Island Hopping: A Highly Inappropriate TR. (Boom.)-- Morning of EPCOT Firsts NEW 5/18

[JDailey]

I hate that CM was so bad! We usually have breakfast there, but the one time we had dinner instead of breakfast it was awful! We now stick to breakfast only. We love it.

[Fantasyland Mom]

Originally Posted by marDgreen88

Oof! Sorry it was an off night all around!

Thanks. Yeah, it really was. We were pretty much all to blame!

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Wow the flu... that's miserable... DH, DD and I had that all together one year before DS was born... and honestly I felt like I could barely lift my head off the pillow... I'm sorry you all had to go through that...

Brynn looks so happy in her school photo... sounds like she's going to have a good year... (BTW... and you probably know this but some kids with Asperger's will need PT or OT for a bit and as they get bigger not so much... My DS did have OT for several years (5-8) but then he just placed out... less things were difficult...)

Ahhhh... Chef Mickey's... I haven't been there in years... but it's pretty intense...first making you wait a half of an hour before you were even seated... that's like a half hour of kid calm meal time... if you can get a good half hour out of most kids... well that's pretty good... so you were already behind the 8 ball...

It's too bad about the character interaction... especially at Character Meals... the characters should really be on...

Hoping the rest of your meals are more relaxing for you...

I am hoping that she eventually doesn't need OT. Already, some things are a little better (she only sleeps with her earmuffs about half the time now, and she doesn't ask for them nearly as much and her grip on a writing utensil is improving). Unfortunately, her PT is kind of going in the opposite direction. The more paroxysmal spells she has, the more she tucks her feet, and the weaker/more turned in her ankles and calves become. Her walking and stamina are getting worse. However, that doesn't interfere with her learning...sigh...
I definitely noticed that when we were seated at a restaurant promptly, our experience was much, much better. Dragging things out does not work for kids (or for me!).

Originally Posted by hlrababy

Aw, I hate the characters were not as great this time. I get bummed when that happens!

Now, for the lady eyeing ya'll?? Oh my word!! We have had that happen before and I have actually looked at them and said, "Can I help you??" ha ha Chad hates when I do that but I can't help it. That just literally makes me mad! I am sure she would have had her eyes full with my two girls. Hannah does not like to sit in her seat, she either stands or wants on the table and once Hollie is finished eating...she is ready to go! lol

That's exactly how my kids are! And they're ready to go way before we've gotten plates!!
It was all I could do to hold my tongue. I know I would have embarrassed the heck out of Brandon, so I tried. I couldn't resist giving her an "Exactly WHAT are you staring at!?" look, though. She just rolled her eyes and looked back at her food.

Originally Posted by shan23877

I'm so sorry that you had such a disappointing experience. Poor Sawyer is making my heart break. I sure hope that he got his Donald hugs later in the trip.

No worries--I PROMISE he gets his Donald fix !

Originally Posted by Cllong75

I somehow stumbled upon your last trip report and moved right along to this one and am loving it so far. I love your trip reports for 3 reasons.
1. Your witty bantor reminds me of someone awesome I really know (oh yeah me)
2. You sweet adorable babies
3. Your husbands amazing photography.
Can't wait to read more.

BWAHAHAHAHA!!! ::
Obviously you must be spectacular!
So glad you read that one, and so glad you're here for this one! I've gotta say, the two trips were completely different, so you should be well entertained!

Originally Posted by JDailey

I hate that CM was so bad! We usually have breakfast there, but the one time we had dinner instead of breakfast it was awful! We now stick to breakfast only. We love it.

I think we'll try breakfast next time, though I'll miss those parmesan mashed potatoes. Shhhh...don't tell, but we're wanting to spend a few nights at CR, so breakfast there would be really easy.

[CandleontheWater]

Awww, I just want to reach through the screen and give you a hug!

I'm sorry that your meal wasn't what you wanted it to be, but believe me, we've all been there (well maybe not perfect parent and model children, but everyone else! ).

With a very high energy/easily overstimulated little boy, we've had lots of meals like yours, and gotten lots of dirty looks. I kind of wish there was a portion of the restaurant where they would just sit children who were naturally a little louder and rowdier. That way us understanding parents could enjoy our meals without worry and the perfect parents could have their little darlings practice their table manners away from our bad influence

I really, really, really wish Disney would get their act together with ADR times, I know at least in Everett's case, that if there is a lengthy waiting period before we are even seated, that it adversely effects the meal. He can't handle sitting around, and he needs to eat at his regular meal times or everything gets haywire.

Glad to hear the evening only went up from there!

[Fantasyland Mom]

Originally Posted by CandleontheWater

Awww, I just want to reach through the screen and give you a hug!

