A Dog, a monkey, 3 kids, and 2 crazy parents... Will we survive Spring Break?

[sl_underwood]

The Facts: April 1st-6th, staying at POR, hopefully meeting another Diser!

The Cast:
Me: OCDP (Obsessive Compulsive Disney Planner), Disboards Addict, and stay at home homeschooling mom of 3

DH: Total Geek, loves computers, video games, D&D, and is willing to shell out several thousand dollars just to shop at Tatooine Traders

DD 14: Tink- Total drama queen, suffers from chronic attituditus and thinks she knows way more than we do. That being said, she loves her siblings and is a great dd.

DD 11: Lilo- Total tomboy, loves animals, has a whole lot of blonde moments, was diagnosed shortly after our last trip with Aplastic Anemia and after two rounds of chemo and a whole lot of time in the hospital she is finally healthy enough to go back to the world!

Lilo's Cocker Spaniel Jefferey- she got him the day she came home to us!

DS 4: Tigger- He is so full of energy Loves Cars and Nemo. We are in the process of adopting him and will be celebrating his birthday on this trip! He is still technically in foster care so I cant post pics but I must tell you he is the cutest little boy I have ever seen!

And George the Monkey- Yes Curious George- cant wait to find out what kinds of trouble he and Tigger manage to get into at the World!

 

[sl_underwood]

So far our surprise trip is going off without a hitch, granted we are still 70 days out (69 in about another hour but who's counting). I am itching to tell the kids but my DH made me promise to keep it a secret! We chose the dates because Tigger's birthday is on the 5th but soon realized we could start our vacation on April Fools Day, kind of fitting huh?

DH has already told him he has a business conference in VA and they will be spending 4 days in a hotel while he attends. He did mention we could visit some museums and such while he was at this conference.
Tink immediately said she knew of atleast 3 friends she could stay with and told us she wasnt going. How she will die if she has to sit in a hotel room and not see her bff for an entire week. Anyone else have that kind of drama going on in their house?
Lilo said it might be fun as long as we stay somewhere with a pool and wanted to know if there were any zoos nearby, of course, Tink offered to drop her off at one, told her she would fit right in and Lilo had to call Tink a horses rear end and that officially ended our almost peaceful conversation. Tink and Lilo spent the next hour chasing each other around the house slinging insults!

Tigger doesnt really understand whats going on. We have told him he will be riding on a plane and going somewhere fun, thats about it. He has never been on vacation so this will be alot of firsts for him.

 

[sl_underwood]

Ok so I booked POR and made some dining reservations. I need to create park schedules and such. I am feeling completely overwhelmed. Though I have done disney once before never with a 4 year old. And now Tink knows about the trip. She is such a little sneak!! Lilo and Tigger still dont have a clue, not sure that will last though.

Dining Ressies are

Planet Hollywood for Tink
Mama Melrose for me- I love itallian
Rainforest Cafe for Lilo
Boma for DH
Raglan Road for DH and I anniversary dinner
Coral Reef for Tiggers Birthday dinner
and 1900 Park Fare for Tiggers birthday breakfast.

What do my many readers think of my choices? LOL

 

[winkers]

Sounds like a fun trip! I love the reference to attitudidos! My dd 12 is a chronic sufferer!
How did she figure out where you're going?

 

[sl_underwood]

She was eavesdropping while I was on the phone with disney dining, I stated I wanted a diver for my sons 5th birthday and she overheard. She then got mad at us for trying to surprise her but wants to keep it a secret from her siblings. She stated we should have told her from the beginning since she is almost an adult

 

[winkers]

I had to postpone doing my adr's for almost a week because I couldn't get a minute alone! My 14 ds thinks he's an adult too!

 

[sl_underwood]

atleast mine isnt the only one!

Today my ds is being difficult and its making me stress even more about our trip. Until his bio dads parental rights are terminated he has to visit with the grandparents who abused him, one afternoon each month. The termination process has been started but the court system is slow and these visits harm my son immensely. For about a week after each visit he is in a full out rage or in survival mode. He becomes violent, regresses, and no longer sleeps for more than 1 hour at a time. And the way the schedule works, he will have a visit about a week before we live for the world, unless of course, the legal system comes through for him before then but I wont hold my breath.

 

[sl_underwood]

So here's my touring plan, chances our its just the first of many. What do you think?

