A Halloween Adventure in Autism (11/12) New Thread Begun on TR Board!

[KathyRN137]

A Halloween Adventure in Autism: A PTR!



*Links to Trip Report chapters can be found at the end of this post! *



I have been as busy as a spider these past few weeks, patiently spinning and weaving a sticky web of plans. I have sat, motionless, awaiting the vibrations as my prey flew, unsuspecting into the heart of the glistening orb. With lightning speed, I pounced! Soon my poor hubby lay, stunned, wrapped in bands of DIS-silk and unable to escape.


This Halloween, KathyRN & Family will be happily haunting the most magical of kingdoms! We are going back to Walt Disney World! :hmghost:



*So what if I’m still working on my TR from November of ’07?

*So what if I haven’t even begun work on my TR from April of ’08?

*So what if I’ve lost the notes from both these trips and I’m just winging it?


I’ve finally got a spooky new countdown ticker and you know I’m just dying to talk about plans for our next trip!

Mwa-ha-ha-ha!!




The Dates: Either 10/30/09 through 11/06/09 or 10/31/09 through 11/07/09.



:grouphug: This will be our sixth family trip to WDW.

:hug: Twice, Ed and I have gone without the kids for a weekend trip.


I have firmly resisted scheduling any WDW vacations during the crazy-busy Christmas and Easter weeks…Billy does not do well in crowds and, frankly, neither do I. Our first trip to WDW was in early September of 2003 and it was STICKY, HOT and HUMID! I vowed never to go to Disney during the heat again if I could possibly help it, so summer vacation is definitely out.


Since the kids are of an age where it is no longer prudent to take them out of school for an entire week, we have had success with planning our vacation during “Jersey Week” the week of the NJ Teacher’s Convention. The kids have two days off for the convention and ½ day off for Election Day, so they get a weeklong vacation and only miss half a week of school. It’s a realistic compromise.


This year, “Jersey Week” comes early! :cool1: And October 31st is the Saturday before the teachers’ convention. I began to think, Wouldn’t it be so awesome to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and trick-or treat our way through the Magic Kingdom on Halloween??

You bet it would!!



The Cast:


Kathy (Me): 45yo (OMG!), Registered Nurse, lover of all things Disney, recovering Obsessive Trip Planner, still addicted to chocolate and reading WDW trip reports. Prefers old black & white movies to current Hollywood offerings. Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom. Favorite Character: Pooh-Bear.

Ed (DH): 48yo, Police Lieutenant, grumpy but all-around great guy. Enjoys running and watching TV (NCIS, CSI, Bones, Man vs.Wild…but has been known to tune into the Hallmark Channel as well!) Favorite Park: Epcot. Favorite Character: Grumpy.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP1692.jpg



Tricia (DD): 12yo (very soon to be 13-Yikes!), voracious reader, plays field hockey and soccer, loves American Girl dolls, Twilight, flavored lip gloss and shopping for clothes. Favorite Park: Magic Kindom. Favorite Character: Minnie.


Billy (DS): 10yo, autistic, loves collecting and playing DVDs, singing in the chorus as school, and jumping on the trampoline. He’s not very conversational, but he scripts, hums, chirps, shrieks, and chuckles throughout the day. Favorite Park: All of them! Favorite Character: Every time I ask, he names a different one!


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP1729.jpg



We have invited my DNiece, Catie (also12yo) to come along with us this time. She and Tricia are very close. My DSis and DBIL have tentatively agreed, but are also thinking of coming down for the latter part of the week for a mini-trip if feasible. Otherwise, they are fine with Catie spending the week with us.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP0953.jpg



When I first mentioned to Tricia that we might be celebrating Halloween in WDW this year, she was less than enthused. “You mean, I won’t be able to dress up and go trick-or-treating with my friends?” she whined. “We already decided that we were going to be mimes!” (Last year, the three went as color-coordinated witches.)

I’m not sure which surprised me more, her willingness to pass on Halloween at Disney, or the fact that she and her friends had already planned this year’s Halloween costumes (and it wasn’t even Valentine’s Day yet!) :rotfl:


In any case, she was not completely thrilled, and I was a bit concerned. I thought about our last couple of trips and how she had grown since her first visit to the World at age seven. She is now on the verge of becoming a teenager, and it seems as though it is getting more difficult for her to cope with her brother’s annoying and sometimes embarrassing autistic behaviors. As is expected, she is moving away from wanting to spend time with her family and more toward a desire to hang out with her friends.


Things will most likely change as she gets older, but right now, Ed and I are not comfortable inviting one of her 12 year-old friends to come with us to Florida. We really don’t know their parents that well and, frankly, its just too much responsibility.


But family….well, that’s a different story! :idea: I began to toy with the idea of inviting Catie, who is the same age as Tricia, and loves to go to WDW. Although Tricia loves her brother dearly, he really is not much of a companion for her. Perhaps having her same age/same sex cousin with her would make it more fun.

I mentioned the possibility and her attitude did a complete one-eighty! :yay: Suddenly, she was searching online for costume ideas and pestering me every night to find out whether or not her cousin could come so they could start planning “their” trip. (Caity happens to be an only child, so her mom is starting to get the same feeling about their family vacations.) “Hanging out with just Mom and Dad is getting kind of old,” my sister confided. “I think it would be good for them to spend the time together.”


Finally, I am sad to say, there is a hidden “bonus” to bringing my niece to WDW. It has to do with the ARF. If you've read along with me before, you know what I am talking about.

The ARF = The Aunt Rae Factor.


To Be Continued….

Kathy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



Links to TR Posts:

(11/12/09) Disney Day is Here!


.

[DisMomAmy]

Yay!! I'm first! I'm first!! :banana:

[Hedy]

I'm glad for Tricia that Catie's coming. :cutie: :banana: :banana:
Has anyone mentioned that Ed looks like Mark Derwin (IMDB page here http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0220711/)?

[mrsksomeday]

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/tantrum1.gif Amy beat me!! Now I am going to read.

[mom2mek]

:yay: :yay: I'm here! I'm here! :yay: :yay:

Can't wait to hear all the little details....


Sara

[IluvXU]

Since I pressured you to start one:rotfl2: ... I am of course here!

[mrsksomeday]

I have been as busy as a spider these past few weeks, patiently spinning and weaving a sticky web of plans. I have sat, motionless, awaiting the vibrations as my prey flew, unsuspecting into the heart of the glistening orb. With lightning speed, I pounced! Soon my poor hubby lay, stunned, wrapped in bands of DIS-silk and unable to escape.


This Halloween, KathyRN & Family will be happily haunting the most magical of kingdoms! We are going back to Walt Disney World! :hmghost:

:lmao: I loved this - FANTASTIC!! I am so glad you are going back to WDW http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/1e76d761.gif!!




*So what if I’m still working on my TR from November of ’07?

*So what if I haven’t even begun work on my TR from April of ’08?

*So what if I’ve lost the notes from both these trips and I’m just winging it?


Exactly, SO WHAT!! I love your PTR's, you are my planning HERO :worship: .



Wouldn’t it be so awesome to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and trick-or treat our way through the Magic Kingdom on Halloween??

You bet it would!?


Yes is would be and is awesome. We loved it, that is why we are going back in October!


Kathy (Me): 45yo (OMG!), Registered Nurse, lover of all things Disney, recovering Obsessive Trip Planner, still addicted to chocolate and reading WDW trip reports. Prefers old black & white movies to current Hollywood offerings. Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom. Favorite Character: Pooh-Bear.

Recovering? Say it ain't so http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/cry1.gif.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP1692.jpg

I love this picture, you both look so happy. Ed is great wearing matching shirts!! That is a good man :thumbsup2.



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP1729.jpg

Another great picture!!



:idea: I began to toy with the idea of inviting Catie, who is the same age as Tricia, and loves to go to WDW. Although Tricia loves her brother dearly, he really is not much of a companion for her. Perhaps having her same age/same sex cousin with her would make it more fun.


That was a great idea, it will be great for Tricia to have someone her age to tour WDW with.

Suddenly, she was searching online for costume ideas and pestering me every night to find out whether or not her cousin could come so they could start planning “their” trip.

Sounds like an Obsessive Trip Planner in the making :yay: !!

Finally, I am sad to say, there is a hidden “bonus” to bringing my niece to WDW. It has to do with the ARF. If you've read along with me before, you know what I am talking about.

The ARF = The Aunt Rae Factor.


To Be Continued….

Kathy

Hmm, The ARF, there is always that. I am so happy you started this!!

[Disney Fan Shawn]

I'm glad you started this and so glad you are going to make it back to Disney this year! This time, I will try to stay aboard the report too...

[preschoolmom]

We're going the week before you! :thumbsup2

I'll enjoy your Pre Trip Report as we do our planning, too!

:yay:

[winnapooh]

I've been following your other trip report, you're very good at story telling and capturing the mood in your writing!

We are going to be at WDW during the same time this year for our 5 yr anniversary trip (Oct. 24-Nov. 8). I can't wait to go back to the Halloween party!

[jess98ac]

Another trip to read about!

I'm hoping to start my very own PTR soon, we're in the process of planning for December!

[KathyRN137]

DisMomAmy: Yay!! You won the Gold medal!

Hedy: I've never heard that before, but Ed will be so pleased to know you think he looks like a TV star! (Silver medal for you!)

mrsksomeday: Hey, the Bronze medal is not too shabby! ;) Don't worry, I'm still planning. It will just be a kinder, gentler sort of plan...

Mom2MEK: So glad you are here! :goodvibes

IluvXU: Yes! Yes! "This" is all your fault!

DisneyFanShawn: If you try to keep up with the reading, I'll try to keep up with the writing! (And I've got a lot of writing to do.)

preschoolmom: I am still so disappointed that our trips won't intersect! Still, we can share in the spooktacular planning process!

winnapooh: :welcome: So glad you posted! (Luv your screen name, too!)

Jess98ac: Ooh, you snuck in there while I was posting this! LOL! Pre-trip-reporting is lots of fun; I hope you decide to do one!


Thanks for dropping by, everybody! I will do my best to keep up with both the TR and the PTR...and somewhere in there, I'll get to that little jaunt we took back in April as well!

Looks like you're going to be reading all Spring and Summer long! :rotfl:


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

Thanks for dropping by, everybody! I will do my best to keep up with both the TR and the PTR...and somewhere in there, I'll get to that little jaunt we took back in April as well!

Looks like you're going to be reading all Spring and Summer long! :rotfl:


Kathy

:banana: I am very happy to be reading KathyRN TR's and PTR's again. It was not the same around here without you!

[All7OfUs]

Your trip is almost a whole year ealier than mine- lucky you! But since you are going roughly the same time as me (but a year earlier) I want to follow along and see how you end up planning your time! And this is one of the few that I get in on from the very beginning! It will sure be fun to see a trip from plan to finish :thumbsup2

Your new groupie,

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks for dropping by, everybody! I will do my best to keep up with both the TR and the PTR...and somewhere in there, I'll get to that little jaunt we took back in April as well!

Looks like you're going to be reading all Spring and Summer long! :rotfl:

Kathy

:cool1: Spring & Summer Reading!!

[MRYPPNS]

I'll be back!!

[mousescrapper]

popcorn:: I'm here

That is so sweet of you guys to invite your Dniece Catie!

Can't wait to read all about the planning and fun to come.

Scrappie:goodvibes

[Halloweenqueen]

You are going to have a BLAST!!!

I can't wait to read all about it!

We are still crossing our fingers for a Fall trip. My oldest starts middle school next year, so I'm weary of pulling him out.

Here is our gang October 31st, 2007! They loved MNSSHP and riding the attractions in their costumes!

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/halloweenqueen1031/halloween2007dis1.jpg

[elphie101]

I'm in! I've followed you guys on the past couple TRs, and I love your family! Uh oh, what's happening with the ARF? You and your cliffhangers!

[askelton]

All the Halloween decorations are so cool and you're going to love MNSSHP. :thumbsup2

[MRYPPNS]

Looks like you're going to be reading all Spring and Summer long![/B] :rotfl:


Kathy

Good, I'll need something to do/read at those 2am feedings I have headed my way!

[KathyRN137]

The Cast: (continued)


The ARF:


Now if you haven’t been following along with my (not so) current trip report, I may lose you a bit here. Please accept my apologies. If you have been reading, you know that Ed’s Aunt Rae accompanied us to WDW in November of ’06 and then again in November of ’07.

The two trips were like day and night.


First: a little background. (Okay, a whole lot of background!) :guilty: I’m feeling a bit guilty, so I hope you will bear with me; I need to talk about it….


Ed’s aunt is 79 years old. She never married and in her youth she doted on Ed and his brother. About ten years ago, she moved from NJ to Las Vegas to be closer to two of her sisters. Long story short: both sisters passed away and she was very lonely and unhappy out there, so she moved back to NJ. She decided she wanted to live near both her nephews, so she took an apartment in a senior building here in our town.


After watching what happened to her sisters, I think she realized that Ed and his brother were the closest thing she had to children of her own and she wanted to be near “the boys” as she got older. My SIL, unfortunately, never seemed interested in cultivating a relationship with her, and so she rarely sees their family even though they live here in town. :sad2:


We take her to Mass every Sunday and then out to breakfast. She comes over to our house for birthdays and holidays. Once and a while, I drive her on an errand or to a doctor appointment if the senior bus cannot be arranged, but for the most part she has been independent and completely autonomous. She is, after all, Ed’s aunt and not his mother. (Although she loves to refer to Ed as “the son she never had.”)


As I have grown to know AR over the past four years, I have learned that she has lots of “issues.” She is very sweet, but she is also very high-strung and anxious. She has many ritualistic behaviors. She does have a sense of humor about quirks, however, and has often referred to herself as “the female Adrian Monk” (from the TV show.) :laughing:


Because she had always talked about how much she loved Disney, and because she was beginning to look wistful and sad every time the topic of our trip came up (and you know that that was pretty often) we decided to invite her to come with us on our trip in 2006. She was ecstatic! :cloud9: It worked out pretty well, and with proper planning ;) we all had a great time. She talked about it regularly in the months following, so naturally when we decided to go back in 2007, we invited her again.


But, somehow things had changed in a very short time period. Aunt Rae did not do as well on that trip, both physically and mentally. (See link to current TR in my siggie if you wish to know more.) She seemed to have aged tremendously and there was a noticeable decrease in her endurance level, mobility, and emotional stability. :worried: It was very stressful for the entire family.


We planned a short (four day) trip to WDW last April so that we could “use up” our Disney Vacation Club points. We knew that with major renovations planned for our home, we would not be making it down for our annual trip in the fall. In fact, at that time we didn’t think we’d be going back until 2010, so it was meant as a little “tide-us-over-until-then” trip.


We talked about it with Aunt Rae. First, we only had enough DVC points left for a Studio, which meant only two queen beds. Second, we were driving instead of flying because of the outrageous ticket prices at the time. Those two things combined to make the question of whether she would be joining us again a rather moot point. I am ashamed to say that I was secretly relieved when she said she did think she could tolerate the long drive down.


Again, the two trips were like night and day. (More on that trip, later.)


Then, over this past summer, she was doing an exercise class at the Senior Center and fell. She had not been going for some time and her friend convinced her to go back. Well, they all zigged and she zagged and down she went! :eek: She didn’t officially break anything, but she spent 2 days in the hospital for tests and then a few weeks in a rehab facility for physical and occupational therapy. The therapies continued for several more weeks once she went home.


She recovered, but not fully. She is very unsteady on her feet and gets winded easily. But she absolutely refuses to use a walker or a cane and I fear she’s just an accident waiting to happen. You can lead the horse to water…. :rolleyes1


So, when Ed and I began tentatively discussing this possible Halloween trip, the subject of Aunt Rae was like the 800 lb. gorilla in the room. (Sorry, I must pause to laugh thoroughly :lmao: at that last image…Aunt Rae is extremely tiny and about 90 lbs, soaking wet!) I vacillated between feeling guilty about not wanting to invite her and feeling justified that it would be the best thing for our family. I vacillated about a hundred times a day.


When I asked Ed about inviting our niece, Catie, and he said that it was a good idea, it finally begged the question, “What about Aunt Rae?” We were driving alone in the car one day and I finally put it out there in the open. Ed was matter-of-fact about it. “Just tell her why we’re inviting Caity this year…she’ll understand.”

Whoa! Hold on there, partner! Whaddya mean, “Just tell her…?”

I felt compelled to clarify this. “You mean, we’ll just tell her, right?” I waited for a response.

He kept on driving. :drive: I kept on waiting. :hourglass

“Kathy, she’ll understand,” was all he would say.

