC for breakfast. We took the monorail over to GF to people watch before our morning at MK. By 8:30 it had stopped raining and we had clear skies and a bit of a breeze.

On our walk down Main Street I accosted every pin trading CM I could find. I’m very happy with my trades this year. I’ve traded and bought some really beautiful pins. We did the usual kiddie rides. WTP, SW, PP and this morning we did Philharmagic. I just love this show. Of course we had to ride HM again. We had lunch at CHH. I know, we are boring people, always eating at the same places. But it works for us.

We decided to take an early nap and headed out of the park. Just by chance we happened to see the Fairy Godmother, (not my friend) outside of the castle. I had to get in line to get a picture and have her sign my autograph book. While we were waiting our turn, we started chatting with the Photopass guy. He told us Lady Tremain would be out next. We just got right back in line. She came out alone because her daughters were “sleeping in”. Lady Tremain loved my autograph book and said I should have brought another picture of her and her daughters to give her. She was very funny and played her part well.

Now comes the part about Disney MAGIC. The photopass guy introduced us to the Captain of the Handlers. He told Gary about my autograph book and how I had so many still to get. Gary asked to see my book and then offered to get as many autographs as he could for me! I was so surprised. He said it would take 30 to 40 minutes and off he went. While we were waiting, Lady Tremain and her daughters came out. We got our pictures taken with them and Lady Tremain told her daughters about my autograph book which I didn’t have anymore. I still got their autographs on notepaper, just in case.

An hour later Gary came back and apologized for taking so long and insisted on giving us a FP for any ride in the MK that had FP. I looked in my book and he had gotten EVERY autograph that I wanted, a total of 33, and some very special extras. I got TINKERBELL’S autograph. Now that is very rare. He also got me autographs of characters that are only in the parade! How wonderful was that? I’m typing this on the 26th and I still can’t believe it. I keep looking at all the autographs Gary got for me and get a little teary eyed. What a thoughtful and kind man. He went far above and beyond for us and I will make sure to write an email to Guest Services to tell them what he did for us.

We did go back to our room for a short rest and to change into some warmer clothes. It was getting cold out there. Speaking of cold….when we got back to our room the temperature read 65! Our housekeeper must be hot blooded because she did the same thing yesterday. Yesterday was warm and humid. Today wasn’t. We actually had to put the heat on. A call to housekeeping got that straightened out.

We went back to MK to watch Wishes and then went to the GF to hear the bell ringers. Then back to the Poly and a bite and CC and get some hot chocolate. Bundled up and warmed up, we went out on the deck to watch the Electrical Pageant and Holiday Wishes. Spectacular! And COLD.

Time to snuggle in for the night.

 

[Angelrose]

Day 7 Monday, December 17th

After breakfast we went over to the GF. There was a Mickey Snowman stuffie that wanted to come home with me. We were going to the MK this morning. Only the monorail was not cooperating. There was a breakdown and we had to wait until they got it working enough to get it off the track. Finally we got to MK. The first character I saw was Jiminy Cricket. I never expected to see him. I was so excited to get a picture with him and autograph my small notepad, since my autograph book was full. The next character we saw was Horace Horsecollar and Clarabell Cow. My friend Gary had already gotten their autographs for me and now I had a picture to go with it. We had time for a ride on the HM before lunch. After our usual lunch at CHH we headed down Main Street and saw our friend Smokey the Fireman. We chatted for a while and got a picture together. He told us Scoop had just gone in and would be back after the Family parade. They just pick a few families from around the castle to participate in a patriotic parade. It’s very cute.

We went back and saw Scoop and I got a big hug and we chatted for a while and he gave me a WHOLE lanyard of lanyard pins. I couldn’t believe it. He is such a sweet man and I miss his pin talks. After that it was his nap time and ours too.

After our rest we went over to Epcot. We were meeting our niece at 6:30 and wanted to get our free Visa user picture first. My ankle was really bothering me and I used my wheelchair quite a bit today. We didn’t have to wait long. There was Mickey and Pluto. When I went got out of my wheelchair and started to limp over to Mickey, he ran up to me to give me his arm. Then after we got our picture with him and Pluto, he gave me his arm again and walked me back to my chair. That was so sweet and caring of him.

On our way over to England we saw Snow White and Dopey. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a picture taken with them before. I’ve been so fortunate this trip with getting pictures and autographs.

We met our niece and walked over to the Boardwalk to chat since it was so cold and windy again tonight. We caught up on everything new in our lives and before we knew it, it was 9pm. We said our goodbyes until, hopefully next year.

We stopped for hot chocolate and a Dole Whip for DH at CC and sank into bed.

Tomorrow is our last day.

 

[Angelrose]

Day 8 December 18th

We always spend our last day at the MK. We wanted to get Mickey and Pluto to sign our free picture. We found Pluto right away and again he was so sweet to me. He gave me lots of kisses. I must say all the characters make you feel so special and loved. Next was Toontown and the Judges Tent for Mickey. Our picture was now complete.