Tues Apr 1- TGM Green Day

Arrive- Hang out at Resort/ DTD
3:00 AM Leave for the Airport- Drive to the OKC Airport
6:20 AM On our Way! WooHoo!!
8:00 AM Breakfast- Eat at Airport/ Bring snacks for the plane
11:35 AM Arrive at MCO- Check in with ME
1:30 PM Arrive at POR- Check in and have lunch
4:00 PM If room is ready, explore the resort & swim. If not go to
DTD & Shop!
6:00 PM Dinner at Planet Hollywood- not accepting ADRs or
Boatwrights if we are running to late.
After dinner- Go back to the resort, settle in. Swim

Wed Apr 2


MGM Park Hours 9am-10pm

6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and get ready to head to the food court
for breakfast.
7:00 AM Mom, K & J order breakfast, while Dad and C find a table
and get drinks.
8:00 AM Be at the Bus Stop for MGM- Hopefully arrive at Opening
9:00 AM Get 2 FP for TOT, Ride RNR- Child swap- Head back to TOT
Morning Cars- Near Studio Backlot Tour-10:00, 10:55 & 11:50am,
1:30, 4:00 & 5:00pm
Morning Grab FP for Star Tours Check out Al’s Toy Barn
12:15 PM Head to Mama Melrose for 12:30 ADR
Afternoon-Ride Star Tours, Indy, Muppetvision, shop at Tatooine
Traders, beauty & beast
6:00 PM Have Dinner at Toy Story Pizza Planet
Evening See anything we missed, then head back to POR to swim
& relax

Thurs Apr 3


AK Park Hours 9 am-8pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and get ready to head to the food court
for breakfast.
7:00 AM Mom, K & J order breakfast, while Dad and C find a table
and get drinks.
8:00 AM Be at the bus stop for AK, hopefully arrive at opening
9:00 AM Dad & K- EE, Mom J & C get FP for K. Safari & head to
camp Minnie-Mickey
Morning Meet up and ride K. Safari. Take train to Rafiki- affection
section & Conservation
11:45 AM Head to Rainforest Café for 12:30 ADR
Afternoon-Visit Dino Land USA & check out anything we missed
5:30 PM Take a bus to AKL- Reservations at Boma 6:20 PM
Evening Check out AKL, then head back to POR to swim & relax

Fri Apr 4


MK Park Hours 9am-7pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and get ready to head to the food court
for breakfast.
7:00 AM Mom, K & J order breakfast, while Dad and C find a table
and get drinks.
8:00 AM Be at the bus stop for MK, hopefully arrive at opening
9:00 AM Dad & K get FP for Splash Mtn, ride BTMR, Mom take J & C
to ride Pooh, Mad Tea Party, Ariel, IASW, and Dumbo. Meet Dad &
K in Tomorrowland. Ride Space Mtn, Indy Speedway, Stitch, Buzz,
Monsters Inc.
12:30 PM Have Lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus
Afternoon-Dad, K & J ride Splash Mtn. Mom & C get FP for POTC.
Take C to ride Aladdin, find characters, etc while we wait. Ride
jungle cruise, POTC
5:30 PM Feed the kids at Columbia Harbor House
6:30 PM Head back to POR
Evening K babysits in room while Mom and Dad have a nice
evening out! Raglan Road 9 PM ADR

Sat Apr 5
Epcot Park Hours 9am-7pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and get ready to head to the food court
for breakfast.
7:00 AM Mom, K & J order breakfast, while Dad and C find a table
and get drinks.
8:00 AM Be at the bus stop for Epcot, hopefully arrive at opening
9:00 AM Head to Soarin for FP, Take C to ride Nemo and see
Crush. Ride Soarin. Head to Test Track and get FP. If time Check
out Innoventions.
12:00 PM Have lunch at Sunshine Seasons
Afternoon-Head back to ride Test Track, check out Innoventions
and World Showcase
5:30 PM Head to Coral Reef for Dinner
Evening Head back to POR to swim & relax

Sun Apr 6 Leave around 3pm
6:30 AM Wake up and get ready to leave, be on a bus by 8 am
9:00 AM Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
Morning Head to DTD to do last minute shopping
1 PM Earl of Sandwich
2:00 PM Head back to the resort, catch ME around 3pm to the
airport

 

[winkers]

I'm so sorry your son has to go through that! It must be hell on all of you.

