Trip Report I still have a family (just) but what a totally different experience we had. ** completed

Hi my Disney friends

I’m back and to be honest it all feels like a total blur.

As the title suggests I do still have a family but there were some bumps in the road. I’ll share some details and thoughts as we go. Be warned though this won’t be like any of my other TR’s the magic whilst there was not as strong as previous trips and the whole pace was much slower. You might ask yourself where has Tracey gone? I asked myself the same thing - don’t get me wrong it was still fun and my nephews had the best time which was the main aim but some things that happened just took the gloss off.

I always used to look at big groups and imagine what fun it would be, but in truth it restricts a lot of things you do, everything happens much slower and not everything gets done - although I think I was probably the only one who noticed that.

Anyhow let’s start this......

So the background

This holiday as I mentioned in the PTR was the first for my sister in 14 years (a messy divorce left her to bring up my 2 nephews) my younger nephew had never been on a plane and my older nephew had only flown once when he was 2 (he doesn’t remember that)
We had booked it a year and a half beforehand for the whole family. Myself, Chris, sister her partner, 2 nephews, my brother and sister in law and my mum - 9 of us we’re going to Disney (they said Florida) but I knew different.

We were going from 19th Aug to 1st September 13 nights in a villa (you know I love POR) - we were trying to keep the cost down for my sister!

The WhatsApp group was in full use before we went - how much luggage can I take? Can I pack x in my hand luggage? Whose getting on TOT - we involve everyone in the pre holiday excitement.

Next up getting there - and some photos! (Sorry for the text heavy start)

 

[Longers]

Love the Pirates and HM photos.

It would be very easy to eliminate sister’s partner from YOUR copy of the photo.....

This was my version!

 

[DryerLintFan]

I find myself thinking about that ice cream sandwich from the Plaza more often than I'd like to admit. It was so so so good. I'm glad you finally took a breather and got some ice cream. And I'm glad your sis got a chance to do the same.

 

[Swissmiss]

I know you have sour memories about this trip, but you should go back and only read the things you said about how much your nephews enjoyed it. It will help you see that as far as they are concerned, your trip was magical.

 

[Darstarr]

Loving your nephews last splash picture!

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Finally, you are in your happy place (MK) and relaxing and eating ice cream!!! Doesn't get any better than that. Glad the 3 of you got to enjoy MK together before you left.
I noticed as the pictures of the boys progressed, they became happier, smiley, goofing around a lot. They seemed to really be having a great time. Thanks to their wonderful Aunt and Uncle

 

[Gurt]

That ice cream looks gooooood!

 

[Longers]

I find myself thinking about that ice cream sandwich from the Plaza more often than I'd like to admit. It was so so so good. I'm glad you finally took a breather and got some ice cream. And I'm glad your sis got a chance to do the same.

I find myself thinking about all the ice creams I missed out on! Funny at home I don’t partake but on holiday it’s an unwritten rule of 1 per day!

I know you have sour memories about this trip, but you should go back and only read the things you said about how much your nephews enjoyed it. It will help you see that as far as they are concerned, your trip was magical.

That’s what has made me happy. I saw my nephew last night and he is still saying what a great time he had and can I take him next year! Apparently he is going to save up!

Loving your nephews last splash picture!❤

I know they were so funny trying to work out a pose!

Finally, you are in your happy place (MK) and relaxing and eating ice cream!!! Doesn't get any better than that. Glad the 3 of you got to enjoy MK together before you left.
I noticed as the pictures of the boys progressed, they became happier, smiley, goofing around a lot. They seemed to really be having a great time. Thanks to their wonderful Aunt and Uncle

It certainly was a good afternoon that day.

That ice cream looks gooooood!

It was!

 

[Longers]

Sunday 1st Sept - day 13

We woke up in our own time again - now normally I would be in bed crying on the last day and Chris would wake up consoling me but today nothing!

I guess it hadn’t been as magical trip as I had hoped so I wasn’t that sad to be leaving. I know my nephews had the best time so that’s what we were all holding onto and today would hopefully be no different for them.

We finished packing and tidying the villa and drove to Disney Springs as Virgin holidays offer a check in facility which means we could check in, get rid of the bags and just drive to the airport later.

We were checked in by 10am and were off to Epcot shortly after - the only reason I chose Epcot was being nearer to Disney Springs.

As we arrived in the car park it started raining so we all just sat in the cars for 5 mins - the last thing we wanted was to be wet on a plane home - and I know we would have dried but why not wait 5 mins? And also as we had dropped the wheelchair off last night Mum was going to need to walk all day today.

The park were getting ready for the hurricane as we were greeted with these sights on the way in.

Last night I had managed to score 2 FP for test track - I hadn’t told anyone in case we were delayed or our plans changed.

