Magical Moments

[blyday]

I was reading this thread over on stupidguesttricks.com (http://www.stupidguesttricks.com/showpost.php?p=2713&postcount=12) and it got me to thinking about a few of the magical moments that DH and I have experienced on Disney vacations. I thought that maybe it would be fun and nice to have a place where we could all come and share our stories......you know.....those moments when you just suddenly realize that life is wonderful and you are so blessed to be able to be a part of such an amazing experience.

I'm going to start of with a story that was really the trigger point for DH and I......the day that we decided that we didn't want to just enjoy Disney ourselves but to bring other family with us to enjoy the magic........

It was October of 2005. We were going to see the Aladdin show for the first time. We got into the theater and found some seats and soon discovered that we were sitting directly in front of the handicapped section. I noticed a young boy about 7 or 8 years old in a wheelchair behind me and wanted to make sure that he could see over me (not usually a problem since I'm rather on the short side.) Well....when I looked back, the father says to us, "I know that he makes a lot of noise and if he is bothering you, please let me know and I'll take him out."

I was stunned. Here was this boy who had some obvious disabilities and the mere thought that the father would feel the need to accommodate a couple of healthy adults at Disneyland was overwhelming to me. I responded with, "There is nothing that he can do to bother us. This is Disneyland and it is for kids and he should never be asked to miss out on anything."

The father's facial expressions showed a sigh of relief. We talked with the father and I'd ask the boy some yes or no questions that he could show me his response by his expressions since he could not talk. As we talked, the father explained to us that he had been born with a genetic disorder that was killing him. He had been going downhill very fast the past year and they figured that they didn't have much longer to spend with him. In fact, just a year earlier, he could walk, now he couldn't even hold his head up.

As the show started, we turned around, both of us speechless. We loved the show and our favorite part was hearing squeals of delight coming from our new friend behind us. The show ended and the father thanked us for being so understanding and kind. DH and I walked out of that show with tears coming down our cheeks. We had been reminded by a sweet, innocent child that Disney isn't about how many rides you can get on in one day or about getting the best seat for the show. It is about magical moments.......moments that will live in your heart and lives forever.

Now.......I know that you all have your magical moments.....that special moment when your child meets Mickey for the first time.....the excitement in your eyes when your child first sees the castle, etc. So.......share your moments so that we all can smile. After all.......That is what Disney really is all about!!!

[jillyb]

:RpS_crying: I hope no one walks by my office and sees the tears running down my face. Wow! Just...wow!

[Janine]

Yeah, no kidding. Wow.

[blyday]

OK.....maybe I started off with too intense of a memory. It really was one of those things that we just kept going "wow" about for a long time afterward. So.....we decided that life is too precious and too short to not spend time with our families so we started bring them along with us.....so.....here is a lighter memory and then maybe the rest of you will share yours.....really....this could be an awesome thread!!!!

OK.........Our first trip that we took family with us on was to WDW (our first WDW trip!!!!) and we took my DMIL and DFIL. Now.....you have to understand DFIL a little bit to get this. He came from a very bad background. His father was very abusive and even sexually abused a few of DH's cousins (he was not a good man). He eventually ended up killing himself.....after killing DFILs mother. So......as you can guess......he can be pretty gruff sometimes. Now....mind you.....coming from the background that he came from.....he really is a good guy.....just gruff and grumpy. In fact, a few of the nieces and nephews have labeled him the old man from the movie "Up".

OK.....so here we are at WDW. DMIL has pretty bad arthritis so we got her a wheelchair that she'd use to lean on (kind of like a walker) sometimes and the rest of the time, we'd take turns pushing her around. Well.....DFIL was pushing her when suddenly I hear, "Go Jean, Go!!!" I look over just in time to see him push her off on a slight slope and off she goes!!!! The wheelchair turned a bit and started heading for a railing. DFIL was having so much fun.....all he did was stand there and giggle like a little boy!!! I on the other hand am running after her like a crazy person to make sure she doesn't get hurt. Later on I say to DH "I've never seen your dad act that way. He was like a little boy!!" to which DH responds, "I've never seen him act that way either!!!"

It was actually really funny and one of those memories we will never forget.......the day that DFIL turned into a little boy!!!!

[Janine]

He came from a very bad background. His father was very abusive and even sexually abused a few of DH's cousins (he was not a good man). He eventually ended up killing himself.....after killing DFILs mother.

Jeez Brenda!!!! I thought you said it was going to be 'lighter'. :RpS_scared:

Ok, in a feeble attempt to follow you, here goes.

In 2002 DSister and DBIL were taking their kids to WDW for the 1st time (Dnephews were 6 and 4.5, DNiece was 4.5), and they invited me to tag along. DNiece was a Minnie Mouse freak. She loved, loved, loved her. So there we were lined up for the parade on the sidewalk at the Castle hub, DN wearing her Minnie Mouse ears. When the parade stopped, right there in front of us was Minnie Mouse pulling kids from the crowd to dance with her. My DN stood in complete awe as Minnie picked her to dance. Seeing my DN have the thrill of her lifetime as Minnie patted her on the head was complete joy. I still get teared up just thinking about it. That is my favorite Disney memory.

Well, that and my DNephew kissing me on my white shorts after he ate a mickey ice cream bar - his chocolate covered lips leaving a perfect imprint.:RpS_glare:

[blyday]

Well, that and my DNephew kissing me on my white shorts after he ate a mickey ice cream bar - his chocolate covered lips leaving a perfect imprint.

LOVE it!!!!

That ks so awesome that your niece got selected by Minnie herself.......pure magic right there!!!!

[jilly7896]

In 2007 I ordered baskets for the boys from "Memories by Betsy". They included autograph books, pens, lanyards, etc. They baskets were signed from Mickey. A couple of days later we were eating breakfast at 'Ohana and when Mickey was signing Ryan's autograph book, Ryan looked up at him and said "this is the book that you gave me, thank you!" OMG it was the cutest thing ever. He was 6.

