I am new to WDW Magic and I would like to share my trip from October 2011 with all of you as it was a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life.
My wife and I had planned a trip to WDW in October 2011 to celebrate my 40th birthday. I was excited to go as Disney was celebrating the MK 40th anniversary. Being I was born on 10/5 I thought it was kind of cool that I would be able to get a few little things with the 40th logo on them and the 1971 date.
We booked Coronado Springs for the week as we had visited a few friends that were staying there and it looked refreshed and like a relaxing Mod I really wanted to stay at the Poly but did not want to spend a lot of money on the room.
The day we left for our stay we were running late normal the 90 minute drive to WDW from my home took almost 3 hours with several follies along the way like forgetting the camera, and diapers for the little guy. The whole way to the resort my wife was texting someone which I dismissed as work or a friend.
When I arrived at the guard booth for Coronado I was informed we were late and no one else was going to be checking in that night and to pull up in front of the registration building. When I got to the building there was a red carpet rolled out with CMs standing on either side. I did not think anything of this and saw my wife laughing. I got out of the car and they all stated singing Happy Birthday and brought me a bouquet of balloons. I was promptly greeted by the resort’s GM and photographers. I was then asked to follow them to register. I started to walk into the lobby as was told VIPs do not check in at the main desk. I was brought through a side door into a small lounge and offered a drink and asked to sign my check in along with some waivers for the photos. I Turns out my wife was texting the GM of Coronado Springs on our way to the resort so they could be ready when I arrived.
I was then told that there were some surprises for me over the next few days and was handed the first. It was an envelope containing 6 Fast Passes to be used on any ride I wished at the Magic Kingdom the following day.
I was then led back out into the main lobby where they began taking my picture at several of the landmarks of the hotel and then they had my wife and kids join me.
The GM asked if she could lead us to our room and she remarked that we would like it because it was near the main building. The photographers from the resort and WDW followed us snapping pictures. When we came to the room I turned to my wife and said I bet Mickey was inside that is why the cameras and the Manager came along. Well no Mickey…. When she opened the door it was dark and looked like we were being led into a hall way leading us to another area. The lights were turned on and it was a foyer to a large room filled with balloons and gifts for me, my kids and wife. The room was a 2 bedroom 3 bath suite. Complete with a dinning room, bar, living room and a Jacuzzi in the master bath. I had received several things with the WDW 40th anniversary logo on it from the resort from pins, to baseball caps and even Duffy Bears for the kids. Waiting for each was a picture from our favorite character. Being the Birthday Boy mine was that of the Fab Five. In addition was a great gift tray with party hats made of chocolate and other treats plus my very own Mickey given to be by the WDW. I also received a Birthday card from Mr. Holmes.
Along with all this we were given VIP seating for the MNSSHP Parade and was told more was to come. Then I was asked so do you still want to stay at the Polynesian??? I laughed and said no Coronado Springs is now my favorite resort.
The next day we received a note saying to be ready for text messages to come during the day that would guide us on where to go. Having the special FPs I could not imagine what was up. We received the first text saying to go to Town Hall. There we met with someone from entertainment and were lead across Main Street and through a back door. Waiting for us were Mickey and Minnie. I was offered a Birthday Cake hat which I proudly wore the rest of the day. My kids got a private audience with Mickey and Minnie for a good 15 – 20 minutes which really made my day knowing how much my kids love them.
After meeting Mickey and Minnie we decided to hit some rides not one CM would take my fast passes from me saying. It’s your magical day I’m not taking it! So we were able to make our way through quickly and have a few passes left. Which I saved for the MNNSHP the next night and for Toy Story Mania at HWS.
I received the next text the instructions were to go to the Astro Orbiter and ask for the manager he is expecting us. When I got there I was told we have been waiting for you as Disney understands this is the only ride you have never been on in all of your trips to MK. Well being I have a fear of heights... yes it was. Well only turning 40 once we made the trek up the elevator and on the ride where a PA announcement was made that this weeks marks the 40th anniversary of WDW and we have a special guest with us today who is also turning 40. Everyone clapped cheered and started singing. Needless to say my face turned red.
We had left the park after this to prepare for dinner at Fulton Crab House…one of my favorite places and Disney. I was presented with a beautiful Chocolate cake there. When we returned back to our room there was another huge cake waiting in the room from WDW. Unbelievable!
I asked my wife how much this all cost her and was told nothing. Disney was doing this all on there own! She then had told me she had sent a letter about our upcoming trip and how I was excited to be turning 40 the same week WDW and how I love Disney history. She had shared the email with me and it made me cry. She not only wrote this but a letter that reminded me what a lucky person I truly am. My wife went on about how I am a great dad that is very selfless and giving to others. She knew about the FPs and MNSSHP but had no clue about all the rest.
This was a truly magical trip and I was spoiled beyond belief. I still cannot get over the extent they went through just to give me a real Magical moment (well week really.) Thank you again to all the CMs at the Parks and the Staff of Coronado Springs and of course my wife!
