A mom, a son, and a mission...We conquered Disney!

[disneydreamin247]

After reading many PTRs I decided maybe I should write one. Why not, right?

Well, let's start with the story behind this trip. Usually we go with my parents and my aunt and uncle and their three animals- er, I mean darling children . This year I decided I don't want to go during Easter break, which leaves out going with my aunt and her family.

My parents are unable to go because my sister (who is not my real sister which is a whole other story) had surgery for her scoliosis back in January and has been hospitalized pretty much since than. She is paralyzed as a result of the surgery. She came home for about a week and a half, but is in the hospital again because she's very sick. All of this has taken a big toll on DS. This trip has to be extra special for him.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Now let me introduce the cast, which is really just DS and I .

I'm 24 and a single parent. I love all things Disney. I have been going since my 5th birthday, but this will be my first time staying on property. Another wonderful part of going alone- I can do everything MY way! I am obsessive planner. I have OCD which only makes my planning more extreme. I know what I'm ordering in which restaurant, and have tips calculated and set aside.

I work in a bank and have some part time things I do for some bands and record labels. The bank is an odd job for me if you consider my lifestyle. I'm a vegetarian punk rock mama! But hey, it pays the bills right?

Then there's DS. He's 4. He looks like any other ordinary preschool kid but he has ASD and ADHD. He has been to Disney once. He can't wait to see the Power Rangers and the new Toy Story ride. His picture is in my signature but it's quite outdated. About a year and a half . I'll try to dig up some more recent photos of him and I.

Everyone keeps telling me I'm crazy for taking him alone and that I'll never be able to handle him for 10 days by myself. I think they're crazy for thinking us having special bonding time in the most magical place on Earth will be anything less than spectacular.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Our plans are finalized and the trip is FINALLY paid in full. We are staying 3 nights at Pop and 6 nights at WL. When the AP rate came out I booked WL for 6 nights with DDP. Then my bank was robbed while I was working and I said to myself "Self, the HECK with this. We need more vacation!" So that night I came home and booked 3 nights at Pop.

Getting my plans finalized was not so easy. I have been planning this trip for 6 1/2 months. We started at the Poly. Then our situation changed and it was out of our price range. We then booked Pop. We got a PIN and upgraded to CSR. Then we got ANOTHER PIN for a greater discount and booked CR in Garden Wing room. Then we were back at Pop. I think my TA hates me . She's probably thanking her lucky stars that I paid the trip off and won't be switching anything. Imagine how she would feel if she had to made my ADRs?

Today I did some shopping. I got my luggage set for $21.50! I had a $100 Amazon GC from my debit card rewards program. Ebags sells stuff in the Amazon marketplace. They also had a Labor Day sale. So the $135 luggage set I wanted sooooo badly is now ALL MINE! And for a mere $21.50! Now that is what I call budget .

Isn't it purdy?

I also went to Staples and got a new binder, stapler, hole puncher, and dividers. It's time to get serious! Then I went to the Disney store and picked up some $5 shirts. Now I'm tired lol.

 

[The Marsons]

I'm in!

The luggage set is gorgeous! Our littleone loves the Power Rangers too! Must be a 4 year old thing!

 

[disneydreamin247]

I'm in!

The luggage set is gorgeous! Our littleone loves the Power Rangers too! Must be a 4 year old thing!

There is other life out there? I thought I was talking to myself!

I thought the luggage was quite a bargain for $21.50! I fell in love with the set and was sure I wouldn't be able to get the colors I wanted. Yesterday must have been my lucky day! My DS has been in love with the Power Rangers for about 2 years now. He didn't get to meet them last trip so this time it's a must do.

 

[The Marsons]

That is a massive bargain!

We didn't meet them last year either, the line was massive and i kind of like hurried by fast (bad mommy). I won't do that this year though!

 

[disneydreamin247]

That is a massive bargain!

We didn't meet them last year either, the line was massive and i kind of like hurried by fast (bad mommy). I won't do that this year though!

I did the same thing! Hey in my defense it was like 97 degrees out during Easter break. I was entitled to one veto!

 

[The Marsons]

No excuses this time, it's Ocotber it will be cooler!

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Subbing! Love the luggage too!

I think its great to have time to bond with your son. This is going to be a fabulous trip!

 

[disneydreamin247]

No excuses this time, it's Ocotber it will be cooler!

lol yes and this time we have 10 days to do as we please! No other intrusive family members pulling us all different ways.

Subbing! Love the luggage too!

I think its great to have time to bond with your son. This is going to be a fabulous trip!

Welcome aboard! Please remain seated at all times and keep hands and legs inside the car at all times. You're in for a wild ride .

 

[disneydreamin247]

So I realized that 41 days is NOT a lot of time. I have many things left to buy:

-3 pairs of khaki shorts for Daniel (dinner attire)
-polo shirts for Daniel
-headphones...again for Daniel
-sneakers for Daniel (notice a trend here?)
-earplanes...guess who?
-Daniel's hopper

Luggage was a big one, but thank goodness I got that one out of the way. I ordered myself some new clothes today from Old Navy. I lost a ton of weight and have nothing that fits so yeh. I've been wearing the same 3 shirts for like 3 months lol. Gross huh?

Yesterday on my shopping extravaganza I went to Staples and got a binder and dividers to organize all my info. I went to Marshall's and they had NOTHING I need. I got a sweet Hurley hoodie for Daniel though. Priorities, right? I got 4 more shirts at the Disney store for Daniel. That was about it. Macy's had crap. I'll have to settle for Old Navy shorts for him.

