Disney done differently, Update page 136, MK! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

lovethattink

03-15-2011, 05:54 PM

The cast:

Dh - amazing husband and super dad all rolled into one. We'll call him Goofy.

DS17 - football player and foodie; thinks he is outgrowing his parents (GASP GASP!) We'll call him Grumpy.

DS6 - Star Wars and Lego enthusiast; newbie pin trader. We'll call him Anakin.

Me - SAHM, homeschool teacher to Grumpy and Anakin, vacation planner, and all around Disney enthusiast! Most people call me Tink from back in our VMK days. Remember those?! Good times!!

Our challenges for this trip: Anakin has cortical dysplasia which causes him to have sensory issues exactly the same as in Asperger's Syndrome. The cortical dysplasia also causes him to have seizures. His biggest triggers are lights, loud sounds, and heat. Grumpy has anaphylactic food and latex allergies.

Our goal for this trip is to maximize FUN, while staying seizure free, meltdown free and allergy free!!

POP Century Feb 2012
POP Check-in (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43961182&postcount=1754)
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43963174&postcount=1761)
Whispering Canyon Cafe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43983539&postcount=1787)

Table of Contents December POFQ

WDW Personal Diary Research (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43462813&postcount=1535)

POFQ Room 1107 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43475859&postcount=1549)

Table of Contents November 2011 Pop Century

Trip Report Starts Here Post 1414 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2679280&page=95)

Room 113 Building 10 70's building (1)) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43274337&postcount=1414)

Room 113 Building 10 70's building (2)[/U]) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43274473&postcount=1416)

[U]Art of Animation buildings (1) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43275618&postcount=1426)

Misc pictures of POP, construction, Art of Animation, Painting of the Tramp (Misc pictures of POP, construction, Art of Animation, Painting of the Tramp)

Table of Contents October 2011 CSR Stay:

October Check-in (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43007791&postcount=1219)

Corner Room 7187/Ranchos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43008462&postcount=1223)

MK/New signs/DIS Meet/PUSH (MK/New signs/DIS Meet/PUSH)

CSR Campfire Oct 14/Pics of CSR (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43010410&postcount=1242)

House of Blues DIS MAW Meet (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43017369&postcount=1256)

Sea World Spooktacular! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43025556&postcount=1276)

CSR Campfire/Cabanas/Ranchos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43040285&postcount=1285)

Star Wars Weekend Plans start middle of page 20
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2679280&page=20

NEW LEGO STORE
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2679280&page=19

Cafe Rix:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40334697&postcount=3
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40368886&postcount=66

Dig Site:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40334864&postcount=4
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40342949&postcount=37
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40372794&postcount=70

CSR Theme Pool:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40345121&postcount=43
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40357458&postcount=56

CSR Room Pics
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40334947&postcount=6

CSR Misc. Pics
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40369824&postcount=68
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40372808&postcount=71
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40372820&postcount=72
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40372838&postcount=73
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40372846&postcount=74

Universal Studios:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40343306&postcount=38
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40344675&postcount=42

Magic Kingdom:
Ferry http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40348476&postcount=45
Buzz Lightyear: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40350342&postcount=48
The Plaza Restaurant http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40350697&postcount=49
Mardi Gras week crowds http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40350807&postcount=50
Mickey's Meet and Greet:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40634815&postcount=180
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40634992&postcount=181

Epcot:
Journey into Imagination/Captain EO
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40397313&postcount=89
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40403958&postcount=94
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40404106&postcount=95
The Land:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40404256&postcount=96
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40404317&postcount=97
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40404373&postcount=98
F&G:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40407308&postcount=103
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40407413&postcount=105
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40407475&postcount=106
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40407524&postcount=107
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40407669&postcount=108
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40475433&postcount=134
Test Track:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40498286&postcount=140
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40498301&postcount=141
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40577028&postcount=166
Easter Day:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40867113&postcount=253
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40874482&postcount=254

Animal Kingdom:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40796849&postcount=215

Merchandise promotions:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40773511&postcount=202

DHS:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40431859&postcount=115

Pop Century:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40461454&postcount=131
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40832650&postcount=232
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40833375&postcount=233
New pins, do the hustle
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2679280&page=22 (Last post on page 22)

Polynesian and Grand Floridian:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40504017&postcount=148

Animal Kingdom Lodge:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40686271&postcount=186

Bass Pro Shop Orlando:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40866412&postcount=252

(I just realized we don't have a single picture of the 4 of us since Dec 2004! One of us is always taking a picture, or dh is working, or ds is at football. We need to change this!!)

Goofy had to work on Friday. Grumpy said he'd rather stay home and do his school work than go to check-in at the resort. Anakin couldn't wait to get to the resort! He was packed a week before any of us! He loves macation, as he calls it!

We were ready to head out to Coronado Springs Resort!

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lovethattink

03-15-2011, 06:22 PM

Horrors of horrors!! Grumpy's cell phone broke on Monday and we were to leave on Friday. Excellent customer service at the Sprint store was hopeful a replacement phone would come in on Thursday. We didn't receive a call. I called on Friday morning just as Anakin and I were ready to leave. The phone was ready! I never saw Grumpy get out of bed so fast!! In a flash he was heading towards the shower, and Anakin's lip was quivering because he heard talk of deviating from schedule. Instead of he and I heading straight to Disney as planned, we would be taking Grumpy to the Sprint store to get his phone, take him back home so he could go later with Goofy, then head our car towards Disney.

Anyone who has a child with ASD knows that throwing kinks into a schedule is not going to go over well. My mind went into over drive as I thought of ways to divert a full scale meltdown. In schmolland, there is no such thing as luke warm. Anakin's tolerance level was going from cold to hot. A lightbulb went on in my head! I sent Grumpy back to bed. Anakin knew that some day soon we were going to have to go back to the Spring store to get the phone. I told him that we weren't changing plans. We just had to make a stop on the way to Disney to pick up Grumpy's phone. Anakin was ok with that, and Grumpy was happy to have his phone on vacation!

We were listening to the JoyFM as we were heading out of the Sprint store's parking lot. We heard news of an earth quake in Japan and that a tsunami could hit somewhere in the pacific.

Anakin played with his Star Wars sticker book and his leap frog in the car. He was so excited because he got to a new level. He spent the rest of the trip telling me what he did and how he doesn't know what he's doing now since he is on a new level. He was still talking about it as we pulled into CSR.

lovethattink

03-15-2011, 06:36 PM

On my reservation, I had requested not to be placed in the Ranchos section because of Anakin's fascination to cacti. They are like mega strong magnets to him, and he can't resist them. All self-control goes out the door when there is a cactus. I also requested buildings 8 a or b, or Casitas 4 or 5 (to be near the dig site). And if possible to be on the first floor or near an elevator due to his endurance issues. At the 10 day prior point, I did online check-in and clicked on "near transportation".

Disney's disability person told me to call 5 days prior to check-in to make sure they see the request about the Ranchos. He said that was a guarantee, the other requests were just that, requests. I called at the 5 day point and I was told to call back at the 3 day point. I ended up calling 2 days prior and was assured they saw my requests.

Check in went great! I asked the cm if any of my requests were able to be met? She said yes, 1st floor and building 8A!! How awesome is that?! Our room wasn't ready yet, so we headed over to Cafe Rix for a snack, and we had hoped to score some new mugs!

The only mugs they had in Cafe Rix were the old mugs. I asked if they had the new mugs. The cm told me they did, but they weren't allowed to sell them until all the old mugs were sold. I saw someone walk by with the new mugs and asked where they got them. They said they ate lunch at the Pepper Market.

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lovethattink

03-15-2011, 06:48 PM

We took our snack outside and ate at one of the tables. Anakin could see the dig site in a distance and he was antsy to get over there. We moved the car to 8A's parking lot and headed over to the dig site.

He met a sweet girl from Virginia, that he played with the entire afternoon.

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KatMark

03-15-2011, 06:48 PM

I'm here...now I have to go back and read and catch up. :goodvibes

And if you get bored when you are done with yours, I've got a PTR going and we'll be back at CSR in September.

lovethattink

03-15-2011, 06:56 PM

We never did get a text that our room was ready. At 3pm, I called to see if it was ready. It was!! So we headed there! The room was great! The location was great! And we were able to get a microwave from mousekeeping. Funny thing was they first delivered a refrigerator, because the person who took my request for one typed in refrigerator. I was taken by surprise when Alex came with a 2nd refrigerator! He said no problem and called in for a microwave. The person on the other end of the walky talky said that it was impossible to get one today, but Alex told me to hang tight, that he would make it possible! While he was there, I asked him where the safe key would be hidden if it's not in the safe. He said it should be in the safe, but it wasn't, so he said he would take care of that too! Alex is awesome!

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KatMark

03-15-2011, 06:57 PM

Lidian

03-15-2011, 06:57 PM

Can't wait to hear more! popcorn::

lovethattink

03-15-2011, 07:00 PM

I'm here...now I have to go back and read and catch up. :goodvibes

And if you get bored when you are done with yours, I've got a PTR going and we'll be back at CSR in September.

Thanks for joining in Kat! I will definately check out your PTR. I'm ready to stay there again sometime...soon I hope!

lovethattink

03-15-2011, 07:27 PM

Goofy called that he was leaving work. I should have known better and called home to tell Grumpy to get ready to leave. When Goofy got home, Grumpy said, "Oh I guess I better go take a shower." Goofy called me again to tell me he didn't know when they'd be leaving, because Grumpy was holding up production. I told him that's ok, it gives him some time to pack some food since we have a refrig and a microwave. He asked me what to pack and I said whatever you think we'll eat. He brought some great and nutritious finger food, Plant City Strawberries... YUM! ...cucumbers, turkey lunch meat, bacon, bread, and boxes of cookies and crackers that will show up in one of the Star Wars Lego shots.

We had an ADR for 7pm at the Cape May Cafe. DH and DS arrived at 6:30pm. Everybody was starved. Grumpy said there's nothing he can eat at Cape May Cafe, he gets sick there every time. He said we should go without him, he'd be happy to eat gelato here. Anakin heard eat here, and he didn't know anything about going to the Cape May Cafe, grrrrr. Cancelled Cape May, and we ended up eating at the Pepper Market instead.

I don't have any pictures, but our meal at the Pepper Market was excellent. I had a chicken fajita. Goofy and Grumpy each had chicken quesadillas. And Anakin had pepperoni pizza.

It had been years since we ate at the Pepper Market. Unlike the food courts at the values there is no signage to say enter here or exit here. Instead there are big menu signs.

I walked over to the sign that said pizza and pasta. I stood in line. When it was my time I asked for a kid's pizza. The cm told me not here, to go to next sign. I did and another cm waited on me. And again told me I needed to go to the next sign. So to the next sign I went! A third cm waited on me, and this time I was like goldilocks. I was at the right sign! Third try's the charm! Anakin was at my side the whole time. At the first sign he noticed garlic bread in a bowl. He asking for garlic bread nonstop, with these puppy dog eyes. I asked the cm if it would be possible to get him a side of garlic bread. The cm said sure and placed it on top of his pizza. Anakin beamed from ear to ear!

The kid's pizza came with an orange slice (about a 4th of an orange), a chocolate chip cookie, and a bag of chips. Sugar is another of Anakin's seizure triggers, so he is limited to one sugar a day. He gave his daddy the cookie because he knew he wanted a premium mickey bar at Epcot instead! The bottom of the pizza was burnt to a crisp. He picked off the cheese and the pepperoni and ate that instead.

My fajita was amazing! The chicken was nice and tender, no fat. The onions and peppers was perfect. The fajita tortilla was nicely warmed. There was a sign that said guacamole and sour cream were $2, but that is for additional guacamole or sour cream. Both the fajitas and the quesadillas came with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. The flavors were wonderful. Goofy and Grumpy don't eat gaucamole, so I pigged out on theirs..yum!!

I asked our server if they had the new mugs. He assured us they did. So we bought 3 new mugs. Anakin can't drink sugar or artificial sweeteners, so we didn't see a point to him having a mug. He was ok with not having one...this night.

After dinner, we headed back to our room to change. It was getting cold outside. Little did we know at the time, but a record low for March was about to be tied, at 40 degrees on that day. BRRRRRR!!!

lovethattink

03-15-2011, 07:32 PM

:welcome:

Can't wait to hear more! popcorn::

KatMark

03-15-2011, 07:35 PM

lovethattink

03-15-2011, 07:45 PM

Epcot had evening EMH! That was our next stop. All bundled up, except for Grumpy who wore shorts and one of his many Grumpy jackets, we were ready to go.

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Anakin sporting his winter coat and DUDE hat. I was wearing a Philadelphia Flyer's winter coat that was Grumpy's years ago when he was little and we lived in PA. That coat is so warm! DH was wearing a Cleveland Indians coat.

The movie Toy Story 3 was a major disaster for us with Anakin. Lotso the bear caused a huge anxiety attack for him. We avoid Lotso at all costs, because living in Schmolland, it is common for him to repeat the episode in his mind and have all that anxiety surface again. I went to take a picture of the topiaries at the entrance of the park. How I didn't notice Lotso until I had the camera at my face, I don't know?? Goofy and Grumpy saw Lotso, so they took off with the stroller while I was left there to take a pic and catch up with them afterwards.

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lovethattink

03-15-2011, 08:04 PM

Goofy's Indian's jacket was easy to spot in the crowd! Spotted them in no time. There was a sea of people entering Epcot.

Our first stop was guest services for a new GAC. Anakin's expired that exact day. We turned in the old card and stroller sticker and got new ones. Since we have an AP, they date it two months out.

Next stop, that premium Mickey bar that Anakin had saved for all day! Grumpy wanted to ride mission space, so he left us and went on his own.

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Journey into imagination was our next stop. This is one of Anakin's favorite attractions. He knows the words to the entire ride. I always pray they put us in the front row to spare the other guests. Sometimes people think it's cute, and other times, the people are just annoyed. He says it quietly and he uses his indoor voice and is expressive too! He thinks that everybody needs to share his enthusiasm for this attraction, and doesn't understand why everyone doesn't get all excited and over joyed with the skunk scent. Or isn't in total aww as they pass by the butterfly. Where did the other half go!? How can you possibly pass by the laugh lab without laughing, or the sleep lab without snoring??!! That's the best part! And how can people possibly not get excited about the hidden mickey onion rings on figment's upside down table?! Or not get startled every time that Imagination is a blast?! And afterwards there is image works! Where else can you conduct music?! Or step on pictures to make sound?! It's the best place in all of Epcot to him!! How dare I stop him for a moment to snap a picture?!

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lovethattink

03-15-2011, 08:44 PM

You are too quick for me.

First, yes, as they get older...they lose that "Disney" love, sometimes.

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: to Alex for taking care of the microwave and the key for the safe!

So glad you enjoyed your meal at the Pepper Market. We're not been Mexican food eaters; well, truthfully, I don't eat it at all, but my DH might just like that Fajita.

Grumpy prefers the thrill rides. We just got Annual Passes to Universal and IOA. He is game to go there!

Alex was great! He even brought a manager with him to change out the lock on the safe. Maria, the manager wasn't able to do it. She got it stuck. So she said she would send engineering to fix it. I made an appointment for 1pm the next day while we would be out. When Alex brought the microwave, I tipped him GOOD!!! He wasn't expecting it and the look on his face was priceless!!

Taking a break for the night. Give you some time to catch up ;)

999ghostslover

03-15-2011, 09:02 PM

joining in. We are staying at CSR in May/ June. Can't wait!

SnowWhite33

03-15-2011, 09:40 PM

I followed you over here from the Unofficial CSR thread-great report so far :thumbsup2

kaffinito

03-15-2011, 09:48 PM

Great trip report! I love reading the ones by a fellow citizen of Schmolland. :goodvibes

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 07:13 AM

joining in. We are staying at CSR in May/ June. Can't wait!

:welcome: May/June is a wonderful time to visit! You won't have to worry about any of that cold weather we had at night.

I followed you over here from the Unofficial CSR thread-great report so far :thumbsup2

:welcome: KatMark has done a remarkable job on that thread! It was so helpful to our trip planning.

Great trip report! I love reading the ones by a fellow citizen of Schmolland. :goodvibes

:welcome: Always great to connect to someone who "gets" it!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 07:17 AM

Great start, Tink. I am SO happy your requests were met at the CSR. You got some good shots at Cafe Rix...I may ask you if I can use them the next time I have to update the CSR thread if I forget to take new ones myself.

Thanks! I snapped them on our last day. The rest of the family was rushing me, or they would have been better centered. We are at some park at least once a week, so if you need a picture of something just holler, and if we are in the area, I'll capture that pic for you!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 07:32 AM

After playing at image works, we started over towards Test Track. It was almost 9pm so we knew we needed to pick up the pace to get to Test Track BEFORE the fireworks started.

The combination of loud noises and bright flashes during fireworks give Anakin focal seizures. Driving in a car at night with oncoming headlights have done the same. So has driving through wooded areas in the sun light where you get the shadow of the trees alternating with the light of the sun. Covering or closing one eye seems to help him. So does the Wilbarger brushing protocol and joint compressions after exposure to the lights or the sounds.

We made it to TT before Illuminations!! I think the majority of people must have been watching Illuminations because TT was empty! The standby line said 45 minutes, but it was walk up. As was the single rider line and the fast pass line. As soon as we reached the cm we were sent directly to door number 2.

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I got a text from Grumpy. He was grumpy. He walked to Germany to get a Caramel covered rice krispie treat, and the store was so crowded he didn't want to be in the store. He said he tried to walk in there, but nobody could move it was that packed with people. Anakin said he was tired and wanted to go back to the motel. I texted back to Grumpy to see if he was ready to head back to CSR. He said he was hungry, but he'd meet us at the exit. I texted back he could make and heat up the left over fajita I had from the Pepper Market. Hurray for the microwave!

jenseib

03-16-2011, 07:40 AM

I'm in too! What a buys first evening!
Is Schmolland the town you are from?

When we went in March of 2007 it was in the 40s the first night there and it was so cold. But at least I wasn't in Ohio!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 07:48 AM

We stood at door number 2 for nearly twenty minutes. Anakin was entertained by children that were behind us. They were telling jokes and laughing. He didn't understand their jokes, but he enjoyed being around such happy people.

The children asked Anakin where he got his glow necklace. He said from his prize bag, fully expecting the kids to understand about his prize bag. For a month, I had been collecting glow sticks from the dollar store, small legos, and silly bands. Each day of the trip he could pick out 1 toy and 1 pack of glow sticks. I bought extra glow sticks, because we learned on past trips that we often get duds. And duds can be so disappointing! This day he picked glow necklaces and a lego boat.

The lego boat came as a freebie in February for Lego VIP members at the DTD lego store. I also was able to get a freebie lego motor cycle in Feb too. One of the freebies was for shopping on a particular day there, the other was for spending a certain dollar amount. We actually ended up getting 2 of the boats in February. Instead of giving them to him then, I put them aside for our March trip!

When we exited TT and looked for Grumpy at the exit, Anakin spotted a Grumpy jacket and began running towards it. Before Goofy and I noticed it wasn't Grumpy, Anakin did an about face, and told us that wasn't his brother, but just someone with the same coat. We found Grumpy down a little further. He said he saw lots of people with his jacket on that night.

We cut through the fp machines to get to the parked stroller. As we reached the stroller, we were inundated by a sea of people. The flood gates opened as the hoards headed to the entrance of TT. The non-existent line we had, was quickly turning into a large queue. When the coast was clear enough to cut through, we excused ourselves and began to head to the exit of Epcot.

Note to self, best time to ride TT on an EMH night is during Illuminations. The worst time, is right after Illuminations.

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 08:00 AM

I'm in too! What a buys first evening!
Is Schmolland the town you are from?

When we went in March of 2007 it was in the 40s the first night there and it was so cold. But at least I wasn't in Ohio!

:welcome: I am originally from Pennsylvania Dutch country, but we now live in Florida, roughly an hour away from the Mouse! I think this link best described Schmolland. It's from the Exhausted from Parenting/ASD Children/Welcome to Schmolland thread. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36327245&postcount=33

jenseib

03-16-2011, 08:04 AM

:welcome: I am originally from Pennsylvania Dutch country, but we now live in Florida, roughly an hour away from the Mouse! I think this link best described Schmolland. It's from the Exhausted from Parenting/ASD Children/Welcome to Schmolland thread. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36327245&postcount=33

Thanks! I'll check it out. I am one of the Jennifers from the facebook March group! The one with 3 last names! :lmao:

ash-n-brensmom

03-16-2011, 08:17 AM

Hi there! I am following along as well!! I have been reading all your updates and looking at the crowd pics on Facebook too!! My fave is the sea of strollers outside CHH!! Couldn't believe how busy it all got after we left!!!! It was busy, but not holiday busy while we were there...I hope you got to do everything on your list!!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 08:49 AM

Thanks! I'll check it out. I am one of the Jennifers from the facebook March group! The one with 3 last names! :lmao:

Thanks for letting me know! I can see how you came up with your DIS name!

Hi there! I am following along as well!! I have been reading all your updates and looking at the crowd pics on Facebook too!! My fave is the sea of strollers outside CHH!! Couldn't believe how busy it all got after we left!!!! It was busy, but not holiday busy while we were there...I hope you got to do everything on your list!!

I have been following (mostly lurking) yours and Ferb's PTR! Have you posted your TR? I will be posting that sea of strollers picture when I get to day 3 of our trip. It was unbelievable. Glad we were just there to eat that day, not to ride attractions all day.

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 09:09 AM

kaffinito

03-16-2011, 09:22 AM

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I love how Anakin had to line up the Star Wars figures. :goodvibes

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 09:36 AM

I love how Anakin had to line up the Star Wars figures. :goodvibes

Thanks! Wait 'til you see the next night's line up. I didn't realize he packed so many figures. I gave him a small rubbermaid container and told him to pack the toys he wanted. He came back with 2 more rubbermaid containers filled of legos. I told him if they fit in the suitcase he could bring all 3, otherwise, just the one. Wouldn't you know it, he managed to get all 3 to fit perfectly!

KatMark

03-16-2011, 09:39 AM

:welcome: KatMark has done a remarkable job on that thread! It was so helpful to our trip planning.