[Janine]

OMG! That is adorable.

[Thadine]

Brenda those were wonderful magical moments! Thanks for sharing.

Mine is a magical moment too but no tearjerker :RpS_smile:

On our last vacation in 2009 we had the chance to ride the monorail up front. I told my boys about the license they would get and they were very excited. But the CM driving the monorail that day wasn't in a good mood I guess, so when my little one asked him about the license he just said " I don't have anymore left" and walked away.
My little one was very sad but I told him not to worry and we went to Ohana to eat.
Later we took the monorail back to MK for a stroll.
There was another CM working the platform there and he started to talk to my boys while we waited for the monorail, he was very impressed that my oldest son made the t-shirt that we were wearing that day, and kept complementing him.
I told him about our disappointed with the license earlier on.

The monorail came and we said goodbye to him.

After our stroll ( a good 2 hours later) we walked back to the monorail and who is standing there, the nice CM we talked to.
He saw us approaching and walked to meet us.
He had about 10 license's with him and gave them to my sons.

He said he wasn't sure he was going to see us again but just in case he went and got some license's.

My kids were happy, especially the little one, and we thanked him profusely.
My oldest took a picture with him. He was such a nice man, he really made our day :RpS_smile:

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj241/Thadine_photo/DSC00143.jpg

[Thadine]

In 2007 I ordered baskets for the boys from "Memories by Betsy". They included autograph books, pens, lanyards, etc. They baskets were signed from Mickey. A couple of days later we were eating breakfast at 'Ohana and when Mickey was signing Ryan's autograph book, Ryan looked up at him and said "this is the book that you gave me, thank you!" OMG it was the cutest thing ever. He was 6.

Love it!

[ngoldy]

Wow - these moments are so great to read!
One of my favorites (not as heart-wrenching as some, but special to us) was the day we took my 4 yr old niece to Akershus Princess Breakfast, where she dressed like Belle in the gold ballgown and, of course, met Belle there.
Much later that day in EPCOT, we ran into the same actress (is that what you call them?) dressed as Belle in her blue dress, and my niece had changed into shorts & a t-shirt. Belle bent down to greet my little niece, and said immediately, "Oh, I see you changed out of your dress, too!" We could not believe that after seeing hundreds of children that day, she would actually remember one little girl, in a change of clothes!
It was such a sweet moment - to be met and remembered by a "princess"!


- Nancy

[DizDragonfly]

Brenda, I just went and read the story at the link you posted. OMG!! How many times today are you going to make me cry?? :Cry:

[Janine]

All crying aside... great idea for a thread, Brenda.

[Janine]

Why, oh why did I have to go and click that link. I was warned.

[blyday]

Why, oh why did I have to go and click that link. I was warned.

I know........it is a tear jerker!!!! But still an amazing story!!!! I've loved reading everyone's memories.

Jill.....so cute how he thanked Mickey. You must be doing a good job as a mom for him to think about saying thank you!!!!

Thadine......I love hearing about CMs who just go above and beyond the call of duty. It is people like that CM who make Disney so amazing!!!!

Nancy......I'm sure that Belle made your daughter (as well as you) feel so special by remembering her. That is just great. Disney really does hire the best!!!

Karen and Janine......sorry for making you cry again. I was bawling after I read it and at the same time felt so touched and inspired. I just wanted to share it with my friends. (Ok.....in reality.....I just didn't want to be the only one crying!!!!) OK.....so here it the warning.....the story to that link WILL make you cry!!!

Anyone else want to share a magical moment???

[jillyb]

Jeez Brenda!!!! I thought you said it was going to be 'lighter'. :RpS_scared:

Ok, in a feeble attempt to follow you, here goes.

In 2002 DSister and DBIL were taking their kids to WDW for the 1st time (Dnephews were 6 and 4.5, DNiece was 4.5), and they invited me to tag along. DNiece was a Minnie Mouse freak. She loved, loved, loved her. So there we were lined up for the parade on the sidewalk at the Castle hub, DN wearing her Minnie Mouse ears. When the parade stopped, right there in front of us was Minnie Mouse pulling kids from the crowd to dance with her. My DN stood in complete awe as Minnie picked her to dance. Seeing my DN have the thrill of her lifetime as Minnie patted her on the head was complete joy. I still get teared up just thinking about it. That is my favorite Disney memory.

Well, that and my DNephew kissing me on my white shorts after he ate a mickey ice cream bar - his chocolate covered lips leaving a perfect imprint.:RpS_glare:

OK...you made me cry AND laugh! Great memories!

[jillyb]

In 2007 I ordered baskets for the boys from "Memories by Betsy". They included autograph books, pens, lanyards, etc. They baskets were signed from Mickey. A couple of days later we were eating breakfast at 'Ohana and when Mickey was signing Ryan's autograph book, Ryan looked up at him and said "this is the book that you gave me, thank you!" OMG it was the cutest thing ever. He was 6.

Awwww....that is so sweet!!

[jillyb]

Brenda those were wonderful magical moments! Thanks for sharing.

Mine is a magical moment too but no tearjerker :RpS_smile:

On our last vacation in 2009 we had the chance to ride the monorail up front. I told my boys about the license they would get and they were very excited. But the CM driving the monorail that day wasn't in a good mood I guess, so when my little one asked him about the license he just said " I don't have anymore left" and walked away.
My little one was very sad but I told him not to worry and we went to Ohana to eat.
Later we took the monorail back to MK for a stroll.
There was another CM working the platform there and he started to talk to my boys while we waited for the monorail, he was very impressed that my oldest son made the t-shirt that we were wearing that day, and kept complementing him.
I told him about our disappointed with the license earlier on.

