Kidani, HRH & BLT in 6 nights- Yes! We are THAT crazy!! Nov 4-10,09 OBX updates 4/13

[MAGICFOR2]

So Sweet - "you've got a friend in me!"


And I was so happy to see that he STILL loves Buzz. We went inside, where Sean played with the Mr Potato Head computer-

Looks like the friend next to him is wearing a matching shirt







Where he was an absolutely perfect window shopper- about a million times better than any of the other men in the family would be!!

So great you found a shopping partner!

I'm so happy you and Sean had such a good time in DTD! He is doing so well! It's good that the other boys had fun too.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updates Ellen !!!

 

[podsnel]

Sean and I walked over to the MK from the Contemporary bus stop and within minutes we were "walkin right down the middle of main st usa"...anyone else have this video tape? Sean has been watching the Disneyland Fun tape since he was 2, so whenever we enter the MK that song plays in my head... Anywho....I asked him to stop for pictures at least 20 times- and can I just tell you, that once again, he proved himself to be the BEST man in the family for the job (the rest of them would have been complaining after photo number 2!). Notice the Christmas garland? It must have been a busy night- as it was not there the night before-

We snagged a Photopass photographer, who took a picture of the 3 of us! (Hey- who's THAT guy???)-

I just remembered! I forgot to mention- my birthday is at the end of November, so upon Check-in at Kidani, I was presented with a birthday button. I LOVE the birthday button! CMs and characters EVERYWHERE made me feel extra special this entire vacation, wishing me "Happy Birthday". Which is kind of a big thing for me....because my birthday is right after Thanksgiving, most people usually forget about it. Never have I EVER been greeted with Happy Birthday SO MUCH (although this year on my actual BD on FB was a close second. ). Birthday buttons ROCK!

We were headed to Tomorrowland, and our usual first stop at Buzz (especially when the TEA cups are still being refurbed)

Do you notice how Sean is always holding something? We call these his friends- Blue from Blue's Clues, Thumper, and a book (which on other trips has been Green Eggs and Ham, but on this trip was PB Bear's Birthday Party). Well I said, "Sean- let's take another picture with your friends" and he pulled everything (or everyone) out of the backpack and started walking around with all 3. It was pretty funny (the big book makes this a bit cumbersome!).

Our Buzz Cheating Pic-

And one we actually bought of us from 2 years ago-

I asked him if he would go on the COP with me (yes, I am one of the ones who loves this ride because it is so nostalgic!) and he flat-out REFUSED!! I even asked him TWICE just to be sure, but the answer was still no. What about the TTA (which I still call the WEDway People Mover)- sure! He charged right up that ramp!

Over the TS-

Into SM-

Back over TS-

Oh, and in case you're wondering, the new "voice from above" STINKS!!! I hate this new guy- he doesn't sound SPECIAL!!!! He doesn't say anything FUN!!! May as well be on NJ Transit! BRING BACK THE OLD VOICE, WDW!!!!

Next up, we went to the TS- all kids love, love, love this ride, and Sean is no different-

After that, it was over to Toontown- we wanted to see the "houses" again before they're taken down.

Which leads me to a big part of our day that I forgot to mention. It occured to me in the morning that Sean would eventually need to "use the facilities" during the course of the day...and I would, too. How were we going to manage that? Sean can go into the bathroom by himself at home or at school, but in a public place? I just don't think it's a good idea for him. Fortunately, although I had never noticed (or needed) them before, there are companion bathrooms located all over the parks- they were in DTD, and they were here, in MK. Thanks, Disney, for once again making our vacation just a little less stressful, and just a LOT more enjoyable!

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

We entered minnie's house, and for the first time EVER we actually looked around and touched stuff (the other MEN like to get through here as fast as possible, if they come in at ALL). Sean liked the livingroom, and had a seat on the couch-

In the kitchen, he spotted her calendar- Sean is a big lover of calendars. He actually has some savant abilities, and one of those is an extraordinary ability to remember dates and the days they fall on. As in, if I ask him what day of the week I was born on in 1962, he will think a minute and say Thursday- which is absolutely correct! He can do this into the future as well, although there's a cutoff point where he refuses somewhere after 100 years. So when he sees a calendar, he always needs to stop and have a look!

