A Pre Thanksgiving/Christmas Vacation, Our First Split Stay & Our 5th Trip to Disney!

[MAGGIED]

Shelly we stayed in the section with the trundle beds at POR... I think the mansions might be nicer... its not that the rooms were bad,,,, they were clean and spacious enough... just not my decor style... the bus stops were close and it was about a 5-7 minute walk to the dining area.... it did have a nice general store... and the boat to DTD was a really nice ride.... just bring a sweater as it is chilly on the boat at night

 

[JoBird]

Ask and ye shall receive...


Taken from The Mouse For Less--
http://themouseforless.com/downloads/kids/SchoolExcuse/SE1.shtml





School Excuse Sample Letter

DATE:

TO: [school official]

FROM:

RE: [students name and vacation dates]

Please be advised that [student] will be out of school during the week of [date]. We ask that his absences be excused.

The reason for [student]'s absence is that our family will be out of the state during this week. While we are gone, we will be visiting Walt Disney World. We believe that [student] will be learning many things during this trip and that his education will continue in his absence from school.

Some things [student] will learn about:

* Different cultures of the world, including architecture, language, diet, and dress, by visiting the different countries in the Epcot World Showcase (Japan, China, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Canada, France, etc.) [student] will have the chance to explore the exhibits for each country and speak with natives from each country who work as cast members.

* American history by viewing the Hall of Presidents presentation in the Magic Kingdom and the American Adventure show in Epcot.

* Nature and conservation at Animal Kingdom.

* Science by exploring the Mission:Space ride in Epcot where he will have a chance to see and feel what it would be like to travel by rocket to Mars and by experiencing the Universe of Energy exhibit which teaches about fossil fuels, energy, and conservation.

* Economics by managing his own spending money and making budget decisions on how to spend his money.

[student] will also be learning about map reading by navigating in and to the different theme parks, as well as the resorts and water parks via the Disney bus system, sociological aspects of crowds including patterns and behavior, physics of the different rides, breakthroughs in technology at the Innoventions computer lab in Epcot, art and animation and the history of film, and mathematics.

We believe this will be a wonderful and educational experience for [student] and hope you agree not to charge him with unexcused absences as a result. If it is possible for [student] to take any assignments with him to be turned in when we return or to turn in before we leave any work that will be due while he is gone, please let us know as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this. If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to contact me.

[Parent's Signture]

 

[MAGGIED]

Wow... that is an impressive letter... I believe you.... he is excused!!!

 

[JoBird]

I used it "tweaked" last year for my 8th grader. Didn't go over too well, LOL.

Jo

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hey Shelly! I too consider 8:30, 9...sleeping in!! but, we always stay late, so my kids do sleep till then...and we get up and start all over again!! Gonna hit some RD early in the trip so they will be energized!!!toward the end of the trip, I will ease up....I have done the commando...doesn't work for us because I am sooooo stressed at making them keep up with me that then Mike is aggravated and the kids whine. So... we are changing how we do it. I like going for the 8/9....it truly takes the pressure off for getting it all done. We started that 2 or 3 trips ago, ( the 8nights 9days )and it makes 'commando' not necessary!!

Exactly! No sense in stressing yourself. Every family has their own pace - ours just happens to me slow! At WDW that is. Probably because we are always running around here like crazy with a million things going on!

Yes this will be my first time at OKW .... I am very excited... I stayed at SSR with them before... it was okay... I thought the resort was way to big and it took forever to get anyplace.... though the rooms were nice and the resort was pretty.... it didn't have that lush look like CSR or CBR... they have also stayed at AK villas... they are staying at a treehouse villa in April!!!

A treehouse villa would be nice!

Shelly we stayed in the section with the trundle beds at POR... I think the mansions might be nicer... its not that the rooms were bad,,,, they were clean and spacious enough... just not my decor style... the bus stops were close and it was about a 5-7 minute walk to the dining area.... it did have a nice general store... and the boat to DTD was a really nice ride.... just bring a sweater as it is chilly on the boat at night

I actually requested the section with the trundle beds - Alligator Bayou. I like the looks of it better (on the outside) than the mansions. Plus the trundle would be nice! So we'll see what we get. . .

Ask and ye shall receive...


Taken from The Mouse For Less--
http://themouseforless.com/downloads/kids/SchoolExcuse/SE1.shtml

Thanks JO, I knew you would know what I was talking about!

How are you feeling today?

Wow... that is an impressive letter... I believe you.... he is excused!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Interesting...I have never had write a letter before explaining why we were going to miss school. My boys have been in both private and public schools. This is a new thing to me.

