If you're on the fence about joining a meet...

[JerseyMouse]

It's common to have some reservations about meeting face to face with people for the first time, despite sharing common interests, even something as family-friendly as Disney.

I remember DW's and mine first meet was a few years back in May at Ghirardelli, and we couldn't have been treated nicer!!! It was just like chatting on Intercot, only now we attached the faces to the names. Jeanne (piglet822) immediately won massive brownie points be naming my wife..whom she had never met until that day..as The Lovely Woman!!!! A fact that I am constantly reminded of!!

Over the years, we've gotten to meet some pretty wonderful people, and a yearly meeting with Jeanne is a must. DW was a bigger skeptic than me when it came to the meet, and now she loves doing it as well.

I would have never gotten the chance to include people like Jeanne, Barbie from Texas, Mikki and Andrew from accross the pond, to name a few, as friends had I not joined in a meet. They truly add to the magic!!

[Piglet822]

I can't agree more with what Jerry wrote. I was very nervous about my first Intercot meet. It was a very small one, John and Ron (WDWDriver) I think were the only ones that showed up!!
I know most people won't believe me when I say I'm a bit reserved when meeting new people but I have come out of my shell over the last couple of years.
It really is nice to put faces to names. Not to mention the friends I've made since coming to Intercot and going to the meets. :thumbsup:

[RedheadWriter]

I am a little of a social butterfly and love to have a lot of interesting people in my circle, so meeting people is really something that makes me happy! The meets I had in FL were awesome! I would do it again in a heartbeat. I cannot wait to go to the NE meet this Sunday and get to know even more people.
I agree, take the chance, meet as many people as possible and Have Fun!!!I do feel like the friendships are forever.

[TikiGoddess]

I've been to three meets so far (soon to be five!). It's a great way to meet people and talk Disney. You immediately have a bond with everyone and never run out of things to talk about. Imagine talking for hours about Disney attractions, resorts, souvenirs, whatever!... and not getting weird looks.

It's wonderful to share the magic with others who understand your passion for Disney.

Kathy

[kakn7294]

I was extremely hesitant to meet with a couple of folks from Intercot last August since my meets from the December before didn't work out (just the fact that I never did get to meet the people, not the people themselves). However, I have to say that I'm extremely glad I did and now I'm even planning my next trip with Kristen and Ben - well, mostly Kristen as Ben's just along for the ride :D.

[HndrdPrcnt]

I have not yet had the chance to be a part of an "official" meet as of yet. However, I did have the pleasure of meeting a fellow Intercotee who has become a wonderful friend to me.

So, here's the story. I came to Intercot to get some tips and pointers for a family Grand Gathering that I was planning for Oct 2006. I read a trip report written by this lady (Mickey'sGirl - aka Jenn) about how she, her husband, and her boys went to the Disney outlet. I had always heard about the outlet, but had never been there. So, I sent her a PM to find out directions to the outlet. She PM'd me back telling me that her husband (CanadianWDWFan - aka Brian) would send me a PM with directions.

Brian and I PM'd each other back and forth discussing my upcoming trip. During my planning, I got sick so I went to the doctor to get some tests done. I still ended up going on the trip to WDW and had the most wonderful time. However, when I got home, I went to the doctor to hear what no one ever wants to hear....."6 months to live." I had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Brian stayed in close contact with me as we researched and found pancreatic cancer specialists throughout the country. We found one who was convinced he could save my life. Brian and I were PMing each other almost daily and we began even calling each other on the phone. Then one day, Brian made an EXTREMELY generous offer. He offered to come out to visit me while I was in recovery from my surgery before I went back to work. He said that he had enough miles to get him and his eldest son (Harry) out to come and visit us.

I have to tell you, that was a little awkward - but more in an amazing way than anything. How amazing is it that someone who had never even met me before in person, was willing to get on a plane from Toronto, Canada to come visit me in Northern California just to get my spirits up after going through a very dark time in my life.

I tell you, it was the best thing that could have happened. Brian's upcoming visit gave me something to look forward to and while I lay there in the hospital I kept wondering what it would be like when he came out and we finally met.

