What can I say... It was a perfect 11 days...Well almost

[tzuhouse]

I'm not sure how to put pictures here and don't know how I'd decide, anyway. If you want to see pics from this trip, go to www.photobucket.com and search for album called tzuhouse. You'll see the WDW sub album. I'll post a pic of the golden tickets later.

December 4 - 14
As I write this, I’m sitting at the Orlando airport awaiting our flight. Due to bad weather in Houston today, our flight is delayed about 5 hours. To begin, I was at WDW once, back in 1992. I spent a few hours at MK and a few at Epcot with my DH. That was the extent of my experience.

I had decided long ago that Tinkerbell was going to help make this trip magical. I created little 2 inch by 1 inch, golden tickets. The font was Walt Disney Script size 5, so it was very small. I tell you that now, so as I go through the report, you’ll understand when I speak of Tinkerbell tickets and presents. My boys are 6.5 and 4 years of age.

Here we go!
Day 1 - 12/4
Finally, after 14 months of planning, it was finally the day. We arrived in Orlando about 11:00am. Everything went smoothly, including getting our luggage (way too much, but I’ve never been known for packing very well), our rental car, etc. A DISer had gotten us a 2 BR timeshare at Fairfield Cypress Palms and we had driving directions, so we arrived there by 12:15pm. After unloading our stuff into the room, which was super clean and spacious, we loaded back up, with our new friend, Jodine, and went to Downtown Disney. I picked up the tickets for DH and the boys and exchanged my AP certificate. We spent a few hours looking around, having silhouettes cut for Christmas presents for the grandparents, etc. We then went to Wilderness Lodge for a 5:40ADR. Arrived early, so we walked for a bit. We were seated a little early, even though I told them we weren’t in a rush. I was able to excuse myself from the table and speak with our wonderful CM about beginning the Tinkerbell surprises. As we ate our meal, she came over with a tiny piece of white paper, rolled into a scroll and wrapped with a gold ribbon. We attempted to read it, but the writing was so tiny, we could not. When she came back by she asked about it. We told her it was too small and then she produced a magnifying glass (I’d given it to her earlier, with the scroll) She said she forgot to give that to us.

The scroll said:
“Hi Ryan and Sean!

I’m so happy you are finally here! I have many magical plans for you. Now, you have to remember, for Magic to happen, you have to behave. I know you will, but had to remind you, just in case. Also, there is no crying in Walt Disney World, unless it’s happy crying. Don’t forget.

My first surprise will be happening in just a little while. Eat all your dinner and have a Magical time!

Love,
Tinkerbell

PS I write very tiny, but I’ve sent a magnifying glass along. Keep it safe. You’ll be needing it again!”

They were so very excited! We had a great meal at WCC. The boys loved riding the stick horses around, waving their napkins, etc. Towards the end of the meal, our waitress came back and said that Tink had dropped off an envelope. This tiny little envelope was heat embossed with white snowflakes. (Actually, all of them were, but of course, we didn’t know that yet. : ) We got the envelope open and there were two (one for each) identical little tickets. Once we found the magnifying glass, we were able to read them. I cannot find those tickets, right now, but they invited the boys to be at the boat dock at 8:00pm. Turned out, we were going on a Wishes Cruise. It was chilly, but we have a great time, anyway. What a wonderful to begin our vacation.

When we arrived back at the room, someone had left a Pal Mickey on each of the boys’ beds. Both were wearing cute Santa hats (came from Build A Bear) and were holding a little stocking that said Ryan and Sean. Each stocking had 5 disney dollars. We slept great on night number 1.

 

[agotta]

What a cute trip report! I can't wait to read more.

 

[hm122005]

I had to tell you I had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face reading your first report. When I have children, I hope to be able to do the same special things for them. I hope you and your family had a magical trip, and I can't wait to read more! Thank you for brightening my morning!

 

[K&KsMom]

How did your boys get to wake tink up? It sounds like you had a great trip. We leave in 6 days we can't wait!

 

[Nanajo1]

How lucky your children are to have such a clever Mom. Can't wait ot hear more.