Thank you for the kind words. :)

We headed back to the car with Grumpy's teeth chattering that whole way. It was pretty cold out! The rest of us were toasty with our winter coats on!

Anakin wanted to put his legos into place once he discovered that mousekeeping will not come in our room while we are sleeping. So I let him do that before getting him ready for bed.

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Goofy, Grumpy, and Anakin gave me my birthday cards. And we put them up with the Star Wars stuff too. My birthday wasn't until Sunday, but it was nice to see those cards the whole time.

Goofy got me a musical Tink card that played "I can Fly"! And a box of red hots. Doug Live use to be one of my favorite shows at MGM Studios. Miss it, and loved how Doug and Patty would share red hots. Remember that show, anyone? It starts with a circle, and then draw a line, the line's the horizon, the circle the sun, and maybe some squiggles that look like a hill, the hill we drove over on the way to Bluffington. Maybe I don't have the words all right, it's been a while, sure miss that show!!

Nice job on the set up of the Star Wars stuff. Is that open yet at the Studios?

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 09:42 AM

Here is where things turn a gross! It was time to get ready for bed. Anakin still needs help getting dressed. Occupational therapy is really helping with this, and he can do most of it himself now. I was in the bathroom with him when he took off his pant. Sand from the dig site came pouring out of his back pocket along with 5 sand fleas. GROSS! Not once did he complain of discomfort. His poor backside was all bit up! I killed the fleas, I cleaned him up. Put some hydrocortisone cream on the bits. Got him dressed in his PJ's. Teeth brushed. Helped him crawl up into the bed.

It was time for our bedtime routine. Turn on the noise machine. Then Wilbarger brushing and joint compressions. Within seconds he was sound asleep!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 09:51 AM

Thank you for the kind words. :)

Nice job on the set up of the Star Wars stuff. Is that open yet at the Studios?

You're welcome! The store is open.

Lidian

03-16-2011, 10:08 AM

Sand from the dig site came pouring out of his back pocket along with 5 sand fleas. GROSS! Not once did he complain of discomfort. His poor backside was all bit up! I killed the fleas, I cleaned him up. Put some hydrocortisone cream on the bits. Got him dressed in his PJ's.

Poor thing!! What a trooper he must have been to not say something earlier. Hope the cream helped and the bites didn't upset him later in the trip. :(

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 10:46 AM

Poor thing!! What a trooper he must have been to not say something earlier. Hope the cream helped and the bites didn't upset him later in the trip. :(

Lidian, if they bothered him, he didn't say anything. Keep the sand fleas in mind when your children are at the dig site or if they are in the sand near the cabanas on your trip to CSR. KatMark also noticed them while laying in her hammock last trip.

We kept him out of the sand for the remainder of the trip. There were plenty of other things to do at the Dig Site, besides dig!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 11:00 AM

With Anakin falling right to sleep, it was easy for Goofy and I to fall asleep too. We are use to the family bed, so that wasn't an adjustment for us. The family bed started after Father's Day last summer. Anakin had his first Grand Mal seizure. He stopped breathing. Goofy did CPR on him and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Where after being checked out he was sent home 2 hours later and we were told he had a seizure! They assured us that most people have one seizure in their life and then it never happens again.

Unfortunately that wasn't the case for us. Seizures became a nightly thing. The family bed was instituted since he would burry his face in the pillow during seizures. I am happy to say that with only one medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, change of diet and swearing off sugar-free gum the seizures have stopped!

His most recent EEG still shows spiking, which means there is seizure activity present daily, but we are not seeing any seizures! His last one was February 1st, the day he started going to occupational therapy 3 days a week instead!!!

We all have been able to sleep so much better at night!

While we fell right to sleep, Grumpy was a different story. He was up 9 times between midnight and 5am, either to get a drink or go to the bathroom. He only remembers being up once.

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 11:15 AM

Day 2 Universal Studios

We went the Tuesday before to get annual passes. We had such a nice time there that day. The park was empty. We could walk right on most of what we wanted to do. The longest we waited for anything was 20 minutes. This was not the case on Saturday.

We woke up. Took showers. I made breakfast. Then we set out for the dig site to kill time before we needed to take Grumpy to Universal to meet up with friends.

It was this day that milestones were reached at the dig site!! Anakin was able to sit himself on a swing for the first time!! He tried to work his legs back and forth, but had trouble with his timing. Saw he was getting frustrated, so Goofy gave him a push. Next milestone was reached on the climbing thing there. He was able for the first time to keep balance to climb up and get to the platform leading to the slide!! He was also able to get himself onto the spinning pole too. And he was able to go down the steps by himself!! These are all things that would not have been possible 6 weeks ago.

I credit it to 3 days a week going for Interactive Metronome at the children's hospital and the two hours of PT and OT homework we are doing at home including therapeutic listening and the infinity walk.

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lovethattink

03-16-2011, 11:38 AM

We went back to our room to put our mugs in there. Much to our surprise, in that little bit of time, mousekeeping had come. We were given plenty of extra towels and it was obvious the floor had been vacuumed! Also several extra bottles of shampoo, lotion, and soap!! I guess mousekeeping likes those cute printed tip envelopes (and tip too). For the first day, I printed a Tink one, a Toy Story for the 2nd day, and a Mickey and Minnie envelop for the 3rd.

We were off to Universal Studios to drop off Grumpy. As soon as we hit the parking lot, he asked if it was ok he went on his own to find them. Told him to please text when he meets up with them. Anakin wanted to ride a few rides, but then he wanted to go back to CSR and go on the jaguar slide.

Universal's Meal Deal works differently than Disney's. It's more similar to Sea World's. Their GAC works differently too.

The Meal Deal is $19.99 for 1 park or $23.99 for 2 parks ages 10 and up. It's $9.99 or $11.99 for under 10. You can purchase a souvenir cup with unlimited refills for $8.99. However, many of the rides do not permit carry on items, so renting a locker would be an added expense to keep your cup. We gave Grumpy money for the Meal Deal.

For their GAC, we had to go to Guest Services. Unlike Disney, each visit requires us to get a new card. For the stroller as wheelchair card, they gave us a printed ticket. How it works at Universal, we went to a ride entrance. The would write a time on our ticket for when we could return. I was told this time was 15 minutes less than the actual wait time. Then we could walk around, or sit on a bench in the shade, or snack until our return time. Sort of like a fast pass. Then we would take our card to the ride attendant who would write on the card again.

Anakin wanted to ride One Fish, Two Fish. He just couldn't wrap his mind around the concept of going to a ride to get a card written on, but not riding the ride. So he went to the play area and played.

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kaffinito

03-16-2011, 12:32 PM

Unfortunately that wasn't the case for us. Seizures became a nightly thing. The family bed was instituted since he would burry his face in the pillow during seizures. I am happy to say that with only one medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, change of diet and swearing off sugar-free gum the seizures have stopped!

:hug: on the seizures - that must be so terrifying for you! :hug:

Keep up with the great TR - I'm really enjoying it! :goodvibes

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 12:50 PM

:hug: on the seizures - that must be so terrifying for you! :hug:

Keep up with the great TR - I'm really enjoying it! :goodvibes

Thanks so much for the encouragement and hugs. At first it was very terrifying and very frustrating because it took months to get testing done and answers from the medical community. Now we know exactly what we are dealing with, we are becoming better educated, and learning ways to overcome all of this. The tables have turned, he may have all these medical conditions, but they do no longer have him!

KatMark

03-16-2011, 01:03 PM

At first it was very terrifying and very frustrating because it took months to get testing done and answers from the medical community. Now we know exactly what we are dealing with, we are becoming better educated, and learning ways to overcome all of this. The tables have turned, he may have all these medical conditions, but they do no longer have him!

I can't even imagine how terrifying that first seizure (and others to follow) must have been.

The tables have turned, he may have all these medical conditions, but they do no longer have him!

EXCELLENT!

Love the updates; and hooray for the achievements at the Dig Site playground. :thumbsup2

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 01:13 PM

Once Anakin was done in the play area, he was ready to go on One Fish, Two Fish. We headed over there. It said it was a 45 minute wait. There was no cm in site. He said he could stand in line for 45 minutes. He has no concept of time, but we decided to try waiting it out in line. It wasn't too hot, and he was wet from the play area, so that kept him cool.

He was so excited to be going on this ride. Every now and then, a burst of excitement would just explode out of him and he would jump up and down. He did great in the line when it was just a single file line. He began to have issues when the line weaved back and forth and we were surrounded by people. Juicy Fruit gum seemed to help him.

The following pics were taken last Tuesday when we got our passes, and I didn't ride but took pics.

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After One Fish, Two Fish, he wanted to ride the Trolley. He was visibly showing signs of being over stimulated. So we took the card with us and got the time to return put on it. We were going to go in a building and sit. He dug his chin into my side. I asked him if he'd rather leave the park than wait the hour for his turn to ride the trolley. He said he had to leave and didn't want to ride any more rides.

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 01:41 PM

We headed back to CSR but stopped at the Burger King near Cross Roads for lunch. When we got back to our room, there was a key in the room safe! Engineering had fixed it! Yay!

Anakin was much better and re-grouped. We put on our swim suits and headed over to the pool.

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The water slide was the big draw here. There is a big box of life jackets the right hand side facing the slide near the bottom of the slide. The jackets are all assorted sizes. You just help yourself and put it back in the box when you are finished with it. This is different from when we stayed at POR. There we had to sign them in and out from the marina.

The pool temp was COLD!! It barely felt heated. I stood at the bottom of the slide waiting while Goofy and Anakin got in line. Despite the frigid water temps, the line for the slide was nice sized. About 10 people ahead of them. Anakin loved the water slide and rode it three times!

As soon as he was done with the slide he wanted that life jacket OFF!! Last summer before he got sick, he was a great swimmer. He could swim both on top and under the water. He was so frustrated that he couldn't do those things anymore. He tried, but just couldn't remember what to do. When he did kick and use his arms, he just didn't have the strength he use to have. I told him he can take swim lessons this summer and re-learn how to do all that! And reminded him that his strength is increasing and he is doing more and more things all the time!!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 02:15 PM

After swimming, we headed back to Universal to pick up Grumpy. Traffic was super thick on I-4. We really need to learn an alternate way there! It took us an hour to get there from CSR. We met Grumpy near before the bag check, turned around and headed back to the car. It took another hour to get back to CSR.

I made good use of our time by calling Disney Dining and changing our lunch and dinner resies for March 13th, my birthday! Changed our resie from T-Rex for lunch (figured Anakin had enough stimulation to last him for a while, he didn't need a noisy and busy lunch) to the Plaza Restaurant for 2:15pm. And cancelled our 7:15pm resie for the Plaza Restaurant.

Even though Grumpy had the meal deal at Universal, he was still hungry when he got back to CSR. We headed to the Pepper Market. We all got the exact same food we had the first night since it was so incredible. Once again, we were not disappointed and really enjoyed our food!!

Anakin asked if he could have a mug as a souvenir. We told him he could have one of ours when we got home. But he pleaded his case, that he would like one of his own now to drink out of like everyone else. He said it was ok that he couldn't have soda, he would pour his juice boxes or milk in there. So we asked the server for a mug for him. When he asked what he would like in the mug to drink, all four of us in unison answered, "ice, please". The server looked at us funny and asked, "ice?". Again in unison, "yes, ice, please."

Grumpy stopped at Cafe Rix and ordered raspberry gelato. This is the first time he ever used a key to the kingdom for payment. Let me just add, that this was the start of him using the key to the kingdom card for food. Good thing we were only here a couple more days!

We went to bed with full bellies, tired feet, and exhausted bodies....after Anakin set up his legos.

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lovethattink

03-16-2011, 05:52 PM

Day 3 Happy Birthday to Tink

Our room was very close to bus stop #4 at CSR

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We decided to use Disney's transportation this time. We waited at the bus stop for over 20 minutes, when a Magic Kingdom bus finally came in sight. And it did not pull over, and drove right on by us. It was completely packed with people. We debated to take the bus or car, and decided to take the car, because the number of people at our bus stop would not all fit on the next bus. We weren't sure if the next bus would skip the Casitas and Ranchos, or hit them first and possibly drive by us again. We took the car.

Then the ferry.

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sl_underwood

03-16-2011, 07:53 PM

I'm on board! My son also has asd and seizures. It is nice to read tr from those who get it.

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 08:06 PM

I'm on board! My son also has asd and seizures. It is nice to read tr from those who get it.

:welcome: Welcome aboard! Yes, never a dull moment! Always adjusting to a new "normal"! I wish you and your son the best. The Florida Epilepsy Foundation had an article posted on their facebook one day, that 25% of all children who have ASD also have seizures. Hopefully one day there will be a cure for both!

lovethattink

03-16-2011, 08:14 PM

As the ferry took off, Grumpy felt like he was going to pass out. He was the only one of us not to eat breakfast. Momma's intuition said he was hungry and needed to pump up his blood sugar. A stop at the Main Street Bakery was in order. I checked out the goodies and you'll never guess what I ordered. That's right!!...a turkey sandwich. A turkey sandwich?! You bet cha! Nothing works better at boosting that blood sugar than protein. We split the sandwich between the four of us. Keep in mind this is only a half of a sandwich to begin with. The turkey was sliced and piled about 3 inches high. Goofy ate the lettuce and tomato. I ate a few slices of turkey. Grumpy ate a few slices of turkey and within minutes he felt great! Anakin at a few slices of turkey and the bread. We were good to go until our 2:15 ADR!!

I went back to guest services and picked up a birthday button. Then we headed to Buzz Lightyear. We used the GAC. The fast pass line was lined up outside, but not in the sun. I rode with Grumpy who was more than grumpy to have someone in his car. I thought I'd mess of his score. Goofy and Anakin rode together.

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lovethattink

03-16-2011, 08:35 PM

By this time we had just seen someone who was at the bus stop at CSR when we were there. It took them 2 hours to get into the park!! I'm so glad we drove! We should have squeezed them in the car too!

Next stop, the Plaza Restaurant! We didn't have to wait but 5 minutes when our buzzer went off and we were seated. We were told the chef would be with us in a minute to go over Grumpy's food allergies. That minute turned into 15 minutes. Which was ok, because I had an arsenal of activities in my bag to keep Anakin occupied. He began by putting together a new Lego. One of the ones I got free at DTD's Lego store in February. A manager came to our table instead. She apologized for the chef's delay and explained there were several allergies in the restaurant at the same time. We said no problem because Grumpy knew exactly what he would get, the same thing he always gets. We asked if Ken was the Chef and were told he was not working that day. Chef Ken knows us so well, that he even remembers that Anakin loves grapes and brings him extra grapes and makes his Sundae's with extra whip cream!! Chef Ken always engages Grumpy in talk about football.

The manager ended up taking Grumpy's order. She kept apologizing for the chef's delay, but we were ok with it. We were relaxed and content. The chef stopped by a few minutes later to discuss with Grumpy about the kind of cheese to use in his steak sandwich. I got a tuna croissant, Goofy ordered a cheese burger, and Anakin ordered a grilled cheese lightly toasted. When the food was served, the server was concerned that the grilled cheese might not be light enough. Anakin said he was ok with the color of the bread.

For dessert, Grumpy had a hot fudge brownie sundae, made with gluten free, nut free, soy free pre-packaged brownies. Anakin had a Mickeylodean. And the server brought me a birthday cupcake!! Goofy ate half my cupcake. Main Street bakery cupcakes are sooooo yummy!!

As we ate our food, cast members were setting up an alternate exit for guests to use through the cast member area. A balloon seller stood right outside the window behind us. Out the window to my right was a great view of the castle. Out the windows ahead of us we could watch the 3pm parade!!

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lovethattink

03-16-2011, 08:41 PM

After lunch, we rode the TTA, and then headed over to Peter Pan's flight. On our way to Peter Pan's flight we passed by a sea of strollers at the Columbia Harbour House Restaurant, and noticed that cm were holding entrance signs for the queues. The crowds were very thick, late Sunday afternoon in the MK.

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kaffinito

03-16-2011, 08:55 PM

. The tables have turned, he may have all these medical conditions, but they do no longer have him!

I just love this! What an awesome attitude to have! :goodvibes

Grumpy stopped at Cafe Rix and ordered raspberry gelato. This is the first time he ever used a key to the kingdom for payment. Let me just add, that this was the start of him using the key to the kingdom card for food. Good thing we were only here a couple more days!

We went to bed with full bellies, tired feet, and exhausted bodies....after Anakin set up his legos.

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My DS18 is like your Grumpy - he eats everything in sight at WDW! :rotfl: He's the one in my family that got us into Schmolland - just in the past year he's been able to go outside when it's raining, and no longer has to wear hoodies - with the hood up - in the summer. :lmao:

And again, LOVE the way Anakin sets up his Legos! :goodvibes

lovethattink

03-17-2011, 07:00 AM

I just love this! What an awesome attitude to have! :goodvibes

My DS18 is like your Grumpy - he eats everything in sight at WDW! :rotfl: He's the one in my family that got us into Schmolland - just in the past year he's been able to go outside when it's raining, and no longer has to wear hoodies - with the hood up - in the summer. :lmao:

And again, LOVE the way Anakin sets up his Legos! :goodvibes

We have to keep a good attitude! It would be easy to become defeated and depressed. It takes alot of work daily. Some days we wouldn't make it through without our faith! We believe that everything happens for a reason. Even the bad moments, while nasty at the time, have served their purpose and helped to shape us into who we are today. So we will make the best of it, celebrating every good moment and achievement no matter how big or small!

Sounds like you are celebrating an acheivement as well!

KatMark

03-17-2011, 09:04 AM

sl_underwood

03-17-2011, 09:24 AM

:welcome: Welcome aboard! Yes, never a dull moment! Always adjusting to a new "normal"! I wish you and your son the best. The Florida Epilepsy Foundation had an article posted on their facebook one day, that 25% of all children who have ASD also have seizures. Hopefully one day there will be a cure for both!

You are definitely right. Life with our kids is not boring! I really hope for a cure as well. I love the whole welcome to holland story too. It kind of fits for our lives and puts things in perspective. Life is different but it still can be fun and wonderful. My son is also Star Wars and lego obsessed. It is kind of funny that both boys are so similar.

MyPeanut&Bug

03-17-2011, 09:54 AM

Loving your TP!! And smiled at the Legos - I've got a 6 year old Lego fan as well and am very used to seeing Legos lined up around the house! :)

lovethattink

03-17-2011, 12:10 PM

After Peter Pan, Anakin was more than ready to head back to the resort. We took the monorail back to the TTC. There were very few people on the monorail returning to the TTC.

I brushed Anakin, then he wanted to go swimming. Grumpy wanted a nap. So Goofy, Anakin and I headed to the Dig Site. This time the pool temps were perfect. It felt like a bath tub! It was a more warmer day all around. Many more people were on the water slide. I had to wait a long time at the bottom until I saw Anakin pop out. This day he swam much better without the life jacket. He liked going under the Tiki fountain. (We didn't go in the 22 person hot tub. The pool was opened longer because of the time change.

One thing I found a little annoying was that the rule that children under 12 need adult supervision, was not followed. There were alot of small children without any supervision. The Mama Bear in me took over. The life guards asked this one little boy where his parents were. He was 4 years old. He said they were in the hot tub and they said he was ok because he had a life jacket on. The life guard at the jaguar slide became a baby sitter. The same thing happened on Saturday too.

(these pics of the pool were taken Monday morning before we left the resort)

The life guard on Saturday was good with the kids. He didn't put up with any crap. At first I thought he was tough on the kids, and was wondering why parents would let him discipline their kids like that. It didn't take long to realize there were no parents present. If a child was running to the steps, he called that child back. Made them walk to his life guard stand. Touch the pole and count before he would allow them to walk back to the steps. He even made one kid take a time out because he had ran a 4th time.

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lovethattink

03-17-2011, 12:33 PM

You are definitely right. Life with our kids is not boring! I really hope for a cure as well. I love the whole welcome to holland story too. It kind of fits for our lives and puts things in perspective. Life is different but it still can be fun and wonderful. My son is also Star Wars and lego obsessed. It is kind of funny that both boys are so similar.

Did it start with Thomas the Tank Engine? We don't call it obsessed, we call it passionate! It can come in handy to be so passionate about something. We use time to play with Star Wars or/and Legos as rewards. Books about the subject help with literacy and make them happy to fuel their knowledge with more facts. Playing with their passion also seems to help ease anxiety, because they focus so intensely during play. We also use them for role play of social situations the characters could encounter that we can encounter too. There are also Social Stories available online using Star Wars characters to help deal with frustration, anger, anxiety, etc.

lovethattink

03-17-2011, 12:47 PM

Great photos; I think the last time we saw Disney that crowded while we were there was in 2004 when we took our son for his high school graduation and made the mistake of going to the MK on the 4th of July. :scared1:

I LOVE the Plaza--one of our must do's every trip.

Oh yeah! July 4th can get crazy! We love the Plaza too! Tried to get an ADR for Grumpy's b-day back in December, and couldn't snag one. Will have to remember to do it way in advance for him next Dec. Free dining certainly changed how "locals" do dining. Use to be able to just walk up or call the same day, but during free dining that was impossible!

Loving your TP!! And smiled at the Legos - I've got a 6 year old Lego fan as well and am very used to seeing Legos lined up around the house! :)

Thanks! and :welcome: Is he a fan of Star Wars legos, another theme, or building legos in general?

My husband and Anakin built the death star. Anakin built much of it himself. It was 3,803 pieces. Came in 4 boxes with an instruction booklet that was 261 pages long!

sl_underwood

03-17-2011, 01:41 PM

Did it start with Thomas the Tank Engine? We don't call it obsessed, we call it passionate! It can come in handy to be so passionate about something. We use time to play with Star Wars or/and Legos as rewards. Books about the subject help with literacy and make them happy to fuel their knowledge with more facts. Playing with their passion also seems to help ease anxiety, because they focus so intensely during play. We also use them for role play of social situations the characters could encounter that we can encounter too. There are also Social Stories available online using Star Wars characters to help deal with frustration, anger, anxiety, etc.

It did. In fact, he still plays with his thomas train table we bought him shortly after her came to live with us. We werent sure if we started it by buying him the trains or if it was inevitable. We did use Thomas to teach some social skills. Where are the star wars social stories? Would love those. I love how you call it passion, sounds better than obsession. Luke is also very passionate. In fact, when he was adopted at 5, he picked his new name Luke after Luke Skywalker of course.

