Saving the Magic (with Cam and Luke plus Morgan) COMPLETED About This Page:

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

How sweet of the SWA crew to send Mickey!

So glad Morgan finally got to go on some rides and you got your picture with the castle. I think we must have stayed on opposite sides of MK that night and we left after Wishes.

Bummer that we didn't at least see each other.

Originally Posted by Jessie092408

I the picture of Morgan right after Space Mountain! Too cute! What a great evening at MK.

It's one of my favorite photos of her from the whole trip.

Originally Posted by Chancho

Great pics & you must keep some killer notes...everything is always so detailed. I can not wait to hear more of the adventures you shared with Morgan.

I fill ups a whole notebook each trip and sometimes more than one.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

I am sure seeing Heather brought a smile to your face, I am so glad that you were able to meet up with so many friends, especially to share this first night with at the MK. The picture of Morgan after Space Mountain...priceless, she just looks so happy. Glad you were able to meet up with Kurt and Holley as well.

What a wonderful surprise waiting for you in the room...how cool that they were able to track down where you were staying and leave you a special surprise.

We had a lot of pixie dust sprinkled over this first day. Wasn't the day we'd planned but it was a good day.

Originally Posted by bsblady01

great update more please

Originally Posted by lauriep

What a happy face on Morgan after Space Mountain! That girl loves thrill rides! How great that you got to spend some time with Heather and also to meet up briefly with Kurt and Holley. Sending the huge Mickey balloon is such a sweet gesture from the SWA crew. Someone did a lot of snooping around to find where you were. I'm sure they were so moved by your continuing to think of them this tough year that they just needed to do something for you.

The sharing of the Epcot area buses is such a pain. BC and YC are on the same route and it's always a long wait there as well. Not only are there too many resort stops so that the buses are often crowded, but the many stops makes the routes soooo long!

We did find that for most of our trip the buses we rode were only shared with the Swan and Dolphin. I don't know if that is a change, but it would be an improvement I suppose as it was long enough sharing with 2 other resorts.

Originally Posted by chezp

Love the look on Morgan's face - that is one happy girl! How wonderful about the giant Mickey balloon, that's such a lovely touch.

Morgan definitely has a happy face after SM!

Originally Posted by Kenny

Yeah, you can see the excitement on Morgan's face now!!
A bunch a hugs from friends. Just what you needed about then!
A big Mickey balloon is certainly "above and beyond" from the SWA crew. That is just priceless!!!

Hugs were perfect this day and every day after, too.

Originally Posted by tinker_me_happy

The Mickey Falloon (Fun Balloon) is awesome! How sweet of the SWA Pilots!! How are the updates to BTM? Have there been many changes since they did the upgrade or is it still pretty much the same?
Loving Loving Loving the Joy in Morgan's face!!

Since we rode BTMRR at night I'm not sure about all the updates. The geyser outside is working again and very pretty. I thought the ride was smoother, but who knows if it was or not.

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by ariel14

Oh my gosh--how sweet that the SWA pilots sent you that cute balloon! Love the pics and so glad glad you got to meet up with Heather and Kurt.

The pilots really did a very special thing for us!

Originally Posted by DMA

We'll have to check out the Rose Garden spot for Magic Memories and You and of course Wishes next time. Thanks for sharing that tip.

How fun that the pilots sent you a mickey balloon! They sure must have done some digging to find out where you were staying!

There are several different areas within the Rose Garden that are good spots for viewing Wishes.

Originally Posted by Huntermom

Wonderful update. Morgan looks to be enjoying herself, especially for a child whose been awake for so long. I love the balloon. It doesn't surprise me that Stefanie and Morgan really touched the hearts of the SWA crew.

She did keep going until she laid down in bed and then she was out in just seconds.

Originally Posted by HollyH

Sounds like a great evening. Love the Mickey Balloon! How did they know where you were staying?

I have no idea how they knew, but our thank you card mentioned we were going to Disney, so I guess someone had to do a little research.

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

That is so awesome the pilots tracked you down. So sweet! Morgan's excitement is awesome! I just love it.

Morgan's excitement would be helpful the whole trip.

Originally Posted by honeybee723

What a sweet surprise from SWA! They have some pretty good detectives on their team if I do say so myself.

Looks like you all had a wonderful evening at MK, and I may have to try out that spot for MM&Y since I can never make out any of the details when I stand on Main Street. Maybe if I put on my glasses, but that would be too easy. I can only imagine how you felt watching Wishes. I would have been a blubbering mess, but I can tell you are a very strong women who knows when to hold it together, and I give you so much credit.