“Yes, I do hope she will understand when we talk to her about it,” I replied. He let out a slight sound of exasperation. He had obviously figured that I would be the one handling this delicate situation. “I really want you to be with me when I talk to her,” I continued. “You know how she is; she might get really upset. I shouldn’t have to do this by myself.”

“Besides,” I added, “I love Aunt Rae, but she’s your aunt, not mine.”

There, I said it.


He finally agreed to it, but I am so dreading the conversation. As of yet, we haven’t said anything but as the trip gets closer I know someone will let it slip. :guilty: I really need to get this over and done with; I don’t want this discussion to pop up unexpectedly one Sunday over breakfast at the Pancake House.


I asked Tricia about how she felt about not inviting Aunt Rae and she really nailed it. “Well, I think it will be very good for us, but very bad for her.” Ugh.


I am feeling so bad about disappointing her. After the first trip, she must have thanked Ed and me a hundred times for inviting her. We had had so much fun talking about the trips beforehand; she even mentioned several times that planning the trips with us “gave her something to live for.” UGH!!

But, it has to be done.

Oh, Lord, please help me!


Next up: The Billy Factor


Kathy

[eyeheartgoofy]

Oh, Kathy! I feel so badly for you having to tell Aunt Rae. :guilty: I totally agree with your decision, but ... ughh, so hard!!!

[mrsksomeday]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: you are doing the right thing.

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Kathy! I'm sorry the ARF has put you in such an awkward position! :sad2:

But I completely understand... I love my mother dearly, but she is our ARF - for different reasons. (There... I said it!) One of the benefits of staying on property this year is that we can only have 4 people in our room. :rolleyes1

[Hedy]

:hug: :hug: :hug: I think Tricia did nail it.

[MRYPPNS]

I really do think that Ed needs to take the lead with telling AR....Good Luck with that !:lmao:

I actually think it would be bad for AR to go to WDW with you. She seems to be one curb slip away from a broken hip. And then what will you do?

And if she had "issues" with Tricia the last trip....imagine what it would be like with 2 teen girls. (By the way I think it's a wonderful idea to bring Tricia's cousin along

Then I think about how dis-jointed your family vacation could become. I'm thinking that you'll give the girls a bit of freedom while in a park (maybe to run off and do a couple rides by themselves...etc.) And I get the impression that Billy and AR don't away like the same rides, so then either you or Ed is taking Billy to RNRC and the other is waiting with AR (or she's waiting by herself).

That being all said....what about a 3 day trip somewhere in the Northeast with AR? She could help plan it and you could get rid of some of your guilt.

[mousescrapper]

I
Then I think about how dis-jointed your family vacation could become. I'm thinking that you'll give the girls a bit of freedom while in a park (maybe to run off and do a couple rides by themselves...etc.) And I get the impression that Billy and AR don't away like the same rides, so then either you or Ed is taking Billy to RNRC and the other is waiting with AR (or she's waiting by herself).

That being all said....what about a 3 day trip somewhere in the Northeast with AR? She could help plan it and you could get rid of some of your guilt.

That is really well said Heidi...

Kathy I feel your :confused: in all of this, but I agree w/ the other you are making probably the best choice for everyone...even if everyone won't see it that way. But maybe it will go better than you imagine. Keep us posted.

:hug:s all around

Scrappie

[melk]

That being all said....what about a 3 day trip somewhere in the Northeast with AR? She could help plan it and you could get rid of some of your guilt.

I think that is a great idea. We don't invite my mom on our family trips anymore (because she now lives in an in-law setup with us...I need the break from her). But before we go I make sure she doesn't feel neglected. Maybe an overnight trip a month before our family trip, or a nice dinner out with us before we go. That way she's "feeling the love" when we leave and we don't feel so guilty about going (well, not that I'm ever feeling that guilty ;) ).

I hope all goes well when you break the news to her :hug: .

[mom2mek]

Wishing you the best of luck with the ARF! :hug: It's such a tough thing to do, but I'm sure between the two of you, you will come up with a gracious and tactful way of telling her that will spare her feelings in every way possible. I like the idea of taking her on a quick trip somewhere (somewhere safe) to help ease the subject!!! :confused3

Good luck! :flower3:

Sara

[KathyRN137]

mrsksomeday: Aww, Tracy! You're such a good friend! :flower3:

All7OfUs: Ahh, someone with a big family! Welcome! (I'm the oldest of six children, BTW!)

DisMomAmy: I'm trying to pace myself with the reports...thanks for the AR support! :goodvibes

Halloweenqueen: Oh, I love that picture! (I knew the title of this PTR would catch your eye!)

elphie101: :wave2: Thanks so much for coming out of Lurkdom to say, "Hi!"

askelton: Goodness, if MNSSHP is half as good as MVMCP, I'll be thrilled!

eyeheartgoofy: Thanks! I really needed that!

Hedy: Tricia's answer was just like your posts: short and sweet and right on point!

mousescrapper: Thanks, you're right of course, but I'm still not ready to break the news just yet! :worried:

melk: Thanks for sharing your mom story. I agree, I don't want AR to think we are rejecting her, personally.

mom2mek: I like Heidi's idea, too...

MRYPPNS: A weekend trip...what a great idea! Leave it to you to suggest a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down! :laughing:


:thanks: to all my DISfriends for your caring and support!!

Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

MRYPPNS: A weekend trip...what a great idea! Leave it to you to suggest a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down! :laughing:
Kathy

:lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

[Halloweenqueen]

I think you are doing the right thing concerning AR. Maybe something closer to home could be planned for the future. Then she would feel like October's trip is for Catie and the X trip is for her.

[Charleston Princess]

I am here for your pre-trippie!!! :banana:

[Disney Fan Shawn]

I agree with your thoughts about AR. I think it is the best way and wish you luck in letting her know.

Great report(s) so far. Keep it up!

[KathyRN137]

The Cast: (con't.)



:love: BILLY :love:


Most of you know my DS, Billy, from past TRs, but for the benefit of any new friends here, it is important for you to have a little background info. As the title suggests, this trip will be yet another in a string of endless adventures for a family touched by Autism.

Don’t let the creepy spider image frighten you; feel free to post or PM me if you have any questions….the others will tell you that I don’t bite!

You may (or may not) know a lot about ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders), so let me tell you a little about my son…


Warning: This is a Kleenex Alert…

Billy was diagnosed with PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) shortly before his third birthday. Up until the age of about 12-18 months, he hit all the expected developmental milestones and was pointing, talking, and walking as well as any other child of that age. He was a happy, healthy, normal baby boy. Then, slowly, things started to change. At first, the changes were barely imperceptible, but by the time he had reached age two, he had changed completely.


He no longer used any words and made only sounds to communicate. He no longer held my gaze. He developed a strange sort of gait…he walked up on his toes all the time and seemed to just go round and round the room as if on some sort of invisible track. When he was excited, he would do what we (then) laughingly referred to as “the dance of joy.” He would bounce up and down and wave his arms about in a flapping motion.


He stopped eating a lot of foods…their texture or smell seemed to bother him. What he would eat, he would stuff and stuff into his mouth to the point he could not even chew it and he would gag. He had strange behaviors, such as sniffing objects and people, and he seemed to be putting more and more things into his mouth to chew on…even more than when he had been a baby.


He did not play with his toys appropriately. There was no imaginative play, he just gravitated to infant toys with lights and sounds and he would sit and push the buttons over and over. Even so, he could not tell me what his favorite toy was…nor his favorite color…nor his favorite video. He was two years old and he couldn’t tell his Mommy anything at all.


Obviously, he was not developing normally. At the time I really knew nothing about autism. My understanding of autistic children was that they sat in a corner all day, saying and doing nothing, just living in their own little world. And that description did not seem to fit my child. :confused: I was confused; I did not know anyone who had an autistic child and this was right before the media began paying some attention to the epidemic.


At his routine 2 ½ year checkup, I finally insisted that my pediatrician order further evaluation. After a long and frustrating multi-disciplinary evaluation process, were given the vague diagnosis of PDD and a list of Special Ed pre-school programs in the area. It was devastating. I remember talking to the case manager assigned to Billy once after visiting one of the schools and trying to express my concerns:


“I just want him to be able….to be able to….to…” I searched in vain for the words I was looking for. The social worker nodded as if she understood and finished my sentence for me:

“…to be able to function in society.” To. Function. in. Society.


That’s when it finally hit me, full force. This was way, way beyond a speech problem. Before that moment, I hadn’t realized that there was any question about whether or not he would be able to basically function in society.

It was so hard, so very hard to accept. We all gaze into our newborns’ faces and dream such wonderful dreams for them. I had the same dreams for Billy, and now they were crushed.


He would never be captain of the team; never play organized sports like his big brother.

He would (most likely) never attend regular school. And if he were ever to be “mainstreamed”, the kids would make fun of him and label him “retard.”

He would never have any close friends, in the traditional sense. He would never date girls. Relationships were out of the question. He would never have children of his own.

He might never even be able to live independently.


It was a dreadful, horrible time…a time of profound grief. We grieved for the normal child who was born to us and for some unknown reason, had slowly slipped away, never to be seen again. It was 2001, the same year as 9/11. What a horrible year. :sad1: I’m surprised I didn’t wind up in the loony bin.


Good Heavens! I’ve probably frightened away any newcomers with all this….sorry…..it gets better, I promise! We’re getting to the Disney part!



So, let’s fast-forward to 2003. This is the year that Billy turned five. It was the year we were officially given the diagnosis of AUTISM. And, it was the year we discovered Walt Disney World.


Ed had been to Disneyland as a child and to WDW as an adult. I had never been. He would always talk about how great WDW was, how much he knew that I would love it, how it was far superior to ordinary amusement parks, how beautiful the resorts were, etc. etc. I mentioned in my other TR that he had even wanted us to go there for our honeymoon.


Never having had the opportunity to visit the World, I was tempted. But I was uncomfortable with the idea because he and his ex had gone there for their honeymoon, so we chose another destination. We put the idea on the shelf, thinking that we would enjoy WDW as a family once we had children.


When the kids were very small, going to WDW was out of the question for financial reasons. But, as they became older, I felt that it had really become the perfect time to take them and that we should make every effort to do so. But I was concerned about Billy. Would he be able to tolerate all the stimulation? Would he even enjoy it? Would we? :worried:

I’m a big believer in faith, trust, and pixie-dust, but there was no amount of pixie-dust that could magically take away Billy’s autism for a week. We would still have to work around his needs and manage his behaviors while on our vacation.

Back in the fall of ’03, Disney began advertising a seven-for-four deal similar to what they are running now. I began reading every guidebook I could find (this was pre-DIS…in fact….it was pre-internet for me!) I learned that WDW was highly accommodating to guests with special needs and that with a certain amount of planning, I could hope to avoid meltdowns and other problems.

The timing was right. Disney needed to bring in business and our family desperately needed a magical vacation. I booked the trip: seven nights at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

We did, in fact, have a magical time! Billy was five and Tricia seven. Other than him being a bit skittish around non-face characters, Billy did exceptionally well at WDW. In fact, his language ability seemed to be stimulated by the experience and his teachers remarked how much he had “blossomed” after returning from vacation. (We took them both out of school for a week in September b/c I was anxious to go at the time of lowest possible crowd levels.)


Well, you can guess that WDW was a success, because here we are: Disney Vacation Club owners planning our sixth family trip. And Ed was right; I did fall in love with it!

And so did Billy. pixiedust:


To be continued…

Kathy

[IluvXU]

:grouphug: I knew that it would make me cry. Billy is super lucky to have a family like yours and a terrific mom like you!

[Hedy]

:grouphug: :grouphug:
I've said it before, but Billy (and Tricia, for that matter) are lucky to have parents like you and Ed.

[KathyRN137]

Billy (con’t.)


Billy has made a lot of progress over the past eight years since that first evaluation. He will be turning eleven soon and he is doing fairly well academically. He reads at a beginning third grade level and his math is at fourth grade level. He loves to sing and he performs in the school chorus, The Notables, and is often chosen to sing solo.

His language skills have improved, but he is not what one would call a good conversationalist! ;) He tends to be very frugal with words, even though he knows how to use them now. We have to encourage him to “use his words.”

“Water?”

“Billy, say the whole thing.”

“I want water, please!”


He attends a school for developmentally disabled children and receives Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy. We also enroll him in after school or Saturday programs for sports skills and socialization. And we take him to WDW every year.

Too bad I can’t get that placed on his Individualized Education Plan!! :teacher:

And so, if you are going to be following along on our latest Adventure in Autism report, I need to clue you in to some vocabulary so that you won’t get confused. I tend to sprinkle these words around the reports and I sometimes forget that you may not know what I’m talking about!


Stimming: This refers to a range of self-stimulatory behaviors. Billy does them almost constantly! It is not clear why, but stimming helps some ASD kids to both center themselves and burn off excess energy at the same time.

Billy used to chew on things all the time and put stuff in his mouth to stimulate himself orally. This is because his mouth and tongue are undersensitive and he is trying to feel sensations there. (This is also why he tends to “overstuff” his mouth when eating, unless he is supervised.)

He is getting better with this as he gets older, but now he is gaining weight because he likes to always be chewing on goldfish crackers, teddy graham snacks, etc. It’s not great, but better than when he used to chew on inedible stuff that could make him choke!


Now he stims mostly by making lots of noises. He is partial to EeeeeEEEEEEeeeeEEEEEE, AhhhhAhhhhAhhhhh, and MmmmmMMMM! It can be annoying if you aren’t used to it (and sometimes even if you are!) Like most kids, he gets louder when he is excited or tired. :rolleyes:


His stimming also includes sniffing objects and people, especially their hair. Fortunately, he tends to limit this to people he knows…I’m not sure how I would manage it if he ran up to strangers in the grocery store and began to sniff them! :eek: He does like to sniff the WDW characters, however, so we always warn them ahead of time at character meals and meet & greets.


Another form of stimming is scripting. This refers to bits of dialogue and songs from his favorite DVDs and TV shows that he recites randomly and repetitiously. For some reason, he finds it comforting. Like the above, it is often socially inappropriate and can be off-putting to strangers.

There is a certain element of ASHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in his spectrum of autistic behaviors. He can also be quite rigid about things such as food preferences and he can be very ritualistic. Things need to be done in a certain way all the time and change throws him off.


Nevertheless, he always, always has a fantastically great time at WDW. And as long as we keep the Billy factor in mind, we do just fine. It’s worth it to see him jumping up and down doing his funny little “dance of joy” :yay: And there isn’t a living soul who wouldn’t break into a smile after hearing his big, raucous chuckling laughter. :rotfl:

Because, in spite of everything, Billy is touched by magic :wizard: when he is in the World.

He can be (just) a kid again.

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Thanks, Hedy and Laura for the :grouphug: (always need lots of those!)

But, I'm not so special when it comes to being a mom...I just love him as hard as I can, that's all!

Kathy

[preschoolmom]

It is so wonderful how well Billy did on his first trip!

I thought I had planned well, but boy did my son struggle on our first trip (he had just turned five)... We also struggled with a stomach virus for the first half of our trip, so we just don't know how much was Autism, and how much was stomach virus...

We're going to try it again in October - My husband and I think that knowing what to expect from "Disney World" is half the battle...

Don't get me wrong, we had some really great moments - but our trip was HARD. it was WORK. I'm hooked anyway! :rotfl: :confused3 :wizard:

Thanks for writing this, I enjoy your trip reports so much!
:hug:

[Halloweenqueen]

Billy. :love:

I started to do research about a possible trip and stumbled upon Kathy's trip report. I was apprehesive about taking my eldest son to WDW, I thought it would be too much for him. Finding Dis success stories, like Kathy's, gave me the confidence to give it a try. We have been back three times in the past year and a half. It has been a magical experience for our family.

Kudos to Kathy for sharing her story! :goodvibes

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks for sharing your story so openly Kathy!!

I too stumbled across your reports when I was looking for information prior to our October 07 report. We had been to the World without kids, when Alex was a baby and for a short 3 day visit when Alex was 5 and Zachary was 2 so I had some information, but I really needed more. Thanks for bringing me to the DIS!!

And for anyone out there who wants to PM Kathy - no she doesn't bite!

[Charleston Princess]

Thanks for sharing about Billy, Kathy! You have a very special little boy, and you and Ed are awesome parents!!! :hug:

It is always amazing to me that WDW always seems such a wonderful place to everyone -- it really must be magical! :goodvibes

[irish dancer]

Kathy, thank you so much for sharing Billy's story with us again. I've followed along with all your reports as they hit close to home.