Now one last ride on WTP, SW and PP.

We had lunch and went over to the COP. Then nap time to rest up for evening at MK.

I did quite a bit of pin trading today and scored another “Year of a Million Dreams” pin. We walked around and saw the castle show and then got a good spot to see Tink fly and watch the fireworks. Only Tink didn’t fly tonight. I don’t know why. It wasn’t windy. We waited for the crowds to die down before leaving. Tonight was another sold out Christmas party and the crowds were unbelievable and more coming in all the time. I was glad when we finally got back to our nice quiet room. I changed into my jeans and sweatshirt for watching the water pageant and Holiday Wishes on the dock. What a wonderful way to spend our last evening.

 

[Angelrose]

Day 9 December 19th

Our last breakfast at CC. I am really going to miss this.

Today is just packing up and walking around the lobby day. There isn’t time for a park before we have to leave for the airport. After the amazing feat of fitting everything in our two suitcases, we walked over to the GF for the last time. I was looking for a rhinestone Tink pin with her standing, but alas, no luck. I did find a fairies keychain and a Tink cell phone pin to round out my collection.

We walked back to the Poly for a little relaxation in our room before checking out. We had gotten the dreaded check out envelop under our door this morning. All we had to do was get our luggage downstairs and wait for our Tiffany driver to pick us up.

He showed up right on time and got us to the airport with no delay.

We checked our luggage and got through security with no hassle. We were ready for lunch so we got a bit at Nathans and topped it off with a wonderful vanilla frozen yogurt.

We boarded on time, but were delayed about 15 minutes on take off. It was a good flight, but I was glad to finally be home. Our DS was there to help with the luggage and take us home

We got a few things put away and got a bite to eat. We slept very well in our own bed.

 

[Angelrose]

Final Thoughts

The attendance at the parks was less than it has been the past several years. Except at peak times of the day it was easy to get around. Of course it still is not like it was twenty years ago when the parks were almost deserted between Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas.

I kept looking for lime green Mickey heads, but only saw two and they were too far away to say HI.

On our bus to DD on the 13th we saw a couple with their Anniversary button on and wished them a Happy Anniversary. She noticed my Mickey head and knew we were fellow DISers. So……A BIG HI! To the couple on the bus to DD on the 13th celebrating their 3rd anniversary and I forgot your name, darn it. Hope your trip was as Magical as ours.

And Magical it was! From the characters all being so kind and thoughtful to Gary who went crazy getting me 33 autographs! I will never forget him.

It was great seeing my old friends, Emma, Mark Millar, Dean and Scoop. It wouldn’t seem like DW without them.

There were days when my ankle was really painful and I had to use the wheelchair more than I could walk. I am so grateful to my DH for never complaining and pushing me up the looooooooooong monorail ramps. There really should be elevators there. He kept me giggling every day. Whenever I would feel like complaining, I would look around at people with Real problems and would count my blessings. I think I am the luckiest woman on earth.

There is a quote I saved from a magazine that I think sums up how I think of Disney World.

“A wise sage once said, “I’ve given up my search for truth; I’ll settle for a pleasant fantasy.” He should have headed for Central Florida. Nowhere else on earth can you so totally surrender yourself to a world of fantasy….where castles and fairies prevail, where mysterious legends, noble beasts and enchanting gardens invite you to escape—if only for a while—from an imperfect world.

No, you won’t find truth or the secrets of life’s mysteries in Central Florida. But by discovering its abundant worlds of plain old fun, you’re likely to rediscover your own capacity for fun and fantasy. And when you must return to reality, you may just find running the rat race a little bit easier than before.”

It was such a wonderful trip. Now I have memories to last until the next time we can visit that Magical place where everyone makes you feel so special.

 

[Angelrose]

One last picture. I never thought I would get a picture with Jiminy Cricket, but I was lucky and found him at the MK.

 

[50 years Too!]

Angelrose. Enjoyed your report very much. I want us to be just like you in a few years, having a great retirement with Disney trips each year.
Congrats on the new grandbaby. Maybe he'll be joining you in a year or two!

Deb

 

[Angelrose]

Thanks 50 Years Too! I enjoyed writing it. Every night before I went to bed, I would sit on the bed and write out every detail I could remember of our day. It's a nice keepsake of our trip.

 

[Angelrose]

Excuse the double photo of Snow White, I meant to post this picture.

 

[Angelrose]

Gosh, only 78 views and one person posted. I feel unloved. LOL

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I'm still on day 1, but thoroughly enjoying your report!

 

[Angelrose]

Thank you *KeepMovingForward*. For a while there I thought I was allllllll alone.

 

[MinnieMommy]

Hi AngelRose!

Your trip report has left me with warm fuzzies all over!

What magical memories you made: the Fairy Godmother, your Anniversary dinner at the castle, the special autographs, the special pins, viewing the fireworks from your room

I think I may go make a hot chocolate as a little bedtime snack!

Thanks for putting a smile on my face.