08 was so Great at the Poly...TR-NEW 2/3 Time to say Good-bye (final post) / pics

[mousescrapper]

Ok now for some important updates to the "plan"

First issue:
undecided evening plans for eating/doing for myself, DH, DMom and the baby Margaret while the other kids are at the NC

Choices:
A) use package vouchers and go to PH at DTD

B) add an extra TS and stay at Poly and dine at Kona Cafe

Decision:
I spoke with a very nice and hlepful CM yet again down at DTC (I was also calling for some Poly ressie Q's) After talking w/ DH and Dmom a bit more about it, we opted to stay close by and not hassel w/ cab, rushing, etc and then if Michael is unable to go or something occurs to make an ADR at Kona. Which I did, perfect a 6:05 pm time for the 4 of us. Since the kids NC time is around 5:30/5:45 this works well. (Sorry Amy, it never occurred to me to just dine w/ DH....we are going out later by ourselved anyways) OH and the CM said there wouldn't be time for DH and I to try and get over to FWC for a carriage ride...bumber

Props:
So thanks Hedy and Amy for chiming in. I feel good about this decision. Not quite sure the vibe I read from DH...but I thinks he's in with it. And DMom is w/ anything.

Issue 2:
What to do about our ADR at Cindy's Gala Feast and DMom's DME pickup

Choices:
A) DMom tries to see if she can get a later flight home

B) I drop the ADR all together so not to dis-include her...eat elsewhere earlier/later

C) I try to add in an ADR for the Norway Princess meal at Epcot instead of Cindy's feast on a diff day

D) We go to the dinner w/ out DMom and she catches her pickup as expected and grabs dinner at airport.

I really want DMom to make the call on this one and let her thoughts weigh our decision....she did try calling AA to see if any flights were added that night later...but alas NO She tells me being the gracious Mom and Lady she is that we should just keep everything status quo, and me, DH and kids just go and enjoy the meal. She says you've (me) put so much effort into designing our "plan" why go through all the fuss to try and change it around for 1 meal.... gotta love her

So we going w/ option D) and I know she's OK with it, so it will be ok.

Props:
Thanks to the 3 nice people who replied (sorry I deleted the thread before jotting their names have to find it later) on the transpo thread to my Q. Their answers helped confirm our decsion to not mess w/ DMom's travel back to MCO.
and to Hedy too...you chimed in like the others too. This is a good call.

Well, as I'd like to think no more issues will arise in this planning stage of my WDW trip...there's always something right with that call DMom made to AA about her flight...they told her our outgoing flight from Chicago has been changed Now instead of a 7:40 am flight it's been bumped by about 1 hour to 8:30 am.... OK this may be all and good in some ways...don't have to get up as early may have time to eat brfast at home, probably save about $30 on food....but then we get to Disney 1 hour later....get to the Poly one hour later....have less transistion time for Michael between travel and heading to the Studios and let's not even think travel delays

NO, NO, NO, don't these people understand that I'm a completly OCD person when it comes to planning this trip???? (Now DH would beg to differ, he'd say I was OCD about planning anything ) Of course on that call down to DTC I asked about early room check-in to help accomadate Michael when we get there...and I said we'd be arriving around 12:00 pm. The CM even spoke to the Special Requests department for me and they sent an email to the Poly explaining the situation and are asking for the request. No Guarantees, but still makes me fell good. Well I have yet to explain this latest update to DH and how does this effect our plans for Day 1.

Should we push back our ADR, if we can, therefore adjusting the rest of the TPTP...UGH! Think for now I'll just let this latest booger, yes that's right booger go....and deal w/ it later.

I suppose I should get some done and rest up a bit w/ this and the baby seems to be getting too

Hoping today during her nap time or tomoorow to get Mae's "TOP 5" in there. Wish me luck as well as feeling better, we're suppose to be hosting 30 people at our house for St. Pat's on Sunday and even DH is feeling plus we have to do the cooking becuase DSIL is YUCK!!! not feeling the Luck of the Irish right now

MouseScrapper (J-)

 

[DisMomAmy]

My goodness... how did I miss two posts - especially in your time of need!

