A Halloween Adventure in Autism (11/12) New Thread Begun on TR Board!

[moparop]

If we want to sound "old" we say I'm surfing the net.

If we want to sound "young" we say I'm on-line.

You heard it here first, folks!


Kathy

I dunno that I can keep up being cool much longer.

 

[irish dancer]

Phew! All caught up......miss a few days and you can be a few pages behind on this thread!

Sorry about Ed's phone but congrats on finally getting the check! At least it will help ease the sting of the extra expense and it couldn't be any better timed.

Been thinking a lot about your trip this week, we were in WDW this week last year....

 

[All7OfUs]

Well, 3 pages later, I am finally able to say, "COOL BEANS!" That is awesome news about your retro check, which is almost as cool as saying that retro phrase, "I'm surfing". Retro is IN, baby!

Going to find my leg warmers and mini skirt now.

 

[KathyRN137]

Ahhh...

That makes Jeff old and me young. Given what we typically say. Although more often than not I just say I'm putzing. Which probably sounds older than any of it!

There just comes a point when you are old enough to say what you want and not worry how it sounds!!

I dunno that I can keep up being cool much longer.

It's exhausting, isn't it?

Phew! All caught up......miss a few days and you can be a few pages behind on this thread!

Sorry about Ed's phone but congrats on finally getting the check! At least it will help ease the sting of the extra expense and it couldn't be any better timed.

Been thinking a lot about your trip this week, we were in WDW this week last year....

And I'll be thinking about you guys as well!

Well, 3 pages later, I am finally able to say, "COOL BEANS!" That is awesome news about your retro check, which is almost as cool as saying that retro phrase, "I'm surfing". Retro is IN, baby!

Going to find my leg warmers and mini skirt now.

Don't forget to put a dozen rubber bracelets on your arms!!


Kathy

 

[Hedy]

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm so sorry to hear about the additional expense!!! Not fun. But YIPPEE on the unexpected income finally coming in.

I hope this extra income pushes the guilty feelings away and instead brings some of the excitement and magic back....you are very close to single-digit dancing!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Don't forget to put a dozen rubber bracelets on your arms!!

Anyone remember Peter Pan boots? I think they're back now... just not called Peter Pan boots anymore....

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Hedy!

I'm so sorry to hear about the additional expense!!! Not fun. But YIPPEE on the unexpected income finally coming in.

I hope this extra income pushes the guilty feelings away and instead brings some of the excitement and magic back....you are very close to single-digit dancing!

Thanks, Brook! I'm also looking into picking up a few extra hours of work with another doctor. Working part-time is great because of more time at home, but of course it means less $$ in the paycheck. I really need a bit more than 2 days a week, which is pretty much what I'm working now.

You are going to be a full-time SAHM soon, so I know you're contemplating all these issues a lot lately. One of my sisters decided to quit her high-stress job last year to be a SAHM and she has loved it, despite the proverbial "tightening of the belt."

Anyone remember Peter Pan boots? I think they're back now... just not called Peter Pan boots anymore....

I had a pair of those!! You would not believe all of the retro-eighties stuff that's out there in the "teen" clothing stores now.... the fluorescent colors, the paint-spattered sweatshirts, checkered Vans, the lace fingerless gloves a la Madonna, etc. (!) My DSis and I were cracking up when we took the girls shopping the other day... its all the stuff that was out there when we were their age!


Kathy

 

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks, Brook! I'm also looking into picking up a few extra hours of work with another doctor. Working part-time is great because of more time at home, but of course it means less $$ in the paycheck. I really need a bit more than 2 days a week, which is pretty much what I'm working now.

You are going to be a full-time SAHM soon, so I know you're contemplating all these issues a lot lately. One of my sisters decided to quit her high-stress job last year to be a SAHM and she has loved it, despite the proverbial "tightening of the belt."

Oh yep, I've been thinking about all those issues a lot! Much of my time lately has been learning to stretch a buck and save a buck. It's been a great learning experience!

I hope you are able to pick up a few more hours to help with that bottom line.

 

[mousescrapper]

So, you're trying to figure out how to get from here to there or from there to here on property using Disney transportation? The folks at Our Laughing Place have got a service called "Transportation Whiz" that can take the guessing out of your situation:


http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.aspx

Yep I found this site/whiz-thing a while back too...thought it was quite cool too!

Ed dropped his cell phone on a concrete floor and it was destroyed. He really needs one for work, so it was a necessary replacement. There goes another couple of hundred dollars... even with a rebate.





I was getting so excited but now I'm feeling so guilty... and a bit sad. Ed says we'll probably have to skip 2010.

Guess I'll just have to squish two years worth of magic out of this trip!

sorry to hear that Kathy....whether you go in 2010 or not, you have your Dis, BLOG, and Twitters to keep that Disney mood in the air

Wow! DIS-Karma moves fast!

Ed found out that a tidy little retro check that he's been waiting to receive for a very long time will be coming next week!

hope that helps cushion the blow

Scrappie

 

[eandesmom]

There just comes a point when you are old enough to say what you want and not worry how it sounds!!

Kathy

So true. And it is a BEAUTIFUL thing!

 

[KathyRN137]

Well, Ed's little retro check notwithstanding, I've decided to take a look at our upcoming trip expenses and do a bit of trimming where posssible.

First: Transportation

We found after our very first trip to WDW in 2003 that the Mears shuttle was a bit of a stressor for Billy after a three hour plane ride. Since then, despite the institution of Disney's Magical Express, we've always spent a little extra on car service to and from MCO. I always thought of it as an investment... anything that would help Billy tolerate the hustle and bustle of travel was worth it IMO.

But, we started doing this when he was six; he's eleven now and better able to handle transitional situations despite the symptoms of his autism.

