Denovagirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
Yayyyy!! Waiting to hear!!
After All This We are going To Need Some Magic **Sad Update 8/20**
- Thread starter Jackiemarie21
- Start date
Jackiemarie21
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2012
So, I am back, I took a 3 month absence. I hope I still have some followers 
Lets just call it my maternity leave?
There is a reason I have been away (well several reasons actually
).
First of all let me say, if I am reading your trip report, I have been following along! I promise! I just have not been great about commenting as I usually read on my phone during middle of the night feedings. I don't really trust myself to make comments that will actually make sense so I think I'll come back and comment tomorrow. Aaaaaand then I usually forget, so sorry about that!
Let me back up, all the way back to the night before my scheduled C-section and our ADR day. We had lots of plans for a relaxing night, but then my dad called. My mom was having a very rough day. She was very confused and had no idea what was going on. My dad recommended we come see her "just in case". After a rough visit, and I mean rough (she was trying to light things on fire thinking they were candles, yelling at all of us for no reason, lots of crying, she even put candle wax on bread and tried to eat it thinking it was butter), we left hours after we had planned to. My bag was mostly packed but Bob's was not. We had to be up by 6am. It was 1am by the time we were finished packing and ready to get to bed. Just as we were settling down, we heard a quiet voice "mama, I have to go to the bathroom". It was Charlotte, I told her to go ahead and go and then get back to sleep. Before we knew it she was screaming, the floors all wet! She had overflowed the toilet (we have since discussed just how much toilet paper she should be using) and it was running down the hall and a huge mess. By the time we got it all cleaned up it was 2am. We finally got some sleep.
We got up the next morning got ready, I got Charlotte all ready and my Aunt came to get Charlotte. Charlotte was going to stay at my Aunt's house who lives about three hours away and come home the day I came home from the hospital. The situation was not ideal as it meant Charlotte would not get to meet her baby sister until she was 5 days old, but it was truly the best we could do in a bad situation. After tearfully saying good-bye to Charlotte (I had never been away from her overnight before) Bob and I got into the car and backed out of the drive way. Then the phone rang. The hospital was so crowded they could not do a scheduled C-section and I would have to wait until later that night. So, with the afternoon now free, Bob and I decided to head to get some lunch. On our way to lunch, I checked my email, our travel agent emailed and we got all our ADRs, score!
After lunch, the hospital called again, they would not even be to take me that night. So, Bob and I enjoyed a relaxing childless day and night! I woke up the next morning much more rested and relaxed and ready to have a baby, except that I was feeling what I thought was contractions. Once I arrived at the hospital, it was confirmed that I was indeed having contractions, it made me feel better, this way I knew she was ready to come!
Before I knew it, I was holding this little precious bundle:
Our little girl was finally here! Cecilia Mary was born 7 lbs 4oz and absolutely perfect! My mom started feeling better and was even able to come to the hospital to visit me and Cecilia!
Here are some more pics of our perfect baby:
The last three months have been a blur with caring for a newborn and helping Charlotte adjust to life as a big sister. Charlotte loves being a big sister, but we had a brief period of difficult behavior and acting out for attention. But, we have been working on the bumps and I think we have finally got a family rhythm. Charlotte has learned how she can be helpful and be a part of her changing world, and I have learned how to help her feel needed and important!
While I was taking my break from the Dis we celebrated Charlotte's fourth birthday with a Carousel party, and Cecilia got her first ride on a carousel, which she loved!
I also have to add this picture of my girls on Father's Day in their matching shirts:
We also took Cecilia to her first Drive-in movie to see Inside Out:
We LOVED it! Charlotte cried when it was over and made me promise we could see it again. Bob teachers AP Psychology, and thought this movie could be a useful teaching tool with his emotions unit. Cecilia slept pretty much the entire movie, so that was a success as well.
So, that is what we have been up to lately. There have been MAJOR changes to our trip, so I am going to create a separate update just with that info!
Lets just call it my maternity leave?There is a reason I have been away (well several reasons actually
).First of all let me say, if I am reading your trip report, I have been following along! I promise! I just have not been great about commenting as I usually read on my phone during middle of the night feedings. I don't really trust myself to make comments that will actually make sense so I think I'll come back and comment tomorrow. Aaaaaand then I usually forget, so sorry about that!
Let me back up, all the way back to the night before my scheduled C-section and our ADR day. We had lots of plans for a relaxing night, but then my dad called. My mom was having a very rough day. She was very confused and had no idea what was going on. My dad recommended we come see her "just in case". After a rough visit, and I mean rough (she was trying to light things on fire thinking they were candles, yelling at all of us for no reason, lots of crying, she even put candle wax on bread and tried to eat it thinking it was butter), we left hours after we had planned to. My bag was mostly packed but Bob's was not. We had to be up by 6am. It was 1am by the time we were finished packing and ready to get to bed. Just as we were settling down, we heard a quiet voice "mama, I have to go to the bathroom". It was Charlotte, I told her to go ahead and go and then get back to sleep. Before we knew it she was screaming, the floors all wet! She had overflowed the toilet (we have since discussed just how much toilet paper she should be using) and it was running down the hall and a huge mess. By the time we got it all cleaned up it was 2am. We finally got some sleep.
We got up the next morning got ready, I got Charlotte all ready and my Aunt came to get Charlotte. Charlotte was going to stay at my Aunt's house who lives about three hours away and come home the day I came home from the hospital. The situation was not ideal as it meant Charlotte would not get to meet her baby sister until she was 5 days old, but it was truly the best we could do in a bad situation. After tearfully saying good-bye to Charlotte (I had never been away from her overnight before) Bob and I got into the car and backed out of the drive way. Then the phone rang. The hospital was so crowded they could not do a scheduled C-section and I would have to wait until later that night. So, with the afternoon now free, Bob and I decided to head to get some lunch. On our way to lunch, I checked my email, our travel agent emailed and we got all our ADRs, score!