 

[sl_underwood]

It is awful for him and for us. I just wish we didnt have to do it but there is a court order that I must produce him to a social worker and if I dont the judge will order him removed from my home. There are all sorts of things we have to do while we wade through the foster care system but in the end it will be all worth it.

 

[becca011906]

joining in the fun!!! Can't wait to read some more!!!

 

[Herasmus B. Dragon]

subbing - can't wait to hear more! Sorry about your son's previous family issues...I have a really hard time understanding why and how people can hurt children (physically and emotionally). I mean, how hard is it to just love a child? Just hug, kiss, laugh and play...that' it, that's all they really need. All of that is free and you would think comes naturally.

At least his future is secure with you, find peace in knowing that. You've saved him, and if you can just make it through the last few troublesome times, his life will be saved because of you! Wow - what a mom you are!

 

[sl_underwood]

Herasmus B. Dragon- My hubby and I feel the same way. We TTC for quite awhile and then decided to adopt. It infuriates us when so many who can conceive abuse and neglect their children. We chose to adopt older kids after seeing so many waiting children in foster care who would age out and never have a family. It seemed the right thing for our family.

So does anyone see any flaws with my schedule? Doable?

 

[Mrs Banks]

Subscribing also, first time here on the Pre-trip boards. Oh no i know where this is going to get me

Your planning sounds real good. I love that you are back each evening early for swim time. My kids are the happiest when they are finally back at the resort swimming their little hearts out.

We are also going in April and i may steal some ideas from your touring plans.

Bless your family and your little Tigger I have a 4 year old also and can not wait to see his face when he see's Mickey and the Gang

 

[sl_underwood]

My kids love to swim too and I know that the moment they see the pool at POR I will have to pull them away just to visit the parks. If I could, I would add a day just for swimming. Unfortunately it doesnt look like that will be an option. DD has to be at the hospital every monday from 9am-1pm for infusion treatments. I have been thinking about leaving that Monday afternoon, it would be really rushing but it might be worth it to have another full day. What do you all think?

 

[sl_underwood]

I cant decide if I want to do the ddp. And I am not sure about ADRs. I wanted to do a character meal and I wanted to do Boma but I dont know if my son will be fearful of characters and Tink said she wont eat at boma. The joy of teenagers! Tink also doesnt want to eat at any character meals. She thinks she is far to old for characters and if I make her go it will scar her in some way, lol. Lately she is being a total drama queen. Some days I think this vacation would be easier if we left her with grandma (not that I would) Is the ddp worth it, especially since I dont know if I can get my son to sit that long or interact with characters? What do you all think?

 

[Disney Brat]

Joining in on the fun!!

I can't offer you any real advice on the DDP. We have changed our minds countless amounts of times about it. Now we aren't going with it...lol We decided that we mainly will be doing CS meals, and we are not big into the deserts or anything. We will maybe do one or two character meals.

As for your DS being nervous of the characters, I cannot say. When we took DD, the first time, she had just turned 3. At first she was a bit nervous, but she did warm up to them right away. We just got back from a Mommy/Daughter trip, she is 4 and a half now, and she was fine with all of them. With her favorites, she is shy at first, I think she is 'star struck'!! LOL SO I really cannot say, my neice who is three weeks older than DD, she hates characters, and Santa...they will be with us on this upcomming trip, so I have no idea what my BIL is planning. Has DS seen other mascots or anything?? Maybe judge by his reaction to them....Sorry I couldn't be of more help!!

 

[sl_underwood]

He didnt like santa at all, and thats the only "character" he has seen thus far. I also worry he wont sit through the long meals. I have to do Rainforest Cafe (not on DP) for DD and my other dd loves Planet Hollywood and has asked we eat there. I think DS would love coral reef, he adores fish, will watch them for hours. I figured we could ask for a table next to the tanks and that would entertain him while we did a sit down meal. We also dont have alot of time so I am thinking no ts on MK day, I cant see being able to get everything in if we waste 2 hours eating one meal. I am thinking of doing beaches and cream on the MGM day. I know my kids would love the ice cream lol, I can probably get them to split a burger too.

 

[sl_underwood]

Disclaimer: Itinerary is subject to change and is in no way set in stone.