I'm sorry that your meal wasn't what you wanted it to be, but believe me, we've all been there (well maybe not perfect parent and model children, but everyone else! ).

With a very high energy/easily overstimulated little boy, we've had lots of meals like yours, and gotten lots of dirty looks. I kind of wish there was a portion of the restaurant where they would just sit children who were naturally a little louder and rowdier. That way us understanding parents could enjoy our meals without worry and the perfect parents could have their little darlings practice their table manners away from our bad influence

I really, really, really wish Disney would get their act together with ADR times, I know at least in Everett's case, that if there is a lengthy waiting period before we are even seated, that it adversely effects the meal. He can't handle sitting around, and he needs to eat at his regular meal times or everything gets haywire.

Glad to hear the evening only went up from there!

I've had that same thought about a rowdy family section! We'd always be there for sure!

[Fantasyland Mom]

Phew! Nutcracker weekend is over, and though I do have one sick kid today, I am feeling a huge sense of pride and relief! Brynn was a wonderful snow flurry, and Julia was a beautiful angel, and Brandon got to take photos of all three shows to sell. That was a nice surprise offer from the dance studio owner, and we were so grateful for the extra money this time of year! I know some of you are FB friends of mine, but for those who aren’t, these are some dress rehearsal shots of the girls; the actual show shots are being processed and are actually much better, but this will give you an idea of the cuteness level!!



(Julia is in the middle.)


Can you stand that level of precious!?! I can’t. They are adorable and did such a great job. I really had no reason to worry about Brynn at all. The studio owner (talking to Brynn in the picture) actually has a daughter who was never diagnosed with Aspergers, but almost certainly has it. She communicates with Brynn so well and Brynn really responds to what she says. They have a special relationship, and I think that’s why Brynn was flawless in her performance. And of course Julia is extremely serious about dance and had her part perfected well before showtime!

When Brandon’s finished editing the other pictures of the actual show (when he got to take photos *without* Sawyer squirming in one arm like these, LOL!), I’m sure I’ll post some here.

Okay, back to our show.

When we left off, Brynn put on some sunglasses and earmuffs and pulled her stroller shade down around her.

This was just what she needed. She was immediately calmed as we made our way down the path from the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom.



Things were just beginning to light up as we arrived, and I LOVE this time of night at MK.







People were already gathering in their spots for the Main Street Electrical Parade.



And out of nowhere a marching band appeared. I was glad Brynn was wearing her earmuffs.



Then something magical happened. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a little open space. It was roped off into a corner where the Barber Shop meets the Emporium, right in front of the Car Barn. I knew immediately that it was the spot for us! No one could jostle Brynn, we’d be at the beginning of MSEP, and it was like nobody noticed it was a possible spot! You can sort of tell in this picture how much room we actually had!



We knew right then and there that this is going to be our forever spot for MSEP viewing!

As we waited, we broke out the light toys that I had packed. I’ve told you that I have a Disney box—well, these things are thrown in there and brought back out only for MSEP each year! No need to buy more from the vendors walking the streets as it gets dark! My kids really don’t know the difference, and they never ask for more. WIN! I usually also throw in some Dollar Tree cheap glowsticks and we give them out to kids around us who don’t have any light toys.





We had a couple of minutes before the show, so I did what any mom who is normally uptight about nutrition does on vacation—I went to the Emporium and bought my children a huge bag of Goofy’s Candy Company Gummies!

They loved me. I was the hero, for once! YAY, MOM!

And soon the show was beginning. I have to commend those parade performers. From our point of view, you could see really far back past the fence to the backstage section. Every single performer was “on” before they could even be seen way way way backstage! That’s how it should be done, folks! Never risk breaking the magic.

Now I will bombard you with photo after photo of MSEP. You’re welcome.



















Being at the beginning of the parade was definitely the way to go.

1. The performers were fresh. Each one waved to us without fail, and their perma-smiles were sparkling.

2. When it was over, we high-tailed it out of MK before the parade was half-way down Main Street. Spectacular!

We walked back to our van and were in our rooms at CBR within just a few minutes.

Once we were there, all kids got a quick scrub in the tub and immediately went to sleep. As soon as they were down for the night, I grabbed the resort map and headed out to try and find a shorter route to Centertown than the way we’d traveled the night before…

And then I figured out that there just is no short route from that far away. That was the last time I walked it. I drove from that night on!

I refilled all of our resort mugs with cola and white tea (YUM!) and made my way into the store to buy perhaps the most expensive tube of Ben-gay ever made. Yep, big spender. As I paid, they turned out the lights and shut the store.

I promise I am not yet thirty, guys, but when I got back in the room, I slathered that stuff on most of the skin on my body, then put some icy-hot patches on my back and knee. It smelled like a nursing home in there, but once I had Stacey on the tv and the clock showing midnight, I didn’t care. Off to dreamland I went, ready for our day in my favorite theme park!

