The Great Disney Do-Over—PTR for Aug 2010 - UPDATED 8/2 - Page 4 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Been there, done that with a large group trying to decide what to do next - we've had that with both family and PassPorters in the past! It is a nightmare, as it does eat into your park time. Sorry your Magic Kingdom day wasn't better, but it sounds like things are picking up.
Been there, done that with a large group trying to decide what to do next - we've had that with both family and PassPorters in the past! It is a nightmare, as it does eat into your park time.
I may not be a large group travel kind of person. We do not get to take many vacations, (this was our 1st vacay since child #1 8+ years ago!), and I want to get our time and money's worth.
So sorry your first Disney experience was so frustrating! Just reading it, I felt for you & how disappointed you must have been that everyone just couldn't get on the same page and make it the most awesome time together. I personally love traveling with just me & DH or w/ our boys. It seems alot of families run into that same problem when traveling together....it sounds good on paper, but actually having that wonderful family vacation doesn't always pan out. I think you did right, and just split up when you could and do as much as possible alone. Trying to do everything together is difficult, I think just meeting for a few things would have been fine for me. Best wishes for your do-over vaction.....I hope it's the most magical ever!!!!!!!
We met someone in line to Soarin’ that started to change our attitude, and the course of our trip…
As we were rushing up the long corridor, we slowed as we came up behind an older gentleman, walking (limping) with a cane. He graciously waved us past, probably knowing we were a family who had been rushing so much to get everywhere in Disney that we never stopped to appreciate Disney.
When we caught up with rest of the line, the older gentleman was right behind us. We felt a bit sheepish, but relaxed as he started talking about Disney with us. Turns out, this was his 26th year of coming to WDW. This time, he and his DW would be staying in the RV for 2 months at the campground. Now that they are retired, they try to make the trip once or twice a year. He shared some of his Disney experiences, his family, and what he loved most about Disney. He talked about his disability as a perk at WDW since he gets to use the FP lanes. He told us more about the Guest Assistance Card. He told us how much more he has enjoyed WDW since he started needing a cane (and qualified for the GAC)—he used to rush through everything and now he can take it slow. Now he appreciates everything—even the opportunity to stand in line and meet new people. His positivity was contagious! We could not help but relax and appreciate being at WDW! He asked us about our trip so far. We said it had been a bit stressful. (My DH did not mention that the previous day was the worst day of his life.) When it was time to ride, the gentleman joined our group. The CM referred to him as “Grandpa.” We laughed, but from that point on, became our "Disney Grandpa Jim."
I sat next to DD(5) on Saorin’. I was nervous to see how she would react. She was delighted! I saw a true joy in her face that I rarely get to see. I was able to relax and enjoy the experience myself. However, my attentions were torn between the amazing scenery and the look on her face. Flying so high up in the sky, I felt like we were a normal family, having a normal experience. It was incredible.
When the ride concluded, we walked back down the corridor with our “Disney Grandpa Jim.” He, too, had noticed the Joy on DD’s face, although he did not understand why it was so amazing for us. He told us how much he loves to watch the faces of first timers experiencing Disney magic. He gave us his card and told us to contact him if we ever had any Disney questions. It was sad to say goodbye to him, but we then saw DMIL and the kids were eager to tell her about Soarin’.” They were thrilled to get to do it again, this time with Gran while DH and I hung out with DD(2) and talked about our experience on Saorin’.
This simple encounter with “Disney Grandpa Jim” changed not only the course of that Disney day, but also the course of Disney for our family. It was our second day at a Disney Park. We were crabby, impatient, and fed up with the crowds and the whiny kids. We were disappointed that the trip we planned for over a year was not going to include all of our "must see" stops. He taught us there is another, and better, way to go through Disney. We were thankful for that. He taught us the importance of slowing down and taking it all in. We vowed to slow down, go at our own pace, and try to enjoy the remaining days more. (When we got home, I sent a thank you note to Disney Grandpa Jim and we have been corresponding ever since. He has even sent our kids some WDW trinkets. Magical encounters…)
After Soarin’, DMIL returned to her DH and we continued on our own. Fast Passes were out for the day, but we still had our Mission Space FP to use. Again, we took advantage of the child swap and DD(2) got some individual time with mom and dad while the other took the big kids to Mission Space. This is when DD(2) got to meet Chip and Dale.
By this time in the day, the lines for Future World attractions were getting pretty long. We waited in one more line (Spaceship Earth). It was moving pretty quickly, so the misery of the lines was over in less than 30 minutes—and the kids LOVED the experience.
Not willing to torture ourselves with anymore long lines, we made our way to World Showcase. Once again, we bailed on our GG for the dinner ADR. The group said we did not miss much; Tutto Italia was hands down the worst restaurant they had experienced at WDW.