I wasn't sobbing, but the tears will flowing down my cheeks pretty steadily. I couldn't watch and listen without hearing Stefanie singing along a little behind like she always did.

Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark

Sounds like a great start to your vacation. I love the pics of Morgan and her SM after, 2 thumbs up picture. You can just see the excitement all over her face. Priceless.

2 PP meets and it's only the first day! Sounds like a lot of fun!

I teared up myself when reading about Wishes and Stefanie. I love Wishes too, it's my favorite! I know she was there with you in spirit, and singing along too!

I love the pic Luke took on AO. That was pretty cool!!

What a surprise from the SWA pilots!!! That was pretty nice. Great detectives they are!

Can't wait to hear about the second day!

Morgan gave us a similar look after several of the coasters, but I didn't always have a camera ready. Hopefully, day 2 will be started tomorrow.

Originally Posted by CountryTink

What a great time you all had on your first evening. What a great ride to choose for Morgan's first.

That balloon is fabulous! How nice of the SWA crew to send that.

We picked SM because she had cried and cried in 2007 when her parents told her that she would not be allowed to ride it. They had both been a bit scared themselves and figured she would be, too. But now 5 years later she had the chance and the face says she wasn't scared at all.

Originally Posted by mfirst

So glad that you met up with some fellow PP'rs for in person hugs! I Morgan's expression in line and after SM!

I had tears in my eyes reading about Wishes -

How that the pilots had a surprise waiting for you guys!

Can't wait to read more

Meeting up with PPers again and again on this trip was very special to me and to Luke.

Originally Posted by Luvsun

What a fun update!
I love Morgan's excitement! The expression on her face is great!
I am so happy that you were able to meet up with Heather! She is so sweet!!
I the club sandwich at The Plaza! So, no one splurged and got ice cream???
I will have to remember the tip about the Rose Garden!!
BTMRR is the best at night!
I remember you telling me about the Mickey balloon, but I guess I didn't realize that it was life size! I love the picture with Morgan behind it!

We had thought we'd get ice cream but after drinking three cokes each and our meals we didn't seem to have any room left for ice cream. That balloon was so big that we had to make sure each night he was hidden out of sight so he didn't scare any of us in the middle of the night.

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by phoebec

That is so awesome that they sent you that balloon!!!! I cant' figure out how they would track someone down at WDW!!!!! What a great surprise!!

Thanks for the tip about the rose garden for wishes!!!! How early did you have to get there?

Morgan looks like she is joining the ranks of the Disney-obsessed!!!!!

We got to our spot in the Rose Garden about 15 minutes before MM&Y, but I think we were very lucky to get a spot at that time. I'd suggest at least 30 or 40 minutes prior to the show.

Originally Posted by stardust190

I'm so glad you were able to get the castle shot. A must have for every trip! Morgan's excitement makes me want to go back to WDW right now. Work is overrated. I'm glad she was able to enjoy a few rides after all that waiting she did earlier. Remembering Stefanie while watching Wishes must have been quite overwhelming, but she was up there as bright as the fireworks.

How neat about the Mickey balloon. I didn't know the flight crews could find people after they got of the flights. Must remember to never cross them!

Wishes was one of the most difficult points in the trip, but it also held lots of memories.

Originally Posted by Pris

Great update!! Morgan is definitely in the Disney groove now. The Mickey balloon is awesome and such a magical end to a long and sometimes difficult day.

The girl definitely got her groove back when we started with the rides.

Originally Posted by bfth

All I can say is OMG! What a BALLOON!!!!!

Mickey was a very large balloon. I had Morgan peek out from behind him so we could all remember just how big he was.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Glad you had a great night at MK and were able to meet up with some PassPorters! Love the pictures! And how great the pilots sent you a giant Mickey balloon! More please!

Meeting up with fellow PPers was probably the best part for me.

Originally Posted by kingfamily1129

what a great night! I love the giant Mickey balloon and that the SWA Pilots had it sent to you. It looks like Morgan started to become infected with the Disney magic Two thumbs up! can't wait to read more!

She's definitely been infected with Disney magic!

Originally Posted by Luca

I am so enjoying your trip report. You are such a fabulous writer. Your pictures are wonderful, too!

I am heading to WDW on Monday with my 12 year old daughter. She was reading along with me and was so excited to see Morgan's smiles and then the big Mickey balloon at the end of the installment.


Looking forward to see the rest of your trip unfold!

Hope you all have a very magical trip!