MyPeanut&Bug

03-17-2011, 01:42 PM

Thanks! and :welcome: Is he a fan of Star Wars legos, another theme, or building legos in general?

My husband and Anakin built the death star. Anakin built much of it himself. It was 3,803 pieces. Came in 4 boxes with an instruction booklet that was 261 pages long!

I bow down to your husband and Anakin!! My son's a Lego fan in general but he does have a few of the Star Wars sets. I've learned that I generally stink at Legos. :rotfl: My biggest accomplishment was helping with a Star Wars ship (can't remember which one) that was 43 steps long. I told him that's my limit!!

lovethattink

03-17-2011, 01:54 PM

It did. In fact, he still plays with his thomas train table we bought him shortly after her came to live with us. We werent sure if we started it by buying him the trains or if it was inevitable. We did use Thomas to teach some social skills. Where are the star wars social stories? Would love those. I love how you call it passion, sounds better than obsession. Luke is also very passionate. In fact, when he was adopted at 5, he picked his new name Luke after Luke Skywalker of course.

How cool is that?! Getting to pick your own name! I will send you a pm of some social stories.

I bow down to your husband and Anakin!! My son's a Lego fan in general but he does have a few of the Star Wars sets. I've learned that I generally stink at Legos. :rotfl: My biggest accomplishment was helping with a Star Wars ship (can't remember which one) that was 43 steps long. I told him that's my limit!!

I'm with you. I end up building them backwards, and ds has to take them apart and reassemble them. I am getting better at them now.

kaffinito

03-17-2011, 06:04 PM

blessedmom4

03-17-2011, 09:15 PM

We have to keep a good attitude! It would be easy to become defeated and depressed. It takes alot of work daily. Some days we wouldn't make it through without our faith! We believe that everything happens for a reason. Even the bad moments, while nasty at the time, have served their purpose and helped to shape us into who we are today. So we will make the best of it, celebrating every good moment and achievement no matter how big or small!

TINK!

How did you get to page FIVE without me realizing your TR was started??? You didn't waste any time!@ I KNOW I am going to miss saying something I wanted to , but first I LOVE your pictures and the resort is SO beautiful! Simply amazing. Your family is so precious and Anakin reminds me of David when he was younger... IM therapy helped David so much and I still brush Rachel and do compressions. Your trip sounds like just what you needed for a relaxing ( well, probably not relaxing but definitely FUN filled)!

I SOOOOO agree with the words you wrote above, God is leading you in all things and making you stronger in the process. I am so happy to have read that! :goodvibes

My mind is a BLANK as I try to think of all the things I WANTED to say, I should have taken notes! I am definitely subbing (although for some reason my email notifications haven't been working and they aren't in my spam box). I will just make sure to get here to see the latest news, I am so excited you are doing this. I loved the photos of everything, especially the parade and seeing more of universal...and the pool...and the legos...I loved it ALL!
http://dl9.glitter-graphics.net/pub/333/333879cbklv38y4n.jpg (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)
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lovethattink

03-18-2011, 07:39 AM

TINK!

How did you get to page FIVE without me realizing your TR was started??? You didn't waste any time!@ I KNOW I am going to miss saying something I wanted to , but first I LOVE your pictures and the resort is SO beautiful! Simply amazing. Your family is so precious and Anakin reminds me of David when he was younger... IM therapy helped David so much and I still brush Rachel and do compressions. Your trip sounds like just what you needed for a relaxing ( well, probably not relaxing but definitely FUN filled)!

I SOOOOO agree with the words you wrote above, God is leading you in all things and making you stronger in the process. I am so happy to have read that! :goodvibes

My mind is a BLANK as I try to think of all the things I WANTED to say, I should have taken notes! I am definitely subbing (although for some reason my email notifications haven't been working and they aren't in my spam box). I will just make sure to get here to see the latest news, I am so excited you are doing this. I loved the photos of everything, especially the parade and seeing more of universal...and the pool...and the legos...I loved it ALL!

:welcome: Glad to have you aboard! I was beginning to get concerned about Lisa since her counts were high and you hadn't posted in a couple days. Glad it was just a computer glitch of not getting notifications. Whew!!

Sometime I'd like to talk with you about the similarities between David and Anakin, since you have been there and we are new to this all.

lovethattink

03-18-2011, 08:27 AM

After swimming, we went to the Pepper Market to meet up with friends! You'll never guess what we got to eat?! I was the only one who ordered differently. Everybody else got the same thing, right down to the garlic bread with pizza! I decided to order the chicken quesadilla. That amazing guacamole was still calling me. And as I sit here in my kitchen, it still beckons me. I just might have to go to the Pepper Market for a meal sometime soon. That is one of the benefits to living in Central Florida!!!

I forgot to address the mug situation at the resort. I did mention how when we checked in, Cafe Rix had the old mugs and the Pepper Market had the new ones. The rule at Cafe Rix is that they may not set out new mugs until the old ones are completely sold. By Saturday night the old ones were sold out and they were beginning to sell the new ones. By Sunday night, the only new ones they had left were the yellow mugs. And they would not put out additional colors until all the yellow mugs were sold out. So if you are going to stay at CSR, your best bet for buying mugs may be the Pepper Market. There are only 3 colors of mugs, yellow, pink and blue.

I was going to post pictures here, but someone hacked my photobucket account and I cannot log into it! I am not a happy camper at the moment.

lovethattink

03-18-2011, 08:43 AM

I am back in business. Thanks photobucket!

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Notice all the yellow mugs.

Lidian

03-18-2011, 09:42 AM

lovethattink

03-18-2011, 09:55 AM

Our last meal at the Pepper Market was not amazing. It was ok. Not because we were getting tired of the same foods. But because it was a different chef, and the food was GREASY!! Some of the chicken must have been put on the grill half frozen. The outside was burnt and inside was pink. The onions and peppers were a greasy, mushy mess. I picked out my chicken and it became a cheese quesadilla, that was pretty darn good! Adding in my guacamole and sourcream and it was amazing. So glad this wasn't our first experience at the Pepper Market.

After dinner, we showed our friends around the resort. They headed home and we went back to our room. This was our last night in our room. :(

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lovethattink

03-18-2011, 10:11 AM

We've come to the part of the tale where it's time to check out. We've had a great time. We were NOT ready to head home. Goofy worked middle shift, so we weren't in too big of a hurry to head home.

While doing our research for our trip, I had come across a forum about CSR which was most helpful. Between KatMarks CSR thread here and that forum, I was well informed about CSR. I had read about Italian coffee served at CSR, instead of the Nescafe stuff served elsewhere at WDW and had to go investigate. I thought I had seen flavor bottles for coffee. So we set out for Cafe Rix, for coffee for me and gelato for the boys.

Of course, our room location had us passing by the Dig Site first. With Anakin in tow, there was no just passing by here. We stopped for a bit to allow him to play. It was much warmer this day. We had to take pictures and video of him swinging and using the play ground equipment. I really wish I had before and after pictures and video. 7 months ago, he could not coordinate swinging and now he was swinging high!! And climbing!! And going down the spin pole!! Hurray for CSR for having an awesome playground to make those acheivements!!

These pics were posted before, but these were all taken on our last day, on our way out of the Dig Site.

lovethattink

03-18-2011, 01:52 PM

Here is the grand finale! As we walked to and from Cafe Rix out to the car, I took a bunch of pics. Many of the pics I took the last day were dispersed throughout this trip report. Take note to the parking lot. Not sure what was happening, but each day 8A lost more and more parking spaces. The day we checked out, there were more spaces blocked and some bench chairs added to the lot. I also took pics of the wildlife we encountered. Keep in mind, these are all the critters I saw just in that one walk from the dig site, to Cafe Rix, to the car.

There was also a moment of divine intervention. We forgot our son's bed side. As we were heading to the car, a CM was carrying it in front of us. Talk about synchronicity!!

Ok, here goes....this is the end of this trip. But not the end of our Disney visits, as we head to a park once a week.

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lovethattink

03-18-2011, 01:53 PM

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lovethattink

03-18-2011, 01:54 PM

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lovethattink

03-18-2011, 01:55 PM

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lovethattink

03-18-2011, 01:56 PM

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jenseib

03-19-2011, 09:30 AM

We headed back to the car with Grumpy's teeth chattering that whole way. It was pretty cold out! The rest of us were toasty with our winter coats on!

Anakin wanted to put his legos into place once he discovered that mousekeeping will not come in our room while we are sleeping. So I let him do that before getting him ready for bed.

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Goofy, Grumpy, and Anakin gave me my birthday cards. And we put them up with the Star Wars stuff too. My birthday wasn't until Sunday, but it was nice to see those cards the whole time.

Goofy got me a musical Tink card that played "I can Fly"! And a box of red hots. Doug Live use to be one of my favorite shows at MGM Studios. Miss it, and loved how Doug and Patty would share red hots. Remember that show, anyone? It starts with a circle, and then draw a line, the line's the horizon, the circle the sun, and maybe some squiggles that look like a hill, the hill we drove over on the way to Bluffington. Maybe I don't have the words all right, it's been a while, sure miss that show!!

I dooo! We used to watch it on TV all the time and then it was my older DD's favorite thing when we went to Disney. (well one of her favorite things)

I'm confused though. I just got caught up and I swear I read you were on day Sat and you checked on on Monday, but I didn't see anything written about Sunday? Maybe I have the dates messed up.

Yoo got some awesome shots of CSR there. It's so pretty from what I have seen in pictures. It would be nice to try it out someday.

lovethattink

03-19-2011, 10:35 AM

I dooo! We used to watch it on TV all the time and then it was my older DD's favorite thing when we went to Disney. (well one of her favorite things)

I'm confused though. I just got caught up and I swear I read you were on day Sat and you checked on on Monday, but I didn't see anything written about Sunday? Maybe I have the dates messed up.

Yoo got some awesome shots of CSR there. It's so pretty from what I have seen in pictures. It would be nice to try it out someday.

Yay! Glad someone remembers Doug Live!

Friday was check-in and Epcot in the evening. We rode only two attractions (Journey into Imagination and Test Track), ate ice cream, and went back to the resort.

Saturday we dropped off Grumpy at Universal, after we rode one attraction (One Fish, Two Fish), then headed back to the resort and we swam until we had to go back to Universal to pick up Grumpy.

Sunday we went to the MK and ate at the Plaza Restaurant, and rode Buzz Lightyear, the TTA and Peter Pan before heading back to the resort to swim. Spent the evening with friends at CSR.

Monday was check-out.

Not your typical Disney schedule, but it's what fit us. Anakin minded all the people, so he could only tolerate the crowds in small doses.

Tomorrow we are headed to Epcot to meet friends. Grumpy will stay all day with the friends, and I will be there with Anakin in the morning. We'll go home in the afternoon, then come back with Goofy in the evening. We are blessed to have a never ending vacation as part of our life story!

jenseib

03-19-2011, 12:13 PM

OK, thats where I got mess up.
Gotcha! :thumbsup2

blessedmom4

03-19-2011, 01:50 PM

kaffinito

03-19-2011, 02:26 PM

lovethattink

03-19-2011, 02:51 PM

I LOVE a Neverending Disney Vacation and to be able to go weekly...well, could it GET any better than that?!?!!!! May I make a suggestion...keep adding to this trip report as you are able and telling us about your weekly jaunts??? I hope you have a wonderful time at Epcot (I love Epcot :love:) and that the crowds are better for you.

The last group of photos was simply amazing and I loved them all, it made me feel as if was there, loved having them all together. Living life with a differently abled child makes/helps you see life in a totally different way. I hope Grumpy is feeling well and has a great time also. Pick my brian anytime you want, I will do my best to assist and THANK YOU for doing thins TR!!!! :flower3:
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Lol, I could do that. I forgot to thank you for the birthday wishes! And thank you for the Saturday wishes.

Chubby Checkers is there tomorrow night. I hope I get a chance to at least check it out from a distance. The lights at the show bother Anakin. I hope I am be-bopping around when I am that age!

The friends we are meeting up with are like 2nd family to us. Grumpy can't wait to see them!

lovethattink

03-19-2011, 02:54 PM

Thank you for all of the amazing photos! :goodvibes

I have a question for you - you mentioned real italian coffee from somewhere at CSR? Where can I get some and can you get it in a refillable mug? :)

Not exactly sure about the real Italian coffee. Goofy and I were talking about eating lunch or dinner one day soon at the Pepper Market. If we go, I will definately inquire. In the past, Cafe Rix had real Italian coffee available for the refill mugs. However, there is now a nescafe dispenser for self serve. Maybe someone else here knows for sure and can say?

KatMark

03-19-2011, 03:00 PM

Awesome CSR pictures. Thanks for sharing.

MyPeanut&Bug

03-19-2011, 03:10 PM

I LOVE a Neverending Disney Vacation and to be able to go weekly...well, could it GET any better than that?!?!!!! May I make a suggestion...keep adding to this trip report as you are able and telling us about your weekly jaunts???

I so totally agree! Despite my huge case of jealousy :laughing:, I love hearing how often you guys are able to go!

CSR looks just gorgeous! What a neat kids play area!

lovethattink

03-19-2011, 03:33 PM

Awesome CSR pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for taking the time to look. Are you sure you want to cheat on CSR? ;)

I so totally agree! Despite my huge case of jealousy :laughing:, I love hearing how often you guys are able to go!

CSR looks just gorgeous! What a neat kids play area!

It was very neat. I don't know if I showed it or not, but there was also a ping pong table and a fuseball table.

(It was difficult to move 1000 miles away from family, but when we did move, we made sure we were close to Disney. In 1999, Grumpy was hospitalized 4 times for asthma. Doc said move to a more temporate climate. He suggested Puerto Rico, we said Florida. He hasn't been hospitalized since for asthma or pneumonia.)

KatMark

03-19-2011, 03:45 PM

Thanks for taking the time to look. Are you sure you want to cheat on CSR? ;)

It's okay...we're only cheating for two nights before going "home." :goodvibes

Laurabearz

03-19-2011, 05:54 PM

Great report! Great Pics!

blessedmom4

03-20-2011, 03:25 PM

Lol, I could do that. I forgot to thank you for the birthday wishes! And thank you for the Saturday wishes.

Chubby Checkers is there tomorrow night. I hope I get a chance to at least check it out from a distance. The lights at the show bother Anakin. I hope I am be-bopping around when I am that age!

The friends we are meeting up with are like 2nd family to us. Grumpy can't wait to see them!

You are welcome for the good wishes! I forgot to comment on over half the TR since I joined in late :scared1: Did all of Anakin's sand flea bites heal??? Those things HURT!

Chubby Checker??? I LOVE him, I love the twist...Lisa used to sing that all of the time and dance to it when she got stronger. Rachel would dance to it when she was little as well, good memories. :goodvibes Hope Anakin does okay so you can see from afar!

That is great to have such good friends to enjoy and a better climate to breathe in! They told my Mom the same thing about me growing up, though we never moved! :lmao:

lovethattink

03-20-2011, 04:06 PM

It's okay...we're only cheating for two nights before going "home." :goodvibes

I think you will enjoy AKL. We use to go there all the time for squash soup, but the Mara has gotten much busier since the DVC expanded. It's been a long time since we've been there. Anakin likes the rocking chairs in front of the fire, both inside the building and outside. I think he tries out every single one, unless someone is sitting in it.

Great report! Great Pics!

Miss you on the DIS, and FB. I never see you online anymore. JJ asked about the boy the other day. Wants to know when we will see him again. I told him not this next trip but the next.

You are welcome for the good wishes! I forgot to comment on over half the TR since I joined in late :scared1: Did all of Anakin's sand flea bites heal??? Those things HURT!

Chubby Checker??? I LOVE him, I love the twist...Lisa used to sing that all of the time and dance to it when she got stronger. Rachel would dance to it when she was little as well, good memories. :goodvibes Hope Anakin does okay so you can see from afar!

That is great to have such good friends to enjoy and a better climate to breathe in! They told my Mom the same thing about me growing up, though we never moved! :lmao:

He still has marks where the bites are. He keeps picking at them, yuck! I remember twisting with my mom, and my kids twisting with me. I miss the good PA dutch cooking up north, and meat was better up there. I think it must be what the animals are fed??

lovethattink

03-20-2011, 04:25 PM

Epcot today

He did not like the way Donald was touching his shoulder. He told him not to touch so hard. Made a big difference in the picture.

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This was the first time we ever used the GAC to see the characters. I wasn't sure how it would work. It actually went very well!! I showed the GAC to the cm at the entrance. He brought us in an alternate entrance and told us to wait there while he told another cm we were there. The waiting area was nice. We were by ourselves. As we stood there, Anakin noticed that Mickey's backround has Test Track in the backdrop. The other cm was very attentive to both us and the people in line. He left quite a few people in line go. In between, he talked to Anakin and said he would be soon. Once a big group was through, he left us go.

Mickey and Minnie went great. There weren't many people around them. But as we got to Donald, it was congested with people. Anakin easily became overstimulated waiting for Donald. When it was his turn, he posed for the pic with Donald, but Donald put too much pressure to suit him on his shoulder. He asked Donald not to touch so hard. It did not appear he was touching hard at all. I think Anakin was oversensitive to his touch. But once Donald touched lighter, it made a big difference in the pic.

The rest of our party went to see Captain EO while we were at Character Connection. After we were done with the characters we headed over there. Anakin had a great time with the water fountains there.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1135.jpg

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Laurabearz

03-20-2011, 07:00 PM

LOVE the pic of him waiting to catch the water!! And Such blue skies! Been grey here for months it seems.

We will have to get together in June for sure!! We are at the Beach Club (over on the Villa side of course) Oh wait... you will be gone on your trip.... shoot

I poke around on the DIS but it seems everyone's questions get answered better and faster than I can get to them or answer them, so I mostly lurk...

And..... I am always on facebook... even when I am not on it I have the chat linked via AIM, so it shows I am online even when I am not.... :laughing:

But as always... if you need me, text me :rotfl:

KatMark

03-20-2011, 07:19 PM

I just LOVE the smile on Anakin's face by the fountains near Captain EO. If it had been cloudy, it would have lightened the sky. :goodvibes

Great photo with Donald Duck too. :thumbsup2

tinytreasures

03-20-2011, 08:46 PM

Great report :lovestruc
I am also a Schmolland mom to 2 boys so we do things a lot like you. :rolleyes1

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 07:57 AM

I just LOVE the smile on Anakin's face by the fountains near Captain EO. If it had been cloudy, it would have lightened the sky. :goodvibes

Great photo with Donald Duck too. :thumbsup2

Aww, that's so sweet, thanks!

Great report :lovestruc
I am also a Schmolland mom to 2 boys so we do things a lot like you. :rolleyes1

:welcome::welcome: Welcome, tinytreasures! What do you do that is similar, and what do you do that is different. We are pretty new to Schmolland. We arrived in Schmolland last June.

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 08:07 AM

Captain EO is too intense in sensory stimulation for Anakin. We attempted to see it once with him. He was extremely apprehensive in the waiting area. I couldn't get him to walk into the queue. But he was willing to try in his stroller. We made it to the preshow. He watched the preshow with his hands over his ears, and turning his face into his stroller at times. When the doors opened to the show, the fountain of tears began. So we walked straight through and exited.

Here are more pictures I took while waiting for everyone else to get out of Captain EO.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1144.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1148-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1142.jpg

The Tronorail!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1156.jpg

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http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1159.jpg

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 08:19 AM

Next we were off to Anakin's favorite...Journey into Imagination!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1150.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1165.jpg

And then Image Works

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1167.jpg

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 08:33 AM

Next stop, The Land

First up, Soarin' and then Living with the Land. We had arrived at the park shortly after opening. One member of our party got the fast passes at 9:30 for a return time of 11:20. We rode Soarin' then Living with the Land. Didn't catch the standby time for Soarin' but it was only a 10 minute way for the other attraction! Didn't use the GAC here.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1168.jpg

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lovethattink

03-21-2011, 08:38 AM

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1175.jpg

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lovethattink

03-21-2011, 08:42 AM

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1199.jpg

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http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1207.jpg

Do you see the man in the bottom right picture? Anakin thinks he looks a little like Count Dooku.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1211.jpg

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 08:47 AM

We ate lunch at the food court. Anakin had a chicken leg, rice, grapes and apple sauce. One of the sides wasn't included, so we had to pay additional for that. He did not like the rice. Grumpy said he'd eat it, but he didn't like the rice either. Which is surprising because he loves rice! I had the Gingered Beef with a side of white rice. Grumpy had chicken tortilla soup. He is a huge soup eater. I was concerned about the seeds on the cracker that came with the soup, but he wasn't allergic to either the soup or the cracker!

After lunch, we headed out for a rest, leaving Grumpy with the friends.

tinytreasures

03-21-2011, 12:07 PM

:welcome::welcome: Welcome, tinytreasures! What do you do that is similar, and what do you do that is different. We are pretty new to Schmolland. We arrived in Schmolland last June.

We follow the kids lead. Leave when they look like they are going to melt. We don't plan much other then where we are going. Then we always have a exit plan if our oldest melts.
Our oldest is scared to death of winnie the pooh :scared1: so we avoid him at all costs. He is better but we don't push our luck. It is really hard because winnie the pooh is everywhere (on clothes and the stores are full of him)
We have learned to stop and smell the roses instead of trying to see everything all the time. Our lives are better in one way, 10x harder in another. Food is are hardest thing because our oldest can't do corn which is in everything. So we have to bring his food along for everything and he hates it :headache:
It is a different life but it is our life so we deal :cloud9:

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 12:20 PM

We follow the kids lead. Leave when they look like they are going to melt. We don't plan much other then where we are going. Then we always have a exit plan if our oldest melts.
Our oldest is scared to death of winnie the pooh :scared1: so we avoid him at all costs. He is better but we don't push our luck. It is really hard because winnie the pooh is everywhere (on clothes and the stores are full of him)
We have learned to stop and smell the roses instead of trying to see everything all the time. Our lives are better in one way, 10x harder in another. Food is are hardest thing because our oldest can't do corn which is in everything. So we have to bring his food along for everything and he hates it :headache:
It is a different life but it is our life so we deal :cloud9:

Winnie the Pooh is definately hard to avoid at Disney. Corn is very difficult to avoid. Grumpy is allergic to soy and it's every where too.