The monorail came and we said goodbye to him.

After our stroll ( a good 2 hours later) we walked back to the monorail and who is standing there, the nice CM we talked to.
He saw us approaching and walked to meet us.
He had about 10 license's with him and gave them to my sons.

He said he wasn't sure he was going to see us again but just in case he went and got some license's.

My kids were happy, especially the little one, and we thanked him profusely.
My oldest took a picture with him. He was such a nice man, he really made our day :RpS_smile:

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj241/Thadine_photo/DSC00143.jpg

What an awesome thing that CM did! Love it!

[jillyb]

Wow - these moments are so great to read!
One of my favorites (not as heart-wrenching as some, but special to us) was the day we took my 4 yr old niece to Akershus Princess Breakfast, where she dressed like Belle in the gold ballgown and, of course, met Belle there.
Much later that day in EPCOT, we ran into the same actress (is that what you call them?) dressed as Belle in her blue dress, and my niece had changed into shorts & a t-shirt. Belle bent down to greet my little niece, and said immediately, "Oh, I see you changed out of your dress, too!" We could not believe that after seeing hundreds of children that day, she would actually remember one little girl, in a change of clothes!
It was such a sweet moment - to be met and remembered by a "princess"!


- Nancy

Awesome that she remembered your niece!

[jillyb]

Why, oh why did I have to go and click that link. I was warned.


Same here. :RpS_scared:

[jillyb]

OK...this is a lighthearted magical moment.

Our first visit was for Hannah's 6th birthday. I made Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments for both girls that morning and for dinner we went to the Grand Floridian for dinner with Cinderella. We returned to the Magic Kingdom that night to see Spectromagic. We had a great seat right in front of the rope to the right of the Hall of Presidents. Hannah was all dressed up in her princess finery and was wearing her birthday button. At that time, Ariel was her favorite princess. As Ariel's float comes by, Ariel looks right at Hannah, waves and says "Happy birthday Pirncess!". With a look of total joy and amazement, Hannah turns around to me and says excitedy "Mommy! Ariel wished me happy birthday!" Best.birthday.present.EVAH! There were others that wished her happy birthday but none as special as Ariel.

[blyday]

Ahhhh......Jill.....that is so sweet. Isn't it wonderful how that simply thing just totally makes the magic and day for our kids?? I'm sure that you have forever been thankful for an Ariel who took just 5 seconds to notice your DD and say "Happy B-day"!!!!

[Janine]

Oh, I LOVE that one!

[blyday]

OK....another magical moment from our many trips!!!!

Dec of 2009, we took two of my sisters and their families with us to DLR. They had just opened up the BBB at DLR so we decided that we might try it out. On of my nieces, Jennifer (4), was very excited about the whole thing. One day while video conferencing with her, I made the comment, "I know you don't want to go to Disneyland." She comes back with, "Aunt Brenda I do want to go to Disneyland." I ask her why she would ever want to go to Disneyland and she says, "I want to be a princess!!!" Fast forward to our trip. We are at the BBB and the girls are getting all done up (my 10 y/o nephew did the knight package and was done first!!!) When they turn Jen around....she just stares at herself....no smile or anything. I was a little worried that she wasn't happy with what she saw so I ask, "Jen, what do you think?" She tilts her head and raises up her little shoulder and says, "I'm beautiful."

I know understand why people pay so much to get a little girl's hair done up. We will now always take the little ones to BBB every time!!!!

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x206/blyday72/Disneyland%20Dec%202009/Image0085.jpg

Oh and here are all 4 of the kids we had at the BBB that trip:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x206/blyday72/Disneyland%20Dec%202009/Image0124.jpg

[jillyb]

Ahhhh......Jill.....that is so sweet. Isn't it wonderful how that simply thing just totally makes the magic and day for our kids?? I'm sure that you have forever been thankful for an Ariel who took just 5 seconds to notice your DD and say "Happy B-day"!!!!

It really is the simple things like that that can make a trip magical! That Ariel has a special place in my heart!

[jillyb]

She tilts her head and raises up her little shoulder and says, "I'm beautiful."

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x206/blyday72/Disneyland%20Dec%202009/Image0085.jpg

Yes she is!

Oh and here are all 4 of the kids we had at the BBB that trip:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x206/blyday72/Disneyland%20Dec%202009/Image0124.jpg


As are the other 2 Princesses and a very handsome pirate!

[Thadine]

So many sweet and beautiful stories!
Keep them coming!!!!

[ngoldy]

So many sweet and beautiful stories!
Keep them coming!!!!


Yes! I love these - they really warm my heart and remind me that it's not just rides and ADRs!!! :RpS_smile:

- Nancy

[blyday]

OK......I've shared 3 stories already. I could share more but would love to hear more of your magic moments everyone!!! It doesn't have to be anything elaborate......just that special moment that you always remember when you talk about your vacation. Those things that make you smile. Oh......and it can be moments that have happened while you are planning.....ok....I'll share one of those just to give you an idea for those who haven't gone yet.....


In Feb of 2007, DH and I decided that we were going to ask DSIL (the same one who is going with us this May). We were taking a trip out to Utah and decided to wait and ask her in person. So.....she is in DMIL's kitchen when we approach her. I say, "So Carol, Kevin and I are planning a trip to Disney World in June and were wondering if you and your family would like to come with us?" Carol starts jumping up and down in excitement......you know......like those people on Price is Right do when they win a new car!!!!!! She was so cute about it. Then suddenly she stops and looks at me with a look of shock on her face. "What a minute.....do you mean the one in Florida?" I respond with, "Yeah, that is where Disney World is at." Carol's face goes completely blank.......she is now in complete shock. She says in an almost monotone voice. "I've never even been on a plane before." It took about 15 minutes or so before we could get her breathing normally again and in a state that she could even attempt to talk to her husband and kids about it. I have to say......she was probably one of the funnest people that we have ever asked to go with us. And we are so excited to be going with them again this May......the only sad part is that DBIL won't be with us this trip.....we sure will miss him.

