Our trip in 2009 was a tale of two trips. Initially, we were going to take the trip to Walt Disney World in June for Sophie’s birthday. We even had it all paid off. However, then the economy changed, and state government in North Carolina was talking about possibly having layoffs, so Cindy and I decided that it was better to be safe than sorry, and we canceled the trip. It was a really lousy feeling because Sophie knew we were going, and for her birthday, and to not be able to go just is a hard thing for a parent to have to do with their child. As the summer wore on, the concerns of layoffs were lessened, and Cindy and I decided that a vacation was possible after all. We looked at places like Hershey Park and other theme parks, but kept getting drawn back to all that we feel we get when we go to the World, so we made plans — this time, though, without telling Sophie.
We left for our trip on August 15th, and checked in to Disney on the 16th. Sophie went to her weekly dance that week just like normal on the morning of the 15th, and while she and Cindy were gone, I loaded up the car for the trip. Sophie got home, we said, go change your clothes, we’re going out for a while. When we got in the car, I started playing some music that Sophie hadn’t heard for a long time, and we got this reaction when she figured out where we were going…
Because of our having to change our plans, we were determined not to miss anything. As a result, I took a TON of pictures. I think, at this point, I’m going to let my pictures do the talking. Thanks for stopping by on our Favorite Disney Memories 2009 post, and look later this afternoon as we bring you our 2010 post as well!
Thank you again for stopping by! Now, please leave your comments of your favorite Disney memories below, and thanks go out and make it a Disney Day everyone!
I love the surprise trips!! Sophie was so cute!! In November 2012, we surprised our girls (at that time, they were 12 & 2). God bless our oldest daughter, she is totally oblivious to her surroundings on car trips. Knowing this, we told her we were going to visit their grandparents in Alabama (we’re in Georgia). We left super early that morning (before the sun was even up!) When we turned the opposite direction on the interstate and she didn’t notice, we knew we were in for some fun! Along the way, she would look up from her ipod or magazines, and ask, “Have we been this way before?” or “I don’t remember that bridge.” We would say, “We’re going a different way because of the traffic.” The entire time, my husband and I had to contain our laughter. She never noticed the Florida welcome sign, Universal Studios signs, Disney signs…nothing! Finally, about ten minutes from Disney property, she said, “Okay…now I know we’re in Florida because all of these cars have Florida license plates!” We couldn’t hold it in any longer…we laughed harder than we ever did before! Of course, our little one said, “But, I thought we were going to see G.G.!” (The grandmother) Another surprise, the grandparents were waiting for us in the All-Star Movies parking lot! So, we didn’t totally fib…we did go see them! We’ll certainly never forget that trip! I do, however, need to talk to my now-teenager about being aware of her surroundings! :)
Thank you for your great comment, Stephanie! Your daughter and Sophie sound quite similar, Sophie will look up occasionally and then say “Have we been this way before?”