DDA Chapter 8

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Denise - That must have been so scary! I hope the manager dealt with the guy when he got back!
I am just in a big snit today. If things don't go well in August we will find a way to work around it. I'll bring some Alamo codes/coupons with me and I can book a car from the Dolphin on my laptop. If we have a bad experience at the resorts we will talk to a manager while we are still onsite and follow up with a letter. I am sure whatever issues we have can be minimized if I don't freak out. But like I said, today I am in a snit.

 

[bear74]

Thanks! That is so nice of you to offer but the girls aren't big headband girls (see big head discussion below ). I am trying to make her a pony tail holder with ribbons but can't get the ribbons to stay knotted. I'll work on it this weekend.

Check the dollar section at target again. They also had barrettes that were red and white ribbon with blue stars and pony tail holders that were red, white and blue.

 

[my3princes]

Bernadette - What a CUTE outfit!
The hat I found for Emma is actually a little bit big on me, so hopefully it will fit her! I'll try to get it mailed out on Tuesday.



Poor Lucy! I hope she feels better soon!



Debbie, have a wonderful time! How exciting!



What did you do to the pizza guy to send him into a rage? I'm glad you are OK! I hope you phoned the Pizza Hut and told them about him!



Becky, you have the worst luck! I hope your weekend is good!



Glynis, your MIL is a whack job. Wait, I said that last time. Well, she's still a whack job. I hope Alan doesn't let her get to him. Can she assign guardianship of a disabled adult to someone without their permission?
I was wondering about that the other day because I know a mom with a disabled child who has EVERY intention of making her older DS care for the younger one when they grow up. We always wondered what she would do if the older one told her to go pound sand and refused to take on responsibility for the younger one.

I haven't packed a thing. I don't want to go away this weekend. I had my toes done (but they don't have palm trees like Debbie's), I bought more stamps, I mailed the bills, I went to the mall and bought myself some shoes. But I still don't want to pack and I still don't want to go away this weekend.
I have pretty much convinced myself that our August trip is going to suck. (Excuse me while I indulge in a pity party.) I have read many reports lately of filthy rooms, rooms with no A/C for multiple nights, CMs who don't give a rat's butt, and general disdain for DVCers at AKL. We LOVE AKL, and it is our home resort! But apparently they aren't handling the DVC section very well. The bus situation seems to have tanked property wide so pretty much everybody is waiting 45 minutes to an hour for a bus. I still don't want to rent a car. I tried looking for one and it fried my brain. SSR just seems to have bus issues, but since I have never stayed there I am nervous about whether or not we will like it there. If we don't like it that's going to be a very bad thing, because if no bus ever comes to take us to the parks we could be stuck at SSR for 6 solid days! I am just feeling out of sorts today and I am having a bit of a temper tantrum.

Back to your regularly scheduled DDA broadcast.

Elizabeth it sounds like your Mother's Illness has finally gotten on your last good nerve. Take a breath and try to enjoy your weekend with her. Even if she isn't letting it show, I'm sure she is scared. Make good memories this weekend, for yourself and for DS. As far as Disney is concerned, I'm sure things will rectify themselves at AKV before you get there in August. A few of us will be at the World before then and we will be able to check out the transportation system. At worst it is WDW, how bad can that be?

I'm starting to have doubts about our trip too. That is something that always happens, but usually much closer. I think we put so much time into planning that once the planning is done we begin to have doubts as our minds have very little to do now I know that we will both have perfectly executed trips.

 

[my3princes]

Denise that pizza guy would have freaked me out too I hope that PH gets rid of him before he harms a customer.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Well, I've already snapped at her two or three times. The hostess in me is mortified, but the rest of me doesn't care and is ready for them to go home.

Keep snapping-you don't want her to feel welcome!