Then we went over to see Mickey's-

This reminds me of Big Murgie's Den in HHI (even though there's a pool table in BMD's, not ping-pong)-

I thought we might go say hi to some characters, but even Sean has his limits, as you can see in this pic he was not all that jazzed about anymore of this-

I think we started to leave the park, but the parade was going on, and by the time we got to Main St, Sean was feeling better ( not that he was having a tantrum, or anything close to it, I think I was just being cautious), so we turned around and once again we were headed right down the middle (sort of) of Main St USA.

We spotted Jesse and Woody, and kind of walked along, keeping pace with them-

And then my favorite princess, Cindy. Although I wish they would go the other way- a photo of them in front of the castle that shows their faces and not backs would be much, much nicer-

Through the castle and into Fantasyland, where we rode on Winnie the Pooh and PP- he refused to go on SWSA, CGC, MP (I was really bummed about that one!) and, most emphatically, he did NOT want to ride on IASW!!! So, we walked over to Frontierland, and saw the new Princess and her show, which was REALLY, REALLY good-

Then Sean made a beeline for SM- not to ride it, but to watch it!! I guess he is so used to standing there waiting for his brothers and father to come down the mountain that he thinks it's a MUST-DO on every visit- even when they're not there!

Walking on towards Adventureland, we stopped at the Outpost for a much desired ff snack-

I decided I'd like something too....something I had read about....something I had never tried before....a dole whip! It took me a little while to figure out where to go for it, but once I found it....I was in heaven!

Hey dole whip...where you been all my life??

While all this was going on, Pods called to say, "Where are you guys???" They had finished up golfing, got the rental car, and were waiting impatiently at Kidani for us. "What should we do? Where should we wait? How do I blow my nose?" Well, ok, maybe not that last one, but he was pretty much clueless as to what he should do without me...isn't it nice to be sooo needed? I told him where to go .....
and that Sean and I were on our way to the bus. I guess we were having so much fun together enjoying the park that I let time slip away....that's ok- there's not enough of that in anyone's life.

Back at Kidani, we got the luggage from BS, threw it into the minivan, took one last look around....

I always love a good hole with a couple of trees through it!

And said bye-bye to Kidani and WDW for the next 48 hours....

Up next..."Come to the DARK SIDE, Luke....."

 

[podsnel]

I'm so happy you and Sean had such a good time in DTD! He is doing so well! It's good that the other boys had fun too.

Thanks Tammie!! It was all going along so well at WDW....but there's a meltdown on the horizon....

Great Updates Ellen !!!

Thanks Rosie!

 

[karajeboo]

So Timmy's a leftie,huh? So is Jeff and it makes it so hard to buy him golf gifts! I always have to special order clubs and such.....

Looks like you and Sean had a very special time together!!!! That is so important!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

He actually has some savant abilities, and one of those is an extraordinary ability to remember dates and the days they fall on. As in, if I ask him what day of the week I was born on in 1962, he will think a minute and say Thursday- which is absolutely correct! He can do this into the future as well, although there's a cutoff point where he refuses somewhere after 100 years. So when he sees a calendar, he always needs to stop and have a look!

Hmm, what a useful skill to have!! I always have to look ahead on calendars to see what days of the week certain dates fall on.

(Have you ever taken him to AC? Hehe, J/K!!)

Walking on towards Adventureland, we stopped at the Outpost for a much desired ff snack-

I love the look on his face when he is staring at those fries!

Oh, and in case you're wondering, the new "voice from above" STINKS!!! I hate this new guy- he doesn't sound SPECIAL!!!! He doesn't say anything FUN!!! May as well be on NJ Transit! BRING BACK THE OLD VOICE, WDW!!!!

SERIOUSLY!!

 

[CRdisMom]

how long before you left did you make the social story book?

Isn't it the greatest when you just get "lost" in the park. Did that with Beth on our last trip and she will tell you it was the best day of the vacation. I have a day planned for her and I and then one for Katie and I.

 

[Mysteria]

You got photobombed! I was just schooled by DH in the term. I was like...look at this stupid guy in Ellen's pic. He said...oh she got photobombed, that sucks. I looked at him like this...

100% agree about the TTA voice. If it ain't broke don't fix it!!

Happy to see it was more good times for you and Sean. I do see there is a meltdown coming up. Hope it wasn't too bad.

 

[MEK]

What a lovely time you and Sean had at the MK. You were able to do so much together. He looks like is having a fantastic time. He is smiling in every picture. It's so great that you were able to spend some mother - son time together. Lovely pictures.