After lunch, the hospital called again, they would not even be to take me that night. So, Bob and I enjoyed a relaxing childless day and night! I woke up the next morning much more rested and relaxed and ready to have a baby, except that I was feeling what I thought was contractions. Once I arrived at the hospital, it was confirmed that I was indeed having contractions, it made me feel better, this way I knew she was ready to come!
Before I knew it, I was holding this little precious bundle:
Our little girl was finally here! Cecilia Mary was born 7 lbs 4oz and absolutely perfect! My mom started feeling better and was even able to come to the hospital to visit me and Cecilia!
Here are some more pics of our perfect baby:
The last three months have been a blur with caring for a newborn and helping Charlotte adjust to life as a big sister. Charlotte loves being a big sister, but we had a brief period of difficult behavior and acting out for attention. But, we have been working on the bumps and I think we have finally got a family rhythm. Charlotte has learned how she can be helpful and be a part of her changing world, and I have learned how to help her feel needed and important!
While I was taking my break from the Dis we celebrated Charlotte's fourth birthday with a Carousel party, and Cecilia got her first ride on a carousel, which she loved!
I also have to add this picture of my girls on Father's Day in their matching shirts:
We also took Cecilia to her first Drive-in movie to see Inside Out:
We LOVED it! Charlotte cried when it was over and made me promise we could see it again. Bob teachers AP Psychology, and thought this movie could be a useful teaching tool with his emotions unit. Cecilia slept pretty much the entire movie, so that was a success as well.
So, that is what we have been up to lately. There have been MAJOR changes to our trip, so I am going to create a separate update just with that info!
Last edited:
Jackiemarie21
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2012
Alright, so now onto our trip, and another reason I have been kind of MIA around here...
MNSSHP tickets were made available for purchase just a week or two (or maybe a few days, not really sure...the timeline is fuzzy) before Cecilia was born. I decided to wait to buy our tickets until after the baby was born. As you know from reading the previous update, Cecilia was born and we were ready to start thinking about our trip once again.
Well, the day we were going to purchase our MNSSHP tickets, Bob came home and told me his school decided to schedule homecoming the Saturday we were supposed to be in WDW, right smack dab in the middle of our trip!
Now, before you ask, Bob has to be at homecoming, as the Student Council sponsor it is his big event and an important part of his job. So, I did what I had to do, and it was sad, so very very sad. 
The trip was now canceled. That was another reason I didn't post here, I was too sad!
So, Bob and I started to think about other times we could go. After lots of discussion, Bob decided he would rather go to Disneyland, so we decided on DLR over spring break. I was okay with this in theory. I still had a trip in the future and it was going to be a sure thing since Bob's school and the university he teaches for are both closed. No chance of working stopping us.
So, it was settled, right...WRONG!
I just did not want to wait that long for some magic in my life! I had two major WDW events I wanted to experience, MNSSHP and Christmas time. I was so sad to no longer be achieving one of these goals. So, I did what anyone else in my situation would do, try to find another time to go. So in looking at the calendar, we found one other time that was sure not to be effected by DH's schedule that could also allow me to experience a special season at Disney. We decided to go for it...Its a little bit crazy, actually totally insane...But we decided to go the week between Christmas and New Years!
I am going to see all the Christmas stuff! Bob is really excited to be going over Christmas break too!
We are well aware that it will be insanely crowded, and in the coming updates I will share my ideas for the crowds. But we will be at Disney , so its all good! So, once we settled on dates, I contacted my TA to see if they had "magical deals" for the week we were planning to go, and she did! my first choice resort was WL, and sure enough they were part of her deal! Because of way our dates fall, we have to have two separate reservations, which stinks, but we got a great deal considering the time frame we are going! We booked 7 nights at the WL at 183 days out the closest I have ever booked a trip!
Our plan is for the trip to serve as Charlotte's big gift since she asks almost daily if we can go to WDW. She will open a box and inside it will say "You are going to Disneyworld!" and when she asks when? We will tell her we are leaving tomorrow! I am so excited about this! I think she will flip out!
I will be back tomorrow with updates about my ADR dates (remember the 2 separate resort reservations, that means 2 ADR days). For now, I will leave you with some pics from our 4th of July, we had a Fantastic holiday! My mom is doing okay, although she is very weak and confused. Her favorite holiday by far is 4th of July. We felt so very blessed to get to spend the day with her!
Oh and just in case you are wondering, Bob is going to get his DLR trip too. But plans for that are on hold until after our Christmas trip. The one bonus to canceling so many trips...our Disney find is currently huge!
MNSSHP tickets were made available for purchase just a week or two (or maybe a few days, not really sure...the timeline is fuzzy) before Cecilia was born. I decided to wait to buy our tickets until after the baby was born. As you know from reading the previous update, Cecilia was born and we were ready to start thinking about our trip once again.
Well, the day we were going to purchase our MNSSHP tickets, Bob came home and told me his school decided to schedule homecoming the Saturday we were supposed to be in WDW, right smack dab in the middle of our trip!
Now, before you ask, Bob has to be at homecoming, as the Student Council sponsor it is his big event and an important part of his job. So, I did what I had to do, and it was sad, so very very sad. The trip was now canceled. That was another reason I didn't post here, I was too sad!So, Bob and I started to think about other times we could go. After lots of discussion, Bob decided he would rather go to Disneyland, so we decided on DLR over spring break. I was okay with this in theory. I still had a trip in the future and it was going to be a sure thing since Bob's school and the university he teaches for are both closed. No chance of working stopping us.
So, it was settled, right...WRONG!I just did not want to wait that long for some magic in my life! I had two major WDW events I wanted to experience, MNSSHP and Christmas time. I was so sad to no longer be achieving one of these goals.