By the end of Park day 2, I no longer felt guilty about skipping the GG events. Although we still had plenty of stressful times, we learned a lot more about what our family can and cannot handle at WDW. We cannot handle long lines. We cannot handle getting stuck in crowds. We are better off enjoying the boring (uncrowded) things, than dealing with the masses. We did not get to do much at Epcot (only 3 attractions) but thanks to Child Swap the big kids felt like they got to do more (5) and were in a better mood. We found a spot to view illuminations which was not overly crowded (or a very good view) but it was a worthwhile trade off.
I am so sorry that the trip has been hard, traveling with others is hard no matter what the circumstances, I loved being together with my family for certain trips but there were also stressful times, while I enjoyed our time together some of my best memories are when my and my girls spent time on our own.
What a wonderful meet with Grandpa Jim, I am so glad that this meeting took some of the stressful thoughts of the trip and pointed you in a new direction. Sounds like Epcot was definitely a winning park for your family. Can't wait to hear more.
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Sounds like maybe Grandpa Jim was your Fairy Godfather - right when you needed him most! Glad to hear about your positive experiences at Epcot. FWIW we approach Disney in much the same way and have discovered some favorites that way - Carousel of Progress, One Man's Dream, boat ride in Mexico, etc. I even get irritable around big crowds so I understand how the kids feel. Can't wait to hear about AK!
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15 total family trips with stays at the Poly, AKL, Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, POFQ, Pop Century, All Star Music, Movies & Sports, and Coronado Springs.
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Sounds like maybe Grandpa Jim was your Fairy Godfather - right when you needed him most! Glad to hear about your positive experiences at Epcot. FWIW we approach Disney in much the same way and have discovered some favorites that way - Carousel of Progress, One Man's Dream, boat ride in Mexico, etc. I even get irritable around big crowds so I understand how the kids feel. Can't wait to hear about AK!
I love thinking of him as our "Fairy Godfather!" Thanks for brightening my day!
This TR is AWESOME. Thanks for sharing your family memories with us.
My tips for your August trip: get a GAC for your daughter. She shouldn't have to wait on such long lines. Also, you don't mention snacks, but on your upcoming trip (if you didn't do it on your Nov trip) feed the children constantly. They get very tired, thirsty, and hungry and can't always communicate the need. At least my two daughters don't. Never underestimate the ability of a Mickey Bar (or non dairy equivalent) to cheer everyone up. Especially if you have the snack credits on DxDDP.
Touring with others is a nightmare no matter how much you love them and want to spend time together. You sound like such an awesome mother, wife, and in law. But at WDW it's too hard to do all 3 to everyone's liking. That's for sure.
Shelly, I love reading your report because I completely live that life with my son. We have had to get out of line because of people's voices (too loud, too high pitched), smells (flowery/gross), etc. Every menu has to be examined to determine if Nick will eat there.
Do not even get me started on the Dream Squad of 2008. Having a child on the spectrum who has obsessive/compulsive issues who CANNOT deal with the fact that the dream team is not near by or is near and does not want to give him something....
I'm so glad you met "Grandpa Jim" On our 2008 (nasty Dream Squad, Tropical Storm Fay, DH having to leave early to fly to Japan) trip I often thought back to Passporter trip reports - where when the going got tough the Passporter headed to FAB stand!
I wish we ALL could run into Disney Grandpa Jim during those rough moments! LOL! And BTW, what an awesome way to spend your retirement. Two MONTHS at WDW? So !! I think I now know what I need to start planning for - an RV and enough income for an AP every year!
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15 total family trips with stays at the Poly, AKL, Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, POFQ, Pop Century, All Star Music, Movies & Sports, and Coronado Springs.
This TR is AWESOME. Thanks for sharing your family memories with us.
My tips for your August trip: get a GAC for your daughter. She shouldn't have to wait on such long lines. Also, you don't mention snacks, but on your upcoming trip (if you didn't do it on your Nov trip) feed the children constantly. They get very tired, thirsty, and hungry and can't always communicate the need. At least my two daughters don't. Never underestimate the ability of a Mickey Bar (or non dairy equivalent) to cheer everyone up. Especially if you have the snack credits on DxDDP.
Touring with others is a nightmare no matter how much you love them and want to spend time together. You sound like such an awesome mother, wife, and in law. But at WDW it's too hard to do all 3 to everyone's liking. That's for sure.
Can't wait for more!
You just brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for reading my TR!!!
Thanks, also for the tips, I may comment on one of those later in my report...
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It is a nightmare, as it does eat into your park time. Sorry your Magic Kingdom day wasn't better, but it sounds like things are picking up. 
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Glad he helped turn things around! Great day!
Having a child on the spectrum who has obsessive/compulsive issues who CANNOT deal with the fact that the dream team is not near by or is near and does not want to give him something.... 
On our 2008 (nasty Dream Squad, Tropical Storm Fay, DH having to leave early to fly to Japan) trip I often thought back to Passporter trip reports - where when the going got tough the Passporter headed to FAB stand! 
!! I think I now know what I need to start planning for - an RV and enough income for an AP every year!
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