DS8 was diagnosed PDD-NOS before entering 1st grade. He had been attending special ed preschool and getting services in kdg without an official diagnosis but he had to have one for 1st grade. I will never forget that appointment with the neurologist. I went alone as DH was working, we knew that there was "something" not quite right but when the neurologist gave the diagnosis it hit me like a ton of bricks. DH had to remind me that he was the same little boy, nothing had really changed except for the label.

We are fortunate as our Daniel is very high functioning, works at or above grade level in all his schoolwork and this year has actually taken an interest in other kids. He is a sensory seeker, thank god for chewing gum! On those tough days that seem to pop up out of nowhere I have to force myself to keep in mind how far he has come and how lucky we are.

I also have to share that my DS looks an awful lot like your DS. Same posture, same physique just different hair color. When you used to only post pics from behind I even showed DH how much they were similar. It's uncanny.

We went to WDW this past Oct, our first time at this time of year. We had a complete BLAST at the MNSSHP and I look forward to hearing all about your trip and how Billy likes it.

[MRYPPNS]

Thanks....make the pregnant lady cry why don't ya!

[mrsksomeday]

Because, in spite of everything, Billy is touched by magic :wizard: when he is in the World.

He can be (just) a kid again.

Kathy

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/crywithtissues.gif http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/cry1.gif http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Enchanted%20Smileys/cry3.gif

Kathy, you always make me cry. You know how to convey the situation in a way that just brings the readers into your family's life. You are such a beautiful person inside and out.

I am a smiley freak and every time I use these:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Enchanted%20Smileys/happy1.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Enchanted%20Smileys/happy2.gif

I will think about Billy and smile.

Thank you so much for sharing your Austism Adventures with us http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Enchanted%20Smileys/grouphug1.gif.

[DisMomAmy]

DH had to remind me that he was the same little boy, nothing had really changed except for the label.

That's what I always tell parents of newly diagnosed kids!! It's soooo true!

[All7OfUs]

Loving all you've written so far! Such a joy to share in your adventure, and so much the more so, because I too have a majorly LD son. Inappropriate grunts, arm flapping, major speech issues, etc... on top of the difficulties he has with his school work. We haven't had him evaluated since he was two, and all they could tell us then, was that he was at the "lower end of "normal"". But, regardless of what they want to call it, he's still my precious son, and although, life is more complicated than in other families, we wouldn't have it any other way!


Looking forward to the next installment!

Liesa

[mom2mek]

Thank you Kathy for sharing your son with us. I think we can all learn a lot from Billy and from you as a Mom, whether we are directly affected by autism or not, as your unconditional love and quest for bringing happiness to your children's lives is apparent in all of your words! Thank you so much for your wonderful reports. They always make me laugh and cry! :grouphug:

Sara

[mousescrapper]

:hug: to you Kathy and the love and comfort and reality you bring to me and others that are (or are not) mothers of children w/ Autism.

THANKS!

[nu2wdisneyw]

I'm in...I just started writing my first pre-trip report and I love to follow the "experts" on their adventure as well!! Now I need to catch up! :surfweb:

[melk]

Billy (con’t.)


Because, in spite of everything, Billy is touched by magic :wizard: when he is in the World.

He can be (just) a kid again.

Kathy


Okay, I did fine until these last two sentences.

[KathyRN137]

PTR #5:

Let’s Play Resort Roulette!


Well, let’s lighten things up a bit, shall we, and talk about some trip planning! We now have our tentative Cast:

*Me (Your Intrepid Trip Reporter)

*DH (Ed)

*DD(12) Tricia

*DS(10) Billy

*DNiece(12) Catie

Catie’s parents, my DSis Eileen and her DH Werner, may possibly come down toward the end of the week, so I will include them for now. The more the merrier!


**************************************************


Possibly one of the most fun things to consider when planning a WDW trip is next: Which Resort to Choose, or in this case, Which Resort Chooses Us! It sounds funny, but to a Disney Vacation Club owner, that’s the way it sometimes feels!

Since we are planning a trip using our DVC points, let’s talk about the DVC for a little bit…


When we first bought into DVC in 2005, the newest resort available for purchase was Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. This is a huge resort and, although not particularly appealing to me (other than it’s proximity to Downtown Disney), we purchased our ownership here because it was still under construction and we did not want to wait for the next one to be built. Besides, we planned on hopping around trying all the DVC resorts anyway. Otherwise, you might as well just buy a typical timeshare, right? :thumbsup2


What I liked about the DVC concept was its flexibility, the fact that you could use it not only for Disney, not just for a particular resort, and not just for the same window of time year after year. This is how it works:


You purchase a certain number of points and you can use those points how you see fit. It’s kind of like being on a calorie-restricted diet; as long as you use only the limited amount of calories (points) allotted, you can eat whatever you wish.

Certain nights (Friday and Saturday) “eat up” more points than others. Certain resorts cost more points no matter which nights you choose (Beach Club Villas > Old Key West). Naturally, a two-bedroom villa eats up more points than does a Studio. And certain times of the year cost more points because they are in times of highest demand (Christmas through New Year’s > First week of September).

So, if you are like us and you don’t own a huge number of points, you need to “spend” your points efficiently and according to how you like to vacation. You can also bank unused points to the following year, or borrow points from the next year.


Example: For the number of annual points that we own, we could:

- Spend a weekend in a two-bedroom at the Beach Club during Christmas, or

- Spend seven nights in a one-bedroom at Saratoga Springs during any week in October (with a couple of points left over to bank.), or

- Spend two-and-a-half weeks in a Studio at Old Key West during any week in January.


Well, you get the idea. I just want to give a little background, not turn this into an advertisement for DVC! (If you want more info, there’s tons of it on the DVC boards.)


**************************************************


So far, our family has had the pleasure of staying at three of the DVC resorts: SSR, OKW, and VWL. They were all great, but we’d really like to try something new. :woohoo: That narrows the untried resorts to:


Beach Club Villas (BCV)
Boardwalk Villas (BWV)
Contemporary’s Bay Lake Tower (BLT)
Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge (VAKL)


The newest resorts (BLT and VAKL) will be hot and in great demand, so I’m not ultra-confident that we will be able to book there this year. There will be lots of competition, especially for the one-bedroom villa. It is the most-requested DVC accommodation.

The week that we will be at Disney (Jersey Week) is usually the last week of the very popular Food & Wine Festival (F&W) at Epcot. Because of this, it has always been difficult to get ressies at either BCV or BWV, due to their close proximity to World Showcase.


:confused3 Why, you may ask? Because of Home Resort booking privileges!


If you wish to book a reservation at your “home” resort, you may do so eleven months prior to your vacation, no earlier. None of the other DVC owners can book at “your” resort until seven months prior to their vacation. That makes it fair to the members who do not wish to hop and who like staying at “their” home resort.


If we wanted to stay at our home resort, SSR, we could have called for a reservation starting November 30, 2008. But, we don’t want SSR this year, so we have to wait until seven months out, or March 30, 2009 to book for October 30th at any of the other resorts. But, availability can be limited, so you need to have a few choices in mind when you call.

It feels a little bit like we’re playing Russian Roulette, or in this case, Resort Roulette!


I mentioned in my last TR that I am not much of a gambler; I prefer a sure thing. SSR is our sure thing, but here I am, gambling once more on a “new” resort experience because…that’s how we roll! :rolleyes: (Sorry, just trying to be "random.")

When planning the Nov. ’07 trip, I got myself all worked up because we (I) had our hearts set on Villas at Wilderness Lodge. Lots O’ Stress with that particular gamble, but worth it in the end….what an amazing place! But lately, I’ve been thinking…. :scratchin

I can really say that I’ve never met a Disney resort I didn’t like! :lovestruc They are all fabulous in their own unique ways. And so, I’ve decided not to stress over it. If we don’t get a “new” resort, I will be fine with it. We’ve got about another 46 years on our DVC contract…I’m sure that we’ll get to them all eventually!

But, because we will be vacationing with two thirteen year-old girls :hyper2: this year, there would be a certain, specific advantage if we could book one of the newer resorts. The new one-bedroom villas in both BLT and VAKL (Kidani Village) have a second bathroom!! Oh yeah, that is big!


So, my choices of resort are (in order of preference):

1. BLT (Takes first place b/c Ed has been lusting after staying at CR for years! Monorail and a 2nd bath.)

2. VAKL (Ahhhh, Savanna View and a 2nd bath!)
3. OKW (Not new to us, but villas have a more spacious layout.)
4. BCV (Stormalong Bay!)
5. BWV (Never been there.)
6. SSR (Been there, done that. Walk to Downtown Disney, though.)


Now, all I have to do is wait until the end of March! :snail: :shamrock:


Kathy

[preschoolmom]

This was a great post! It really explained DVC in an easy to understand way!

Thanks!

:thumbsup2

[Hedy]

The extra bathroom is why my family is staying at AKV in August (Dniece is 14, nuff said ;))
I'm partial to BLT, myself.

[DisMomAmy]

I can't wait to find out where you guys are going to stay!!

[mousescrapper]

So I guess I won't know where you will be staying till I get back huh?

Love your choices...I so wish the DVC was in the cards for us...someday maybe. But I'm still glad we get to go no matter where we are. I was freaked at first too, when we were set on POR for this trip and then booked us at CSR, but you are right, I've stayed at 4 different resorts over the past 5 trips, I'm sure resort #5 and trip # 6 will not dissapoint!:goodvibes

Ok the oven is not working need to see if we have enough cash for Mc'D's now, guess who won't be complaining!;)

[starrzone]

Your vacation sounds :wizard: ! Great idea taking a "buddy" for Tricia; I went to Orlando (we did WDW but only for a couple days) in 1998 at the age of 16 with my friend and her family (2 parents, 2 brothers who were 13.5 and 10 at the time). We had an AWESOME time, and I have great memories and pictures from that trip!

Thanks for explaining DVC in simple terms; I've always wondered how the points thing works, but have never gotten around to asking. Your explanation was just what I needed! :thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

With the list of choices you have, I would have a hard time choosing a resort (which is the story of my life anyway :rotfl: )! I can't wait to see where you end up!

[aspen37]

Hi Kathy,

Well, I have read all of your PTR's & TR's. I just read all of this PTR and as usual I'm hooked and jonesing for another update.:worship: Your reports are like crack! Once you get a taste your hooked. :rotfl: :rotfl:
And as usual I have laughed:lmao: and cried:sad1: . You should write books for a living!:thumbsup2 I can't wait to hear more about your upcoming trip, and good luck playing Resort Roulette!:goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

Still here enjoying your posts. I don't think DVC will EVER be part of my life, as I have an almost completely anti Disney DH. Ah, well, I can always dream through you :)

[eyeheartgoofy]

Not too far off from March 30th, are we???!!!

So, I have a question. If you are able to book Kidani at 7 months, but not BLT ... will you book Kidani and waitlist BLT, or would you just stick to Kidani? I think BLT would be absolutely awesome, especially if you are going to MNSSHP.

[aspen37]

bump

[KathyRN137]

PTR #5: Should We See Sea World?

Not sure how this came up, but today we were talking about whether or not we should venture outside the confines of WDW and visit Sea World. :fish:

It's not that I couldn't happily spend a week (or two!) at the four Disney Parks, because believe me, I could! (Keep in mind that this is the family that "boos" the Universal billboards as we drive in from Orlando International Airport!) :lmao:

No, no, a thousand times NO! I have no interest whatsoever in US or IOA. I am a Disney Gal, through and through! ::yes:: And I have brainwashed my children to be the same!

But...Sea World. Hmmmmm. That has always interested me. The kids are older now and I know they would enjoy it. They both love aquariums...and AK...and Free Willy! I think I would enjoy it....

But on the other hand, the one-day ticket is around $70!! (Do I really want it that bad??) We are splurging on MNSSHP tickets already....

And, does anyone know if they have the equivalent of the GAC (Guest Assistance Card) at Sea World? I checked their website and didn't see anything.) That might really be a factor in my decision.....


Kathy

[IluvXU]

My sister in law just got back from WDW and they went to Sea World and had a good time. I do want to visit someday, but think that I want to wait until the kids are a bit bigger and can remember it (don't mind that Hannah at age five has been to WDW five times and I am taking an infant). I totally agree finding about the GAC would be good... a teacher at our school used to work there, so if need be I can investigate for you, she might know.

[KathyRN137]

melk: You're #1 now! (Thanks for laughing/crying with me!)

IluvXU: Might just take you up on that, thanks!

CharlestonPrincess: You can't wait! :laughing: How do you think I feel?!

DisneyFanShawn: Hey, you found me over here, too!

preschoolmom: ...still waiting to see your ticker.... :hourglass

Halloweenqueen & DisMomAmy & Mousescrapper: Don't you just feel like breaking out into a rousing chorus of We're All in This Together!! from HSM?

irishdancer: Hello! Good to see you again!

All7ofUs: I just noticed the TR link in your siggie. Hmmm.....

Nu2wdisneyw: Goodness! :rolleyes1 Do I qualify as an expert?!

aspen37: You must be talking to nu (above). Between the 2 of you, you better watch it... all the compliments will make my head swell!

starrzone: DVC is complicated, but it's great!

Hedy: BLT is #1, but I will be just as happy with VAKL! 2nd bath is :cloud9:

eyeheartgoofy: I would waitlist BLT, for sure, but I will be truly amazed if we score it this year....lots of demand for those villas!

mom2mek: Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion! ~ Steel Magnolias


Thanks, everybody! :wave2:

Kathy

[wigdoutdismom]

subbing, now I need to go back and get it read!

[KathyRN137]

subbing, now I need to go back and get it read!


LOL! With so many trips in the works, where do you get the time??


Kathy

[preschoolmom]

Sea World is on our list for the trip after next! I can't wait to see what you decide!

popcorn::

[wigdoutdismom]

LOL! With so many trips in the works, where do you get the time??


Kathy

I totally rely on my dis friends to plan my trips for me!:rotfl2:

[Charleston Princess]

We went to Sea World in 2004, and it was cute. Our mistake was that we went our very last day in Orlando and were completely exhausted. I couldn't have cared less about going and just wanted to head home. However, it is a very nice park -- the kids loved seeing all the animals, the Shamu show was really neat, and they even fed the dolphins. The only thing is that the rides are more geared towards older kids -- the roller coasters and such were too wild and crazy for my two at five and seven -- if Tricia is a roller coaster kind of girl though she will love them. If you know anyone that works for Anheiser -- they get tickets for free.

[MRYPPNS]

Kathy - I'm a huge lover of Sea World. We last went in 2007. I have extra park maps if you would like me to mail you one....just PM me. A couple things to help you make your decision: I don't know if there is a GAC like thing at Sea World but I can only think of 3 rides that you would need it for and that's if you tried doing them later in the day: Kraken (the tallest roller coaster in Florida), Journey to Atlantics (one of the coolest rides I've ever been on) and the Wild Arctic ride (it's a motion simulator/movie that you can actually opt out of and just watch the movie part in a different room, then continue to the polar bear exhibit, and there is hardly a line if you don't do the simulator). You can buy tickets online....adults at kids price...and you can turn your one day tickets into 2 day tickets for free before you leave on your first day. We took a cab from POFQ to SeaWorld...I believe it was $20-$30 each way....cheaper then renting a car. There are taxis at SeaWorld waiting to pickup guests at the end of the day. If you think the kids will want to feed the seals, dolphins (you have to feed the dolphins in order to be allowed in to touch them) and the rays then I would beg you to budget money to do so. I always feel badly for the kids who aren't allowed the money to feed the animals when they really want that interaction......I'll get off my soapbox now on that subject ;)
I think I have pictures in my PTR from our 2007 visit to SeaWorld....let me know if you have any questions.

[KathyRN137]

PTR #6: Sea World GAC Update!


Well, after reading your responses regarding Sea World (thanks!), I am really starting to lean further and further toward making it a part of our trip!

I figured that I might as well just hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak, so I called Sea World Guest Services and spoke to a very nice woman who answered my questions. Turns out it was a perfect match....I'm a Sea World Newbie and this was her first day on the job!! :laughing:

The answer to my burning question is, YES! Sea World does have accommodations for those with special needs (autism) that is similar to the Disney GAC. Just need to stop at Guest Services first, just like we do at WDW.

Now I am really going to do some Sea World park research in earnest!

But......

(You see this coming, right?) ;)

To make the one-day park admission more of a value, I may want to take advantage of their "second day for free" offer. :scratchin Not such a bad idea, actually. From the looks of the on-line map, Sea World is pretty big. I wouldn't want to be temted to rush around trying to do everything in one day.

But....

(Here it comes.....)

I don't want to take away time from my precious WDW!! :love:

I wonder if we should try for the lower-point accommodations at OKW so that we could get an extra night???

Hmmmmmmm.........

:idea: Perhaps this would be a good "consolation prize" if we are unable to get ressies at either BLT or VAKL.....

Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

Aaaaaaahhhhhh...

Fuzzy Disney math at it's best!! :rotfl2:

[MRYPPNS]

ouuuuuuu! Two days at Sea World.....me like! All of the shows at SeaWorld are worth seeing but they are scheduled and located in a way that makes it hard to see them all in one day and go on rides.

[mrsksomeday]

Extra night at the beginning or end of the trip?? Bill is still trying to see if we can "bump" into you while we are at Disney World :lmao:.

[KathyRN137]

Extra night at the beginning or end of the trip?? Bill is still trying to see if we can "bump" into you while we are at Disney World :lmao:.

Hi Tracy! :wave:

That would be awesome, wouldn't it?

Ed is partial to getting down there on Friday night (10/30) so that we don't have to travel and stay up late for MNSSHP on the same day (Sat.) Unfortunately, I won't be sure of our dates until I can make our DVC ressie on 3/30.

If we do add an extra night, I'm hoping that we can arrive late Fri. 10/30 and check out on Sat. 11/6. :cloud9:

But, we won't be able to do the extra night if we get our first choices of BLT or VAKL, because we wouldn't have enough DVC points.

I'm trying to view this at this as a WIN-WIN situation! :thumbsup2

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

ouuuuuuu! Two days at Sea World.....me like! All of the shows at SeaWorld are worth seeing but they are scheduled and located in a way that makes it hard to see them all in one day and go on rides.

Hi Heidi! :wave2:

I'm guessing we'll have it a bit easier b/c our gang won't be as interested in the big thriller rides...just shows and exhibits.

I'd like to go earlier in the week so that, if we fall in love with it, we could go back for half a day later on.

But, my DNiece loves thrill rides and may want to drag Tricia (or me!) on a few so that she can do them! In which case, we would need to do some serious negotiating.

Now, Tricia is asking about doing Typhoon Lagoon instead of Sea World! (We've never done a water park.) Let the :crazy: begin!!

Kathy

[mom2mek]

Oh boy! Decisions, decisions....

I have never been to Sea World, but I have heard of people getting some discounted tickets before through some links on the DIS. I have no idea where though. $70 is pretty steep, but for 2 days, well, that makes it a little bit more doable! Of course the Disney Fuzzy Math is a factor here....getting your "value" out of those $70 tickets by spending more time in FL all together! Love it! :thumbsup2

Sara

[KathyRN137]

Okay...Tricia just found out that she can feed and pet dolphins at Sea World, so now We are so going to Sea World, Mom!

Thank goodness!

I really have no desire to walk around TL in a bathing suit all day! :eek:


Kathy

[mom2mek]

Okay...Tricia just found out that she can feed and pet dolphins at Sea World, so now We are so going to Sea World, Mom!

Thank goodness!

I really have no desire to walk around TL in a bathing suit all day! :eek:


Kathy

I hear ya! :scared:

Sara

[mrsksomeday]

I can't wait to read about your adventures at Sea World. We always talk about going there but haven't done it...yet ;) .

[MRYPPNS]

Well if you get BLT without the extra day then you can do Typhoon Lagoon. Win-win there too. And if you end up with the extra day at OKW you can do Sea World. You can let the DVC Ressie gods decide your fate!

Here's me in 2007 with one of my new friends
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee109/MRYPPNS/Disney%202007/January_30_2007036.jpg

[KathyRN137]

I took Tricia shopping this weekend (with DSis and DNiece, Caity, who will be going with us in October.)

We went to a new premium outlet complex by them and..... they have a Crocs Outlet!!

I bought Billy his first pair of Crocs: Black Caymans!

Not much of a Disney Jibbitz selection, but I was able to get him Buzz Lightyear and Tigger as starters!!

He loves them! :cool1:

Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

I took Tricia shopping this weekend (with DSis and DNiece, Caity, who will be going with us in October.)

We went to a new premium outlet complex by them and..... they have a Crocs Outlet!!

I bought Billy his first pair of Crocs: Black Caymans!

Not much of a Disney Jibbitz selection, but I was able to get him Buzz Lightyear and Tigger as starters!!

He loves them! :cool1:

Kathy

Oooo... new crocs! :cool1:

You didn't get Billy lime green? :rotfl:

I bought Alex a new pair recently - shoebuy sent me a $15 coupon!!! Just to convince me to "come back" - not that I had gone anywhere - I just hadn't purchased anything from their website recently. Luckily Zachary's crocs still fit him - we had to buy him a new pair late last summer because his old pair had broken. No lime green here either... red for Zach and blue for Alex!

[All7OfUs]

Hi Again! Ohh, I wish I could get on DIS more often, I'd so love to post on your report more often. I'm not sure I know anything about Sea World at all. It does sounds intriguing, though, after reading more about it.

I'd love for you to read through my TR. Yes, it's about a year old, and it was my first attempt so it's not as elaborate as my next one will be :banana: but I do hope that if you read it, that you will find something interesting ;)

I'm going to start my PTR in a few months for my next year's trip. I'm not sure how early is too early to get it going, but I can hardly can contain myself. :rotfl:

[KathyRN137]

I'm going to start my PTR in a few months for my next year's trip. I'm not sure how early is too early to get it going, but I can hardly can contain myself. :rotfl:



Honey, its never to early to start dreaming! :cloud9:


Kathy

[nu2wdisneyw]

melk: You're #1 now! (Thanks for laughing/crying with me!)

IluvXU: Might just take you up on that, thanks!

CharlestonPrincess: You can't wait! :laughing: How do you think I feel?!

DisneyFanShawn: Hey, you found me over here, too!

preschoolmom: ...still waiting to see your ticker.... :hourglass

Halloweenqueen & DisMomAmy & Mousescrapper: Don't you just feel like breaking out into a rousing chorus of We're All in This Together!! from HSM?

irishdancer: Hello! Good to see you again!

All7ofUs: I just noticed the TR link in your siggie. Hmmm.....

Nu2wdisneyw: Goodness! :rolleyes1 Do I qualify as an expert?!

aspen37: You must be talking to nu (above). Between the 2 of you, you better watch it... all the compliments will make my head swell!

starrzone: DVC is complicated, but it's great!

Hedy: BLT is #1, but I will be just as happy with VAKL! 2nd bath is :cloud9:

eyeheartgoofy: I would waitlist BLT, for sure, but I will be truly amazed if we score it this year....lots of demand for those villas!

mom2mek: Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion! ~ Steel Magnolias


Thanks, everybody! :wave2:

Kathy

Anyone that has planned a trip with as much detail as you and many of our fellow DISers, are experts in my book!!! Your trippies are SOOO much fun to read. They are VERY entertaining!!! :thumbsup2

[nu2wdisneyw]

While planning our trip I was trying to decide if we wanted to add Sea World in the mix. I think that we are deciding against it, just because this will be our FIRST Disney experience and we don't want to take too much time away from it. I can't wait to hear (read) how your experience with Seaworld goes!! PTR #6: Sea World GAC Update!


Well, after reading your responses regarding Sea World (thanks!), I am really starting to lean further and further toward making it a part of our trip!

I figured that I might as well just hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak, so I called Sea World Guest Services and spoke to a very nice woman who answered my questions. Turns out it was a perfect match....I'm a Sea World Newbie and this was her first day on the job!! :laughing:

The answer to my burning question is, YES! Sea World does have accommodations for those with special needs (autism) that is similar to the Disney GAC. Just need to stop at Guest Services first, just like we do at WDW.

Now I am really going to do some Sea World park research in earnest!

But......

(You see this coming, right?) ;)

To make the one-day park admission more of a value, I may want to take advantage of their "second day for free" offer. :scratchin Not such a bad idea, actually. From the looks of the on-line map, Sea World is pretty big. I wouldn't want to be temted to rush around trying to do everything in one day.

But....

(Here it comes.....)

I don't want to take away time from my precious WDW!! :love:

I wonder if we should try for the lower-point accommodations at OKW so that we could get an extra night???

Hmmmmmmm.........

:idea: Perhaps this would be a good "consolation prize" if we are unable to get ressies at either BLT or VAKL.....

Kathy

[PrincessCaitlin]

I'm in popcorn::

I am currently trying to catch up with your 07 report :)

I really enjoy the way you type :)


I have always wanted to go to Halloween at Disney (we just did Christmas at Disney) so I know how magical a time you and your family will have.

When Disney does a holiday it's "GO BIG OR GO HOME!" :lmao:

Can't wait to read more :)

[KathyRN137]

PTR #7 Still Debating Sea World....Okay, Debate Over.


Tricia is very excited about feeding dolphins, but I'm still not so sure that I want to spend $260 plus an extra $20-40 for fish in order to do it! (There is an additional fee if you want to feed dolphins or sea lions, etc.)
Seems a little steep to me. :confused3


And then, there is the additional cost for transportation. We normally do not rent a car while on Disney property. One of the things Ed enjoys the most about being on-site is not having the hassle of driving to and from the parks all week.


So, once we add in the cost of a cab, it really makes the Sea World excursion quite an additional expense. Realistically speaking, that cost would double if we took the free second day option on the one-day ticket, so it really wouldn't be entirely "free!" And, I have a feeling that we will probably wind up not wanting to leave Disney for more than one day, anyhow.


I may have posted in my other report that we opted to pay more $$ for park hopper tickets. And, of course, we will be paying around $225 for 5 MNSSHP tickets for us and for DNiece. (I already told DSis I wanted to give her the party as a Bday present.) The extras are starting to rack up.


If it sounds like I'm trying to justify my decision by citing fiscal responsibility, well, its because I am! :rolleyes: As much as it pains me, I think we had better skip SeaWorld again. :sad2: Sigh. Just a another sign of the times.

On a happier note, I now have only 33 more days until I can call for our DVC reservation! I can't wait to find out what we're going to get! :woohoo:

Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

Tough decision... but there's so much to do at Disney - you can't go wrong by staying onsite all week. And you want to make sure you have plenty of down time scheduled too.

We went to Sea World in 2002 and enjoyed it - but I'm not dying to go back. It was right across the street from our resort in 2007 and we didn't go then either. We're not much of a show family so it would have been hard for the boys - they just can't sit still very long. Maybe when they are older - I'm sure Alex would love the roller coasters there.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for BLT!! (Are those the right initials?? Just typing it made me hungry for a sandwich.;))

[3princesses+aprince]

joining in our your pre trip report!!! Your kids are adorable.
I think the decision to skip seaworld was a good one considering you will not have a rental car, and who REALLY wants to leave Disney World.
It's neat that your neice is coming along, i'm sure the girls will have so much fun together.

[Disneylvr]

Hi Kathy, we too have been debating a Sea World visit. Not for our trip next month but for a future trip. Madelyn loves aquariums! But for now we'll stick to the Disney parks.

Billy's (and your family's) journey through autism sounds so much like Madelyns. She too had speech and then lost it just before her 2nd birthday. Her diagnosis of autistic disorder came at age 3. She is now almost 6 years old and so far hasn't regained her speech but we are still working on that. She is in a special education classroom (with 30 minutes of general ed kindergarten inclusion per day) and receives ABA, PT, OT, MT and Speech. She also loves Disney World! She really doesn't have a favorite character but really enjoys all of the rides, the faster they go the better. The most magical thing about vacations in WDW is that we can be just like any other family there. They are so wonderful and understanding about our kids.

I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your trip reports and pre trip reports! I cry and laugh right along with you.

[irish dancer]

Kathy you are not alone in your reasoning. We too think about adding Sea World or even Kennedy Space Center but then when we start adding everything up we just can't pull the trigger. When you've already spent big $$ for WDW passes, to add on a few hundred more is just too much.

I also agree with you on US and IOA, absolutely no desire to go there.....


We are however going to do Typhoon Lagoon during our June trip, we have pluses left from old tix though so no extra $$.

[elphie101]

ooooo, 33 days! I personally am hoping for BLT for you cause hellllloooooooo, Contemporary!

(Look at me plotting to be a DVC member when it's at least 10 years away.......:lmao: )

[KathyRN137]

elphie101: Yes, Ed would be on :cloud9: He loves that monorail!

irish dancer: TL is closing for refurb 11/09-3/10....Oh, Darn! ;)

wigdoutdismom: Wow, your first of three :snooty: WDW trips is almost here! (J/K!) I am jealous!

Charleston Princess: Perhaps it is better to put off SW until they're older...looks likethose coasters are monsters! :eek:

preschoolmom: Okay. Made the decision. :) You can stop waiting now!

mrsksomeday: :hug: Someday, Tracy. Maybe we'll all do it together!

Princess Caitlin: Welcome! Take your time with that "07 report; I did! :rolleyes1

nu2wdisneyw: Glad you like to read along...we made our 1st WDW trip in September....do you like HOT?! :sunny:

mom2mek: Did you see I found out TL will be closed during our trip? Whew! :rotfl: No bathing suit pix for me!!

all7ofus: :idea: Next time, put your report on the TR board where we non-campers can find it! (I enjoyed reading it, BTW)

MRYPPNS: Your Dolphin pic was so cool! The skin looks so smooth and shiny, you just want to touch it! But looking at it makes me realize that Billy might be :scared: of the teeth and would not want to even go near it.

3princes+aprince: Welcome! :grouphug:

DisMomAmy: Yes, the acronym B-L-T is going to get a lot of sandwich jokes! :lmao: But it's going to be seriously popular, so I don't know....

Disneylvr: Thanks, I know what you've been through. :hug: I can't even begin to describe how appreciative we are of Disney's treatment of special needs guests!


Thanks everybody!


Kathy

[MRYPPNS]

I can totally understand about not going to SeaWorld because of money. Disney has made it hard to leave property with Magical Express and how the park tickets are priced.

Just keep SeaWorld in mind for the future. I think it would make a wonderful mother/daughter day for the two of you.

[elphie101]

Ooo, I forgot, I can add actual insight!

I'd definitely say that Sea World is worth it, my family went when we visited San Diego a few years ago (and almost missed DL....but after my brothers and I being so horrified that we were on the other side of the country and NOT visiting the Happiest Place on Earth, my dad finally relented.....course now I don't remember anything except that we loved the Matterhorn ;) )

Anyway, we had a blast at Sea World, especially the Shamu show - my brother and father were picked to be involved! My brother got to pet the dolphin (orca whales are dolphins, yes) and feed him and even signal him to do tricks, while my dad........got entirely soaked. Ponchos are potentially a must if you ever do this, we had to buy my dad an entirely new outfit at the park, shoes included!

[Hedy]

PTR #7 Still Debating Sea World....Okay, Debate Over.


Tricia is very excited about feeding dolphins, but I'm still not so sure that I want to spend $260 plus an extra $20-40 for fish in order to do it! (There is an additional fee if you want to feed dolphins or sea lions, etc.)
Seems a little steep to me. :confused3


And then, there is the additional cost for transportation. We normally do not rent a car while on Disney property. One of the things Ed enjoys the most about being on-site is not having the hassle of driving to and from the parks all week.


So, once we add in the cost of a cab, it really makes the Sea World excursion quite an additional expense. Realistically speaking, that cost would double if we took the free second day option on the one-day ticket, so it really wouldn't be entirely "free!" And, I have a feeling that we will probably wind up not wanting to leave Disney for more than one day, anyhow.


I may have posted in my other report that we opted to pay more $$ for park hopper tickets. And, of course, we will be paying around $225 for 5 MNSSHP tickets for us and for DNiece. (I already told DSis I wanted to give her the party as a Bday present.) The extras are starting to rack up.


If it sounds like I'm trying to justify my decision by citing fiscal responsibility, well, its because I am! :rolleyes: As much as it pains me, I think we had better skip SeaWorld again. :sad2: Sigh. Just a another sign of the times.

On a happier note, I now have only 33 more days until I can call for our DVC reservation! I can't wait to find out what we're going to get! :woohoo:

Kathy

Please, you'll be at WDW, what could be better. :)
33 more days!

[mousescrapper]

sorry Kathy I missed the whole SW debate...but I think you made a good decision!

got to love the Crocs and on sale...score!

Scrappie

[maroo]

Sea World...

That is a tough choice. The best part of the whole trip, for us, was feeding the dolphins!

You know...if your daughter is keen on dolphins...maybe you could plan a return trip with just her at some point and plan to go to Discovery Cove. It is quite expensive...but is a total experience! And includes everything for the whole day, I think. And she can actually swim with them. Maybe you could do it for her for a special milestone or something.

Sea World is HUGE. Lots and lots of walking. And it is hard to see everything in a day.

I do recommend the Backstage at Believe lunch meal, though! For a few extra dollars per person, you get a GREAT meal (best one I have had including BOTH of my trips) - buffet with good, good food - and it includes drinks...even beer. You don't have to wait in counter service lines and it really was not that expensive, honestly. And was our only big meal of the day. You get preferred seating at the Shamu show, too, so you would not have that line to wait in...which may be good for Billy.

