Moms Panel Training Day 4: IllumiNations Dessert Reception

Recapping: Monday, December 7, 2009

At 9:00pm, after the incredible Candlelight Processional, we were off to the United Kingdom's Terrace. There we were being treated to a "Dessert Reception with Viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth". It was a bit crowded leaving the American Adventure, but fortunately we all stayed together. We just had to follow the Cast Member with the blinking "lightsaber" (see him in the center of the photo?) :)

We arrived to find a variety of delicious dessert options.


Jonas, with champagne in hand, pauses with Maria for a photo :)

IllumiNations is one of my very favorite shows: "The sky erupts with light and fire as this nighttime spectacular celebrates our world, with dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to an incredible musical score."

As it started, I headed over to the edge of the Terrace area and leaned against the railing, gazing out towards the World Showcase Lagoon. As always, it was breathtaking from the moment it began...


I began thinking about how it was the last night of our Training Trip, and how we were going to have to say goodbye in the morning...
I knew that while we'd definitely see each other at different times in the future, the likelihood of us ALL being together again was very slim. :(
It's a big world, and we all come from different backgrounds and families. Yet our deep love for Disney World and the fact that we all love to share it with our own families, and have strong desires to help other families experience the same Magic brought us together. In 4 short days, we had bonded, shared memories and developed friendships that will last a lifetime. I looked around at my new family and felt incredibly blessed. Then, I started thinking about my own family back home, and how they too, love IllumiNations. While listening to the beautiful music and watching the stunning show, I was overcome with emotion. It was almost indescribable, a very powerful moment.



I leaned against the railing, and tears were streaming down my cheeks. Suddenly, I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder and envelope me in a hug.
It was sweet Maria. She and I stood there in silence, with tears streaming down our cheeks, our arms wrapped around each other, completely lost in the moment...

After the show, we talked about how much we were going to miss each other, and ALL of our friends. This was twice during the trip that the fireworks had moved me to tears. Once was during Wishes when I equated each one with a Wish-Upon-a-Star about making it to the Moms Panel. This time was different. I explained to Maria how instead, each firework reminded me of a magical memory from our weekend. There were SO many...each one special, each one priceless. Those memories will truly last a lifetime.

After IllumiNations, we went back to the Contemporary. The Magic Kingdom had Extra Magic Hours, but I was drained. I decided to spend some time packing my suitcase. I knew I wouldn't have the time in the morning to do it, as those last few hours promised to fly by.