The Wanna-be MAWish pre-trip *Going, going, gone!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Cast of Characters:
Lisa 1 (me) Leader with almost 20 trips under my belt
Travis (my DH) Leader with almost 20 trips under his belt
Lisa 2 (Friend/employer) Never been.
Arthur (Lisa 2's DH, my former employee) One trip as an 11 yo.
Candice (13yo dd, severe ADHD, 7th grade homeschooler) Never been.
Rodney (9yo ds, Down's Syndrome, officially a 3rd grader, working on communication and appropriate responces) Never been.
Kristian (2y1month dd) Never been.

Time Frame: Jan 10-17, 2009

A little current events:
Lisa1 is a nurse for special needs children who works for Lisa2 by monitoring the health of Rodney. Lisa2 works full time as a special ed teacher for a local school district. Travis is a full time day shift local police officer. Arthur is a computer engineer for the local GE plant. So, if you read through that you will notice no-one is home with the 3 children that are homeschooling?!?! Wrong! That's me, Lisa1. I care for all 3 kiddos during the day.

Since Candice is able to comprehend the wonders of Walt Disney World, I've decided to set up a learning program. We have almost 21 weeks until departure. So we will be studying each park for 5 weeks. I gave her the choice of Magic Kingdom-history and current events, EPCOT-future technology and countries around the world, Animal Kingdom-animals, Hollywood Studios-creation of movies. She chose Movies for the first study. We will be researching the steps to make a movie, costs, awards, how Disney played a part in current movie genres. We'll compile the info into a journal and give a short speech at the end of the 5 weeks.

Rodney and Kristian will complete number and letter pages that are Disney themed. They are also watching Disney programs like Little Einsteins, HandyManny, and Disney Clubhouse.

We will be spending the following week at Disney with another couple. I'll introduce them another time.

[Glendamax]

I'm First!!!!! :dancer:

Looking forward to "meeting" the rest of the crew!

-G

[Lan]

I am 2nd:banana:

[jmskinner]

Hi. Thought I would join your PTR!

I love how you have worked WDW into the school curriculum, that is so :cool1: .

[dolfinjuls]

Yay! Can't wait to hear more! I love the Disney-themed curriculum as well!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

I've never done a PTR! I can't believe I already have 4 followers and we are still more than 4 months out! Way :woohoo: cool!

I'm First!!!!! :dancer:

Looking forward to "meeting" the rest of the crew!

-G

Well, the "meeting" will probably be much later...we're not exactly sure which other couple will be joining us:confused3 We've taken 2 other couples, and 1 other family on previous trips. Invited a different family that decided they want to go for homeschool week (2nd week of September), and the couple that is on our current short list was going to go last year, but the wife had to write her doctorate's thesis...SHEESH! :rotfl:

You are leaving in 11 days!!!!!! YIPPEE :thumbsup2

I am 2nd:banana:
Glad you are here!

Hi. Thought I would join your PTR!

I love how you have worked WDW into the school curriculum, that is so :cool1: .
Thanks! Feel free to throw in any ideas that you can think of!

Yay! Can't wait to hear more! I love the Disney-themed curriculum as well!
Don't worry, you'll hear plenty more! :laughing: I'm even going to have Candice do some guest posting here, so you'll get some of a 13yo first timers perspective :cool2:

[Tosha]

HEY LIS!!!!!!

I'm here now girlie! I can't WAIT to hear about Karatemom...oops Lisa #2s trip! She is just ginna LOVE it:cool1:

And I can't wait to hear from Ms. Candice!!!! That will be such a treat since I always hear her mom speak of her....now I'll get a bit of her personality! WOOHOO:woohoo:

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Well, now that Tosha's here, I can start posting again ! Hahahaaaha!

For real, I'll post pics of the cast and crew real soon! I had to get permission from the Lisa#2 family first.