 

[tzuhouse]

Day 2 - 12/5

We awoke early today and on the bathroom counter in the boys room were two fanny packs. If I haven’t told you yet, Sean is a train nut, so his favorite color is blue since Thomas the train is blue. Any blue works. So, there were two. One red and one blue. Each had a personal Incredible fan, some Incredibles band-aids, some Mickey chapstick, a pack of wet wipes, a deck of cards (Finding Nemo Crazy Eights for Sean and some Mickey cards for Ryan) and maybe something else that I’m forgetting. Also, was a white envelope with two golden tickets. And, you could see where Tink had walked. It was like she sprinkled pixie dust and it created a trail across the bathroom counter. (Each day the trail was there, but she landed in different areas each time, so I’d clean up at night and the new one would be there in the morning.) The tickets read:

“Are you ready to have some fun?! I have friends expecting you at MGM Studios. Have a magical day! Tink”

So, we now knew that our itinerary was being dictated by Tinkerbell. The boys were not upset at all that she didn’t send us to Magic Kingdom first.

We arrived at MGM just slightly after opening. We got our multiday stroller tickets and set off. DH went and road ToT and RnR. We walked over there and then went and got in line for Playhouse Disney. DH met up and we all went to the show, with Jo. The day was pretty uneventful. Ryan was pretty freaked about Star Tours. I went and rode it first and told him I thought he’d like it. Then Richard went and said the same. Later in the day Sean wanted to go and he was tall enough, so we dragged Ryan on, literally peeling his fingers off the rails. (I know, some of you think I should be reported to CPS. What you have to understand is that this child is scared of everything until he experiences it.) So we went on and he was trying to get out of the seatbelt, being a little drama king. When it was over, he acted scared for about a minute. Then he wanted to go again. That was the start of a common thread, at least for a few days. He rode Star Tours 3 times that day. We had lunch at the ABC commissary. Ryan gave the nuggets a thumbs down. Sean ate his and Ryans. We went to Indiana later and DH was an extra. He had to dance like a ballerina, which was really funny. We had an ADR for the following Saturday night for Hollywood & Vine Fantasmic, but Jo suggested that she go grab some seats for Fantasmic! since the weather was good, while we ate. How we found her in that massive crowd of people, I have no idea. She had really been thinking that morning and had dressed in a very bright outfit. In all those people, my DH, who doesn’t even notice when I get 5 inches cut off my hair, found Jo in the crowd. The show was wonderful and it was so nice to not have to worry about the weather for Saturday night and such. I cancelled the ADR while we waited for the show to begin.

Afterwards we made our way to the lot. Richard and the boys went on to the room and I got in Jo’s car and we went to Walmart to buy some milk, bread and such.

Day 2 was over, but the vacation was just beginning and we were having a blast.

 

[Figment's friends]

More please! We had to cancel our trip last minute so I will be vicariously living through yours! lol!

 

[tzuhouse]

Thanks everyone, for your kind words. You know, my DH asked me about a week before we left, what he could do for me to make sure it was magical, since I'd been working so hard to make it magical for the boys. My response was that, if it was half as magical as what I had pictured in my head, and I got some of those moments captured with my camera, I'd be happy.

I cannot even begin to tell you. There were so many moments. Days of them. It truly was almost perfect. Exactly the way I'd envisioned it. Some was planning, and most was just pure magic. Tink really was out there helping me. I just couldn't see her.

Day 3 is coming in a little bit. Our flight wound up being delayed 5 hours last night, so we got home at 1:30am our time, instead of 7:35pm, as planned.

