9/11 at Disney World

Every year I see this question pop up on the Disney message boards, "what was Disney like on 9/11?"

I was there.

When you think of Disney World, you think of fun and happiness. Except one day...9/11/01...

I was a homeschooled 10th grader on a field trip with my parents to EPCOT. In the days before technology you were cutoff from the real world when you entered those gates. We got to the park early, it was an EMH morning, before anything had happened. I remember hearing whispers from people in line at The Seas as the morning went on, something about a plane crash in NYC. It wasn't until noon that we were getting ready to board Living with the Land, that we were stopped just as we were about to step on the boat. We were told that the park was closing immediately and that we needed to proceed to the exit. Disney World, being evacuated, it was unheard of. We were confused. We had a fastpass for this ride, what do you mean the park is closed? We did as we were told and headed towards the exit. 

Disney does everything well, including mass evacuations from all four of its parks. It was a controlled chaos. A wall of people heading for the exit, walking quickly, hearing whispers of bomb threats. There was a panicked feeling in the air, but no actual panic. Disney World is such a high profile place, we had so many thoughts running through our heads. 

We were staying at All Star Music on that trip. It wasn't until we got back to our resort and turned on the TV that we really understood the magnitude of what had happened. And like every American those images were ingrained in our heads. I have heard that the resorts had characters come out for the guests, but we didn't leave our room that day. 

When we checked out the next day we were given a 2 day ticket to come back at another time. And since we are Florida residents we were able to come back a few months later, but the whole atmosphere had changed since that day. 

I’m grateful that I was shielded from the terror happening in the world, for just a few hours longer than everyone else. I got to live in a world where nothing bad happens for just a little while longer.

The Tremaines

The Tremaines, the stepsisters, whatever you want to call them, might possibly be the best character interaction you will find in the entire park. We'd never met them before, but this last trip we made it a point to hunt them down. They meet in by the wall to New Fatasyland right behind the carousel. They only meet in the mornings, so if you want to see them plan accordingly.

My girls were dressed to meet them with my younger daughter in an Anastasia dress and my older daughter in a dress featuring all of the characters. The step-sisters and step-mother were so excited by their dresses and subsequently spent a lot of time talking to all of my children. Anastasia and Drizella are always looking for eligible bachelors, but my older son turned them down because he already has "too many girlfriends."

 

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort

This past weekend we had the opportunity to stay at The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort. We are a larger family so the options available to our large family are limited. Combining our military discount with a slow season for Disney meant that we got to stay in an incredible room for an incredible deal.



My children were so excited to see the bunk beds in the cabin. And having a separate bedroom for them meant that my husband and I got to have some privacy as well. The kitchen meant that we could save some money and eat in the room. I'd done a shopping trip right before arriving although there are two stores at the resort with a variety of grocery items.

Chip and Dale's Campfire Sing Along ended up being quite crowded the night we decided to go. I was worried that sitting in the back would hinder our experience, but I'm happy to say that Chip (or was it Dale) made sure to take pictures with everyone on our side of the amphitheater. The kids got to partake in a round of hokey pokey and we all say along to the other songs.

The last day of our trip we rode the ferry into Magic Kingdom. It was a neat experience to get to ride past the now defunct Discovery Island and River Country although our skipper didn't make mention of either.










After returning from Magic Kingdom we looked around Tri-Circle-D Ranch where the kids got to take pony rides. I think this may have been the highlight of their trip. A parent has to lead the pony around the trail, which I was slightly apprehensive about, I'm not much of an animal person.

Blast from Vacation Past

The first time my husband ever went to Disney World was also our son's first time. Being a Disney addict for most of my life I couldn't wait to take him for his first visit. "A" was the ripe old age of 3 months the first time he got to experience Disney.

Disney Side @ Home Celebration

Last week I got an e-mail that I was selected as a host for the Disney Side at Home Celebration. Today I had a great big package delivered that contained my party kit. I couldn't wear to tear open the box and see what was inside!

Inside was a gorgeous new suitcase, which will be perfect for our next weekend trip to The World. 

Inside the suitcase was everything needed to throw a Disney party. 

Decorations.

Favors.

Trvia, bingo, face painting cards, and a planning DVD.

Posters, RunDisney cards, and Muppets calendars. 

Now I get to start planning a Disney Side Celebration! I have so many ideas that I've been busy pinning to my Pinterest board. This is going to be so much fun! #Disneyside

Quick Weekend Trip