I'm glad to hear you have worked out the two "old" issues. I think you are smart to stay close for Michael's sake.

Sorry to hear about your mom's dilemma! It was good that she made the decision and you didn't have to disclude her. Mom's are great like that.

Bummer about your flights though. You can definitely deal with that "booger" later. Everything will fall into place - don't let it stress you out too bad - after all you are going to Disney World!!! It's nice that the CM took your concerns seriously - even if it doesn't end up helping.

Can't wait to read about Mae's picks!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Hi ! I found it....I'll be back in the morning to read and catch up.

 

[dismom9761]

Hi! Playing catch up.Hope you are feeling better. I see that you are taking the problems one at a time. Don't worry about the flights.If you can't change it just accept it and it will work out.You will be at Disney! Maybe an hour later but that will be fine...

 

[MRYPPNS]

OK ...I'm all caught up. Now I can comment...and blame Amy for sending me this way.

Ok now for some important updates to the "plan"

First issue:
undecided evening plans for eating/doing for myself, DH, DMom and the baby Margaret while the other kids are at the NC

Decision:
I spoke with a very nice and hlepful CM yet again down at DTC (I was also calling for some Poly ressie Q's) After talking w/ DH and Dmom a bit more about it, we opted to stay close by and not hassel w/ cab, rushing, etc and then if Michael is unable to go or something occurs to make an ADR at Kona. Which I did, perfect a 6:05 pm time for the 4 of us. Since the kids NC time is around 5:30/5:45 this works well. (Sorry Amy, it never occurred to me to just dine w/ DH....we are going out later by ourselved anyways) OH and the CM said there wouldn't be time for DH and I to try and get over to FWC for a carriage ride...bumber

Issue 2:
What to do about our ADR at Cindy's Gala Feast and DMom's DME pickup

D) We go to the dinner w/ out DMom and she catches her pickup as expected and grabs dinner at airport.

So we going w/ option D) and I know she's OK with it, so it will be ok.

Now instead of a 7:40 am flight it's been bumped by about 1 hour to 8:30 am.... ....have less transistion time for Michael between travel and heading to the Studios and let's not even think travel delays

I thing you made a great choice in not going to Planet Hollywood. I've never read an excellent review on it and most people have to wait forever for a table. And you'll be close to the Kids Club ....it's a win win with less stress

I'm in agreement (like I have a say in the matter or something ) with your choice for the 2nd issue. And I might have a solution as well about seeing Cindy with Mom.

Side note: I noticed in several posting that your refer to Airline Check-in at the resorts as DME (Disney's Magically Express) I'm just making sure that you know that they are 2 different things. You can use one without using the other.

Here's my big suggestion for your first night: Bag going to the Studios. No parks at all that day. I think you would be less stressed if you weren't trying to do so much that day. How about chillin' by the pool at the Poly...making an ADR for either Cindy's Gala feast or Chef Mickeys for dinner. Ride the monorail around...go on a hidden mickey quest at the 3 monorail hotels, watch the electric light boat parade thinging from the beach...watch wishes from the beach. The greatest thing would be that you are no more than a couple monorail stops from your room if any of the kids starts to melt (that includes husbands as well!)

I'm looking forward to the next update

 

[mousescrapper]

My goodness... how did I miss two posts - especially in your time of need!

I'm glad to hear you have worked out the two "old" issues. I think you are smart to stay close for Michael's sake.

Sorry to hear about your mom's dilemma! It was good that she made the decision and you didn't have to disclude her. Mom's are great like that.

Bummer about your flights though. You can definitely deal with that "booger" later. Everything will fall into place - don't let it stress you out too bad - after all you are going to Disney World!!! It's nice that the CM took your concerns seriously - even if it doesn't end up helping.

Can't wait to read about Mae's picks!

no prob...it happens. I feel good about the first 2 but that 1st day is still a sore in my OCD Disney side...trying to put that booger past me, like those burnt bagels awhile past...right?

I want to include some pic's of Mae for her TOP 5, hope to do that this week and then post...it should be good!