 

[HARASW]

From one NY'er to another HI and a big
You and DS are going to have a great trip together. I just spent 5 days, mid August, at WL (my favorite hotel) with teen DS. It rained almost constantly but we had a great time.
The luggage set you bought is lovely.
Have you tried Target for clothing? They have wonderful kids clothes and even good stuff for us.
I am looking forward to hearing more!

 

[The Marsons]

Can't tell you the last time i bought me and my hubby new clothes, but the kids seem to get something new every week!

I've bought some of those khaki shorts for George, they look smart on boys for evening don't they?

 

[disneydreamin247]

From one NY'er to another HI and a big
You and DS are going to have a great trip together. I just spent 5 days, mid August, at WL (my favorite hotel) with teen DS. It rained almost constantly but we had a great time.
The luggage set you bought is lovely.
Have you tried Target for clothing? They have wonderful kids clothes and even good stuff for us.
I am looking forward to hearing more!

Welcome! I always check Target but they just never have anything whenever I go. It must be me because everyone I know picks up great stuff there. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE Target, but just not for kid's clothes.

Can't tell you the last time i bought me and my hubby new clothes, but the kids seem to get something new every week!

I've bought some of those khaki shorts for George, they look smart on boys for evening don't they?

They do! They're entirely better than my son's extensive collection of "punk rock" clothes as he calls them. We don't really go anywhere that requires dinner attire here so we have NO khaki shorts. Now that it's the end of summer it's so hard to find them. Eep!

Something I forgot to add to the list of things to buy is CONTACTS! I am freakin blind right now! I have no more contacts left and no glasses to wear. My one contact is burning the HECK out of my eye and I can't even take it our for two reasons. One is that I have nothing to put on to aid me in seeing the world. The second is that I'm afraid I'll never get it back in! Hopefully the eye doctor at Costco is in tomorrow and can see me. I can't even wear eyeliner, and I don't go ANYWHERE without eyeliner.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

So I realized that 41 days is NOT a lot of time. I have many things left to buy:

-3 pairs of khaki shorts for Daniel (dinner attire)
-polo shirts for Daniel
-headphones...again for Daniel
-sneakers for Daniel (notice a trend here?)
-earplanes...guess who?
-Daniel's hopper

Luggage was a big one, but thank goodness I got that one out of the way. I ordered myself some new clothes today from Old Navy. I lost a ton of weight and have nothing that fits so yeh. I've been wearing the same 3 shirts for like 3 months lol. Gross huh?

Yesterday on my shopping extravaganza I went to Staples and got a binder and dividers to organize all my info. I went to Marshall's and they had NOTHING I need. I got a sweet Hurley hoodie for Daniel though. Priorities, right? I got 4 more shirts at the Disney store for Daniel. That was about it. Macy's had crap. I'll have to settle for Old Navy shorts for him.

What are earplanes?

Congrats on the weight loss!!! Its fun to shop when you go DOWN in sizes not UP like i have.

 

[10_Kyle_10]

Count me in! Im so glad I was able to help you out with that CRT ADR, Im sure you two will LOVE it! I have so much to do before my trip as well, nice to see im not alone.

 

[disneydreamin247]

10/13

Flight lands at 10:10 AM
Check in at Pop
Dinner at Mama Melrose 4:50
DHS has EMH so we will stay there

10/14

Epcot AM EMH
DTD for the rest of the day
CRT 5:30

10/15

Crystal Palace at 8:15 AM
MK for the morning
AK for the evening

10/16

Check out of Pop
MK AM EMH
Check in at WL around 11
WCC for lunch at 12
Back to MK

10/17

HnV breakfast 8am
Coral Reef 2:50 pm
Epcot EMH

10/18

DHS AM EMH
50'S Prime Time 11:05
MK for the evening

10/19

'Ohana breakfast 8:30
free during the day
Sci Fi 6:00
DS EMH

10/20

DTD
Garden Grill 4:50
Epcot for the rest of the night

10/21

This is an open day until dinner
Liberty Tree Tavern 6:00
MNSSHP!!!

10/22
Check out of WL
WCC breakfast 10:00
Our flight doesn't leave until 7:10 PM so we have some time to enjoy before we go home. Maybe we'll head to DTD and get some yummy snacks to bring home from Goofy's Candy Co.

I know there's a lot of hopping going on there. I like a change of pace. A whole day in one park will drive me crazy!

 

[HARASW]

You are all set! Good for you!
Making me homesick for WDW even though I just came back!

 

[disneydreamin247]

What are earplanes?

Congrats on the weight loss!!! Its fun to shop when you go DOWN in sizes not UP like i have.

Thanks! It's fun but it also sucks when you have no money! lol

Earplanes are plugs for your ear. They reduce the pain and noise of take off.

check them out!

Count me in! Im so glad I was able to help you out with that CRT ADR, Im sure you two will LOVE it! I have so much to do before my trip as well, nice to see im not alone.

I reallyyyyyyyy appreciate that! I am so excited to try it. I have never been there yet.

 

[10_Kyle_10]

I never have either but my grandparents live about 30mins south of Disney and want to take us (Im 23, 24 on the 13th of Oct! My Girlfriend is 23) out to dinner that night so how could I say no ? I find it funny that we are going the exact same dates and from what I can see we wont be at any of the same parks during the same day.