Tues Apr 1
ArriveHang out at Resort/ DTD
3:00 AM Leave home- Drive to the OKC Airport
6:20 AM On our Way! WooHoo!!
8:00 AM Breakfast- Eat at Airport/ Bring snacks for the plane
11:35 AM Arrive at MCO- Check in with ME
1:30 PM Arrive at POR- Check in and have lunch
4:00 PM If room is ready, explore the resort & swim. If not go to DTD & Shop!
6:00 PM Dinner- CS (either POR or DTD)
After dinner Settle in at POR. Swim

Wed Apr 2
MGMPark Hours9am-10pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and eat breakfast in our room.
8:00 AM Be at the Bus Stop for MGM- Hopefully arrive at Opening
9:00 AM Mom, J, & C get FP for RNR, Dad & K ride TOT
Morning Cars- Near Studio Backlot Tour-10:00, 10:55 & 11:50am, 1:30, 4:00 & 5:00pm
Morning Grab FP for Star Tours Check out Al’s Toy Barn
11:30 PM Have Lunch at Pizza Planet
Afternoon Ride Star Tours, Indy, Muppetvision, shop at Tatooine Traders, beauty & beast. See Playhouse Disney characters, Incredibles, Power Rangers, Kim Possible
4:40 PM Take the boat over to Beach Club and have dinner at Beaches & Cream
Evening Head back to POR to swim and relax

Thurs Apr 3
AK Park Hours9 am-8pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and eat breakfast in our room.
8:00 AM Be at the bus stop for AK, hopefully arrive at opening
9:00 AM Dad & K- EE, Mom J & C get FP for K. Safari & head to camp Minnie-Mickey
Morning Meet up and ride K. Safari. Take train to Rafiki- affection section & Conservation
11:45 AM Head to Rainforest Café for 12:30
Afternoon Visit Dino Land USA & check out anything we missed
5:30 PM Dinner at CS- maybe Pizzafari or Yak & Yeti?
Evening Head back to POR to swim and relax

Fri Apr 4
MK Park Hours9am-7pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and eat breakfast in our room.
8:00 AM Be at the bus stop for MK, hopefully arrive at opening
9:00 AM Dad & K get FP for Splash Mtn, ride BTMR, Mom take J & C to Fantasy Land. Meet Dad & K in Toontown. Dad, K&J to Space Mtn & Stitch, Mom & C Toontown, meet at Indy Speedway, do Buzz & Monsters Inc. Meet Buzz for autographs and pictures!
12:30 PM Have Lunch at Cosmic Rays
Afternoon Dad, K & J ride Splash Mtn. Mom & C get FP for POTC. Take C to ride Aladdin, find characters, etc while we wait. Ride jungle cruise & POTC
5:30 PM Feed the kids at Columbia Harbor House
6:30 PM Head back to POR
Evening K babysits. Mom & Dad off to Raglan Road 9 PM

Sat Apr 5 EpcotPark Hours9am-7pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and eat breakfast in our room.
8:00 AM Be at the bus stop for Epcot, hopefully arrive at opening
9:00 AM Head to Soarin for FP, Take C to Nemo & Crush. Ride Soarin. FP for Test Track
12:00 PM Have lunch at Sunshine Seasons
Afternoon Head back to ride Test Track, check out Innoventions and World ShowcaseTry and catch Alice, Snow White, Mary Poppins, Mulan, and Pooh
5:30 PM Head to Coral Reef for Dinner 5:50 ADR
Evening Head back to POR to swim & relax

Sun Apr 6 Leave around 3pm
6:30 AM Wake up, dress, and eat breakfast in our room.
Morning Head to DTD to do last minute shopping
11:30 AM Lunch at Planet Hollywood
2:00 PM Head back to the resort, catch ME around 3pm to the airport

 

[sl_underwood]

The secret is out! My sister told Lilo yesterday and Lilo told Tigger so the cat is out of the bag. Tigger found out today he must wear glasses, any idea on how to keep glasses on a 4 year old? And the bigger question, how long will it take for him to break them?

I am stressing even more and I only have 55 more days to make everything perfect. DH still wants to have a big surprise for the kids and I cant think of anything we could do that would add to the disney magic and be a secret. We talked about adding an extra day but dd wont be up for a flight after infusion and blood work, she will need the rest of the day to rest and prepare for our vacation. DH thinks he may add waterparks, but I have no clue how we would fit those in. I tried to get an upgrade to a deluxe hotel but they were all booked up.