Hi! Playing catch up.Hope you are feeling better. I see that you are taking the problems one at a time. Don't worry about the flights.If you can't change it just accept it and it will work out.You will be at Disney! Maybe an hour later but that will be fine...

Yes, I'm feeling better, 2 of the 4 kids are OK, 2 are on the verge again...definitly can't change the flight, but just have to go w/ it and yes I'm at WDW no matter the time, just want day 1 to be good, you know sets the whole tone for the rest of trip sometimes. Glad to see you here

OK ...I'm all caught up. Now I can comment...and blame Amy for sending me this way. SORRY!! (thanks Amy! )

I thing you made a great choice in not going to Planet Hollywood. I've never read an excellent review on it and most people have to wait forever for a table. And you'll be close to the Kids Club ....it's a win win with less stress yes, feeling 100% good on this one...we live 1 hr from downtown Chicago anyways, and have done that...not something I NEED to do at WDW
I'm in agreement (like I have a say in the matter or something ) I'll take it...with your choice for the 2nd issue. And I might have a solution as well about seeing Cindy with Mom.

Side note: I noticed in several posting that your refer to Airline Check-in at the resorts as DME (Disney's Magically Express) I'm just making sure that you know that they are 2 different things. You can use one without using the other.

Here's my big suggestion for your first night: Bag going to the Studios. No parks at all that day. I think you would be less stressed if you weren't trying to do so much that day. How about chillin' by the pool at the Poly...making an ADR for either Cindy's Gala feast or Chef Mickeys for dinner. Ride the monorail around...go on a hidden mickey quest at the 3 monorail hotels, watch the electric light boat parade thinging from the beach...watch wishes from the beach. The greatest thing would be that you are no more than a couple monorail stops from your room if any of the kids starts to melt (that includes husbands as well!)

Ohhh.... this sounds really nice. I've been up/down with this whole first day and feeling really uneasy over the whole thing. Our first trip w/ kids we didn't do parks first day and it worked great...I don't know why I didn't plan it that way this time....I'd jump on this idea in a heartbeat if it wasn't for one thing...OK you may recallwe are there 8 days have 7 day PH and plan on day 6 of our stay to be a no park day (as discussed w/ the whole DMom leaving, Cindy feast thing). NOW as I don't want to re-arrange EVERYTHING for just 1 day...but thinking day 1 is in the catergory do I should I scrap it to a no park day?? but I really would like to keep our no park day as well at the end. our passports have expiration on them, so if i scrap Studios on Day 1 and keep no park on Day 6 then I lose $$ on our passports...OR could we go to the parks on Day 6 as well as it being a majority rest day...

UGH! the confusion.

I'ts not bad, because, I really, I mean REALLY love your 1st day thoughts...I'm going to discuss this with DH and DMOM and get their thoughts. it's a good thing you came....thanks!
I'm looking forward to the next update

need to pick up Michael for lunch...he's been coming home lately...he dosn't like recess and lunch...seems to need the break at home. And I like seeing him too.

Will be posting soon about his special guide book and Mae's TOP 5!

Happy St. Pat's all

MouseScrapper (J-)

ps sorry if I have msp in there...need to run!

 

[DisMomAmy]

If you decide to skip parks on the first day, don't worry about the wasted money. I just checked the website - it is only $2.00 difference between a 5 day ticket and a 6 day ticket. I would say to scrap the parks on your first night - get everyone settled so you can start the next day off on the right foot.

On our October trip I purchased our tickets with one extra day on them, just in case. I knew we probably wouldn't need it, but it was only a couple dollars. I know you can upgrade and add on, but I was buying them just before the prices went up in August so I had to decide then. We didn't end up using the extra day - but I didn't let it bother me. It's pretty crazy - a 3 day ticket is just over $200 and a 10 day ticket is $225!

Gotta run... Zachary just got home from school.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I still say no park on day one, keep day 6 as is and if everyone is feeling good in the late afternoon/early evening then I say let the kids pick a park to go to. Best of both worlds.

Actually lets back up for a minute...what's keeping you from deciding once you get to your resort on day 1 what plan you will do? Is it ADR's? or wanting to have a game plan for your son ahead of time? or neither?