I agree, following their lead helps to avoid the meltdowns. Even grocery shopping is based on when would be best. I have to make a list and stick very strictly to it. We created a social story about going to Walmart. Haven't had any meltdowns in the toy aisle since, because we can refer to the social story and how it's ok not to get a toy every time.

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 12:24 PM

Once Goofy got out of work, we headed back to Epcot to get Grumpy.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1222.jpg

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lovethattink

03-21-2011, 12:37 PM

As we were walking past Test Track towards World Showcase, we discovered an activity table just outside Pixie Hollow. The CM explained to Anakin that she had a magic crayon, and he was to take the crayon and the special paper she gave him over the stands and their name will appear on the paper. Once he was done, he would get a prize. He said, "probably stickers." He was right.

There was magic in Pixie Hollow. As with other children with Asperger's, he is emotionally behind by a few years. He also doesn't understand joking, sarcasm, or slyness. His world is black and white. So when the cm said it was a magic crayon, there was no doubt in his mind it was a magic crayon. His naiivity is part of his charm. He was wholeheartedly amazed every time a name showed up on his paper! I debated whether or not to explain to him how it worked, but I decided to let him delight in the magic and I will explain it to him another time.

The playground equipment in Pixie Hollow says for children 5 and under. He has developmental delay, and just recently mastered how to do the things in this playground. There weren't many children here so we let him play there. He was very careful around the other children, and even explained to the other children how you have to wait to go down the slide until the child before you is out of the way.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1290-1.jpg

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tinytreasures

03-21-2011, 12:43 PM

Winnie the Pooh is definately hard to avoid at Disney. Corn is very difficult to avoid. Grumpy is allergic to soy and it's every where too.

I agree, following their lead helps to avoid the meltdowns. Even grocery shopping is based on when would be best. I have to make a list and stick very strictly to it. We created a social story about going to Walmart. Haven't had any meltdowns in the toy aisle since, because we can refer to the social story and how it's ok not to get a toy every time.

I am lucky to have help here. I don't take them to the store unless I have to. We really talk out what is expected of them and if they start to loose it we go to the van. That has been a great trick to get him to calm himself down. This time in Disney I am going to try ear plugs to see if that helps for getting him overwhelmed. We only did it for the fireworks and it help big time. I don't know why we didn't do it the rest of the time. Plus this time he is on better meds that really are helping him. I am hoping we can do a lot more this time around.

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 12:44 PM

Does anyone know what this is suppose to be? It looked like there was bird seed and they were sifting it??

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1281.jpg

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lovethattink

03-21-2011, 12:49 PM

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lovethattink

03-21-2011, 12:54 PM

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1260.jpg

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lovethattink

03-21-2011, 01:10 PM

Not many people in Mexico either...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1291.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1295.jpg

Our last stop before heading out of the park was to meet everyone at Germany, then head out of the park while they watch Illuminations.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1299.jpg

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Kennywife

03-21-2011, 01:25 PM

lovethattink

03-21-2011, 02:05 PM

Hi lovethattink! Big Tink fan here too!

I hear you on the Epilepsy, having been an Epileptic for 15 years. It's good you caught it early and found his triggers. Mine are stress, too much caffeine, heat, and AF.

Oh well, when life hands you lemons....that's my motto! :cool1:

I have partial seizures, abscence, and Catamenial (brought on by AF.:sad2:) I also have food allergies.....egg whites, peas, and onions. (They give me seizures)

I can ride rides like Test Track and be around some flashing lights as long as they're colored. The white flashing lights on space mountain? No way. :scared1:

I work as a travel writer and travel the country writing articles. :banana: I've been to WDW several times as a solo. My parents freaked the first time I went. I had to call them and my hubby every day.

Love your pics! You're a very good photographer! (This coming from a photographer, well, part-time anyway. lol.)

Keep up the good fight!

Anna

:welcome: Always nice to meet another Tink fan! Living with Epilepsy sure presents some challenges. Hopefully your seizures are controlled? I never noticed if colored lights are different than the white lights. I'll have to start taking notice. I know he doesn't like the red lights for the hot climate in TT, but I always assumed it was the sudden brightness and noise when they turn on. He puts his hands over his face then. I can understand the concern your family has when you travel solo!

I am laughing about the good photographer comment. Anakin broke my camera just before Thanksgiving. Goofy got me a replacement camera, a cheap $69 point and shoot digital camera. I haven't figured out how to take pics with it in low lighting or indoors. I've played around with all the settings, and my indoor pics get all yellow and fuzzy. My night time pics aren't that great either. The camera does a good job outdoors in bright sunlight though.

Kennywife

03-22-2011, 06:40 PM

blessedmom4

03-23-2011, 04:49 AM

TINK, THANK YOU for the amazing pictures!!! You brought back so many GREAT memories of Epcot, one of my favorite places on earth! I know I am weird, but the Land is one of may FAVORITE rides (although not as much since they switched from individual CM's in each boat leading the tour...we were actually on the last day of boat rides that the Land had before they switched over. I rode it twice that day, the last time just before they stopped for the night...I actually had tears in my eyes and while I still think it is good and it is now consistently done (your expeirence always depended on the CM tour guide before) :goodvibes I still missed the human interaction! Anakin was so brave to try the que, good for him! :goodvibes He looks so sweet with the faireis and I LOVE :love: all of the great photos you got! So happy Grumpy enjoyed some time with friends, I will say again, I wish we lived that close! :cloud9:
http://dl2.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1376/1376192c0s5xp3cxf.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

MyPeanut&Bug

03-23-2011, 07:08 AM

The fairy garden is adorable! I saw it on our way out of the park one day and completely forgot that I wanted to make it back there!

Where was the Lightning McQueen topiary?? So cool - how did I miss that??

lovethattink

03-23-2011, 07:58 AM

For the most part they are. They spike during AF and when I'm majorly stressed about something. I take Topamax, Lamictal, and Lyrica. The Lyrica is during higher activity time. My neuro gives me samples of it so I don't have to pay full price....:scared1:

My cameras include: a digital camera, a flip video camera and a swaeettt tripod camera I got for $45 at Goodwill! (It was $700 new).

I got the okay from my neuro (greatest dx ever!) before I even started traveling solo. When I travel solo or with hubby, I always take extra meds and when I get tired I head back to our room. I love Test Track (Kenny, that's my hubby's name) was excited I could ride it. I also love the fireworks and dining. I call home whether I am solo or not EVERY day to make sure my family knows I'm safe.

My fave restaurants that are allergy friendly include: Crystal Palace, Cali Grill, Le Cellier, Raglan Road, and Via Napoli. I looooove CP! I would eat there every meal if I could! Ask for Chef Kenneth....he is awesome!!!!!!

I have had some ooopsies (my nickname for seizures) while traveling. The scariest was on my last solo trip when I got waaayyyy overheated and nearly passed out in front of POTC. :scared1: I can laugh about it now, but it was scary! I am writing a book all about all my travel adventures and misadventures. :laughing: In Oct. when Ken and I went, we were on DCL and had to outrun Hurricane Tomas! :eek:

Anna

I think the Disney Chef world is dominated by Kens!! There is a Chef Ken at the Coral Reef and another Chef Ken at the Plaza Restaurant.

I'm sure your book will be very interesting and will help others avoid some of those misadventures!

TINK, THANK YOU for the amazing pictures!!! You brought back so many GREAT memories of Epcot, one of my favorite places on earth! I know I am weird, but the Land is one of may FAVORITE rides (although not as much since they switched from individual CM's in each boat leading the tour...we were actually on the last day of boat rides that the Land had before they switched over. I rode it twice that day, the last time just before they stopped for the night...I actually had tears in my eyes and while I still think it is good and it is now consistently done (your expeirence always depended on the CM tour guide before) :goodvibes I still missed the human interaction! Anakin was so brave to try the que, good for him! :goodvibes He looks so sweet with the faireis and I LOVE :love: all of the great photos you got! So happy Grumpy enjoyed some time with friends, I will say again, I wish we lived that close! :cloud9:
http://dl2.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1376/1376192c0s5xp3cxf.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

We rode one of the last boats too. Maybe we were in the same one?? The Land is one of my husband's favorite attractions. Years ago they gave free behind the seeds tours during the F&G festival. There is a photo in the Disney archives of Grumpy with one of the huge pumpkins, that we had to sign release forms for.

And I'm sure it's not surprising, that my family has been in the Disney planning video for years. I've been edited out over the years, but Goofy and Anakin are still in there. It was the first time we snuck over to Disney while Grumpy was in school. We went to get a special release pin for him from the Animal Kingdom. Walked into the baby care center to change Anakin's diaper, and the place was packed with film crew, children and cast members. I walked in and made the comment that I guess this is the place to be?! And asked what was going on. They said they were making advertisement for the baby care center and asked if they could use Anakin since they didn't have an actual baby. Again we signed release forms, and a quick 2 minute diaper change turned into a 15 minute diaper change. They got a great fade in/ fade out of Goofy and Anakin leaving the baby care center that they've used for years!

The fairy garden is adorable! I saw it on our way out of the park one day and completely forgot that I wanted to make it back there!

Where was the Lightning McQueen topiary?? So cool - how did I miss that??

I saw on Colleen's trip report that the fairies are in the garden signing autographs during the day. We were there just before they closed it for the night.

The Lightning McQueen topiary was in the World Showcase close to Future World.

lovethattink

03-23-2011, 08:13 AM

Bought some wonderful Plant City Strawberries at a Farmer's Market. One of the strawberries was a hidden Mickey!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1309.jpg

Yesterday, March 22, we met up with our friends at DHS. But our morning began with a 10am ADR at the Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club, meeting up with a special friend from VMK who is one of my DIS Zeta sisters. I didn't take any pics here, but our breakfast was fabulous!! The buffet there is so wonderful!! I had a biscuit and gravy, egg benedict, stuffed tomato, fresh pineapple, bacon, and potatoes with onions, peppers and apples. After breakfast we were off to DHS.

We went on TSM, then Mermaid, then Animation Studio, then Muppets, then home.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1310.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1311.jpg

(DIS Califgirl/Cazalet and Anakin explore the games at the Animation building. Anakin wasn't interested in the characters at all.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1313.jpg

davebon23

03-23-2011, 10:36 AM

Thanks so much for the encouragement and hugs. At first it was very terrifying and very frustrating because it took months to get testing done and answers from the medical community. Now we know exactly what we are dealing with, we are becoming better educated, and learning ways to overcome all of this. The tables have turned, he may have all these medical conditions, but they do no longer have him!

I am enjoying your trip report. I started reading bc I have a gluten allergy and I see Grumpy has allergies. But I have had similar(though much, much less dangerous and not nearly as serious) expierience. My DS and DD both have had febrile seizures with high fevers when they were toddlers. My DS's first seizure he stopped breathing and turned blue. He was only 1 1/2 and I was pregnant with my DD. It can be very scary. I know your DS grand mal seizure is much worse, but I can relate with how scary it can be when your child stops breathing. He ended up having 2 and my DD had one when she was 1 yr old. She just passed out right on the tile floor in the bathroom. It is so frightening when they stopped breathing. My poor DH, he is a police officer and I had to stay on the phone with 911, so they said they would notify him. All they told him was that my son stopped breathing. He made it to the hospital before we did and he was a half an hour away. He thought my DS had died. They offered him a police escort, but he just flew there. I am lucky my DH made it there alive. He was so scared and upset. It really was not a very good expierience for any of us.

I am glad to see you have been able to get some answers and keep it under control for him. Thank God you found the right doctors and help with therapy to take care of him. I hope that everything goes well for him and he can continue to enjoy life without too many medical issues causing him trouble.

BTW, even my dog has had seizures. LOL!!

lovethattink

03-23-2011, 12:16 PM

I am enjoying your trip report. I started reading bc I have a gluten allergy and I see Grumpy has allergies. But I have had similar(though much, much less dangerous and not nearly as serious) expierience. My DS and DD both have had febrile seizures with high fevers when they were toddlers. My DS's first seizure he stopped breathing and turned blue. He was only 1 1/2 and I was pregnant with my DD. It can be very scary. I know your DS grand mal seizure is much worse, but I can relate with how scary it can be when your child stops breathing. He ended up having 2 and my DD had one when she was 1 yr old. She just passed out right on the tile floor in the bathroom. It is so frightening when they stopped breathing. My poor DH, he is a police officer and I had to stay on the phone with 911, so they said they would notify him. All they told him was that my son stopped breathing. He made it to the hospital before we did and he was a half an hour away. He thought my DS had died. They offered him a police escort, but he just flew there. I am lucky my DH made it there alive. He was so scared and upset. It really was not a very good expierience for any of us.

I am glad to see you have been able to get some answers and keep it under control for him. Thank God you found the right doctors and help with therapy to take care of him. I hope that everything goes well for him and he can continue to enjoy life without too many medical issues causing him trouble.

BTW, even my dog has had seizures. LOL!!

:welcome::welcome: Welcome davebon23!

Do you email Disney before your trips about your food allergies?

We tend to eat at the same restaurants over and over so we generally know what he can and cannot eat. Gluten is not one of his allergies, surprisingly, neither is milk. When they did the skin tests on him a few years ago, he was allergic to 80-some things out of the 120 they tested him for.

I'm sorry about your children having febrile seizures. Does the Florida heat cause any problems?

I see your next trip is 8/11. Anakin really minded the heat last summer. There was one day we were on the ferry back to the TTC when he started having an aura. When things heat up here, we keep him inside during the hottest time of the day. We had spent the morning at the MK, and it was around lunch time and we were heading out of the park then home. We carry a cooler bag filled with frozen waters. He was in his stroller, and we took out the frozen waters and laid them around his body, neck, and gave him a bottle to hold in each hand. Once we got off the ferry we dodged into the store at the TTC until he cooled off more. Goofy headed back to the car, got the air cranked and picked us up at the kennels (right by the store). I am hoping that now he is better controlled with medication, that this summer won't be as bothersome for him.

Kennywife

03-23-2011, 03:04 PM

lovethattink

03-23-2011, 05:10 PM

Hey lovethattink,

Thanks to your great pics, we changed from CBR to CSR!!!!! :cool1:

We're now going Sept. 27-Oct. 3 and staying at the preferred room at CSR. Kenny and I have never stayed there, so we thought, "Why not?" :banana:

We're going to do Busch Gardens/Universal while we are there! :woohoo:

Anna

I just tried to book CSR for September, but nothing was available on my dates. :(

I'm sure you will enjoy staying there. Be sure to check out KatMark's CSR thread, great info on that thread!

The preferred rooms are the Casitas 1, 2 or 3. They are very close to the main building, but very far from the theme pool. Though they do have a very nice quiet pool at Casistas 4, and the health club and spa is also at building 4. Building 2 doesn't have any elevators, have to go to building 3's elevator to get there. So you might want to request building 1 or 3.

kaffinito

03-23-2011, 06:13 PM

Great pic of Anakin with "lighter touch" Donald! Love the smile :goodvibes

The GAC for characters is a life saver, isn't it? I used that for DS10 when he was still into the characters (before he became too cool for such things) and really was glad I did. :)

I wish I could check out your F&G pics but I can't. :sad2: I'll be there soon to see them and don't want to spoil the surprise! :teeth: I'll come back on after I go to see them though. :goodvibes

I am lucky to have help here. I don't take them to the store unless I have to. We really talk out what is expected of them and if they start to loose it we go to the van. That has been a great trick to get him to calm himself down. This time in Disney I am going to try ear plugs to see if that helps for getting him overwhelmed. We only did it for the fireworks and it help big time. I don't know why we didn't do it the rest of the time. Plus this time he is on better meds that really are helping him. I am hoping we can do a lot more this time around.

I used to have to grocery shop every day for 5 items at a time. Any more than that and DS18 would have a major meltdown. This was way before I found out he was autistic. ;)

:hug: I used the earplugs for youngest DS and they really helped him out - :thumbsup2 Hope they work wonders for you too! :goodvibes

lovethattink

03-23-2011, 07:16 PM

I am lucky to have help here. I don't take them to the store unless I have to. We really talk out what is expected of them and if they start to loose it we go to the van. That has been a great trick to get him to calm himself down. This time in Disney I am going to try ear plugs to see if that helps for getting him overwhelmed. We only did it for the fireworks and it help big time. I don't know why we didn't do it the rest of the time. Plus this time he is on better meds that really are helping him. I am hoping we can do a lot more this time around.

If kaffinito hadn't answered you, I would have never seen your post. It snuck in there between the pictures. So sorry I missed it!

I try not to take him shopping unless I have to. I was born to shop and am perfectly content to window shop. That just doesn't work with him one bit!!

On one of the other threads I subscribe to, there was a conversation about ear muffs to reduce sound. I thought I had saved the link to the ones a few had ordered, but can't find the link.

Glad his meds are helping. Hopefully you all will get a chance to do more things.

Great pic of Anakin with "lighter touch" Donald! Love the smile :goodvibes

The GAC for characters is a life saver, isn't it? I used that for DS10 when he was still into the characters (before he became too cool for such things) and really was glad I did. :)

I wish I could check out your F&G pics but I can't. :sad2: I'll be there soon to see them and don't want to spoil the surprise! :teeth: I'll come back on after I go to see them though. :goodvibes

I used to have to grocery shop every day for 5 items at a time. Any more than that and DS18 would have a major meltdown. This was way before I found out he was autistic. ;)

:hug: I used the earplugs for youngest DS and they really helped him out - :thumbsup2 Hope they work wonders for you too! :goodvibes

I look forward to seeing your pics!

Today there was a meltdown outside of a pet shop. Grumpy went in to get something, and I was in the car with Anakin. I was on the phone with our insurance company and told him I would take him in the store once I am done with my phone call. When he saw his big brother coming out of the store, that was it...huge meltdown. I had to hang up immediately with the insurance representative. Grumpy put his purchase in the car, and as soon as we started walking to the pet store, the fountain of tears and screaming stopped. I told him he could walk through the store, look at the animals quickly then we leave. He walked around the store, happy as could be, as if there was never a meltdown. As I was still preturbed by the meltdown. When we got back in the car and he was able to reason we talked about the needless meltdown, and how he should have acted and what he could have asked about going in the pet store.

sl_underwood

03-23-2011, 08:11 PM

If kaffinito hadn't answered you, I would have never seen your post. It snuck in there between the pictures. So sorry I missed it!

I try not to take him shopping unless I have to. I was born to shop and am perfectly content to window shop. That just doesn't work with him one bit!!

On one of the other threads I subscribe to, there was a conversation about ear muffs to reduce sound. I thought I had saved the link to the ones a few had ordered, but can't find the link.

Glad his meds are helping. Hopefully you all will get a chance to do more things.

I look forward to seeing your pics!

Today there was a meltdown outside of a pet shop. Grumpy went in to get something, and I was in the car with Anakin. I was on the phone with our insurance company and told him I would take him in the store once I am done with my phone call. When he saw his big brother coming out of the store, that was it...huge meltdown. I had to hang up immediately with the insurance representative. Grumpy put his purchase in the car, and as soon as we started walking to the pet store, the fountain of tears and screaming stopped. I told him he could walk through the store, look at the animals quickly then we leave. He walked around the store, happy as could be, as if there was never a meltdown. As I was still preturbed by the meltdown. When we got back in the car and he was able to reason we talked about the needless meltdown, and how he should have acted and what he could have asked about going in the pet store.

I know exactly what you mean. Luke can only shop in places like walmart for less than half an hour. Any longer and it causes a melt down. Of course, he does pretty good at Disney for a great deal longer. Maybe cause its outdoors. We have yet to see an indoor show there though. He just cant handle it. Not sure exactly what causes his problem but any auditorium setting freaks him out bigtime. It can be difficult but I also find it works easier if we do things based on his comfort level.

lovethattink

03-24-2011, 07:19 AM

I know exactly what you mean. Luke can only shop in places like walmart for less than half an hour. Any longer and it causes a melt down. Of course, he does pretty good at Disney for a great deal longer. Maybe cause its outdoors. We have yet to see an indoor show there though. He just cant handle it. Not sure exactly what causes his problem but any auditorium setting freaks him out bigtime. It can be difficult but I also find it works easier if we do things based on his comfort level.

Is your son verbal? I've started to ask mine how he feels and we try to determine what is causing that feeling. My son said he doesn't like when the lights go out, it scares him. He also doesn't like thunder sounds, nor how loud the sound systems are. Also, doesn't like when light shines in his eyes. The music also plays a part too. He said he likes happy music. At the Lion King show he can't stand the part of the fire twirler because of the music. But he loves the monkey part so much that he is willing to sit through the rest of the show. Philharmagic is out of he question completely, as is Tough to be a Bug. He has tried both of them multiple times, but they cause too much anxiety. Yet he loves the little mermaid show, IF and only IF, he is wearing a bucket hat. Go figure.

You are right, it's much easier to do things based on his comfort level. If everyone else wants to do something and he doesn't, one of us will sit out with him and wait for the others.

sl_underwood

03-24-2011, 12:49 PM

Is your son verbal? I've started to ask mine how he feels and we try to determine what is causing that feeling. My son said he doesn't like when the lights go out, it scares him. He also doesn't like thunder sounds, nor how loud the sound systems are. Also, doesn't like when light shines in his eyes. The music also plays a part too. He said he likes happy music. At the Lion King show he can't stand the part of the fire twirler because of the music. But he loves the monkey part so much that he is willing to sit through the rest of the show. Philharmagic is out of he question completely, as is Tough to be a Bug. He has tried both of them multiple times, but they cause too much anxiety. Yet he loves the little mermaid show, IF and only IF, he is wearing a bucket hat. Go figure.

You are right, it's much easier to do things based on his comfort level. If everyone else wants to do something and he doesn't, one of us will sit out with him and wait for the others.