[AshleyMWC]

I am on board too! I can't wait to hear more about your upcoming adventures. And what a great way to get the kids learnign adn excited about Disney all at once! :thumbsup2

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

I am on board too! I can't wait to hear more about your upcoming adventures. And what a great way to get the kids learnign adn excited about Disney all at once! :thumbsup2

Thanks Ashley! Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime!:goodvibes

[S'sMom]

Count me in I cant wait to hear more.:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Here are some pics of the little monsters we will be taking with us. First up to the stage is Candice. We have been slowly working on our homestudies. She has written her version of the steps to create a movie, then we went over the correct order of those steps. Instead of giving a speach this time Candice is creating, producing, and acting out a screenplay. I'll be sure to post that when it's complete.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/tnl2000/Blackstones/DSC_0300.jpg http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/tnl2000/Blackstones/DSC_0492.jpg

The next one up to bat is Rodney! We are steadily watching Toon Disney every morning trying our best to get him interested in the Disney characters. He's a Sesame Street guy at heart. That's where he went to for his WISH trip when he was not at all healthy. He's a miracle now! He's had his tracheostomy removed, G-Tube removed, and is no longer being followed by several of the specialists!
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/tnl2000/Blackstones/DSC_0203.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/tnl2000/Blackstones/DSC_0482.jpg

And last but certainly not least, as most youngests will tell you! Kristian. She is the queen, the drama queen! I can't wait to see her charm Prince Charming, and knock over any crazy fuzzy character that gets in her way. Don't be fooled by the innocent looks on her face...this one's the real deal!
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/tnl2000/Blackstones/DSC_0167.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/tnl2000/Blackstones/100_3911.jpg

[Glendamax]

What a cute crew! I hope they have a WONDERFUL time! :goodvibes

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Thanks Glenda! And have a fab trip!!!!!!!!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

I've been told I need to update this PTR :lmao: I'm just really not sure what to write. We're still awaiting confirmation from couple #2 :confused3 My DH works with that DH and he claims to have not spoken to his DW in weeks...WHAT???? How is it possible to live in the same house and not speak for weeks? :confused: Anyway, I gave them a deadline of 10/15 to make a decision. I mean, for real! There are other people on the short list that would love to go with some crazy fools like us to WDW!

Schooling update: Candice and I discussed genre's of movies. I had her write a paper about her favorite genre. Guess what it was? Here's a hint :love:
and another hint
:cloud9:
and another
:lovestruc
and another
:love1:
Yes, her fav genre is romance! :flower3:
Then she asked me 10 questions about movies! It's all a little bit of give and take :teacher:

We're moving on to Magic Kingdom-history and current events. This is great timing as we'll be able to talk about the elections during this session. Anyone else have any ideas? Please feel free to share!!!

Rodney still ignores Disney channel like the plague, curls up in a ball with his face stuffed into the cushions. BUT, I have heard him giggle a few times from deep in the recesses, so we're making slow progress there :laughing:

Kristian is yelling "Oh Toodles" and "Miska-Mooska-Mickey Mouse" on a regular basis now :mickeyjum While we were wandering around the mall the other day, we stopped in JCPenney's and saw a few stuffed WDW characters. Kris pointed to MM and shouted "Hug Mickey!" awwwwwww! She was also excited about giving Pooh Bear some kissies :thumbsup2

Next up....pics of the adults! Not nearly as cute as pics of kids :eek:

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

The monkey wrench in the plan???
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The planners/leaders just found out today that we are pregnant!!!!! :laughing: The baby will be due 6/16/09, so i'll be only a little over 3 months when we go to WDW. Is this a problem? Am I going to be bored? Frustrated? Hmmmmm :confused:

[jmskinner]

Congratulations! This PTR just got a little interesting. Not that it wasn't before, but now we can hear about a pregnancy, along with the planning, and home schooling.

Keep us updated on everything!

[dolfinjuls]

CONGRATS!!! How exciting! Hopefully by that time you'll be over your morning sickness and feeling good!

[mom2lilnick]

Congrats! Great PTR so far.

[maroo]

on board...subbing! :) sounds exciting!

[iu97alum]

The monkey wrench in the plan???
..
.
The planners/leaders just found out today that we are pregnant!!!!! :laughing: The baby will be due 6/16/09, so i'll be only a little over 3 months when we go to WDW. Is this a problem? Am I going to be bored? Frustrated? Hmmmmm :confused:

Congrats!! You'll have a blast and have a great time writing to your baby-to-be about your trip! :):goodvibes Oh and sub'ing to the PTR! popcorn::

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Well, I guess I should have updated this thread before I posted on the Wishtrippers thread...

It's been an incredible roller coaster ride since the last update. Tomorrow we'll find out if it's one of those rides that ends up leading the nightly news.

