This doesn't look like New Orleans... - The DIS Discussion Forums

DisDadDoc · 02-21-2011, 03:18 PM

A Surprise Adults-Only Trip!

Introductions

We are a very experienced and devoted Disney family, but it didn't start out that way. I'd gone to Disney a couple of times as a kid, and before we were married, my wife had never been. Her father, a NYC police officer, died young and unexpectantly and they never had the money. But then in 2005, I unexpectantly received a letter from the IRS... Always scary, but in this case, they had some good news for me. Years earlier, when I was working several jobs at once, I had made a mistake and overpaid our taxes! They were sending me a check!

Our oldest at the time was 5, and a huge Blues Clues fan. Our middle DS was 4 and our youngest DD was 2. The Nick Hotel was just opening and we made plans to go to Florida to stay there and go to Disney with some friends from Chicago (who were more experienced Disney travelers).

I should also mention that around this time, our oldest was going through the process of being diagnosed with autism. We'd known that he was different for years, but hadn't been able to put a label on it. Fortunately, with some supportive and loving friends and doctors, we were finally able to give it a name and start him getting the services he needs. A scary and emotional time for us and for our whole family (and for another trip report)

And then we went to Disney. Magical gets overused, but that's what it was for us. This was the first place that we had ever been where people didn't look at you funny when your 6 year old was having a "freakout" like a toddler. Cast members (and other families!) were supportive, not judgemental! And we could go out to eat! We'd never been able to do this before as his diet was so limited. But at Disney, they'd always get you a plate of plain pasta (which is one of his few foods). And surprising us, he made progress with social skills on the trip (talking to cast members, pin trading!) We were hooked! And since then, we've been able to go every year. With each trip, he makes progress and the family memories and bonds that the trip creates are priceless.

From Our First Trip: Molly, Jack, & Dan

So to Start

A couple of times per year, I have to travel around and give a lecture at some national conference. Usually, it is at tourist-unfriendly city, but sometimes it is somewhere cool. But with three kids, my wife almost never gets to go with me. “No one loves you enough to watch three kids!”, we like to say.

But this past May, we had a sitter all lined up. My father and his wife (my step-mother) had volunteered to watch the kids for a weekend. I had a conference in New Orleans where I had to give a lecture on Monday morning. My DW was going to fly down from CT with me on Friday (after the kids got dropped off at school) and then leave on Sunday (so she could be there for Monday school). My step-mother was going to pick the kids up from school on Friday and stay until Sunday at our house. My dad (whose health is not great), was going to join them on Saturday. We had rides to soccer & lacrosse games/practices all lined up. We were all set!

Now I should mention here that my wife is a huge fan of the Grand Floridian. We play a game with our kids while waiting for things: virtual hide and seek. In virtual hide and seek, you pick a place to hide (anywhere in the world) and everyone else asks yes or no questions until they find you. Think 20-questions, but with a place. When we play, 9 times out of 10, my DW is at the Grand Floridian. When asked, she will tell you that the Grand Floridian is her favorite place in the world.

I should also mention, that we don't get away alone often (about once every 1-2 years). With our oldest's issues, it is difficult to find someone besides us who can take care of him like we do. But coincidently my wife and I had spent a weekend alone in New Orleans 3-4 years ago. So although New Orleans is a lovely place, we'd kind of done it already.

So, the time comes for me to start looking into buying flights to New Orleans from Connecticut. But I hit a snag. In the winter-spring of 2010, the price for flights from Connecticut to New Orleans was outrageous. At least $800/ticket.

No matter when I looked (and I looked almost daily), the prices did not go down. And, it is not easy to get to New Orleans from Connecticut. Since we had to drop the kids at school, we couldn't get a really early morning flight. With connections, for any possible flight we'd get there after 6pm (unless we wanted to pay even more!). It was getting closer and closer to May and I still hadn't bought the tickets.

