Making my mom's dream come true! Nov 28-Dec 3 PTR

[PamelaKay]

Cast of characters

Me -Pam a 41 year old Disney Obsessed divorced/no kids female
My dad - Ralph a 71 year old retired commercial door hardware sales rep
My mom - a 67 year retired school teacher and caterer

This is how it all started.

I love Disney and have been many times. My best vacation memory growing up is my parents scraping together enough money to take me and my 2 sisters many years ago to Disney and Epcot for Thanksgiving for 3 days. They saved forever for that trip so we could have Thanksgiving dinner at the Coral Reef.

In December of 2009, I took my first solo trip to WDW to see the Christmas decorations and holiday festivities. My mother oohed and aahed over all my pictures wished out loud how she would love to see that, but that she and my dad could not afford it. My dad is also a little scared to take her himself because over 20 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She has done amazingly well and it wasn't until the last 5 years or so that the disease has started taking over. She can only walk with a walker and has limited use of her right arm after a painful shoulder surgery this past summer.

This February, I was lucky enough to get a bonus in my job and initially I wanted to put Granite counter tops in my kitchen. I have since had a change of heart and decided that memories with my mom are worth so much more than Granite counter tops. I immediately began researching disabilities at Disney on this wonderful board. I called my dad and the trip planning began!

I hope you all enjoy my obsessive planning to come and chime in with any suggestions you might have for this trip!

[PamelaKay]

Where to stay and Dates of trip - Sunday, November 28 through Friday, December 3

By the way, this is my first ever trip report or pre-trip report. Any feedback is welcome.

Ok, the date choice was easy, but then came the hard part... where to stay.

I pondered moderate vs. deluxe for a very long time. What it really came down to was reading everyone's posts about ease of transportation. With my mom's disability, I think that will be the key to a successful trip. That being said, I decided we would stay at the Poly.

We wil be renting an ECV for my mother and the ability to hop on the monorail to the MK or go to TTC and catch monorail to epcot was too good to pass up.

So now I have the dates and the resort! :yay:

[PamelaKay]

Ok, I did mention I was Disney obsessed, but I failed to mention I am a little anal retentive too!

Now that I knew the dates and the resort there was only one next logical step and that was

Create an excel spreadsheet to plan ADR's!
:thumbsup2

I currently had planned the Poly with deluxe dining so we would have 15 table service credits and endless dining choices. The only way I know organize that is in a spreadsheet.

I started my sheet with the days of weeks across the top and B, L and D down the side.

I wonder how many other obsessed Disney goers spreadsheet their ADR's?

So I got my first draft together and sent it to my dad. (Did I mention I have the best Dad in the whole world! He is in on the surprise even though this will be a birthday/Christmas gift for both of them. The joy is going to be seeing my mother on her birthday in September when I tell her!)

So my dad read the proposal and was immediately concerned about my mother becoming tired or worn out. She like anyone else can be scary grumpy when she gets too tired:scared1:

So back to the drawing board or in this case the excel spreadsheet I go!

My mom is a very wonderful, loving, and stubborn woman. I truly believe that the reason she has beaten the MS for over 20 years is her determination not to let it slow her down. That being said, it is hard to get her to slow down. You cannot just say... Mom, let's head back to the hotel and rest a bit for this evening's activities. She would incorrectly assume that she is slowing us down and would push to keep going. Dad and I struggled with how to have a great morning in the parks, but to have some "down" time built into our afternoons. I definitely plan on sit table service meals at lunch so they both can rest a bit. I needed a strategy to get everyone back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Again, reading posts on the DIS board gave me a great idea!

Book a club level room. After reading that the clubs offer complimentary wine, beer and snacks in the afternoon was the perfect solution. I mentioned before that my mom was a retired school teacher and caterer. She taught Home Economics. She cannot resist the opportunity to try new food or to see what food is there. So I have now booked us in a club level room at the Poly.

[PamelaKay]

Before I get into the planning details, I do want to take a minute to pay a compliement to Disney. I spent almost 1 hour on the phone with Disney booking an accessible room, club level at the Poly. I failed to get the cast members name who helped me (shame on me), but she was unbelievably awesome. She was as excited for me as I am about being able to take my mom on this trip. She worked through all my questions about accessible rooms, made notes on the reservation to help keep this a surprise and was never rushed me at all. This kind of service is what keeps me coming back every year!

Ok, on to the planning!

Trip summary
Nov 28-Dec 3 Club level Poly with deluxe dining

Ok, I know what you are probably thinking. Is she crazy? Deluxe dining and club level. Do they really need all that food? Remember, the club food and snacks guarantee we will have "rest" time in the afternoon. Also, I hope to have several signature dining experiences.

Arrivals

I want to have a day in the park on Sunday, Nov 28 so I have convinced my dad to drive most of the way Saturday (from Atlanta) and spend the night in Ocala and then drive on into Disney on Sunday morning. He believes I am doing the same thing only driving to Jacksonville, FL from Charlotte. What I didn't fess up to is that I am actually driving down to Disney on Saturday, November 27th and spending the night at the POFQ. I plan to arrive early afternoon so I can go enjoy some shopping at DTD. I am not planning to take my folks to DTD because 1. My dad hates to shop and 2. I think shopping in an ECV will be a challenge for my mom.

Right now, I think we will be renting an ECV from Walker. I have read pretty good things about them, but appreciate any feedback.


So arrivals to the Poly

7:00 a.m. Sunday, Nov 28. I am going to head over early and leave my luggage with the concierge and pick up our park tickets (6 days with hopper)

I am planning to have Tonga Toast at Captain hooks and then head over to see rope drop at the MK. I hope to ride Space Mountain and Big Thunder Rail Road before mom and dad arrive at the Poly.