So, I did what anyone else in my situation would do, try to find another time to go. So in looking at the calendar, we found one other time that was sure not to be effected by DH's schedule that could also allow me to experience a special season at Disney. We decided to go for it...Its a little bit crazy, actually totally insane...But we decided to go the week between Christmas and New Years! I am going to see all the Christmas stuff! Bob is really excited to be going over Christmas break too!We are well aware that it will be insanely crowded, and in the coming updates I will share my ideas for the crowds. But we will be at Disney , so its all good! So, once we settled on dates, I contacted my TA to see if they had "magical deals" for the week we were planning to go, and she did! my first choice resort was WL, and sure enough they were part of her deal! Because of way our dates fall, we have to have two separate reservations, which stinks, but we got a great deal considering the time frame we are going! We booked 7 nights at the WL at 183 days out the closest I have ever booked a trip!
Our plan is for the trip to serve as Charlotte's big gift since she asks almost daily if we can go to WDW. She will open a box and inside it will say "You are going to Disneyworld!" and when she asks when? We will tell her we are leaving tomorrow! I am so excited about this! I think she will flip out!
I will be back tomorrow with updates about my ADR dates (remember the 2 separate resort reservations, that means 2 ADR days). For now, I will leave you with some pics from our 4th of July, we had a Fantastic holiday! My mom is doing okay, although she is very weak and confused. Her favorite holiday by far is 4th of July. We felt so very blessed to get to spend the day with her!
Oh and just in case you are wondering, Bob is going to get his DLR trip too. But plans for that are on hold until after our Christmas trip. The one bonus to canceling so many trips...our Disney find is currently huge!
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Denovagirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
Wow!! So much to comment on!!!
Okay first! Wow! Birth story!! Man, what a crazy night! I think God knew you needed some more rest so you wouldn't be stressed going into that delivery room the morning after your crazy night! I am glad you got to hold off a day annnnd have contractions to give you the reassurance that Cece was actually fully cooked and ready to come out! What a blessing in disguise.
The baby pics are insanely precious! And I loooove love loooove all the matching sister outfits!! Those two are sooooooo gorgeous! Just like mama!
Now, Disney!! You had me biting my nails for a second there!!!!
How annoying for dealing with his school schedule again!!! Ugh. Seems like the school board should have these things hammered out way in advance so this does not happen to people! You're a saint for canceling another trip due to that nonsense! I would have told him fake sick! Lol...
BUT, again, I think it paid off because I do believe your trip is now longer, right?!?!??!
I think that the crowds will be big, but also with FP+ and ADRs you know you will get to do plenty, you will have lots of people in the backgrounds of photos, but you're right, your in WDW, so who cares??!!!?!!!!?!!!!?!!!
Getting to enjoy all the Christnas stuff is gonna be so much fun!!!
Okay, now I am DYING to know about ADRs!!! DYING!!
Please come with the info tomorrow. Thanks!
Oh and DLR too?! Score!! You deserve it! Drain that Disney fund, baby!!!! Is that still set for spring break? How fun is that!!!??!!
Okay first! Wow! Birth story!! Man, what a crazy night! I think God knew you needed some more rest so you wouldn't be stressed going into that delivery room the morning after your crazy night! I am glad you got to hold off a day annnnd have contractions to give you the reassurance that Cece was actually fully cooked and ready to come out! What a blessing in disguise.
The baby pics are insanely precious! And I loooove love loooove all the matching sister outfits!! Those two are sooooooo gorgeous! Just like mama!
Now, Disney!! You had me biting my nails for a second there!!!!
How annoying for dealing with his school schedule again!!! Ugh. Seems like the school board should have these things hammered out way in advance so this does not happen to people! You're a saint for canceling another trip due to that nonsense! I would have told him fake sick! Lol...
BUT, again, I think it paid off because I do believe your trip is now longer, right?!?!??!
I think that the crowds will be big, but also with FP+ and ADRs you know you will get to do plenty, you will have lots of people in the backgrounds of photos, but you're right, your in WDW, so who cares??!!!?!!!!?!!!!?!!!
Getting to enjoy all the Christnas stuff is gonna be so much fun!!!
Okay, now I am DYING to know about ADRs!!! DYING!!
Please come with the info tomorrow. Thanks!
Oh and DLR too?! Score!! You deserve it! Drain that Disney fund, baby!!!! Is that still set for spring break? How fun is that!!!??!!
Denovagirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
Also, prayers being sent for your mom and family, how tough, glad you're close by to help out and visit. It's both a blessing and a burden to witness the struggle, but I think it's best to be there, HUGS!!! 
Jackiemarie21
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2012
Wow!! So much to comment on!!!
Okay first! Wow! Birth story!! Man, what a crazy night! I think God knew you needed some more rest so you wouldn't be stressed going into that delivery room the morning after your crazy night! I am glad you got to hold off a day annnnd have contractions to give you the reassurance that Cece was actually fully cooked and ready to come out! What a blessing in disguise.
The baby pics are insanely precious! And I loooove love loooove all the matching sister outfits!! Those two are sooooooo gorgeous! Just like mama!
Now, Disney!! You had me biting my nails for a second there!!!!
How annoying for dealing with his school schedule again!!! Ugh. Seems like the school board should have these things hammered out way in advance so this does not happen to people! You're a saint for canceling another trip due to that nonsense! I would have told him fake sick! Lol...
BUT, again, I think it paid off because I do believe your trip is now longer, right?!?!??!
I think that the crowds will be big, but also with FP+ and ADRs you know you will get to do plenty, you will have lots of people in the backgrounds of photos, but you're right, your in WDW, so who cares??!!!?!!!!?!!!!?!!!
Getting to enjoy all the Christnas stuff is gonna be so much fun!!!
Okay, now I am DYING to know about ADRs!!! DYING!!
Please come with the info tomorrow. Thanks!
Oh and DLR too?! Score!! You deserve it! Drain that Disney fund, baby!!!! Is that still set for spring break? How fun is that!!!??!!