I have always wondered what it would be like to go during the parade taping. I guess it keeps the ride lines in check.

OK - you are about to leave your bubble, so I am curious to hear all about it.

 

[podsnel]

So Timmy's a leftie,huh? So is Jeff and it makes it so hard to buy him golf gifts! I always have to special order clubs and such.....

Looks like you and Sean had a very special time together!!!! That is so important!

Timmy does some things leftie, some things rightie-sports all seem to be leftie, but he writes rightie. He says he kicks rightie, too. I think it's a family gift from Pods- he's confusing, too. Pods golfs rightie and writes leftie. Confused yet??

Hmm, what a useful skill to have!! I always have to look ahead on calendars to see what days of the week certain dates fall on.

(Have you ever taken him to AC? Hehe, J/K!!)

I love the look on his face when he is staring at those fries!
SERIOUSLY!!

Oh, sure, we HAVE thought of taking him to AC....can't figure out how to make it work that way, though! Hey! You're a teacher! Do you want an afterschool job teaching him how to play blackjack and count cards?

And he does luuuuuuuuv those fries!

how long before you left did you make the social story book?

Isn't it the greatest when you just get "lost" in the park. Did that with Beth on our last trip and she will tell you it was the best day of the vacation. I have a day planned for her and I and then one for Katie and I.

I made the first day's pages about a month before we left. Then I added more every day. The part we reviewed the most was the first day, because I felt getting over the airport fear was the biggest hurdle. It would have, ideally, been better to have the whole book completed from the beginning, I guess, but I really wanted to get started on that airport stuff asap!

And you're right, it's very nice to get "lost" in WDW with just one of your kids. So happy you've got that all planned!!

You got photobombed! I was just schooled by DH in the term. I was like...look at this stupid guy in Ellen's pic. He said...oh she got photobombed, that sucks. I looked at him like this...

100% agree about the TTA voice. If it ain't broke don't fix it!!

Happy to see it was more good times for you and Sean. I do see there is a meltdown coming up. Hope it wasn't too bad.

PHotoBOMBED???? That's GREAT!! That's exactly what it is!!

And the meltdown....is coming soon.....

What a lovely time you and Sean had at the MK. You were able to do so much together. He looks like is having a fantastic time. He is smiling in every picture. It's so great that you were able to spend some mother - son time together. Lovely pictures.

I have always wondered what it would be like to go during the parade taping. I guess it keeps the ride lines in check.

OK - you are about to leave your bubble, so I am curious to hear all about it.

You would have to ask Cammie about the parade taping- do you read her TRs? She hasn't been around very much, but she did start a TR of their last trip in Dec- she was lucky enough to get tickets to the re-scheduled parade day from another DISer who couldn't make the alternate date. Very cool- they were right of front for her daughters' favorite- The Jonas Brothers!!! How amazing is THAT!!

Bubble departure coming up sometime soon.....(sigh)......

 

[englishrose47]

Evening Ellen !!! Love the look on Seans face wit the"desired" snack!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

What a fun day with your boy! His choice of rides was interesting - I would have thought maybe no PP, but CGC would be okay. Maybe he doesn't like going in circles? DH won't ride Dumbo or CGC or teacups because of that.

Oh! OH! trouble in paradise coming?

BTW - I can't believe it's already almost time for your St. John trip - just what I need to read about now!

 

[areck]

What a fabulous time in the Magic Kingdom!
No matter what is going to happen during "bubble departure", you'll ALWAYS have this special day to remember.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Oh, sure, we HAVE thought of taking him to AC....can't figure out how to make it work that way, though! Hey! You're a teacher! Do you want an afterschool job teaching him how to play blackjack and count cards?

I could sure use the extra money! I would get a cut of the winnings, right?

 

[UGAFan0829]

How awesome is it that you and Sean were having so much fun together that you lost track of time--that's good stuff right there!

As always, can't wait to read more!

 

[englishrose47]

Morning Ellen !!!

 

[karajeboo]

Good morning Rosie.....

