WHY it's worth it...

[Mom2Stitch]

I've been planning this trip for a months, ADRs at exactly 180 days, FP+ at 60 days, staying stuck to these boards. This trip is special, it's my oldest ds's first trip in more than 14 years and dgs,6 first trip ever. DH and I worked many, many hours to afford this trip. Just like everyone here, a lot was put into this trip

Due to travel and early flights we were running on a couple hours sleep when we got here yesterday. Room wasn't ready when we got to CSR, off to MK we went. The moment we stepped off the bus the rain started. And being the great planner I am, the ponchos were in the checked luggage oh well, we soldiered on. We did get a few rides in, but we were soaked, tired, and cranky with each other. My anxiety was climbing by the minute. My "plans" were falling apart.

And then the magic came, the REAL reason why we do this.

We had dinner at CM's, the food was just ok, the characters were great, we laughed and had a great time. After dinner we played in the gift shop-my 2 adult sons and grandson trying on ears, cuddling stuffed animals, oohing and ahhing over different things. Then as we were getting off the monorail to get our bus back to CSR, Wishes started. DGS started jumping up and down, giggling and laughing. We stood at the bottom of the monorail ramp and watched.

My grandson was in awe and his excitement brought tears to my eyes. This was not a planned moment, it just happened. No FP+ needed for this. Didn't stake out a spot an hour ahead of time and we had that little spot all to ourselves.

On the bus on the way back, dgs says to me "I can't believe we get to do this all over again tomorrow!" Yeah, me either kid!

Stop stressing folks, as it turns out, some of the simple things are the best things

 

[disney junky]

Awesome post. Thanks so much for sharing and enjoy the rest of your stay.

 

[Wendybird55]

So true...usually the best and most memorable moments are those that are unplanned. As adults we forget that it's not about getting on all the rides fast or getting ADRS we want...it's all about the magic...and for kids it's all about just "being there".

 

[glassslippergirl]

What a great story! Continue to have a magical trip.

 

[TinkerBella17]

Awesome!! Those are the memories that last a lifetime. Have a wonderful rest of your trip

 

[BlueFairy]

Makes me feel better about my reason for scheduling a quick impulse driven trip at the end of the summer. Not to see or do anything in particular except just BE there and soak it in. I think I'll avoid getting caught up in all the planning hoopla. Thanks.

 

[quigs3]

I've been planning this trip for a months, ADRs at exactly 180 days, FP+ at 60 days, staying stuck to these boards. This trip is special, it's my oldest ds's first trip in more than 14 years and dgs,6 first trip ever. DH and I worked many, many hours to afford this trip. Just like everyone here, a lot was put into this trip Due to travel and early flights we were running on a couple hours sleep when we got here yesterday. Room wasn't ready when we got to CSR, off to MK we went. The moment we stepped off the bus the rain started. And being the great planner I am, the ponchos were in the checked luggage oh well, we soldiered on. We did get a few rides in, but we were soaked, tired, and cranky with each other. My anxiety was climbing by the minute. My "plans" were falling apart. And then the magic came, the REAL reason why we do this. We had dinner at CM's, the food was just ok, the characters were great, we laughed and had a great time. After dinner we played in the gift shop-my 2 adult sons and grandson trying on ears, cuddling stuffed animals, oohing and ahhing over different things. Then as we were getting off the monorail to get our bus back to CSR, Wishes started. DGS started jumping up and down, giggling and laughing. We stood at the bottom of the monorail ramp and watched. My grandson was in awe and his excitement brought tears to my eyes. This was not a planned moment, it just happened. No FP+ needed for this. Didn't stake out a spot an hour ahead of time and we had that little spot all to ourselves. On the bus on the way back, dgs says to me "I can't believe we get to do this all over again tomorrow!" Yeah, me either kid! Stop stressing folks, as it turns out, some of the simple things are the best things

Well said! Sometimes it's easy to let the few bumps in the road overshadow the entire trip! So glad that's not happening with you! Have a magical Disney vacation, and thank you for sharing!