Thank you! I love the matching sister outfits, its going to happen as long as they let me! Yes I really believe God was looking out for us, Cecilia was born when she was ready and I was in a much better frame of mine for having a baby!
In Bob's district the school sets the homecoming date. Since they are not known for their stellar football team, they literally base the decision by picking the date they are playing a football team they can beat. We thought we were safe planning a trip during a four day weekend, but alas, it all boils down to the stupid football team!
But you are right, this trip is 8 full days rather than 5 and its kind of worth it to have a longer trip!
Don't worry the ADRs are coming!
We are still debating the exact dates for DLR but it will be in 2016 and after that the fund will be dry! But totally worth it!
Its by far the hardest thing I have ever been through, I can't even put it into words what its like. In so many ways I have already lost her, she is a totally different person. I hardly even recognize her.Also, prayers being sent for your mom and family, how tough, glad you're close by to help out and visit. It's both a blessing and a burden to witness the struggle, but I think it's best to be there, HUGS!!!
But its wonderful when I get to see her happy like she was yesterday, there are still good memories to be had, they are just very different.
Denovagirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
Its by far the hardest thing I have ever been through, I can't even put it into words what its like. In so many ways I have already lost her, she is a totally different person. I hardly even recognize her.
Hang in there and know that people are praying for you!!!
Jackiemarie21
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2012
Alright on to some more trip info...
Like I said we booked this trip at 183 days, which meant I had three days to determine where we wanted our ADRs and which parks we were going to be in on which days. We booked this trip with the "magical offer" and therefore, it was a room only reservation, and did not include park tickets or the dining plan. We never looked into it before but a professional organization Bob belongs to offers discounted tickets, so by buying them we will save around $150 on 7 day park hoppers for the three of us. So that was great, plus we received a pretty big savings from our magical offer, this made going at the most expensive time of the year a lot more reasonable.
When trying to decide on ADRs I kind of started formulating a plan. When we go in the hottest, most crowded parts of the summer we like to have more ADRs rather than relying on QS. When lines are long getting a QS meal is truly miserable. I was thinking it will be kind of the same way during Christmas. So, we have two days with 2 ADRs. This will also be a good way to meet the characters with out waiting in long lines. Since we weren't on the dining plan we are not restricted to certain amounts of credits. I sat down to figure out the price difference of our ADRs vs the dining plan and we are spending $80 more than if we used the dining plan. So, it is worth the extra $80 to have more TS meals, and to save the money on the resort (cause we saved wayyyy more than $80 there!)
I was a little nervous going into our ADR day. Everything I was reading made it seem as though it was pretty difficult to secure highly sought after ADRs. The other thing I learned was some places I thought would be no problem getting an ADR at was actually harder, like Garden Grill and Hollywood and Vine. In the past they have usually been pretty easy ADRs to obtain. But lots of people were having difficultly with them. So, with that in mind I made my list. I really wanted to do H&V because this may be Charlotte's last trip really loving the Disney Jr characters. I also wanted BoG, it was our favorite experience last time and Charlotte LOVES the Beast. So, I had a tall order ahead of me. I talked it over with Bob and he asked if I wanted him to get up and be on another computer to help. I thought that was a great idea. So the night before I walked him through how to make an ADR and we set our alarm for 4:30 am central time. The baby got me up at 3:30 to eat and when she was done there was no point in going back to sleep, so I logged on both computers and got MDE ready to go. Bob got up at 4:30 and we discussed our strategy. We were ready to go! I was going for BoG and Hollywood and Vine and he was going for 'Ohana and Garden Grill. The time opens up, I find Bog, tons of tables ready, but every time I click on the time it kicks me back to the search page. Happened again, and again, and again! I literally sat there and watched the times flash before my eyes. 
I felt like crying this was going to be bad! I just knew I wasn't going to get anything! The same thing was happening to Bob. At 5:20 he was finally able to get the 'Ohana! Then, I tried the app on my phone no luck with BoG, but I was able to get Hollywood and Vine and the rest of the weeks ADRs with ease! By the time 5:45 rolled around we still could not get a BoG or GG, but we did get everything else. I thought what the heck, I'll give calling a try at 6:00am. So I called in and sure enough the lady had a BoG (at a perfect time) and GG(at 4:00 wayyyy to early for us). I was so excited I could have hugged the lady!
So, the end result of our first ADR day was this:
12/27: No ADR
12/28: San Angel Inn (This was GG)
12/29: 'Ohana dinner
12/30: Hollywood and Vine lunch; Sci Fi Dinner
12/31: Tusker House breakfast; 1900 Park Fare Dinner
1/1: BoG Dinner
Today was our second ADR day and I didn't even mess with the online system, I just called. It was way more efficient.
1/2: Garden Grill (originally I had GG 12/28 and San Angel today, but the times worked better this way, so I switched them)
1/3: 'Ohana breakfast
In the end, we got every single ADR we desired at the time we wanted it, I still can't believe it! I was so excited!
We have a good balance of new and old favorites. San Angel is new and I was always like we can get Mexican anywhere I want something different and exciting... but I have seen several TRs where they ate there and the food looks wonderful and not typical Mexican. Bob LOVES Mexican so he really wanted to try this one, so we I went back and forth on what to do for New Years, we debated on going to a park (MK, HS, and EPCOT all have special stuff going on) just hanging around the resort or what to do. I decided to make NYE our AK day because everyone says it is not crowded at all. Then we would have a nice dinner with Cinderella and the crew at 1900PF which looks like lots of fun. If the kids are up to it we can watch the fireworks from a few places in our resort or if they need to go to bed, Bob and I can have a drink or two on our balcony and enjoy the fact we are ringing in the new year at WDW! This way, we will avoid the crazy crowds...score!
This trip is shaping up to be pretty epic so far!