10:30 a.m. - If mom and dad get out of Ocala, FL around 8, they should be at the poly around 10:30. I will meet them there. We will pick up the ECV for mom, leave their luggage with the concierge and then head to the MK. This is where the ADR and spreadsheet fun begins!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

1:00 Head to Magic Kingdom
2:00 Late lunch at Crystal Palace
3:30 - Enjoy MK and all its wonderful Christmas decorations
6:00 - Back to hotel to get room, clean up and then head to GF to see Gingerbread
8:00 Dinner at Narcoosees, this will allow mom to see and "hear" fireworks while relaxing and having a wonderful dinner.

So this is what I have planned for the first day. I don't know about all you other Dinsey fans, but I absolutely love to have my first park experience of each trip be the MK. There is nothing quite as beautiful as seeing that Castle!:cheer2:

[PamelaKay]

Ok, so as I am planning this trip, I keep talking to my sister about it. She actually said "The trip isn't until December, can we please not talk about it now" BOOOOO :sad2: So I decided to write it all here with the hopes that you all can be excited with me.

Since we have club level ressies at Poly, I have decided to take advantage of the breakfast offereings in the King Kamehameha club. I figure I can get up, shower, dress and head to the club and hang out while waiting on mom and dad. The are a little slow getting around in the moring.

Monday, November 29, 2010
Breakfast at club
Head to TTC and monorail to Epcot to enjoy Future World
12:00 Lunch at Coral Reef
Enjoy part of World Showcase
6:00 Le Cellier Candlelight Processional dinner (keep your fingers crossed I get this)
8:00 Candlelight processional

On our first day there, we will not be heading back to the hotel in the afternoon. If mom is too tired after lunch, we can take the monorail back and then head back for candlelight activities.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Breakfast at club
Bus to Animal Kingdom - Must do's there include Safari, Nemo Show, Lion King Show, Birds of Prey show and bugs life movie.
11:30 Lunch at Yak and Yeti
3:00 head back to hotel to sample club snacks and wine
7:30 Dinner at Artist Point

Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Breakfast at the club
Bus to DHS - Must do's Toy Story Mania, Little Mermaid, Disney Animation, Beauty and the Beast
12:30 lunch at 50's Prime Time
Back to the resort in the afternoon ( I may send mom and dad and then head over to take in rock n roller coaster and ToT
7:30 Dinner at California Grill

Thursday, December 2, 2010
Snack at the club
10:00 Breakfast at Boma
No set plans for late morning this will "flex" time
2:00 Lunch at Chef's de France
Enjoy World Showcase
4:00 Take boat to DHS and get in line for Fantasmic.
6:30 Fantasmic and then walk to see Osborne lights
Head back to resort to enjoy deserts and cordials at club

Friday, December 3, 2010
Breakfast at club
Check out
Head to Epcot to catch anything we missed
12:00 Lunch at either Tepan Edo or Tutto ItaliaI think Mom and Dad my leave after lunch and I might head back to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom

[Nettaboo]

I just wanted to come in and say what a wonderful daughter you are!! I think that it is beyond sweet that you are doing this for your mom!!
My sister said the SAME thing to me so that is why(and because i am EXCITED) I decided to start a pre trip report! I look forward to reading about your plans! I think the delux dinning while it is alot of food is a good way to get your mom to rest!

[PamelaKay]

So here is a list of the ADR's I am planning

Crystal Palace Lunch -1
Narcoosees Dinner -2
Coral Reef Lunch -1
Le Cellier Dinner Candlelight -2
Yak and Yeti Lunch -1
Artist Point Dinner -2
50's Prime time Lunch (or is Mama Melroses better) -1
California Grill Dinner -2
Boma Breakfast -1
Chef's De France Lunch -1
Tepan Edo or Tutto Italia Lunch -1

For a total of 15 Table service credits

[PamelaKay]

Hmm. After reading posts on other boards I am beginning to wonder if I need to create a backup plan if one of my preferred ADR's is not available. The Poly IPO will be making my ADR's.

[carlnix30]

I think it's wonderful that you decided to take your parents to Disney World! Even without kids you realize the sacrifice your parents went through to make your childhood magical!
I too obsess about planning our trip to the world! Drives my wife and kids nuts.:rotfl2: Poly CL is a great way to plan rests in the evening, I always go back in the afternoon to rest and avoid the evening rain shower
I just nap for a couple hours and head back to a park showered and refreshed!

I don't think you will have a problem with your ADR's just make sure you let the IPO know before the 180 day mark! They made our reservations magically before the 180 mark! No problems with any ADR! We learned over the last few trips that if you make too many commitments to too many restaraunts we were running to get to our next res (not enjoying the parks as much) so plan light on ADR's and try to pull the sword out of the stone! :laughing:

[danagirl]

Your plans sound great!!! You guys are going to have so much fun!! I find that even though ADRs can be a little bit of a pain to always make they are well worth the rest time.

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

What a wonderful daughter you are, PamelaKay! And what a wonderful trip you're planning. I'm sorry your sister isn't a little more excited for you all, but please know that all of us here are! Keep us posted as you go along with your plans.
Can't answer any of your questions due to lack of personal experience, with the exception of 50's Prime Time - we absolutely loved it - and I bet your parents will too, considering the 50's theme.
Sending lots of Pixie Dust your way in the hopes you get every ADR you requested and that your trip is truly Magical!
Gretchen

[PamelaKay]

What a wonderful daughter you are, PamelaKay! And what a wonderful trip you're planning. I'm sorry your sister isn't a little more excited for you all, but please know that all of us here are! Keep us posted as you go along with your plans.
Can't answer any of your questions due to lack of personal experience, with the exception of 50's Prime Time - we absolutely loved it - and I bet your parents will too, considering the 50's theme.
Sending lots of Pixie Dust your way in the hopes you get every ADR you requested and that your trip is truly Magical!
Gretchen

Thank you so much for the kind words. I will gladly take any and all pixie dust sent my way! We had a bad scare with my mom this past weekend. She tried to take a few steps without her walker or cane and fell. She cracked her head on the door and ended up in the ER having to get stitches. I told my dad it wa his job to make sure she stayed healthy for this trip.:goodvibes

[Nettaboo]

OH NO!! I am soo sorry to hear about your mom!! That had to be way scarey!!Is she doing better now?