The second he and Harry came down the escalator of the airport and we saw them, it was as if I had known Brian all my life. It was not awkward in the slightest. We bonded like brothers and Harry and my girls totally got along as well. It was such a wonderful visit and one that I will never forget. We took them on a real-life version of Soarin' and we went to the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and to Yosemite. It was a GREAT time!!!

So, I highly encourage everyone to check out a meet. You never know, you may be meeting someone who ends up becoming one of your very best friends!! Brian and I remain friends today and he and his entire family are coming back to CA this year to do a trip to DL and up to Northern California. I look very forward to our families being able to hang out together!! It is going to be a blast and is something that we are looking very forward to!

Well, happy meets to all of you!!

[RedheadWriter]

The last story touched me. I know what it is like to meet someone and have your life changed. My circumstances were very different than yours but that total connection, feeling like you've kown the person forever are the same.
Bright blessings to you and your family and Brian and his family.

[princessjojo]

John- your story literally brought tears to my eyes. Both you and Brian sound like truly wonderful people who were destined to find each other for a reason. Those are the friendships that many times you treasure the most in life because you don't take them for granted. I applaud you both.

I have thought and thought many times about attending meets, but always refrained because, as much as I love to talk, and talk, and talk some more, I don't open up very easily. I much prefer to sit back and listen taking it all in when I'm with others I know little about. But as I hear stories about others experiences, I look forward to having that opportunity.

So, if I ever say I'll be there, I will, I'll just be the one in the middle of everything listening intently to everyone and not saying too much of anything.

Thank you all for sharing your stories and experiences.

[mrsgaribaldi]

That was a great story John, thanks so much for sharing it.:mickey:

I love a meet, even though DH and I are painfully shy. When we went in October we didn't know what to do. I said why are we here, we hate (it's hard to do that is) to talk to new people:blush:But it was great and I had alot of fun.:thumbsup:

[Ed]

I've been to quite a few, too, both at WDW and elsewhere, and I haven't seen anyone get bitten yet!

I am also pretty shy (no comments, Jeanne! :nono:) but I find I warm up to unfamiliar folks pretty fast when we have similar interests. And many of the people I consider my good friends I met right here. :rocks:

To my way of thinking, there are no strangers on Intercot, just new friends you haven't yet met. :mickey:

[Mickey'sGirl]

I love a meet, even though DH and I are painfully shy. When we went in October we didn't know what to do. I said why are we here, we hate (it's hard to do that is) to talk to new people:blush:But it was great and I had alot of fun.:thumbsup:
....and we talked about Rush at the Illuminations meet. It was great to have met you! :mickey:

[Piglet822]

I am also pretty shy (no comments, Jeanne! :nono:) but I find I warm up to unfamiliar folks pretty fast when we have similar interests. And many of the people I consider my good friends I met right here. :rocks:


Ok, so you don't want me telling the story of how when we first met you scared me death?????? Ok, it'll be our little secret :secret:

[Ed]

Ok, so you don't want me telling the story of how when we first met you scared me death?????? Ok, it'll be our little secret :secret:


Moi ??

Would I do that ?? :nono:

;)

[DisneyWhirled]

I was very hesitant for our Aug '07 meet @ WDW. DWHUBBY (my DH) arranged a meet with dolphinmickey9170 (Kristen & Ben) and kakn7294 (Kathy) and was so excited about it. I am typically very shy when meeting someone for the first time, and I was very grouchy the day of the meet---until I actually got to meet Kathy and her family and Kristen and Ben. I am so glad that DH arranged the meet, we got to meet some wonderful people, and are actually spending some quality time with Kristen & Ben in May.

John, your story brought tears to my eyes. I hope things are well for you.

[murphy1]

I concur!! In fact, many of the people that are on this thread are people I really hope to meet. This is why I'd still love to be in Florida all the time again, b/c I always knew people would wind up at Disney and half the time I would call my Auntie to get us into the park for the day! I have met quite a few intercotees and each one has become a friend. Jym and Rachel (Natazu our food guy) did one of the most special things for my kids that will always be a wonderful memory for us.

[wdwgrl377]

Aaah, yes the first Intercot meet! I was so nervous. It was October '05 and I was alone on this trip. People thought I was nuts going to meet others in the park since I"ve never met them before. I was extremely nervous the first day I met every one in Epcot. We met up, in front of the Land Pavillion.