Like I said we booked this trip at 183 days, which meant I had three days to determine where we wanted our ADRs and which parks we were going to be in on which days. We booked this trip with the "magical offer" and therefore, it was a room only reservation, and did not include park tickets or the dining plan. We never looked into it before but a professional organization Bob belongs to offers discounted tickets, so by buying them we will save around $150 on 7 day park hoppers for the three of us. So that was great, plus we received a pretty big savings from our magical offer, this made going at the most expensive time of the year a lot more reasonable.
When trying to decide on ADRs I kind of started formulating a plan. When we go in the hottest, most crowded parts of the summer we like to have more ADRs rather than relying on QS. When lines are long getting a QS meal is truly miserable. I was thinking it will be kind of the same way during Christmas. So, we have two days with 2 ADRs. This will also be a good way to meet the characters with out waiting in long lines. Since we weren't on the dining plan we are not restricted to certain amounts of credits. I sat down to figure out the price difference of our ADRs vs the dining plan and we are spending $80 more than if we used the dining plan. So, it is worth the extra $80 to have more TS meals, and to save the money on the resort (cause we saved wayyyy more than $80 there!
) I was a little nervous going into our ADR day. Everything I was reading made it seem as though it was pretty difficult to secure highly sought after ADRs. The other thing I learned was some places I thought would be no problem getting an ADR at was actually harder, like Garden Grill and Hollywood and Vine. In the past they have usually been pretty easy ADRs to obtain. But lots of people were having difficultly with them.
So, with that in mind I made my list. I really wanted to do H&V because this may be Charlotte's last trip really loving the Disney Jr characters. I also wanted BoG, it was our favorite experience last time and Charlotte LOVES the Beast. So, I had a tall order ahead of me. I talked it over with Bob and he asked if I wanted him to get up and be on another computer to help. I thought that was a great idea. So the night before I walked him through how to make an ADR and we set our alarm for 4:30 am central time. The baby got me up at 3:30 to eat and when she was done there was no point in going back to sleep, so I logged on both computers and got MDE ready to go. Bob got up at 4:30 and we discussed our strategy. We were ready to go! I was going for BoG and Hollywood and Vine and he was going for 'Ohana and Garden Grill. The time opens up, I find Bog, tons of tables ready, but every time I click on the time it kicks me back to the search page. Happened again, and again, and again! I literally sat there and watched the times flash before my eyes. I felt like crying this was going to be bad! I just knew I wasn't going to get anything! The same thing was happening to Bob. At 5:20 he was finally able to get the 'Ohana! Then, I tried the app on my phone no luck with BoG, but I was able to get Hollywood and Vine and the rest of the weeks ADRs with ease! By the time 5:45 rolled around we still could not get a BoG or GG, but we did get everything else. I thought what the heck, I'll give calling a try at 6:00am. So I called in and sure enough the lady had a BoG (at a perfect time) and GG(at 4:00 wayyyy to early for us). I was so excited I could have hugged the lady! So, the end result of our first ADR day was this:
12/27: No ADR
12/28: San Angel Inn (This was GG)
12/29: 'Ohana dinner
12/30: Hollywood and Vine lunch; Sci Fi Dinner
12/31: Tusker House breakfast; 1900 Park Fare Dinner
1/1: BoG Dinner
Today was our second ADR day and I didn't even mess with the online system, I just called. It was way more efficient.
1/2: Garden Grill (originally I had GG 12/28 and San Angel today, but the times worked better this way, so I switched them)
1/3: 'Ohana breakfast
In the end, we got every single ADR we desired at the time we wanted it, I still can't believe it!
I was so excited!We have a good balance of new and old favorites. San Angel is new and I was always like we can get Mexican anywhere I want something different and exciting... but I have seen several TRs where they ate there and the food looks wonderful and not typical Mexican. Bob LOVES Mexican so he really wanted to try this one, so we I went back and forth on what to do for New Years, we debated on going to a park (MK, HS, and EPCOT all have special stuff going on) just hanging around the resort or what to do. I decided to make NYE our AK day because everyone says it is not crowded at all. Then we would have a nice dinner with Cinderella and the crew at 1900PF which looks like lots of fun. If the kids are up to it we can watch the fireworks from a few places in our resort or if they need to go to bed, Bob and I can have a drink or two on our balcony and enjoy the fact we are ringing in the new year at WDW! This way, we will avoid the crazy crowds...score!
This trip is shaping up to be pretty epic so far!
Jackiemarie21
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2012
Thanks Terri, the support and prayers really mean a lot to me and my entire family!Hang in there and know that people are praying for you!!!
Denovagirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
Squeeeee!! Love your ADRs!!!
Your scaring me with that GG one though. That's on my must do list so I better bump it to the top for ADR day!
So excited that you got everything you wanted, and I think your NYE plans sound great!
Oh, and H&V turned out to be my fave buffet of the trip last time! We ate at so many character breakfasts...and that one had the lowest expectations, I was literally only going to see Disney Junior Characters without the lines, and I ended up loving it!! That is actually going to be my very next update in my TR!!
Your scaring me with that GG one though. That's on my must do list so I better bump it to the top for ADR day!
So excited that you got everything you wanted, and I think your NYE plans sound great!
Oh, and H&V turned out to be my fave buffet of the trip last time! We ate at so many character breakfasts...and that one had the lowest expectations, I was literally only going to see Disney Junior Characters without the lines, and I ended up loving it!! That is actually going to be my very next update in my TR!!
Tinker326
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2006
So much to comment on!
And soooo much cuteness with your girls!!!! Congrats on that absolutely adorable baby girl.
I'm glad everything went smoothly and you got that extra time for some sleep and calmness before she arrived. I always felt going from one to two was the hardest. (so if you ever have more.. know that going from 2-3 is not as hard!). Your adjustment seems to be going very well & really- those matching outfits- ADORABLE. I did the same for my girls ALL THE TIME up until just recently. I think I made it to about the 11yr/8yr/5yr mark with them. Then the oldest two made me stop. Hahahaha!
