tazdev3225
<font color=darkorchid>I sucked my thumb up with t
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2008
This trip was planned 28 years ago! Yes, you read that right, 28 years ago!!! Pull up a chair, grab a drink, some coffee, some popcorn, but please join in this should be fun.
Once upon a time - all Disney stories should start that way, in a Galaxy far, far away a princess was born. Not your typical princess, but we will get to that. Disneyland was in its infancy when the princess was born. The princess lived on the East coast so really far away in another galaxy. There was very little chance that the princess would ever get to the mother ship. For her first Christmas the princesses parents, or Santa Claus if you prefer, gave her a set of vinyl Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs dolls
Little did they know they planted a seed that Christmas. They nurtured the seed by letting the princess watch the Mickey Mouse Club (with Annette), the Wonderful World of Disney, Mary Poppins, you get the idea. The seed took root and the princess loved all things Disney. Then a miracle happened. One day when the princess was 8 her mother won 2 tickets to the New York City Worlds Fair. The princess got to ride prototypes for It's A Small World and Carousel of Progress. She was in Disney heaven. In case you haven't guessed I am that princess.
The princess grew older and one day she met a frog - an UGLY, WARTY frog. Seriously when I
met my husband he was a horrid, acne covered teenage boy. He came to the youth group at my church and annoyed me to no end. I didn't remember him at first but he remembered me and thought I was cute.
A few years later I was in the lunchroom at school and an ex-boyfriend threatened me, we had a bad break-up. There was a boy at the end of the table who came to my defense. Yep that ugly frog. When I turned my eventual date down for my senior prom, he asked a second time and I said yes, the frog was there to tease him as he walked away. Fast forward a couple more years and the ugly frog was turning into a prince
We still didn't formally know each other. That changed a few years later. Our high school football team was playing in the city championship game. My younger brother was going with a group of friends and asked me to go along. Turns out the frog was the driver and he was no longer a frog. We really hit it off and talked the whole game. We started running into each other everywhere around the neighborhood and about a year later started dating. We were engaged rather quickly after that although to be fair I still don't remember him proposing. I had a temperature of 103 and had been really sick for close to a month. He swears he asked before I got sick.
My dad made us wait 3 years to get married. He wanted us to be sure we knew what we were doing and a 4 month courtship wasn't long enough in his opinion. We did get married
I hated my dress and I don't know what I was thinking with that tux. To be fair it was the early 80's. Within a year we had our first child - our son was actually born on our 11 month anniversary, a month late and he hasn't been on time for anything his whole life but I digress. Within 5 years we added 2 princesses and our family was complete. I dreamed of the day we could take them to the new mothership in Florida, it was much closer.
Then one day I got a phone call from my mother. She was going to Disney World with my little brother's school (my brother is 4 years older than my son) and wanted to know if we would be interested in going too. I didn't even ask my husband. I said yes and danced with glee. Thankfully he was ok with the trip. It was to good to pass up. The package was 7 days/6 nights at the Ramada Main Gate, included a rental car, the hotel, tickets to Disneyworld and Sea World, breakfast at the Ramada, vouchers for food at Disney and the Luau at Sea World AND airfare. The total cost you ask - about $1500 for all 5 of us, who could say no???
That trip was awesome, ok a few snags, but I was hooked. I started dreaming of the day I could return. We did take several trips over the years and I am not ashamed to admit I cried at the end of each trip. I also dreamed of the day when my kids would be all grown with families of their own and we would take a huge family trip together. Fast forward 23 years and the kids were grown, they had families of their own but no money. There were no trips to be soon any time soon or even further along the horizon.
I watched my daughters children while she was at work. One day I decided to try and get healthier and walk to pick the 2 oldest up from school. HUGE MISTAKE!!! I fell. I heard my ankle go POP! Never a good thing and then the pain swept through me. Good Grandmom that I am I used the 3 year old to hold me up and hobbled to the school for the grandkids. Thankfully the vice principal got someone to drive us to my daughters house. After a visit to the hospital I was told no break but a mild sprain. It was a severe sprain. After 3 months I had tests done and found out I tore ligaments, cartilage, might have had a break in there too. I got a second and third opinion and they all said the same thing - SURGERY! I said thanks but no thanks and called a lawyer. I felt bad about it but the property was in disrepair. I didn't feel as bad when the owner said she knew her sidewalk needed to be fixed for at least 15 years and ignored it. I was in shock when my lawyer called with the settlement offer. After walking around in disbelief I yelled, "DISNEY HERE WE COME!!!"
