The Wise Women Come From Afar About This Page:

[oldmom]

And lo it was written that the Wise Women must pack their bags and sojourn to the Happy Place. From five different directions they came, and there was room at the inn because they had thought to call ahead. Each wore a shimmering scarf, specially commissioned to mark the occasion and that each might know the others. Their consorts and offspring were packed with the baggage that they not hamper the journey

What a start! I love pretrip reports!!

[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.

[oldmom]

As time passed the W5 (our shorthand name for the group) settled into resorts. E (me) settled in POFQ, my personal favorite. Y will be at BLT. C will be at OKW. B started out at POFQ and wound up at AKL. S wanted to be at her favorite YC but her DH prevailed and they will be at AKL also. But there are still 63 days and who knows where folks could wind up. I know Y is still wait listed for part of her visit.

Let’s start with those shimmering scarves. Last year my dd made us sparkly scarves so we would look festive and be able to spot each other. They worked incredibly well. So dd volunteered to create scarves for the group. If you see these during your visit, stop and say hi.





they sparkly much more than the photos show. some are solid red, some candy cane. the girls asked for sparkly black and black and silver.

[oldmom]

Our emblem chosen from the 4-5 Elf came up with.so much fun

[skateycat]

and i bet you will get to the part where we become 6....he he he

[oldmom]

Festive buttons were next on the list. I tried to make buttons for everyone with their favorite characters. Sadly, villians are the neglected Christmas spirits so I had to get more creative with them. Everyone already has their buttons so i'll have to count on them to post what they look like. For some reason, I can't get those files to save into Photoshop so I can post them here. I can put the few I remembered to scan before I sent. A "not bright" moment for certain.



I love the buttons of Capt Jack with the santa hat. too cute! You may have guessed that I love Christmas--love decorating, love wrapping presents, love buying presents (I do it year-round) and generally just love everything about it. So going again at Christmas is a special treat
I'll keep trying to convert the files to jpeg so they show up here.

[oldmom]

Festive buttons were next on the list. I tried to make buttons for everyone with their favorite characters. Sadly, villians are the neglected Christmas spirits so I had to get more creative with them. Everyone already has their buttons so i'll have to count on them to post what they look like. For some reason, I can't get those files to save into Photoshop so I can post them here. I can put the few I remembered to scan before I sent. A "not bright" moment for certain.



I love the buttons of Capt Jack with the santa hat. too cute! You may have guessed that I love Christmas--love decorating, love wrapping presents, love buying presents (I do it year-round) and generally just love everything about it. So going again at Christmas is a special treat
I'll keep trying to convert the files to jpeg so they show up here.

[NanaTink]

Great start! You guys are going to have a fantastic time! Look out World, here they come!

[Tigger1221]

Ah so much planning for such a short trip. Can't we just open that retirement home now? I'm sure we might have a few takers.

Sadly this trip has had so many personal twists and turns that it is hard to keep track, but I think E has the jist of it.

I know for my self this will be a trip of many firsts:
first dole whip
first ride on Dumbo
first time trying Teppan Edo
first time trying LeCellier

I know I have led such a sheltered Disney life. LOL

[Nimros]

Great start!! This trip sounds like it's going to be fun!

[EmpressLizBunny]

wish i could have been included in this group but atleast i can meet u all in december! i cant wait!!!!

[CollinsFamily]

You guys are gonna have the best time! What a wonderful thing!

[bitterchickey]

Tr's are not my strong suit, so I am so thankful to E for taking charge of this! I'll be sure to chime in from time to time and ramble incessantly. And may I officially throw out the first "Lawdy Lawdy Lawdy!!"

[chezp]

Great start! It sounds like you're all going to have such a fun time.

[tkd lisa]

Great plans! Exactly when are you going to be there? If our plans cross,I'll have to keep an eye open for the scarfs.