A bit of background for DH and I. We have been married for 8 years and TTC (trying to conceive) for 4. We were able to get pregnant in 2/06, but lost that baby at the start of 4/06. On and off for the next 2 1/2 years we've tried. Drugs, procedures, emotions, stress for 4 long years! In August we finally made the decision to adopt, but we had 1 cycle of fertility meds still in the cupboard. We agreed to take the last of the drugs and on 10/5 I finally got the long awaited BFP (Big F Positive)! And away the roller coaster goes...10/6 bloodwork-good
10/7 gpa is full of cancer and doesn't have long to live
10/8 bloodwork-great.
10/10 we drive to ohio to visit gpa
10/14 I have some bleeding and call right away
10/15 back in SC, u/s-looks like a tubal pregnancy, but good bloodwork
10/20 u/s-baby in the uterus that is 4 days too small, good bloodwork
10/28 Our Anniversary!!! u/s still a baby, but now 6 days too small, no heart beat, the numbers are so-so
10/30 bloodwork-on the way down

So, tomorrow we go back for another u/s and to see the doctor again. We'll find out for sure if this roller coaster is going to crash or if it's on the way around the tracks again. I don't mean for this post to sound glib or impersonal. We had our breakdown last Thursday when the bloodwork numbers started to go down, and I lost the last of my pregnancy symptoms. We have both put our lives basically on hold since then. We are ready to find out the final results, we feel like we've been stuck in limbo. We want to find out if there is a genetic/blood disorder that is making our babies die at around 6 weeks. We want to know if we should go back to the drugs, or go ahead with our plans to adopt. We just want our questions answered!

Well, so that's the story of why I haven't updated in several weeks. I will let you all know in the next few days what's going on, and what our plans are. One thing that is certain...we are still Disney addicts, and we are still looking forward to showing our special friends a fantastic time!!!

[iu97alum]

Well, I guess I should have updated this thread before I posted on the Wishtrippers thread...

It's been an incredible roller coaster ride since the last update. Tomorrow we'll find out if it's one of those rides that ends up leading the nightly news.

A bit of background for DH and I. We have been married for 8 years and TTC (trying to conceive) for 4. We were able to get pregnant in 2/06, but lost that baby at the start of 4/06. On and off for the next 2 1/2 years we've tried. Drugs, procedures, emotions, stress for 4 long years! In August we finally made the decision to adopt, but we had 1 cycle of fertility meds still in the cupboard. We agreed to take the last of the drugs and on 10/5 I finally got the long awaited BFP (Big F Positive)! And away the roller coaster goes...10/6 bloodwork-good
10/7 gpa is full of cancer and doesn't have long to live
10/8 bloodwork-great.
10/10 we drive to ohio to visit gpa
10/14 I have some bleeding and call right away
10/15 back in SC, u/s-looks like a tubal pregnancy, but good bloodwork
10/20 u/s-baby in the uterus that is 4 days too small, good bloodwork
10/28 Our Anniversary!!! u/s still a baby, but now 6 days too small, no heart beat, the numbers are so-so
10/30 bloodwork-on the way down

So, tomorrow we go back for another u/s and to see the doctor again. We'll find out for sure if this roller coaster is going to crash or if it's on the way around the tracks again. I don't mean for this post to sound glib or impersonal. We had our breakdown last Thursday when the bloodwork numbers started to go down, and I lost the last of my pregnancy symptoms. We have both put our lives basically on hold since then. We are ready to find out the final results, we feel like we've been stuck in limbo. We want to find out if there is a genetic/blood disorder that is making our babies die at around 6 weeks. We want to know if we should go back to the drugs, or go ahead with our plans to adopt. We just want our questions answered!

Well, so that's the story of why I haven't updated in several weeks. I will let you all know in the next few days what's going on, and what our plans are. One thing that is certain...we are still Disney addicts, and we are still looking forward to showing our special friends a fantastic time!!!
Bless your heart! I've gone through something similiar and it hard!

[LindaBabe]

Hang tough! Hopefully there will be good news on the way, and better days ahead.

[mom2lilnick]

Hugs. I am praying for you.

[jmskinner]

:grouphug: My prayers are with you and your hubby.

[dolfinjuls]

I'm sorry Lisa! I hope you hear good news today. Thoughts & prayers!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

The baby is still only 6w2d. Today I am 8 weeks. There is NO heartbeat. We have elected to do a D&C on thursday. The last time I m/c I didn't go on my own, and it's not looking like I will again. I emotionally can't handle going through a natural m/c. We've made our peace and accepted the death of our second child.

The doctor told us a little more about the genetic testing and that it is very extensive and time consuming. Also that we probably would not get any answers as to why we are miscarrying from those tests. He did however agree that we should test me for various blood and autoimmune disorders. So, they drew 8 vials of blood today, and it'll be 2 weeks before we get all of those results back.