I called my 3 daughters (this will be explained). They were jumping for joy. I called my son and his response, "I'll let you know." He called back and said NO! Family drama and his wife refused the trip since my daughter was going. Their loss but I did feel bad my grandson would miss the trip, although he is autistic and wouldn't really enjoy it anyway. I called my oldest grandson and offered him Disney with the family or a trip anywhere he wanted. There was a possibility he would be in college when we went. He chose Disney with his cousins. My heart swelled, I raised the youngling well.
This wasn't just any trip. I was paying for airfare, the resort, tickets and possibly dining. They would be responsible for luggage fees, tips and souvenirs. My son still said no. Seriously who turns down an almost all expenses paid trip??? My youngest daughter asked if 2 of her friends could come, they would pay their own way. I didn't care, the more the merrier. My dream may become a nightmare!
So who is coming on this dream trip you ask?
There is Me, the storyteller. I go by Mom, Grandmom, Grumpy, Sis, Lorrie, Mrs. K. My 1st trip to Disney World wasn't until I was in my 30's. I did see a lot of ads for it in the Orlando Greyhound Terminal in 1977. I was going from the Tampa area to Miami with my brother to visit relatives. I was a School Crossing Guard but am now retired which allows me to travel to Disney ALOT!
Favorite Character: Grumpy or Chewbacca although I do like Eeyore too
Favorite Park: All of them
Favorite Ride/Attraction: It's easier to list the least favorite - Soarin', I get really sick on it
I have been to Disney 21 times and on 1 Disney cruise.
DH: He goes by Jim, Dad, Poppy or Knot although my dad has been known to call him Knothead on occasion. Jim has been in Law Enforcement for 34+ years as a Corrections Officer and then a Deputy Sheriff. He isn't a huge fan of Disney but goes to humor me or to see the grandkids.
Favorite Character: Donald Duck and he does a decent impression
Favorite rides: Anything wild
He's been to Disney 11 times and on 1 Disney Cruise
Me with Chewbacca
Jim
The two of us on our cruise
DD1: Jennifer, Jen, Mom, Princess. She is our oldest daughter and the middle child. Her first trip was when she was 3 years old and all she wanted to do was see "Pooh".
Favorite Character: Winnie the Pooh
Favorite Ride: Coasters and Kali River Rapids
Total Trips: 5
DSIL 1: Mike, Dad and thankfully now son in law, for a long time he was whatever he is. He is NOT a fan of Disney. He doesn't really like many rides. We went in 2012 and he was miserable between back pain, work and needing a smoking break.
Total Trips: 2 He went as a child and doesn't have fond memories of it
Jen & Mike with Jim and Me on their wedding day
Their first date. They started dating when they were 16 and 17 and have been together for almost 17 years
DDS: Beth, Mom, Munchie (Jim has called her this since she was a baby). She was 18 months old on her first Disney trip. She has no favorite characters, loves ALL wild rides, thinks Test Track is boring and will tolerate one ride on It's A Small World. She told me not to overplan and thought I was kidding about FP+ at 60 days out and ADR's at 180 days. She just graduated from Nursing School.
Total Trips: 5
DSIL 2: Bill, Dad
Bill lived in Florida when he was little and went to Disney with his bio-dad a few times. He has no pleasant memories of those trips. He isn't a huge fan of rides, doesn't like that dropping sensation on wild rides, but he'll do anything for his boys. He's the tall, silent type and I seriously think in 12 years I have had 3 conversations with him. He loves my daughter and their boys, supported her through nursing school so what more could I want for a son in law.
Beth and Bill on their wedding day. They just went to City Hall and the only reason I was there is they needed a witness. Instead of wedding rings she got a vacuum cleaner. They are different
Beth as she graduated from nursing school
DDS: Crystal or DML (Dizzy Miss Lizzie, Jim's nickname for her)
She is Jennifer's BFF and my daughter from another mother. Jen and Crystal have been best friends since they were 7 years old and my granddaughter was named for her. I included her in the trip because she is family, a single mom and it's her best chance to go to Disney World. She has NEVER been to Disney World and can't wait. She has some really crazy ideas for things to do while we are there like skipping through the parks in light up skirts at night. Sort of explains the DML. She has a heart of gold and would do anything for me. She really is my daughter in every sense of the word.