Mary

 

[tzuhouse]

Day 3 - 12/6

The tickets this morning read:

“Today, I’m anxious for some of my friends to meet you. Please be at the Crystal Palace for breakfast, at 8:05am. Have a Magical Day! Tink”

So, we went to the Magic Kingdom. Having never been there before, we followed some cars into the parking lot. We wound up in a lot with a bunch of Disney buses. We stopped and asked one of the drivers where we should park and he told us that there was no transportation running to MK at that time of morning from TTC and that we needed to go park at the Contemporary. That didn’t seem correct to me, but what did I know. I’d only been on the DISboards since February and Tour Guide Mike since September or so. So, we drove to the Contemporary. Luckily, there are lots of signs. We got there and the guard at the gate basically laughed at us when we told him what we were trying to do. I honestly do NOT think he believed us that we’d been told by a bus driver to park over there. Under no circumstances was he going to allow us to park there, so back we went. I called Disney from my cell as we were driving and the lady there was shocked what we’d been told. She told us exactly where we needed to park and was wonderful. I was so worried we’d be late for our ADR. This time we went the correct way and parked on the front row. We finally made it to the turnstiles. Something had happened to a Christmas tree on Main Street and they were not allowing anyone in, yet. So, we got to CP about 8:15am, but were seated promptly. They didn’t even know why everyone was late for their ADRs. The boys had a blast meeting Pooh and friends, even though they are too old for Pooh. LOL DH loved the breakfast. He said he could have stayed there all day. And, I was able to get a birthday card signed by all the characters for a lady on the TGM boards who had to cancel her trip due to a cancer diagnosis. Wish I could have gotten a pic with all the characters together, but they were afraid if I did it, everyone in the restaurant would jump up to do the same.

Once we finished breakfast the park had already officially opened, so we headed for Dumbo and didn’t have to wait too long. Sean had been waiting for that for months. At the Barnstormer, Ryan gave us the same issue as Star Tours. We tried to explain it was a child roller coaster and that it was no big deal compared to Star Tours, but he still didn’t believe us. He rode it and said it was okay. (Maybe he’ll learn to trust us during this trip?) Sean loved it.

We did attend the Merlin show twice, with Ryan hoping he’d get picked. He was Dartannon for Halloween two years ago, so the Sword and the Stone is right up his alley. He loved the show, but didn’t get picked either time. I knew it was a long shot, but it was worth a try. And, the trip wasn’t over yet.

Later in the day we arrived at Big Thunder Mountain. Sean was tall enough and wanted to go (it’s is a train, you know), so we all loaded in, with Jo. I sat with Sean, our little daredevil. The ride completely freaked him out. He hated it. Ryan walked, well, maybe skipped, off saying “THAT WAS AWESOME!” He and Daddy rode it again, immediately, while Sean and Jo and I waited.

Wait a minute! Did I just say that Ryan loved Big Thunder Mountain? This is the child and thought Dumbo was too high and attempted to beg out of that one, along with the others. Yes, I said that exact thing. : ) Well what do you know!

The park closed at 6:00pm that day, so we didn’t get to everything, but that was fine. I knew Tink was sending us back again. Once again, we had a marvelous day. We all slept great.

 

[tzuhouse]

Day 4 - 12/7

“Hope you had a great day yesterday. Thought you might want to see some of Florida. You have tickets waiting at Kennedy Space Center. Or, you can do something different, if you prefer. Enjoy your day! Tink”

I did this because I didn’t know how they would feel after two full days at the parks. I knew I was going to Kennedy, no matter what. Having grown up in Houston and spending a lot of time at Johnson Space Center as a child and now taking my boys to Space Center Houston regularly, there was no question. We asked the boys and they wanted to go. So we loaded up and drove the hour to Kennedy. I loved seeing the launch pads on the special tour I went on. The boys went on the regular tour with DH and then played at the play area until I got back. I do think that, given the choice of Space Center Houston or Kennedy, I’d choose Space Center Houston. Just seems that there is much more for children that age to do, where they are having fun while learning. Others may not agree.

We got back to the room about 6:00pm and relaxed, had dinner, and went to sleep.

 

[tzuhouse]

Day 5 - 12/8

“Today you’ll see some amazing creatures. Have fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I’ve arranged breakfast for you with a Duck! Tell him good morning and give him a hug. Tink” Oh, and she left each of them little safari hats with mickey ears. Ryan said they were silly and didn’t want to wear his, although he did, later.