Originally Posted by benjiboo25

I had tears for you as you described Wishes without Stefanie...

That makes at least two of us!

Originally Posted by shnewell

Your house looks beautiful! I love all the warm tones -- it makes me just want to snuggle up on your couch!

Sorry that the trip started with lots of waiting -- poor Morgan! But I'm glad that things started to move along once you got into the park. She looks like she's having a blast, and I love the photos of the 3 of you in front of the castle.

I'll have to remember the Rose Garden for watching MM&Y. I know Wishes must have been difficult for you.

How amazingly sweet of your SWA pilots! I can't believe they were able to get that plan in motion so quickly. I think Stefanie probably helped spread some pixie dust for that one!

Stefanie may have had something to do with it. She always loved to take care of her Mom and Dad.

Originally Posted by Coop

My first time at Wishes, I sat by the rose garden. Actually between the rose garden and the castle (that path that runs right next to the castle) but underneath Tink. It was awesome.
Also - how sweet of the SWA pilots/crew! And I loved Morgan's smile after Space Mountain!

That spot would be perfect for watch. We tried that path first and then had to move on as it was already packed, so we wound up on the opposite side.

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by Laurast

Morgan looks like she is having a blast! We got the chance to watch MM&Y & Wishes from the same location near the Rose Garden one night on our last trip. It was definitely a great view. Watching Wishes for the first time without Stefanie had to have been bittersweet, but it sounds like you were able to handle it and still enjoy the moment. You are an inspiration, Cam! And how cool is that Mickey balloon? Wow

I'm just trying each day to remember the joy that Stefanie brought to our lives. Wishes was a reminder of that joy!

Originally Posted by OCEANGRLLG

Gettin all caught up. Morgan looks like she is havin the time of her life, love all the pics. I to teared up when you talked about Wishes without Stefanie, she was there, just not in person. That Mickey balloon was way cool, very cool that SWA sent it to yall!

We will have several special surprises and moments throughout this trip that kept Luke and me going.

Originally Posted by queen2

Loving your TR. As others I had tears for Stephanie. The pictures are great.

Tears were easy on this trip.

Originally Posted by JoJayMom

I am happy Morgan finally got to ride some rides! And also that you finally got a picture in front of the castle! Where exactly is the Rose Garden? I think I know, but not sure!

Coming down Main Street, turn right going toward the Plaza and the Rose Garden is across from it and down a walkway. The Rose Garden is the area between the two sidewalks that lead you into Tomorrowland.

Originally Posted by valegirl5292

What a fun fantastic night at MK. Love at the double thumbs up from Morgan, it is great to see that she is having a wonderful time. How special to have two PP meets on the first night, it just makes the day even better. Glad you finally got you castle shot, you all look great! I can only imagine how you felt during Wishes but I am sure that Stefanie was singing right along with you. What a way to end a great day with a little magic from the SWA pilots.

We did have a fun, fantastic night at MK, made even more special by PPers and Stefanie memories.

Originally Posted by taylan1

So happy that Morgan finally got to ride some rides. I imagine that hug from Heather was much needed. I so love MM&Y, we were able to watch it right in the Castle Courtyard when we first saw and I was just in awe! Unfortunately wishes is out for us as my DS does not care for fireworks.

Now the Mickey Balloon, how cool was that. Amazing that the SWA crew took the time to find you and send you some MAGIC. (tears at reading that)

Can't wait to read more.

Heather's hug as well as the ones from Kurt and Holley were very supportive.

Originally Posted by BJ Wanlund

That first meal sounds like it was kinda terrible. But that surprise when you got back was SO cool!

And Morgan's happiness when she got off Space Mountain was actually kinda infectious! (Not that I'll ride SM ever again after my last ride where I got very much jostled around...)

More please!

BJ

My tuna was too fishy, but Luke ate every single bite of the club sandwich (which I've decided I'll go back to on our next visit). Morgan cleaned her plate, too, so the chicken sandwich must have been good, too.

Originally Posted by kurtholley

We were glad that we went back to MK after dinner to meet up with You and Luke, also Meet Heather then. Had to get another Dole Whip while we were there. After we left you we both said we should of just rode BTMRR with you all
Did you tell the crew of the plane where you were staying? trying to figure out how they found you.
Was a great ballon they gave you guys

You should have ridden BTMRR with us. Our wait wasn't too long and it was full of chatting. We didn't tell the crew where we were staying, at least I don't remember mentioning it when they talked with us.