[Janine]

I plan to start having some in 1 month, 3 weeks and 1 day.

[josh]

I remember my first trip to Disneyland when I was maybe nine years old and as you may be aware you walk in and everything is so big. So we are walking down Main Street and I don't know if you know this about me but I am a huge whiner. So I am whining about how Disneyland sucks and it's just a bunch of stores and where are the rides. And we finally walk through Main Street which takes like three hours and then make it to Matterhorn. I think I had a smile on my face for the next six days.

[RoonieRoo]

Way, way back me and my late husband went to WDW. It was sometime in the early '90s. I think it must have been '92? Anyway, he was a different man and suffered from schizophrenia and, as a result, had flat affect, which means he didn't show/express emotions most of the time. He's been gone for about 12 years now.

So, remember, this is a man who really didn't show hardly any emotion outwardly. We were having lunch at the Garden Grill and it was a character lunch but with Mickey and Minnie at the time. There really wasn't hardly anyone there and I'm not sure we were even aware that it was a character lunch. I had just booked it. We were in those booths and all of a sudden Minnie comes out of what seemed like nowhere and hops into the booth next to Michael and kisses him. Well, you know what I mean,but it was quite obvious she kissed him. Michael turns about 6 shades of red and is grinning like an idiot and Minnie, just as fast, hops out of the booth and runs off.

Well, we are sitting at the table across from each other and I see Mickey hop into the booth behind Michael and he is "giggling". I start laughing and Michael, without turning around, says "The Mouse is behind me, isn't he?" I said "Yep!" and Michael with the biggest grin turns around and says "Shoo, Mouse!".

That is one of my best memories I have of my time with Michael on this earth and one of the few where he showed visible emotion. I know that this is a group that would appreciate that magical moment and memory.

[blyday]

I remember my first trip to Disneyland when I was maybe nine years old and as you may be aware you walk in and everything is so big. So we are walking down Main Street and I don't know if you know this about me but I am a huge whiner. So I am whining about how Disneyland sucks and it's just a bunch of stores and where are the rides. And we finally walk through Main Street which takes like three hours and then make it to Matterhorn. I think I had a smile on my face for the next six days.

I LOVE the Matterhorn. Strangely enough.....seeing the Matterhorn is my "you are at Disneyland" symbol....not the castle. So....did it really take 3 hours to get there or just seem like 3 hours??



Way, way back me and my late husband went to WDW. It was sometime in the early '90s. I think it must have been '92? Anyway, he was a different man and suffered from schizophrenia and, as a result, had flat affect, which means he didn't show/express emotions most of the time. He's been gone for about 12 years now.

So, remember, this is a man who really didn't show hardly any emotion outwardly. We were having lunch at the Garden Grill and it was a character lunch but with Mickey and Minnie at the time. There really wasn't hardly anyone there and I'm not sure we were even aware that it was a character lunch. I had just booked it. We were in those booths and all of a sudden Minnie comes out of what seemed like nowhere and hops into the booth next to Michael and kisses him. Well, you know what I mean,but it was quite obvious she kissed him. Michael turns about 6 shades of red and is grinning like an idiot and Minnie, just as fast, hops out of the booth and runs off.

Well, we are sitting at the table across from each other and I see Mickey hop into the booth behind Michael and he is "giggling". I start laughing and Michael, without turning around, says "The Mouse is behind me, isn't he?" I said "Yep!" and Michael with the biggest grin turns around and says "Shoo, Mouse!".

That is one of my best memories I have of my time with Michael on this earth and one of the few where he showed visible emotion. I know that this is a group that would appreciate that magical moment and memory.

What a special memory. That is Disney Magic at it's best!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[josh]

Probably a five minute walk, but you know how it is when you're little and whiney!! :RpS_lol:

[blyday]

Probably a five minute walk, but you know how it is when you're little and whiney!! :RpS_lol:

:RpS_thumbsup: Yep......I hear ya!!!!

[NandK]

This is a picture of the first time our oldest daughter saw the castle. She didn't know what to think but soon warmed up to the idea that we could actually go inside and eat with the princesses.
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb348/ngeiser3/017.jpg

[jillyb]

That is just precious!

[4mickeyfreax]

great picture!! she has your eyes :RpS_smile:

[Janine]

That's a beautiful story, RonnieRoo.

[roball]

This moment happened on our last day of our first WDW vacation when my boys were really into Aladdin, Genie and Princess Jasmine. Oldest DS was 4 at the time and only wanted to meet Genie, but we some how never found him. My DH decided to purchase a set of Aladdin figures and asked a CM if she would present the box to our boys; telling them they were from Genie. The CM asked us to follow her back to an area near Adventure Land and to wait for her to come back. Well, a few minutes later she returned with Princess Jasmine and Aladdin. Jasmine and Aladdin hand my kids the box of figures while telling them that Genie wanted to give them a gift. My boys were speechless, especially after Princess Jasmine gave them each a big kiss on the cheek. I believe this moment convinced my husband that it is not crazy to go to Disney 5 years in a row.

[NandK]

Thanks!!! Great moment, roball!!! I might have to copy you on our Oct. trip.:RpS_smile:

[blyday]

Nick......that is just a precious picture. Her eyes say it all......and so does your face. What a special Daddy/daughter moment!!!!

roball......that is awesome!!!! Talk about a CM going above and beyond!!! What a great experience for your boys.

[dmandaro]

Love this thread.