If it's for your son then yes you'll have to make a decision before hand. If it's ADR's then make 2. One for DHS and one for somewhere out of the parks. Use your mothers name/info without ressie # for the second one. Cancel one as soon as you know...you'll make a walk-up very happy.

I always feel good when I have a plan A and a plan B. I think that OCD to the 2nd power

 

[DisMomAmy]

I still say no park on day one, keep day 6 as is and if everyone is feeling good in the late afternoon/early evening then I say let the kids pick a park to go to. Best of both worlds.

Actually lets back up for a minute...what's keeping you from deciding once you get to your resort on day 1 what plan you will do? Is it ADR's? or wanting to have a game plan for your son ahead of time? or neither?

If it's for your son then yes you'll have to make a decision before hand. If it's ADR's then make 2. One for DHS and one for somewhere out of the parks. Use your mothers name/info without ressie # for the second one. Cancel one as soon as you know...you'll make a walk-up very happy.

I always feel good when I have a plan A and a plan B. I think that OCD to the 2nd power

I think that's a great idea for the ADRs - make 2!

 

[mousescrapper]

hey Amy and MRYPPNS (or can I call you Hedi?)

Thanks for the further input....it's good to have some power Diz minds understnading my complex nurosises (ok that is so msp)

Anyhow, never thought the possibility of losing the 1 day on the tickets really wasn't a TON of money...need to look at that. Cause I know to add no exp is like $400 dollars for our 5 tickets...have to see how DMom feels about that (since she'd lose a day too).

My reasoning:
A) need a game plan, we can't just totally decide on our toes, especially for Michael (we learned that on the mini Dells trip and WDW is alot grander w/ more overwhelming choices)
B) need an overall plan to fit in our alloted ADR's on the DDP and the TPTP to follow

(The specific ADR is not the hold-up it was more losing a day on the tickets and thinking fit it all in pressure)

It never occured to me to make 2 ADR's for 2 plans. I'm cool deciding (for the most part) some of these tentative plans based on the many varaible you can never really plan...ie Day 2 AK stay for parade or not....

Now w/ the flight being bumped feeling rushed with the plan for a few hrs at the Studios on Day 1 and just this gut feeling this may not be the right choice/plan for Day 1 (overall not just for Michael) this possibly could be the solution.

DH is not keen on the real non-flexibility of the Day 1 anyways...have some alternate choices to run thru here. Plus I really love the idea of HM hunting...Michael would get the most fun from that w/ his Passporter Treasure Hunter book...and who's to say we couldn't go to a park on the Day 6 then at night...need to try and be flexed here, but still w/ plans....Can you see my brain working through this?

Need to run Mae to gymnastics...started talking to DH about it earlier, keep you posted. Thanks for helping to get some new ideas flowing.

 

[DisMomAmy]

When we are dealing with kids like ours, "being flexible" is a relative term. When we are flexible - we still have plans... so I know what you mean. Having two sets of plans is probably about as close to "winging it" as you can get. But I think it is probably a good idea to have a couple options available.

 

[mousescrapper]

When we are dealing with kids like ours, "being flexible" is a relative term. When we are flexible - we still have plans... so I know what you mean. Having two sets of plans is probably about as close to "winging it" as you can get. But I think it is probably a good idea to have a couple options available.

Thanks Amy! it's nice to have both sides really understood (the Disney Planning and the spectrum child parent). Even though I'm not sure what we're going to do yet...I'm actually starting to feel better

J-

 

[mousescrapper]

Finding a quiet moment has been far and few between these past days…my fridge and kitchen counter looks like Walgreen’s with the amount of different antibiotics lined up …

In the midst of taking down my green shamrocks and bringing out the pastel Easter eggs, doing laundry and taking the kids to and fro I’ve found a moment to finally post Mae’s “TOP 5” list and my Wishes for her 2nd Walt Disney World Trip.

Little background info on my middle DD:

She’s 5, in pre-K, loves to entertain us with songs and dances; she’s my very busy body of the crew and loves to love!

