"MISSION POSSIBLE: The Miller's Magical Vacation."
Let me set the stage before the Day One trip report, regarding this very special family and some extra magic that a few former college roommates, WDW staff, a Sea World staff member, several strangers, and myself came together to make happen...
My former college roommate married an Army helicopter pilot, and they have 2 twin girls (6) and a son (8). They've lived everywhere from North Pole Alaska to Hawaii.
Andy, (her husband) trained others to fly. A little over 2 1/2 years ago Andy was training a member of the Afghan army.
Upon landing, the helicopter exploded (an IED had been planted nearby). Andy's full story of the encounter can be found here.
Andy endured over a dozen surgeries and months in the hospital. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Andy just retired and to celebrate they booked a WDW vacation.
I found out about their trip a month ago and went to a group on facebook to inquire how I could surprise Andy and have him participate in the MK Flag retreat.
Out of the woodwork several strangers and one former WDW employee (now high-up at Sea World and a vet himself, "Paul"), made magic happen beyond anything I could ever dream.
Update 3/2: Since this post dozens of CM's, many from DCP have reached out as well.
DAY ONE:
They checked in to Art of Animation late this afternoon (5pm).
Using his old WDW contacts, Paul arranged for "room magic" where the room featured extra special decorations.
Myself and Lori's other former college roommates as well as 2 strangers from the group (Dee and Vonni, now friends), donated $ to have a giant patriotic Mickey/Minnie themed gift basket that was provided at-cost with free delivery from Pixie-Dust Delivery Service. (The delivery service is owned by Vonni's friend).
In addition, Paul from Sea World had a special welcome package with free tickets to sea World for their last day - all expense paid, meals and all. (He also has other surprises scheduled for them on the 6th, which I'll report when it happens.)
Paul also raised $500 via crowd funding that went onto a gift card to use anywhere on their trip. This was also in the room upon arrival.
I told Lori to let me know once they check in - she knows I was up to something but I just tell her it's all Mickey and his friends including Shamu.
Tonight she messaged me they are overwhelmed with how much stuff was in the room - and the gift card that Paul raised had them speechless.
They are now unpacking and grabbing dinner so that's all for day one unless a surprise happens that we don't know about.
- End of Day One -
Backstory and acknowledgements:
A couple weeks ago I messaged Paul their itinerary with all reserved meals and meet and greets. He forward this on to his WDW contacts and they are lined up the magic - THE MAGIC IS ABOUT TO GO DOWN!
I also want to recognize @akayw0718 she has CM friends at WDW entertainment and was kind enough to forward the family's pictures and names along with itinerary info I gave her for a little extra special attention and we're hoping some of the face characters will recognize them by name should they cross paths.
Paul has said there's more magic I don't even know about and that Lori needs to have her camera at-the-ready at all times.
I CANNOT WAIT to see what magic is in store for this very special family.
I love to pull a good harmless prank on friends but this is better beyond any explanation.
Paul, and everyone who's helped to make the Miller's trip magical had me verklempt all week everytine I recieved a message about what is in store for the family.
We've dubbed this whole thing,
"MISSION POSSIBLE: The Miller's Magical Vacation."
If you are in the parks this week and see the Miller's don't hesitate to say hi and thank Andy (and Lori - she is former Army National Guard). I've attached a pic of the family below.
Stay tuned for more "mission debriefings" thoughout the week!
Let me set the stage before the Day One trip report, regarding this very special family and some extra magic that a few former college roommates, WDW staff, a Sea World staff member, several strangers, and myself came together to make happen...
My former college roommate married an Army helicopter pilot, and they have 2 twin girls (6) and a son (8). They've lived everywhere from North Pole Alaska to Hawaii.
Andy, (her husband) trained others to fly. A little over 2 1/2 years ago Andy was training a member of the Afghan army.
Upon landing, the helicopter exploded (an IED had been planted nearby). Andy's full story of the encounter can be found here.
Andy endured over a dozen surgeries and months in the hospital. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Andy just retired and to celebrate they booked a WDW vacation.
I found out about their trip a month ago and went to a group on facebook to inquire how I could surprise Andy and have him participate in the MK Flag retreat.
Out of the woodwork several strangers and one former WDW employee (now high-up at Sea World and a vet himself, "Paul"), made magic happen beyond anything I could ever dream.
Update 3/2: Since this post dozens of CM's, many from DCP have reached out as well.
DAY ONE:
They checked in to Art of Animation late this afternoon (5pm).
Using his old WDW contacts, Paul arranged for "room magic" where the room featured extra special decorations.
Myself and Lori's other former college roommates as well as 2 strangers from the group (Dee and Vonni, now friends), donated $ to have a giant patriotic Mickey/Minnie themed gift basket that was provided at-cost with free delivery from Pixie-Dust Delivery Service. (The delivery service is owned by Vonni's friend).
In addition, Paul from Sea World had a special welcome package with free tickets to sea World for their last day - all expense paid, meals and all. (He also has other surprises scheduled for them on the 6th, which I'll report when it happens.)
Paul also raised $500 via crowd funding that went onto a gift card to use anywhere on their trip. This was also in the room upon arrival.
I told Lori to let me know once they check in - she knows I was up to something but I just tell her it's all Mickey and his friends including Shamu.
Tonight she messaged me they are overwhelmed with how much stuff was in the room - and the gift card that Paul raised had them speechless.
They are now unpacking and grabbing dinner so that's all for day one unless a surprise happens that we don't know about.
- End of Day One -
Backstory and acknowledgements:
A couple weeks ago I messaged Paul their itinerary with all reserved meals and meet and greets. He forward this on to his WDW contacts and they are lined up the magic - THE MAGIC IS ABOUT TO GO DOWN!
I also want to recognize @akayw0718 she has CM friends at WDW entertainment and was kind enough to forward the family's pictures and names along with itinerary info I gave her for a little extra special attention and we're hoping some of the face characters will recognize them by name should they cross paths.
Paul has said there's more magic I don't even know about and that Lori needs to have her camera at-the-ready at all times.
I CANNOT WAIT to see what magic is in store for this very special family.
I love to pull a good harmless prank on friends but this is better beyond any explanation.
Paul, and everyone who's helped to make the Miller's trip magical had me verklempt all week everytine I recieved a message about what is in store for the family.
We've dubbed this whole thing,
"MISSION POSSIBLE: The Miller's Magical Vacation."
If you are in the parks this week and see the Miller's don't hesitate to say hi and thank Andy (and Lori - she is former Army National Guard). I've attached a pic of the family below.
Stay tuned for more "mission debriefings" thoughout the week!
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