And it rained. It rained all night that night and continued all day. Not a downpouring rain, but enough to just be miserable. I had purchased ponchos months back, so luckily we weren't running for cover. I was able to borrow some scissors in one of the gift shops because they boys' ponchos were way too long. I trimmed the arms and bottom and we were ready for anything. I was surprised how many actually were there, but not so many that we didn’t do everything we wanted. I absolutely could have stood and looked at the Tree of Life, all day long. It is spectacular. We did not see the Flights of Wonder show, since it was cancelled. They were doing a meet and greet with the birds, but the boys have seen lots of shows about raptors and such at the Houston zoo and the Texas Renaissance Festival, so we skipped it. I thought DH would go on Kali, but he said he was wet enough and it was a bit chilly. And, Sean wasn’t tall enough for Primevil Whirl and Ryan didn’t want to go, so we didn’t. Other than that, we did everything. Yes, even Dinosaur. I think it freaked the boys out a little but not so much as Thunder Mountain did Sean. We attended the 2:00 show of the Lion King. What an awesome show. The boys loved it. Sean got picked to tell what a giraffe says. He didn’t know, but he sure was cute in that little hat. We left after that and had a restful rest of the day, after some really nice hot showers and baths.

 

[Nanajo1]

Great reports. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for posting.

 

[krismom]

What a beautiful report! I love the notes from TInk- I've been doing notes from Santa's elves each day during Advent, and I'm running out of things to say!
How old are your boys? I'm trying to decide whether or not to do Kennedy space center this trip... DD is 7, and twin DS's are 5. My husband would love it- but what about the rest of us?

Thanks!
Keep writing!

 

[tzuhouse]

How old are your boys? I'm trying to decide whether or not to do Kennedy space center this trip... DD is 7, and twin DS's are 5. My husband would love it- but what about the rest of us?

Ryan is 6.5 and Sean is 4. They liked it, but we go to Space Center Houston every few months, so some of it, like seeing Saturn 5, was not exciting because they've seen one so much. If your children haven't seen giant rockets and such, I would imagine it would be really thrilling. We did not have time to see the IMAX movie, so I cannot comment on it. The ones we see at Space Center Houston are always great.

Mary

 

[DisHubby]

Mary,

That was a really neat idea. We are expecting the arrival of our first DS this Feb. And of course my DW and I can't wait to take him once he is old enough. So it's interesting to see the things that other parents do to add a little extra magic for thier kids.

 

[vpack05]

Your reports are sending me to cloud nine! Thanks for sharing your magic!!

 

[kathymc]

very cute reports - Ill be checking back for more

we were there the same time!

 

[tzuhouse]

Day 6 - 12/9

“I really love today’s destination. It’s great when you can learn, while on vacation! Enjoy your day and then your night, it will be full of beautiful light. Tink”

I guess I hadn’t really put much thought into the fact that this clue would not lead the boys to Epcot. Afterall, they’ve never been there before. They didn’t question it when I said “Oh, Epcot has lots of places to learn! That must be wear we are going!” We headed to Epcot and, along with everyone else, headed to Soarin’ Following TGM advice got us where we wanted to be quickly. We lucked out and were put in the front row. Amazing. That is all I can say! We loved it.

We basically did everything. Jo met up with us right before we headed for Crush. She’d never seen the show and it was fun sharing the boys with her. Crush talked with Ryan and Sean got upset when he didn’t get picked. He was crying when the show ended and, before we could leave, Crush came back on, saying “What wrong little dude?” He was so happy that Crush spoke to him. He told Crush what he tells everyone. That he loves Thomas the train, and Crush said, “What’s a train?” Anyway, they were getting ready to load again, so we got him out of there, but that small interaction made the difference between having a minor setback and a major meltdown.