We are hoping that the testing will help us to decide if we should TTC again or make our final move to adoption.

Please pray for a quick and painless procedure and recovery on Thursday, and that we will get answers from the bloodwork.

[mom2lilnick]

I am so sorry. Praying for peace.

[tinytreasures]

I am so sorry

[maroo]

I am so, so sorry...

I will be praying for you guys...

:grouphug:

[eyor44]

I just found you today.....and am now praying for you and your DH. I hope your doctor can give you the answers you need.

[dolfinjuls]

I'm so sorry Lisa. Thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope your recovery goes well. Big HUGS!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

OK, I have a dilema...UGH! We are going to WDW 1/10-1/17 with a family that homeschools. There are HS days on 1/12 and 1/13 at special pricing, but those tickets are sold through a special group that doesn't have access to the regular ticket computers. I was trying to buy those tickets using my rewards card $ before it expires at the end of December (about $75 worth) then my Disney Visa. You can only buy those tickets using the website that is set up with the special pricing and it only takes credit cards. The people at YES program said "Sorry"

For DH and I we are going for 2 weeks 1/10-1/24 then several more times this year, so we are going to upgrade our 1 day MYW base tickets (that are from a previous package stay) to AP's. This can only be done onsite? So, I'm not going to be able to use this years rewards $

HOW DO I USE THIS STUPID $$$$???? Can I prepay a meal? We don't buy souvies, so we won't be buying anything from WDW except the 2 types of tickets and 1 meal....HELP!?!?!?!


***I promise to update on the whole pg thing soon. We have answers :thumbsup2 ***

[maroo]

There are meals you can pre-pay...like the Castle, for sure. But I think there are others?

Call the 1800 W Disney...or the WDW DINE? number? And see if they can tell you which meals you can pre-pay.

Good luck...and looking forward to an update on your trip plans and how you guys are doing. :)

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Thanks Maroo! I did talk to the dining people, and only a few very expensive restaurants could be prepaid. We can't afford those on this trip. I finally figured out how to order the gift card that works at WDW! It came in the mail today...only 2 days since the order was placed! Awesome!!!!!

Otherwise-we are doing great. Feeling the last minute panic of not being ready for Christmas yet. And we are leaving for Disney just 2 1/2 weeks later *pulling my hair out*

The WDW plans we have so far:
Arrive on 1/10 and check in to the resort (Westgate Town Center). We'll head out for grocery shopping to stock up for the week.
1/11-AM to AK for some of the big stuff and a few shows.
Lunch and naps and late afternoon snack at the resort.
PM to EPCOT for the afternoon and evening. Hopefully able to stay for Illuminations.
1/12 AM DHS for homeschool programs and play.
Lunch and naps and late afternoon snacks at the resort. (Candice and Arthur will stay at the park to do a special YES program from 12:30-3:30)
PM Back to either DHS for Fantasmic at 7pm or EPCOT for Illuminations at 9pm
1/13 All day at MK with a break for naps and food at the resort.
1/14 Off Day to play wii, maybe swim, shop, recharge!
1/15 AM AK to finish up the shows and ride EE one more time.
Lunch and naps and late afternoon snacks at the resort.
PM either DHS or EPCOT depending on which evening show was missed.
1/16 AM check to see if anything was missed at DHS.
Lunch and naps and late afternoon snacks at resort.
PM (or all day) at MK.
Dinner at Chef Mickey's at 8:15 (if I can talk the family into it!)
1/17 First timer's Depart

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

I think we have a family that will go with us the second week of our trip!! He is asking for the time off on Monday, and we'll know for sure. So, I'll give you all the details then.

[stitcharoo]

breanna:
this looks like it will be really interesting.
:D
i bet the people who haven't been yet are so excited.
i mean, it's a different kind of excitment if you've never been, because you don't know what to expect.
:D
this sounds so good, i'm gonna keep reading!!
:D
:surfweb:

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Welcome Stitcharoo! Only 2 more weeks until your trip! WoooHoooooo!!!