As we walked in I asked the boys if they would like to ride together - their little faces beamed with excitement - “what right now?” Yes “now” I said

They were really chuffed and headed off together to ride. This holiday was good for them both too as they live apart following my sisters divorce so they were getting quality time together. I did have to remind them not to argue when designing their cars though. I didn’t want any last day issues.

We all headed to the back of TT to wait for them. They came off beaming about their cars and how well they had done - it came up as a top performer for efficiency of the day so far. To say they were chuffed was an understatement.

We decided to go for a wander around the countries - we had only done around half of them this holiday and there were a few the boys wanted to visit.

My sisters partner decided not to come. He instead wandered (not sure where) no one was bothered!
I bought a couple of Remi maps and got the drinks tumblers straight away on the recommendation of the lady in the shop who said they go fast!

These are good value gifts for completion of these maps!

I handed a map to my younger nephew to complete. We found the 1st one in Norway, then found the one in China and headed round searching for more.

 

[Longers]

The boys wanted some pictures in Italy as their dad is part Italian. So we hung around for a bit (my brother and SIL decided to go to watch the Pixar short films so off they went)

Apparently this is the way to pose!

We ventured further around - time was going so fast today, we really needed to start our way out so the Remi hunt was stopped and ended incomplete.

We all met up by mouse gear to head out together. It was about 1.45pm as we left the park and headed to the airport.

Chris held my hand as we left under the Disney sign for our last time, probably expecting tears as that’s another point I cry but again nothing. He was probably pleased as he would normally then have to start the speech “we’ve had an amazing time, we”ll be back soon etc”


We arrived at the airport, dropped the cars off and tried to find somewhere we could all use as a base so everyone could go off and look around or get food etc

But first I had to introduce my nephews to the person I had been wanting them to meet - you must know who!

They both chuckled when I said he had been there waiting to meet them for years, hence the reason he hadn’t moved.

We all got food and headed through security for our 5.35pm flight. My younger nephew had asked to sit with us which was really nice as I don’t get to see him all the time anymore, just when I get down to see everyone.

As the lady came to check the seatbelts he turned to me and said “I thought she was going to ask us to tug the yellow strap” it brought a smile to my face. He had made those memories that stay with you - maybe he had the Disney bug now.

The flight home only took 7.5 hrs as I guess the wind was pushing us. Chris managed to sleep which was good as he needed to drive when we got off the plane. I think I got a bit of sleep but not much but then I don’t think anyone else slept either.

We managed to get through passport control quickly , the bags took a bit longer.

We got out of arrivals and said our goodbyes to each other - some were a little less harder to do than others.

My sister was crying - I felt so sorry for her - she was having to say goodbye to her older son all over again - it must have been heartbreaking after 2 long weeks together.

Myself, Chris and my nephew made our way back to the car and started our drive home.

We dropped him at home - (although he wasn’t sure if his dad would be awake) so we waited until the door opened and said our goodbyes.


Our holiday had come to an end and the reality of the washing and unpacking kicked in - it was back to the real world!

 

[Longers]

So that’s it! - the trip that was so different to all our others........

We had all waited and planned it for so long I can’t believe it’s finally over.

It wasn’t what I hoped for as it did have some very tense moments and an atmosphere throughout the holiday that didn’t get resolved - I look back now and wonder if it should have been addressed while we were there but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

It was hot although I think I thought it would be worse so we were prepared for it with fans, cool towels and plenty of water.

There were days it completely sapped your energy though.

That said the parks were quiet which meant it was easier to get things done although we still returned with some things not being seen! No one apart from me seemed to be bothered though. I would really have loved to see HEA and illuminations again.

We’ve been back a few weeks and every time I’ve seen my older nephew he has talked about the rides, cast members, and all aspects of this holiday. Clearly it’s made an impression on him and created memories to hopefully last a lifetime. He has asked if he can come with Chris and I again next year!

Last weekend I went to see my mum and younger nephew and he has been practicing the splash mountain tune on a harmonica and guitar so it’s clearly touched him too.

I also took last week as opportunity to talk to my sisters partner to clear the air. We talked about what had happened and I don’t think he liked what I said but I did explain that if he hadn’t reacted the way he did then others wouldn’t have been drawn into whatever it was that made him walk out. With 9 people he should have learnt to control things differently. He also shouldn’t have carried it on! At the point I left I don’t think he agreed with me but who knows if that will change. For now I’ve forgotten about it and told him it’s done I just wish he would have thought about his actions before causing issues. Writing this report has helped me to get my thoughts and feelings down although I didn’t share all of what happened this has been a good way to help me calm down as I was literally fuming.

My mum did fab although I know she was in pain the wheelchair was a godsend. She was able to use it when she needed to.

The boys had the best time. This is what I am holding onto from this holiday. They created some amazing memories and had no idea of everything else that was going on so we obviously did a good job of keeping that from them. They have created memories to hopefully put smiles on their faces for years to come.