You get to sit right next to the training pools and watch a video training thing on Shamu. It was awesome. If we were going back to Sea World, we would definitely do that again!

They even refunded the money for Lisa and Lauren - since they were sick.

You can check out the Sea World pics in my TR if you want pics of the Backstage at Believe view. I wish I had food pics. The food was yummy!!!

[maroo]

ok...

I am such the moron...:confused:

I didn't see the "oh, by the way we already decided" post! :rotfl2: :rotfl:

So, feel free to ignore my 10 cents about Sea World. :lmao:

I could go back and edit my other post...but that would be no fun, now, would it! :rotfl: :laughing:

[carissanboys]

Hey Kathy :flower3:

Just stopping by for the moment and subscribing. I'll catch up soon. :goodvibes

[melk]

I don't blame you for not doing Sea World. Although we have done it and like it very much, it's hard to justify the extra $$ these days.

Good luck on getting your top DVC choice. I would love to stay at BLT or even try out the Treehouses someday. But I think we'll have to wait until their popularity dies down as we would only have the 7 month booking window for those two resorts. (I was unable, unfortunately, to talk DH into a small add-on at BLT--why does he always have to be the financially responsible voice of reason, lol!!).

[All7OfUs]

Hey Kathy,

Fun to "see" you over at Maroo's TR too!

Long story, but....yes, I should have put my TR over here on the "REAL" TR board, and even asked the mods. over there to have it moved, but they sounded like it would be a lot of "work" to do it. Ah, well.... When I wrote it, I was talking a lot with FW "Fort Fiends" and thought they'd get a kick out of it. Also, I hadn't spent very much time over in any other forums really, so was pretty clueless on the best place for it!! Now, I will for SURE do any more TR-ing over here. :) Look for one starting in a few months for my ladies trip.

In the midst of being at Disney, I don't think you'll miss Sea World too much. It will be there when you make your next trip, and you can mull it over again then, right??

By the way, I CAN'T WAIT to see and hear all about MNSSHP! I"ve definitely decided to do that in 2010 with the girls. Sounds like great fun!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Subbing. popcorn::

I just found your PTR and I am really enjoying it...that is after I got over my Kleenex moment. Thank you for the warning. :goodvibes

We did the Sea World debate last year. I could kick myself though because at that time the company my mom worked for gave us free tickets.....and we didn't go! Ugh. She retired so no more freebies. :sad2: I understand your debate because we're in the same boat. That, I just CAN'T get myself to leave WDW property once I am there. I want to soak in every moment.:goodvibes

I'm looking forward to hearing more. popcorn::

[carissanboys]

Happy Weekend! :cool1:

I'm all caught up. :thumbsup2 You're a wonderful writer (as I'm sure you've been told numerous times). :goodvibes Thank you for sharing Billy's story with us. :hug: It sounds like you have a wonderful family. :love:

We're going to Sea World Orlando for the first time on our upcoming trip. However, the only reason we're going is because we can get free tickets due to dh's active duty military status (we'll have to pay for one ticket). We've been to Sea World in Australia, and dh has been to Sea World San Diego, but we're really excited to go to Sea World Orlando. :thumbsup2

Looking forward to hearing more!

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Subbing!!
We are going the same dates as you. October 31-November 7, staying at the Beach Club as of now. And we are doing MNSSHP on the 31st. Who knows maybe we will see you there?

[KathyRN137]

carissanboys: :welcome:

maroo: Your rainbow report was one of the things that got me to thinking about SW in the first place! ;)

Hedy: I am already so over SW...for now! :rotfl:

mousescrapper: Thanks! Yes, I do hope to get back to that Crocs outlet sometime before our next trip! :thumbsup2

elphie101: Sea World does sound great! :genie: Someday.....

MRYPPNS: Theres some talk of a possible Mother-Daughter trip for June '10 to celebrate eighth grade graduation. :rolleyes1 DSis, DNiece, DD and me!


Thanks, everybody, for tuning in. Probably nothing new 'til the 30th when I make our DVC ressie....

Send pixiedust: please!!


Kathy

[mousescrapper]

Here's some to get you started:

:pixiedust: :pixiedust:

[ladylyons]

Lots of pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: being sent your way that you get what you want!!! Good Luck!!

[KathyRN137]

:banana: :banana: MNSSHP Dates have been announced! :banana: :banana:

(Well, we already knew we want to be there Halloween Night, but reading about the party is so much fun!)

Link to the party info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm


Kathy

[Hedy]

Woooooohoooooooooooo!

[KathyRN137]

mousescrapper: Thanks for the pixiedust...wow! Look at that ticker! :woohoo:

ladylyons: Thanks for the pixiedust: I'm going to need it!

NJ2Boardwalk: Hello, NJ neighbor! :flower3:

melk: I'm not setting my heart on BLT; but it remains Choice #1. I'm wondering, though, if we wind up with Choice #3 (OKW), whether I should waitlist BLT or if there would be a better chance for VAKL? :confused:

carissanboys: I will simply have to live my Sea World day vicariously through your family's! :laughing:

OhioDisneyLover: Welcome! I've been the same way about not wanting to leave Disney property all these years... perhaps that's why I'm not brokenhearted about skipping Sea World! ;)

All7OfUs: I'm so glad you're getting hooke on these boards, and I'm looking forward to your Ladies' Trip TR!! :goodvibes

Hedy: And a Whoop Whoop, too!!

Thanks to all for posting!! :grouphug:

[preschoolmom]

Ooh! I can't believe dates are up already!

I have to go check my tour plan! I think we're going to do the party on the 25th!

:yay:

Thanks for posting the link!

[maroo]

Ooh! I can't believe dates are up already!

I have to go check my tour plan! I think we're going to do the party on the 25th!

:yay:

Thanks for posting the link!

Hi! I don't think we know each other? But my friend and I will also be there on the 25th!! This trip, for me, is not planned yet... But we are walking/running the ToT 13k on the 24th and will be at the party on the 25th!! Woo hoo!!!

[preschoolmom]

Hi! I don't think we know each other? But my friend and I will also be there on the 25th!! This trip, for me, is not planned yet... But we are walking/running the ToT 13k on the 24th and will be at the party on the 25th!! Woo hoo!!!

Well I know you! I read your whole trip report for Lauren :wave2:

13K, that is impressive. It doesn't matter how long I stick with running on a treadmill - I don't think I'll ever manage even a 5K :lmao:

[KathyRN137]

Preschoolmom & Maroo: Aww, Poops!

I can't believe we're going to just miss each other! :headache:

Kathy

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yay for MNSSHP dates! :woohoo:

Now I am crossing my fingers that the AP discount is good on the day we want to go. :rolleyes1

MNSSHP is my FAVORITE! princess:

[KathyRN137]

Yay for MNSSHP dates! :woohoo:

Now I am crossing my fingers that the AP discount is good on the day we want to go. :rolleyes1




*Check the link I posted; I think the info is there!


Kathy

[All7OfUs]

Great that the dates are up! Sounds like you are one step closer to making your plans gel out!

I hope the dates will be similar in 2010! I have decided to go for sure IF they have a date during my stay next year just after Labor Day.

Looking forward to hearing all about where you will get to call home for your upcoming trip!

[maroo]

Well I know you! I read your whole trip report for Lauren :wave2:

13K, that is impressive. It doesn't matter how long I stick with running on a treadmill - I don't think I'll ever manage even a 5K :lmao:

cool!!!! I do know you!! Hello!!! :wave2:

My friend...if I can do it, anyone can do it. Trust me. :)

I am walking the 13K...which is 8.1 miles. I might end up jogging on the downhill pieces...but mostly speed walking! :thumbsup2

I have already lost 17 pounds training for it! :)

We will have to schedule a DISmeet. Do you have a pre-trippie going? I am waiting till I finish my current TR and we get info from Disney about accomadations! :)

Preschoolmom & Maroo: Aww, Poops!

I can't believe we're going to just miss each other! :headache:

Kathy

I know!!! That was the first thing I noticed about the trip!!! :(

[eyeheartgoofy]

:banana: :banana: MNSSHP Dates have been announced! :banana: :banana:

(Well, we already knew we want to be there Halloween Night, but reading about the party is so much fun!)

Link to the party info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm


Kathy

Yay! I went to one MNSSHP on a quick trip with a college friend a couple years back and I can't wait until my kids are old enough to stay up late enough to enjoy one of these ... the parade was so cool!

[Disneymom3304]

My first sub! What a great pre-trip report! You have a great talent for writing, you pulled me right in! Thank you for sharing your journey. I cannot wait to read more! Keep up the great work. My family and I went to the MNSSHP last year and it was amazing! My DD5 still talks about it. You are going to love it!:love:

[KathyRN137]

All7OfUs: I'm trying very hard to calm it down a bit when it comes to the obsessive trip planning, although we shall see how long that lasts the closer it gets to October! ;)

Maroo: Congrats and good luck with the training! :cheer2:

OhioDisneyLover: Well, are you getting your discount?? :confused:

eyeheartgoofy: I don't even care about "rides" during the parties; the extra stuff is so awesome! :woohoo:

Disneymom3304: Welcome to the TR Boards! :welcome: Prepare to become addicted!


Kathy

[kaysmommie]

hello,
I'm subscribing, since I'm only on page 3 and have to go back and read. I love what you have so far though and have enjoyed reading about your family. We are from NJ too :) but live in Knoxville TN for now. i can't wait to find out what happened with AR. I'm hoping she didn't want to go on the trip, so that nobody had to feel :guilty: guilty.

[KathyRN137]

Connect Four?


As you all know, I'm waiting to finalize our arrival and departure dates based upon availability of one-bedroom villas at any of my top three DVC resorts. It's a bit backwards, really. Most people wait until they score a great airfare and then call to book their room! :upsidedow But, such is life in the DVC world...


Airfares have gone down a bit since last year, but I still don't think they are all that great out of Newark or LaGuardia. Last April, they were so bad that we :drive: down for the first time. I have to admit, it wasn't as horrible as I had imagined, but I still hate to waste all that precious time on the road when we could be in Disney! :lovestruc So, I really would prefer to fly.


(More on that road trip in my next report... I will catch up, someday!)


We've always paid extra $$ because we chose non-stop flights. The reasons for this were many: Billy did not travel well when he was younger and we wanted to limit the time that he had to remain seated....we have always been afraid that our luggage would get lost on a connecting flight....and, we just flat-out wanted to get to Disney ASAP! :woohoo:


But things have changed over the years. Billy is older now and does much better on the plane, thanks in part to our purchase of a portable DVD player with earphones :music: and the fact that he will now chew gum to reduce the pressure in his ears. :thumbsup2 When he was little, he would just swallow it! :rolleyes1


I've been casually checking the airfares for October (by casually, I mean every 3 to 4 days) and so far, I am not impressed. Hey, if the economy is so bad and everyone is postponing their vacations, then how come the airfares are still way up there?? :confused: They are especially high, naturally, if you want to travel during the most desirable times.


I have learned through experience that my children not do well when I throw them off their sleep patterns too much. So, what good is saving $30 a ticket by taking a 6am flight if it will throw everyone off for the rest of the day and make them cranky that night and the next morning as well?


I also like to utilize our last day by leaving in the early evening. So, even though we have checked out :sad1: we can still spend the better part of the day doing something fun. And so, I choose not to depart Orlando on an early am flight, which is of course, a bit cheaper. A bit. A teeny-tiny bit.


So, lately I've been experimenting by checking on the connecting as well as the non-stop flights, thinking this could save us some $$. (What's the harm in looking, right?)


After doing some research, I've come up with some connecting flights that do not have too long of a stopover...the longest connection would be an hour and a half on the return flight, but we could use it to have a late supper. Yes, we would arrive home at almost midnight, but who cares? We will be coming home on either a Friday or a Saturday, so there won't be any school to get up for the next day.


Bottom line is: we can save $150 per person if we take the connecting flights! $150 X 4 = $600! That's a whole lotta dinero! ::yes::


But, should I risk it? :scratchin

Will Billy get really antsy with the longer stop over? :hyper:

Will our luggage get put on another plane? :confused3

Should we play connect four? :worried:


Kathy

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Connect Four?


As you all know, I'm waiting to finalize our arrival and departure dates based upon availability of one-bedroom villas at any of my top three DVC resorts. It's a bit backwards, really. Most people wait until they score a great airfare and then call to book their room! :upsidedow But, such is life in the DVC world...


Airfares have gone down a bit since last year, but I still don't think they are all that great out of Newark or LaGuardia. Last April, they were so bad that we :drive: down for the first time. I have to admit, it wasn't as horrible as I had imagined, but I still hate to waste all that precious time on the road when we could be in Disney! :lovestruc So, I really would prefer to fly.


(More on that road trip in my next report... I will catch up, someday!)


We've always paid extra $$ because we chose non-stop flights. The reasons for this were many: Billy did not travel well when he was younger and we wanted to limit the time that he had to remain seated....we have always been afraid that our luggage would get lost on a connecting flight....and, we just flat-out wanted to get to Disney ASAP! :woohoo:


But things have changed over the years. Billy is older now and does much better on the plane, thanks in part to our purchase of a portable DVD player with earphones :music: and the fact that he will now chew gum to reduce the pressure in his ears. :thumbsup2 When he was little, he would just swallow it! :rolleyes1


I've been casually checking the airfares for October (by casually, I mean every 3 to 4 days) and so far, I am not impressed. Hey, if the economy is so bad and everyone is postponing their vacations, then how come the airfares are still way up there?? :confused: They are especially high, naturally, if you want to travel during the most desirable times.


I have learned through experience that my children not do well when I throw them off their sleep patterns too much. So, what good is saving $30 a ticket by taking a 6am flight if it will throw everyone off for the rest of the day and make them cranky that night and the next morning as well?


I also like to utilize our last day by leaving in the early evening. So, even though we have checked out :sad1: we can still spend the better part of the day doing something fun. And so, I choose not to depart Orlando on an early am flight, which is of course, a bit cheaper. A bit. A teeny-tiny bit.


So, lately I've been experimenting by checking on the connecting as well as the non-stop flights, thinking this could save us some $$. (What's the harm in looking, right?)


After doing some research, I've come up with some connecting flights that do not have too long of a stopover...the longest connection would be an hour and a half on the return flight, but we could use it to have a late supper. Yes, we would arrive home at almost midnight, but who cares? We will be coming home on either a Friday or a Saturday, so there won't be any school to get up for the next day.


Bottom line is: we can save $150 per person if we take the connecting flights! $150 X 4 = $600! That's a whole lotta dinero! ::yes::


But, should I risk it? :scratchin

Will Billy get really antsy with the longer stop over? :hyper:

Will our luggage get put on another plane? :confused3

Should we play connect four? :worried:


Kathy

We are in the same boat as we are traveling the same dates as you from Newark. I refuse to fly to LaGuardia, because of bad past experiences, even though it is a tad cheaper to fly out of there. But, as you stated the flight prices right now are horrendous out of Newark!!! Have you looked at flying out of JFK? It was around $200 cheaper than Newark (flying non-stop that is). We are still debating what to do. Connecting flights are a bit scary with the luggage thing, and heck I want to be in Disney but who knows, maybe it could be worth it to save money.

[KathyRN137]

I had not thought of JFK...but it seems so far. The car service out to Queens would be extra $$ to consider....

But, I will look into it!

Kathy

Sorry, NJ2Boarwalk, just noticed I "flipped" your user name. Now I can't correct it!

[MRYPPNS]

You could always do half and half.....direct flight down and the connecting flights back home.

I write the next thing not knowing exactly where you live so take it with a grain of salt.....are there any smaller airports within a couple hours of you? I just had friends flight out of RI instead of NH because it was so much cheaper, even with the gas, and hotel room for the night.

We're spoiled with having a smallish airport 45 minutes from our house that has direct flights to Orlando on Southwest.

[NJ2Boardwalk]

I had not thought of JFK...but it seems so far. The car service out to Queens would be extra $$ to consider....

But, I will look into it!

Kathy

Sorry, NJ2Boarwalk, just noticed I "flipped" your user name. Now I can't correct it!

That is our reason why we are hesitant on JFK. The car service is extra, but we thought around $200 dollar savings per person x 4 people is $800 and that is a lot more than the cost of the extra car ride to JFK. It is a hard choice though like you said, we are used to Newark and love Newark, but the prices are a little out of control. I guess because it is Teachers Convention, they are trying to get the most money they can figuring a lot of people will be traveling.

[KathyRN137]

Yikes!