It's looking like we will have 2 weeks of newbies! Only the dad of the second family has ever been before.!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

OH Well! It's only going to be us for the second week. We'll be staying at Westgate for the second week also. We have AP's, our own vehicle and no restrictions whatsoever! :cool1: So the first of our week will start with an ADR at Coral Reef restaurant on Sunday evening. We're also planning on eating at 50's Prime Time this week. I need suggestions to other great restaurants, on and off park. In the past we have tried: CHef's de France, Japan (with old owner), Italy (with old owner), Mama Melrose's, Cap'n Jacks, Rainforest Cafe. I'm thinking about the one that is the funny place with the super large cups of drinks and the ketchup :confused3 WHat is it and where? Anywhere else?

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/tnl2000/Blackstones/afro009.jpg
It was time for a haircut for the little man! He also stayed still while I cut a mickey head into his fro, but it wasn't visible enough in pics, so I decided to color it in and finish up the trim. :lmao:

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

4 days from this moment we will be in Orlando, FL! Just a few minutes from the Big Cheese and all of the delicious fun awaiting us at WDW!!!!!

I'm too excited to sleep!!!!!

[dolfinjuls]

WooHoo! I can't believe it's time already! That restaurant is Whispering Canyon Cafe btw! Are you all packed yet or what?

[jmskinner]

Not long now. Did you get all of your ressies done? I saw your post from the 26th, but had a lot of company and didn't reply. The ketchup and big glasses would be Whispering Canyon Cafe. We got to eat there last week and it is still one of my favorites.

Love the haircut also!

[mom2lilnick]

How exciting!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

WooHoo! I can't believe it's time already! That restaurant is Whispering Canyon Cafe btw! Are you all packed yet or what?
Yep, that's the one! I booked ressies for wed night at 5:30. Then we'll wander the property, zoom over to Grand Floridian shop around there a bit and head out to the beach for the Electrical Water Pagaent...I've never seen it :scared1:

Not long now. Did you get all of your ressies done? I saw your post from the 26th, but had a lot of company and didn't reply. The ketchup and big glasses would be Whispering Canyon Cafe. We got to eat there last week and it is still one of my favorites.

Love the haircut also!

As above, we are eating at Whispering Canyon...I'm excited! I know they'll give DH the huge glass cuz as soon as they set his glass of tea in front of him, he'll gulp it all down...does it everytime! :lmao:

Ohhhhh the haircut! I had to do that to the poor boy before his parents came home, and then quickly snapped the pics so I could shove him into a shower and get him cleaned, dressed, and presentable for when they arrived. :rotfl: Speaking of haircuts...the plan is for the 2 year old girl to get her very first haircut at MK! Awwwwwww! This aught to be interesting!

How exciting!

No sleeping for me!!!!! We just got our luggage out of storage today. Most of the laundry is clean and folded. We'll just have the small stuff to clean. Packing will begin tomorrow. DH will do his on Friday afternoon...I have to work all day. Then we can put the big bags in the car, and only need to pack up the toiletries and meds to throw in there at the last minute. Whew! Better get to work!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

:cool1: :banana: :cool1: :banana: :cool1: :banana: :cool1: :banana: :cool1:

I am off to bed. Everything is packed...clothes for hot and cold, bathing suit for heated pools, work -out clothes to run and exercise while the kids take a nap, backpacks with blister pads, moleskin, waterbottles, cameras, batteries, memory cards, macro lens, tripod, baseball caps, books to read on the trip, lots of extra comfy shoes, jackets, sweatshirts, protein bars and powder, toiletries, snacks for the car, pillow and blankie for the car. The car smells like cherry, I got it cleaned, waxed and shined up purty like for the drive through the bugs :rotfl:

I'll be back on 1/25 with tons of pics and adventures to share, so make sure you tune in to the TR! :thumbsup2 I'm sure you won't want to miss it :surfweb:

[jmskinner]

Have a wonderful trip and I'll be looking for the TR!:thumbsup2
Melissa

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Second week Itinerary

Saturday after friends depart-Epcot, eat Mexican CS
Sunday-Epcot, eat Coral Reef
Monday-DHS, eat 50's Prime Time Cafe
Tuesday-AK, eat Flame Tree CS, off property dinner
Wednesday-Epcot, eat Whispering Canyon Cafe
Thursday-AK
Friday-MK

Everything is packed and all the suitcases and bags are spread all over the living room floor, waiting for the last minute toiletries and to put ice in the cooler. I've got all the bills taken care of for the 2 weeks, money in the bank and transferring to the Disney Visa to cover charges. I think we are all set! :goodvibes

See you in 2 weeks with thousands of pictures :scared1:

[dolfinjuls]

I hope you guys have a GREAT trip! Can't wait to hear all about it!