[PamelaKay]

OH NO!! I am soo sorry to hear about your mom!! That had to be way scarey!!Is she doing better now?

Thanks for asking. She is doing better. She has a gash on her head and 8 stitches. She promised me not to try walking without her cane or walker again. It almost makes me want to spill the beans about the trip so she will have something to look forward too and will try extra hard to stay healthy.

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

It's definitely easy, PamelaKay!
I hope your mom remembers her promise not to try to walk without her walker - and that she mends quickly & uneventfully.
A little more Pixie Dust for you & your parents:pixiedust:

[reyasmommy]

Wow, what a wonderful daughter you are! You're going to have an amazing time.

I was noticing your signature and it says that you're also leaving for WDW in a week and 5 days? Looks like we'll be there at the same time.

I look forward to reading more. :)

[PamelaKay]

Wow, what a wonderful daughter you are! You're going to have an amazing time.

I was noticing your signature and it says that you're also leaving for WDW in a week and 5 days? Looks like we'll be there at the same time.

I look forward to reading more. :)

I am taking a quick solo trip in March staying at the AKL. I am excited. Where are you staying.

[Nettaboo]

Hey Pam how cool..I didn't even notice that you were going in March!! Are you all ready for that trip?

[PamelaKay]

Hey Pam how cool..I didn't even notice that you were going in March!! Are you all ready for that trip?

It was a last minute decision to take a short solo trip. Got a a great deal on airfare $178 round trip nonstop on USAIR so I decided to use my 40% off code and treat myself. Staying at AKL and have dining reservations at Citricos, Tepan Edo, Flying Fish, Yak & Yeti, Jiko's and 50's prime time. I don't plan on doing a pre-trip report, but hope to do a detailed trip report/dining review when I get back.

[mster425]

What you are doing for your parents is awesome!!

From the looks of your ADR's we have the same taste in food. Please write dining reviews when you get back from your AKL trip :goodvibes

[Nettaboo]

THREE more days!!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1::banana::woohoo::cheer2:

[PamelaKay]

What you are doing for your parents is awesome!!

From the looks of your ADR's we have the same taste in food. Please write dining reviews when you get back from your AKL trip :goodvibes

Thank you. I will. I am also taking a quick solo trip in 3 days. I will be dining at Citricos, Tepan Edo, Flying Fish, Yak & Yeti's, Jiko's and 50's prime time. I will hopefully have reviews when I get back from that trip.

THREE more days!!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1::banana::woohoo::cheer2:

Thanks for remembering. I can hardly stand the wait. It seems like Sunday will never get here. I have walked 2 miles with my neighbor 5 of the last 7 days. Trying to make sure I am ready!

[PamelaKay]

Exciting news. I just got back from a quick selfish, solo trip to Disney's AKL Club level. I had a wonderful 4 days. While staying there, I received a bounce back offer for another visit in 2010. I immediately called reservations and asked if that offer could be applied to my December Poly trip (Garden View Club Level). The agent said she had good news and bad. The bad was that the offer was not good for garden view club level, but the good news was they could UPGRADE me to THEME PARK VIEW Club leveland I would still get a significant refund.

I am so excited to have a ressie for Poly TPV Club level. :yay::cheer2::yay:

[Nettaboo]

I don't know how I missed this..congrats!!!!!!

[PamelaKay]

Well I have officially submitted dining reservation requests for my mom's surprise trip.

Here is what I planned

Sunday, November 28

Mom and dad arrive around noon (I will be there at 8:00 a.m)
Head to Magic Kingdom
1:45 Lunch at Crystal Palace
8:00 Dinner at Narcoosees

Monday, November 29
Epcot all day
12:00 Lunch Coral Reef
6:00 Candlelight Processional Dinner at Le Cellier

Tuesday, November 30
Morning at DHS afternoon open for relaxing
12:30 Lunch Mama Melroses
7:30 Dinner at Artist point

Wed, Dec 1
Animal Kingdom all day
Wildlife excursion at 10
Counter Service Lunch
7:45 Dinner at Citricos

Thursday, December 2
Day is open see Epcot resorts decorations and take in anything we missed
5:00 Go to DHS to see Osborne Lights
7:30 Dinner Flying Fish

Friday, Decmeber 3
9:00 Breakfast at Boma

[moparop]

Hi I am joining in! We are going to be there some of the same time and the gift you are giving to your parents sounds amazing. What a thoughtful daughter you are!

Your list of ADRs looks wonderful! I hope you can get everything you asked for. We are staying at CR, so maybe we'll see you on the monorail!

[Nettaboo]

Hey you!! How was your trip with your BF??

[PamelaKay]

Hi I am joining in! We are going to be there some of the same time and the gift you are giving to your parents sounds amazing. What a thoughtful daughter you are!

Your list of ADRs looks wonderful! I hope you can get everything you asked for. We are staying at CR, so maybe we'll see you on the monorail!

Thanks! I really want to stay at CR. That will be my next trip. :)

Hey you!! How was your trip with your BF??

It was awesome. Melissa was very surprised and cried when we got there. It was very hot and we had to take advantage of the pool in the afternoons.