You're right, we Jerseans are getting ripped off because of Teacher's Convention! :mad: My airfare out of JFK is half of what it would be out of Newark! :sad2:

Unbelievable!

We may have to take the kids out of school a little early if we leave Friday, but hey! That's a lot of $$ to save!!!

Thanks! :flower3:

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

.....are there any smaller airports within a couple hours of you? I just had friends flight out of RI instead of NH because it was so much cheaper, even with the gas, and hotel room for the night.



Thanks, Heidi! Only "smaller" airport is all the way down in Atlantic City... a two hour drive. We'll probably just skip over to Queens for the lower fare!!

Hope you're feeling well and not waddling too much yet!! :rotfl:


Kathy

[mousescrapper]

Just wanted to ring in on the Connect 4 game...no not the red and black checker version....:goodvibes

Your reasons for not doing it are the same as ours and then I also have an under 3 yr old to contend w/ as well. I agree the rates are nothing to be :) about it...but for us it just came down to ease

We did a TON of looking around into alternate airports to try and fly for a little less and the thought of boarding and unboarding 4 times just was something to make my insides curl...

We are flying non-stop and now (hopefully) I will be a fan of SouthWest and Chicago's smaller airport after this trip.

Good luck! :shamrock:

[DisMomAmy]

I love Southwest out of Mancheter, NH (our smaller airport) rather than flying out of Boston. Unfortunately, the prices have been awful this year. I was determined to find something good so I ended up with direct flights on JetBlue out of Portland, ME (only about an hour away) for just over $200 RT per person. I'm hoping to become a fan of JetBlue.

We are still doing direct flights this year - but they only offered one time for the direct flight. We have to fly out mid-day and fly home in the morning. I guess you can't have it all. ;)

[Hedy]

Could you fly out of Philadelphia? I think SWA flies out of there.
I'm awaiting JetBlue and Southwest to release October fares, myself.

[KathyRN137]

I agree the rates are nothing to be :) about it...but for us it just came down to ease



Scrappie, you hit the nail right on the head; why should I take on more worries??

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

We are still doing direct flights this year - but they only offered one time for the direct flight. We have to fly out mid-day and fly home in the morning. I guess you can't have it all. ;)

But, I want it all!! :music:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Could you fly out of Philadelphia? I think SWA flies out of there.
I'm awaiting JetBlue and Southwest to release October fares, myself.


Too far, sweetie! I don't want the kids to miss school on Friday! :rolleyes:

Kathy

[carissanboys]

As far as the luggage goes....

I have flown A LOT over the years including some very crazy flights and connections. We've flown to and from Australia (going all the way to Maine) and I've flown to a small town in Alaska for which I had about two or three connections and my luggage has NEVER been lost. It has always arrived when I did. Sometimes I have been truly amazed by that fact. I guess I'm just lucky.

Personally, I'd go for the connection to save money, but it definitely can add some stress especially if the flights are close and the airports are large and confusing.

[maroo]

I think the longer connections are much better for luggage. They seem to do really well with luggage in the States now. My friend that went to South Africa this week lost hers somewhere in Franfurt! :scared1: Hopefully they will find it! Otherwise she just went half-way across the world to be a missionary with literally the clothes on her back. :sad2:

I digress.

The other thing I would avoid is a stop that would take you someplace where you could have bad weather. I know you can have bad weather anywhere...but I would avoid hot spots...if that makes sense. Would be awful to get stuck in a connection airport with bad weather when you could have spent the extra money and been in Disney already.

My friend took a flight through Chicago one year to save money and ended up snowed in!

That is my 12 cents. :)

[All7OfUs]

I think it will all become clear to you- the important thing is that you have lots of ideas and options! Good research will lend good choices in the end. Don't sweat it. My experience is that layovers always whisk by, and even with an hour and a half layover we've cut it very close- sometimes even having to RUN to our gate. Flights are more often delayed at least a few minutes, so the hour or 1 1/2 hours often aren't really that.

We would probably save the $600-$800 and just make sure we'd pack the essentials in carry-ons. I think the statistics will bear out that only a small percentage of lugguge gets lost. What about trip insurance?? That could cover any lost luggage, then you could pick up what you needed there if you had to.

Anyway, I hope that it works out! But guess first things first- hoping for the wishes of your heart on your ressie!

[kaysmommie]

All caught up now. Telling your story about Billy being diagnosed :sad1: made me cry. That must be much harder on the parents than the child. Sounds like he is doing wonderful though ;) and that is just excellent. I don't know a ton about autism but my DS does have some sensory issues. I think that can be quite hard to deal with sometimes, though he has grown out of some luckily. I'm sure you are an awesome mom to say the least.

Your trip plans sound great. We love MNSSHP, so much fun. Also I know you were debating Sea World. I have to tell you that we went in 2006 and it was just amazing. My DS especially loved it and is asking to go back. We won't be able to go this trip though since we only have 6 days. I do think it's worth it though. We loved petting the dolphins. It's easy to pet them without buying the fish. Also they have a tour you can do and you get to pet a penguin. I think it is reasonably priced too like $12 pp. That is on my next time list for sure. good luck with the airfare, we are having the same dilemma. In NJ we always flew out of AC but it was only 70 minute drive for us.

[KathyRN137]

carissanboys, maroo, & All7OfUs: Thanks for sharing your opinions on connecting flights and the lost luggage concern; for a while I was seriously considering booking a connecting flight out of Newark.

Then I realized that NJ2Boardwalk was correct... there appears to be some price gauging going on in NJ b/c of Teachers' Convention. Ed and I decided that it was better to travel a little bit further to NY to fly out of JFK and get a more reasonable non-stop flight. (Too bad, Continental Airlines... you just lost out!!) :laughing:

kaysmommie: Sorry about the :sad1: I do think Sea World would be a great destination someday; as you described, there are so many great things to see and do, especially for the kids.

I'll try to work it into our itinerary sometime in the future when expense isn't such an issue.... I was pretty lucky as it was to get Ed to agree to a trip this year... we're still paying off the renovations on our house! :rolleyes1


****************************************


Nothing new to report on the planning front; it's still kind of early. ;)

I did talk to DSis, Eileen (Caity's mom) and we discussed the budget (the whole airfare debate is part of that). She and my DBIL will pay for airfare and park tickets, I want to give my niece the MNSSHP ticket as a birthday present. (I have to get her something anyway, right?)


We are having a bit of a disagreement because she wants to give me $$ for my niece's meals, but I don't want to take it. First, I just don't want to be bothered keeping track of the cost of her individual meals, and second, I want to give them a little break. It's been a difficult year for them.


Just a little background on them: DSis is four years younger than me and we are very close. She is a hospice medical social worker by profession, but has recently left a job that was very low-pay and high-stress, and is enjoying being a SAHM for a little whille. She needed a little break.


After working for many years as a bicycle mechanic, my DBIL finally realized his dream last year and purchased a bike shop of his own. Although very excited about finally being his own boss, the economy hasn't exactly been favorable to him as a small business owner and he is working constantly to make up the difference.


Needless to say, they are not planning a family trip to WDW any time soon, although they have been there twice before and really love it. :sad1:

So, I'm talking to DSis and she is feeling that they can at least afford to send Caity with us so she can have a vacation and spend time with her fav cousin, Tricia. But, she is being a pain about wanting to pay for my niece's food, too, which I think is stupid and since I am her big sister, I can tell her so!! :lmao:

Well, we've got plenty of time to iron out those little details, don't we? The good thing is, that as it stands, DNiece Caity will definitely be coming with us. :goodvibes Tricia and Billy are really happy about that!


Thanks for reading along!

Kathy

[preschoolmom]

I think it is awesome that you are bringing her! I can't wait to bring my nephews along with my kids some day!

:yay:

[MRYPPNS]

Tell Dsis a little white lie. Tell her that she can pay for DNiece's kids dinning plan at $10/day. Then just give that money to DN when you get to WDW so she can have control over buying her own snacks and drinks.

[KathyRN137]

Tell Dsis a little white lie. Tell her that she can pay for DNiece's kids dinning plan at $10/day. Then just give that money to DN when you get to WDW so she can have control over buying her own snacks and drinks.

Hmmmm. Devious, yet effective.

I like it!! :rotfl:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I think it is awesome that you are bringing her! I can't wait to bring my nephews along with my kids some day!

:yay:

I'm excited, too! I think the kids will have lots of fun, especially on Halloween!


Kathy

[kaysmommie]

I just read your entire November 2007 trip report since the kids were in school and it was raining out. It was excellent and well written :goodvibes. I see why AB is not going this time ;) and why it is so great that Tricia is going to be spending some WDW with her cousin. I love the pics of Jessica the AG doll too. I have to show Kaylee those since she thinks everyone who turns 10 doesn't play with them anymore :mad:. Your trip report was a good read to say the least, wish I had read it last year.

[mousescrapper]

Tell Dsis a little white lie. Tell her that she can pay for DNiece's kids dinning plan at $10/day. Then just give that money to DN when you get to WDW so she can have control over buying her own snacks and drinks.

I like that idea too....:thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

I love the pics of Jessica the AG doll too. I have to show Kaylee those since she thinks everyone who turns 10 doesn't play with them anymore :mad:. Your trip report was a good read to say the least, wish I had read it last year.

Thanks for the compliments! :blush:

As far as the AG dolls are concerned, Tricia still enjoys dressing them up from time to time. Her cousin Catie also has several of the dolls, so its nice that they can still enjoy them together. It's all about the clothes and the hairstyles!

I'm not sure whether or not they will want to bring any dolls to WDW in October. They may surprise me!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I like that idea too....:thumbsup2

I'm not sure yet if we will be getting the dining plan. We didn't get it last April and it worked out just fine.

It's so much food; even with the "basic" plan!! And Ed didn't like getting "locked into" TS ADRs every day....

Kathy

[mousescrapper]

I'm not sure yet if we will be getting the dining plan. We didn't get it last April and it worked out just fine.

It's so much food; even with the "basic" plan!! And Ed didn't like getting "locked into" TS ADRs every day....

Kathy

how about the QSDDP that's 2 snacks and 2 QS meals a night plus you get a refillable resort mug (do they have those in the DVC?) anywyas that's what we're doing this time and then pop for 3 TS meals...besides the groceries I ordered from Garden Grocer and some milk to purchase there...we shouldn't have to spend any other $ on food. JAT

[KathyRN137]

how about the QSDDP that's 2 snacks and 2 QS meals a night plus you get a refillable resort mug (do they have those in the DVC?) anywyas that's what we're doing this time and then pop for 3 TS meals...besides the groceries I ordered from Garden Grocer and some milk to purchase there...we shouldn't have to spend any other $ on food. JAT

That is a thought.... :scratchin

My DSis insists that skinny Catie eats like a truck driver!! :rotfl:

Kathy

[maroo]

I like the $10/day idea, too! It will help your sister feel like she is contributing to meals and will actually offset your costs without having to think/plan. :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

I second/or third the $10/day thang! Hey, what teen doesn't like to buy her own snacks and pop along the way??? I think it might be something DSis could live with too, and what Mom doesn't want to know they are taking care of their kids the best they can??

I just finished costing out our food for the next trip, and it's about $20 under the DDP price INCLUDING taxes, tips, and a few adult bevs.!!! And that is a TS meal everyday, about half being buffets! But, I am curious as to what you will decide. Great planning so far!

[KathyRN137]

Deciding on Dining


Dining Plan or No Dining Plan; that is the question! :confused3


Our family has done WDW both with and without a dining plan. Now we’re trying to decide if we want to use one in October. I know the plans are popular, and apparently Disney knows it too! There are now three different dining plans from which we can choose. But, will any of them meet our current needs?


Before Aunt Rae joined us on our last two November trips, we ate exclusively counter service meals, with the exception of two or three character meals per trip. Obviously, these buffets/sit-downs were planned because of the character interaction and not because of the food.


Case in point: will anyone really want to eat at Liberty Tree Tavern without all the characters now? It’s a lot of money to spend on Stouffer’s…

Anyway, we thought that the dining plan would work out because:

1. AR was used to “hot lunches” and sit-down dinners. (There are only so many hamburgers a 77 yr old woman can eat.)

2. Since our food was paid for in advance, there would be no hassling over who paid the check all week. AR paid for her own dining plan and we paid for ours.

3. We thought it would be a good way to save some money.


We liked the “traditional plan”, which included one TS meal, one CS meal, and one snack per person per night. We ate at some restaurants that we probably would never thought to have made reservations for: Boma, Coral Reef, `Ohana, to name a few. TS meals are great, but they are time-consuming and take that much time away from the parks. Another factor to consider is that the plan no longer includes gratuities for the TS meals. It’s hard to do one of those for five people for under $100, so that’s at least $20-$25 dollars a day extra.

So, what if we decide to avoid table service meals altogether?

As mousescrapper mentioned, this year there is a Quick-Service Dining Plan that includes two CS meals, two snacks, and one refillable mug per person, per night. This plan would preclude the character meals, however, and since we’re in the DVC villas, the refillable mugs are no longer necessary. In fact, unless we schedule a character breakfast, we eat breakfast in the villa as well. Unless I decide to stop stocking our kitchen with groceries and less-expensive cases of water bottles, we will wind up with an awful lot of snack credits left over.


Either that, or we will wind up drastically overeating! Truth be told, I felt like we overate while on the traditional plan, too. We normally don’t eat desserts at lunch and then again at dinner…several times we saved our lunch dessert for a mid-afternoon snack and didn’t use the snack credit until the end of the week. Then we blew the remaining snack credits on candy and junk just to use them up!


One other important factor to consider is the current need for ADRs for TS meals. Ed didn’t like the fact that we had table reservations every day of our trip; he felt that it made our days more “scheduled”, which he tends to rebel against while on vacation. He longs for the old days when ADRs were a nicety and not a necessity. When I informed him that Disney Dining’s policy had changed; that we could no longer make ADRs at 180 days out, we needed to “wait” until 90 days ahead of our trip, he just laughed at me. He always thought that trying to decide where you wanted to eat dinner six months ahead of time was pretty stupid. :rolleyes:


Well, perhaps it was, but at least I didn’t have to spend 30-45 minutes on hold when I called to make them, the way some folks are reporting waiting now!


***************************************


Okay, so this year we don’t have to worry about Aunt Rae and her hot meals. (We also don’t have to worry about taking two hours to eat them…..Yay!) Since it’s going to be Ed, me, and the three kids, we’ll most likely eat quickly and on the run most days. We’ll probably want to do at least two character meals….an early breakfast at Crystal Palace and either a late breakfast or early lunch at Play & Dine (Billy’s favorite.) So we only need two table service meals apiece for the week.


We’ll have the DVC accommodations, which give us a full kitchen to store less expensive snacks and water. And, other than one morning with Pooh Bear pooh: , breakfast will be in the room every day. Do we really need to worry about TS, CS, Snacks, Credits, and a week’s worth of ADRs?


All things considered, it looks as though we may just do like we did last April and forgo purchasing any of the dining plans. It just seemed so much simpler.

What do you think?

Kathy

[OhioDisneyLover]

Last year was the first year that we had the dining plan. I probably would not have done it, but it was free so we thought what the heck. The one thing that I did find was that it was a LOT of food. We had the basic even but add in those snacks and you feel "obligated" to get them. My family has had the plan over the last couple of years and said that they wouldn't do it any other way. :confused3

Without the dining plan we still did make some ADR's, especially for our character meals. The down side was that we had to really budtet ourselves so that we had enough to cover whatever it was that we decided to do.

It's a hard choice and I guess I'm not much help here. :confused3 I'm interested though in what you decide to do. :)

[DisMomAmy]

Sounds like a good plan to me! We are doing the standard dining plan (1TS, 1CS & 1 snack) and I'm a bit worried about all those sit down meals. However, since this on-site stay is experimental and may not happen again, we decided to go for it and check out some new restaurants. At one point after making ADRs I considered the QSDP (briefly) but had gotten attached to my ADRs. I'm really looking forward to the new restaurants! :lovestruc


But if you've been there/done that and you don't need all the snacks, you are probably better off to pay OOP as you go. :thumbsup2

I wish you could split up your package and do a combo of QSDP and the standard plan. I'd love to have 3 or 4 TS meals spread through the week with 2 QS meals on the other 3 or 4 days. Wouldn't that be nice? :idea:

[maroo]

Without AR, seems like you don't need the Dining Plan.

Too much food for you guys....you are eating some in the room and can guy cheap snacks since you are going DVC...

Just plan the few characters meals and do the rest on the fly...

:)

Do you guys ever share counter service meals to save more money?



On a related note...do you think...if they offer "free" dining that it will be this new Quick Service Dining Plan instead of the regular? Just thought about that...

