Good morning, folks!  Before I go any further with my “two cents”, I’d like to direct you to our latest show … Episode 358 – Happy Mothers’ Day and Our Weekly News!

In this episode, like every other Sunday, Doug, Dennis, and John discuss all the latest news from around Walt Disney World.  This week, though, they also covered the end of Wishes and the beginning of Happily Ever After.

It got me to thinking … how do I feel about the “retirement” of Wishes?  A future member of All in WDW’s “Hall of Fame”, perhaps?  Hmm.  Maybe.

Actually, up until a few years ago, our family liked the nighttime spectacular.  We didn’t love it.  We were turned off by the throng of people one had to endure in order to witness the event.

In addition, we held much, much fonder memories of Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  An umbrella table in Italy.  A glass of wine.  The soundtrack.  The fireworks.  Way more enjoyable, for us.

Then, we “moved” to Orlando.  Yeah, I wish.  Actually, for two years, Mrs. All in WDW and I leased an apartment just off Disney property.  It was a wonderful place … with a balcony that faced the Magic Kingdom!

There, we got the opportunity – night after night – to view Wishes countless times!  Did we miss the soundtrack?  No.  I downloaded it to my iPhone and made a game of pressing ‘play’ at just the right time.  Just when the show should start.

From the comfort of our own “home”, we got to enjoy phenomenal shows at New Year’s Eve and 4th of July.  We enjoyed HalloWishes and Holiday Wishes many, many times.

So, how do I feel about the “retirement” of Wishes?  Well, to tell the truth, so much is changing in The World these days, I’m kind of numb.  Its “termination” was destined to happen sooner or later, no?

You know what I’ll really miss, though?  Illuminations – if they take that out next.  Oh, the rumors have been flying around for years, so I think I have a right to be worried.

My friends, change – as Disney has demonstrated in multitudes of ways – is inevitable.  Wishes is just the latest example.  Having said that, I hope its memory will last ‘… ever after’.