DH road Mission Space and, while on his way to Test Track, Ryan decided he wanted to go, so we let him. He said he liked it, but didn’t ask to do it again. While they road Test Track, Sean and I took a leisurely walk to Mexico and waited there. It began to rain, so I dug out the ponchos. So glad we took them. It rained the rest of the day. At least we made it through the morning dry. The boys took their passports to each station and Jo and I walked over to Germany to see if Dopey was coming out with Snow. He’s one of my favorites and I really wanted a picture with him. But, it was not meant to be. Due to the rain, no one was coming out, so we walked back and finished going to the countries with the boys. We wound up jumping to the end and then working our way back, since we needed to be in the U.S. that evening. Sean fell asleep during the American Adventure

We had 6:45pm Candlelight Processional tickets with an ADR at Rose & Crown for 8:00pm so about 6:15pm we got in line and said goodbye to Jo. We were seated fairly quickly and the show was beautiful. I’m so glad I chose that show. It was dark enough that the candlelight really set the mood. Ryan loved the music and sat and conducted during the entire show, while his brother slept right through it all on DHs lap. Jaci Velasquez was the person to read the story of Christ’s birth.

Afterwards, we headed to UK and checked in for dinner. I explained that we really needed a table where the stroller could be, so we could eat without having to hold Sean. I also explained that we were staying for the fireworks (and showed them the ticket Tink had left) and would love a patio table, if possible. Sean woke up a little later, so I went back and let them know we didn’t need that stroller friendly table afterall, hoping it would give us a better shot at the patio view. Tink was with me and they seated us on the patio. So glad they have those heaters in the ceiling and hot coffee. It was a little chilly, but not terrible. We had coats and such, so we were good. I could NOT believe how much food we got with those Processional tickets. All 4 of us got and appetizer, entree and dessert. We hauled 4 to-go boxes out of there because we were not going to be eating it all.

The fireworks were beautiful. Sean was a little freaked by the loud noises and, knowing what was coming at the end, Hilda, our CM, asked if she could take Sean and his new train he’d bought at the UK toy store inside. She said he watched the fireworks throught the window while talking about his trains to her. She was wonderful. What a blessing that she knew to get him inside before the floor vibrated from the end of the show.

It had stopped raining and we leisurely strolled to the car. Really a wonderful evening. I cannot believe we got so lucky to get that table!

 

[agotta]

Wow! You guys sound like you had a great time. I have tears in my eyes after reading what the waitress in the UK did for you

 

[tzuhouse]

Day 7 - 12/10

“The resorts are full of the Christmas Cheer. Have some tasty treats, while you are there! I recommend breakfast with someone you’ll know. Be at the Grand Floridian Hotel at 9:30am. Tink”

We went to the GF and looked at the beautiful hotel and decorations and then checked in for breakfast. At the MK the other day, Ryan and Sean had been enamored with the princesses but Ryan was beside himself to meet Mary Poppins. He loves that movie and he just kept saying to her, “I love your movie.” You can see pics of him and her at the photobucket site I told you about on day 1. Breakfast was great. Loved the food selection and the characters were fun.

We got on the monorail and went to the Polynesian to look around for a bit. We skipped the Contemporary since I knew Tink was sending us there later and we’d been to the Wilderness Lodge our first night there. It was interesting seeing the hula lessons in the lobby. The boys laughed. We then walked the beach, back to the GF and loaded into the car. We were going to see the Epcot resorts and check out Beaches & Cream. We got parked, but discovered that B&C was closed for repainting. We also discovered that we could take a boat to Epcot, so we road over there so I could see if Dopey was out that day. Again, he was not, but the boys got to meet Jasmine and Aladdin. We decided to go back to MGM because I wanted to see the Narnia exhibit. Richard took the car back to the Cypress Palms and heated up some of the leftovers from Epcot while the boys and I took the boat to MGM. We met back up a little while later. The boys and I went to Narnia and waited about 30 minutes. I thought it would be a walk through sort of thing, so I held the boys back so we wouldn’t slow everyone else down. Turned out, you watch previews from the movie. I’m 5’2” and couldn’t see, so you know the boys couldn’t. Afterwards, I spoke with a CM and she took us back in so I could park the boys up front before the next groups came in. They were able to see the screen and we walked out with Ryan saying we had to go see it.

We met up with Daddy, saw the Millionaire show, and then walked through the Osborne Lights, which were crowded, but beautiful. The boys loved the snow. They both were starting to have runny noses, so I was so happy we’d already seen Fantasmic! and didn’t have to stick around. We were back at the room by 7:30pm for another night of very good sleep, after stopping at Walmart for some meds.