Luke is verbal but his speech is not at age level. When we got him at nearly 4, he only knew curse words, so really no vocabulary at all. At 7, he does talk and is making lots of progress but his speech is at about 3-4 years accoridng to his speech pathologist. That being said, he does not answer questions well most of the time. If ask ask for specifics, I usually do not get an answer that makes sense. For example, the other day he said that Walmart was bothering him. I said what is that is bothering you. He answered Walmart. I tried to get him to elaborate by asking more questions and he would just parrot my question as response. Our last trip, he did make it through turtle talk which was great and made it about halfway through beauty and the beast. We also have one parent always ready to sit out with him if needed so the other kids can do what they want too. Would love to hear any suggestions any of you have for vacationing with autistic kids. We have only done it once and need allt he help we can get!

lovethattink

03-24-2011, 01:53 PM

Luke is verbal but his speech is not at age level. When we got him at nearly 4, he only knew curse words, so really no vocabulary at all. At 7, he does talk and is making lots of progress but his speech is at about 3-4 years accoridng to his speech pathologist. That being said, he does not answer questions well most of the time. If ask ask for specifics, I usually do not get an answer that makes sense. For example, the other day he said that Walmart was bothering him. I said what is that is bothering you. He answered Walmart. I tried to get him to elaborate by asking more questions and he would just parrot my question as response. Our last trip, he did make it through turtle talk which was great and made it about halfway through beauty and the beast. We also have one parent always ready to sit out with him if needed so the other kids can do what they want too. Would love to hear any suggestions any of you have for vacationing with autistic kids. We have only done it once and need allt he help we can get!

He probably answered Walmart because rather than seeing the big picture like we do, he is probably only focusing on a fine detail of that whole picture.

I don't know if any other airlines offer this, but here is a link about Southwest airlines and autism. http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/2010-11-29-airportcheckin29_ST_N.htm

Social stories about flying are always good too.

This one is about taking an airplane trip http://www.kansasasd.com/upload/Airplane%20Trip.pdf

This one is about the airport and plane
http://www.einstein.edu/rx_files/yourhealth/airport_social_stories_einstein.pdf

There are several more online if you google social stories and airplane.

lovethattink

03-24-2011, 02:11 PM

sl_underwood,

When you arrive in a Disney park, make guest services your first stop. Explain to them what your son needs, and they can make suggestions on how to accomodate him in the park. This would be the same at Universal, Sea World, and Busch Gardens, to make Guest Services be the first stop.

Post #6 on the disability boards FAQ thread discusses the GAC and if it is right for you
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=10237514&postcount=6

We find that using a stroller is helpful. While my son doesn't have mobility issues he does run when fightened. Once, a construction wall at the Winnie the Pooh ride spooked him and he took off running. I caught up to him near Dumbo. Thankfully the park was not busy that day, and he stopped because of low endurance. The stroller keeps him with us. It also offers the added benefit of providing a place of escape for him. If he is over stimulated by the crowds, he can put up the sun shade and block everyone else out. Our GAC card is stamped to use the stroller as a wheel chair, so if he needs to do this in line he can.

There are rental companies near Disney that rent out medical strollers that will accomodate up to 100 pounds. They are red, medical jogging strollers that are made by baby jogger. Post #2 of the disability FAQ has info about this. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=5873006&postcount=2

I'm not sure what other type of info you are looking for? Do you have specific questions?

sl_underwood

03-24-2011, 02:38 PM

Thanks so much for the tips. On our last trip we did use a GAC just so we could use the stroller as a wheelchair. Our son can not stand or walk for long periods of time so this helped a great deal. Also, he does great on airplanes, no clue how. They bother me a great deal, but he just stares out the window and listens to his mp3 player the whole time. We only have one 3 hr plane ride which helps I think. This trip I think I will be renting from off site and I honestly do not know who to go with. Any suggestions?

lovethattink

03-24-2011, 02:55 PM

https://www.orlandostrollersrentals.com/ProductDescription.aspx?PID=5

This is the medical stroller I see rented the most at the parks. A 7 year old would kind of swim in it though depending on how small he is. I'm sure the rental company can find the best fitting one based on his measurements.

sl_underwood

03-24-2011, 04:40 PM

Thanks I rented one! He is tall for his age so the others were just not going to work. He is right at 70 lbs but he is 56 in tall

lovethattink

03-24-2011, 08:56 PM

Thanks I rented one! He is tall for his age so the others were just not going to work. He is right at 70 lbs but he is 56 in tall

You're welcome! I hope it works out well for you. I'd like to buy one of them for Anakin, but they are so expensive and he can still squeeze into his stroller.

lovethattink

03-25-2011, 08:03 AM

Our friends from PA are still on vacation, so we met them last night at Pop Century for supper. I had hummus and bagel chips, and ate the salad that came with Grumpy's meatball sandwich. Grumpy ate half of his meatball sandwich because he wasn't hungry, I hope he isn't getting sick! He is always hungry! Anakin had the pepperoni pizza, grapes and apple sauce. Goofy had chicken parmesan which came with pasta. The salad with the meatball sandwich came with a nice vinegrette dressing. For dessert, Goofy and Anakin at Mickey Premium Bars. We used our tables in wonderland card for 20% off food and beverages.

One thing we learned about ordering food, is not to take Anakin with us!! It is just too hard on him and it makes it too hard on us!!!!! I brought Star Wars sticker books, and some of his lego figures. Goofy stayed at the table with him and they played while Grumpy and I got the food. It worked out great and was stress free on all of us!

After supper, we walked out to check on the Hippy Dippy pool. The refurbishment was finished on it. It's been a while since we stayed at Pop. We have resies for May. I noticed there was a box of life jackets just like there was at CSR. I don't remember seeing them there before?? There was also a ping pong table that I don't remember there on our last visit. Also noticed a sign that specified pool quiet hours.

Anakin wanted to swim so badly. We explained to him that he didn't have a bathing suit and that we will be staying here in May. He didn't care that he didn't have a suit, he was willing to swim in his clothing, because he wanted to swim right here, right now. We told him that he couldn't swim unless he was guest of the resort. He is a stickler for rules, so that ended the conversation on swimming.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/3.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/2.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/4.jpg

MyPeanut&Bug

03-25-2011, 08:13 AM

Love your Mickey strawberry! (looks yummy too!)

POP looks fun - think we may have to stay there next time. Anakin is too cute in his mouse ears! :goodvibes

lovethattink

03-25-2011, 11:15 AM

Love your Mickey strawberry! (looks yummy too!)

POP looks fun - think we may have to stay there next time. Anakin is too cute in his mouse ears! :goodvibes

Plant City strawberries are the best. Right now it's the end of the strawberry season here in Florida. CA berries will be the only on our shelves soon. You might be able to try Plant City berries in your town. Walmart often carries them.

Aww, thanks! He is so proud of his mouse ears. Of all the different kinds of mouse ears, those are the ones he picked out.

Pop is very fun! It's our favorite value resort. If we can't get Pop when we are trying to book a value we go for movies. I prefer the food court selection better at Movies. But my boys prefer Pop's.

Today is the last full day of our friend's vacation. We are hoping to meet up to say our goodbyes either at MK later this afternoon or Epcot tonight. It has been so nice to see them after a couple years of not. When we are in PA we all go to Hershey Park together or Shady Maple to eat. We have had some awesome times together, it's just a shame we live 1000+ miles apart. But computer technology has brought us closer together with email, chat, and now facebook!

lovethattink

03-26-2011, 10:54 AM

Last night we met up with our friends at Epcot. This was not one of those perfect Disney days. Things did not go as planned. There were some unforseen holdups. Some lessons learned.

Anakin wanted to do Kim Possible so we stopped at the KP booth near UK. Our return time was to Norway at 6:30pm. I told the cm we did Norway before, but never did UK and France. He told us, that's not problem just to tell them at Norway and they can program it in.

We headed off to the American pavillion to meet up with our friends who were waiting on some of their group who was shopping. The rest were waiting to see the Melissa Manchester flower power show. We made a detour at France to stop and try an orange slush that we had heard so much about. It is true that it tastes just like and orange creamsicle, but if I want that taste, I think I will go for an orange creamsicle over the orange slush. Goofy felt the same way.

Anakin did some pin trading. He was excited to get a Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and a High School Musical 2 pin. The cm he traded with came back to us and asked him if he had the Kevin Jonas pin. He saw Anakin's excitement over the Jonas Brothers, and noticed another cm with the Kevin pin. That was so thoughtful of him to walk all the way back to us to tell us!

Here is where things begin to go not as planned and it caused some anxiety with Anakin. It was time to return to Norway. We all had decided that we'd go on Soarin' together, because Melissa Mancester, didn't sound too wonderful. We remembered the songs, but they were not sung like we remembered, and were almost painful to the ear. I walked ahead of them to pick up the KP phone at Norway. Gave the return ticket to the cm and she said she did not have the ability to program in UK or france from her kiosk, that the cm in UK was wrong. She also said that the phones now time out after 15 minutes of inactivity. So we would not be able to ride soarin and return to our mission. Anakin was not happy about this. This did not fit his plan. But he wanted to be with everyone and with the promise of returning to KP after Soarin' he was ok.

A detour to the butterfly display, made him forget everything about Kim Possible!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1319.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1318.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1320.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1321.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1324.jpg

Soarin's FP line was not long, but the wait time was long. Goofy timed us and said we were gone 33 minutes. Where we turned in the FP, we stood there for an excrutiatingly long time. I knew the distance from entering the line to getting to the ride was long. I did not bring the stroller because I thought he could walk that far. I did not calculate in all that standing time. Add in the milkshake that Anakin had and he was literally bouncing off the rails in the queue. We tried to entertain him by showing him pictures we had taken throughout the week.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1330.jpg

This next picture was looking and talking about the squirrel picture that was on her camera. The squirrel was busy burrying an acorn. But he didn't like us watching him and taking his pic. Also noting the difference between a PA squirrel and a FL one. The tail is much less bushy in the FL one.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1328.jpg

While bouncing off the rails, Anakin learned that not all chains are hooked onto the queue with a hook. He leaned on one that was closed through a magnet, and fell through. This was after countless times of explaining to him that he was touching everyone's germs. That while the metal may feel nice and cold to touch, it was best not to touch it all up. That while leaning on it may feel good, it is not always safe. The poles may not be secure or the chain could break. Well, he learned his lesson the hard way. I caught him, but it was enough to make him realize there was some truth to what I said.

MyPeanut&Bug

03-27-2011, 07:44 AM

Well, he learned his lesson the hard way. I caught him, but it was enough to make him realize there was some truth to what I said.

lol, this made me smile. I hear myself saying things like, "See, there's a good reason I told you _________, I'm not as stupid as I look!" WAY too often. :laughing:

tinytreasures

03-27-2011, 11:23 AM

You're welcome! I hope it works out well for you. I'd like to buy one of them for Anakin, but they are so expensive and he can still squeeze into his stroller.
Can you check with your dr and get a scrip for one? It has taken us about 6 months but my kids wheel chairs are ordered and should be in soon. We went with Wheelchairs because they can push them by themselves too.

All 5 kids have these ear muffs (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/peltor-kid-ear-muff.html) we got them for the car races but Jason's wears his all the time at home :lmao:

lovethattink

03-27-2011, 08:20 PM

tinytreasures

03-27-2011, 09:16 PM

Even though he is mobile, both his pediatrician and his occupational therapist think that he should be able to get approved for either medical stroller or wheelchair with a 5 point harness because of his tendency to run when frightened and his endurance issues.
Avy and Hayden both are getting Quickie 2's. Jason has a ottobock (sp) Lisa stroller. We went with the wheel chairs this time over the stroller so they could push themselves if they need too. Hayden did way better then I thought he would pushing. :woohoo:
We are taking all 3 with us plus Ella's stroller :upsidedow

lovethattink

03-28-2011, 09:36 AM

Avy and Hayden both are getting Quickie 2's. Jason has a ottobock (sp) Lisa stroller. We went with the wheel chairs this time over the stroller so they could push themselves if they need too. Hayden did way better then I thought he would pushing. :woohoo:
We are taking all 3 with us plus Ella's stroller :upsidedow

I guess I need to catch up on your PRT. How many adults are going? Most of Disney is level so it should be no problem, but the monorail ramps can get a little tricky at the TTC with their steepness. It's hard to slow down going down the hill and difficult pushing up.

At PT they are working on Anakin's endurance level, as we are at home too. In January he had to stop every few minutes to catch his breath or sit down for a break. He is up to nearly 30 minutes of continuous activity now!! Kind of an oxymoron, since he has ADHD and is like the energizer bunny, but wears out quickly with physical activity. The interactive metronome worked him up to 1 hour of physical activity 3 days a week. Our goal is to go to Disney for a couple hours and not have to use the stroller at all. But he needs more CBT, and social stories so he remembers to stay with us.

lovethattink

03-28-2011, 10:09 AM

lol, this made me smile. I hear myself saying things like, "See, there's a good reason I told you _________, I'm not as stupid as I look!" WAY too often. :laughing:

There was yet another lesson to be learned on Friday night....

You know how we tell our children not to put their mouths on the railings, and not to touch everything because there are germs on it?

First of all, my son tells me that the railings are good because they are cold and also because of the pressure sensation he gets when leaning on it. He can't SEE these germs I am talking about.

We were in line at Test track following our ride on Soarin'. He was having a very difficult time leaving the railings alone. Even a cm had to ask him not to sit or hang on the railings.

We got into the preshow room, and he still couldn't leave the rail alone, and was trying to go under it. So I held his hands, and he leaned back against me.

We left the room and again, those railings were like strong magnets pulling both his hands and face to them. He was not the only child that these railings had power over. The younger kids near us, were following his lead, and that mom was none to happy. I got out the hand santizer or "hanizitzer" as Anakin calls it. And side tracked him for a few seconds with it.

Just as he was rubbing his hands together, we heard people in the next row squealing out in disgust. Someone ahead of them had left a hocker ON THE RAIL. Gross!! But now that Anakin could visibly see germs on the rail, he would not touch any of the railings. He walked in front of me and asked me to hold both of his hands. Hopefully he will remember this, but not go over the edge with this!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1331.jpg

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After the ride, we tried out some cars. I had never noticed the crash dummy sitting on a seat between cars. Have you?

Also never noticed the red car in the store. Did you?

A cm was playing with a remote control car. They allowed Anakin to play too. And kept telling him it's only $32 to buy that orange car. And they had a red one too. It was very heard to get him out of the store!!

lovethattink

03-28-2011, 10:10 AM

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1341.jpg

sl_underwood

03-28-2011, 01:12 PM

At PT they are working on Anakin's endurance level, as we are at home too. In January he had to stop every few minutes to catch his breath or sit down for a break. He is up to nearly 30 minutes of continuous activity now!! Kind of an oxymoron, since he has ADHD and is like the energizer bunny, but wears out quickly with physical activity. The interactive metronome worked him up to 1 hour of physical activity 3 days a week. Our goal is to go to Disney for a couple hours and not have to use the stroller at all. But he needs more CBT, and social stories so he remembers to stay with us.

Lol... I know exactly what you mean. Luke also has ADHD but has low endurance. We were unable to get a special needs stroller or wheelchair through insurance, however, he is on state insurance (the same one he was on while in foster care) it was part of our adoption subsidy package and at the time I didnt want it but glad we took it as our insurance wont cover anything they deem pre existing which is about everything!

lovethattink

03-28-2011, 01:44 PM

We are blessed that our insurance covers pre-existing conditions for members under 18 years old. It costs an arm and a leg, but that part of it alone is worth it!

sl_underwood

03-28-2011, 02:33 PM

Can you check with your dr and get a scrip for one? It has taken us about 6 months but my kids wheel chairs are ordered and should be in soon. We went with Wheelchairs because they can push them by themselves too.

All 5 kids have these ear muffs (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/peltor-kid-ear-muff.html) we got them for the car races but Jason's wears his all the time at home :lmao:

Just ordered a pair of these. Hopefully, they will help us get through the fireworks. I have yet to see wishes or illuminations. Would love it if we could!

lovethattink

03-28-2011, 02:41 PM

Just ordered a pair of these. Hopefully, they will help us get through the fireworks. I have yet to see wishes or illuminations. Would love it if we could!

I have considered ordering them. But he hates wearing the earphones for the therapeutic listening. He sweats so much around the ears with them on. I do see them and those orange ones from Walmart's hunting section often at the parks.

blessedmom4

03-28-2011, 03:05 PM

lovethattink

03-28-2011, 03:56 PM

Hi Tink, I am FINALLY caught up on everything, you have been BUSY!!!! I hope you can get some wheels for Anakin, that will help a LOT I am certain. We LOVE Lisa's EZ Rider (we have big wheels on the back, but not large enough for her to push...all I need is smashed fingers)! :eek: She gets around that by grabbing things around us and pulling herself forward or pushing off from walls sometimes...too funny. It fits well in our van which is a good thing since I have a lot to move around sometimes. I thought that was so funny when you said you see family more now than when you lived near them...ahhh, the lure of Disney! Looking forward to MORE!!!! :goodvibes:flower3::goodvibes

For now he has wheels, his baby stroller. He looks like baby huey in it. We get stares, but he is oblivious to the looks or comments. He just knows when his legs are tired he wants to sit. Sadly, the sunshade on his stroller was broken while it was parked outside of Journey into Imagination on Friday. :(

It's not that big of a deal, except that he used the sunshade to "hide" from overstimulation. I found an old, vented fishing hat of Grumpy and he wore that yesterday at the MK and put it over his face a couple times.

lovethattink

03-28-2011, 05:08 PM

Yesterday we went to the Polynesian for dessert with relatives who are snow birds. After enjoying a wonderful time with them and showing them around on the monorail. We moved our car over to the TTC and went into the MK for a couple hours.

We met Goofy's aunt and uncle for lunch after church on Sunday then drove over to WDW for a pineapple dole whip at the Poly...YUM!!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1342.jpg

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Hopped on the monorail and showed them the GF. Then hopped back on the monorail back to the Poly. They headed home, and we drove to the TTC to spend a couple hours at the MK.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1348.jpg

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I love the fresh floral arrangement at the GF!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1354.jpg

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Each time we got in line for the monorail, there was no line, and the monorail was timed perfectly that we didn't have to wait, just walked right on it. I was shocked that the monorail station at the MK was so empty in the afternoon. It was only on March 13th that we had gone and the park was swamped with people. Remember the stroller parking at Columbia Harbour House, or the crowd pics I took? Not like that yesterday at all!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1368.jpg

There is such a nice dance area with Stitch, Goofy and Chip and Dale. The characters each approached us, but Anakin didn't care about them yesterday, he was more concerned about the CM with pin lanyards who accompanied them.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1377.jpg

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http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1376.jpg

One of Anakin's favorite things at the MK is the piano man outside of Casey's Corner. He isn't one to usually sit still for long, but he gets mesmorized listening to him.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/Spring%20Break%202011/100_1370.jpg

After he had finished his song, he spent a long time talking about trading pins with Anakin. He explained that he isn't allowed to wear a lanyard while playing the piano, but he comes in on his days off and wears a lanyard. He was really great with Anakin!!

I think we have a new area of hyperfocus...pin trading.

lovethattink

03-29-2011, 08:53 AM

Just a couple quick FYI's

The handicap entrance for the Tea cups is to the right of the main entrance around the fence. The main queue does not accomodate a wheel chair.

There was no alternate entrance to see Rapunzel and Flynn. My suggestion is to arrive early, make sure you visit the restroom before waiting in line, and bring something to keep cool. It was in the high 80's on Sunday afternoon, so we didn't venture in line. But when we do, I will be sure to be armed with frozen waters to keep Anakin cool, and an umbrella to shade from the sun.

Also the TTA does not have a handicapped entrance. If you are in a wheel chair, you need to be able to get up the ramp and though the queue on the upper level.

MyPeanut&Bug

03-30-2011, 09:12 PM

Too cute about Anakin being so into the pins! Has he not been into them before? The piano man sounds like he was just awesome with him! :)

lovethattink

03-31-2011, 07:21 AM

Too cute about Anakin being so into the pins! Has he not been into them before? The piano man sounds like he was just awesome with him! :)

When Goofy was in elementary school we were a pin trading family. We went to PTN every other Friday at the Contemporary. And when they started Thursday nights at All Star Sports we went there too fairly frequently. Even when they did the PTN at POR. When they changed to the Contemporary monthly in the convention center, Grumpy began to lose interest and we eventually stopped going. Put all our pins and pin books in a huge rubbermaid container, where they've sat until recently. We are sitting down with Anakin looking at our old pins.

It's really neat how they bring back memories of that particular trade, or trying to get our computer to work faster to bid on those Disney auction pins, or standing in lines waiting to purchase brand new pins when they came out.

It's because of going to purchase a pin that we are in Disney's Vacation Planning DVD!

sl_underwood

03-31-2011, 01:07 PM

We tried pin trading last vist but no one in our house was really into it. Jess likes collecting pins but not really trading. Luke just didnt get it much. Think there was just so much going on that pin trading wasnt important. Of course, it was his first visit. I think its a great activity and think its cute that Anakin is into it. Also love the piano man story. I always love it when someone takes special interest in our kids. It just makes their day. Luke is the favorite bag boy at our local grocery store. Every time we go, the manager greets him and tells him to help me shop and he will need his help when it comes time to get my groceries sacked. Then he helps him sack the groceries and put them in the car. It makes our trip so much easier because Luke has something to look forward too.

lovethattink

03-31-2011, 01:49 PM

I can imagine that it makes going to the grocery store easier!! I dread stops at the grocery store! The lights are too bright and seem to bother him as soon as we enter.

blessedmom4

03-31-2011, 06:27 PM

When Goofy was in elementary school we were a pin trading family. We went to PTN every other Friday at the Contemporary. And when they started Thursday nights at All Star Sports we went there too fairly frequently. Even when they did the PTN at POR. When they changed to the Contemporary monthly in the convention center, Grumpy began to lose interest and we eventually stopped going. Put all our pins and pin books in a huge rubbermaid container, where they've sat until recently. We are sitting down with Anakin looking at our old pins.

It's really neat how they bring back memories of that particular trade, or trying to get our computer to work faster to bid on those Disney auction pins, or standing in lines waiting to purchase brand new pins when they came out.

It's because of going to purchase a pin that we are in Disney's Vacation Planning DVD!

We haven't had the luxury of gong to Pin Trading Events, but my children LOVE it as well. I am glad you are reliving some GREAT MEMORIES and making new ones, that is AWESOME!!!! I have to laugh about the Pin Auctions...been there, done that!!!! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: How COOL that you are in the video!!! :goodvibes

davebon23

03-31-2011, 06:34 PM

:welcome::welcome: Welcome davebon23!