I know from what I have read getting the absence approved is more of a problem in the south. I have read a few TR's where people have had problems and even gotten in trouble for it down there. It's not really a problem up here, more of just a procedure we have to do so that it is not an illegal absence. I'm not sure what happens once they get older here. I think the school still approves it, there is just so much make up work that it kind of deters you from doing it.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

We've always had to write a letter too. I'm not too sure if it's for "approval" but just so they have a letter on file. Not sure if they would ever deny someone. Although then again, I guess you never know.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We've always had to write a letter too. I'm not too sure if it's for "approval" but just so they have a letter on file. Not sure if they would ever deny someone. Although then again, I guess you never know.

Oh yeah!! They will!! I have friends that had kids in high school down here they told them" go ahead and take 'em out...they are getting zeros for every assignment they are not here for. Vacation is not an excused absence. What if every kid wanted to go on vacation...."blah, blah, blah! I think they are all just bitter and jealous they don't take vacations like we all do!!!!! Ha!!! When my oldest son was in 1st and 2nd grade, we took him out for vacation. He was fine....but it just depends on who you talk to around here. Some teachers are okay with it, and just send extra homework....some Really give you an attitude and try to intimidate the parent and the kids. It's really stupid how they treat people.

 

[JoBird]

Oh yeah!! They will!! I have friends that had kids in high school down here they told them" go ahead and take 'em out...they are getting zeros for every assignment they are not here for. Vacation is not an excused absence. What if every kid wanted to go on vacation...."blah, blah, blah! I think they are all just bitter and jealous they don't take vacations like we all do!!!!! Ha!!! When my oldest son was in 1st and 2nd grade, we took him out for vacation. He was fine....but it just depends on who you talk to around here. Some teachers are okay with it, and just send extra homework....some Really give you an attitude and try to intimidate the parent and the kids. It's really stupid how they treat people.

We're in Arkansas- but last year, we had just moved back here from Pittsburgh PA- and had been planning on going to WDW for over a year- just b/c I knew that we could take them out and it would be excused in PA. Well, you would've thought the world was ending when it came time for my Middle Schooler to leave school here. The Principal was SO NASTY.
Like I said -I sent in that letter "Tweaked" a bit- b/c we were also going to tour the University of Florida, where my DD wants to go to college. We were gone for a total of ten days- she missed 6 days, I think.

It was awful. I'll never take her out of school again for any length of time.


I wish everywhere was as relaxed with the trips as PA. Two weeks excused as an educational trip is wonderful.

Heck- I think you could go to Billy Bob's Eat Place and you'd probably find something educational about it.

The study of Rodents, perhaps?

Jo

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We've always had to write a letter too. I'm not too sure if it's for "approval" but just so they have a letter on file. Not sure if they would ever deny someone. Although then again, I guess you never know.

Oh yeah!! They will!! I have friends that had kids in high school down here they told them" go ahead and take 'em out...they are getting zeros for every assignment they are not here for. Vacation is not an excused absence. What if every kid wanted to go on vacation...."blah, blah, blah! I think they are all just bitter and jealous they don't take vacations like we all do!!!!! Ha!!! When my oldest son was in 1st and 2nd grade, we took him out for vacation. He was fine....but it just depends on who you talk to around here. Some teachers are okay with it, and just send extra homework....some Really give you an attitude and try to intimidate the parent and the kids. It's really stupid how they treat people.

We're in Arkansas- but last year, we had just moved back here from Pittsburgh PA- and had been planning on going to WDW for over a year- just b/c I knew that we could take them out and it would be excused in PA. Well, you would've thought the world was ending when it came time for my Middle Schooler to leave school here. The Principal was SO NASTY.
Like I said -I sent in that letter "Tweaked" a bit- b/c we were also going to tour the University of Florida, where my DD wants to go to college. We were gone for a total of ten days- she missed 6 days, I think.

It was awful. I'll never take her out of school again for any length of time.


I wish everywhere was as relaxed with the trips as PA. Two weeks excused as an educational trip is wonderful.

Heck- I think you could go to Billy Bob's Eat Place and you'd probably find something educational about it.

The study of Rodents, perhaps?

Jo

Yeah, we are allowed 10 days for an excused educational absence. I probably would never have them miss more than 5-6 days at the most. Just too much make-up work. Most teachers have been wonderful about it. I had one with a sort of attitude. Maybe not, maybe just not as great as the rest have been. It's totally not up to the teacher anyway. It's up to the school. I don't think we will ever have a problem getting it excused. I just don't know how much longer it will be a good idea, once DS hits 7th grade.

I was reading one TR, I think they were in NC and these people are considering homeschooling because of all the trouble they had with the school.

My kids get excellent grades and rarely miss a day of school the entire year other than vacation. Actually I am sure last school year they both missed 5 days - for Disney. No other absences. So if they were always missing school, or if their grades were poor it would be a while different story. I wouldn't be taking them out for vacation. So it's a nice incentive for me to tell the boys they need to keep their grades up!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I think I'd like to change a few of my ADR's around. What do you think my chances would be at this point? Pretty slim, huh?