[preschoolmom]

We're not doing the dining plan for our next trip. When I looked at all the restaurants we didn't try on our first trip, and took our favorites into account - there simply weren't 5 restaurants I really wanted to eat at...

We decided we'd rather not be obligated to those ADRs for most of our park days. We're going to do two ADRs on our 5.5 day trip ;)

Oh, and the quick service didn't work for us - because we would have had way too many CS credits left if we ate two TS meals.

I actually found the regular DP to be too much food, and too much time out of the parks.

I hope we don't miss the snack credits :lmao: but I'm fairly certain I won't miss the, "We have 20 minutes until our ADR at LTT, not enough time to ride something, so what do we do?" Instead of just riding until we're hungry - then grabbing something. Not to mention my horribly picky eaters... We can share a lot of CS meals based on how little my kiddos eat!

:scared1:

[mom2mek]

Not a whole lot of advice from me as I have never done the dining plan (we did use the TIW card, formerly the DDE card, for our October trip and that was a big savings since it includes 20% off alcohol in addition to food) HOWEVER, I wanted to add that I did just hear that they are bringing back the characters to Liberty Tree. It hasn't been officially announced, but here is the link: (about 1/2 down the page)

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2009/03/12/disney-food.aspx

Good luck with your decision. The QS plan sounds reasonable, with a few cool TS options paid OOP.

Sara

[irish dancer]

We've done both with and without DDP and are going non-DDP this June for a couple of reasons. It is A LOT of food, the gratuity is no longer included so you have to add that into the cost and now that our oldest DD is an "adult" according to Disney it just isn't cost effective. We're much more of a CS type family anyway. We've got 2 ADRs for restaurants we've never done (Plaza and Biergarten) and one dinner for DH and I at Boma while the kids go to Simba's Clubhouse. We're actually going to try and use our DVC kitchen a couple of times for easy meals like spaghetti, chicken nuggets & mac-n cheese, etc. Plus we always eat breakfast in the villa and bring water with us to the parks.

[mrsksomeday]

Well Bill is like AR when it comes to TS dinners, he wants a sit down, relax, get away from the crowds dinner. I would like to just do the quick service and go, go, go, but I get vetoed :sad2: .

[carissanboys]

This is our first time doing the Dining Plan. The main reason I went with it is because I sat down and added up how much the TS meals I was planning would cost. Once I figured that out it seemed like a good idea to just go with the DP since it would be about the same money as those few TS meals.

I am concerned about too much food. We RARELY get dessert at restaurants. We're always too full. I've told Chuck that just because we CAN get dessert, doesn't mean we HAVE to. It will be interesting to see how it works for us,

[Charleston Princess]

Reading through your musings on the Dining Plan, it sounds like you could easily do without it -- especially since you have a kitchen in the villa and only want to do a couple of character breakfasts. We always do the dining plan because it is just easier for me to budget that way, and we do like sitting down and eating a TS meal everyday. However, if you just plan on eating quickly, etc., I would forego the dining plan and enjoy the freedom of eating when and where you want.

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I really enjoyed your previous report so I am signing up for this one! Only 15 more days until you can make your reservations!:goodvibes

A question for you: Do you have a link to the first report you did? The link in your signature goes to some obscure thread about an undescribed pin.

[jess98ac]

We did the dining plan when it was just DH and me in 07, and LOVED it. We loved being able to have a nice dinner every night, and it was one of the things that helped me convince him to go. However, neither of us are big dessert people and most nights only got it because it was paid for. We do love appetizers though, so it was nice to have those included. Now, without apps or tips, it's not really worth it to us. We're staying in a 2 bdrm villa at OKW when go in December, so we've already decided not to bother with the dining plan. We plan to have breakfast in the room, and possibly even a couple lunches and/or dinners. DD will only be 19 mos when we go, so we'll be in the room a lot, and my parents and sister will be with us, so there will be other people to help with the cooking!

[wdwmom0f3]

Hi! We also love doing the dining plan. I am struggling with picking our a couple for our trip, but i think I've got it. For now anyway. :lmao:

Your plans sound great to me. :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

Thanks for weighing in on the dining plan question! I guess the plans work for some families and not for others because half of you seem to be doing the plan and the other half are "winging" it! Thanks for all your advice and input....

OhioDisneyLover: It's true; you do feel obligated to eat those desserts and snacks once they're paid for! Not helpful if you are trying to be good! popcorn::

DisMomAmy: A split package would be perfect! The best of both worlds! :thumbsup2

maroo: We haven't split any CS meals lately, although sometimes I wish the kids could still order from the kids' menu... Disney considers them both as adults! :lmao:

preschoolmom: I think that's what Ed likes about having fewer ADRs... the flexibility! I've learned that I can't overschedule him or he'll rebel! ;)

mom2mek: Good! :cool1: I thought taking those characters away from LTT was a dumb idea! Their Goofy was the best! Thanks for posting the link!

irishdancer: Yes, DVC does make a difference. Sometimes I feel guilty that I'm not using the kitchen enough and should try to cook more of our meals. Then I snap out of it!! :laughing:

mrsksomeday: Bill does love him some good eatin'!! :rotfl:

carissaanboys: It is a lot of food, but your boys are still able to get kids meals, so you should be okay. Now that mine have to order from the adult menu; it can get to be too much (and too expensive.) We can usually get away with ordering CS kids meals when they are not on the DP; no one really checks...:rolleyes1

Charleston Princess: I'm not so much thinking budget (I know, Bad Mommy!), I'm thinking more of quality of life, so to speak. The DP kind of cramps our style! :rolleyes:

Dreamer & Wisher: Welcome Aboard! :goodvibes Thanks for helping me fix my link!

wdwmomof3: The DP certainly has it's Pro's; it worked for us in the past, I'm just not so sure we want it now! :)

jess98ac: ooohh! 2BR at OKW! :cloud9: Great memories for us; you're going to love it!!


Thanks again, everyone, for listening to my musings...

Kathy

[All7OfUs]

Sounds like you've really thought through all the angles of DDP vs. OOP! Good for you! Seems like you're kind of leaning towards no plan and eating as you'd like! It certainly seems like more freedom that way. With the DVC, it seems like it's easy to bring snacks and even do a bigger breakfast before heading out, that'll be nice!

I hadn't thought of the scenario that Maroo pointed out---- free dining only being the QSDP in the future. What a brilliant, but bummer-for-us, marketing scheme.

[mousescrapper]

I know I already gave you my 2 -cents...but you are right w/ the villa kitchen and the space for food/meals...you guys may be best to pay oop for food.

As in your airport situation cost or convienence?:confused3

If you "know" OOP is right over a DDP. then go w/ that. But if you want to compare you can always price it out over your stay of how much you'd spend OOP vs the DDP :teacher:

[All7OfUs]

HI Kathy,

Off to Dubai tomorrow! A new adventure for us- Hooray!

Wanted to wish you a happy couple of weeks, and will check back in when we get back. Hope all that planning brings good things sprinkled with pixie dust!

[eyeheartgoofy]

We did the dining plan once (back when apetizers and tips were included) and it just didn't work out that well for us. We wound up with too many desserts, a scramble to try and use the final TS credit on the morning of our departure (we decided to skip a TS dinner one night and just get pizza and let the kids swim) and 4 snack credits that we just never used.

Last trip, I had a TS scheduled for most nights, but we did end up cancelling two of them b/c we just didn't feel like leaving VWL ... we opted for Roaring Forks one night and pizza another night.

Next month, I have 5 TS meals scheduled. CRT and Chef Mickey's are "must do's", but the other 3 can be cancelled if we change our plans. I prefer the flexibility of this method.

[KathyRN137]

An Added Ticker (Sort-of!)


Well, I guess I had nothing better to do when I got home from work today, so I went ahead and made a countdown ticker to mark time until I can call for our DVC reservation! :rolleyes1 I just really wish I knew where we will be staying!


All7ofUs: Seems like everything is getting downsized lately, even free dining! :rolleyes: BTW, please pardon my ignorance, but where exactly is Dubai? I thought it was in the Middle East...is that a popular vacation spot now, or am I missing something??

eyeheartgoofy: Yes, I think that on paper the DP seems cost-effective, but in practicality it isn't... especially now that no appies or tips are included! :sad2: Oh well!

mousescrapper: I may just go with the convenience factor! :thumbsup2 You won't believe this, but I barely make out a written budget for our WDW trips... I just sort of guestimate what things will cost and hope for the best! (Will someone please help Julie up from the floor, I think I just heard a thud...)


Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

An Added Ticker (Sort-of!)


Well, I guess I had nothing better to do when I got home from work today, so I went ahead and made a countdown ticker to mark time until I can call for our DVC reservation! :rolleyes1 I just really wish I knew where we will be staying!

Only 11 days!!!!!:cool1:


mousescrapper: I may just go with the convenience factor! :thumbsup2 You won't believe this, but I barely make out a written budget for our WDW trips... I just sort of guestimate what things will cost and hope for the best! (Will someone please help Julie up from the floor, I think I just heard a thud...)


:rotfl:

[Hedy]

Good luck awaiting DVC ressie day!

[maroo]

[I][SIZE="3"]
All7ofUs: Seems like everything is getting downsized lately, even free dining! :rolleyes: BTW, please pardon my ignorance, but where exactly is Dubai? I thought it was in the Middle East...is that a popular vacation spot now, or am I missing something??

Kathy

I am going to answer for her, because she is already gone! :)

Dubai is in the Middle East...All7ofUs live in Kazakhastan. I think it takes a while to get to Dubai, even for them...but they do live in the Middle East, so it isn't as far of a trek as it would be for us, I guess! :)

[maroo]

Totally COOL!!!!

Just 11 days.

Gosh, I can't wait to see how that comes out! :) Adds to the excitement! :)

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I love the new ticker!

[KathyRN137]

Great News!

:rolleyes: Okay... so its news to me, anyway!

I just read on AllEars that there will be a MNSSHP on November 1st! (How did I miss this?)

Last time I checked, the Oct. 31st party was the last one scheduled!

I'm somewhat relieved... it means that I have a bit more wiggle room if my exact dates don't work out for our DVC ressie of choice!! :woohoo: We can check in on either Friday 10/30 or on Sat 10/31 and still not have to push it by staying up late for the party on our travel day!!

Kathy

[mom2mek]

Oh, that's great news Kathy! I hope that makes the planning that much easier! :thumbsup2

Sara

[DisMomAmy]

Great news!! :cool1:

You guys will have so much fun at MNSSHP!!

[mousescrapper]

[SIZE="3"]
mousescrapper: I may just go with the convenience factor! :thumbsup2 You won't believe this, but I barely make out a written budget for our WDW trips... I just sort of guestimate what things will cost and hope for the best! (Will someone please help Julie up from the floor, I think I just heard a [I]thud...)


:rotfl: very funny....and I thought I was being bad making up a budget only a few weeks out :rolleyes1


:yay: about only 11 days till you can make your DVC ressie...now I have something fun to look forward to when I get back, can't wait to find out. and how fun about MNSSHP...looking forward to some cute costumes or shirts....hope it works out!

[maroo]

It makes me a little nervous that they don't have this date on the wdwinfo.com site, though? I have not looked on allears.net, but every other site that has dates (not sure who their source is?) had it only scheduled through the 31st? It would be a total bummer to schedule it and then have the dates be wrong on allears.net? Do you think Disney could tell you? They have no dates on their site...which makes me a little nervous, too. I know they changed a date last year at the last minute (weeks before) because it messed up my planning for Lauren's trip.

[KathyRN137]

It makes me a little nervous that they don't have this date on the wdwinfo.com site, though? I have not looked on allears.net, but every other site that has dates (not sure who their source is?) had it only scheduled through the 31st? It would be a total bummer to schedule it and then have the dates be wrong on allears.net? Do you think Disney could tell you? They have no dates on their site...which makes me a little nervous, too. I know they changed a date last year at the last minute (weeks before) because it messed up my planning for Lauren's trip.


Hmmm. :scratchin Now you've got me wondering... could this be why I "missed it" ??? I will do some double-checking, Mary, I have a few more days before I finalize our travel plans..... Thanks!

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Okay... you're right... AllEars is the only website that is posting a party scheduled for Sunday, 11/1. :confused:

I sent in a question to the Anita Answer column on AllEars, asking for clarificaton. The column usually appears on Monday so hopefully I will get an answer by then.

Until then, however, I must agree that it would be sensible to stick to the original plan based on the original information.

Please stay tuned!! :surfweb:

Kathy

[carissanboys]

I hope allears is correct!

[mousescrapper]

:confused3 bummer hate when that happens....

[maroo]

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

That is so scary. You know that others are planning based on those dates, too. Yikes. Glad you are asking...if they are incorrect, they can fix it. :scared1:

Would calling Disney help? Probably not...since they are not on sale yet. I can't believe they don't go on sale till May.

Doesn't Disney know that we plan for these things months and months in advance? :sad2:

[KathyRN137]

I was a bit miffed that there was a puzzling discrepancy regarding the MNSSHP dates posted on different sites... specifically if there was in fact going to be a party on Sunday, Nov 1st. So, I called (407)WDW-PLAY and the reservationist confirmed that there is indeed a party scheduled for Nov 1st this year and that tickets go on sale May 1st!!

This turns out to be very important to my trip planning because I will now slightly alter our travel and reservation plans.

Instead of flying down after the kids finish school and arriving very late on Fri 10/30 (so we could do the party on 10/31), it would be better to arrive on Sat 10/31 around midday and attend the last party on Sun 11/1. There are a number of reasons why this would be preferable:

* That Fri night is a lot of DVC points to spend just for a place to rest our heads. (I absolutely refuse to change resorts for one night.) Once we settle in, we are settled in for the duration!

* It will be less stress on DSis to simply drive up to my house Fri night and drop Catie off so she can spend the night and we can all travel the next day. I would hate for them to get caught in Fri rush hour traffic coming up the Parkway and risk missing our flight. I know my DSis; she would wind up pulling Catie out of school early and I don't want that.

(My kids are only missing 2 1/2 days of school that week because of Teachers Convention... Caity goes to parochial school and will be missing the entire week already.)

*The Sun night party is most certainly going to be less crowded than the Saturday night party on Halloween! Lots of locals will want to trick or treat at the Magic Kingdom that night, but their kids have school Monday, so Sunday will not be as crazy!


I can only think of two "Cons" to this plan:

* Tricia and Catie will be disappointed that they will not be going to the party on Halloween Night. (Billy won't know the difference!)

* Now I have to wait a whole entire day more to make our DVC ressie!!


Looks like I've got to do some ticker changing..... :rolleyes:


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

I am so happy you got a confirmation, now that helps with the planning. I hate not knowing the dates of things.

[maroo]

That is fabulous news! It will definitely be less crowded...hopefully the girls will understand the benefit of that! :)

Maybe you could do something special for Halloween besides that, too...so they can party twice! :)

Great news...

Maybe we should email/PM this site to let them know that there is a party on Nov 1? Or we could let it be our little secret? :rotfl: Then it will be REALLY not crowded! :rotfl2:

[DisMomAmy]

I'm glad they are having a party on Nov. 1st. I think your pros definitely outweigh your cons! :thumbsup2

MRYPPNS went trick-or-treating at DTD during her last trip - maybe you could make it up to the girls by doing that... unless they are too old. :confused3

[KathyRN137]

Maybe we should email/PM this site to let them know that there is a party on Nov 1? Or we could let it be our little secret? :rotfl: Then it will be REALLY not crowded! :rotfl2:



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/MUTTLY.gif Heh heh heh!!


Kathy

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Good news on the halloween party. It sounds like the Nov. 1 date is the way to go. Too bad that makes you have to wait a day. But at least this way you can prolong the magic so to speak. . .

I really want to go the the MNSSHP. Our next trip is going to be in October, but whether it is October 2009 or October 2010 isn't certain yet.

[KathyRN137]

I really want to go the the MNSSHP. Our next trip is going to be in October, but whether it is October 2009 or October 2010 isn't certain yet.


Methinks I smell a possible DIS-Meet!! ;)

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

MRYPPNS went trick-or-treating at DTD during her last trip - maybe you could make it up to the girls by doing that... unless they are too old. :confused3

They may enjoy that a lot... especially if they can do some SHOPPING in between the trick-or-treating!! They are two little shop-a-holics in the making! :rotfl:

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I am so happy you got a confirmation, now that helps with the planning. I hate not knowing the dates of things.

I know! One little detail and it changes my entire itinerary! :rolleyes:

(I see your new ticker...POR...You stayed there before, yes? Or was that POFQ?) Either way, I'm glad you've booked! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

Having a party on November 1st definitely helps your planning! :thumbsup2 I don't like having to wait another day to find out where you will be staying though ;).