Ok, about the Pizza Hut guy. We ordered pizza for our class party. The PH delivery guy calls and is lost and has no idea where we are. He says I am wrong, I'm an idiot, I have the wrong address, his GPS doesn't show it... so I say where are you? He was literally sitting next to the church and had no idea. So I call the PH and speak to the manager about how rude he is, belligerent, calling me names. Manager comps the pizza. I tell the delivery guy and he is FURIOUS (no tip). I finally say I'm going to have to escort you out of the school. he is yelling, calling me names, saying it's my fault I didn't put a church on the order on-line (I did). We were walking down the hall and he goes the wrong way. I put my hand on the middle of his back (teacher habit) to guide him down the other hall. He stops, starts shaking his fists at me and yelling about not touching him, very threatening. He was totally out of control. All the church admin hear and come out. They make sure he leaves. He flies out of the parking lot (with kids outside). Call back and talk to the manager. Manager very apologetic and says he'll take care of it. I was really scared. The guy was big and didn't speak English very well. I know I shouldn't have touched his back, but it was an innocent habit (like I guide the kids). I seriously thought he was going to deck me. Between that, being very sad (cried a lot) over leaving my job and friends, and the kids last day, I am exhausted and headed to bed soon.

But the good news is that it is SUMMER VACATION!!

How scary!

Bernadette - I didn't even think about the hat being online so you could see it! Good thinking!
I always budget for cabs if we need them, so that's not a big deal unless we need them every day. One poor lady said they spent $75 in a single day on cab fare! If the reports were newbies or people who had never been before I wouldn't give them a second thought. The thing that has got my knickers in a knot is the reports from people like us who have been a bunch of times and know how things usually go. People who have NEVER rented a car before who are just pushed to the brink by waiting an hour for a bus day after day. I hope they really are working on the dispatch system and will get it sorted out soon. DH said we've never had a problem at AKL. Since we have never had a problem we have never had to try to get help from them! It sounds like if anyone in a DVC room has a problem they are told "tough" and left to work it out on their own! I guess we'll hope we don't have a problem. And we're only in a DVC room the last 3 nights. (The last 4 if our waitlist comes through.)

DS and I are packed now. The cell phones are charging. I never did get any cash because I can't work out how much to bring. I guess I'll just go get some and hope it's enough!

I didn't think of it til after I got off the phone with you. I had lots of Hanna Andersson hats for the kids when they were babies and LOVED them!!!!

Maybe those that had bus problems don't tour like you-you always leave the hotel early-I don't think you'll have nightmare problems.

Safe travels this weekend!

Check the dollar section at target again. They also had barrettes that were red and white ribbon with blue stars and pony tail holders that were red, white and blue.

I was there at lunch. I bought red/white/blue socks. I did see a headband but wanted to make Lizzy the pony tail holder and Emma barrettes. I didn't see those in the dollar section of the Target I was at today.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I think we put so much time into planning that once the planning is done we begin to have doubts as our minds have very little to do now I know that we will both have perfectly executed trips.

 

[my3princes]

I'm feeling a bit better, but not 100%. I got the boys to their game and THEY WON!!! Both boys played well and Hunter came so close to making a goal. The coach says that he's going to call him one inch until he makes his first goal. Since he is the smallest on the team all of the parents on the sidelines are praying for him to score. When he got close and made the shot they were all on their feet and when it hit the top crossbar the was a huge Owwww. He's pretty excited that he has his own fan club.

We are now sitting down as a family and watching National Treasure 2. It's a pretty good movie so far.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I saw a beautiful rainbow over the ocean on my drive home tonight. I snapped a photo of it on my phone. I had to try 3 times and hold my phone just right but finally did get the message to go through but now my email isn't coming through. Sometimes my comcast email comes through like 12 hours later.

 

[mommykds]

Debbie,
Enjoy!!!!!

Deb,
Hope your vertigo is gone.

Bernadette,
What a cute skirt! You did a great job!

Tammi,
Have fun at Alyssa's recital!

Robyn,
Poor Lucy... for her!!!

Janet,
Garrett looks so much older than your last pictures in December. Gragradulations to him!!!