[2kids2luv]

Hi, I'm joining in. What a wonderful thing to do for your mom. Your ADR look soooo good. We'll be at WDW the same time but staying at AKL.

[PamelaKay]

Hi, I'm joining in. What a wonderful thing to do for your mom. Your ADR look soooo good. We'll be at WDW the same time but staying at AKL.

I stayed at the AKL in March and absolutely loved it. I am a morning person and loved getting up and sitting with a cup of coffee on the balcony and watching the giraffes and zebras. I would love to take my mom there, but the only transportation option is buses and since she will be in a scooter, I thought it might be easier to stay at the Poly to be close to the monorail.

Have you stayed at the AKL before?

[2kids2luv]

I stayed at the AKL in March and absolutely loved it. I am a morning person and loved getting up and sitting with a cup of coffee on the balcony and watching the giraffes and zebras. I would love to take my mom there, but the only transportation option is buses and since she will be in a scooter, I thought it might be easier to stay at the Poly to be close to the monorail.

Have you stayed at the AKL before?

This will be our first stay at AKL. It was a toss up between AKL or WL. We had reserved POFQ but received a pin with FD so upgraded. :cheer2: DS(9) and DD(6) are super excited.

[OhioDisneyLover]

Joining! I think it is fabulous, what you are doing for your parents. :thumbsup2

Congrats on your upgrade. :banana:

I can't wait to hear more about your plans. I love what I have read so far. popcorn::popcorn::

[PamelaKay]

So I have had a few more days to think about my ADR's that I submitted to the Poly IPO and now I am not sure about Wednesday.

Wed, Dec 1
Animal Kingdom all day
Wildlife excursion at 10
Counter Service Lunch
7:45 Dinner at Citricos

Since we are staying in a club level room at the Poly, I planned to take advantage of the breakfast there and then use 2 dining credits and do signature dining each night. That being said. I think it would be awesome if we could do a character dinner with Mickey Mouse so I could get a great pic of us with Mickey and use that for a Christmas card.

I was not originally planning on dining at Citricos with mom and dad, but I was just there May 14th with my best friend and the food was awesome and we had the best service. Wade was our server and he totally made the evening special. I mentioned I was coming back in Dec with Mom and he said I should dine there and ask for him.

I am so torn about what to do. If I cancel the Citricos, we could have breakfast at Kona that morning (mmmm Tonga Toast) and then we could do dinner at Chef Mickey's. Another option would be dinner at Ohana and then do a Tusker House breakfast on Friday morning.

I really want a picture of mom and dad with Mickey and don't want to wait in a character greeting line to get it. I think I am going to call the IPO today to make a change.

[PamelaKay]

Well, I didn't even make it a week before changing my mind on a few ADR's. I am really good with my Sunday-Tuesday plans, but had to change Wed-Friday.

Here is what I had previously planned

Wed, Dec 1
Animal Kingdom all day
Wildlife excursion at 10
Counter Service Lunch
7:45 Dinner at Citricos

Thursday, December 2
Day is open see Epcot resorts decorations and take in anything we missed
5:00 Go to DHS to see Osborne Lights
7:30 Dinner Flying Fish

Friday, Decmeber 3
9:00 Breakfast at Boma

This is what I have changed it to
Wed, Dec 1
Animal Kingdom all day
Wildlife excursion at 10
Counter Service Lunch
7:00 Dinner at Ohana . I have never had dinner at Ohana and since we are staying at the Poly and might really need a relaxing evening I have decided to try this for dinner.

Thursday, December 2
1:30 - Lunch at Biergarten- My dad loves German food. I have not eaten at this restaurant and I love to try new things.

Day is open see Epcot resorts decorations and take in anything we missed
5:00 Go to DHS to see Osborne Lights
7:30 Dinner Flying Fish

Friday, Decmeber 3
8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's - I really want a photo of mom and dad with Mickey. Before her disease got bad, my mom taught home economics and owned her own catering business so this photo will certainly be a treasure for me.

I really wanted to try breakfast at Boma, but can't seem to work it in on this trip. After this trip, I will have taken my parents to Disney and taken my younger sister to Disney (we stayed at Wilderness Lodge). I have an older sister that is slightly envious and mentioned that she would like me to take her once. I think I will need to plan a trip for her next year and Boma will definitely be on the agenda.

[moparop]

I love ending the trip with a character meal. It's the last little bit of magic to take away with you. And like you said, so fun for the christmas card!

We are pondering both Ohana and Biergarten too. I still do not have park days or ADRs planned out AT ALL. I need to get crackin. We are so close to ADR day!

[PamelaKay]

I love ending the trip with a character meal. It's the last little bit of magic to take away with you. And like you said, so fun for the christmas card!

We are pondering both Ohana and Biergarten too. I still do not have park days or ADRs planned out AT ALL. I need to get crackin. We are so close to ADR day!

I decided to do Ohana and Biergarten instead of Citrico's. I have a goal to try all the table service restaurants at least once and to stay in all the deluxe resorts at least once.

[OhioDisneyLover]

We're trying Ohana this trip too for the first time for dinner. I've been to Biergarten multiple times for dinner. I think you will like it. It tends to get loud in there, but it's a fun loud/ :upsidedow

Chef Mickey's is a fun place too. We were there last year. I think that the characters spend more time at each table at Chef Mickey's than they do at some other resorts.

[mrsksomeday]

I read your report tonight so I am going to comment as I read through it.

I am loving how sweet you are to take your parents to WDW, how wonderful :goodvibes!!

It's great that you are getting an ECV for your Mom, it will really help her with getting around WDW. Aww a surprise, a WDW is an amazing surprise! YAY club level at the Poly :banana:.

Great first day plans, we loved seeing the fireworks from Narcoosee's.

Sorry your sister doesn't "get Disney". Just stick with us we will stay excited with you :yay:.