With this in mind, I called DVC Member Services this morning and made arrangements for ME. Fortunately they were able to accommodate us; I was worried that at three weeks out it would be too late to make the arrangements. And so, we will be using Disney's ME for the very first time.

Pro: Saves about $175 for round trip. (with tip)
Con: Earlier pick-up times... will probably lose an hour or two of park time on our last day.

I'm fairly confident after reading so many TRs that I know how it works, but if you have any special tips, I'd be happy to hear them!

On the New Jersey end, car service to and from JFK airport (NYC) is more expensive. It's usually around $200 one way, plus tip. Ed is going to ask his brother to drive us to the airport on 10/30, so that will help. Due to his schedule, he won't be able to pick us up on 11/7, so we'll pay for transportation home.

Pro: Saves about $225.
Con: Having to ask a favor.


Total Transportation savings = $400


Second: Park Tickets

Typically we like to get Park Hoppers; its just nice to have the flexibility. I can save $56 per person by purchasing 7-Day non-park hoppers. I currently have two days on my itinerary scheduled for hopping... that can be always be tweeked.

Pro: Saves $225
Con: 1) Will have to do DHS all day on a Fantasmic Day, and 2) Will have to move one of my ADRs.

On the positive side, Disney has been adding more showings of Fantasmic throughout the month of October. If the trend continues through the first week of November, DHS should not be quite as crowded on Fantasmic days.


So.... with a few cuts here and there, we will save a total of ~ $625!

The Baic Dining Plan will cost us $160 per day, or $1280. So, with the money I'll save I figure that covers almost half of our Dining Plan!

Gosh, it really stinks that we DVCers couldn't get in on Free Dining!


Kathy

 

[eandesmom]

That is significant savings on the transportation, definitely worth it!
I think you'll only lose about an hour on ME versus car....and as long as you don't have an early morning flight, it is well worth it.

Park hoppers...tougher call. I believe though, if you get there and find you really need to hop, they can change them and you just pay hopping for whatever days are left on your ticket.

YAY for paying for the DDP!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Sorry I've been MIA...I've been reading along, but not commenting much....my life is so crazy!!

I can't believe you are leaving in 3 weeks!! YAY!!!

I think we are all feeling the pinch financially lately. And if it's not one thing, it's another. Time spent with family is something you can't put a price on...try to relax and just enjoy! (and all the "trimming the fat" ideas look great!)

Love all the retro pics! We did LTT when they had characters as well..probably won't go back without them.

 

[mousescrapper]

Kathy,

those are some great savings to be made...good for you

Tips for DME:

1) FYI Michael has ridden the DME all 3 of his trips...and it has been just fine!

2) Prep Billy well so he understnads the change, show him a picture of the bus, maybe make up a quick social story/time line


* arrive at airport

* get off plane

* restroom break

* snack break?

* taking mini monorail to other side of airport

* checkin for bus

* wait on red carpet

* get on big fancy bus

* HOPE you have the one w/ the "movie"

you get the idea!

I'm sure he'll be fine! Michael loves the video and that keeps his atrention for pretty much the whole ride (it starts shortly into your travel) knowing how much Billy loves his videos..it should be good!

J-

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Wow...good job with all the savings!!! Want to evaluate MY trip?!?!

 

[jcc0621]

Awesome savings

ME tip. Pack a complete change of clothes for everyone in their carry on. The 1st time we used it Jim's bag was picked by TSA for extra search and for some reason the tore the luggage tags off the suitcase. He did not get his suitcase until 4pm the next day!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Great savings!!

Park Tickets

Typically we like to get Park Hoppers; its just nice to have the flexibility. I can save $56 per person by purchasing 7-Day non-park hoppers. I currently have two days on my itinerary scheduled for hopping... that can be always be tweeked.

Pro: Saves $225
Con: 1) Will have to do DHS all day on a Fantasmic Day, and 2) Will have to move one of my ADRs.

Bill and I had the same park hopper talk last night. We decided no park hoppers, the con is the exact situation as yours . Seriously, I am not trying to copy you, it is hilarious that we decided the same thing last night .

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

I am sorry that you have to tweak plans to cut costs but I am happy that you look like you've done a great job in doing so!

Does that make sense

As for ME - Gabriel never has a problem since they have a movie (Disney ad really) playing....It doesn't come on right away but it's not that bad of a wait. Is there a special snack/game you can slip him just in case there is a problem?

Gabriel was so sick of planes trains and automobiles on our first day because I planned too much. I should not have planned a dinner that evening at a Resort. That meant getting on a bus to a park then getting off/waiting and then getting on another bus and the same to get home. All that was after the trip to the park-n-go, the shuttle from the park-n-go, the plane ride, the MCO shuttle-rail thingys and the ME ride to Pop. Actually, I was pretty done with traveling that day.

I don't know what you have planned on your first day but you may want to make sure you don't make that mistake.

Do you guys get the flu shots? I was just wondering since you are in nursing. We don't do the shots, but we don't the flu either. I do catch a mean head cold from time to time and this year two weeks before our trip I started taking vitamin c out the ying yang!!! I was sick our previous trip and I was not having it this time

It seems that in our hub bub of trying to live life and get ready for a trip - I forget to take care of myself (eating right/sleeping well).

Make sure you take care of yourself so you can have the very best trip! I am hearing so many people are sick right now.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wow! I am so impressed with all the tweaking you have done! The most wonderful thing is that you haven't sacrificed anything big with any of it -- I have to say that we haven't park hopped the last few trips (even though I had added it to our tickets this past summer) and haven't missed it. It's actually very nice to be at just one park for an entire day (with an afternoon break thrown in).