So, one morning, after my daily trolling of the Dis sites, it occured to me, for that amount of money, we could just go to Disney World instead. And that was the end. We actually had a surprise trip scheduled for our kids in June, but I couldn't get the idea of an adults-only trip out of my head. I priced flights. Much cheaper! And direct! I could even fly directly to New Orleans myself from Orlando in time to make my lecture and my DW could fly directly home to CT.

I started to ask around work. "What would you think?" I'd ask people. And uniformly, they said do it. Especially the women. They loved the idea of a surprise trip. So, still somewhat apprehensively, I called Victoria and Alberts to see about dinner reservations. If I was going to do something this crazy, I was going all in. Even though we were only a month out, shockingly the woman at Victoria and Alberts had a reservation at a reasonable time. I called the tour hotline. They even had openings on the Segway tour (something she's always wanted to do).

I took these as signs. It was meant to be. We were going to Disney World!

Next up: Planning the Surprise

GoHerd1028 · 02-21-2011, 03:38 PM

I am liking how this story is going so far!! Looking forward to the next edition!

that's nice · 02-21-2011, 03:38 PM

Subbing!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!

We are still scheduled for Friday morning scans at 8:30. We should be in the cafe around 9 for breakfast before the clinic visit. If you have the time, this could be the first DisDads meet in a hospital!

afwdwfan · 02-21-2011, 03:45 PM

Love the introduction. Look forward to the rest of the report!

Captain_Oblivious · 02-21-2011, 04:02 PM

I'm in! Great start.

Getaways with the wife are awesome. Can't wait to see how it all turns out.

trennr · 02-21-2011, 05:03 PM

In!

lnk1229 · 02-21-2011, 05:16 PM

How Exciting! I happened upon the start of your TR and in reading learned you are from CT! My DBF and I are from southwestern CT and We just returned from a 10 day trip to WDW in January- we managed to get out despite 22 inches of snow the day before we left!!

Can't wait to hear more!

FreezinRafiki · 02-21-2011, 05:28 PM

You sly dog, you! Surprise trip...awesome

I'm in for more!

scottny · 02-21-2011, 09:01 PM

Ok I have to see how this goes and I am in. That is a great surprise.

lovegrumpy · 02-21-2011, 09:43 PM

Love the idea about the surprise.

Wherem I Now · 02-21-2011, 10:24 PM

Surprise trip?!? I'm in!

tutter99 · 02-21-2011, 11:09 PM

I'm in!

Emma's Dad · 02-22-2011, 07:58 AM

mmmmm... a surprise trip! Wonder where you'll be staying...

BigTex71 · 02-22-2011, 08:18 AM

BigTex present and accounted for, sir!

Looks like this is going to be a good one.

CreightonsMomma · 02-22-2011, 08:44 AM

I'm in!

I can't wait to read about your wife's reaction!