My DH and I are Disney lovers!! We honeymooned at DW in 1993 and bought a timeshare at OLCC on the last day of our trip thinking we'd soon have lots of kids and would be down every year with all of them in tow. We didn't know it would take us 10 years to have our first in 2003. We took her to DW right before she turned 2. Pirates was our first ride. I held her on my lap and we never took our eyes off of her - so amazed by everything she was seeing - we cried through the whole ride, I'll never forget it. She now has 2 sweet younger brothers and we've been back 2007, 2008 and 2009. We're going again in August to make more wonderful memories!!!

xoxo

[roball]

Love this thread.
Pirates was our first ride. I held her on my lap and we never took our eyes off of her - so amazed by everything she was seeing - we cried through the whole ride, I'll never forget it.
xoxo

Watching your child's first reactions is an amazing experience!

[Brandie]

One of my favorite Disney memories is of waiting to see Wishes at the Poly beach. We didn't actually see Wishes because a few minutes before it was to start a torrential downpour hit and we gave up and ran in and back to our car, but while we were waiting on the beach this happened:

My eldest two boys fight like cats and dogs. They are two years apart and have fought since the younger one could talk. There isn't a day that goes by that our whole family isn't plagued with their bickering. On this trip they were 12 and 10. We had just eaten at 'Ohana, strolled around the Poly pool and grounds and found some chairs on the beach to relax. The kids started building things in the sand. The older of the two started burying the younger in the sand. Younger finally claimed he couldn't get up. I thought, "Oh no. Here it comes." The older says "Hold on. I'm making something." The younger complies with only a bit of whining. I come over to see what is going on. Older is almost done. "There. All done." "What did you make?" "Ha ha. You're a mermaid!" I think "Okay, he's gonna blow." But instead he says:

"What? A mermaid?" . . . thoughtful pause . . . Then he says "Am I a PRETTY mermaid?"

We still laugh about it.

[guff]

My first magical moment happen before I arrived (long story)

I booked our trip less airfare through Disney travel. At time I was quoted $1060 for non-stop air. When I booked it my wife wasn't home and we were only about 98% certain we were going so I didn't want to commit to non refundable airfare. A few days later we commit to the trip and I call back to pay for the flight. Now the price is $1260 and some odd cents. What happened????? Well, what wasn't made clear was that the flight was booked through the airline. I was under the impression (more accurately, given the impression) that the flight was a 'Disney' price. So I don't book the flight because that price is nearly the straw that broke the camel's back.

Fast forward a week and we decide that we're locked in no matter how much the flight costs. So I call Disney travel and book the flight. I paid $1260.and some odd cents for the flight. We good to go (or so I thought)

About 60 days before the trip we are getting ready to pay for the entire balance. My wife is reviewing the itinerary and she doesn't see anything about flights. Her: "Hey, are you sure you paid for the flights" Me: "Yup. You were standing next to me when I did. Don't you remember jumping up and down yelling 'We're going to Disney' ". So I call Disney travel just to make sure.

After going through the tele-maze I get to speak to Virginia. I ask Virginia to confirm my flight and she can't because it was never booked. I told her when and why I paid $1260 and some odd cents. She said "You didn't pay for the flight.
I reply "I paid for it. Disney failed to book it."
Virginia[direct quote] "oh, no you didn't. You put down a deposit".
Me: "No. I paid for a flight. What form of OCD would I have to have to make me put down a $1260 and some odd cent deposit on credit card."
Virginia: "I don't know but you don't have a flight"
Me: "Well, I need to book a flight. Can we do that"
Viginia "OK"

Virginia comes back with a completely unacceptable flight at an even more unacceptable price ($1500+). So I tell Virginia that it wasn't acceptable. She and I debate the issues that got me in this position and she is not at all receptive, bordering on hostile. I offer an acceptable solution.

Me: "I want a flight that departs and arrives at a similar time and cost $1260 and some odd cents. It doesn't have to be the same flight but it needs to cost the same and have similar times." Polite but firm
Virginia: [Direct quote](with attitude) "OH, You'LL get what I give you"

CHERNOBYL MELTDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I let loose a phone melting rant. Some of the quotes included "You think because you have that (EXPLECTIVE)ing mouse you can hold me hostage. Well, I don't have to go on this trip. I can tell you to jam this trip right up and under that (EXPLECTIVE)ing mouse's tail."

She hangs up and I'm actually shaking. I've never been so mad in my life. Her attitude throughout was awful and the "OH, you'll get what I give you" was the trigger for an outburst that I've never done before or since.

Unfortunately, my kids heard the outburst and now they think I just jammed the trip up Mickey's backside. So, my wife takes the phone, gets a woman who is much more pleasant, explains the situation and we get a similar flight and for around $1300. So we're going to Disney and the trip as been removed from Mickey's nether region

[When the heck is he getting to the magic. JEEZ, this guy can type]

Fast forward two weeks. Out of the blue, my wife gets a call from Cricket (no, kidding that was the woman's name). Cricket works for Disney travel. She was doing some general customer service reviews and heard the phone call between me and Virginia. Cricket was appalled and Virginia unemployed. Cricket arranged for an even better flight at the original price of $1060 (Disney picked up the difference). In addition, she would make sure that our room was stocked with a goody bag. The goody bag was a large canvas Disney logo tote filled with various snacks, two autographs books, pens and other Disney trinkets.

This is more a good customer service story than it is magic but for me it proves that Disney doesn't want anyone to be unhappy.

I have something more magically but I'll save it.

[Thadine]

Love your story Brandie.

Josh do you still whine? Just to know what to expect when my little whiner grows up :RpS_biggrin:

Guff, that was a good story, no way you are going to save the magical one! Do tell!!!!! :RpS_biggrin:

[guff]

I'm saving it for later... there's a lot of typing involved and my fingers need a rest.

[roball]

Brandie- great story. I can really relate; my two boys are 1 1/2 years apart and are constantly bickering.