Favorite Character: Beast
Crystal with my grandson Jay and her son
to be continued in the next post as this has gotten really long.
Once upon a time - all Disney stories should start that way, in a Galaxy far, far away a princess was born. Not your typical princess, but we will get to that. Disneyland was in its infancy when the princess was born. The princess lived on the East coast so really far away in another galaxy. There was very little chance that the princess would ever get to the mother ship. For her first Christmas the princesses parents, or Santa Claus if you prefer, gave her a set of vinyl Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs dolls
Little did they know they planted a seed that Christmas. They nurtured the seed by letting the princess watch the Mickey Mouse Club (with Annette), the Wonderful World of Disney, Mary Poppins, you get the idea. The seed took root and the princess loved all things Disney. Then a miracle happened. One day when the princess was 8 her mother won 2 tickets to the New York City Worlds Fair. The princess got to ride prototypes for It's A Small World and Carousel of Progress. She was in Disney heaven. In case you haven't guessed I am that princess.
The princess grew older and one day she met a frog - an UGLY, WARTY frog. Seriously when I
met my husband he was a horrid, acne covered teenage boy. He came to the youth group at my church and annoyed me to no end. I didn't remember him at first but he remembered me and thought I was cute.
A few years later I was in the lunchroom at school and an ex-boyfriend threatened me, we had a bad break-up. There was a boy at the end of the table who came to my defense. Yep that ugly frog. When I turned my eventual date down for my senior prom, he asked a second time and I said yes, the frog was there to tease him as he walked away. Fast forward a couple more years and the ugly frog was turning into a prince
We still didn't formally know each other. That changed a few years later. Our high school football team was playing in the city championship game. My younger brother was going with a group of friends and asked me to go along. Turns out the frog was the driver and he was no longer a frog. We really hit it off and talked the whole game. We started running into each other everywhere around the neighborhood and about a year later started dating. We were engaged rather quickly after that although to be fair I still don't remember him proposing. I had a temperature of 103 and had been really sick for close to a month. He swears he asked before I got sick.
My dad made us wait 3 years to get married. He wanted us to be sure we knew what we were doing and a 4 month courtship wasn't long enough in his opinion. We did get married
I hated my dress and I don't know what I was thinking with that tux. To be fair it was the early 80's. Within a year we had our first child - our son was actually born on our 11 month anniversary, a month late and he hasn't been on time for anything his whole life but I digress. Within 5 years we added 2 princesses and our family was complete. I dreamed of the day we could take them to the new mothership in Florida, it was much closer.
Then one day I got a phone call from my mother. She was going to Disney World with my little brother's school (my brother is 4 years older than my son) and wanted to know if we would be interested in going too. I didn't even ask my husband. I said yes and danced with glee. Thankfully he was ok with the trip. It was to good to pass up. The package was 7 days/6 nights at the Ramada Main Gate, included a rental car, the hotel, tickets to Disneyworld and Sea World, breakfast at the Ramada, vouchers for food at Disney and the Luau at Sea World AND airfare. The total cost you ask - about $1500 for all 5 of us, who could say no???
That trip was awesome, ok a few snags, but I was hooked. I started dreaming of the day I could return. We did take several trips over the years and I am not ashamed to admit I cried at the end of each trip. I also dreamed of the day when my kids would be all grown with families of their own and we would take a huge family trip together. Fast forward 23 years and the kids were grown, they had families of their own but no money. There were no trips to be soon any time soon or even further along the horizon.
I watched my daughters children while she was at work. One day I decided to try and get healthier and walk to pick the 2 oldest up from school. HUGE MISTAKE!!! I fell. I heard my ankle go POP! Never a good thing and then the pain swept through me. Good Grandmom that I am I used the 3 year old to hold me up and hobbled to the school for the grandkids. Thankfully the vice principal got someone to drive us to my daughters house. After a visit to the hospital I was told no break but a mild sprain. It was a severe sprain. After 3 months I had tests done and found out I tore ligaments, cartilage, might have had a break in there too. I got a second and third opinion and they all said the same thing - SURGERY! I said thanks but no thanks and called a lawyer. I felt bad about it but the property was in disrepair. I didn't feel as bad when the owner said she knew her sidewalk needed to be fixed for at least 15 years and ignored it. I was in shock when my lawyer called with the settlement offer. After walking around in disbelief I yelled, "DISNEY HERE WE COME!!!"