Very sorry to hear about your mother. It's so, so hard watching the decline. I still revisit in my mind the year that happened to me with my father and wonder how we made it through. When you are living it- you just get through it.. it's afterwards that it seems to hit you. Hugs to you all on that. It's so hard!
Now to your plans- YHEA on a longer vacay! I say it's worth canceling to add those days AND get to see the holiday decorations! WL is so beautiful and is the perfect Christmasey resort. And so long as you have a plan, you will deal with the crowds just fine!
Some of your restaurants are my favorite! Garden Grill, BoG and Ohana Breakfast! Yum to all those! Great job on getting all the ADR's you wanted for the times you want!
Everything sounds great! Welcome back out of maternity leave!
What's my excuse? I don't have a newborn to blame my lack of updates on!
And soooo much cuteness with your girls!!!! Congrats on that absolutely adorable baby girl.
I'm glad everything went smoothly and you got that extra time for some sleep and calmness before she arrived. I always felt going from one to two was the hardest. (so if you ever have more.. know that going from 2-3 is not as hard!). Your adjustment seems to be going very well & really- those matching outfits- ADORABLE. I did the same for my girls ALL THE TIME up until just recently. I think I made it to about the 11yr/8yr/5yr mark with them. Then the oldest two made me stop. Hahahaha!
Very sorry to hear about your mother. It's so, so hard watching the decline. I still revisit in my mind the year that happened to me with my father and wonder how we made it through. When you are living it- you just get through it.. it's afterwards that it seems to hit you. Hugs to you all on that. It's so hard!
Now to your plans- YHEA on a longer vacay! I say it's worth canceling to add those days AND get to see the holiday decorations! WL is so beautiful and is the perfect Christmasey resort. And so long as you have a plan, you will deal with the crowds just fine!
Some of your restaurants are my favorite! Garden Grill, BoG and Ohana Breakfast! Yum to all those! Great job on getting all the ADR's you wanted for the times you want!
Everything sounds great! Welcome back out of maternity leave!
What's my excuse? I don't have a newborn to blame my lack of updates on! 
totebagg
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2013
I am catching up with all my PTRs and I am glad to see yours! First and foremost, congratulations on Cecila - she and Charlotte are adorable! I am so excited that you got your trip during Christmas time and even though it is crowded it sounds like you have a great plan plus you get to go to DisneyLand too! I am also jealous of your NYE plan - what a great way to ring in the new year!
I am glad your mom had a good fourth of July and I know how hard it is as my mom went through some pretty rough times when she was first diagnosed, but hang in there and try to stay positive!
Can't wait to hear more about your plans and see more pics of your cute girls!!
I am glad your mom had a good fourth of July and I know how hard it is as my mom went through some pretty rough times when she was first diagnosed, but hang in there and try to stay positive!
Can't wait to hear more about your plans and see more pics of your cute girls!!
Dugette
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2009
What an insane lead-up to the scheduled birth day! Glad you ended up getting a little respite first to recover from all that.Great news!
All wonderful things!
This is so precious!
Bob came home and told me his school decided to schedule homecoming the Saturday we were supposed to be in WDW, right smack dab in the middle of our trip!
I've been there. Glad you hadn't done anything so permanent yet that it couldn't be changed, though.That should be quite the experience! I'm sure you'll prepare well, but I had a co-worker that went that week last year and said that if she hadn't been a veteran of the WDW parks that she'd probably never return after that...hours long waits for rides and shoulder to shoulder crowds.But we decided to go the week between Christmas and New Years!
I really hope it works out well for you, but it sounds tricky!Glad you got a deal! That sure helps!
I'm happy you were able to spend her favorite holiday with her.
I think this is a great idea!
Get out of the crowds and relax a bit.Congratulations! Sounds like a good line-up!In the end, we got every single ADR we desired at the time we wanted it, I still can't believe it!
stitchfan75
Custom Tea Maker to the Mad Hatter
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2012
I was surprised how hard it was to get GG! We booked our ADR's and two weeks after our TA was notified of an opening so we got it. Just recently I was able to upgrade our BOG from lunch to dinner. Sometimes it's just waiting it out.
Jackiemarie21
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2012
Sooooo... A lot has happened since my last update, A LOT!
When I left off, my family had a pretty good fourth of July all things considered. Mom was more confused than usual but nothing too alarming. The day after I posted my last update, everything changed! Monday July 6th my dad came home to find my mom having some type of stroke/seizure. The right side of her face was twitching and she couldn't speak (she could walk better than normal surprisingly). So, he took her to the ER, they admitted her and said it was a seizure. An initial CT scan didn't show much, but the doctors wanted to do a new MRI. They made her wait 2 days for the MRI, when she finally got it, it showed 4 new tumors in the brain, each over an inch long. This was especially alarming since a month and half prior an MRI showed nothing. Over the course of the next few days we had to decide what to do. Try more treatment, or put mom on hospice. My brother lives in Colorado and the doctors agreed no matter which path we take, it would be a good time for him to come into town. This way he could visit mom while she still can have a quality visit and he can help make the decision. He immediately made his way home (along with his 80lb dog). On Monday afternoon we had an appointment with Mom's doctor, after talking with her about the reality of mom's situation, we decided not continue with anymore treatment. She would only have a 10-20% chance of it doing anything, and it most likely would not extend her life by more than a few weeks. Once cancer starts coming back it usually comes back very quickly and pops up everywhere. We did not want her to spend the last few precious weeks of life in doctors offices waiting for treatment, that may or may not work. Coming to this decision however, was agonizing. My dad and I spent hours discussing the pros and cons of any decision we may make. I always knew my mom didn't want to go through a lot of treatments or medical intervention if she developed cancer. However, when it comes time to actually make that decision, well, its not an easy one. There is always that "what if..." factor. So, since my brother was in town and staying for the entire week (his wife joined him mid-week) we tried to make some last happy memories. We had dinner together nearly every night. Charlotte played a lot with mom. We shared lots of memories and laughs. Although we tried to make it a happy time, there was still a layer of sadness over everything we did. The Friday of the week was my birthday. Mom was even able to go out to eat with all of us. It was hard because it would be the last time we ever did so as a complete family, but I am grateful to have the chance to do so. Saturday night we had a BBQ with my Mom, dad, brother, sister in law and my aunt and uncle. When my mom left that night my brother said his final good-bye to my mom. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to watch. Just thinking about it now, has me in tears.