Her obsession w/ anything Ariel or Princess….would take an additional TR just to list all the items she has or enjoys that have to do with the cute Red-head Princess, but here are a few:

The Little Mermaid Soundtrack
Which I found going through some old CD’s and “mistakenly” gave to her. She shares a room with the baby Margaret and I have a monitor on at night, so instead of waking to the alarm clock most mornings at 7:15 am, I awake to her and Ariel singing “Part of Your World” very loudly over the monitor at 6:30 am. This music is generally heard at least once a day in our house.

Ariel Jammies and dolls
One of her favorite jammies is the Ariel ones of course (she has several other Disney favorites and can’t wait to get big-sis’s hand-me-down Ariel nightgown for this summer…is it summer yet?) And can you believe I bought another Disney doll? The big Ariel doll I found at a big children’s resale for only $2 bucks…maybe I’m obsessed too

4-foot Ariel cutout
She received this “life-size” Ariel for her birthday and after very carefully coloring it with family, it now stands proudly next to her bed. Notice the corner of Cinderella’s castle in the background. Oh yes, DH painstakingly cut and put up this castle mural above her bed I found at a party store.

“the Ladies”
The plastic princess figurines, otherwise known as the “ladies” are played with on a daily basis practically, and go just about everywhere. Even last yr to the beach…1 Ariel decided to go home to King Triton and stayed behind…These little ladies are well loved with marks, deformed hands (from being chewed on), etc. I’m sure a few will come to WDW with us.

I could go on w/ the amount of Princess and Ariel things in our home…but if you have a little girl in your Disney-loving home you’ll understand.

Her first WDW trip was in 2005 and she was 2 ½ yrs old. She doesn’t remember much, but she had a good time.

My Wishes:

· Despite her energy button being on high, she can be a bit timid w/ new things and if she thinks she maybe nervous or scared, it takes some good coaxing on our part for her to give it a try. With that in mind I hope she’ll join in the fun with going on certain rides that she wasn’t “scared” of last time like PoC and HM.

· Hope she’ll have fun and enjoy going on her first Grand Adventure for kids. She’s doing the Cooking one at the GF w/ her big sis Aldine. She always likes to help in the kitchen, so I think this will be a great morning for her.

· Getting to enjoy some fun Disney kid things she wasn’t quite old enough for last time. Like getting her first autograph book and a passport book for WS in Epcot.

· Walking…she was in a stroller the last trip, but this time she’s going on pure Mae power. We figure as needed we can rent a stroller in particular the days we’re not taking an afternoon break. So I hope she does well and we don’t lose her….

Mae’s TOP 5:

1) Meet the Little Mermaid ARIEL (and Prince Eric) …did I even need to write that?

2) See the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show at the DHS

3) See Playhouse Disney Live at the Studios and Meet Jo-Jo & Goliath (we’ll be having lunch w/ them and the LE’s too)

4) Play in the sand and go swimming in the pools at the Poly (she loves being outside)

5) Meeting other Princesses like Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Plus she says when she sees Minnie she’s going to run right up to her and give her a hug.

Well I hope you enjoyed this latest installment of my Families’ TOP 5 for our upcoming trip. Next will be the oldest DD Aldine…hints she likes hula, HSM, magic carpets, golden ball gowns, and the “mountain” rides


One quick update for you on Margaret’s wishes from me:

She’s walking!!!!!

Have a blessed Easter this weekend.

Hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
And with him is plentiful redemption
And he will redeem us from all our iniquities

“He is not here, He has risen!”
Luke 24:6

MouseScrapper (J-)

 

[DisMomAmy]

I love hearing about all the girlie Disney stuff! I'm so jealous! I wish I had a little girl to do all of the girlie stuff with... until I hear the horror stories about high school.

Congratulation on Margaret walking!!

I love how you have a top 5 and wishes for each of your kids - that must make for interesting itinerary planning!

Amy

 

[AnnieDan_Artlover]

Hi Mousescrapper!

Just catching on!

I noticed you're going about the same time we are!

I guess I'm one of the few of your readers not having an ADHD/AS child (well... no child at all, in fact ), but I still can really relate.
First, I know a lot about ADHD, as I've worked a while with childs with ADHD, especially autism, a couple of years ago (while I was doind my bachelor's degree in psychology). Of course autism and aspergers is really not the same thing, but there were also childs with AS in the classes I worked in, plus, most ADHD child share similarities...

Second, I can mostly relate to the adjustment you had to make to the diagnosis, to mourning the "normal child". I fell ill about 4 years 1/2 ago, and now can't work, study or do much anything, in fact. I guess my parents must have lived through pretty much the same thing as you did... I know I did. I had to say goodbye to my old self...

I'm going to Disney for the very first time, and I'm looking at this trip as my very own make-a-wish trip, as it will help me forget about my illness and live a dream... Heck, it already does! And it probably will continue to do me good afterwards, as I'll have wonderful memories to dive into!

I'm really enjoying your PTR, and I can't wait to read your TR when we get back.

I'll look for you and your family in WDW, and if you see me, don't hesitate : say hi! (I'll be sporting Faolan, one of the boards lime green crocs, and, oh yeah... I'll be sitting in a blue tartan wheelchair...)

Have a wonderful trip! (so close now, isn't it! )

 

[mousescrapper]

Glad you stopped by to say AnnieDan_Artlover !

Thanks for your kind words about children w/ ADHD and spectrum disorders...sorry to hear that you were struck w/ an illness that has effected you, your family and life... But glad it sounds like your taking steps to cope and adjust!

And HAPPY 1st trip to WDW!!!! how super exciting....

Thanks for enjoying my PTR.

MouseScrapper

 

[mousescrapper]

Happy wet & rainy Chicago CUB home opener Day!!! GO CUBS!!! (you do remember I love this team?)

Awhile back I asked if anyone was interested in hearing about this special guidebook I’m preparing for Michael my DS who has ADHD and Aspergers. Well I just printed some of my materials for this and have time today to start this story.

First some background info on Michael. He’s going to be 9 in May, in 3rd grade, he’s a twin to Aldine and this is his 2nd trip to WDW. However this is his first trip w/ this now known diagnosis. He was just turning 6 when we went in 05 and was nearing the end of his Kindergarten year in school. Looking back since birth and more so at age 2 DH and I always worried something wasn’t quite adding up for him and it was more apparent against his twin sister. Now they were both behind physically w/ developmental growth and Michael had some speech issues. At first Aldine was being treated for PT/OT for a serious physical delay in walking. Well Michael of course was tagging along and the therapists started to notice he was struggling too. At first it seemed so subtle but as he grew, Aldine was grasping age appropriate skills and Michael was slipping behind. Once in pre-K things became more apparent and then definitely 3 years later in 1st grade. He was first diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder…after full fledge doing everything for that, we began to see more things that weren’t being helped. Finally in 2nd grade he was seen by a developmental psychologist and then that summer (07) he was diagnosed by a psychiatrist with the above disorders. This diagnosis was a long time coming and as hard as it is, it’s good to know and understand ways we can try and help Michael learn and cope with the many things that cause hurtles in his young life.

Which brings us back to Disney…how was he the first time you may ask? Good I recall, we had our moments but so did Aldine and Mae. But things that didn’t bother him 3 years ago are like mountains for him now to cross. Things I’m worried about for him and this trip?

Crowds: feeling to “tight”
Lines and waiting: even if it’s something he wants to do, it’s extremely hard, he may just rather pass (but then feel let down)
Noise: he’s very sensitive to loudness and if he’s just the slightest bit “off” a noise he’s even used to can really bother him
Things not going according to plan: w/ Aspergers when you have a preoccupation or thought about something and it doesn’t go according to that thought in his head….uhoh
Over stimulated: he is generally a sensory avoider, something hard to do at Disney.
Feeling “lost” overwhelmed w/ the amount of choices: hence the need for a plan!

What to do?
Well you know we’re going. So as his Mom I pray of course, and do whatever I can to prepare him ahead of time, while we are there, and hope for the best!

One of the best things I think I can do to equip him is for him to have his own special guidebook completely designed just for him.

Here’s my plan:
Make a book, which is durable for the parks, but nice to have later as a keepsake.

Have sections for each day at the World, in parks and not.

Have it be visual and easy to navigate.

Have written reminders geared to him about each step of the trip to keep him prepared

Have social stories for various potential problems to prepare him ahead of time and then use if something happens. (like it’s raining hard, we can’t stay or the ride is shut down or he gets scared on a ride)

How to make it:
I bought this clever chipboard (heavy/thick like cardboard) mini binder

I also stocked up on Disney inspired pages and scrapbooking supplies to add pages in it and decorate. (I plan to cover the chipboard in paper and then add pages inside that will be double sided and laminated)

The biggest part will be making custom itinerary stickers (from printable sticker label sheets). These have pictures I downloaded from online and the written reminders about each ride, etc.

How it will work:
After decorating the binder and adding the pages and social stories (which I’ll type and print out then put on paper and laminate) and finish up the days w/ the label sheets. This is what he’ll have:

He’ll have a Day 1(2-8) tab in the binder and coordinating label sheets. Which we take with us wherever we are. After we do something he can peel the sticker off and place it on the pages.

I hope 1) this will prep him for our plan each day and help him make decisions about things he may not want to do or ask questions about things he’s unsure of.

2) he’ll be able to keep track of what is going on each day and in the moment as we go, which will help pass the time, and the anticipation of when are we doing this…”ah look at my schedule” and give him some control in the trip, by being my co-navigator.

I’ve never done anything like this and I have to give props to the dis ABILITIES board and SueM for her insight and suggestion for making this guidebook and adding my own flare w/ my scrapbooking passion.

I’ll keep you posted on how this making process goes and of course post pictures of the final product and then let you know after the trip how it worked for Michael.

Comments/Questions welcome of course.

Thanks for reading thru,

MouseScrapper (J-)

Upcoming PTR posts in April:

*what did we decide for DAY 1 ???

*Aldine’s and Michael’s TOP 5 and my wishes for them
*Reveal of Days 3 and 4 in my TPTP

*What I’ve learned thus far during the writing of this PTR and props to many Disers!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow!!!!!!!! That's awesome!! I can't wait to see the final product. I downloaded and printed pictures of different rides, laminated them and used velcro to put them on a schedule type thing. But what you are doing by far exceeds what I could have ever thought of!!! I'd love to steal your idea for next year. I would probably make 2 so Zachary could have one too - I think he'd be jealous because it looks like a fun activity book more than a "schedule".

Where did you get the chipboard book? I have a whole year, but it's never too ealry to start planning for the next one.

 

[MRYPPNS]

That's looks awesome! This suggestion may be out of left field but how about stickers for a rain shower or one that might be for a ride breaking down, even bathroom breaks? That way if something happens it can be a part of the story. (this is coming from a women who writes down "shower/get dressed on her to do list)

I'm green with envy with your stickers....those are the ones I needed for my DS's jungle party!

 

[mousescrapper]

Wow!!!!!!!! That's awesome!! I can't wait to see the final product. I downloaded and printed pictures of different rides, laminated them and used velcro to put them on a schedule type thing. But what you are doing by far exceeds what I could have ever thought of!!! I'd love to steal your idea for next year. I would probably make 2 so Zachary could have one too - I think he'd be jealous because it looks like a fun activity book more than a "schedule".

Where did you get the chipboard book? I have a whole year, but it's never too ealry to start planning for the next one.

I got the mini binder at Archivers a scrapbboking store. Do them have them in NH?

Also you could also pre put pictures on pages and use small stickers like gold stars to mark what has been done... feel free to steal I hold no branding rights JK

That's looks awesome! This suggestion may be out of left field but how about stickers for a rain shower or one that might be for a ride breaking down, even bathroom breaks? That way if something happens it can be a part of the story. (this is coming from a women who writes down "shower/get dressed on her to do list)

I'm green with envy with your stickers....those are the ones I needed for my DS's jungle party!

I think that is a fabolus idea that could help ease the tense situation. I'm going to work on that too. Just like I already added PoC to our schedule (stickers too) and I just read today on the UG site. It's going to be closed for rehab while we are there! NO!!!!

Thanks ladies!

J-