Vicki,
for your travels.

Kristine,
Happy 20th Jonathan!!!

 

[bear74]

Keep snapping-you don't want her to feel welcome!

How scary!

I didn't think of it til after I got off the phone with you. I had lots of Hanna Andersson hats for the kids when they were babies and LOVED them!!!!

Maybe those that had bus problems don't tour like you-you always leave the hotel early-I don't think you'll have nightmare problems.

Safe travels this weekend!

I was there at lunch. I bought red/white/blue socks. I did see a headband but wanted to make Lizzy the pony tail holder and Emma barrettes. I didn't see those in the dollar section of the Target I was at today.

I thought about the socks but decided against them. Bought the headband, barrettes and ponytail holder instead.

 

[bear74]

I'm feeling a bit better, but not 100%. I got the boys to their game and THEY WON!!! Both boys played well and Hunter came so close to making a goal. The coach says that he's going to call him one inch until he makes his first goal. Since he is the smallest on the team all of the parents on the sidelines are praying for him to score. When he got close and made the shot they were all on their feet and when it hit the top crossbar the was a huge Owwww. He's pretty excited that he has his own fan club.

We are now sitting down as a family and watching National Treasure 2. It's a pretty good movie so far.

congrats Hunter and Nick on winning the game.

 

[my3princes]

congrats Hunter and Nick on winning the game.

Did I mention that the final score was 13 to 3 Oh yeah, this was the first team that we played this year so I guess it was payback

 

[mommykds]

Denise,
How scary!!!! Glad he didn't hurt you.

Deb,
Congrats to the boys on their win!

Becky,
What a crappy way to start the day! I am so sorry all that happened.

Glynis,
Consider the source...she's obviously 2 sandwiches short of a picnic. My MIL is too so I feel your pain. Hang in there & concentrate on keeping your stress level down for the babies sake. Hope Alan is taking all this well, even though she is toxic shes his mom & that has to hurt.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I'm feeling a bit better, but not 100%. I got the boys to their game and THEY WON!!! Both boys played well and Hunter came so close to making a goal. The coach says that he's going to call him one inch until he makes his first goal. Since he is the smallest on the team all of the parents on the sidelines are praying for him to score. When he got close and made the shot they were all on their feet and when it hit the top crossbar the was a huge Owwww. He's pretty excited that he has his own fan club.

We are now sitting down as a family and watching National Treasure 2. It's a pretty good movie so far.

Congrats to Nick & Hunter!

Bernadette,
What a cute skirt! You did a great job!

Thanks!



I'm really tired from staying up so late working on the skirt so I should go to bed. I need to make Emma's shirt and put patches on Lizzy's Brownie vest and Joe's CubScout shirt for Monday. We have soccer tomorrow and birthday celebration at MIL on Sunday.

 

[UP Disney]

Jennifer - I hope Kyle is doing a decent job of running interference for you!

Bernadette - I didn't even think about the hat being online so you could see it! Good thinking!
I always budget for cabs if we need them, so that's not a big deal unless we need them every day. One poor lady said they spent $75 in a single day on cab fare! If the reports were newbies or people who had never been before I wouldn't give them a second thought. The thing that has got my knickers in a knot is the reports from people like us who have been a bunch of times and know how things usually go. People who have NEVER rented a car before who are just pushed to the brink by waiting an hour for a bus day after day. I hope they really are working on the dispatch system and will get it sorted out soon. DH said we've never had a problem at AKL. Since we have never had a problem we have never had to try to get help from them! It sounds like if anyone in a DVC room has a problem they are told "tough" and left to work it out on their own! I guess we'll hope we don't have a problem. And we're only in a DVC room the last 3 nights. (The last 4 if our waitlist comes through.)

DS and I are packed now. The cell phones are charging. I never did get any cash because I can't work out how much to bring. I guess I'll just go get some and hope it's enough!