 

[podsnel]

We were leaving the bubble and heading to HRH (Hard Rock Hotel) for two nights. We had decided 2 years ago that we would do this from now on, spend a couple of days at a Universal Hotel on every WDW vacation, probably on the weekend to save the points. We have visited Universal several times in the past, and always had fun- initially, we came here to go FOR Sean, because he has a GREAT love of DR. Seuss and Seuss Landing is(was) alot of fun for him. Last trip he wanted nothing to do with it, but we thought that was a fluke. Well. We pulled into the HRH, opened the van door....and Sean started to FREAK!! Screaming, screaming, screaming. He KNEW we were coming here, he never mentioned he didn't want to come to HRH, so we were taken aback. We tried to coax him out of the van, but he was having none of it. Eventually, we got him out, and inside the lobby where I went to check-in and Sean continued to freak. Horrible, horrible stuuf, this is the autism journey at the lowest point. ANd worse, we were at Universal instead of WDW. Not that they weren't as nice as could be, just that our comfort level there is not the same- KWIM? Well, we got him up to the room....where he continued to freak. It was about 7:30, so most people were not in their rooms (Thank-GOD!!) to wonder what the H was going on. We were able to calm him enough to go downstairs for our dinner ressie at The Kitchen, where....he stopped freaking out. Aaaaahhhhhh.......

We were seated in a little nook dedicated to Dee Snyder- apparently, one would think sitting at THIS table, a man who is a rock GOD! I had no idea there could even BE that much Twisted Sister memorabilia!! Anyway....

Great news! The Kitchen has a HUGE martini menu!! And I think we're ready for about 10, please!!

We explained that we were dining with the French Fry King, and within (literally) 2 minutes a giant serving of fries in a colander was placed in front of Sean. EXCELLENT!!!

We ordered some apps- Crispy Calamari with a sweet thai dipping sauce (I think)

And BBQ Shrimp and Cheesy Grits, which I could be very happy living on, OMG!!

It was already time for another martini (yes, that's right, I said ANOTHER, it was THAT kind of a night). I wish I had a copy of their martini menu so I could tell you what these were- but I don't, so i can't. This one, however, had pop rocks....and although the photo looks icky, the drink was not-

While we were waiting for our entrees, a magician was walking around to all the tables, entertaining the kids-

How cool is THAT? Then...dinner. I had Grilled Filet Mignon with roasted mushrooms, fingerling potatoes, spinach, bleu cheese butter anda red wine reduction-

This was an exTREMELY substantial dish- very rich, very delicious, and very filling. I also had a glass of red wine- because we were not ignoring the alcohol food group tonight. Pods had ordered Open Chicken Ravioliwith ricotta, goat cheese, mushrooms, tomato and marsala butter-

It was incredible!
One of Tyler's favorite meals is Chicken Pot Pie, so ordering that was a no-brainer for him-

Timmy got the kids' grilled cheese-

Chicken Pie- hats off!

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

The boys were having fun together-

Then it was time for dessert! Which we truly had no room for...but, alot of Universal restaurants offer dessert shots- and the Kitchen is one of them- so we ordered a couple. This one was S'mores-

The other one we tried was a tiramisu one. They were both a bit sweet for me, but the others enjoyed sharing them.
And in the interest of good food porn, the waiter brought over the entire dessert tray to pose for a photo shoot!

This was the new thing on the menu, some kind of stuffed with banana deep fried concoction that I would have pounded down if I had had any room!

All the dessert shots in a row-

What a great meal- I would go back to The Kitchen in a heartbeat...

We were pretty tired when dinner was done, so we headed back up to the room to go to bed. We had just gotten a standard double, with a cot. So it was a little tight in there. Me thinks that's what set Sean off again. Gone was his seperate space to decompress... he was going to have to sleep with all of us in the same room. Never underestimate the power of the DVC 1 BDRM villa- sometimes, size really DOES matter. Uh-oh.....so the screaming began again. And we were exhausted. I tried to calm him and coax him into the bed-

But as you can see, he had his backpack on and CLEARLY had another accomodation in his head-

He wasn't screaming anymore, but he wasn't giving in, either. That took a while. As in a couple of hours. He went and laid on the floor by the door to the room, and we all got into bed...and waited...and eventually he got up, ran over to the bed I was in, and got under the covers. Thankfully, after this night, there were no more meltdowns as bad as this- just a little defiance at Aunt Irma's. That was it. But at this point, all we could think was, we should have stayed at Kidani...what's going to happen in two days when we check into BLT....Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap!! We are the worst parents ever!! What were we thinking???

Oh! And does anyone want to know how comfy the COT was??? I'll have to ask PODS. Poor, poor, Pods...