02-21-2011, 03:18 PM	#1
DisDadDoc DDC #403 Galactic Hero & Proud Aspie Dad Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CT Posts: 3,633	This doesn't look like New Orleans... A Surprise Adults-Only Trip! Introductions We are a very experienced and devoted Disney family, but it didn't start out that way. I'd gone to Disney a couple of times as a kid, and before we were married, my wife had never been. Her father, a NYC police officer, died young and unexpectantly and they never had the money. But then in 2005, I unexpectantly received a letter from the IRS... Always scary, but in this case, they had some good news for me. Years earlier, when I was working several jobs at once, I had made a mistake and overpaid our taxes! They were sending me a check! Our oldest at the time was 5, and a huge Blues Clues fan. Our middle DS was 4 and our youngest DD was 2. The Nick Hotel was just opening and we made plans to go to Florida to stay there and go to Disney with some friends from Chicago (who were more experienced Disney travelers). I should also mention that around this time, our oldest was going through the process of being diagnosed with autism. We'd known that he was different for years, but hadn't been able to put a label on it. Fortunately, with some supportive and loving friends and doctors, we were finally able to give it a name and start him getting the services he needs. A scary and emotional time for us and for our whole family (and for another trip report) And then we went to Disney. Magical gets overused, but that's what it was for us. This was the first place that we had ever been where people didn't look at you funny when your 6 year old was having a "freakout" like a toddler. Cast members (and other families!) were supportive, not judgemental! And we could go out to eat! We'd never been able to do this before as his diet was so limited. But at Disney, they'd always get you a plate of plain pasta (which is one of his few foods). And surprising us, he made progress with social skills on the trip (talking to cast members, pin trading!) We were hooked! And since then, we've been able to go every year. With each trip, he makes progress and the family memories and bonds that the trip creates are priceless. From Our First Trip: Molly, Jack, & Dan So to Start A couple of times per year, I have to travel around and give a lecture at some national conference. Usually, it is at tourist-unfriendly city, but sometimes it is somewhere cool. But with three kids, my wife almost never gets to go with me. “No one loves you enough to watch three kids!”, we like to say. But this past May, we had a sitter all lined up. My father and his wife (my step-mother) had volunteered to watch the kids for a weekend. I had a conference in New Orleans where I had to give a lecture on Monday morning. My DW was going to fly down from CT with me on Friday (after the kids got dropped off at school) and then leave on Sunday (so she could be there for Monday school). My step-mother was going to pick the kids up from school on Friday and stay until Sunday at our house. My dad (whose health is not great), was going to join them on Saturday. We had rides to soccer & lacrosse games/practices all lined up. We were all set! Now I should mention here that my wife is a huge fan of the Grand Floridian. We play a game with our kids while waiting for things: virtual hide and seek. In virtual hide and seek, you pick a place to hide (anywhere in the world) and everyone else asks yes or no questions until they find you. Think 20-questions, but with a place. When we play, 9 times out of 10, my DW is at the Grand Floridian. When asked, she will tell you that the Grand Floridian is her favorite place in the world. I should also mention, that we don't get away alone often (about once every 1-2 years). With our oldest's issues, it is difficult to find someone besides us who can take care of him like we do. But coincidently my wife and I had spent a weekend alone in New Orleans 3-4 years ago. So although New Orleans is a lovely place, we'd kind of done it already. So, the time comes for me to start looking into buying flights to New Orleans from Connecticut. But I hit a snag. In the winter-spring of 2010, the price for flights from Connecticut to New Orleans was outrageous. At least $800/ticket. No matter when I looked (and I looked almost daily), the prices did not go down. And, it is not easy to get to New Orleans from Connecticut. Since we had to drop the kids at school, we couldn't get a really early morning flight. With connections, for any possible flight we'd get there after 6pm (unless we wanted to pay even more!). It was getting closer and closer to May and I still hadn't bought the tickets. So, one morning, after my daily trolling of the Dis sites, it occured to me, for that amount of money, we could just go to Disney World instead. And that was the end. We actually had a surprise trip scheduled for our kids in June, but I couldn't get the idea of an adults-only trip out of my head. I priced flights. Much cheaper! And direct! I could even fly directly to New Orleans myself from Orlando in time to make my lecture and my DW could fly directly home to CT. I started to ask around work. "What would you think?" I'd ask people. And uniformly, they said do it. Especially the women. They loved the idea of a surprise trip. So, still somewhat apprehensively, I called Victoria and Alberts to see about dinner reservations. If I was going to do something this crazy, I was going all in. Even though we were only a month out, shockingly the woman at Victoria and Alberts had a reservation at a reasonable time. I called the tour hotline. They even had openings on the Segway tour (something she's always wanted to do). I took these as signs. It was meant to be. We were going to Disney World! Next up: Planning the Surprise __________________ Chris DW DS(13) DS(12) DD(10) Dis Dad #403 - Dis Dad Pro Football Pick'em Commish (group 22528, password Mickey) As Kid: 1978 Contemporary - 1980 Polynesian - 1985 Off Property As Dad: Apr 2006 Nick Hotel - Feb 2007 Nick Hotel - Dec 2008 GF/Poly - Oct 2009 BLT - May 2010 GF - June 2010 BWV - April 2011 BLT - Feb 2012 AKL - Mar 2012 YCR - Jan 2013 OKW - Feb 2013 BLT - Oct 2013 TBD Last edited by DisDadDoc; 02-22-2011 at 05:14 PM.