For your AK day sometimes it can be hard to get all 3 shows in, I would make sure to keep up with the times thru Steve Soares site, he keeps the show times updated.

I am so sorry your Mom took a fall, I hope she is better. Fantastic about the upgrade to the room!!

We change ADR's around a lot, that is just part of Disney trip planning :rotfl:. I am Disney trip planning obsessed, I don't think I could handle someone else making our ADR's, I would be a wreck :eek:.

Great pre trip report, I look forward to reading more.

[scdak]

PamelaKay - sounds like a great trip ....must be why I am doing a very similar trip to surprise my mother :) Almost the same dates, I fly out of Charlotte on 11/29, split stay at POFQ/Poly, still deciding my final ADR requests but I have until 6/2/10 to make up my mind and let the TA know, ADR day is 6/3 for me! I am choosing alot of character meals ..... kill two birds with one stone you know, eat and greet! Have a great time!

[mrsksomeday]

PamelaKay - sounds like a great trip ....must be why I am doing a very similar trip to surprise my mother :) Almost the same dates, I fly out of Charlotte on 11/29, split stay at POFQ/Poly, still deciding my final ADR requests but I have until 6/2/10 to make up my mind and let the TA know, ADR day is 6/3 for me! I am choosing alot of character meals ..... kill two birds with one stone you know, eat and greet! Have a great time!

Congrats to you for doing that for your Mom.

[PamelaKay]

I read your report tonight so I am going to comment as I read through it.

I am loving how sweet you are to take your parents to WDW, how wonderful :goodvibes!!

It's great that you are getting an ECV for your Mom, it will really help her with getting around WDW. Aww a surprise, a WDW is an amazing surprise! YAY club level at the Poly :banana:.

Great first day plans, we loved seeing the fireworks from Narcoosee's.

Sorry your sister doesn't "get Disney". Just stick with us we will stay excited with you :yay:.
Thanks! I love having folks to share Disney excitement with!

For your AK day sometimes it can be hard to get all 3 shows in, I would make sure to keep up with the times thru Steve Soares site, he keeps the show times updated.

I have his site book marked!
I am so sorry your Mom took a fall, I hope she is better. Fantastic about the upgrade to the room!!

We change ADR's around a lot, that is just part of Disney trip planning :rotfl:. I am Disney trip planning obsessed, I don't think I could handle someone else making our ADR's, I would be a wreck :eek:.
I have another change already, but haven't sent it to the IPO yet. I decided to extend our package one more night so if we miss something, we now have a couple of days to go back and catch those attractions. I also have more dining ressies to make now.


Great pre trip report, I look forward to reading more.

Thanks!

[PamelaKay]

PamelaKay - sounds like a great trip ....must be why I am doing a very similar trip to surprise my mother :) Almost the same dates, I fly out of Charlotte on 11/29, split stay at POFQ/Poly, still deciding my final ADR requests but I have until 6/2/10 to make up my mind and let the TA know, ADR day is 6/3 for me! I am choosing alot of character meals ..... kill two birds with one stone you know, eat and greet! Have a great time!

I really like character meals too, but with my mom's disability and her stubborness, buffets can be very challenging because she wants to do it herself, but walking with her walker around a busy buffet is challenging.

I am not sure my ADR's will ever be final. I keep having thoughts that make me want to change them here and there :laughing:

[PamelaKay]

Congrats to you for doing that for your Mom.

Thank you. I cannot decide when to tell her. My folks anniversary is in August, Mom's birthday is September, Dad's is October and then we go in November and Deceber.

Mom is going to physical therapy 2 times a week now. I thought if I told her in August, that would give her a little time to work on her mobility prior to going.

[scdak]

Pamelakay - I can understand about planning when to tell her, I am going through the same thing, its killing me. We took her 3 years ago and didn't even tell her until we were on the road to florida, we gave her a mini scrapbook about the trip, what park we would do each day etc, and tissue to wipe up the tears. I am sure you will know when and how to tell, just like I will, right now she thinks we are going christmas shopping and to see some christmas shows, not a lie really :)
I can understand about buffets, we use a w/c for mom to keep her from having to walk too much but she is able to walk without a walker around the hotels, and for meals. You ADR day comes a day or two before mine next week, can't wait to the hear the final plans, I have a general idea but I still keep thinking about other places.

[PamelaKay]

So I have 2 great reasons to be excited this week.:banana: I spoke to the IPO at the Poly and made our ADR's on Monday and then while shopping for airfare for a summer trip to Northern California, I found a non-stop roundtrip flight to Orlando from Charlotte on sale for $184.

I am flying into Orlando on Nov 27 and staying one night at the POFQ. Mom and dad are driving down and will arrive on Sunday morning at the Poly. I decided to have a solo night before they get there to enjoy a little shopping at DTD.

Here are the ressies that have been made

Sunday, Nov 28
1:45 Crystal Palace
7:45 Narcoossee's (I am hoping we can watch the fireworks from dinner)

Monday, Nov 29
12:00 Coral Reef
Candelight Processional Dinner (requested Le Cellier with Tepan Edo as alt)

Tuesday, Nov 30
12:30 Mama Melroses
7:00 Artist Point

Wednesday, Dec 1
7:05 pm Ohana

Thursday, Dec 2
1:30 Biergarten
7:30 Flying Fish

Friday, Dec 3
7:40 Chef Mickey's
12:55 Le Cellier (we will cancel this if we get it for processional)
7:00 Tepan Edo (canceling if we get for processional)

Sat, Dec 4 - Mom and Dad have breakfast in club and hit the road. Being a good disneyaholic, I don't fly out until 5 that night. I am having breakfast at Boma and then hitting the parks for a few rides mom won't be able to do.

