[oldmom]

It all started with the "Challenge" boards as we all were trying to lose weight and return to our previous svelt forms. We wanted/needed a support group, so despite coming from various parts of the country, we found friends and help on the Passporter boards.

As many here have found, other Passporters understand us better than the average non-Disneyphile. And so it came to pass that the five of us ended up posting frequently on each other's threads. As time passed, we began to want to meet in the flesh. Sheri lives close to Disney and has met several of us separately. But it will be a first for the whole group to assemble. And the world(s) tremble at our coming!

Shortly after Christmas and before C's February trip, the idea was batted around about how wonderful Disney is at Christmas and how wonderful it would be if the five of us could all be there at the same time during Mousefest! The idea took root. Actually, it took off like Kudzu. From talking about the idea to Bridget calling to find out about Grand Gatherings was just overnight. Bridget and I both talked to our travel agents right before the New Year, rooms were booked. Try having a serious talk with a travel agent about meeting four people named Skateycat, Tigger1221, Tinkerbelz, and Bitterchickey! "Do I KNow their real names?" "Well, their first names." Thank goodness my TA loves Disney. She thinks I'm crazy but still understands.

The name for our group comes from the Challenge. The weekend became known as the "Wise Women Weekend of Wildness". Elf (yes, her real name) worked on designs for shirts and other tangible memories (my job). B has gotten our GG number. My DD made special things for us to wear to set us apart. Ideas pop up daily with this talented group. There was the Jammies Jam at Whispering Canyon Cafe. MVMCP dates to chose from. Mousefest must fit in there. What about one of the special Grand Gathering activities? Should we try to schedule the HDD or the Luau? ADRs were planned, replanned, and planned again. Thank Goodness B made the handy spread sheet to keep us on track. Sept. 10 was the the big day for our ADRs, so much to do, so few days.

Sadly, Mousefest is not to be, but many PP are still planning to be there during this time period so there will be lots of meet-and-greets. So who are the Wise Women?

Tigger 1221 or B: traveling with DH or M, DD or little C, and an additional teen
Skateycat or S: traveling with DH or D
bitterchickey or C: traveling with DH or L, DD or A and DD's friend, J
Tinkerbelz or Y: traveling with DH or S, DD or K
oldmom or E: traveling with DBF or CD


(total alphabet soup, eh?) surely it will get easier.