02-21-2011, 03:38 PM	#2
GoHerd1028 DDC 172 "Insert clever tag fairy saying here" You really think I'm clever? Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 3,479	*I am liking how this story is going so far!! Looking forward to the next edition!* __________________ We Are.....Marshall!!!: *DisDads Club Member #172* *DH Steve (46) DW Shari (45) DS Ethan (7) DD Lauren (6)*

02-21-2011, 03:38 PM	#3
that's nice DDC Maybe the entire internet is slowing down because of this thread Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT Posts: 11,330	Subbing!!! Can't wait to hear all about it! We are still scheduled for Friday morning scans at 8:30. We should be in the cafe around 9 for breakfast before the clinic visit. If you have the time, this could be the first DisDads meet in a hospital! __________________ Nemesis Challenge: No Pain, No Gain. A ½ Marathon 2013 TR -JUST STARTED! This is the last trip the 4 of us ever take to WDW. TR ~In Progress~ DISDad MEMBER #330 Just when you thought you've seen all the MAGIC!! A WISH for Cold Tea? Ana's aMAWzing Disney Trip! Family, Friends, & Celebrities- A MAGICAL Birthday Sweating through 6 days at POP 'I think we ate at every character meal' TR

02-21-2011, 03:45 PM	#4
afwdwfan DIS Dad #460 You should always make room for a loophole when you need it Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,085	Love the introduction. Look forward to the rest of the report! __________________ Andy DW DS(3) DD DIS Dad's Club Member #460 Test Track Dummies - 2012 Disdads Fantasy Football Dole Whip Cup Champion They Should Really Put a Bar in Here - Dec 2012 TR That was fun! Let's do it again! - Update 11/15 Let's turn around. Magic Kingdom is open till 1AM! - My first ever trip report - Complete I will never go to Disney World pushing a stroller! - My effort at a first time PTR.Complete

02-21-2011, 04:02 PM	#5
Captain_Oblivious DIS Dad #257 Don't underestimate your audience. I'm sure there's a fart joke in here somewhere Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 6,105	I'm in! Great start. Getaways with the wife are awesome. Can't wait to see how it all turns out. __________________ Me (Mark) DW (Mrs. Knowitall) DD11 DS9 DS7 DIS Dads Club Member #257 Operation Big Thunder: The Dole Whip Conspiracy Rust Belt Road Trip 2011 A Vacation From My Problems (A Sept. 2010 Trip Report) COMPLETED 12/14 Non-Disney Southern Road Trip Report COMPLETE at the DIS Dads webpage COMPLETED TRIP REPORT: Voyage of the Delawareans: November 8-12 4-Night Cruise

Sponsored Links
The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

02-21-2011, 05:03 PM	#6
trennr DISDad #104 Oh, thee of little faith Nate.... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Jonesborough, TN Posts: 3,886	In! __________________ DISDADS Club Member #104 My First Cruise Trip Report...

02-21-2011, 05:16 PM	#7
lnk1229 Romance at Disney... Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 113	How Exciting! I happened upon the start of your TR and in reading learned you are from CT! My DBF and I are from southwestern CT and We just returned from a 10 day trip to WDW in January- we managed to get out despite 22 inches of snow the day before we left!! Can't wait to hear more! __________________ Click here for a link to the trip report from our second trip - A Romantic Trip For Two to POR in January: Dining, Surprises, and tons of pictures!!! June2009: first trip together --- January2011: a trip full of Surprises and Romance Enjoy!!!