I was also able to book the Wildlife Excursion for us on Wednesday and the Behind the seeds tour on Thursday.

I have eaten at many Disney restaruants and eventually, I want to try them all. New for me on this trip will be O'hana for dinner, Biergarten, Artist Point and Boma. I am so excited.

The only thing left to do is figure out when, where and how I want to tell my mom about the surprise.

[PamelaKay]

I am so very excited. Thanks to fellow DISer Nettaboo I have finally figured out the best way to share the surprise trip with my mom! I am making my very first scrapbook. The first page will be a SURPRISE we are going to Disney page and then after that I am working on personalized invtations to each of our ADR's and our tours. I plan to include as much as possible and to leave a a few places for mom and dad just to insert photos after the trip.

My sister has made scrapbooks before so she is coming to visit me for 2 days to help me get it together. I will try and post photos after we get a few pages done.

I could not have done this without help. I was so very inspired by the pictures posted in Nettaboo's PTR. I hope you all will go check it out. I am putting the link below.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2398006

[Nettaboo]

I am so very excited. Thanks to fellow DISer Nettaboo I have finally figured out the best way to share the surprise trip with my mom! I am making my very first scrapbook. The first page will be a SURPRISE we are going to Disney page and then after that I am working on personalized invtations to each of our ADR's and our tours. I plan to include as much as possible and to leave a a few places for mom and dad just to insert photos after the trip.

My sister has made scrapbooks before so she is coming to visit me for 2 days to help me get it together. I will try and post photos after we get a few pages done.

I could not have done this without help. I was so very inspired by the pictures posted in Nettaboo's PTR. I hope you all will go check it out. I am putting the link below.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2398006

ohhh no!! you are not going to blame me for your new found obbsession!!LOL But seriously I am excited to see what you create, it sounds so nice! Your parents are going to love it!!

[Nettaboo]

Just dropping by to check on you.. Post some of the things you made for your trip. I would love to see them!

[scdak]

So PamelaKay, how is the scrapbook coming for your parents trip? Were you lucky enough to get all the ADR's you wanted?
I am working on a picture book for my surprise trip to give to my mother that will give her all her info about the who, what, when, wheres etc.I have gotten some great designs from the Dis creative folk!
ADR's - well, all but LeCellier but it wasn't really high on my list. Just waiting for the candelight processional package at this point and my planning will be done, now I just have to keep from changing anything, not going to change resorts, and don't plan on changing anymore ADR's although I will admit, I have changed a few :thumbsup2 I hope you are having as much fun planning your trip as I am planning mine.

[Chelley00]

What a great daughter you are!

We are taking my mom for her first trip in October. I'm excited to read your plans and your mom's reaction!

[PamelaKay]

Just dropping by to check on you.. Post some of the things you made for your trip. I would love to see them!

Thanks! The scrapbook was absolutely beautiful. I sent it to my folks and told them not to open until we were on the phone together. I took pictures of each page and then walked through it with them. I think it is the first time my mother was ever speechless. I am going to try and post a few pics soon.

[PamelaKay]

So PamelaKay, how is the scrapbook coming for your parents trip? Were you lucky enough to get all the ADR's you wanted?
I am working on a picture book for my surprise trip to give to my mother that will give her all her info about the who, what, when, wheres etc.I have gotten some great designs from the Dis creative folk!
ADR's - well, all but LeCellier but it wasn't really high on my list. Just waiting for the candelight processional package at this point and my planning will be done, now I just have to keep from changing anything, not going to change resorts, and don't plan on changing anymore ADR's although I will admit, I have changed a few :thumbsup2 I hope you are having as much fun planning your trip as I am planning mine.

Thanks for the note. The scrapbook was beautiful. I actually had 2 days where I made 2 pages because I am not sure which dinner we will get for candelight. I requested Le Cellier as primary and Tepan Edo as alternate and that is on a Monday night. That same week on Friday we have lunch ressies at both places and I plan on canceling the one we get for dinner on Monday. I hope to post pictures soon of some of the scrapbook pages.

When do you plan on telling your mom?

[PamelaKay]

So I truly became a disigns addict. My sister came to visit me from GA and we did a scrapbook marathon for 4 days and created a beautiful book for my mom that would tell her about the trip. I used many of the disigns and personalized them for my folks. I am very thankful for the talented designers that shared their files.

I mailed the book to my parents and had them call me when it arrived. I basiclly created pages for each day of our trip with personalized invitations to the resort, all our ADR's and Tours. I also included park maps, and slots for pictures. All the folks have to do after the trip is insert their favorite photos and the book is complete.

When they open the book, this was the first page

http://www.4shared.com/photo/0qn2ythX/Image3.html

Then there were 2 pages all about the Polynesian and a description of staying club level. I picked up a resort map when I was there in May and had a yellow arrow pointing to the building.

http://www.4shared.com/photo/t7XGz8rb/Image5.html

I am not going to link to every page, but here were a few of my favorites.

1. Dinner at Narcoosees and Gingerbread at Grand Floridian

http://www.4shared.com/photo/9yc3EGNc/Image9.html
http://www.4shared.com/photo/YlD0i3gT/Image10.html

2. Epcot and lunch at Coral Reef
http://www.4shared.com/photo/ZMLAmzao/Image12.html

3. Day 3 Title page - We are going to HS
http://www.4shared.com/photo/6RmF7IXP/Image16.html

4. Animal Kingdom
http://www.4shared.com/photo/irWfXpB3/Image21.html

5. Dinner at Park Fare
http://www.4shared.com/photo/UeZDBmXb/Image31.html

and finally the last page of the book

http://www.4shared.com/photo/oQkFtIXF/Image33.html


I will try and load all the scrapbook pages and organize them in order. Will post that link when I get it done.