Originally Posted by mousestruck

My goodness, Morgan is indeed one very happy little girl! I'm so glad you took her along... what a perfect way to dry the tears and save the magic. I am sure that Stefanie was right there with you watching Wishes... and experiencing every other Disney moment.

How thoughtful of those SWA pilots to send the balloons! Clearly Stefanie touched a few more hearts....

I'm amazed that Stefanie keeps touching hearts though she is gone. She was such a special little person and it makes me smile when I realize I was her Momma.

[KMB733]

What a fun night at MK!!! Glad you were able to fit in some rides and then view Wishes and MM&Y. And how great that you got to spend some time with a few PPs!

Such a wonderful surprise to come home too! That's some balloon!

[dwonderz]

Great Update! Sounds like Morgans got the Disney bug!

So cool and thoughtful of the SWA pilots - I'm certain Stephanie was smiling from above .

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by KMB733

What a fun night at MK!!! Glad you were able to fit in some rides and then view Wishes and MM&Y. And how great that you got to spend some time with a few PPs!

Such a wonderful surprise to come home too! That's some balloon!

We did have a fun night at MK!

Originally Posted by dwonderz

Great Update! Sounds like Morgans got the Disney bug!

So cool and thoughtful of the SWA pilots - I'm certain Stephanie was smiling from above .

Morgan definitely has the Disney bug.

[disneydreamer33]

What a great update. I am so happy Morgan was so excited. Dinner sounded great and you got to hang out with Heather. I love the huge Mickey balloon! I am curious how they found you too!

[disneydeva]

Great updates. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

[Pumpkinfrost]

Cam, you and Luke have such a warm and cozy home, with Disney touches throughout, I love your style. My husband complains sometimes that my "over the top" Mickey/Disney style is overkill, but I love the way you have sprinkled Disney throughout your decorating and the floors are really nice. Thank you for sharing the pics of how they turned out.

[TuffyCO]

I already commented on your last update, but I realized I forgot something I wanted to mention. Yours was either the first or second PTR I ever read and I have since went back and read your last TR as well. It's crazy that I feel like I know you so well. The one picture that brought tears to my eyes was the one with you, Luke and Morgan in front of the castle. It broke my heart because it reminded me of the other pictures of you in front of the castle and other icons, but there was clearly someone missing. I have seen many pictures now of you, Luke and Stefanie that I was taken back when she wasn't there. If this is how I feel, hardly knowing you, I cannot begin to imagine how difficult each moment of this trip was for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this TR and to share your new adventures with us even through your pain. I am honored to "know" you and your family has truly touched my life.

[mandy1627]

Originally Posted by TuffyCO

I already commented on your last update, but I realized I forgot something I wanted to mention. Yours was either the first or second PTR I ever read and I have since went back and read your last TR as well. It's crazy that I feel like I know you so well. The one picture that brought tears to my eyes was the one with you, Luke and Morgan in front of the castle. It broke my heart because it reminded me of the other pictures of you in front of the castle and other icons, but there was clearly someone missing. I have seen many pictures now of you, Luke and Stefanie that I was taken back when she wasn't there. If this is how I feel, hardly knowing you, I cannot begin to imagine how difficult each moment of this trip was for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this TR and to share your new adventures with us even through your pain. I am honored to "know" you and your family has truly touched my life.

Beautifully said! I know I, as well as many others, feel the exact same way.

[Charlie97]

I am enjoying your TR Cam, glad everything seems to be going good so far.

[coffeechef]

Hi Cam... I saw that you had started your trip report. I wanted to catch up,before I posted .I love the title and it couldn't be a better one. To see you and Luke again and give you a hug and meet Morgan was a special part of my short trip. I felt Stefanie in spirit at DHS , though she was not there physically, she was always near. I am so glad that Morgan was there with you & Luke to share this trip. I have been taking my nephews with me on Disney trips and the fun we have had and the memories created are so special. I forget how the rides are what they are anticipating the most when they arrive . I am glad that Morgan finally got to ride SM & TMR, enjoying them both. Oh I teared up when I read about viewing Wishes without Stefanie there I know there were so many moments like those for you both. SWA pilots sending you the biggest Mickey Mouse makes me wonder if a certain someones pixie dust was not being sprinkled on the heads of some Airline pilots. Again I teared up as I read and saw the Mickey. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[mommapants]

What a fantastic first day you had. Glad Morgan got on some rides and gave them the big thumbs up. Hopefully many more thumbs up to come. How cool to get thst balloon from the SWA crew. How nice of them to track you down and send a little something special your way.