[jillyb]

One of my favorite Disney memories is of waiting to see Wishes at the Poly beach. We didn't actually see Wishes because a few minutes before it was to start a torrential downpour hit and we gave up and ran in and back to our car, but while we were waiting on the beach this happened:

My eldest two boys fight like cats and dogs. They are two years apart and have fought since the younger one could talk. There isn't a day that goes by that our whole family isn't plagued with their bickering. On this trip they were 12 and 10. We had just eaten at 'Ohana, strolled around the Poly pool and grounds and found some chairs on the beach to relax. The kids started building things in the sand. The older of the two started burying the younger in the sand. Younger finally claimed he couldn't get up. I thought, "Oh no. Here it comes." The older says "Hold on. I'm making something." The younger complies with only a bit of whining. I come over to see what is going on. Older is almost done. "There. All done." "What did you make?" "Ha ha. You're a mermaid!" I think "Okay, he's gonna blow." But instead he says:

"What? A mermaid?" . . . thoughtful pause . . . Then he says "Am I a PRETTY mermaid?"

We still laugh about it.

:RpS_lol::RpS_lol::RpS_lol: That's awesome!!

[jillyb]

I let loose a phone melting rant. Some of the quotes included "You think because you have that (EXPLECTIVE)ing mouse you can hold me hostage. Well, I don't have to go on this trip. I can tell you to jam this trip right up and under that (EXPLECTIVE)ing mouse's tail."

:RpS_lol: :RpS_lol: :RpS_lol: :RpS_lol: :pound::pound::pound:

I'm sure it wasn't funny at the time but this is absolutely hysterical!

[guff]

So here's the real magically one with some links to explain some terms...

Let me start it by saying that up until my first Disney trip with my kids I wasn't that into the Disney thing. I knew at some point I would make the trip but, for me it was really a take it or leave it sort of trip. Our plan was to make our first - and in my mind only - trip this year when my kids were 6 and 8. Get it done, check it off the list, and make beach vacation plans for the rest of our lives.

Well, life has a funny way of changing your plans without consulting you first.

Shortly after Christmas 2007 my son, then 3, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. In simple terms, Aplastic Anemia (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000554.htm) is a auto-immune disorder that causes the body to attack its own bone marrow. No bone marrow means no new blood cells. No new blood cells is not good. It is fatal if untreated and sometimes fatal even with treatment. There are a few treatments, he received immune suppression therapy - a combination of drugs that suppress the immune system with the hope that the bone marrow will re-establish itself while the immune system is suppressed. Once the bone marrow comes back, the immune system is slowing brought back on line.

The treatment isn't a walk in the park. Actually, I'm pretty sure hell is exactly like it. Official diagnosis required one bone marrow aspiration (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003658.htm) and one bone marrow biopsy (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003934.htm). He spent a month in the hospital, had a device called a Broviac catheter (http://surgery.med.umich.edu/pediatric/clinical/patient_content/a-m/broviac_placement.shtml) implanted into his chest to allow easy access to a major vein. He received his initial treatment and was sent to home to continue care.

The home care (done by my wife and I) include dressing changes which were a special kind of hell, daily shots of a blood cell stimulator and giving various medicines including one that look and tasted like 3-in-1 oil. Routine doctor visits - started out bi-weekly and slowly (and I mean slowly) progressed to monthly.

While we were in the hospital we watched all sorts of movies and lots of Playhouse Disney. At some point during a the start of one of the movies when the castle is silhouetted against the blue background, my wife said 'after this, we're going to Disney'. My son asked a few questions about Disney and we were able to connect Mickey and the castle. Sometime after that said "I want to go see Mickey at the castle"

So in November 2008, he finally stops taking meds. He can pretty much resume normal life but he will always be monitored by a doctor (we currently go every 6 months). That was our green light to start Disney planning. We talked about in theory quite a bit and then in January 2009 when my wife was at work I booked the trip for April 2009. We were going to Disney (thank you, Cricket).

My first experience was the Magical Express. A line. I told my kids get used to [direct quote] "this is the first of many lines". I still didn't love Disney. I treasured the experience. I was happy we were all alive but I can honestly say I wasn't feeling joy, just relief.

Magical Express worked flawlessly. Check in at the Contemporary smooth as silk. Let's not forget the goodie bags from Cricket. I'm starting to smile. We head to Magic Kingdom and it hits me. We're going to see Mickey at the castle. And the rest of the trip was perfect. I have pretty happy kids but I've never seen smiles like this. Never. And I was hooked - it is magical.

I started planning my December trip when arrived back home.

Here are some pictures:

The start of this journey:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/guff/IMG_1400.jpg

The Disney smile


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/guff/IMG_3063.jpg

Riding in the front of the monorail with his sister

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/guff/IMG_3036.jpg

Chef Mickey's

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/guff/IMG_2894.jpg


Donald bringing his sister her birthday cake. She's often the forgotten part of this whole saga. While she didn't endure the medical part like her brother did, she suffered with him emotionally. It took a toll on her and she deserved to see Mickey at the castle just as much.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/guff/IMG_2909.jpg

[blyday]

dmandaro - What a great memory. As someone who dreamed of taking her kids to Disney and then not being able to have them (and having 3 adoptions fall through) I can totally understand how precious that moment with your DD was. What a special memory!!!

Brandie - I LOVE it. Isn't it amazing how kids who you are quite certain hate each other suddenly become best friends at Disney and they put up with things and enjoy them when at home it would be a disaster waiting to happen!!! You have to love Disney!!!

guff- Your stories are wonderful. So glad to hear that Cricket was able to make what was almost a disaster turn into a happy experience. And your son's story.....WOW. And I agree with what you said about your DD. I grew up in a family with 3 of my 5 sisters having pretty serious speech impairments (they still struggle today!!) and another one who is legal blind. I know how easy it is to be the one in the background but still going through the emotional effects of it all. She most definitely deserved that trip also and that pic of her with Donald is priceless!!!!