Do you email Disney before your trips about your food allergies?

We tend to eat at the same restaurants over and over so we generally know what he can and cannot eat. Gluten is not one of his allergies, surprisingly, neither is milk. When they did the skin tests on him a few years ago, he was allergic to 80-some things out of the 120 they tested him for.

I'm sorry about your children having febrile seizures. Does the Florida heat cause any problems?

I see your next trip is 8/11. Anakin really minded the heat last summer. There was one day we were on the ferry back to the TTC when he started having an aura. When things heat up here, we keep him inside during the hottest time of the day. We had spent the morning at the MK, and it was around lunch time and we were heading out of the park then home. We carry a cooler bag filled with frozen waters. He was in his stroller, and we took out the frozen waters and laid them around his body, neck, and gave him a bottle to hold in each hand. Once we got off the ferry we dodged into the store at the TTC until he cooled off more. Goofy headed back to the car, got the air cranked and picked us up at the kennels (right by the store). I am hoping that now he is better controlled with medication, that this summer won't be as bothersome for him.

I am glad you have been able to keep Anakin cooled down. The frozen waters are a good idea. The heat and I are not best friends. I tend to get overheated easily. My DS, who is now 16 is always hot. He doesn't even want to wear a coat here in Jersey in the winter. And we had a TON of snow this year. LOL. My kids have seem to have outgrown the seizures as they haven't had any in some time. We are blessed. I know you have to deal with this all of the time with Anakin and it must be a worry for you.

We have been to Disney in August once before. This will be our second time then and it will be a true test of how we will tolerate the heat. My DH is almost ready to retire and is convinced we should move to FL and live close to Disney. We will see how this trip goes to see if I could handle it on a more permanent basis. I am very jealous of you, though that you are so close and can go often. Which is a good thing for Anakin that you can experience a little at a time. I'll go back to finish reading the rest of your report now. LOL

lovethattink

03-31-2011, 07:14 PM

We haven't had the luxury of gong to Pin Trading Events, but my children LOVE it as well. I am glad you are reliving some GREAT MEMORIES and making new ones, that is AWESOME!!!! I have to laugh about the Pin Auctions...been there, done that!!!! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: How COOL that you are in the video!!! :goodvibes

Are there special pins your kids collect? Anakin has been trading for the pins of the Toy Story Mania "prizes". He got the last one of that set today at the WOD store. I use to collect sparkly Tink pins. Grumpy collected Chip and Dale. And Goofy collected Stitch and Haunted Mansion.

I am glad you have been able to keep Anakin cooled down. The frozen waters are a good idea. The heat and I are not best friends. I tend to get overheated easily. My DS, who is now 16 is always hot. He doesn't even want to wear a coat here in Jersey in the winter. And we had a TON of snow this year. LOL. My kids have seem to have outgrown the seizures as they haven't had any in some time. We are blessed. I know you have to deal with this all of the time with Anakin and it must be a worry for you.

We have been to Disney in August once before. This will be our second time then and it will be a true test of how we will tolerate the heat. My DH is almost ready to retire and is convinced we should move to FL and live close to Disney. We will see how this trip goes to see if I could handle it on a more permanent basis. I am very jealous of you, though that you are so close and can go often. Which is a good thing for Anakin that you can experience a little at a time. I'll go back to finish reading the rest of your report now. LOL

So glad to hear they have outgrown their seizures!

For us, it was a worry in the beginning. There were so many unknowns. Epilepsy.com has a section called Epilepsy 101, it was very helpful. Also the Florida Epilepsy Foundation has been an invaluable source. Unfortunately, they are not in our county, however since he is under 18 they will help him. His last big seizure was Feb 1. He had some small ones a week ago last Wednesday, making Thursday a rough day being postictal. His balance was a bit off that day and he was tired.

We try not to worry about him. We handle things as they come, and try to live in the now, while being prepared at the same time.

I see in your siggie you are staying at FQ in August. We are staying there in Sept. We've never stayed there before, but have stayed at POR.

lovethattink

04-01-2011, 08:43 AM

This weekend, I'm hoping to check out the new Mickey Greet area that now has fastpass to see Mickey. Anything else I should check out and report back on?

sl_underwood

04-01-2011, 10:55 AM

lovethattink

04-01-2011, 01:56 PM

I would love to hear how the mickey meet n greet works. Luke will probably want to do that. I do have one question, how do you do cs with Anakin? Do you have one parent find a table and sit with him while the other orders, do you order and take to a quiet place outdoors? This trip we are on the QSDP and I think those places are always so crowded and chaotic, not entirely sure how Luke will handle them. Any suggestions?

In our back pack we always keep a few of those Lego figures, or something to build. If I'm feeling particularly strong, I'll bring a DK Ultimate Star Wars Sticker book, but those get heavy carrying them around and I don't trust leaving it in the stroller, (would hate for it to walk away).

While one of us goes in line, the other sits at the table with Anakin. Sometimes he prefers to play alone, other times he will want someone to play with him. He really enjoys being helpful and getting the napkins, straws, and ketchup.

His favorite eating places:

Pinochio Haus - you can watch the Small World attraction and wave to people if you sit at a window seat.

Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe - He loves sitting and watching Sunny Eclipse and has been known to break out in dance.

The Mara at AKL - he loves looking at the animals after eating, and watching the tv while eating. Usually no toys required here as long as he is near the tv.

The Riverside Mill at POR - he loves watching the giant water wheel spin. Also enjoys the kiddie area of the food court that has a coloring table and tv. At certain times of day a cm will come and read a story to the children.

Everything Pop - there is a section off to the left that is usually quieter than the rest of the food court, but this section isn't always opened.

He only likes the All Star Movie's food court because of the grilled cheese sandwich. But he often has his hands over his ears there when large groups are there.

He does not like eating at Flame Tree BBQ because it's outside where it's hot.

He likes the Comissary because of all the tvs. He doesn't like the Back Lot for some reason and gets very hyperactive in there. We haven't figured out why.

Hope this helps.

blessedmom4

04-01-2011, 07:45 PM

Are there special pins your kids collect? Anakin has been trading for the pins of the Toy Story Mania "prizes". He got the last one of that set today at the WOD store. I use to collect sparkly Tink pins. Grumpy collected Chip and Dale. And Goofy collected Stitch and Haunted Mansion.
They always seem to change, BUT, I love Haunted Mansion, Minnie, Princesses and the holidays, Pete loves the old style Mickey, and older style pins, Christian likes Pirates, Stitch, Haunted Mansion, David LOVES the trains, Stitch, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Rachel loves the Princesses, Tinkerbell, anything with a guitar, Lisa loves the Princesses, especially Belle or Rapunzel, Splash Mountain and Minnie...of course, it always changes!

So glad to hear they have outgrown their seizures!

For us, it was a worry in the beginning. There were so many unknowns. Epilepsy.com has a section called Epilepsy 101, it was very helpful. Also the Florida Epilepsy Foundation has been an invaluable source. Unfortunately, they are not in our county, however since he is under 18 they will help him. His last big seizure was Feb 1. He had some small ones a week ago last Wednesday, making Thursday a rough day being postictal. His balance was a bit off that day and he was tired.

I don't like the post-ictal phases...So sorry to hear about the rough days...glad he gets some help!

I am looking forward to hearing about the meet and greet! :goodvibes

sl_underwood

04-01-2011, 09:18 PM

In our back pack we always keep a few of those Lego figures, or something to build. If I'm feeling particularly strong, I'll bring a DK Ultimate Star Wars Sticker book, but those get heavy carrying them around and I don't trust leaving it in the stroller, (would hate for it to walk away).

While one of us goes in line, the other sits at the table with Anakin. Sometimes he prefers to play alone, other times he will want someone to play with him. He really enjoys being helpful and getting the napkins, straws, and ketchup.

His favorite eating places:

Pinochio Haus - you can watch the Small World attraction and wave to people if you sit at a window seat.

Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe - He loves sitting and watching Sunny Eclipse and has been known to break out in dance.

The Mara at AKL - he loves looking at the animals after eating, and watching the tv while eating. Usually no toys required here as long as he is near the tv.

The Riverside Mill at POR - he loves watching the giant water wheel spin. Also enjoys the kiddie area of the food court that has a coloring table and tv. At certain times of day a cm will come and read a story to the children.

Everything Pop - there is a section off to the left that is usually quieter than the rest of the food court, but this section isn't always opened.

He only likes the All Star Movie's food court because of the grilled cheese sandwich. But he often has his hands over his ears there when large groups are there.

He does not like eating at Flame Tree BBQ because it's outside where it's hot.

He likes the Comissary because of all the tvs. He doesn't like the Back Lot for some reason and gets very hyperactive in there. We haven't figured out why.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for sharing. We can easily pack some lego figures for Luke to play with. I think it could help in keeping him occupied. However, he tends to have trouble in crowded rooms and CS places are usually very crowded. Last trip, we had a meltdown in Pizza Planet, but he did very well at Pinnochio and Pizzafari. I am wondering if it would be better to upset his schedule and eat at off times when restaurants are less busy or if that would cause more problems. What do you think?

lovethattink

04-02-2011, 06:04 AM

Thanks for sharing. We can easily pack some lego figures for Luke to play with. I think it could help in keeping him occupied. However, he tends to have trouble in crowded rooms and CS places are usually very crowded. Last trip, we had a meltdown in Pizza Planet, but he did very well at Pinnochio and Pizzafari. I am wondering if it would be better to upset his schedule and eat at off times when restaurants are less busy or if that would cause more problems. What do you think?

We generally eat lunch when the restaurant opens. Anakin is a huge breakfast eater although he won't touch traditional breakfast foods. For example, when we arrive at MK we sometimes stop at the bakery for a turkey sandwich for him. We generally try to eat lunch at 11am or 2pm, and those times usually work out ok. For supper, it's 5 or 8. Most counter service close an hour before the park closes, except for Columbia Harbour House seems to close earlier.

Anakin has problems at Pizza Planet too, I wonder if it's all the lights blinking and sounds from the video games?

Often they have sections closed when a restaurant first opens. You might be able to find a manager and explain about the noise level and ask if you could have a table in the closed section. The worse they can say is no.

davebon23

04-02-2011, 04:47 PM

Are there special pins your kids collect? Anakin has been trading for the pins of the Toy Story Mania "prizes". He got the last one of that set today at the WOD store. I use to collect sparkly Tink pins. Grumpy collected Chip and Dale. And Goofy collected Stitch and Haunted Mansion.

So glad to hear they have outgrown their seizures!

For us, it was a worry in the beginning. There were so many unknowns. Epilepsy.com has a section called Epilepsy 101, it was very helpful. Also the Florida Epilepsy Foundation has been an invaluable source. Unfortunately, they are not in our county, however since he is under 18 they will help him. His last big seizure was Feb 1. He had some small ones a week ago last Wednesday, making Thursday a rough day being postictal. His balance was a bit off that day and he was tired.

We try not to worry about him. We handle things as they come, and try to live in the now, while being prepared at the same time.

I see in your siggie you are staying at FQ in August. We are staying there in Sept. We've never stayed there before, but have stayed at POR.

Sorry to hear Anakin had a rough day. I hope he snaps out of it as fast as they come.

This will be our second time staying at FQ. You will love it. It is very serene and peaceful there. Not too big either, so that may be a plus for you guys. The pool was nice. But it's also nice to take a nice walk over to Riverside or catch the boat over there. The paths and walkways were very quiet from what I recall. I really enjoyed staying there. I am so, so jealous you guys get to go so often.

lovethattink

04-02-2011, 08:47 PM

I would love to hear how the mickey meet n greet works. Luke will probably want to do that.

We did not get to the Mickey Meet and Greet this weekend. Anakin was so sleepy. I tried to wake him up a few times, but he needed more rest. In the meantime, I got a call from friends to meet them at the Golden Corral for lunch then Epcot. So that's what Anakin and I did, while Goofy worked and Grumpy worked on his new fish tank and school work.

This will be our second time staying at FQ. You will love it. It is very serene and peaceful there. Not too big either, so that may be a plus for you guys. The pool was nice. But it's also nice to take a nice walk over to Riverside or catch the boat over there. The paths and walkways were very quiet from what I recall. I really enjoyed staying there. I am so, so jealous you guys get to go so often.

Have you seen pictures of the new refurbished rooms? Looks beautiful! And queen size beds! Though I really hope something opens up at CSR to switch to.

Even when we lived in PA we went often. Every few years we bought an Annual Pass and would space trips 11 months apart, then skip a year. Back then you needed to go 9 days to equal out. We stopped booking packages and did room only AP rates.

It was very hard to move from PA to FL and leave family behind. It was nice when my dad retired and my parents would stay a month or two with us. Now his health is ailing, hopefully he will make it back here to FL. My parents have annual passes too. He had a stroke heading home from our house in June, but he is on the road to recovery!

lovethattink

04-02-2011, 08:51 PM

I don't like the post-ictal phases...So sorry to hear about the rough days...glad he gets some help!

I am looking forward to hearing about the meet and greet! :goodvibes

We didn't get to the Mickey meet and greet as explained above. However, we did get to meet and greet a wonderful DISer! We met SmileyCrissy today! What a wonderful person, and she does have a great smile! We met at The Land, rode Test Track, and did the Piggy Bank Adventure.

lovethattink

04-03-2011, 06:25 AM

As I mentioned last night, we ended up at Epcot yesterday after eating lunch with friends at Golden Corral.

Everyone I know who has ever eaten at the Golden Corral on 192 and the one in Lake Buena Vista always says the 192 one is better. We ate at the Lake Buena Vista one. It was one of our better experiences there! The most tasty thing was their fried onion. It was similar to a blooming onion. Anakin loves onion rings. So I got him one of those. He could not eat it, because onion rings have to be round and these were not.

Once in Epcot we went to Space Ship Earth.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1459.jpg

We got stuck on Spaceship Earth. Apparently a bird got inside the building and set off motion detectors. Anakin is afraid of the dark, and we were stopped at a very dark section before Rome. The only light was an ultra violet light that made my white shirt glow. I was the only light for Anakin. He was scared. So scared. He slumped down in his seat, and became very rigid, and couldn't chew his gum. We tried to talk to him, but he was unreceptive. I got out his brush and did the Wilbarger Brushing and joint compressions. It relaxed him a little bit. I'm not sure how long we sat there, but it was a while. Once it started back up, he was right up against me, afraid it might stop again.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1447.jpg

Our next stop was soarin'. The standby line was 75 minutes when we arrived. It took us around 30 minutes to get through the fast pass line. No problems here!

Next up, find smileycrissy! It's interesting finding someone who you've never met and never saw a picture of. I called her and thought, it would be easy to find someone with a phone to their ear. Do you have any idea how many people at the soarin' exit waiting area have cell phones to their ears? Several. She said she would be wearing a blue snow white shirt, so I narrowed my search to on cell phone with blue shirts. There was only one! And there she was greeting us with a smile. I introduced her to the rest of our party and we headed off to Living with the Land.

Next stop Test Track. Another attraction that broke down a couple times while we waited. Thankfully we were not stuck on the ride! We were in line waiting to get into room #2. Also in our favor, we were at the very back of that line, so there was nobody crowding in on us!

Anakin had some discomfort waiting. He kept seeking pressure from the railings, and I kept remining him that he could not sit, stand, or hang on the rails. So the next best thing, was squeezing me. We have a rule about the chin to the stomach. He may not dig his chin into me. He may only dig it into my hand where it doesn't hurt me. So there was alot of chin digging, rocking, sitting on the floor, standing back up, pin trading, repeat.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1460.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1461.jpg

Once we got up through the preshow and in line for our car, the attraction stopped again. This time it was only for a few minutes. The people in the car asked to stay inside it for another ride, and they were permitted. The people behind us complained. Anakin was perfectly fine with it. In fact, he had a very generous day yesterday.

(He has been really getting into pin trading. We have been just forking over pins left and right for him. He didn't understand that they don't come free. So we had him give us $10 for 17 pins. And he could do what he wanted with them. He gave 2 away to the friends we were with, and traded the rest.)

Once we got in the car, Anakin was so excited and happy. His arms were flapping at times and his legs were stomping. He kept saying I'm just so happy!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1465.jpg

Our last stop was the Great Piggy Band Adventure. For the 2nd time ever, we won! He had never been able to coordinate the games. This time he did a great job on the 1st and 3rd stations. The 2nd station caused him some difficulty.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1467.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1466.jpg

My suggestion for parents. Bring a small flash light or glow stick incase you get stuck on a dark ride. Bring calming things as well to pass the time away if a ride gets stuck.

We had a great time! We stopped on the way out for a Mickey Premium Bar and headed home. I guess he will have to eat these earlier in the day. Since he doesn't normally have caffeine, that chocolate kept him awake. He had a very difficult time falling asleep.

smileycrissy

04-03-2011, 10:40 AM

Hi Tink!!!

I'm joining in!! :)

I loved meeting you guys yesterday. Anakin is so adorable. I love the last shot of him staring at the screen.

davebon23

04-03-2011, 11:19 AM

We did not get to the Mickey Meet and Greet this weekend. Anakin was so sleepy. I tried to wake him up a few times, but he needed more rest. In the meantime, I got a call from friends to meet them at the Golden Corral for lunch then Epcot. So that's what Anakin and I did, while Goofy worked and Grumpy worked on his new fish tank and school work.

Have you seen pictures of the new refurbished rooms? Looks beautiful! And queen size beds! Though I really hope something opens up at CSR to switch to.

Even when we lived in PA we went often. Every few years we bought an Annual Pass and would space trips 11 months apart, then skip a year. Back then you needed to go 9 days to equal out. We stopped booking packages and did room only AP rates.

It was very hard to move from PA to FL and leave family behind. It was nice when my dad retired and my parents would stay a month or two with us. Now his health is ailing, hopefully he will make it back here to FL. My parents have annual passes too. He had a stroke heading home from our house in June, but he is on the road to recovery!

I know what you mean about being away from family. My in-laws are in West Virginia and a couple of years ago my parents moved to South Carolina. It is hard. So sorry to hear about your Dad not doing well and having a stroke. I really hope he feels well enough to come back for a visit.

I have seen pics of the new refurbed rooms. Those queen beds will be a god send. I have 2 teenagers and my DS is a tosser and turner. LOL. It's like being attacked if you sleep by him. You should really think about staying at POFQ instead of going to CSR. I know CSR is nice, we stayed there once,
but the quiet and tranquilty and small feel to the resort may be a nice fit for your family. Totally up to you, but I don't think you would be dissapointed with POFQ. Have you seen more pictures of the resort itself? You should take a look and see if that helps you decide.

This will be our 6th time at Disney as a family. We also alternate with taking cruises, I have been on 8 since being married to my DH, including our honeymoon. And once we did just Univ, Sea World and Busch Gardens. We have done Busch Gardens in VA, three times. One year we went to Cedar Point, Ohio for a couple of days. We try to change our vacations with stuff all 4 of us would like to do. Even though, My DD and I would prob like to go to Disney more often, the other 2 may not like to go as often even though they enjoy it. I'm sure if we do ever move down to FL, like my DH is pushing after he retires, then we will def. get to go more often. He can retire anywhere from now until about 4 more years, the most. Wish us luck that it will be sooner and we could be closer to the Mouse!!!

davebon23

04-03-2011, 11:29 AM

Where and what is the Great Piggy Band Adventure? I don't remember that one.

lovethattink

04-03-2011, 12:42 PM

Hi Tink!!!

I'm joining in!! :)

I loved meeting you guys yesterday. Anakin is so adorable. I love the last shot of him staring at the screen.

:welcome: Welcome Crissy!! Thanks. He asked when we will see you again?

lovethattink

04-03-2011, 01:02 PM

I know what you mean about being away from family. My in-laws are in West Virginia and a couple of years ago my parents moved to South Carolina. It is hard. So sorry to hear about your Dad not doing well and having a stroke. I really hope he feels well enough to come back for a visit.

Sorry to hear. I think it's harder on the grandkids. The doctors have cleared him to travel, but the stroke has left him very impulsive. Not sure how he would handle TSA. He has a aneurysm clamp and would have to be physically searched. I can't imagine he would take lightly to the way they do pat downs now.

I have seen pics of the new refurbed rooms. Those queen beds will be a god send. I have 2 teenagers and my DS is a tosser and turner. LOL. It's like being attacked if you sleep by him. You should really think about staying at POFQ instead of going to CSR. I know CSR is nice, we stayed there once,
but the quiet and tranquilty and small feel to the resort may be a nice fit for your family. Totally up to you, but I don't think you would be dissapointed with POFQ. Have you seen more pictures of the resort itself? You should take a look and see if that helps you decide.

The queen size, refurbished rooms are what brought us back to CSR in the first place, last month. So we are thrilled with the refurb rooms at FQ! We've stayed at POR a bunch of times. I'm sure we will take a ride, boat, or walk over there to catch Bob Jackson's show. Have you ever seen Yeehaw Bob? It's a cute show, just don't show up late, or they will have fun at your expense.

This will be our 6th time at Disney as a family. We also alternate with taking cruises, I have been on 8 since being married to my DH, including our honeymoon. And once we did just Univ, Sea World and Busch Gardens. We have done Busch Gardens in VA, three times. One year we went to Cedar Point, Ohio for a couple of days. We try to change our vacations with stuff all 4 of us would like to do. Even though, My DD and I would prob like to go to Disney more often, the other 2 may not like to go as often even though they enjoy it. I'm sure if we do ever move down to FL, like my DH is pushing after he retires, then we will def. get to go more often. He can retire anywhere from now until about 4 more years, the most. Wish us luck that it will be sooner and we could be closer to the Mouse!!!

It's nice to go to different places on vacation. For a while we were going on Disney cruises every so many years, and we head to PA and Ohio to visit family. We use to go to Wildwood, NJ once a year, but we haven't been there in about 6 years. Anakin was a year old. We stayed at the Marlane Motel the last time, but for years we stayed at the Mid Town Motel that is now owned by Morey's Pier and called the Blue Palm.

I see a theme to yours and my vacations, lol, theme parks. In Ohio to visit my in-laws, it use to be Geuaga Lake or Cedar Point. In PA, it's Hershey Park.

