A SUMMER Adventure in Autism (6/26) We leave TOMORROW!

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy! I was laughing when I read the beginning of your PTR- I also swore at one point to NEVER visit Florida in the summer! My Mom and I were laughing the other day when we wondered what the weather's going to be like on the 4th- I can't remember the last time it's been anything other than 70-75 degrees around here. When we went to WDW in December 2010 however, it was truly 30 degrees outside and we didn't mind at all. I definitely prefer 30 degrees to 100 degrees!

It is going to be soooo hot! We plan to spend a lot of time in the pool and the A/C!

Thanks for joining in!

Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Day Four. Sunday, June 30.

Today we will be visiting EPCOT!

These are the items on Billy's Must-Do list:

1. Soarin'

2. Test Track

3. Mission Space - Green

4. Spaceship Earth

5. Captain EO (I know, I know... )


I'm hoping we can get all these done before we grab a counter service lunch (Sunshine Seasons? Electric Umbrella?) Then it will be back to Kidani to cool off with a swim!


In the evening we'll visit World Showcase and see some of the live performances. There is a wonderful site called Walt Disney World Live Entertainment that lists showtimes so you can plan ahead of time if you'd like. I'd especially like to see:

Matsuriza - the Taiko Drummers in Japan

Miyuki - the Candy Artist, also in Japan

Voices of Liberty - a cappella singers in the American pavilion

Jeweled Dragon Acrobats - China


We have a late dinner reservation at Via Napoli; this will be our first time eating here -- so excited!

We'll ask to be seated out of the sight line of the three pizza ovens, Stromboli, Vesuvio and Etna because Billy is very much afraid of fire...

I'm not sure if we'll stay for Illuminations. It's kind of a pain having to scout out a good spot and then wait for 30-45 minutes with Billy -- unless we bring along his Nintendo DS -- which may not be a bad idea!


Only twenty-three more days -- it's getting exciting!
Thanks for reading!


Kathy

 

[eandesmom]

I'm here! Didn't realize this was going now to catch up

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I love Epcot!

I wanted to try Via Napoli this past trip, but it just didn't happen. Can't wait to hear how you like it!

 

[KathyRN137]

I'm here! Didn't realize this was going now to catch up

Hi Cynthia! So glad you're here! I just finished your epic Girl's Trip TR!

I love Epcot!

I wanted to try Via Napoli this past trip, but it just didn't happen. Can't wait to hear how you like it!

I hear it's wonderful -- I'm really looking forward to it!


Kathy

 

[scottny]

Dinasuar is really loud at the end.
Devine is so wonderful to see.
Sanaa is one of the best restaurants on property. I will be interested in your Via Napoli review. We are eating there in December for the first time.

 

[tazdev3225]

I try and see Miyuki every trip. A few years ago I had my oldest DGS with us and we watched 2 shows. He loved watching her work. We were leaving but asked if she would be there the following day, She looked at my grandson and asked what he would like, this was when she still gave the candy away. She stayed and made an extra candy just for him because she said he was a nice boy, very polite. He still talks about it. I was so thrilled for him.

I ate at Via Napoli 2 years ago with a friend and really enjoyed it there. The food and atmosphere was wonderful. I even have pictures I promised never to post anywhere of a couple servers clowning around posing for me. I'm debating there and Teppan Edo or Rose and Crown for my december trip.

I would take the DS to occupy your son. Works like a charm with my escape artist, sorry my DGS who has no waiting skills.

 

[KathyRN137]

Dinasuar is really loud at the end.
Devine is so wonderful to see.
Sanaa is one of the best restaurants on property. I will be interested in your Via Napoli review. We are eating there in December for the first time.

Hey Scott -- are you home?

I can't wait to try Sanaa and Via Napoli!

I try and see Miyuki every trip. A few years ago I had my oldest DGS with us and we watched 2 shows. He loved watching her work. We were leaving but asked if she would be there the following day, She looked at my grandson and asked what he would like, this was when she still gave the candy away. She stayed and made an extra candy just for him because she said he was a nice boy, very polite. He still talks about it. I was so thrilled for him.

What a memory! (And great reinforcement of good manners!)

I ate at Via Napoli 2 years ago with a friend and really enjoyed it there. The food and atmosphere was wonderful. I even have pictures I promised never to post anywhere of a couple servers clowning around posing for me. I'm debating there and Teppan Edo or Rose and Crown for my december trip.

I would take the DS to occupy your son. Works like a charm with my escape artist, sorry my DGS who has no waiting skills.

It's fun to squeeze in a few "new" restaurants each trip!

Yes, I think you are right -- the handheld video games are a lifesaver!



Kathy

 

[indimom]

Looks like you've got a good plan for Epcot. Can't wait to hear your review of Via Napoli. It's looks very nice!
I would give the DS a try. I love Illuminations! Ireally, really hope I can convince my family to stay with me to watch it during our trip. I missed it on every single one of our (many) Epcot days during our 2010 trip.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great Epcot plans. Knock out FW in the morning & enjoy strolling around the WS in the evening. We really enjoyed Via Napoli.

 

[mebbradley]

Oooh.. I must read your PJ! I am obsessed with having a Disney Vow Renewal someday and so I may need to stalk you...

Edited to add: Darn. Just realized I will be traveling still and will miss your wedding. I was so hoping to hang around the WP and get a glimpse of you...