[roball]

Brenda - This thread is great, thanks for starting it!

Guff - I had tears in my eyes reading your story.

[Thadine]

Thanks for sharing Guff. And your kids are beautiful!

@ Brenda :grouphug: ( we need a two person hug too Josh! )

[blyday]

OK......I've got this cold, it is rainy outside and I'm just feeling "blah" so thought that I'd resurrect this thread since it makes me just makes me feel good.......So.....another memory.....

Last November, we took my DSis and her family with us to DLR. We surprised the kids which was fun (and very hard!!!!). My little niece Grace was a month shy of turning 2 years old. She had liked seeing people in costumes (such as Chucky Cheese and some random characters a few fairs her mother worked at) but from a distance. Somehow about 2 months before our trip, she got introduced to "Mickey Mouse Club House" and just loved Mickey. So......we figured that she'd be really excited to see him......but probably wouldn't want to get too close.

We got to CA in the afternoon so went into the park about 5 PM for a couple of hours. We decided to head straight to ToonTown to meet Mickey. The kids were so excited and had so much fun playing in Mickey's house as we wound our way to the room where he was at. They have a "waiting" room with old Mickey cartoons and Grace was so excited. She kept saying, "Mick-a- Mouse, see Mick-a Mouse Benna?" Well.....it is soon our turn. we round the corner and she sees Mickey for the first time. I'm carrying her and she just goes ballistic. She was beyond excited!!! She could hardly wait her turn but she did. Well.......the group in front of us finish, I set her down and say, OK, it's your turn and she bolts....straight into Mickey's arms!!!! Gives him a hug on his legs. Her sister and brother come up and get their hugs and she moves to the side but never lets go of his hand. She is just in heaven!!!

Well......we actually had 2 other SILs and their families with us so we let each family have a turn and then we plan on taking a pic with everyone. So, I'm holding Grace and she just keeps saying to me "Mo Mick-a-Mouse Benna, Me Mo Mick-a-Mouse." Then the second SIL and her family goes up and Grace loses her patience. She puckers up her lips, gets a stubborn look on her face and firmly proclaims, "No! That's My Mick-a Mouse!!!!"

DH and I had a chance later on in the trip where DSis offered to let us go on BTMRR with the older kids or back to meet Mickey with Grace......we took Mickey. After all.....BTMRR will always be there.....a 23 month old who believes that Disney is all about characters and rides are only what you do to fill in the time in between meeting them only happens once in a life time!!!! This time we had our Photopass person ready to take her pic as well as our cameras and this Mickey sat down and put her on his lap. She was in heaven!!!!



ETA: OK......someone else share their moments. I need some emotional fuel!!!!

[jilly7896]

Shortly after Christmas 2007 my son, then 3, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. In simple terms, Aplastic Anemia (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000554.htm) is a auto-immune disorder that causes the body to attack its own bone marrow. No bone marrow means no new blood cells. No new blood cells is not good. It is fatal if untreated and sometimes fatal even with treatment. There are a few treatments, he received immune suppression therapy - a combination of drugs that suppress the immune system with the hope that the bone marrow will re-establish itself while the immune system is suppressed. Once the bone marrow comes back, the immune system is slowing brought back on line.

The treatment isn't a walk in the park. Actually, I'm pretty sure hell is exactly like it. Official diagnosis required one bone marrow aspiration (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003658.htm) and one bone marrow biopsy (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003934.htm). He spent a month in the hospital, had a device called a Broviac catheter (http://surgery.med.umich.edu/pediatric/clinical/patient_content/a-m/broviac_placement.shtml) implanted into his chest to allow easy access to a major vein. He received his initial treatment and was sent to home to continue care.



Wow Guff, what a great story and I loved all your pictures. My son was diagnosed with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia when he was 2. We went through all the same, bone marriow biopsies, aspirations, broviacs... As you can see in my signature, my son will be out of treatment 10 years in Sept!!!

[roball]

Brenda - What a cute story.

I have another one to share:
On our second WDW trip, my DS 4 (at the time) picked out a character baseball cap for DH. DH is not really a baseball cap wearing guy, but he wore this one all the time and had become very attached to it. Now, fast forward to our departure day of our August 2010 trip. We RD MK and manage to be the first family on Splash Mountain. As we start the big drop, my DH yells out "oh no my hat!"; that baby was swimming with the fishes. We get off, look at the picture and head through the store; all the while DH is getting more depressed thinking about his hat. All of a sudden a CM stops us and asks if we want our Splash picture for free. Of course we do! Well, DH doesn't have his sentimental baseball cap, but he has a (free) photo of himself wearing it seconds before it flew off his head.

[Goofynut]

What a wonderful memory. I am a wish granter for Make a Wish. I always hope my wish child will find people like you when they are enjoying their wish. How sad that the father felt he had to say that he would take the child out. Thank you for being you.:RpS_biggrin That sure made my day. What is Disney without happy children.

[Godshalk3]

Here's a great memory from our last trip in February of 2010:

My son's first trip to WDW was in October of 2008, after he had just turned four. He had a great time. Six months later, he had been diagnosed with moderate to sever hearing loss in both ears and was fitted with hearing aids. Fast forward to last Feburary - for anyone there at that time (pre-President's day), you remember how COLD it was! We were walking up Main Street at MK on february 9th when a CM named Wendy began talking to us, and asked our son we were going to stay and watch the parade that afternoon. We were going to stay, but being he six, he said 'Nah!'.:RpS_blushing: Wendy then asked if we'd like to BE in the parade......huh??....of course! We were slated to be part of the parade to honor the volunteers...until it started pouring cold, nasty rain. A CM named Dean (I wish I could remember their last names - both were amazing!) let us backstage for the parade....with everyone dripping and shivering, but Dean was optomistic.....he had not seen that many parade rain-outs. This was Florida, after all, wait 15 minutes and the rain will stop. It didn't stop, and the parade was cancelled. We were heartbroken, but Mother Nature makes the rules. Dean asked if we could come back the next day to be in the parade. We did not have Hopper passes, and the next day was our Epcot day. Dean left passes for us at the MK gate to come back in the park to be in the parade on February 10th - my actual 40th birthday:RpS_lol: I wish I had access to the picture at work (it's on my Facebook page - Peter Godshalk), but I have a great picture of my son on the fire engine as we're driving up Main Street at the head of the parade......eyes wide....cheeks rosy....taking in all the wonder. I'll never forget that day!