My brother left a week ago, and since then, mom has continued to grow weaker and more confused. You can barely understand anything she tries to say. We finally put her on Hospice last Monday. They are guessing she has about 4-6 weeks now. I can't believe how quickly things are changing and going downhill. I guess the only positive aspect to this, is that she is not expected to be in any pain due to the cancer being in the brain. I can not express how sad I am about this. My mom was one of the most important people in my life and losing her has been so hard on me. There are so many moments when I can not think straight. I have never in my life been this sad. The past nine months I have gotten used to the idea of her not being able to do all the things we used to do, but she was still there. Now, the idea that she won't even be there, well it totally tears me up inside. So, If you are the praying type, my family and I can really use them right now.
Now onto a little bit of good news, which totally pales in comparison to the sad news I just updated you on. My birthday is July 17, know why that is significant? It is also the birthday of Disneyland! That's right, I share a birthday with Disneyland! On my birthday, my TA contacted me and stated that due to construction at the WL, we are being asked to move our vacation the Boardwalk Inn! At the same price as we were paying for the WL, which was a pretty good deal to begin with! Now, I know this is a totally different resort and location, but I feel like we are getting a spectacular deal, and it will be fun to try out and EPCOT area resort. This may change some of our ADRs a bit, I haven't fully decided yet, but I want to take full advantage of that walk to World Showcase.
So there you have it. Its been an emotionally exhausting few weeks filled with lots of tears. I would like to say I'll be back with another update soon, but I have no idea what is waiting for me in the coming weeks. So, when I get a chance, I'll be back! Thank you all for sticking with me, my happy place makes everything a little more bearable right now!
When I left off, my family had a pretty good fourth of July all things considered. Mom was more confused than usual but nothing too alarming. The day after I posted my last update, everything changed! Monday July 6th my dad came home to find my mom having some type of stroke/seizure. The right side of her face was twitching and she couldn't speak (she could walk better than normal surprisingly). So, he took her to the ER, they admitted her and said it was a seizure. An initial CT scan didn't show much, but the doctors wanted to do a new MRI. They made her wait 2 days for the MRI, when she finally got it, it showed 4 new tumors in the brain, each over an inch long. This was especially alarming since a month and half prior an MRI showed nothing. Over the course of the next few days we had to decide what to do. Try more treatment, or put mom on hospice. My brother lives in Colorado and the doctors agreed no matter which path we take, it would be a good time for him to come into town. This way he could visit mom while she still can have a quality visit and he can help make the decision. He immediately made his way home (along with his 80lb dog). On Monday afternoon we had an appointment with Mom's doctor, after talking with her about the reality of mom's situation, we decided not continue with anymore treatment. She would only have a 10-20% chance of it doing anything, and it most likely would not extend her life by more than a few weeks. Once cancer starts coming back it usually comes back very quickly and pops up everywhere. We did not want her to spend the last few precious weeks of life in doctors offices waiting for treatment, that may or may not work. Coming to this decision however, was agonizing. My dad and I spent hours discussing the pros and cons of any decision we may make. I always knew my mom didn't want to go through a lot of treatments or medical intervention if she developed cancer. However, when it comes time to actually make that decision, well, its not an easy one. There is always that "what if..." factor. So, since my brother was in town and staying for the entire week (his wife joined him mid-week) we tried to make some last happy memories. We had dinner together nearly every night. Charlotte played a lot with mom. We shared lots of memories and laughs. Although we tried to make it a happy time, there was still a layer of sadness over everything we did. The Friday of the week was my birthday. Mom was even able to go out to eat with all of us. It was hard because it would be the last time we ever did so as a complete family, but I am grateful to have the chance to do so. Saturday night we had a BBQ with my Mom, dad, brother, sister in law and my aunt and uncle. When my mom left that night my brother said his final good-bye to my mom. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to watch. Just thinking about it now, has me in tears.
My brother left a week ago, and since then, mom has continued to grow weaker and more confused. You can barely understand anything she tries to say. We finally put her on Hospice last Monday. They are guessing she has about 4-6 weeks now. I can't believe how quickly things are changing and going downhill. I guess the only positive aspect to this, is that she is not expected to be in any pain due to the cancer being in the brain. I can not express how sad I am about this. My mom was one of the most important people in my life and losing her has been so hard on me. There are so many moments when I can not think straight. I have never in my life been this sad. The past nine months I have gotten used to the idea of her not being able to do all the things we used to do, but she was still there. Now, the idea that she won't even be there, well it totally tears me up inside. So, If you are the praying type, my family and I can really use them right now.
Now onto a little bit of good news, which totally pales in comparison to the sad news I just updated you on. My birthday is July 17, know why that is significant? It is also the birthday of Disneyland! That's right, I share a birthday with Disneyland! On my birthday, my TA contacted me and stated that due to construction at the WL, we are being asked to move our vacation the Boardwalk Inn! At the same price as we were paying for the WL, which was a pretty good deal to begin with! Now, I know this is a totally different resort and location, but I feel like we are getting a spectacular deal, and it will be fun to try out and EPCOT area resort. This may change some of our ADRs a bit, I haven't fully decided yet, but I want to take full advantage of that walk to World Showcase.