A big thank you again to Nettie for leading me to the disigns boards

[Nettaboo]

LOVVVVVVVVEEEEEE IT!!! You did an awesome job!!! that last page was so cute!!
I am going to be looking to you when we get back and I need to scrap my trip!!
That is so sweet that your mom was speechless...AWWWW!!

[PamelaKay]

I have updated the following link to have pictures of each scrapbook page.

http://www.4shared.com/dir/fBa-40Jn/sharing.html

This was the first scrapbook I ever created and am so happy with the way it tured out.

I wasn't planning on doing one for me, but I like this one so much, I may have to invest in one for myself.

[moparop]

The scrapbook looks amazing! I love how you combined DISigns and scrapbooking elements! What did your mom and dad say when they opened it?

[PamelaKay]

The scrapbook looks amazing! I love how you combined DISigns and scrapbooking elements! What did your mom and dad say when they opened it?

Thank you. My mom was almost speechless. I think it was too much to take in at first. As we walked through the pages, she finally started asking questions. She called me this evening to tell me she shared it with her bridge club and everyone thought it was awesome. That really made me feel good.

[scdak]

PamelaKay, the scrapbook came out great, I am so glad your mother is excited. I am planning a similar type of thing, a small 4x6 photo album with designs from the Dis creative whizs listing each days events and a larger one with invitations to the meals, HDDR, sleigh ride, candlelight processional.........if it ever gets released etc. Once we are home and have the 100's of pics printed then my best friend and I will do a scrapbook for her using the pics, things we collect on the trip and the original pages from the surprise books.
She actually thinks we are going to Myrtle Beach to shop and see Christmas shows so she knows the dates. I hope to keep from telling her until Nov. 1st, and then the only thing I will tell her is that we are going to Disney. We have been so many times and stayed in the same place each time, she will just assume that is where we are going!
On Nov. 29th we will pick up my friend at the Charlotte airport and plan on staying in Charlotte for the night, just to start the vacation! That night I will reveal the true plans and give her the scrapbooks, that way the tears are over with before we leave the next morning! The wait is killing me but it will all be worth it when she finds out the great Disney vacation that I have planned. I know that you and your parents will have just as great a time!

[OhioDisneyLover]

I love your scrapbook. What a great way to present the surprise! :thumbsup2

[PamelaKay]

PamelaKay, the scrapbook came out great, I am so glad your mother is excited. I am planning a similar type of thing, a small 4x6 photo album with designs from the Dis creative whizs listing each days events and a larger one with invitations to the meals, HDDR, sleigh ride, candlelight processional.........if it ever gets released etc. Once we are home and have the 100's of pics printed then my best friend and I will do a scrapbook for her using the pics, things we collect on the trip and the original pages from the surprise books.
She actually thinks we are going to Myrtle Beach to shop and see Christmas shows so she knows the dates. I hope to keep from telling her until Nov. 1st, and then the only thing I will tell her is that we are going to Disney. We have been so many times and stayed in the same place each time, she will just assume that is where we are going!
On Nov. 29th we will pick up my friend at the Charlotte airport and plan on staying in Charlotte for the night, just to start the vacation! That night I will reveal the true plans and give her the scrapbooks, that way the tears are over with before we leave the next morning! The wait is killing me but it will all be worth it when she finds out the great Disney vacation that I have planned. I know that you and your parents will have just as great a time!

I couldn't wait to tell my mom. First, because I couldn't stand not telling her and secondly because she is doing physical therapy for her MS and I want her to put serious effort into it. I know if she has this trip to look forward to, she will work harder on her mobility excercises.

I think staying in Chalotte that night and giving your mom her books is awesome. What a great way to start the trip. Are you driving down to WDW or will you all fly out of Charlotte? US Airways has a great non-stop to Orlando.

[PamelaKay]

I love your scrapbook. What a great way to present the surprise! :thumbsup2

Thank you. I am happy with the way it turned out. I couldn't have done it without help from fellow DISer's and my sister.

[scdak]

PamelaKay, I am flying out of Charlotte on 11/30, early am flight, should be at POFQ by noon. Its too hard on Mom to drive due to her back problems and decreased mobility, that would mean 2 days driving each way which cuts into prime Disney time. This way we are down there early in the day and she can rest for a while before we head to the MK for MVMCP :) I hope it does make your mother work harder in PT, a trip to Disney is a pretty good incentive. I work with several people with MS, and I know the challanges they face, the treatments they have to endure and its not an easy life. In fact, 1 of them is going to MK next week, and when I suggested an ECV to make it easier for her, you would have thought I gave her the best idea in the world, she has not been there since being diagnosed and had forgotten the size of the place! So she is planning on it and I think it will be one of the best things she could do, she is only there for 1 day before a cruise and was afraid that all the walking plus the heat would do her in for the rest of the trip.

[PamelaKay]

So it has been a while since I updated my pre-trip plans, but things have come together so nicely. The IPO at the Poly was able to make my final dinner reservation for the candlelight processional and I am excited to say it is at Le Cellier.

My dad has arranged for a scooter for my mom. He rented it from Walker's. He told me that the folks at Walker's were very nice, friendly and informative on the phone and then they followed up the call with a detailed email.

Our reservations are now completely booked. I bet when you read the list you think...man all this family will be doing is eating. I did make many reservations, but if you read my earlier posts you will see I had a couple of alterior motives.

1.) The sit down lunches and dinners will force my folks to take a break without me having to suggest resting. My mother has had MS for over 20 years and she has kept going by sheer will power alone. She is an amazing lady, but would feel insulted if I suggested that she and my dad might need to take a break.
2.) I don't want my parents to pay for anything. By doing deluxe dining and staying club level, all meals, snacks and beverages are taken care of in advance and I don't have to argue with my dad about paying for anything.
3.) I love to try new food and Disney restaurants are a great place for that.
4.) I think my Christmas cards this year will be of me and the folks with some Disney character.

