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)

 

[Tiggertoo56]

I know the trip wasn't quite up to what you expected but you gave your family memories to hold on to, especially your nephews. So glad to hear that your mom was ok with the chair too. They looked as though they were having a great time. You got to meet and ride BTMRR with @Tuvalu! and managed to fit in some icecream too. I hope you can all overcome the issues and you & Chris get to have the normally wonderful time you have next time you visit (with or without your nephew). Loved reading your adventures- keeps me ticking over until my next visit (2021 is looking good ).

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Thanks for the great trip report. I'm glad that writing it all down helped a bit! I really enjoyed seeing the boys excitement and fun grow during their trip. You guys did a fantastic job creating this opportunity for the boys. I know how you worried over it for a year!
I agree with dryerlintfan: You should book a trip FEb 27th!!!! thru March 6th LOL!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I enjoyed your report, except I was bummed that it wasn't as magical as other trips. At least you made some good memories with your nephews. I hope you get back soon without the drama.

 

[Rista1313]

I forgot to say, I always enjoy your reports, and I'm glad you and Tuvalu got to spend a bit together!

 

[CaliKris]

I really enjoyed reading your trip report, but I can't help but feel sad. I know how much you love Disney and how precious vacation time is. I think you gave your nephews memories and a love for Disney that will hopefully last a lifetime. This is the best gift you could have given them! However, it only takes one person to bring the whole vibe of a trip down. I think some people just don't know how to behave in a group setting. They just don't get it can't be all about them. I'm sure the heat and jet-lag did not help his mood.

Now, please tell me you have another trip booked. That is the best thing for the Disney blues. I anxiously await another @Longers trip report with your smiling face, Mickey ears, ice cream, BTMRR, and lots of joy-filled moments that bring you to tears!

 

[Longers]

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!

I am so happy I came too and our paths finally crossed and I too shall be waiting for our next meet up.
BTW I was going to bring you UK sweets but thought in the heat they might not make it - so next time.......

 

[Longers]

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!

Thank you for reading

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!

I know! They better start saving

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

Thanks for reading and I am looking forward to the next one too

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.

They didn’t have a clue which was great and they certainly had a good time

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.

That’s exactly why we tried to make sure they had the best time as I don’t know when they will get back. We took them to DP years ago but went via Eurostar shortly after my sisters divorce but that is not a cheap holiday either. I think they would rather go to Florida. Ow (I’ve given them the bug!)

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?

Definitely yes!
I have so missed Riverside this year and staying on Disney property - just need to find the right time and price.

I really enjoyed reading your trip report, but I can't help but feel sad. I know how much you love Disney and how precious vacation time is. I think you gave your nephews memories and a love for Disney that will hopefully last a lifetime. This is the best gift you could have given them! However, it only takes one person to bring the whole vibe of a trip down. I think some people just don't know how to behave in a group setting. They just don't get it can't be all about them. I'm sure the heat and jet-lag did not help his mood.

Now, please tell me you have another trip booked. That is the best thing for the Disney blues. I anxiously await another @Longers trip report with your smiling face, Mickey ears, ice cream, BTMRR, and lots of joy-filled moments that bring you to tears!

Unfortunately nothing booked - Yet!
But it will happen - I look forward to all those things too - it can’t come soon enough...

 

[Longers]

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.

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

Slowly I am forgetting the bad - each time I see my nephew and he talks about it I feel better
And we’ve never been in February so that’s certainly something to think about I’d love to meet you and your daughter!

 

[Longers]

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!

I forgot to say, I always enjoy your reports, and I'm glad you and Tuvalu got to spend a bit together!

Hopefully we can get another trip booked soon and thanks for your kind feedback and meeting @Tuvalu was definitely a trip highlight

 

[Longers]

I know the trip wasn't quite up to what you expected but you gave your family memories to hold on to, especially your nephews. So glad to hear that your mom was ok with the chair too. They looked as though they were having a great time. You got to meet and ride BTMRR with @Tuvalu! and managed to fit in some icecream too. I hope you can all overcome the issues and you & Chris get to have the normally wonderful time you have next time you visit (with or without your nephew). Loved reading your adventures- keeps me ticking over until my next visit (2021 is looking good ).

Thanks for reading and as I’ve said before the main thing was the boys had a good time and they did! So a big tick there.
We can’t wait to get back alone now we just need to find some dates and time off work.

I did say to Chris in June that we should book for November as normal but alas after a trip in March and Aug this year he though 3 visits was a step too far so we are going to Las Vegas instead which will be fun but I am still upset it won’t be Disney as there’s are a few WDW magic members there I wanted to meet up with - typical!
And after this trip it would have been good to get back alone to create our memories together.