My wife and I had planned a trip to WDW in October 2011 to celebrate my 40th birthday. I was excited to go as Disney was celebrating the MK 40th anniversary. Being I was born on 10/5 I thought it was kind of cool that I would be able to get a few little things with the 40th logo on them and the 1971 date.
We booked Coronado Springs for the week as we had visited a few friends that were staying there and it looked refreshed and like a relaxing Mod I really wanted to stay at the Poly but did not want to spend a lot of money on the room.
The day we left for our stay we were running late normal the 90 minute drive to WDW from my home took almost 3 hours with several follies along the way like forgetting the camera, and diapers for the little guy. The whole way to the resort my wife was texting someone which I dismissed as work or a friend.
When I arrived at the guard booth for Coronado I was informed we were late and no one else was going to be checking in that night and to pull up in front of the registration building. When I got to the building there was a red carpet rolled out with CMs standing on either side. I did not think anything of this and saw my wife laughing. I got out of the car and they all stated singing Happy Birthday and brought me a bouquet of balloons. I was promptly greeted by the resort’s GM and photographers. I was then asked to follow them to register. I started to walk into the lobby as was told VIPs do not check in at the main desk. I was brought through a side door into a small lounge and offered a drink and asked to sign my check in along with some waivers for the photos. I Turns out my wife was texting the GM of Coronado Springs on our way to the resort so they could be ready when I arrived.
I was then told that there were some surprises for me over the next few days and was handed the first. It was an envelope containing 6 Fast Passes to be used on any ride I wished at the Magic Kingdom the following day.
I was then led back out into the main lobby where they began taking my picture at several of the landmarks of the hotel and then they had my wife and kids join me.
The GM asked if she could lead us to our room and she remarked that we would like it because it was near the main building. The photographers from the resort and WDW followed us snapping pictures. When we came to the room I turned to my wife and said I bet Mickey was inside that is why the cameras and the Manager came along. Well no Mickey…. When she opened the door it was dark and looked like we were being led into a hall way leading us to another area. The lights were turned on and it was a foyer to a large room filled with balloons and gifts for me, my kids and wife. The room was a 2 bedroom 3 bath suite. Complete with a dinning room, bar, living room and a Jacuzzi in the master bath. I had received several things with the WDW 40th anniversary logo on it from the resort from pins, to baseball caps and even Duffy Bears for the kids. Waiting for each was a picture from our favorite character. Being the Birthday Boy mine was that of the Fab Five. In addition was a great gift tray with party hats made of chocolate and other treats plus my very own Mickey given to be by the WDW. I also received a Birthday card from Mr. Holmes.
Along with all this we were given VIP seating for the MNSSHP Parade and was told more was to come. Then I was asked so do you still want to stay at the Polynesian??? I laughed and said no Coronado Springs is now my favorite resort.
The next day we received a note saying to be ready for text messages to come during the day that would guide us on where to go. Having the special FPs I could not imagine what was up. We received the first text saying to go to Town Hall. There we met with someone from entertainment and were lead across Main Street and through a back door. Waiting for us were Mickey and Minnie. I was offered a Birthday Cake hat which I proudly wore the rest of the day. My kids got a private audience with Mickey and Minnie for a good 15 – 20 minutes which really made my day knowing how much my kids love them.
After meeting Mickey and Minnie we decided to hit some rides not one CM would take my fast passes from me saying. It’s your magical day I’m not taking it! So we were able to make our way through quickly and have a few passes left. Which I saved for the MNNSHP the next night and for Toy Story Mania at HWS.
I received the next text the instructions were to go to the Astro Orbiter and ask for the manager he is expecting us. When I got there I was told we have been waiting for you as Disney understands this is the only ride you have never been on in all of your trips to MK. Well being I have a fear of heights... yes it was. Well only turning 40 once we made the trek up the elevator and on the ride where a PA announcement was made that this weeks marks the 40th anniversary of WDW and we have a special guest with us today who is also turning 40. Everyone clapped cheered and started singing. Needless to say my face turned red.
We had left the park after this to prepare for dinner at Fulton Crab House…one of my favorite places and Disney. I was presented with a beautiful Chocolate cake there. When we returned back to our room there was another huge cake waiting in the room from WDW. Unbelievable!
I asked my wife how much this all cost her and was told nothing. Disney was doing this all on there own! She then had told me she had sent a letter about our upcoming trip and how I was excited to be turning 40 the same week WDW and how I love Disney history. She had shared the email with me and it made me cry. She not only wrote this but a letter that reminded me what a lucky person I truly am. My wife went on about how I am a great dad that is very selfless and giving to others. She knew about the FPs and MNSSHP but had no clue about all the rest.
This was a truly magical trip and I was spoiled beyond belief. I still cannot get over the extent they went through just to give me a real Magical moment (well week really.) Thank you again to all the CMs at the Parks and the Staff of Coronado Springs and of course my wife!