I will look forward to our next trip together. That isn’t booked yet but I know it will be!
I’m sure when we’re there alone we’ll miss my nephews comments and faces on rides as although they were older than I would have liked to take them it was still priceless to see their reactions.

Thanks for reading fellow Disney lovers
Kwaherini everyone..........

 

[Tuvalu]

I am glad you were able to sort through your feelings writing this report. You obviously created a fun holiday for your nephews, which you worried you might not. Despite the tension, I’ll bet everyone else had a good time too.

Add me to the list of those who were SO HAPPY you came!!!!! I’ll never forget our BTMRR (and HM!) rides and anxiously await the next time our dates overlap!

 

[krisri18]

It's wonderful that you were able to create such magical memories for your nephews! With time, let's hope that will be what you remember most about the trip and all that other stuff will fade. Thank you for sharing with us!

 

[DryerLintFan]

I'm glad you got some ice cream and you had some fun. Sorry the trip wasn't as you expected. Hopefully you'll forget all about the bad and just cherish the good memories. And I'm glad you let him know how you felt. I'm a firm believer that people cannot always know how they're being perceived. I hope he makes it up to you guys.

 

[LadyBelle]

I'll echo what everyone said about your nephews. That was the most important thing to take away from your trip. Now you have an additional travel buddy with your nephew to take on a trip!

 

[Spash007]

Of course I enjoyed your report, but I'm glad it was good for you too! And like everyone said, what a great experience and memories you created for your nephews, and your sister (and the rest of your family!). Good job creating that pixie dust!

Looking forward to the next one

 

[Gurt]

It's such a shame your trip wasn't quite how you envisioned but at least your nephews didn't notice and had a fantastic magical time, maybe the next time they visit they can have the full experience because it sounds like they can't wait to go back.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

So that’s it! - the trip that was so different to all our others........

We had all waited and planned it for so long I can’t believe it’s finally over.

It wasn’t what I hoped for as it did have some very tense moments and an atmosphere throughout the holiday that didn’t get resolved - I look back now and wonder if it should have been addressed while we were there but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

It was hot although I think I thought it would be worse so we were prepared for it with fans, cool towels and plenty of water.

There were days it completely sapped your energy though.

That said the parks were quiet which meant it was easier to get things done although we still returned with some things not being seen! No one apart from me seemed to be bothered though. I would really have loved to see HEA and illuminations again.

We’ve been back a few weeks and every time I’ve seen my older nephew he has talked about the rides, cast members, and all aspects of this holiday. Clearly it’s made an impression on him and created memories to hopefully last a lifetime. He has asked if he can come with Chris and I again next year!

Last weekend I went to see my mum and younger nephew and he has been practicing the splash mountain tune on a harmonica and guitar so it’s clearly touched him too.

I also took last week as opportunity to talk to my sisters partner to clear the air. We talked about what had happened and I don’t think he liked what I said but I did explain that if he hadn’t reacted the way he did then others wouldn’t have been drawn into whatever it was that made him walk out. With 9 people he should have learnt to control things differently. He also shouldn’t have carried it on! At the point I left I don’t think he agreed with me but who knows if that will change. For now I’ve forgotten about it and told him it’s done I just wish he would have thought about his actions before causing issues. Writing this report has helped me to get my thoughts and feelings down although I didn’t share all of what happened this has been a good way to help me calm down as I was literally fuming.

My mum did fab although I know she was in pain the wheelchair was a godsend. She was able to use it when she needed to.

The boys had the best time. This is what I am holding onto from this holiday. They created some amazing memories and had no idea of everything else that was going on so we obviously did a good job of keeping that from them. They have created memories to hopefully put smiles on their faces for years to come.

I will look forward to our next trip together. That isn’t booked yet but I know it will be!
I’m sure when we’re there alone we’ll miss my nephews comments and faces on rides as although they were older than I would have liked to take them it was still priceless to see their reactions.

Thanks for reading fellow Disney lovers
Kwaherini everyone..........

You created such positive memories for your nephew. It will last their lifetime, and that is what you should take from this trip. You and Chris will be there again, but who knows when they will be back, although it seems they are both itching to go. Maybe take them on a short trip to DP? Not the same of course, but it may be easier in the short term as you could drive there. That would make a great tr now that I think about it.

 

[Rista1313]

I hope you can hurry and book another Holiday with you and Chris to get the bad taste out of your mouth from this one!

 

[DryerLintFan]

I hope you can hurry and book another Holiday with you and Chris to get the bad taste out of your mouth from this one!

Yes.... say... Magic Kingdom on February 26th?!?! Not to get too specific... but I heard that's a good time frame

 

[riverside]

I really enjoyed your TR--the highs & the lows(it's just too bad there had to be lows). I'm glad your nephews had such a great time. It sounds like Disney definitely left an impression on them. That's a credit to you also.
Do you plan on going "home" for your next trip?