Here is where we will be eating

Sunday - Mom and Dad arrive around 11:00
Lunch-Crystal Palace
Dinner - Narcoossees

Monday
Lunch-Coral Reef
Dinner-Le Cellier Candlelight

Tuesday
Lunch-Tutto Italia
Dinner-Artist Point

Wednesday
Lunch-Counter Svc at AK (I want to try Flame Tree)
Dinner-O'hana

Thursday
Lunch-Biergarten
Dinner-Flying Fish

Friday
Breakfast-Chef Mickey's
Lunch-Tepan Edo
Dinner-Park Fare

Saturday- Mom and Dad leave early that morning. I don't fly home until 7 that night so I am going for a late breakfast at Tusker House.

Only 2 1/2 more months until we go. Can you believe that fall is here already. Before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here.

I haven't eaten at Biergarten,Artist Point or Ohana for dinner before. I am looking forward to trying new places on this trip.

[PamelaKay]

Ok, so now that everything is planned and paid for I am second guessing myself. Should I have purchased MVMCP tickets.

[scdak]

Sounds like your plans fell in place as well as mine did, I still haven't told my mother about the surprise trip so she thinks we are going to Myrtle Beach!
I upgraded to the DxDDP for the same ulterior motive that you did.......rest times and there is no way she can try to pay for anything!
Looks like you made reservations at some nice places, I have 13 ADR's at this point but I am not looking for any more nor changing any of the ones I have. I did get the CP package that I wanted, I bet I am one of the few people on earth that didn't want Le Cellier!
I have MVMCP tickets for Nov 30th, I have never been to it and I am really looking forward to it mostly to see the Christmas parade and Wishes since I can't go later in the month when its done for regular park admissions.
Hope you have a great trip with your parents, I know that I am very excited about taking my mother down for this Christmas surprise!

[PamelaKay]

I am so excited. I just got a new samsung epic droid phone and it supports the lines app from touring plans.

[PamelaKay]

My mom called me yesterday to ask me what kinds of clothes to pack for our trip the week after Thanksgiving. I gave her an idea of some of the basics, but figure we will need to wait until closer to the date to see what the weather will be like.

Last year I was there the first week of December and it was 85 during the day and I had only packed 2 pairs of shorts.

[PamelaKay]

I was in Atlanta this past weekend visiting my folks and going to see the eye Dr. (I haven't found a good one in Charlotte yet and I have been seeing the one in Atlanta since I was 13 and I am in my 40's now).

My mom and I spent a couple hours talking about what clothes she needed to bring and then decided to order a few new items from Lands end. I admit, I got her hooked on the quarter zip thermacheck fleece pullovers. They are not to warm and you don't get cold wearing them and best of all, they don't have static.

So now that I am back in NC, I have started my list of items I want to remember to pack. The first item on the list was a power strip for charging everyone's phones, cameras etc in the room and the second was a nightlght for the bathroom. I have one list in my office and one in my bedroom. That way as I think of things, I can write them down and then hopefully not forget to pack an item.

[PamelaKay]

Only 42 more days to go. I am so excited.

They have finally announced the guest for the candlelight processional the night we are attending. It is John O'hurley.

I started staging stuff I want to pack in the guest room this week. After great tips from fellow diser's I bought some of the new purex laundry sheets. They pack so nice and light. You just throw one in the wash and it is your detergent and then move it with the wash to the dryer and it is your dryer sheet. What a great product.

Work has been crazy lately and I am so ready for a week at a magical place.

[PamelaKay]

Some days it feels like time is flying and others like the trip will never get here. I have spent a huge amount of time reading tips from DISers and have found a few that I am going to try on this trip.

1. I am taking a power strip for the room. Charging cell phones, camera batteries and mom's scooter will make plugging in a bit challenging.
2. I am going to pack my socks and undies in ziplocs. I read his and thougt what a great idea to have them not floating around the suitcase.
3. I am taking a night light for the bathroom. Since I am traveling with my senior parents, this tip was a great idea.
4. My dad is a diabetic and eats a pretty regimented breakfast every day (a bowl of cheerios and a small glass of v8 juice). After reading about requests at club level, I called the IPO and she ordered v8 for my dad for his stay.

I think I learn something new every time I go. This will be my 3rd trip this year and I plan to go 2 times next year. I plan to upgrade my tickets from this trip to an annual pass this year. I should have done this before.

I am trying to keep lists of things to buy and do. I want to pre-order the photopass CD and go to the Disney Store and get gift cards for spending money and tips at restaurants.

I have only been second guessing one thing about the trip. I did not get tickets for MVMCP. I went last year and it was so crowded. We have signature dinner ressies each night except for the O'hana night. I could move the Artist Point Dinner up and then get tickets for MVMCP that night. I am still not sure. This is the hard part of planning a trip.

[PamelaKay]

Did you know when you do a split stay, you get 2 DME packages. I got one for airport to POFQ for my one night before mom and dad arrive and then I got one for my return from Poly back to MCO.

Also, I just need to say it is a beautiful sight when the ticker no longer has the word month in it.

:cheer2:

[PamelaKay]

Today I pre-ordered the Photopass CD. I plan to take every opportunity to get pictures with my mom and dad in front of all the beautiful Christmas trees.

[PamelaKay]

So I haven't updated lately. I have been busy counting down and playing on a thread of disers staying at the Poly the first week of December.

Just a few more days. I can't wait to see Disney through my mom's eyes. She hasn't been in over 20 years and has never stayed on property. I am going to try and take good notes, food pics etc so I can do a proper trip report when I get back.

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!