Elizabeth, Chuck & I loved SSR when we were there in December. We had trouble only once with the buses where we waited about 40 minutes. The room was clean and all the staff were great.

OKW was also clean and we really enjoyed our stay. We expected to like it more after listening to others with their experience but that is a personal thing not anything to do with the resort. We did ask to move because the first studio we were in was right next to the road where the buses travelled. We live in the middle of nowhere and are not used to road noise. The people on the phone were very pleasant and they sent someone to take us and our luggage to our new room. I expected a hassle from them. Everyone there was pleasant and friendly. It was a great stay.

The bus situation was horrible when we were there in March. However, I was hearing issues from non-DVC resorts as well. They had a new dispatch system in place which truly sucked. We had the resort beside us getting 3 buses (once when there were only 2 people waiting) while we had a line of 50 people waiting by the time they sent one in. Supposedly that is why there is a person sitting in a truck (to watch the lines). Obviously, that was NOT working.

 

[UP Disney]

Elizabeth it sounds like your Mother's Illness has finally gotten on your last good nerve. Take a breath and try to enjoy your weekend with her. Even if she isn't letting it show, I'm sure she is scared. Make good memories this weekend, for yourself and for DS. As far as Disney is concerned, I'm sure things will rectify themselves at AKV before you get there in August. A few of us will be at the World before then and we will be able to check out the transportation system. At worst it is WDW, how bad can that be?

I'm starting to have doubts about our trip too. That is something that always happens, but usually much closer. I think we put so much time into planning that once the planning is done we begin to have doubts as our minds have very little to do now I know that we will both have perfectly executed trips.

You guys are freaking me out. I am going to be at WDW in two weeks getting ready for Wishes!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Elizabeth it sounds like your Mother's Illness has finally gotten on your last good nerve. Take a breath and try to enjoy your weekend with her. Even if she isn't letting it show, I'm sure she is scared. Make good memories this weekend, for yourself and for DS. As far as Disney is concerned, I'm sure things will rectify themselves at AKV before you get there in August. A few of us will be at the World before then and we will be able to check out the transportation system. At worst it is WDW, how bad can that be?

I'm starting to have doubts about our trip too. That is something that always happens, but usually much closer. I think we put so much time into planning that once the planning is done we begin to have doubts as our minds have very little to do now I know that we will both have perfectly executed trips.

Yes, the situation with my mom is wearing me out. I think that's the root of the problems. A lot can change at WDW in 70 days, so no sense in being upset now.
Is there something particular that you are concerned about for your trip?

I'm feeling a bit better, but not 100%. I got the boys to their game and THEY WON!!! Both boys played well and Hunter came so close to making a goal. The coach says that he's going to call him one inch until he makes his first goal. Since he is the smallest on the team all of the parents on the sidelines are praying for him to score. When he got close and made the shot they were all on their feet and when it hit the top crossbar the was a huge Owwww. He's pretty excited that he has his own fan club.

We are now sitting down as a family and watching National Treasure 2. It's a pretty good movie so far.

Yay for feeling better, and yay for a WIN! We all really enjoyed National Treasure 2.

Elizabeth, Chuck & I loved SSR when we were there in December. We had trouble only once with the buses where we waited about 40 minutes. The room was clean and all the staff were great.

OKW was also clean and we really enjoyed our stay. We expected to like it more after listening to others with their experience but that is a personal thing not anything to do with the resort. We did ask to move because the first studio we were in was right next to the road where the buses travelled. We live in the middle of nowhere and are not used to road noise. The people on the phone were very pleasant and they sent someone to take us and our luggage to our new room. I expected a hassle from them. Everyone there was pleasant and friendly. It was a great stay.

The bus situation was horrible when we were there in March. However, I was hearing issues from non-DVC resorts as well. They had a new dispatch system in place which truly sucked. We had the resort beside us getting 3 buses (once when there were only 2 people waiting) while we had a line of 50 people waiting by the time they sent one in. Supposedly that is why there is a person sitting in a truck (to watch the lines). Obviously, that was NOT working.