Thanks for the great trip report. I'm glad that writing it all down helped a bit! I really enjoyed seeing the boys excitement and fun grow during their trip. You guys did a fantastic job creating this opportunity for the boys. I know how you worried over it for a year!
I agree with dryerlintfan: You should book a trip FEb 27th!!!! thru March 6th LOL!

I might take a look for those dates - what’s the weather like?

I enjoyed your report, except I was bummed that it wasn't as magical as other trips. At least you made some good memories with your nephews. I hope you get back soon without the drama.

I hope we get back soon too!

 

[CaliKris]

Hmm, Vegas? Only a 1hr flight to Southern California from there...you could make a quick jaunt to Disneyland...just sayin. Disneyland resort can be done over a long weekend. California would love to have you

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

We have been to WDW twice in first week of March, and once in the middle of February.
We absolutely love that time of year. We had mostly 70's in the day and 50's at night. We had one 3 day run of cold (to me) weather where I wore all of Rogers sweaters. I thought he was crazy to bring sweaters, LOL, but I sure wore them!
We did not have any rain except for one Epcot day in all those trips. Don't know if that is the norm or not, nor if the weather is always that way. BTW, we really liked mid February too, and did not have a bad time with the BTG's at all. But their economy was awful at the time and not a lot of groups were visiting at that time so? It would be great to see you again!

 

[Longers]

Hmm, Vegas? Only a 1hr flight to Southern California from there...you could make a quick jaunt to Disneyland...just sayin. Disneyland resort can be done over a long weekend. California would love to have you

Very tempting but from u tube videos I’ve seen it doesn’t really appeal to me so I’ll stick with Florida - that’s where my heart is.

We have been to WDW twice in first week of March, and once in the middle of February.
We absolutely love that time of year. We had mostly 70's in the day and 50's at night. We had one 3 day run of cold (to me) weather where I wore all of Rogers sweaters. I thought he was crazy to bring sweaters, LOL, but I sure wore them!
We did not have any rain except for one Epcot day in all those trips. Don't know if that is the norm or not, nor if the weather is always that way. BTW, we really liked mid February too, and did not have a bad time with the BTG's at all. But their economy was awful at the time and not a lot of groups were visiting at that time so? It would be great to see you again!

It would be great to see you again. I’m not going to write anything off - I will take a trip wherever I can fit it in.....

 

[DisneyGigi]

I enjoyed your report so much. I know firsthand how extended family trips can be. My DIL is not a Disney World person. I think she likes the idea of it but just can’t keep up or mesh with our pace. I had so much stress the last trip that she went with us, trying to keep everyone happy that I had a total meltdown for a bit in a rainstorm at MNSSHP. So glad you had the time with your nephews, I know that was special. You and @Tuvalu BTMRR and HM rides were awesome. So glad you guys were able to meet up.

 

[susan lees]

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..........

Really enjoyed your report. I feel your pain as we have some similar family issues but luckily has never impacted on our Disney trips. Thank you for sharing your trip

 

[Longers]

I enjoyed your report so much. I know firsthand how extended family trips can be. My DIL is not a Disney World person. I think she likes the idea of it but just can’t keep up or mesh with our pace. I had so much stress the last trip that she went with us, trying to keep everyone happy that I had a total meltdown for a bit in a rainstorm at MNSSHP. So glad you had the time with your nephews, I know that was special. You and @Tuvalu BTMRR and HM rides were awesome. So glad you guys were able to meet up.

Thank you - I actually think my sister partner struggled with the pace and I know the heat affected everyone.
I shall look forward to our next trip alone.

Really enjoyed your report. I feel your pain as we have some similar family issues but luckily has never impacted on our Disney trips. Thank you for sharing your trip

Sad that you have experienced similar issues but glad it didn’t impact your trips. In a large group people should consider their actions or how it might affect others,
Thanks for reading.

 

[disneypearl]

I enjoyed reading your latest visit to WDW. It was a very different trip compared to your other ones but you still were able to have some fun and create some great memories with your nephews. They will remember this past trip forever. I’m so glad they enjoyed Walt Disney World and that’s a great success of the trip. Now it’s time for you and Chris to plan a new visit!

 

[Oh bother!]

Great report, Even though you had some trying times!
X

 

[Longers]

I enjoyed reading your latest visit to WDW. It was a very different trip compared to your other ones but you still were able to have some fun and create some great memories with your nephews. They will remember this past trip forever. I’m so glad they enjoyed Walt Disney World and that’s a great success of the trip. Now it’s time for you and Chris to plan a new visit!

Thanks for reading and like you say it was different to previous reports but we certainly did create some different memories

And only last night we were looking at dates for our next trip - just trying to work out when spring break is next year!

Great report, Even though you had some trying times!
X

Thanks for reading - glad you enjoyed it

 

[blreinsel]

A wonderful report despite all the drama! I can’t wait for the day that your nephew is a tumble monkey.. I’ll be sitting there cheering him on!