Here we have annual passes to all the theme parks. I am quickly beginning to like Universal. Surprisingly, their restrooms and customer service have been better than Disney's. We've gone twice with our AP, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Busch Gardens and Sea Worlds customer service doesn't begin to compare to either, but we enjoy our time there. I really like their all you can eat counter service dining plans. They give 10% off for passholders. We normally don't spend more than a few hours at an amuzement park, but when we are there for 2 meals or more, we do the meal plan. They have Disney more than beat in this area!

Where and what is the Great Piggy Band Adventure? I don't remember that one.

This is at Innoventions, the Innoventions closest to the Land. I can't ever remember if that's east or west? At the other Innoventions there is a create your own coaster that is great fun!

blessedmom4

04-04-2011, 10:27 PM

Hi Tink, How exciting you got to meet Crissy and that Anakin was aksing about her! :goodvibes I was hoping for a picture of the TWO of you together, she is such a cuite and I am sure you are as well! :flower3:

Praying for your Dad and for him to make a complete recovery, I know it is hard being so far away! Hugs to you dear friend!! :hug::grouphug::grouphug::hug:

lovethattink

04-05-2011, 08:05 AM

lovethattink

04-05-2011, 09:06 AM

Rainy day on tap today. I was hoping to get to MK this morning and check out the Mickey Meet and Greet. The weather says the rain will stop later this afternoon. Right now there is thunder and lightening, so will definately wait this out before heading to MK. Anakin is excited to pin trade. I think we will have to make a detour from the TTC and head for a dole whip at the Poly before we hit the monorail. I hope things pan out for the day. It's going to be cooler today. High of mid 70's. Dropping down to the low 60's. Should be perfect park temps as soon as the rain stops!

sl_underwood

04-05-2011, 12:47 PM

Sounds like a great plan. Our last trip, we had two days with lots of rain. Luke has a fear of rain so that did not bode well for us. Thankfully, we were at Epcot for one of these days and were able to stay indoors a great deal. The other day, we just stayed at the resort and thankfully the rain stopped shortly before the P&P Party. Cant wait to hear how the mickey meet n greet goes!

smileycrissy

04-05-2011, 08:32 PM

The only picture of she and I is the TT picture. I didn't check that out yet, but if it's ok with Crissy I will pm you and her the link to it.

You can send the link to Judy and I. :)

How sweet of him to ask about me. Tink, he really is so adorable. :) I'll keep checking here to see when you are going so we can try to meet up again soon.

SallySkelington

04-05-2011, 09:21 PM

lovethattink

04-06-2011, 07:19 AM

I am absolutely loving your trip report. I don't like reading them since most that I've read like to pick their trip apart about what went wrong instead of enjoying the magic that is Disney. Your report caught my intrest because of your sons (Anakin :)) disorder concerning epilepsy, seeing as I have a form of it myself. I find your son adorable and you are able to truly enjoy the magic despite it all. Thank you for the happy posts. :goodvibes

:welcome: Thanks! I'm sorry to hear you have a form of Epilepsy. Hoping they find a cure in the near future! I hope your seizures are controlled.

Disney is certainly our escape from it all! As I mentioned before, Anakin says he feels special there instead of different.

lovethattink

04-06-2011, 07:25 AM

As you all can see, I reached my limit on photobucket pics. April 10th they should show back up. It's a bummer, really, because I went to the MK yesterday to check out the Micky Meet and Greet! I got some great pics. It was a very awesome experience! There was only a 10 minute wait in the stand-by line!

They do not provide an alternate entrance for those with a GAC, unless the child is a MAW or GKTW. So if standing is an issue, be sure to have a wheel chair or stroller. There is a fast pass line so I'm sure that helps, but they will not allow you in there without a fast pass. I am not sure how they would handle it, it the FPs are all out for the day? The building is air conditioned, so no worries of over heating.

Anakin was completely amuzed by the pictures in the queue. Do not read any further if you do not like spoilers.

SPOILER ALERT

The pictures are interactive. In one of them, Mickey is trying to find an object. He switches around 3 cups and you have to guess which cup contains the object. He keeps switching them around and it's not under any cup. Instead, it's under Mickey's hat. Once he finds the object, the whole screen gets filled with them. My son was laughing so hard! He loved it!

lovethattink

04-07-2011, 07:34 AM

Entrance

http://i55.tinypic.com/2ealcol.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/1ju9s8.jpg

This is what a 10 minute wait line looks like. One you get through the door way, there is only about 2 to 3 feet of queue left.

Probably a site we will not see very often. This was late afternoon/early evening.

http://i51.tinypic.com/1zxmey8.jpg

Keep an eye on the Hare in the hat. My little guy said he must be eating carrots.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2iwarcy.jpg

Wall opposite of the rabbit in the hat

http://i55.tinypic.com/1072fwp.jpg

On the trunk where the rabbit is in the hat

http://i52.tinypic.com/2pr8vpc.jpg

I would have never seen this dove, if the photopass guy hadn't pointed it out to me.

http://i55.tinypic.com/r70h00.jpg

Greeted by both Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I sure hope the photopass guy got good pics. I was too busy taking pics of the room, lol.

http://i53.tinypic.com/219q4qp.jpg

Mickey's magic suit

http://i51.tinypic.com/2j5xqhi.jpg

Mickey's trunk

http://i53.tinypic.com/2dgksi9.jpg

lovethattink

04-07-2011, 07:50 AM

Photoshoot with Mickey and Minnie! As I said before I sure hope the photopass guy got a better shot.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2ev82lf.jpg

Empties out into a gift shop

http://i53.tinypic.com/2moe4wj.jpg

smileycrissy

04-08-2011, 09:21 PM

sl_underwood

04-09-2011, 11:13 AM

The meet n greet looks fun. Cant wait to check it out

lovethattink

04-09-2011, 12:19 PM

Nice photos Tink!! And my little buddy Anakin looks so adorable with Minnie & Mickey. :) Was he able to chat with them for a few mins?

The new meet & greet looks really cute, I can't wait to check it out.

Thanks! He was able to talk with them for a while. I was busy taking pics of everything in the room. My husband and the photopass guy were amused by me. Hopefully they got good pics! They haven't downloaded yet on Disney's photopass site yet.

lovethattink

04-09-2011, 12:20 PM

The meet n greet looks fun. Cant wait to check it out

Thanks, it was fun. I'm sure Luke will love it!

lovethattink

04-11-2011, 07:31 AM

Hurray, my pictures are showing again!

On Thursday night into Friday morning, Anakin had 2 seizures. He woke up Friday morning and felt good and wanted to go to Animal Kingdom to meet up with friends. I told him I needed to see how he was today, but we could meet up with our friends for supper at their resort. He was disappointed not to go to AK, but was happy about going to AKL. Our friends were staying at Kidani Village.

He had a great day, so when Goofy got home from work, we headed to AKL.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1579.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1577.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b122/lovethattink/100_1576.jpg

We ate supper at The Mara while our friends enjoyed a nice dinner at Boma. They actually finished eating before we did. After supper we walked around the resort and took in the ambiance of the animals and resort. It was so nice to visit with twirlergirl and her dh! Anakin loved them, and I think they became substitute grandparents!

It's kind of funny because we had been meeting them yearly at either DIS meets, Tagrel Christmas party, or MouseFest meets. Every time they had seen Anakin in the past, he had always been sleeping. This time they got to see him in full action, lol.

sl_underwood

04-11-2011, 12:27 PM

MyPeanut&Bug

04-11-2011, 08:11 PM

lovethattink

04-12-2011, 07:13 AM

So sorry to hear about the seizures. Luke has only had two grand mal seizures since we got him but they sure are scary! He typically haas the petit mal seizures but those are better now that he is on meds that work for him. I cannot imagine dealing with it regularly. AKL looks beautiful. I have always wanted to stay there but it just hasnt worked out for us yet.

He's only had one grand mal, thankfully! He typically has focal seizures during his sleep. He had been really doing well on his medication, but he's recently grown. He probably needs his dosage adjusted. He goes back to the neurologist in a couple weeks. With just one night of it, they won't do anything, but if he would continue to have breakthrough seizures then they would. Unless, of course, his blood levels of the medication are too low, then they will increase it. He hasn't had any since!

AKL is a very cool resort. I love to visit it for dinner and to walk around, but I don't think I'd like to stay there. My husband really wants to stay there some day, so we will probably try it out.

lovethattink

04-12-2011, 07:16 AM

All right, I think I'm all caught up! :)

I love Anakin's picture in the TT line. He looks like a little man with a big personality. :)

The new meet and greet looks so nice! Exciting to see all the pics!

He is a little man with big personality. He doesn't go anywhere that people don't know him by the time he leaves. He's never in a room of strangers.

If there is music, he will break out in song and dance, and isn't one bit embarrassed, but if Grumpy is with us, he (meaning Grumpy) will be embarrassed.

KatMark

04-12-2011, 04:09 PM

blessedmom4

04-13-2011, 08:05 AM

Oh Tink, I can't see the photos; however, I think I am all caught up. Praying that Anakin is having a great seizure free day and that YOU are feeling much better since the choking episode, that must have been quite frightening. I hope other than the one other time your wrote about, that it hasn't happened again and that it will NOT happen anymore. God Bless you and your sweet family. Thank you for sharing with us!!

lovethattink

04-13-2011, 08:30 AM

Okay, I think I am basically caught up. :eek:

Love the pictures of Anakin with the cars and Mickey and Minnie. How nice that you can take day or evening trips over to DW to meet up with friends, etc.

Thanks! Welcome back from your trip! Loved your pics, if I ever get over to Marco Island, I'm going to have to check out that restaurant you ate at. The food pics looked amazing.

Years ago when Grumpy's pediatrician said we needed to move to a more temperate climate like Puerto Rico, dh and I both said Florida. We already had annual passes when we lived in PA, so we knew we wanted to be somewhere near Disney.

Oh Tink, I can't see the photos; however, I think I am all caught up. Praying that Anakin is having a great seizure free day and that YOU are feeling much better since the choking episode, that must have been quite frightening. I hope other than the one other time your wrote about, that it hasn't happened again and that it will NOT happen anymore. God Bless you and your sweet family. Thank you for sharing with us!!

Bummer you can't see the pics. I wonder why? I am feeling much better. However, Anakin had a very intense seizure this morning. It scared dh and I. He hasn't had one this intense since that grand mal that I mentioned above, which was on Father's Day. Thankfully, this one didn't last long.

By the time I ran and got the phone to call 911, he had stopped. We checked his 02 sat and heart rate and it was already in normal limits. I called his neuro and he said to bump up his night time dose and take him for blood levels tomorrow.

davebon23

04-13-2011, 09:10 AM

smileycrissy

04-13-2011, 10:52 PM

Tink - I'm so sorry to hear that Anakin had another seizure. I'm hoping and praying that his blood levels go well tomorrow. Tell him I said 'Hi'.

blessedmom4

04-17-2011, 08:28 PM

Bummer you can't see the pics. I wonder why? I am feeling much better. However, Anakin had a very intense seizure this morning. It scared dh and I. He hasn't had one this intense since that grand mal that I mentioned above, which was on Father's Day. Thankfully, this one didn't last long.

By the time I ran and got the phone to call 911, he had stopped. We checked his 02 sat and heart rate and it was already in normal limits. I called his neuro and he said to bump up his night time dose and take him for blood levels tomorrow.

I think photobucket was down when I looked? :confused3 Trying to catch up now, loving ALL of the photos; however, SO concerned for Anakin ...and for you!! How are you feeling? Praying for you both and hoping for an update on the two of you when you have a moment!!! :hug::grouphug::hug:

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 07:37 AM

Tink,

Sorry to hear Anakin is having some more seizures. I hope they are able to regulate his meds and that it stops soon. I know the kids seem fine after they are over sometimes, but it really is such a strain on Mom and Dad to see it. Hopefully he feels better soon so you can take him to Animal Kingdom, like he wanted the other day. God Bless.

Thanks for the kind words and understanding. It's really difficult to see someone have a seizure and worse that there isn't much we can do during a seizure. Unfortunately, he woke up during the seizure on Wednesday morning. That is the first seizure where he has been conscious.

Strong seizures like the one on Wednesday, thankfully, are not a common occurence for him. But we've been told that the small ones he has at night that last only seconds are part of his "normal".

He loves animals and learning facts about animals! We'll get back there eventually!

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 07:44 AM

Tink - I'm so sorry to hear that Anakin had another seizure. I'm hoping and praying that his blood levels go well tomorrow. Tell him I said 'Hi'.

I told him you said hi, and he asked again when we will see you again? He is having a difficult time dealing with our snow bird friends heading back north.

His medicine was increased, and the blood levels came back good. He has an appointment in early May to see the neurologist. In the mean time, I've talked with his neurologist a couple times on the phone, and he even called us over the weekend to see how things were going!

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 07:57 AM

I think photobucket was down when I looked? :confused3 Trying to catch up now, loving ALL of the photos; however, SO concerned for Anakin ...and for you!! How are you feeling? Praying for you both and hoping for an update on the two of you when you have a moment!!! :hug::grouphug::hug:

Glad you are able to see them again! Thanks so much for your prayers and concern! He is doing much better with the increased night time dose. He's been having some small seizures as he falls asleep, they last only seconds and are weak. He has mostly focal seizures. It usually takes about 2 weeks once a dose changes to get them under control.

For those who don't know what focal seizures are, here is a link.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000697.htm He has mostly the automatisms described in the link, as he is falling asleep. Before we knew he had Epilepsy, we thought he must have been dreaming about eating.

As for me, I am doing much better. Thanks for asking. I think the stress of everything between the storm damage, his seizures, my sister-in-laws health problems and all the other busyness of life got to me. I'm having some dental issues, and I am not a good dental patient, so my dentist is taking things little by little. I go back in a couple weeks. Other than that, I am hanging in there and learning more and more what trusting God means for me.

davebon23

04-18-2011, 08:04 AM

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 08:13 AM

Tink,

Glad to see that his blood levels are better. Hopefully this can keep his seizures under control. So sorry that he was awake during this last one.
Does he remember any of it? I hope it isn't too frightening for him.

Hope he gets to see the Animals soon.:)

He said he thought he was choking, he didn't realize he was having a seizure. Once he became conscious, he came out of the seizure quickly.

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 08:18 AM

Here are pics I took of recent merchandise promotions:

This was at Epcot

http://i54.tinypic.com/n2k4fo.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/1zzglls.jpg

This is the current promotion at Once Upon a Toy at DTD

http://i52.tinypic.com/2s7x8w6.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/6i4dfs.jpg

And this is the promotion at Pin Traders at DTD

http://i56.tinypic.com/elb3td.jpg

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 08:23 AM

Recent refurbishment at MK. This pic was taken back when we did the Mickey meet and greet. It's the bridge leading into Adventurland. It use to be a hill and now it is flat.

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Recently we went to Earl of Sandwich for supper. My favorite soup there is their Wisconsin Cheddar!

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Anakin got the kids pizza sandwich. He did not like the chunks of tomato in the sauce.

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Goofy and I got tuna melts. He ate half of his sandwich, and I was completely full from the soup, so I brought my whole sandwich home and enjoyed it the next day cold, for lunch!

Singledad

04-18-2011, 09:33 AM

He has mostly the automatisms described in the link, as he is falling asleep. Before we knew he had Epilepsy, we thought he must have been dreaming about eating.

Okay, now I am a bit concerned... :eek: How did you find out that he had Epilepsy? How did you find out it wasn't just the 'dreaming of eating'? DD does that nearly nightly. :( Lip smacking and chewing and swallowing. She also gets night sweats too. or so I think/thought. some nights her whole body get flushed, and pooled in sweat, but we just uncover her and she doesn't even wake up. :confused3 Is this something I should bring up at her next appointment? (I have one for may 3rd to get referral for Autism Evaluation.) :confused3

Off to do more reading about this.. :surfweb:

Before that though I wanted to let you know, I AM thinking of you and your family. I really hope the med change will help soon.

EvangelineG

04-18-2011, 09:54 AM

Hi, your trip report title caught my eye and I have really enjoyed reading through it this morning! We will be "doing Disney differently" on our upcoming trip too. I have two sons with ASD, multiple anaphylactic allergies and a few other diagnoses, and a DH with seizure disorder, so I relate to your from "Schmolland" approach. :)

I hope Anakin is feeling better today, and thanks for sharing your trip(s).

sl_underwood

04-18-2011, 10:41 AM

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 11:24 AM

Okay, now I am a bit concerned... :eek: How did you find out that he had Epilepsy? How did you find out it wasn't just the 'dreaming of eating'? DD does that nearly nightly. :( Lip smacking and chewing and swallowing. She also gets night sweats too. or so I think/thought. some nights her whole body get flushed, and pooled in sweat, but we just uncover her and she doesn't even wake up. :confused3 Is this something I should bring up at her next appointment? (I have one for may 3rd to get referral for Autism Evaluation.) :confused3

Off to do more reading about this.. :surfweb:

Before that though I wanted to let you know, I AM thinking of you and your family. I really hope the med change will help soon.

I don't mind the hijack at all. In part, I did this TR because March was Epilepsy Awareness month and April is Autism Awareness Month.

Here is a link to a story on the Epilepsy foundation's website http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/magazine/Issue6-2009/AutismandEpilepsy.cfm According to the statistics, 20 to 25% of people with ASD have seizures.

It was surely an act of God that I discovered Anakin having a Grand Mal on Father's Day 2010. We were going to go to early church and then to Epcot for Father's Day. I was at the computer checking email and facebook when I couldn't get the thought out of my head that I should go check on Anakin.

He was having a Grand Mal. Goofy rushed to his side as I rushed to the phone. By the time the 911 operator got on with me, Anakin's face was blue and he wasn't breathing. Goofy started CPR on him and I stayed on the phone with the 911 operator. It felt like an eternity for the fire and ambulance crew to get here. But it was only 2 minutes. He came to in the ambulance.

We were only in the ER for an hour and a half and they sent us home! The ER pediatrician had a CT scan done on him and it came back negative.

Once home, I was completely overwhelmed. And I couldn't believe we were home, just like that. The ER doc said that we needed to get him to a pediatric neurologist in the next week, and that most children will have a seizure in their life and never, ever have one again.

The next day I made an appointment with the pediatric neurologist, but they couldn't see him for two months, but a nurse practitioner at their office could see him in 2 weeks. So I took that appointment. However, that night he had another seizure, though not as intense, and I refused to wait 2 weeks for him to get to a neurologist.

I called my neurologist who I see for migraines, remembering that he did a rotation years ago at Boston's Children Hospital. I asked if they could see him soon, and his office called in additional staff so that he could be seen right away. He was started on Topamax Sprinkles that we had to put in pudding or applesauce. He was scheduled for a sleep deprived EEG and sent to a Children's Hospital to have an MRI.

It just so happened that I was asked to stay with him. Somehow I remembered learning about EEGs in pharmacy school, and asked the technician about the spiking I was seeing. While she wasn't allowed really tell me about it. She did say the spiking was coming from the right side of the brain.

When we went for the MRI, I mentioned to the anesthesiologist that the EEG showed seizure activity coming from the right side of the brain. The MRI was ordered without dye, but the radiologist thought he saw something on the right side that looked like a possible lesion. He suggested in his report that another MRI be performed with dye and a spectroscopy test be done to see if the lesion is cancerous.

The MRI with dye and spectroscopy showed that the lesion was not cancerous. It was a pocket of neurons. These neurons give off electrical impulses that the brain does not recognize and causes seizures. The plan of action was to give medication that would intercept the signals. He increased the Topamax.

This is when the sensory issues started. Seems it almost happened over night. His senses of hearing, sight, taste and touch became so much more heightened. Things that never bothered him suddenly sent him cowering or fleeing. Meltdowns also began. As did hurting himself and him hurting us to try to make it go away. Both the doctor and my husband and I thought it was from the Topamax so he was switched to carbamazepine which helped alot with the seizures, but not so much with the sensory issues.

He was sent for neurocognitive tests too. We learned so much more about his brain and his actions through this battery of testing of him, and the surveys that Goofy and I were given to fill out.

Till it was all set and done, Anakin was diagnosed with Cortical Dysplasia, developmental delay, ADHD, and Asperger's Syndrome. However, the psychologist said that while he tested positive for ADHD and Asperger's syndrome were directly related to the Cortical Dysplasia, so he didn't feel comfortable labeling him with those diagnosis' but said he needed to be treated as though he has both. The neurologist agreed and said that the sensory issues are definately a result of the extra neurons, and he felt the ADHD was a result of the sensory issues. He began cognitive behavioral therapy as a result of these tests.

The neurologist sent Anakin for a PT and OT evaluation. And in January he started OT, and in Feb started PT. Here is where we began to see the biggest changes for the positive in his behavior, sensory perceptions and he began to have less and less seizures!

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 11:46 AM

Before that though I wanted to let you know, I AM thinking of you and your family. I really hope the med change will help soon.

Thanks, appreciate the good thoughts!

Hi, your trip report title caught my eye and I have really enjoyed reading through it this morning! We will be "doing Disney differently" on our upcoming trip too. I have two sons with ASD, multiple anaphylactic allergies and a few other diagnoses, and a DH with seizure disorder, so I relate to your from "Schmolland" approach. :)

I hope Anakin is feeling better today, and thanks for sharing your trip(s).

:welcome: Welcome! Thanks! I hope you have an amazing vacation!

Luke has the same issues but he has not been dxed epileptic. He has these petit mal seizures too. I honestly did not think anything of it until he had a grand mal seizure on Christmas Eve a few years ago. This seizure got him to a neurologist and they dxed him with seizures and pointed out that some of the other behaviors we noticed, like the chewing and smacking and teeth grinding at night and the spacey moments during the day, were really seizures. Now he takes a med for the seizures and it helps greatly, also helps with some of his aggression too.

Glad Luke is on medication and that it helps greatly! Did he get new glasses yet?

KatMark

04-18-2011, 11:48 AM

I know what I'm having when we make our first visit to Earl of Sandwich -- Wisconsin Cheddar Soup...yummy looking. :)

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 11:57 AM

I know what I'm having when we make our first visit to Earl of Sandwich -- Wisconsin Cheddar Soup...yummy looking. :)

KarMark, you know how often I go to EoS. Would you believe in all those times, I have only seen the Wisconsin Cheddar twice?! Had it both times, and it was incredible. Usually their tomato soup is my standard. Their tomato is just ok, nothing spectacular. But the Wisconsin cheddar is AMAZING!!!