I called my 3 daughters (this will be explained). They were jumping for joy. I called my son and his response, "I'll let you know." He called back and said NO! Family drama and his wife refused the trip since my daughter was going. Their loss but I did feel bad my grandson would miss the trip, although he is autistic and wouldn't really enjoy it anyway. I called my oldest grandson and offered him Disney with the family or a trip anywhere he wanted. There was a possibility he would be in college when we went. He chose Disney with his cousins. My heart swelled, I raised the youngling well.
This wasn't just any trip. I was paying for airfare, the resort, tickets and possibly dining. They would be responsible for luggage fees, tips and souvenirs. My son still said no. Seriously who turns down an almost all expenses paid trip??? My youngest daughter asked if 2 of her friends could come, they would pay their own way. I didn't care, the more the merrier. My dream may become a nightmare!
So who is coming on this dream trip you ask?
There is Me, the storyteller. I go by Mom, Grandmom, Grumpy, Sis, Lorrie, Mrs. K. My 1st trip to Disney World wasn't until I was in my 30's. I did see a lot of ads for it in the Orlando Greyhound Terminal in 1977. I was going from the Tampa area to Miami with my brother to visit relatives. I was a School Crossing Guard but am now retired which allows me to travel to Disney ALOT!
Favorite Character: Grumpy or Chewbacca although I do like Eeyore too
Favorite Park: All of them
Favorite Ride/Attraction: It's easier to list the least favorite - Soarin', I get really sick on it
I have been to Disney 21 times and on 1 Disney cruise.
DH: He goes by Jim, Dad, Poppy or Knot although my dad has been known to call him Knothead on occasion. Jim has been in Law Enforcement for 34+ years as a Corrections Officer and then a Deputy Sheriff. He isn't a huge fan of Disney but goes to humor me or to see the grandkids.
Favorite Character: Donald Duck and he does a decent impression
Favorite rides: Anything wild
He's been to Disney 11 times and on 1 Disney Cruise
Me with Chewbacca
Jim
The two of us on our cruise
DD1: Jennifer, Jen, Mom, Princess. She is our oldest daughter and the middle child. Her first trip was when she was 3 years old and all she wanted to do was see "Pooh".
Favorite Character: Winnie the Pooh
Favorite Ride: Coasters and Kali River Rapids
Total Trips: 5
DSIL 1: Mike, Dad and thankfully now son in law, for a long time he was whatever he is. He is NOT a fan of Disney. He doesn't really like many rides. We went in 2012 and he was miserable between back pain, work and needing a smoking break.
Total Trips: 2 He went as a child and doesn't have fond memories of it
Jen & Mike with Jim and Me on their wedding day
Their first date. They started dating when they were 16 and 17 and have been together for almost 17 years
DDS: Beth, Mom, Munchie (Jim has called her this since she was a baby). She was 18 months old on her first Disney trip. She has no favorite characters, loves ALL wild rides, thinks Test Track is boring and will tolerate one ride on It's A Small World. She told me not to overplan and thought I was kidding about FP+ at 60 days out and ADR's at 180 days. She just graduated from Nursing School.
Total Trips: 5
DSIL 2: Bill, Dad
Bill lived in Florida when he was little and went to Disney with his bio-dad a few times. He has no pleasant memories of those trips. He isn't a huge fan of rides, doesn't like that dropping sensation on wild rides, but he'll do anything for his boys. He's the tall, silent type and I seriously think in 12 years I have had 3 conversations with him. He loves my daughter and their boys, supported her through nursing school so what more could I want for a son in law.
Beth and Bill on their wedding day. They just went to City Hall and the only reason I was there is they needed a witness. Instead of wedding rings she got a vacuum cleaner. They are different
Beth as she graduated from nursing school
DDS: Crystal or DML (Dizzy Miss Lizzie, Jim's nickname for her)
She is Jennifer's BFF and my daughter from another mother. Jen and Crystal have been best friends since they were 7 years old and my granddaughter was named for her. I included her in the trip because she is family, a single mom and it's her best chance to go to Disney World. She has NEVER been to Disney World and can't wait. She has some really crazy ideas for things to do while we are there like skipping through the parks in light up skirts at night. Sort of explains the DML. She has a heart of gold and would do anything for me. She really is my daughter in every sense of the word.
Favorite Character: Beast
Crystal with my grandson Jay and her son
to be continued in the next post as this has gotten really long.