I am thinking of not having one on arrival day at all since we aren't even getting to Orlando until around 4 or so. Putting us at POR around 5-5:30. We could just eat at the food court. . . So that would mean that I could book one for that Friday (the day we check out of POR) since our DDP credits will be good until midnight the day we check out. Hmm. . . we will be checking into OKW that day. Not sure where we will want to eat that evening. . . I guess I should just go see if anything is even available. . . .

 

[JoBird]

What about OKW restaurant-- Olivia's?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What about OKW restaurant-- Olivia's?

I thought about that one. . . You never really hear much about the place. I've only ever read one review of it and it was a bad one. . . It sure would be helpful if I knew what we were going to be doing that day!! It's hard to plan because we don't know if our room will be ready at OKW or not. If it is then we can do whatever. If not, then we really need to find something to do until later in the afternoon. . . Oh my, I hope this split stay doesn't end up to be a nightmare!


Anyone been to Olivia's?

 

[Monny2AE]

Can't help you with Olivia's- never dined there.

I was just thinking of the school absence letter the other day. I'll need to write one for DS too I picked the last week of Jan on purpose because his school is closed Friday (we'll be on the road this day) and Monday. He will only miss Tuesday through Friday- 4 days. His teacher doesn't seem like the fun loving Disney type (which is ODD for a K teacher IMO) so I'm sure I'll get some comments.

Good luck switching those ADR's. You never know if someone else has canceled something and you'll luck out with a great ressie!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wow the online dining reservations are being a real pain in the behind! It keeps timing out and acting all crazy! I can't even bring up the restaurants I want to check. . . .

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay, it is working, but VERY slowly. So irritating!

So just by searching some of the resort restaurants (don't want a park TS since we don't know what we are doing that day, although the Epcot restaurants did pop up in my Boardwalk area search) all these are available for dinner that Friday night. I am really shocked!! Maybe this means we are in for low crowds!

~ Olivia's, Maya Grill, CA Grill, The Wave, Captain's Grille, Akershus, Biergarten, Rose & Crown, Bistro de Paris, Cape May, Kouzzina, Tokyo Dining, Kona Cafe, GF Cafe, Citricos, Narcoossee's, Cinderella's Royal Table, Crystal Palace, Boatwright's. . .

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Thanks for the BOO Shelly! Good Luck on getting an ADR!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Day 6 ~ Thursday November 12th:



This day may or may not begin with sleep in! Yes, we have no real early morning plans. Shocking, I know! We have a late breakfast ADR at Kona Cafe at the Poly. Never been there. I am going to have to try the famous Tonga Toast! After breakfast we will walk over to the TTC and take the monorail to Epcot! We usually open Epcot, so this will be new for us arriving there around 11:30-12. Of course we will do our 2 favorites - Test Track and Soarin! Probably several times, depending on the crowds. We will probably get fastpasses to use for later on too. DH and the kids will ride Mission Space. After my last experience on it I will be passing. We will ride Nemo and check out the Seas pavilion. We will ride Spaceship Earth and then watch our cool videos afterwards! We will probably ride Living with the Land, even though DS10 & I find it a bit boring. I'm sure we'll stop by Club Cool for some nasty drinks! If the line isn't too long at the Character Spot we will stop by there for some pics!

Then we will start our journey around World Showcase. Stopping by most of the countries. Definitely doing the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico and Maelstrom in Norway. I'd like to see the Chinese Acrobats since we have never timed it right to see them before. And I hear that Italy has the best snow-cones, so we will probably stop by there to try them! We have a dinner ADR at LeCellier. Really looking forward to it, it's my favorite! After dinner we will look for a good spot to watch IllumiNations.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks for the BOO Shelly! Good Luck on getting an ADR!

You're welcome!

Still can't decide which restaurant to book. . .

 

[Dancegrl624]

So does everyone else have to do a written request for an excused educational absence for their children's school? Ours has to be in no later than 2 weeks before we leave, but I like to have it in at least a month in advance. So I really need to get working on it! I used to just write random stuff about how educational WDW is and what I hoped they would learn on the trip and so on. Last year I used that excuse letter that is floating around here on the DIS somewhere and tweaked it a bit. Not sure what to say this year. I feel like I keep repeating the same stuff year after year! Of course it probably doesn't matter since it gets approved every time anyway! That is of course until DS10 hits middle school in 2 years!

All I did back in January was send the teacher an email requesting the work that Madison would miss. Since it was a surprise trip, I couldn't send in a note or anything like that. We don't have to get anything approved which is nice. When I went to the school to pick up her work, the secretaries were all excited for us! No one seemed to mind that she would be missing a week of school. Even when I was in HS, my friends that missed school due to vacation never had any problems.