Those are the kind of bus issues I am still hearing about, from people who were there over the past 2 weeks. Supposedly the dispatch is by computer instead of humans, and the buses don't run in a loop. SSR to MK, but then instead of MK back to SSR the bus may be sent off to a completely different resort. There must be some logic there somewhere but the logic in theory is NOT the logic in practice.

We DID have ressies at OKW, but we switched to 5 nts. at SSR on points, one with cash, and 3 nts. at AKV on points, waitlisted for one more on points. If the waitlisted night doesn't work out we'll add one more to SSR.

Bernadette - At least one family missed the AM EMH because the bus never came - can't remember which resort that was. I got the impression they were at the bus stop pretty early. I told DH maybe I need to stay off the other forums, but I can't seem to do that!

 

[UP Disney]

I got home about 4:00 my time. It seemed like a short trip. I had someone riding with me. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time on the phone. There were some serious issues that I had to deal with. I'll be working and packing all week-end. I told Chuck I wanted to stay home this week-end. I have so much to get done before I leave for a week. I want to really truly take the whole week off while we are at Disney. He was looking for some place to go camping but if we were gone this week-end, I don't know when I'd start camping. I have to drive back to Lansing on Tuesday and will be there until Friday. We leave for Green Bay the evening of June 5 so we can fly out early on the 6th.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

You guys are freaking me out. I am going to be at WDW in two weeks getting ready for Wishes!

Sorry, Vicki!
You guys will have a magical trip! You have put a TON of effort and thought into this trip, and your niece and nephew are going to have the time of their lives! Imagine what joy your sister will have seeing her children so utterly happy! And you and your mom enjoy being together, so I know you will have a wonderful time!

 

[my3princes]

You guys are freaking me out. I am going to be at WDW in two weeks getting ready for Wishes!

Get packing Lady. You are going to have a wonderful trip. You've done so much planning, not only for yourselves, but for your Sister's family too. I hope you can relax and enjoy it.

I got home about 4:00 my time. It seemed like a short trip. I had someone riding with me. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time on the phone. There were some serious issues that I had to deal with. I'll be working and packing all week-end. I told Chuck I wanted to stay home this week-end. I have so much to get done before I leave for a week. I want to really truly take the whole week off while we are at Disney. He was looking for some place to go camping but if we were gone this week-end, I don't know when I'd start camping. I have to drive back to Lansing on Tuesday and will be there until Friday. We leave for Green Bay the evening of June 5 so we can fly out early on the 6th.

It's a long weekend so make the most of it. Perhaps a call to the niece and nephew will put you into the packing mood

Yes, the situation with my mom is wearing me out. I think that's the root of the problems. A lot can change at WDW in 70 days, so no sense in being upset now.
Is there something particular that you are concerned about for your trip?



Yay for feeling better, and yay for a WIN! We all really enjoyed National Treasure 2.



Those are the kind of bus issues I am still hearing about, from people who were there over the past 2 weeks. Supposedly the dispatch is by computer instead of humans, and the buses don't run in a loop. SSR to MK, but then instead of MK back to SSR the bus may be sent off to a completely different resort. There must be some logic there somewhere but the logic in theory is NOT the logic in practice.

We DID have ressies at OKW, but we switched to 5 nts. at SSR on points, one with cash, and 3 nts. at AKV on points, waitlisted for one more on points. If the waitlisted night doesn't work out we'll add one more to SSR.

Bernadette - At least one family missed the AM EMH because the bus never came - can't remember which resort that was. I got the impression they were at the bus stop pretty early. I told DH maybe I need to stay off the other forums, but I can't seem to do that!

I had a feeling that your Mom's diagnosis was behind your stress. It will be ok.

I'm not stressing about anything in particular, but since I don't need to make any ADRs or other plans I need something to worry about so I make things up. The only thing that is different is that we are driving with only on child and the other 2 are flying. I pray that we all arrive safely.