 

[carrie1626]

I've been planning this trip for a months, ADRs at exactly 180 days, FP+ at 60 days, staying stuck to these boards. This trip is special, it's my oldest ds's first trip in more than 14 years and dgs,6 first trip ever. DH and I worked many, many hours to afford this trip. Just like everyone here, a lot was put into this trip

Due to travel and early flights we were running on a couple hours sleep when we got here yesterday. Room wasn't ready when we got to CSR, off to MK we went. The moment we stepped off the bus the rain started. And being the great planner I am, the ponchos were in the checked luggage oh well, we soldiered on. We did get a few rides in, but we were soaked, tired, and cranky with each other. My anxiety was climbing by the minute. My "plans" were falling apart.

And then the magic came, the REAL reason why we do this.

We had dinner at CM's, the food was just ok, the characters were great, we laughed and had a great time. After dinner we played in the gift shop-my 2 adult sons and grandson trying on ears, cuddling stuffed animals, oohing and ahhing over different things. Then as we were getting off the monorail to get our bus back to CSR, Wishes started. DGS started jumping up and down, giggling and laughing. We stood at the bottom of the monorail ramp and watched.

My grandson was in awe and his excitement brought tears to my eyes. This was not a planned moment, it just happened. No FP+ needed for this. Didn't stake out a spot an hour ahead of time and we had that little spot all to ourselves.

On the bus on the way back, dgs says to me "I can't believe we get to do this all over again tomorrow!" Yeah, me either kid!

Stop stressing folks, as it turns out, some of the simple things are the best things

AWE Thanks for sharing!
I'm going to have a great day now and I know you will too!!!

 

[BudgieMama]

D'awwww! Sounds great! How you enjoy the rest of your trip just as much!

 

[JeninTexas]

So great to hear! Glad you are having a good time. This is what it is all about.

 

[hollypoast]

Tearing up reading your post... great post! So glad your first day ended that way

 

[Livingthedisneylife]

Mickey Mouse approves this post.

 

[bjam12]

Great post. It's always the unplanned things for me too.

Some of my favorite memories from our last trip is a couple of character interactions with my 6-year-old daughter during the Electrical Light parade. The look on her face was just priceless and worth the entire trip.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

Wonderful! It's all about those magical moments.

 

[Missymouse18]

Your post made me tear up. That magical moment you just shared is what it is all about. Having no grandchildren myself, I can only imagine the emotion you must have felt. I hope you have an exceptionally magical time and I sincerely thank you for spreading a little sunshine on the Dis Boards today!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Your story brought tears to my eyes, and it's SO TRUE!!

On our trip 2 summers ago I got a terrible sunburn and I was miserable. We had planned on going to MK PM EMH and I was in pain, so I lathered up my shoulders with Solarcaine, but I couldn't wear a tank top and feel the heat on me any more. The only short sleeved shirt I brought was one I didn't particularly think looked good on me (not sure why I brought it ) I was pretty grumpy and was trying to make the best of things. Well, we were strolling through Fantasyland when all of a sudden a CM came up to me and said Cinderella had been watching from her castle and saw my shirt with her picture on it and thought we might like a special treat. They brought out the HUGEST strawberry shortcake I've ever seen in my entire life. And they picked US all because I was wearing the shirt I wouldn't have been wearing if I hadn't been sunburned


Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

[txnana]

This is always why I go to WDW!! I had such a time explaining this to my "serious, bah Humbug, engineer son-in-law" until last year when he and my daughter were taking a trip to southern California and I gave them a day at Disneyland as a gift. My 2 year old grandson had just really discovered Disney things and was in total awe of just seeing Mickey and Donald and visiting Cars land. Son-in-law finally realized seeing the joy in the kids faces was worth all the hassle!! This year we are all spending 10 nights at WDW for Christmas and I know there will be many "awww" moments.

 

[csmith041177]

One of the best posts I have ever read. Awesome!!

 

[dakotix]

Great story. That's like when, on our last day at magic kingdom, we were on the bus from CSR to MK. It was just us and this couple with their little girl. She couldn't have been more than 5. Anyway as approached the MK, you could watch the surge of excitement emanating from her. She was dressed in a little princess gown. As we approached and and the park came into view she jumped up and down screaming we're here we're here! I can't believe it! Mommy look! Such a sweet moment for them and a perfect way to end our trip.

 

[sunb75]

Thanks for sharing! That gave me goosebumps! Enjoy your trip!