YES, that was all ONE DAY! I told you that this TR would last forever and be detailed!

Just a heads-up…my favorite park is Brandon’s favorite park to photograph, and it’s up next!

[GrimGrinningStitch]

Yay! A New update!

Those are such great photos of the Nutcracker. You must have been so proud of them!

I love the MK at that time. I swear, I've had a super stressful day/week, and just seeing those photos helped mellow me out a bit. It's so amazing.

MSEP! Seriously, what is is about small lights at night that just makes everything so special?

Having just turned 30 (well, almost 6 months ago, but I think that count's as "just"), I totally feel your pain. I love WDW, but every night after the parks, walking around the room is an ordeal. And waking up in the morning is even worse! Once I get going I'm usually ok, but I swear I feel like I age a good 20-30 years while I'm there.

On to day 2!

[Disney9.9.10]

Those nutcracker pictures are so sweet. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to take dance lessons growing up. And it is great that your daughter has made such a special friend through it.

I will say this again… amazing photos! I love them all. And MK really is breathtaking day or night!

Looking forward to more!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The ballet pictures are great!!! The girls look wonderful

Yay for your MSEP spot! Looks like the perfect place to watch the parade!

[JDailey]

What a GREAT first day!!! I feel ya on the Ben-Gay, I need that and Advil at night when we get back to the room!

[danimaroo]

Ahh your girls are so precious in those photos from the ballet! I can't wait to see more!

Okay sooo, you guys are going to my FAVORITE PARK AT THE BEST TIME OF DAY! It's just so beautiful during the evening/dusk. And your photos are just making me wish I was there right now at this very moment. Even though I know the crowds are probably kind of poopy, it still just warms my heart. I'm just missing Disney World a lot right now, even though I KNOW we'll be there soon.. I can't help it.

MSEP is my absolute FAVORITE! Oh man. I'm not a parade/show person but this just blows my socks off. Its vintage music, and lights, I love everything about it. You can even sometimes find me listening to MSEP music randomly at work (it's true). I just love it and wish I could watch it right now.

I think I might have to steal your idea for the parade viewing area if we are having a hard time finding a spot during our next trip! That seems awesomely ideal and not overly crowded!

Oh my gosh, I am putting Ben-gay on my list of things to buy! NO JOKE. In my Disneyland TR, well I'll get to it but let's just say that my feet felt like someone was smashing them with a hammer by hour 15 of our 2nd day. It was awful. The only thing that saved them was the jacuzzi tub we had in our room. I am making sure this time for our WDW trip that I have EVERYTHING I could possibly need for sore muscles and sore feet! At least in WDW you have the time for laidback days though.. Disneyland was pure GOGOGO.

Can't wait for another update from you, lady!

[dramaqueenemj22]

Originally Posted by Fantasyland Mom

(Julia is in the middle.)

Both Brynn and Julia looked beautiful for the nutcracker.

I loved your spot the parade, I'm going to have to keep my eye out for it next time.

[jedijill]

Love the Nutcracker pics!!! The girls are so beautiful!

Jill in CO

[jane2073]

Your spot is our absolute most favorite place to watch the parade at MK! I love watching the floats,characters and performers appear from backstage.

[PracPerfPatricia]

Great tip on Parade Watching Spot... I am so there... ... Isn't it fun when they think you're awesome for things like handing out the candy? (I have a Dis box too... a lot of those things are so expensive in the parks... and can be reused and bought at Walgreens and CVS, etc...)

BTW the pictures of the girls in Nutcracker are precious... Ems danced too and I love the pictures that I have of her... priceless...

Ben Gay huh? I never thought of that... and despite the scent -I'll bet it felt heavenly...

[lvcourtneyy]

Just started reading your TR and I'm now in love with your family! Your kids are too cute and Brynn already warms my heart! My older sister is now 26 and has multiple diagnoses and suffers from seizures.

It makes me so happy how people with disabilities are so accepting of each other, despite how different their level of functioning may be! My sister has extremely limited verbal abilities and she goes to a community center for people with disabilities that has a karaoke party weekly. A lot of the others who go there are so much higher functioning than she is but they are so accepting anyway and she loves it! One girl saves her a seat each week so they can "sing" together and another boy is so cute and has a crush on her but says "her mom wouldn't like if I kissed her" so he kisses the top of her head! Too cute!

Also I just want to say that we watched MSEP from the exact same spot in January and it was empty for us too! Not sure why it's overlooked as it's now my favorite parade spot! We watched the parade and rushed over to TST and met Mickey and the Princesses with no wait!

Can't wait for your next update!