Hey! You haven't updated since April! You had better get on the ball, your day is coming up SOON!


Kathy

It's on my goal list for this week! I promise!!

 

[25eels]

Kathy! I'm so excited to read your PTR. Your past TRs were how I figured out how to do WDW with my daughter with autism. I've referred to them time and again.

This will be our fourth summer visit and I find it very manageable. There's always somewhere to duck into to get out of the heat. Can't wait for more!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Love the flow of your plans, the wait for Illuminations is a bit much to have a good spot, I've managed through by buying my kids ice cream. That usually keeps them busy plus we bring a toy for them to play with until the show begins. I think the DS is a great idea for Billy. We also bring headphones, don't know if Billy needs that or not, it's such a pain lugging around two sets of headphones, they take up my whole bag, but it's worth it.

 

[eandesmom]

I'm all caught up! Your plans look lovely and I am so happy that you and Ed are taking time for you. It is SO important and Sanaa is a lovely place to do it at.

Mnnn...Via Napoli. I wish I was eating there tonight!

 

[KathyRN137]

Looks like you've got a good plan for Epcot. Can't wait to hear your review of Via Napoli. It's looks very nice!
I would give the DS a try. I love Illuminations! Ireally, really hope I can convince my family to stay with me to watch it during our trip. I missed it on every single one of our (many) Epcot days during our 2010 trip.

I'm more of a Wishes gal, but if we can make it I'd love to catch Illuminations! Especially since this will be the only evening we have planned at Epcot.

Great Epcot plans. Knock out FW in the morning & enjoy strolling around the WS in the evening. We really enjoyed Via Napoli.

WS is tough with Billy because he always wants to DO something! Strolling, sipping & snacking is not his thing. Thank goodness for the live entertainment!

It's on my goal list for this week! I promise!!

I'm sure you are busy... wedding day is coming up soon!

Kathy! I'm so excited to read your PTR. Your past TRs were how I figured out how to do WDW with my daughter with autism. I've referred to them time and again.

This will be our fourth summer visit and I find it very manageable. There's always somewhere to duck into to get out of the heat. Can't wait for more!

Hello and It's so good to hear you say that trips are becoming more manageable (I do find that many aspects of our touring are easier now that Billy is older) and I'm happy if my TRs have helped you in any way!

Love the flow of your plans, the wait for Illuminations is a bit much to have a good spot, I've managed through by buying my kids ice cream. That usually keeps them busy plus we bring a toy for them to play with until the show begins. I think the DS is a great idea for Billy. We also bring headphones, don't know if Billy needs that or not, it's such a pain lugging around two sets of headphones, they take up my whole bag, but it's worth it.

Luckily he uses the ear buds for his DS and the squishy ear plugs for loud noises, so they don't take up as much room!

I'm all caught up! Your plans look lovely and I am so happy that you and Ed are taking time for you. It is SO important and Sanaa is a lovely place to do it at.

Mnnn...Via Napoli. I wish I was eating there tonight!

Me too! I think Sanaa is the perfect choice because (1) we've never tried it before so that will be fun and (2) it's right there at the resort so we can hotfoot it back to the villa if Billy starts acting up on Tricia. Hopefully he will be really tired and just crash! Hopefully I won't!


Thanks for reading everyone; will update with MK plans tomorrow! (Ooh, look at that ticker -- two weeks!!)


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

From today's Disney Parks Blog:

No need to wait until July Fourth to celebrate America’s birthday at Disney Parks – we have seven days of “Limited Time Magic” surprises planned for the entire Independence Week (July 1-7), including nightly fireworks spectaculars at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. And today, we have new details to share with blog readers.

At Walt Disney World Resort, the July Fourth fireworks spectacular will rocket into the air above Cinderella Castle every night with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” The dazzling display at Magic Kingdom Park will be orchestrated to an upbeat musical tribute to America as patriotic lighting covers the Castle.

The Walt Disney World Resort fireworks spectacular takes place at 9 p.m. on July 3 and 4, and 10 p.m. on July 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7.

Walt Disney World Resort guests will also be treated to a fun-filled spectacle as Goofy, Donald and Pluto, dressed as a colonial fife and drum corps, join a spirited procession down Main Street, U.S.A, prior to the daily Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at Magic Kingdom Park. The pre-parade features the Main Street Philharmonic, Citizens of Main Street and Walt Disney’s historic horse-drawn calliope.

Across the Resort, you will also find treats inspired by our traditional American celebration. You’ll be able to try the Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake at Storybook Treats in Magic Kingdom Park and the Fourth of July Cupcake with apple pie filling, caramel buttercream and apple crisp topping at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Downtown Disney. At Epcot, you can taste the Skillet-Baked Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Whipped Cream or the Red, White and Blue “Baked Alaska” Mousse.


A little extra fun!!


Kathy

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Looks like a fun week ahead of you. Love patriotic fireworks and music, so fun.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Sounds fantastic!!

 

[cogero]

joining in I love reading about how other families with autism cope.

 

[KathyRN137]

Looks like a fun week ahead of you. Love patriotic fireworks and music, so fun.

I purposely was not going to attempt 4th of July fireworks for fear of the crowds... hopefully this will spread them out!

Sounds fantastic!!

I especially want to see the characters in their patriotic garb!

joining in I love reading about how other families with autism cope.

Welcome to the report!


Kathy