So there you have it. Its been an emotionally exhausting few weeks filled with lots of tears. I would like to say I'll be back with another update soon, but I have no idea what is waiting for me in the coming weeks. So, when I get a chance, I'll be back! Thank you all for sticking with me, my happy place makes everything a little more bearable right now!
Gracefulskinny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2013
Sure thing!Lets just call it my maternity leave?
I don't really trust myself to make comments that will actually make sense so I think I'll come back and comment tomorrow. Aaaaaand then I usually forget, so sorry about that!
I know how that goes!On our way to lunch, I checked my email, our travel agent emailed and we got all our ADRs, score!
SImply Beautiful!
It has already helped Little MIss to understand her emotions and talk them out.
I'm sure you can make it work. As long as you go into it prepared for the madness and pack your patience.We decided to go for it...Its a little bit crazy, actually totally insane...But we decided to go the week between Christmas and New Years!
What a fun idea!
Sounds like the perfect plan.I decided to make NYE our AK day because everyone says it is not crowded at all. Then we would have a nice dinner with Cinderella and the crew at 1900PF which looks like lots of fun. If the kids are up to it we can watch the fireworks from a few places in our resort or if they need to go to bed, Bob and I can have a drink or two on our balcony and enjoy the fact we are ringing in the new year at WDW! This way, we will avoid the crazy crowds...score!
And I apparently have missed A lot!
As I have recently found out, knowing the day you need to make that call is almost here doesn't help actually facing the reality of it.
You and your family are certainly in my prayers. Find ways to focus on the Happy memories. It helps if only a little. And spending time here on the disboards soaking in magic also helps. When things get to overwhelming dive back into planning the Trip. Spend time Focusing on the Magic for a little while. And remember, as Mommies we want to protect our littles and keep them from worrying and sometimes try to hide the sad. One of the best points made to me while my Grandmother was passing is, Its okay for littles to see you sad. I also found that the movie Inside Out was also helping to explain this to Little Miss as well.
How exciting!!!!
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Dugette
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2009
Prayers for your family! I am so sorry you are all dealing with such a difficult reality. Thinking of you.
ETA: I hope you love Boardwalk! We stayed there this last trip and really enjoyed the easy walk/boat ride between the resort and Epcot and the Studios. Having a walking option to two parks is probably going to be very helpful during the busy time you are going too.
ETA: I hope you love Boardwalk! We stayed there this last trip and really enjoyed the easy walk/boat ride between the resort and Epcot and the Studios. Having a walking option to two parks is probably going to be very helpful during the busy time you are going too.
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Sisa
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2013
Holy moly, you weren't kidding about a ton of changes!
First of all my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time, I can't imagine the heartache your family is feeling. Glad you are all making the most of the her time and creating lasting memories.
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl, she is absolutely perfect.
What a whirlwind your trip has taken, but seems like it is for the better.
Going during Christmas and New Years sounds like an incredible holiday experience! Glad you were able to get your ADRs all fixed, hopefully if you do have to change things around, it will be with ease. I hope you do a video of your trip reveal to Charlotte, those are my favorites to watch. That will be such a fun and exciting thing to experience, my favorite trip as a kid was a surprise visit to DL.
I will leave my comments with a wish for strength and peace for you and your family, as you go through these hard times ahead.
First of all my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time, I can't imagine the heartache your family is feeling. Glad you are all making the most of the her time and creating lasting memories.
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl, she is absolutely perfect.
What a whirlwind your trip has taken, but seems like it is for the better.
Going during Christmas and New Years sounds like an incredible holiday experience! Glad you were able to get your ADRs all fixed, hopefully if you do have to change things around, it will be with ease. I hope you do a video of your trip reveal to Charlotte, those are my favorites to watch. That will be such a fun and exciting thing to experience, my favorite trip as a kid was a surprise visit to DL.
I will leave my comments with a wish for strength and peace for you and your family, as you go through these hard times ahead.
Denovagirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
You're in my prayers, I can hardly imagine, as I am close with my mom as well. But I am so happy to hear she's not suffering. I'll continue to pray for this transition and for comfort and peace for your family. Breaks my heart, but you're doing really great at making these hard decisions and handling this. Hang in there!
As for Disney, I agree!! Boardwalk Inn!! SQUEEEE! This is great! We walked from Epcot to the Boardwalk area and it's really a short and pleasant walk! You will have such easy access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios from there! How nice not to have to worry about the buses for 2 of the 4 parks!!
You HAVE TO do Beaches and Cream! So close, and it's affordable and so yummy!! I've also read reports of people who love to go to Epcot at rope drop from that side and head into the Boulangerie in France to get breakfast pastries! If I were in your position and that close to Epcot I would so be doing that at least once!
Ive also heard great things about Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk at night.. I believe it's like a dueling piano bar, if I'm remembering what I've read correctly, and it sounds so fun! Also I've heard about a walk up window with great food, like burgers and corn dogs type of thing..
How very exciting! Enjoy it, it's so cute, plan some time to take some great pics around.
As for Disney, I agree!! Boardwalk Inn!! SQUEEEE! This is great! We walked from Epcot to the Boardwalk area and it's really a short and pleasant walk! You will have such easy access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios from there! How nice not to have to worry about the buses for 2 of the 4 parks!!
You HAVE TO do Beaches and Cream! So close, and it's affordable and so yummy!! I've also read reports of people who love to go to Epcot at rope drop from that side and head into the Boulangerie in France to get breakfast pastries! If I were in your position and that close to Epcot I would so be doing that at least once!
Ive also heard great things about Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk at night.. I believe it's like a dueling piano bar, if I'm remembering what I've read correctly, and it sounds so fun! Also I've heard about a walk up window with great food, like burgers and corn dogs type of thing..
How very exciting! Enjoy it, it's so cute, plan some time to take some great pics around.
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