My first person I met was Melanears and she was extremely nice and friendly. All the others I met welcomed me like i was family. Actually, I was named, Cousin Monica, by Jeanne!! LOL :D

I still to this day talk to most of the people I met on Intercot. I've also met up with them on trips I took alone to WDW.

If you're nervous and shy, I can relate! Just go and break out of that shell and meet other Disney nuts like us!! LOL :thumbsup:

[Melanie]

My first person I met was Melanears and she was extremely nice and friendly.

Awww, it was very nice to meet you, Monica. And no need to be nervous, right? ;)

I've been to numerous INTERCOT meets, and every time I'm just a bit nervous. But I always have tons of fun! :rocks:

[MMouse6937]

These are such great stories!! I really want to meet some Intercot people on our next trip. There's a thread up on here that I'm trying to get some people interested in meeting in Sept. I also told DH last night that I would like to try to meet Ron (WDWDriver) when we're in AK. Also, Jessica (CaptainJessicaSparrow) if she's still working at the Emporium (and hasn't moved on to character handler or performer). I sure hope I get to have some great experiences like you all have had. Thanks for sharing!! :thumbsup:

[SpecJoe Magic]

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who is a little apprehensive about Intercot meets. I haven't actually been to many meets, but I have managed to meet a few Intercotees in person over the years. I'm not exactly a social butterfly, but it is fun to interact with members in person. It's often surprising to finally put a face with a username because they don't usually look and sound the way that I imagine them on the boards. :D

I'm extremely excited that I'm soon going to meet my oldest Intercot friend, Jared (formerly Disney_nut), in person after 7 years of Internet and phone talk. Our geographical distance (New York - Tennessee) has kept us from meeting in person so far, but we are planning to meet at the Magic Kingdom in just a little over a week.:)

[Natazu]

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who is a little apprehensive about Intercot meets. I haven't actually been to many meets, but I have managed to meet a few Intercotees in person over the years. I'm not exactly a social butterfly, but it is fun to interact with members in person. It's often surprising to finally put a face with a username because they don't usually look and sound the way that I imagine them on the boards. :D

I'm extremely excited that I'm soon going to meet my oldest Intercot friend, Jared (formerly Disney_nut), in person after 7 years of Internet and phone talk. Our geographical distance (New York - Tennessee) has kept us from meeting in person so far, but we are planning to meet at the Magic Kingdom in just a little over a week.:)
So if I schedule a TN meet, you won't come? :(

[SpecJoe Magic]

So if I schedule a TN meet, you won't come? :(

I never meant to imply that I won't go to a meet. I was just saying that I haven't been to many. I might go to a meet if it's nearby.

[Piglet822]

I'm extremely excited that I'm soon going to meet my oldest Intercot friend, Jared (formerly Disney_nut), in person after 7 years of Internet and phone talk. we are planning to meet at the Magic Kingdom in just a little over a week.:)

:muscles: Me too!!!!!!!

[JPL]

I've been to quite a few, too, both at WDW and elsewhere, and I haven't seen anyone get bitten yet!



Well there was that on incident at the Odyssey but we don't talk about that one ;)

Seriously meets are alot of fun :mickey:

[Marilyn Michetti]

Wierd isn't it? I'll talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything, but I have to admit I'm a little nervous about the Dec. JQ meet. I guess we all get a mental picture of what someone we talk to might look like, and then we wonder if others will be disappointed in us.

I'm glad to find out I'm not the only one with butterflies. I'm sure it will be awesome to meet familiar names.

(The only one I have a mental picture of is Pogo, but that's another story).:blush:

[pogo]

MM......... what am I going to do with you ????

I can't imagine what you are talking about. :D

[Natazu]

(The only one I have a mental picture of is Pogo, but that's another story).:blush:
"white paper, white paper, white paper"

[LizLovesDiz]

We could meet every week if we wanted,I'm in Mays Landing !!! Theres nothing I love better than to talk Disney.My DH and I are going in Oct. :cloud9: :mickey:

[mrsgaribaldi]

....and we talked about Rush at the Illuminations meet. It was great to have met you! :mickey:


It was great to have met you guys too. :wave:
Just in general he and I get shy:blush:

[Meerkat]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts about the meets. Sounds like it could be really fun. We will have to try it soon.