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Methinks I smell a possible DIS-Meet!! ;)

Kathy

I think that would be a great idea.

[KathyRN137]

Having a party on November 1st definitely helps your planning! :thumbsup2 I don't like having to wait another day to find out where you will be staying though ;).

You! What about ME!!! :rotfl: This is definitely one of those "two-sides-to-the-coin situations. (But as far as the long-term, it's a plus!)

So yes, now we're looking at making that ressie on 3/31...


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

I know! One little detail and it changes my entire itinerary! :rolleyes:

(I see your new ticker...POR...You stayed there before, yes? Or was that POFQ?) Either way, I'm glad you've booked! :thumbsup2


Kathy

We stayed at POFQ on my first trip in Feb. 2006, then at POR in Nov. 2006 just missing you at Alfredo's. I found that out by reading your TR from that year :lmao:.

[KathyRN137]

That's right! We both remembered the seeing eye dog that was in the restaurant that night! :dog:

Kathy

[wdwmom0f3]

Hi Kathy!! I am glad that things are working out for you!!:thumbsup2 I am kind of at a stand still until we can make our ADR's on July 13th. It's killing me to wait until 90 days out. :headache: :rotfl2:

I'm just waiting.... and waiting.... popcorn::

:lmao:

[jcc0621]

Maybe if I just sneak inhttp://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee96/lulasmileys/actions/not-tagged-smiley-10161.gifand hidehttp://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h97/Sophie--Oohie--/hide.gifKathy won't notice that I just got here

[KathyRN137]

wdwmomof3: Ick! Planning Limbo! You have my sympathies... :flower3:


jcc0621: I see you, Janet! http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/catmac1028/119896Watching-av.jpg


Kathy

[carissanboys]

Glad to hear they are indeed having the party on Nov. 1st. :thumbsup2 I've always thought it would be a fun party to attend. We've done the Pirate and Princess Party and loved the atmosphere (and how there were no lines :cool1: ).

[KathyRN137]

Well, I am sooo relieved!

Not only did I hear it from the Mouse's mouth, so to speak (!), but now all the other websites are posting the last MNSSHP date as Sunday, November 1st.

This works out so much better for us! :hmghost:

And so, in honor of this....

....and just because I am trying not so patiently to pass the time until I can make our DVC ressie...

I am posting some "stock" pictures of MNSSHP and one of the things I am looking forward to the most....



Mickey's Boo to You Parade!!


****************************************

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0612.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0611.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0649.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0652.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0689.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0662.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0661-1.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0664.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0687.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0651.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0669.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0670.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0646.jpg




That was fun!

Fun, but crazy!!

(What on earth am I doing dreaming of Halloween in March????) :crazy:



Kathy

[Hedy]

Well, I am sooo relieved!

Not only did I hear it from the Mouse's mouth, so to speak (!), but now all the other websites are posting the last MNSSHP date as Sunday, November 1st.

This works out so much better for us! :hmghost:

And so, in honor of this....

....and just because I am trying not so patiently to pass the time until I can make our DVC ressie...

I am posting some "stock" pictures of MNSSHP and one of the things I am looking forward to the most....



Mickey's Boo to You Parade!!


****************************************

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0612.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0611.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0649.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0652.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0689.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0662.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0661-1.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0664.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0687.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0651.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0669.jpg





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0670.jpg




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/mnss0646.jpg




That was fun!

Fun, but crazy!!

(What on earth am I doing dreaming of Halloween in March????) :crazy:



Kathy
Please, I was Halloween costume shopping in February. :rotfl::rotfl:
This is why we DIS, we know each other here.

[KathyRN137]

Please, I was Halloween costume shopping in February. :rotfl::rotfl:
This is why we DIS, we know each other here.


Awww, Hedy! What a bummer! I see by your ticker that we will be just missing each other! :sad1:

Kathy

[mom2mek]

Oh, that is my absolute favorite parade Kathy! So much fun! And now I have the Grin Grinning Ghosts...Come Out to Socialize.....stuck in my head! :rotfl: You are going to have a great time!! :cool1:

Sara

[maroo]

I sing Boo To You all year long!

I just hope I get to a Halloween party at all this year. :rolleyes:

[MRYPPNS]

They may enjoy that a lot... especially if they can do some SHOPPING in between the trick-or-treating!! They are two little shop-a-holics in the making! :rotfl:

Kathy

It's really too busy Halloween night at DTD to do any real shopping.

[irish dancer]

You are going to LOVE going in Oct. We went last Oct for the first time and the MNSSHP was a HUGE hit. DD7 was just listening to the CD the other day and dancing around the kitchen and DS8 was angsting that he told Goofy he'd see him next year. I told DS that I'm sure Goofy would understand, we are not going again this year as DD12 can't miss school in 7th grade.

[KathyRN137]

I told DS that I'm sure Goofy would understand, we are not going again this year as DD12 can't miss school in 7th grade.


I feel for him! :hug:

This is why I'm so glad that Jersey Week comes early this year.... Tricia will be in 8th grade and cannot afford to miss half a week! Luckily, she is a very good student and will be able to make up the work.

Fortunately, too, there are so many students taking off that most teachers don't give big assignments or tests that week, bless their hearts! :teacher:

The past two Jersey Weeks always fell right between the end of the MNSSHPs and the start of the MVMCPs! We are very lucky this year!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

It's really too busy Halloween night at DTD to do any real shopping.

That's a good point.

Well, when you're 13 its usually more about the costumes than the candy, anyway. Perhaps we won't need to trick-or-treat on the 31st so long as they know they have the party the next night! :thumbsup2

(Hope you are feeling well, Heidi ... Hang in there, it won't be too much longer now!!)

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I sing Boo To You all year long!

I just hope I get to a Halloween party at all this year. :rolleyes:


I hope so too!

We will definitely purchase the party soundtrack while we are there. We listen to the Spectro and Wishes CDs all the time! :music:

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

... And now I have the Grin Grinning Ghosts...Come Out to Socialize.....stuck in my head! :rotfl:

Sara

Sorry Sara!

:laughing::lmao::lmao::laughing:


(Hey, where's the PTR for your romantic Poly trip?? :lovestruc:lovestruc I know you've made some plans!!)

Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

After looking at all those wonderful MNSSHP photos, I really want to go back this year...:rolleyes1

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Thank you for posting the Halloween Parade pictures.

Now I want to go SOOOOO BADLY!!!!pirate:::yes:::stitch2:
The kids started wondering what they should be for halloween, and if they give out candy. They couldn't believe it that you can Trick or Treat in the Magic Kingdom.

I suppose that is just about every kid's dream isn't it??? Tons of candy and then lots of rides!

[maroo]

And it is TONS of candy!!!!!! Especially if you stay pretty late in the evening and hit some of those 4 in one lines...

I was looking for something in Lauren's closet and found ANOTHER bag of candy in there! Candy, candy, candy!!! :rotfl:

[KathyRN137]

oooh! oooh! oooh!

Some good shots of the Headless Horseman!! Those are hard to find!

Here's a link to the parade photos here on the DIS: http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/MNSSHP-parade/index.htm

Enjoy!

:banana: (I am so excited!) :banana:


Kathy

ed. I don't feel so silly about being excited for Halloween. DVD Boy, aka Billy, just put in a Christmas DVD and now we're listening to Jingle Bells!! LOL!

[KathyRN137]

After looking at all those wonderful MNSSHP photos, I really want to go back this year...:rolleyes1

And give up your June trip??? ;)


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Thank you for posting the Halloween Parade pictures.

Now I want to go SOOOOO BADLY!!!!pirate:::yes:::stitch2:
The kids started wondering what they should be for halloween, and if they give out candy. They couldn't believe it that you can Trick or Treat in the Magic Kingdom.

I suppose that is just about every kid's dream isn't it??? Tons of candy and then lots of rides!


Uh-Oh. Am I in trouble??? :rolleyes1

I think we're going to do rides first and candy later!!!

*Maroo says they give out more!! Oh boy! :eek:

And its the last party, too. They'll want to get rid of it all! Boy oh boy!! :sick:


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

I want to be at WDW NOW!!! I love MNSSHP, it is fantastic, the fireworks are amazing, and the parade is wonderful. I am now hearing "boo to you" in my head :lmao:.

[mrsksomeday]

oooh! oooh! oooh!

Some good shots of the Headless Horseman!! Those are hard to find!

Here's a link to the parade photos here on the DIS: http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/MNSSHP-parade/index.htm

Enjoy!

:banana: (I am so excited!) :banana:


Kathy

ed. I don't feel so silly about being excited for Halloween. DVD Boy, aka Billy, just put in a Christmas DVD and now we're listening to Jingle Bells!! LOL!

You know you are going to have to explain the Arnold Horshack reference :rotfl:. If they didn't know Mutley was I would think some would not have a clue about Arnold either :sad2: :sad2:.

[Charleston Princess]

And give up your June trip??? ;)


Kathy

No, in addition to the June trip...:rolleyes1

A girl can dream, right? ;)

[KathyRN137]

You know you are going to have to explain the Arnold Horshack reference :rotfl:. If they didn't know Mutley was I would think some would not have a clue about Arnold either :sad2: :sad2:.


Sigh. I am O-L-D.

Arnold Horshack was one of the Sweathogs (think: Alternative HS students) on the popular 70s tv show, Welcome Back Kotter. He was famous for his enthusiastic, Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! when trying to get the teacher (Kotter) to call on him...or to get the other Sweathogs to listen to him.


http://horshack.ytmnd.com/


Man, I've got to get fresher allusions... :sad2: This is most embarrassing.


Kathy

[mousescrapper]

Hi Kathy....

I love your flashing ticker and picture of your crocs! You crack me up :lmao:

Scrappie

[melk]

Sigh. I am O-L-D.

Arnold Horshack was one of the Sweathogs (think: Alternative HS students) on the popular 70s tv show, Welcome Back Kotter. He was famous for his enthusiastic, Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! when trying to get the teacher (Kotter) to call on him...or to get the other Sweathogs to listen to him.


http://horshack.ytmnd.com/



Man, I've got to get fresher allusions... :sad2: This is most embarrassing.


Kathy

You are not old (that would mean I'm old too). I remember having 'Welcome Back Kotter' trading cards with the characters picture and sayings such as "Up your nose with a rubber hose!" True classics :rolleyes:

If only I still had those trading cards. Maybe I could sell them for a small fortune and fund another trip to Disney!!:laughing:

[Hedy]

Awww, Hedy! What a bummer! I see by your ticker that we will be just missing each other! :sad1:

Kathy

I know, I'm disappointed.

[DisMomAmy]

I didn't know Mutley, but I remember Arnold Horsshack! My father loved Welcome Back Kotter!

(Alex likes his Christmas DVD's year round too...)

[carissanboys]

Sigh. I am O-L-D.

Kathy

So - if I know who Horshack is - does that mean I'm old too??? :headache:

I was already feeling old with my birthday coming up! :rotfl:

[MRYPPNS]

My favorite character from Welcome Back Kotter was Juan Epstein.

Does anyone remember White Shadows?

[kaysmommie]

:woohoo: On the MNSSHP on November 1st! We went the last two years and loved it! The Boo To You parade is not to be missed ;). Might be less crowded than Halloween night anyway.

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy....

I love your flashing ticker and picture of your crocs! You crack me up :lmao:

Scrappie

Thanks! That's what happens when you are bored and need some planning to keep you busy.... you start playing with your signature!

I may have to by new lime green Crocs, though. This pair is getting a bit worn and some of my jibbitz are losing their ears, etc. :eek:

That just won't do!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

You are not old (that would mean I'm old too).


What? Where? ~ Vinnie Barbarino


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

My favorite character from Welcome Back Kotter was Juan Epstein.

Does anyone remember White Shadows?

I don't remember White Shadows....
...but wasn't there a show called The White Shadow (with a basketball theme??)


Here, Heidi, just for you:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2777519872/tt0072582


Kathy

[jcc0621]

Dear Kathy,

Please excuse Janet for being lapse in reading your PTR. It's been crazy at work.

Signed,
Epstein's Mother

:rotfl2:

[KathyRN137]

:woohoo: On the MNSSHP on November 1st! We went the last two years and loved it! The Boo To You parade is not to be missed ;). Might be less crowded than Halloween night anyway.



That's what I'm hoping!! Did you dress in costume, or just the kids??

Mine want us parental units to dress up too!! :rolleyes:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Dear Kathy,

Please excuse Janet for being lapse in reading your PTR. It's been crazy at work.

Signed,
Epstein's Mother

:rotfl2:

:lmao: Oh that was a real LOL!! ( I woke up the dog!)


Kathy

[jcc0621]

:lmao: Oh that was a real LOL!! ( I woke up the dog!)


Kathy

:thumbsup2

[MRYPPNS]

I don't remember White Shadows....
...but wasn't there a show called The White Shadow (with a basketball theme??)


Here, Heidi, just for you:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2777519872/tt0072582


Kathy

Yes the basketball show...

Dear Kathy,

Please excuse Janet for being lapse in reading your PTR. It's been crazy at work.

Signed,
Epstein's Mother

:rotfl2:

That was funny! :lmao:

:lmao: Oh that was a real LOL!! ( I woke up the dog!)


Kathy

You're not the only one.....I'm just glad I wasn't drinking diet coke at the time!

[jcc0621]

That was funny! :lmao:


Thank you :goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

Halloween Pictures: 2008


Hedy has laughingly said she was thinking about her Halloween costume last month... we've also been giving our costumes some thought!

I know...... :crazy: Crazy, right???


Anyway, Billy has been insisting that he wants to be a pirate. pirate:

That's great news for me, because he was a pirate last year and I still have the costume!!


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Halloween/DSCN2032.jpg




See all the boxes piled up behind him?

That's because we were moving back into our house on October 31st!! Yup, on Halloween.

The contractor was working furiously to finish... we had to be out of the house we rented by the end of the month b/c new renters were coming in Nov. 1st!! :eek:

As is usual with those guys, they were working way past the estimated completion date. (He originally told me that we would be moved back in by the time the kids started school in September! HA!)

So, here we were, making trip after trip between houses and unloading box after box, all while trying to get the kids set up for trick-or-treating!

Fortunately, Tricia went off with two friends and their moms (I had to miss it :sad1:) She dressed as a Purple Witch. Her friends were also witches, Green and Orange.


Here she is trying to look very scary....

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Halloween/DSCN2034.jpg


I like this better!


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Halloween/DSCN2035.jpg


(Sorry about the red-eye...I tried to fix it, but then her eyeshadow comes out black, too, and it looks awful!!)


Here they are visiting Aunt Rae for trick-or-treat before Tricia headed out with her friends:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Halloween/DSCN2036.jpg


Billy wore his costume to school and I was so pleased that he actually would wear the hat!!

Normally, he is so difficult to plan a costume for..... he does not like hats, masks, or accessories of any kind. They had face-painting at school, so he came home with great pirate make-up on....

...that lasted all of about 10 minutes! It's smeared here in the pictures b/c he didn't like it and was trying to wipe it off!! :rotfl:

It's a real Halloween challenge!



Tricia and her cousin, Catie want to co-ordinate their costumes. They are still discussing them, but one thing's for sure.... They will not be going as princesses.... too "baby-ish!" :rolleyes:

I told Tricia that I didn't think a princess costume was baby-ish, that perhaps I would go as a princess!!

Billy cut in and said in a loud voice,

No!! Mommy is a QUEEN!!!

Even my own son thinks I am getting old!! :lmao:



Kathy

[maroo]

Yes!!! EVERYONE MUST DRESS UP!!! :)

That is half the fun!

But...I would make this one suggestion...dress up comfortably...not too flashy or scratchy or hot or cold...

My costume last year was perfect for me...Cat in the Hat...because the hat was not too hot, the makeup was simple and the rest of the outfit was just a long sleeve black shirt (used a champion tech shirt so I would be more comfy) and plain black pants and black crocs! So I had comfy clothes and comfy shoes!

Lauren wore her tink outfit, but we had to take her back to the room to put a shirt on under the oufit because she was allergic to it.

Lauren's parents went as salt and pepper...cute, but a little corny, I guess. :) I thought they were cute. We made those costumes...very last minute.

William decided to go in his Taekwondo outfit...FREE and comfy!

I guess I am just saying...don't forget about walking around Disney all night...doing the rides, etc...and I would bring a change of clothes...just in case. :)

I am loving your pre-trippie! As soon as the Free Dining info comes out...I will hopefully be joining you in pre-trip land!! :)

[Charleston Princess]

Queens are so much better -- they have the real power ;)!

Billy and Tricia looked great in their costumes -- I can't wait to see what you think up for MNSSHP!