KatMark

04-18-2011, 12:04 PM

KarMark, you know how often I go to EoS. Would you believe in all those times, I have only seen the Wisconsin Cheddar twice?! Had it both times, and it was incredible. Usually their tomato soup is my standard. Their tomato is just ok, nothing spectacular. But the Wisconsin cheddar is AMAZING!!!

I hope they have it when I'm there. What would you recommend sandwich wise?

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 12:19 PM

I hope they have it when I'm there. What would you recommend sandwich wise?

My favorite is their tuna melt!! I also like their kettle cooked potato chips. Don't forget to show your AAA card, if you are a member, to get 10% off your bill!

My husband was afraid to try the tunamelt at first. He does not like most cheese and was worried about the swiss cheese on it. It is a very mild swiss and he really likes it in the sandwich!

If we get soup, we usually share a sandwich.

All sandwiches are served hot, so even the peanut butter and jelly is on a bun and heated.

Singledad

04-18-2011, 03:04 PM

lovethattink

04-18-2011, 03:27 PM

thank you tink for that information, I bet that was pretty scary! :scared1:

I am glad you have gotten positive changed out of the OT and PT. :goodvibes

I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on DD, see if I notice anything that looks like trouble during the daytime.

The only time my son has shown any hints of Epilepsy during the daytime, has been when he is over heated. It usually starts with some kind of visual disturbance and he keeps touching his eye or complaining about seeing blinking lights in his eyes. As soon as we got him cooled down those symptoms went away. We always carry lots of frozen waters to Disney in a cooler bag in case he needs to cool down fast. He has never actually had a seizure during waking hours. All his have been either just after falling asleep or right before waking.

lovethattink

04-19-2011, 07:35 PM

Today was a bit of a scorcher outside! It was hot and humid. We decided to go to Animal Kingdom this afternoon. Anakin wanted to practice his birthday.

What does it mean to practice a birthday? He couldn't think of the word celebrate, and practice was what came to mind. His birthday is Thursday. He wanted to go to a Disney park for his birthday and wear the birthday button. Thursday isn't going to work for a park, so we did it this afternoon since he was ahead on school work and it was Goofy's day off!

I checked mobile touring plans in the car on the way there. It listed MK as the park to avoid and Epcot and DHS as the best parks. AK was not listed, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

The parking lot was pretty full, and many cars were parked on the grass. When we arrived there was alot of people exiting the park, and very few people arriving. For Easter week, it wasn't nearly as crowded as I was expecting! But the temps were much hotter than I had anticipated.

Anakin met a boy from the UK while looking at fish.

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Grumpy has 2 pacu at home in his aquarium. They are a couple inches long. The pacu at AK was huge!! It's interesting that it says they are vegetarian. Grumpy's pacu prefer fresh water shrimp and bait fish over vegetation or flakes.

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Crowds really weren't bad.

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The water looked very nasty today!

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After looking at the fish for a long time, we headed to the train for Conservation Station. I don't think we ever had Anakin back there. He was a little reluctant to try something new.

We parked the stroller at the stroller parking. I didn't remember much walking at Conservation Station and thought he would be fine. He noticed some cm with trading pins standing nearby and went to trade pins with them.

Pin trading has become a great way for him to learn how to talk to people! We never know what will come out of his mouth. Today he did a great job. He approached them, and asked them if they would like to trade pins with him. They noticed his birthday button and wished him a happy birthday. He told them his birthday is actually on Thursday but he is practicing it today. One of them gave him a trading pin and told him it's a birthday present! When trading was finished they all gave him high fives. And we headed to the train.

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By the time the train arrived, sweat was making his hair wet. Goofy and I were not sweating at all.

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Anakin did not like the entry way into the building at Conservation Station. It was loud, dark, and there was a sign that made noises as it flipped between scenes. It took a bit of persuasion to get him to walk past that to see the animals.

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There were some really cool animals in there. Most I was very happy were in aquariums, and not out of them!

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We went out to the petting area. Anakin wanted no part of touching any animals, but he was happy to walk in there and look at them.

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Anakin was very hot and sweaty. We stopped for an icecream then headed back to the train.

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When we got off the train, we needed to find a place for him to cool down. We went into a store to cool off. He wanted to ride Kilamanjaro Sarari. So once he was cool enough we headed back out. As soon as he got out in the heat, he couldn't tolerate it, and wanted to go home. We turned back around and headed out of the park. Making stops at each of the stores on the way out to cool down.

By the time we got past the park exit, he was not acting himself. Asked if he was ok, and he said he thinks he was tired. He laid down in his stroller and was sound asleep in seconds. I don't know how he is going to handle this summer's heat?! Looks like many afternoons will be spent inside or in the pool.

Our next stop was TGI Fridays at Crossroads, where we had a really good supper!

Singledad

04-19-2011, 08:57 PM

When we got off the train, we needed to find a place for him to cool down. We went into a store to cool off. He wanted to ride Kilamanjaro Sarari. So once he was cool enough we headed back out. As soon as he got out in the heat, he couldn't tolerate it, and wanted to go home. We turned back around and headed out of the park. Making stops at each of the stores on the way out to cool down.

By the time we got past the park exit, he was not acting himself. Asked if he was ok, and he said he thinks he was tired. He laid down in his stroller and was sound asleep in seconds. I don't know how he is going to handle this summer's heat?! Looks like many afternoons will be spent inside or in the pool.

Our next stop was TGI Fridays at Crossroads, where we had a really good supper!

Any chance a cooling vest would help him out? Or would he not like that? :confused3

thanks for the AK photos, I've been there only once, and don't have it planned this trip. Interesting to see it.

sl_underwood

04-19-2011, 09:11 PM

Happy birthday to Anakin! I am wondering about a cooling vest myself for Luke. Would love to hear your thoughts on that one.

lovethattink

04-19-2011, 09:26 PM

Any chance a cooling vest would help him out? Or would he not like that? :confused3

thanks for the AK photos, I've been there only once, and don't have it planned this trip. Interesting to see it.

Do they make cooling vests in children's sizes? I have a friend who has MS and she pointed me to some adaptive clothing sites, but everything I saw was for adults.

lovethattink

04-19-2011, 09:28 PM

Happy birthday to Anakin! I am wondering about a cooling vest myself for Luke. Would love to hear your thoughts on that one.

Thanks! Hopefully Singledad can point me in the right direction to finding adaptive clothing for kids. I did find socks without seams today!

Singledad

04-19-2011, 09:33 PM

Thanks! Hopefully Singledad can point me in the right direction to finding adaptive clothing for kids. I did find socks without seams today!

not much clothing wise that we do... we let her go in underwear only at home, and as soon as it is remotely warm enough we move her into cotton dresses.

as for cooling vests, I've not tried one for her yet, I really really want to though.

blessedmom4

04-20-2011, 04:27 AM

LOVED the pics!!! Looks like you had a great day in spite of the heat! OUCH about the Dental issues! :sad2:

Cooling vests, several here on the DIS have suggested them to me for both David and Lisa...I will try to find the link. Kris, whose children have Mitochondrial disorder was the first one to suggest them to me...they sounded good! We use ice packs in Lisa's wheelchair sometimes and I also have an "air conditioner " for her that a friend bought us at the end of last summer.

blessedmom4

04-20-2011, 04:30 AM

This is the Cooling Vest (http://www.silvereagleoutfitters.com/shop/vest/Special_Order_POV.html) Kris (mom2mitokids) suggested.

lovethattink

04-20-2011, 08:18 AM

not much clothing wise that we do... we let her go in underwear only at home, and as soon as it is remotely warm enough we move her into cotton dresses.

as for cooling vests, I've not tried one for her yet, I really really want to though.

Anakin gets so excited when he plays or even watching other people play. His flapping in excitement has him sweating in no time, even indoors!

LOVED the pics!!! Looks like you had a great day in spite of the heat! OUCH about the Dental issues! :sad2:

Cooling vests, several here on the DIS have suggested them to me for both David and Lisa...I will try to find the link. Kris, whose children have Mitochondrial disorder was the first one to suggest them to me...they sounded good! We use ice packs in Lisa's wheelchair sometimes and I also have an "air conditioner " for her that a friend bought us at the end of last summer.

Anakin only made it 2 hours in the Animal Kingdom before we had to leave. TGI Fridays was freezing, so he cooled off quickly. He wants to do SSW so badly, but I'm not sure how that will work. It was in June of last year when all his problems began, and the heat was definately a factor. So we are going to have to look into a cooling vest of some kind.

This is the Cooling Vest (http://www.silvereagleoutfitters.com/shop/vest/Special_Order_POV.html) Kris (mom2mitokids) suggested.

Thanks so much for the link!!!

MyPeanut&Bug

04-20-2011, 12:05 PM

Looks like a great time practicing (too cute!) his birthday! :) Those blue skies look SO SO gorgeous...we've had clouds/rain/thunderstorms since Saturday. Boo!

We've never made it to Conservation Station on our last 2 trips to AK, so I enjoyed seeing the pics.

blessedmom4

04-21-2011, 06:20 AM

I am sorry Anakin got so hot, I know how that is with mine...:scared1: Maybe the coo;ing vest will work I sure hope so!! :hug: I want Anakin to be able to do SSW!!! How cool that would be for him! :hug:

lovethattink

04-21-2011, 07:55 AM

Last night was just terrible! I am so glad today is a new day, a fresh start, and it's Anakin's birthday!! We will be heading to Disney for food and cake once Goofy gets out of work. He picked out a Power Ranger jungle fury cake at Publix. It's kind of funny because he has seen the Power Rangers at DHS and has only seen the tv show a couple times, but has seen commercials for them. He knew that jungle fury is the old Power Rangers and now it's something different. He said, "now they say 'go go Samurai', so it's probably Power Rangers Samurai." He wanted a Star Wars cake, but Publix was out of the cake toppers. So his next choice was Toy Story 3, but they were also out of those toppers, and they order wasn't going to arrive until Friday. Even though it's his 3rd choice, he is still very happy about the power ranger cake!

Looks like a great time practicing (too cute!) his birthday! :) Those blue skies look SO SO gorgeous...we've had clouds/rain/thunderstorms since Saturday. Boo!

We've never made it to Conservation Station on our last 2 trips to AK, so I enjoyed seeing the pics.

His practice is over, now it's the real deal, lol! Sorry your weather has been rainy and cloudy. My mom always says that there is nothing like the skies in Florida.

I know I complained about how cold it was in March, but Anakin sure did much better with that cold. It's kind of ironic really. We moved to Florida in 2000 because the cold, damp weather of PA in spring, fall and winter triggered Grumpy's asthma. Now it's the heat affecting Anakin's health.

I am sorry Anakin got so hot, I know how that is with mine...:scared1: Maybe the coo;ing vest will work I sure hope so!! :hug: I want Anakin to be able to do SSW!!! How cool that would be for him! :hug:

I guess we will just take it slow. Prioritize what he wants to do and hit the biggies. Thankfully his favorite things are in air conditioning where the Old Hunchback Theater use to be! And the merchandise is in the airconditioning too, usually. It's the character meet and greets that may pose the biggest challenge due to the heat.

Lidian

04-21-2011, 01:32 PM

:bday: Anakin!

Hope you guys have an awesome, magical day!

Singledad

04-21-2011, 01:34 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
:cool1:

lovethattink

04-21-2011, 02:15 PM

We started out the morning finishing kindergarten!! Hurray for the early finish!! He will start the first grade curriculum in a couple weeks, and continue over summer, probably doing half days. So that he will not forget everything over summer.

Then we were off to occupational therapy and physical therapy. More good news!! He will soon graduate from physical therapy! He only has a couple more goals to meet, besides working on improving his endurance level.

We stopped for lunch at McDonalds for a $1.99 happy meal. Then we were off to pick up the cake. Goofy got out of work early and came home with a handful of mylar balloons! (No latex balloons allowed here, Grumpy is extremely allergic to latex. Ended up in the hospital for 4 days because of a balloon once.) Our next stop, Disney to meet friends to celebrate. SmileyCrissy we will miss you tonight!

:bday: Anakin!

Hope you guys have an awesome, magical day!

Thanks! It has been awesome so far!! The magical is coming!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
:cool1:

Thank you!!

sl_underwood

04-21-2011, 03:25 PM

sounds like a fun birthday! Hope e has a great time

lovethattink

04-21-2011, 08:28 PM

sounds like a fun birthday! Hope e has a great time

Thanks! He had a great time! Will add pictures tomorrow. His choice for supper was Pop Century's food court. This was the same place he chose last year too. And Grumpy chose it in December as well. That was ok with us, alot cheaper than Whispering Canyon or Ohana where we've gone for past birthdays.

lovethattink

04-22-2011, 10:33 AM

Of all the places to choose for a birthday dinner our little guy picked Everything Pop. Since it's Easter time we weren't sure if we would be able to park at the resort. This is the first time Easter has fallen near his birthday. Security said it was fine. We had no problems finding a parking spot either.

The section of seating near the ice cream was open and empty so we headed there. I was very surprised at how empty the food court and seating were.

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Goofy got the Parmesan Chicken. It is a parmesan crusted chicken breast. There is no melted cheese over the top of it. I was asked if I wanted sauce on it, and got their marinara. It was loaded with HUGE chunks of tomatoes. The meal came with a salad. The salad was mixed greens with a sweet vinegrette dressing of some sort.

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Grumpy got a meatball sandwich meal. It also came with a salad. Heaven forbid, if any lettuce touches his food, so he asked for 2 separate plates. Three large meatballs and a generous portion of marinara sauce graced the top of an amazingly fresh roll. We've eaten there other times where you could tap the roll on the table and get a loud knock. Not this time!! The sauce had alot of fresh garlic in it. I thought it was very "garlicky", but Grumpy thought it was perfect! I ate his salad, and I really enjoyed it! He also gave me a bite of his meatball sandwich and it was VERY good!!

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Anakin had the kid's cheese pizza. He wanted pepperoni, but there were 3 kid's pizzas prepared, and the one pepperoni looked like it had been sitting there a while. The other didn't have much cheese on it. So I got him the cheese pizza. It looked like it was fresh out of the oven. He loved his pizza and grapes! He didn't eat his apple sauce, we brought it home. He loved the minute maid apple juice. Years ago, apple juice was at the beverage stations. I wish they would bring it back at the resorts! The Electric Umbrella has it as a choice on their beverage station!

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I wasn't very hungry, so I didn't get anything. I ate Grumpy's salad and a bite of his meatball sandwich. I had to save room for cake! I think this was our cheapest meal ever at Pop. Usually I get the parmesan crusted chicken with alfredo sauce, or the "tv dinner". I love Pop's corn bread! We had a cooler bag of drinks with us, so didn't need to purchase any beverages.

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A friend of ours got a greek salad. She said it was very good!

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Her husband got the vegetable lo mein. He didn't comment about his food, but he ate it all! So it must have been fine.

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lovethattink

04-22-2011, 11:27 AM

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KatMark

04-22-2011, 11:44 AM

Sorry I missed Anakin's birthday. It looks to me like he had a great day! :goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

lovethattink

04-23-2011, 07:21 AM

Sorry I missed Anakin's birthday. It looks to me like he had a great day! :goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

Thanks!! In true Phineas and Ferb style, he said it was the best day ever!!

lovethattink

04-23-2011, 07:50 AM

Yesterday, I decided to buy the Silver Eagle child's cooling vest. We'll see how it goes. I had to order the child's large because of his head circumference. I called the manufacturer and they said it is only garunteed to work in up to 85% humidity. We all know Florida has many days near 100%.

We have two more Disney trips in the works. One for May and one for September. May will be at Pop and Sept at POFQ. I am hoping to be able to switch to COR instead of FQ, but so far nothing is available at COR.

I was able to land a passholder discount of $65/night at Pop, came to around $77 a night with taxes. Not quite as a good rate at POFQ.

This was the special discount promotion I had booked for FQ:

Save on Late Spring and Late Summer Travel at Select Disney Resort Hotels!
Escape to the convenience, service and magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. Treat your family to a vacation in late spring for a savings up to 30% or in the late summer for savings up to 40%. Save on stays most nights April 28 to June 14, 2011 and August 14 to October 1, 2011 when you book by March 27.

For example, stay for just $64 per night plus tax in a standard room at Disney's Pop Century Resort most Sunday to Thursday nights August 14 to September 29, 2011.

*For travel April 28 to June 14, 2011:
-Save 15% at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort.
-Save 20% at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter.
-Save 25% at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort.

**For travel August 14 to October 1, 2011:
-Save 20% at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort.
-Save 25% at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter.
-Save 30% at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort.

It ended up being $119.25 for the weeknights and $126.75 for the weekends plus tax.

Singledad

04-23-2011, 11:17 AM

lovethattink

04-23-2011, 11:28 AM

Wow, must be the cadilac of cooling vests? Mom2mitokids also gave me this link, http://www.stacoolvest.com/child-cooling-vest.php it's a little less, and will probably go with this one if the Silver Eagle one doesn't work.

Singledad

04-23-2011, 11:39 AM

blessedmom4

04-23-2011, 09:46 PM

HOW did I miss Anakin's Birthday?!? I am SOOO sorry, it looks like a MARVELOUS time though!
http://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/h.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/a.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/p.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/p.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/y.gifhttp://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/empty.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/b.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/i.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/r.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/t.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/h.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/d.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/a.gifhttp://text.glitter-graphics.net/flip/y.gif (http://glitter-graphics.com/myspace/text_generator.php)
http://dl6.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1675/1675726ulnwi0pund.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

I hope you had FUN!!!!
http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1061/1061805imh4t226ba.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

lovethattink

04-24-2011, 07:58 AM

yeah, no having to recharge or freeze or switch out. just have ice water in the bag and it pumps it around the tubes. that second one you linked looks nice too.

hopefully the first one works well enough for him. :thumbsup2

I'll see how it goes with the $55 one. I really wish we had it for today. It's another scorcher!

HOW did I miss Anakin's Birthday?!? I am SOOO sorry, it looks like a MARVELOUS time though!

I hope you had FUN!!!!

Thanks for the birthday wishes! We had fun.

lovethattink

04-24-2011, 08:06 AM

Happy Easter, everyone!!

We are hoping to hit Epcot's Easter Egg Hunt after church. It's a scorcher out today. I could really use that cooling vest for Anakin. Will bring plenty of frozen water bottles if he needs it. Besides waiting in line for the hunt, we will do things inside. We've already spent hours in Innoventions doing everything there. It's nice and cool there and often overlooked by tourists. It is hard to get the kids out of there once we get started.

Grumpy has mastered every room in Where's the Fire. He has a photographic memory and it's quite amazing when he chooses to use it. When he use to be in school plays he was always one of the first to have his lines memorized. Of course, he didn't just know his lines, but he had all the lines memorized.

He has had to quit football this spring. He has mild cerebral palsy and his muscles have been spasming lately. Presently he can't fun, and in football you need to be able to run. I know he is bummed. And we hope this time of spasms passes quickly. The docs won't give him muscle relaxers because it would make him too sleepy and his spasm aren't consistent. They come and go periodically. He's been having problems since Dec. Went out for flag football in Feb and couldn't run. Tackle football spring training started last week, and he was so sad to be missing it. If ya'll can keep him in your thoughts and prayers for the spasms to stop and him to play again, that would be great!

tinytreasures

04-24-2011, 10:27 AM

http://dl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/573/573311qknfhej4hx.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com) Anakin

KatMark

04-24-2011, 11:06 AM

Mom2mitokids

04-24-2011, 01:20 PM

http://dl7.glitter-graphics.net/pub/2132/2132187sueb243z9c.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

blessedmom4

04-24-2011, 02:55 PM

Oh Tink I am so sorry to read about Grumpy not being able to play Football!!! :hug::grouphug::hug: I know how much he was loving it!!! Hugs to you both.

And before I forget,

http://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1029/1029993ljf65b5nvu.gif
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m81/pinklunarstar/Disney%20Snowglobes/7eca1bcc.jpg

smileycrissy

04-24-2011, 06:29 PM

Hi Tink, I've got a few pages to catch up on (I think) but I wanted to send Happy Easter wishes to you and the family.

Here's some Easter pin pics that I think Anakin might get a kick out of since you said he's so big into pin trading now.

http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab295/Smileycrissy/mickeypin.jpg

http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab295/Smileycrissy/stitchbunny.jpg

lovethattink

04-24-2011, 07:31 PM

http://dl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/573/573311qknfhej4hx.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com) Anakin

Thanks for the birthday wishes for Anakin!

Thoughts and prayers for the spasms to stop and football playing back in the future soon.

Have a great Easter.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/tiggereasater.jpg

Thanks! Appreciate the prayer. While we miss not having family to celebrate Easter with this year, we have had a wonderful day!

http://dl7.glitter-graphics.net/pub/2132/2132187sueb243z9c.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

Thanks!

Oh Tink I am so sorry to read about Grumpy not being able to play Football!!! :hug::grouphug::hug: I know how much he was loving it!!! Hugs to you both.

And before I forget,

http://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1029/1029993ljf65b5nvu.gif
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m81/pinklunarstar/Disney%20Snowglobes/7eca1bcc.jpg

Thanks! Thanks fo the encouragement and Easter wishes!

Hi Tink, I've got a few pages to catch up on (I think) but I wanted to send Happy Easter wishes to you and the family.

Here's some Easter pin pics that I think Anakin might get a kick out of since you said he's so big into pin trading now.

http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab295/Smileycrissy/mickeypin.jpg

http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab295/Smileycrissy/stitchbunny.jpg

Love the pins!! I think we might actually have the Stitch eating the bunny pin. My husband was really big into collecting Stitch and Haunted Mansion pins, Grumpy collected Pluto and Chip and Dale. I can remember sitting at the computer to buy those Disney Auction LE pins, and we had to buy a faster computer because ours wasn't fast enough to win those, lol! That computer was a great one, lasted up until Friday morning when it suddenly died. Grumpy heard some zapping early in the morning. We couldn't figure out what it was at first. Eventually discovered it was the computer.

blessedmom4

04-24-2011, 10:14 PM

I am going to PM you how to post the gif pictures...hope it will make sense!

kaffinito

04-25-2011, 07:22 AM