02-21-2011, 05:28 PM	#8
FreezinRafiki DDC 322 Cold enough for ya? Shocking, isn't it. Oh, wait, thats a taser Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 5,435	You sly dog, you! Surprise trip...awesome I'm in for more! __________________ Me - Barry \| DW - Bambi [E3yore]\| DD(8) - Madison \| DS(6) - Evan \| DS(1) - Ryder Current Trip Report: You Seem Taller In Your Trip Reports. An Aug '12 TR About a Baby at WDW Current Half Marathon Trip Report: Nemesis Challenge: MY Side of the Epic Half Marathon Showdown (PTR) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~°o°~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIS Dad's Club Member #322 § "He Who Provides Dole Whips For Tim" § "the almighty Rafiki" - theduck619 You Best Start Believing in Ghost Stories... Halloween on the Dream and WDW 2 Kids, 2 Dogs, 1200 Miles: 2 More Weeks in FL: Patriotic Edition Houston, We Have A Secret: A Texas Vacation With A WDW Surprise Everything Old is New Again! A December 2010 Trip Report Cheese Ball Yak Attack: 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1200 miles - The Sequel. Mar '10 TR 2 Kids, 2 Dogs, 1200 Miles: 2 Weeks and 2 Birthdays in FL Trip Report - Oct '09

02-21-2011, 09:01 PM	#9
scottny You better have crackers I heard of light reading, never wet reading I still won't go in the ocean because of Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bronx, NY Posts: 11,660	Ok I have to see how this goes and I am in. That is a great surprise. __________________ Scott, TR's A so-so trip, March 2013 madness at Disney World Decorations & Friends. A December 2013 trip in the making

02-21-2011, 09:43 PM	#10
lovegrumpy DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Va Beach Va Posts: 1,034	Love the idea about the surprise. __________________ Disneyland 03,04,05,06x2,12 Disney World 07x9,08x5,10,12x2,13x2 Disney Cruise 10 ME/DH/DS17/DS16

02-21-2011, 10:24 PM	#11
Wherem I Now DIS Dad #30 29+85+77+26+95+4=FUN Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: VA Posts: 2,035	Surprise trip?!? I'm in! __________________ Mike #30 DW and my 3 Princesses (17,15,6) 1978, 6/91 DisneyMoon, 10/94 DVL, 10/00 1st trip with DD's, 1/03, 1/05, 1/06 DCL Wonder. 4/06 Bonus day after business trip, 1/07 1st trip for 3rd DD, 6/07, 8/08 "Resort Hopper Trip", 1/09, 10/10, 5/11 DCL Dream, 4/12 OKW

02-21-2011, 11:09 PM	#12
tutter99 DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC - Formerly Toronto Posts: 1,054	I'm in! __________________ Me - Randy (40) DW Maureen (40) DS Owen (6) Proud to be DisDad #356

02-22-2011, 07:58 AM	#13
Emma's Dad DIS Dad's Club Member SOMEONE thinks I know SOMETHING! Get your zombie ammunition NOW! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 4,034	mmmmm... a surprise trip! Wonder where you'll be staying... __________________ DIS Dads Club Member #115 4/08 - POP, 4/09 - CSR, 4/10 - CSR, 4/11 - BWV "If only Tinker Bell was related to the tooth fairy... where is my Disney magic??" - 2010 TR "What's Your Problem?" Caught by loop and hook... (My first TR)

02-22-2011, 08:18 AM	#14
BigTex71 DIS Dad #536 Bring it! It's a conspiracy, I tell you! <300 ;) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 1,327	BigTex present and accounted for, sir! Looks like this is going to be a good one. __________________ DIS Dad Club Member #536 Wanna Read My PTR? Your Stunned Silence Is VERY Reassuring (Jan/Feb 2011) A Private Dance With Cinderella...Our Surprise Trip Jan/Feb 2011 me dw ds(12) dd(6)

02-22-2011, 08:44 AM	#15
CreightonsMomma Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL Posts: 389	I'm in! I can't wait to read about your wife's reaction! __________________ Me - Jen DBF - Mike DS - Creighton (10/31/2009) 2011 - March 13th-18th - AKL (Creighton's first trip) Pics ~ June 4th - Day Trip - SWW ~July 9th-11th - Offsite : Oct 12th-15th POP 2012: Feb 28th-Mar 2nd - ASMu ~ May 23rd-25th - SSR

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: