8/7 - 8/16 WDW at OKW: Late, long, fun and a bit sad

[CarnotaurDad]

This Trip Report is quite late, and will be quite lengthy, and for that I apologize. If you can make it to the end, thanks. This is more cathartic then anything else.

Attendees:

Ohio contingent (last visit was 11/03)-
Me (33)
DW (34 - Sorry, I guess I shouldn't mention that)
DD (4)

West Virginia contingent (last visit was 9/01)-
Sister (SIS)
Brother in Law (BIL - sister's husband)

Massachusetts contingent (last visit was 6/91) -
Mom (59)
Dad (60)

Background:

In February of this year, my mother was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. As such, we decided to do something that we had talked about for a long time: a full family vacation to Walt Disney World.

My family and my sister's family both bought into DVC this year and so we pooled our points to a 2 BR OKW for five nights in August. Dad teaches at high school, BIL coaches at a different high school, so we needed to go during the summer and from research, we saw that mid August was the best time to go.

We all found cheap fares and were going to arrive late Saturday night (8/7), stay one night at the Sheraton Suites by the Airport and then go check in at OKW. Stay there for five nights and then stay at Sheraton Safari one night before we took off on Saturday (8/14).

What is it that they say? ......the best laid plans.....

Day One (Saturday, 8/7):

If I've said it once, I'll say it again. I hate arriving to airports late at night. I'm just too sleepy and groggy and I like to arrive places being excited.

Each of the families was arriving separately and we were there first. Our plane landed around 10 PM and it was pouring in Orlando. We got our bags and waited what I thought was a while for the shuttle bus to the Sheraton Suites. We had reserved two rooms and they were right next to each other. We got our DD down to sleep and then waited for everyone else.

SIS, BIL, Mom and Dad all arrived about an hour later. Mom is in a wheelchair (her energy level is low) but in good spirits. We talked for a while and then everyone went to bed.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Two (Sunday, 8/8):

BIL woke up early to get the van from the rental car place. Meanwhile, everyone else woke up and then we went to breakfast at the Denny's next door. After breakfast, we piled into the van and we were all amazed everyone fit: 7 people, tons of luggage and a wheelchair. Sure, some of us had to hold things on our lap but we were off to WDW at last.

It was 11 AM by the time we got to OKW and we thought to take a chance and see if our room was ready. The OKW lobby is amazing and made us feel right at home. Luckily, our 2 BR was ready with all our request met. Alright!

We drove over to our 2BR, opened our door and we were absolutely shocked at how big the place was. It was amazing. Tons of room, great beds, our view was outstanding, nice balcony. Let's just say that I could live there.

Everyone unpacked and then we headed over to DTD to eat. It was hot and very crowded. We made our way to Earl of Sandwich (with a quick stop to buy APs for me, DW and DD) and enjoyed the lunch. Their sandwiches were awesome.

It was about 1:30 PM, we had 6 PM PS at Boma and my mom was getting a little tired, so we went back to OKW to rest. While mom and DD took a little sleep, SIS, BIL, DW and I headed to Winn-Dixie for the grocery shop run. We stocked up on everything and, just as we were getting ready to lad the van, a giant thunderstorm came and everyone got drenched. Welcome to Florida!

Went back to OKW, got ready for Boma, and headed over to AKL. It was mom and dad's first time seeing AKL and they were impressed. It was still raining so we never made it to the outside trail, but we were able to brose their store and play in their lobby (our DD had some miniature dinosaurs). Dinner at Boma was fantastic and all, even DD (she tried her first chicken wings!), enjoyed the variety of food. Comfortably sated, we went back to OKW and enjoyed the balcony and company before some of us headed over to DTD. After shopping at DTD it was on to bed.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Three (Monday, 8/9):

First park day and we did Early Entry for Animal Kingdom. We were there right as they opened and headed straight for KS. It's wonderful they have a whole vehicle set up for wheelchairs. We waited about 10 minutes, boarded and had a great tour guide. That ride is one of my favorites. I always see some new animal I hadn't seen before.

Finished KS and headed for the FotLK. On the way, DD and mom traded pins with CMs. We got some pins for mom and DD and they had fun trading pins with each other and with the CMs. Again, it was great to have the wheelchair designated rows and everyone had a wonderful time at the show. We had never seen it before it thought the pace was excellent with some great songs.

Exited FotLK and headed over to Dinoland USA. Our DD loves this area and can't wait to be big enough to ride Primeval Whirl. Some of us got FPs for Dinosaur! and then we went to the Boneyard for a while and then lunch at Flame Tree (great barbecue!). When our FPs were ready, Dad, DW, BIL, DD and I went on Dinosaur! and Sis and Mom went to a trail and shopping. We would meet up later.

Our DD may THINK she likes Dinosaur!, but the truth is that she has never really seen it. We have ridden twice and both times, the ride is spent with me covering her eyes and DW bracing her head and covering her ears. Every now and then we say "Look, there's Eema!" and let her peek, but she's never really experienced the whole ride. Oh, well. The ride ended and, she loved it, and got a Dinosaur Bingo game.

Dad and BIL went in line for PW and we wandered around a bit with DD. We decided to check out the Tree of Life and it was our first time walking around. It was incredible. We had a lot of fun looking for the different animals. Our cell phone rang, mom was a little hot and tired and ready to leave. We all made our way to the front of the park and went back to OKW.

At OKW, we recuperated, swam a bit and then decided to head to Epcot for the evening. Epcot is our favorite evening park with all the lights and the great food (and beer for me!), it is very relaxing and a great way to end a Disney day.

We entered Epcot and it started to pour. We waited for the rain to die down and then head out to eat. We went to the fast food Japanese place and our DD again was daring with food. She tried the Teriyaki chicken and really did not like it. But she gets points for trying!

After dinner, we walked around the World Showcase and went on El Rio Del Tiempo twice and then headed back to OKW. We again finished up on the balcony, talking, late into the night.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Four (Tuesday, 8/10):

Magic Kingdom day! We slept in a little late, no EMH that day at MK, and headed over. My mom wanted to take the ferry and it was a great choice. DD got see Chip and Dale and we had a nice ride over to MK.

My mom's favorite ride is HM and we all headed over there (I also ran to grab FPs for SM and BTMRR). It was about 10:45 AM and there is no wait at all for HM. After HM we walked over to PotC and while everyone else was on that, I took my daughter to see Aladdin, Jasmine, Jafar and the Genie (PotC is one ride she really doesn't like).

We met at the characters and then proceeded to Jungle Cruise. Great guide and great fun. During PotC my mom got very cold and began shivering uncontrolably. She eventually settled down but we knew it was going to be time to go soon. After we rode SM and BTMRR with our FPs, we decided to go back to OKW.

We did takeout lunch from Olivias (Yum!) and went swimming again. Mom took a nap and we cancelled our PS at Marakesh. We weren't too hungry after Olivias.

Once all was ready, we headed to Epcot for the evening. We snacked around France (DD got to see the Three Musketeers characters) and then went to ride Spaceship Earth. After SE, we went to the movie at Canada but in the middle of it my mom started shivering again. I took her out of the movie and she recuperated again but started getting sick. We immediately left Epcot and went back to OKW.

At OKW, we piled blankets on my mom but she was still very cold. We called the doctor at home and he said to get her to the emergency room. OKW told us the nearest hospital to take their insurance was in Celebration. Sis, BIL and dad drove her to the hospital while DW and I stayed at OKW to let DD sleep.

They called from the hospital and mom was going to stay for a while. She had low blood cell count and was going to need to be on an IV and monitored. They did not know when she would be out.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Five (Wednesday, 8/11):

With my mom in the hospital, obviously, plans were changed. Dad, sis and BIL came home around 7 AM and at 8 AM, BIL drove me, DW and DD to go see mom while everyone else rested. We spent the time in the hospital and DD got to play games with mom on the hospital bed. Mom was eventually moved to her own private room and the staff treated her well.

The first talk of Hurricane Charley was on tv, but it was dismissed by most people. Oops.

We were in the hospital most of the morning with a little break in the afternoon at the OKW swimming pool. My DW, DD and I decided to go to Epcot for a little bit and were able to ride SE and just walk around a bit.

My mom wanted us to have some fun on vacation, so we decided that everyone else would go back to MK the next morning to go on some rides (Dad really wanted to see Mickey Philharmagic) before visiting her in the hospital.

That night we went to DTD for some more shopping and bought the Pal Mickey as a surprise for DD.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Six (Thursday, 8/12):

Woke up early for MK and got there just when EMH started. We headed to Tomorrowland and did Buzz Lightyear. What a blast. Dad and BIL then went to Space Mountain while the rest went to Astro Orbiter.

After that, we went to Pooh and then Mickey's Philharmagic. Blown away by MPHM. That was incredible. In the meantime, I had gotten fast passes for Splash Mountain and BTMRR and got to go on those again.

It was now around 11:30 and we then headed over to the hospital for a visit. Mom was doing better but they still didn't know when she would be out. Again, DD got some great, quality playtime with Mom.

Lots of talk in the hospital about the hurricane. Nurses and doctors were all discussing its potential and what might happen.

For the evening, Dad, Sis and BIL went to MGM while we stayed with mom the rest of the time. Thought it wasn't the park, it was good to talk with her.

Late evening brought another round of DTD shopping while dad watched DD while she was sleeping. When we got back to OKW, there was a phone message telling us about the parks and Hurricane Charley. They said the parks would only be open until 1 PM and that was subject to change.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Seven (Friday, 8/13):

Friday the 12th couldn't have been more aptly named for the Hurricane Day! We woke up to more phone messages reminding us of the early closures. A notice also requested we bring the furniture in from the patio.

We tried, unsuccesfully, to extend our check out time so we sadly packed up (we loved it there) and went over to Sheraton Safari. The roads were a mess. I think most people were let off work early for the hurricane and it showed. It took about 25 minutes to get from OKW to Sheraton Safari but we eventually arrived there and checked in to our adjacent rooms.

By now it was 11:15 and there was a reported curfew of 2 PM out there. We went to go see my mom and the roads were a little lighter now. She was doing ok and the staff was told they would need to plan on spending the night at the hospital.

We visited for awhile and then, when the road curfew was approaching, my dad decided to stay with my mom while everyone else went back to the hotel. I think my mom really appreciated that. We didn't want our DD to stay in the hotel during the hurricane so we went back to the Safari.

The drive back was uneventful and we were at the hotel by about 1:30 PM. We tried to get some burgers and fries for DD but the restaurants were either closed or the lines were horrendous. We had pretzels and peanut butter for her to ride out the storm.

The hurricane itself was incredible. The first band came through about 2:10 PM or so and it was intense and short. Then, it was pretty calm for the next 3 - 4 hours. The local weather on TV did a good job keeping us informed. We played games, chatted and hung out in our hotel rooms.

The really strong part started about 6 PM and lasted for the next 4 - 5 hours. Not to bore all with the details, but it was an incredible experience. The wind, rain, howling and sheer magnitude of it was amazing. The most intersting part, to me, was how the wind shifted direction once the eye passed. The trees literally shifted direction.

We kept checking our flights for the next day and everything said it was on time. Yeah, right. We also kept touch with my parents and the hospital was doing fine.

At the hotel, the electricity went out for good around 9:30 PM so we went to bed and waited for the next day.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Eight (Saturday, 8/14):

Saturday, otherwise known as the day we were all supposed to leave Orlando. The Sheraton Safari had a nice breakfast buffet, we ate, checked out and then drove over to the hospital.

I-4 was at a standstill and, luckily, we saw this before getting to the on ramp. We went the backways, through WDW, and were shocked at the devestation to the trees. There were trees, signs, lights all twisted and destroyed. Trees totally uprooted or broken in half. Wow!

We got to the hospital and aside from the trees, it had fared well. We visited with my mom for a while and talked to some doctors. She was getting much better and hoped she would be out by Monday. My parents had already changed their flight to Tuesday, my sis and BIL had changed theirs to Monday but we were still thinking we could get out today.

As my wife likes to say, I am full of "naive optimisim". Our flight was scheduled for 5, we called Delta, they said it was on time so off we went to the airport. That was a mistake! The airport was abysmally crowded and nothing moved. At all. We were in line to check in our bags and they were saying that security wasn't even open yet! Our flight was scheduled to go in about 90 minutes, nobody was going through security and the entire atrium was filled with people.

Enough was enough so we called Delta and changed to Monday. In a whirlwind ten minutes, we then secured a rental car, got the car and booked two rooms back at the Sheraton Safari. We then went back to the hospital to visit some more.

We figured the whole ordeal had been tough on our DD so we took her to MK that night and had the most fun we could, given the circumstances. We drove to WL and took the boat to MK. We went to Philharmagic, Peter Pan, watched Spectromagic and then went back to the Sheraton Safari to sleep.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Nine (Sunday, 8/15):

My mom was still in the hospital, but the rest of us had breakfast at the Safari again. We decided that since we now had two cars, DD, DW and I would go to MGM for a few hours and then meet everyone else at the hospital. It was a good thing we had the APs so we could go for a little bit and then get back to the hospital.

We went to MGM and did ToT - which DD thought was OK. She liked all of it except for the drop. She loved the theming, the ride vehicle, even the ghosts. She just didn't care for the drop and we did Playhouse Disney. We then drove over to the hospital to visit.

We spent the rest of the day at the hospital and were thrilled that my mom was finally getting released. It was about 4:30 when she was discharged and we got out to the car and my BIL had a flat tire. Due to the hurricane, when he called AAA, they told him it would be at least 5 hours and could be up to a day before anyone could respond. My BIL and DAD just changed the flat themselves and we all went back to the Sheraton Safari.

We got takeout Cuban food from a nearby, awesome Cuban restaurant, talked for a while and then all went to bed.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Day Ten (Monday, 8/16):

We had to pack up, yet again, as this was the day we were leaving. Albeit two days, one long hospital stay for my mom and one hurricane, late.

No parks today. We ate breakfast together and then we packed up to hit the airport (our flight was the earliest). The airport was still crowded but it wasn't too bad. It took a while to get through security.

We finally made it home and were completely exhausted.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Postscript:

Though it wasn't what any of us envisioned, we can't say it was a bad time either. We really got to spend a lot of time together as a family, and isn't that what vacations are supposed to be about?

Not one month after the vacation was over, my mom had to go back into the hospital and this time she was not able to recover. She passed away in September due to the cancer, too young but having accomplished so many things in life.

Looking back, it was a gift to be able to spend so much time with her on the trip and especially for our DD to have extended, fun time with Grandma. We have great pictures of them playing together and it will mean a lot in the long run.

We look forward to many future WDW trips with our family.

Thanks for reading this far and have a great day!

 

[bajanswife]

Thanks for posting your story. I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom - but so glad you got to spend all that quality time with her and the rest of the family! I'm sure those memories are worth all the travel and hurricane problems you encountered!

 

[jeancbpugh]

I'm very sorry about your mom.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

I am very sorry about your mom, but it seems like this trip was a way for you to all have some quality time with her before she passed. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman.

 

[WDWLinda]

It was so nice that you all got a chance to get together...I'm sure your Mom was very happy to see you all there enjoying yourselves. Its nice that she had fresh happy memories at the end.

So very sorry for you and your family.

~Linda

 

[bigsis1970]

Thanks for sharing your trip and wonderful memories of your family vacation with your mom.. (hugs to your family for your loss) Michelle

 

[CadiesMom]

I am so sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing your trip with us and I know that you will find comfort in the months to come remembering the time you spent with your mom!

 

[Minniespal]

So sorry about your mom ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[VAN]

Thanks for sharing your story. I lost my Dad this past July to lung cancer (no, he never smoked) ... it is very difficult to lose someone you love. In our case, we had many close calls through the years with his heart so viewed every day as a blessing. He made it through another heart trauma (4" stint) only to find out a couple months after that that he had cancer.

He fought the good fight for 2 years, but eventually it was time for him to go Home. We feel that the blessing was that God eased him out of our lives little-by-little during his fight and when he finally went Home we were ready to let go. We still have my Mom and were very concerned about her, but she seems to be doing fine.

Thanks for sharing your story.

 

[Credit Man]

So sorry for your loss.