[Janine]

That's an awesome story Peter! I can just picture your son beaming. What an experience!

[blyday]

Thanks for sharing your story Peter. What a great memory!!! I love how Disney bends over backward to make the magic happen. Weather ruined the first try but they just keep on trying until they have success!!!!

[jillyb]

What a great story Peter!

[jilly7896]

What an amazing story!!! Some CM's really go out of their way to make your trip magical...

[blyday]

Bringing this back to the top because I need some more inspiration today. We are missing my nephews wedding and I'm feeling kind of sad about it. So.....another magical moment (involving said nephew!!!)

2007 trip, the Year of a Million Dreams was going on. Well......on our MK day, we booked it to SM at RD. The twins, Kyle and Curtis (the one getting married) were our FPV and got back to the line just as we got to it!! We rode and had a wonderful time. As we are unloading, I notice CMs standing there in their YOAMD outfits. I know something good is about to happen. Well....we get wrist bands that allow us to be part of a hour long private party after the park closes!!! We were so excited, jumped up and down....it was awesome.

Then later that day, Dniece (Kaylie) wins a certificate with a piece of chocolate on it. She was so excited because, as she put it, she "never wins anything!"

Then DBIL, Kelly, comes back and shows us these great pins he'd just traded. He'd won a 60 second go at a very nice collection of Pins to trade. That was really cool because he REALLY got into pin trading (as in totally addicted....out of control.....insane!!!).

It was a very special day for all of us and one that we will remember for ever. After all.....that was the last trip all together as a family as DBIL unexpectedly passed away just 16 months later.

[jilly7896]

Brenda- that is so AWESOME! I love hearing those stories.

We were there in 2007... but we weren't quite that lucky!

[Janine]

Brenda - just think of the great time you'll have with them at Disney, and hopefully that will make up a bit for not being at their wedding. It'll be a special time that just you get to share with them.

[jhalpin76]

I love these!

Peter - we were there in Feb. 2010 - it was FREEZING! and the rain! It rained for three days. Not just brief showers, but cold all day rain. I bet your son didn't even notice the temps. while he was in that parade!

Brenda - you will have a great time - more one on one - with your nephew on your trip.

My magical moment was last year when we went to eat at 1900 park fair - Prince Charming asked my DD to dance and she melted. She was in heaven - all dressed up in her gown dancing with the prince! I will never forget the look on her face!

[DizDragonfly]

We did five days at Disneyland in 2007. It was fabulous. We had such a great time. On our last morning, we arrived at the Disneyland Kennel Club with our two Boston Terriers. This was our fifth day, so we knew the staff and the routine. I was filling out our form for the day and went to hand the CM the cash to pay and she wouldn't take it. She kept pointing to the form. It took me a moment to notice the big MAGICAL MOMENT NO CHARGE written where the payment info usually goes. I almost cried. They'd been so sweet to us and our dogs all week and then they did that.

Later that day, we were getting off the ToT and DS(then)9 who had walked ahead of us comes back and says, "This lady just gave me this!". I looked up and there was the Dream Team handing out the lanyards and pins. :cheer2:

After all this excitement, we stopped for lunch at the CS inside the Grand Californian for lunch. We were being very frugal that trip and just drinking water from our refillable water bottles. But, it was our last meal of the trip and I decided to order sodas too. Well, the CM wouldn't charge us for the sodas. He said they were on Mickey that day.

Seriously, this was our best Disney trip ever. Not just because of the freebies, but every CM we came into contact with was just wonderful. There were no lines, at all, for anything (early February). It was a very magical trip for us. That was the trip that got the DH on the Disney bandwagon. :RpS_love:

[USAgooner]

We went that year also. We were walking down towards FRL and a CM stopped my then DS4 and gave him a Donald Duck figurine. It was such small token but it made the rest of the day that much enjoyable for him. At that same time we had to explain to our DS6 that just because your brother got something doesn't mean you should get one also. He got over it though after being spit on by the camels on Aladdin.

[jillyb]

We went that year also. We were walking down towards FRL and a CM stopped my then DS4 and gave him a Donald Duck figurine. It was such small token but it made the rest of the day that much enjoyable for him. At that same time we had to explain to our DS6 that just because your brother got something doesn't mean you should get one also. He got over it though after being spit on by the camels on Aladdin.

:RpS_lol::RpS_lol::RpS_lol::RpS_lol:

[Husker Mouse]

Our magical moments came in the Year Of A Million Dreams too. It was my husband and son's first trip to WDW. I had been planning for about a year and they would just roll their eyes thinking I had lost it! On arrival day we headed into MK just to get the feel and watch Spectro. During the parade Snow White came over to my 10 year old son and started flirting with him! He didn't know what was going on! Grumpy came and broke it up! That week was sooooo magical: We were given Year Of A Million Dreams MM ears, free drinks, Family of the Day at Epcot, chosen for VIP seating at LMA, Jungle Cruise Driver, and FP for a free ride at DHS! My husband turned to me on the third day and told me how much he appreciated all of my planning. He kids to this day that if he had done the planning, we would have walked into Epcot, looked around and thought there aren't any rides here......I guess we will go see what the WalMarts look like in Florida:RpS_lol: