ADD Disney Crazed Mama..Yep, We're Really Leaving in ELEVEN DAYS! POP MAR 15-22

[KellyNTink]

Well, I booked this trip pretty spontaneously back in I think January. Went gangbusters with spreadsheets I found online for planning out our days, use of DDP, tracking ADRs, etc. Set up ADRs. Used TouringPlans subscription to nail down what parks we wanted to do on what days, etc., etc. Went a little crazy and HYPERFOCUSED on planning, especially knowing that March is a POPULAR time to go.

Had everything mapped out and then in mid Feb watched the park hours extend, Fantasmic! shows be added, forecasted crowd levels rise to 9's and 10's and re-worked it a bit more.

Well, now here I am, ELEVEN DAYS OUT and I have not rechecked TP's advice since a couple weeks ago, don't even remember where our ADRs are and am heading now to open up my WDW planner Excel Workbook and have a look .

Did I mention that I'm ADD? And a parent to a VERY, VERY ADHD 9 year old boy and a spunky 6 year old girl? And my husband is in Australia at the moment on business (returning 2 days before we leave for FL...hope his flights all go as planned )

Anyway, I'm BACK AT revisiting my plan and gotta get my rear in gear! I have a bag in my closet where I've stashed my kids' Mickey ears (this trip is a SURPRISE return to WDW trip...they have NO idea we were even considering returning this year), my son's pin lanyard, and the CUTEST Disney crocs I just bought my daughter. Um...yeah. That's the extent of my packing right now ...soooo. I've got LOTS to do!

My kids are out of school starting next Thursday. They'll have Thursday, Friday and the following Monday to hang out around here with their friends. Then, on Tuesday morning, March 15th, we're headed to the airport! Our current plan is to tell kids we're celebrating that Daddy is home and it's Spring break and going out for a nice breakfast. At some point, I think they're going to say...ummm where ARE we going...as the airport is 40 minutes away from our house. Then we spring it on 'em .

I have FOUR AND A HALF DAYS (can't do this stuff over the weekend when they're with me!) to buy them some new Spring/Summer clothes (these kids just keep GROWING?! HA!), hit the Disney store for loot (still cheaper than at parks/resorts), buy random stuff like glow necklaces, get quarter rolls for arcade, etc. and PACK for at least the kids and me. My husband can covertly pack for himself as he'll still be unpacking for Australia.

I'll introduce the crew and then I need to head out and do some shopping! Later, when I refresh myself of our touring plans and ADRs I'll post those!

This is my 9 year old son Grant. He's super sweet and affectionate, awesome at math, plays baseball and does Tae Kwon Do, loves legos and video games (though we limit his time, much to his displeasure). He's my miracle kid because I had many miscarriages, including two pretty far into pregnancy, and nobody thought after one particular health disaster I had that I could actually have a baby. Though I was under nurse care for last 4 months I indeed did have this FABULOUS boy. The dude is very ADHD, though and keeps me on my toes!

This is my beautiful SOON to be 7 year old daughter Natalie. She is very loving and affectionate. She's a nurturer to the core and an excellent reader and loves all things girly. She is also very athletic. She runs with me and is signed up to do two 5k's with me this Spring! She also loves gymnastics and soccer and dances like a rockstar. She is a my miracle kid, too because although everyone told us domestic adoption was an impossibly long and painful process it took us exactly 10 months from the start of our homestudy to the day she was born. And we are SO blessed to have an open and loving relationship with her birthmother and maternal birthgrandparents who live in a nearby state. She is an AWESOME girl!

Here is my adorable, generous, hilarious and sweet husband of nearly 13 years. He's been my boyfriend since 1994 when I snatched him up in college at a party . He's an accountant by profession and works as a Controller for an international healthcare IT company. Unfortunately, he's a controller for pacific rim and UK markets, so he travels quite a bit.
Here's a shot of him eyeing a rollercoaster (I snapped this at a local amusement park) and one with my daughter (who is HEAD OVER HEELS for HER Daddy!)

Oh, and here is me (with my four legged BFF Molly). My name is Kelly and I am a banker by profession. Really lucky these days to be working part-time and doing consulting projects primarily on a telecommute basis. I used to work really long hours, but as my kids' needs rose (especially my ADHD/LD dude) I just needed to find a way to give them more of my time.

Lastly, LOOK at these ADORABLE Crocs I bought to give to my daughter for the trip! I actually got both my kids new Crocs for the trip because every Spring/Summer they live in Crocs and they don't get blisters. Last time we did Disney they begged for new Crocs at the Resort store and they lived in them and their feet did great, so I'm sticking with what works but will pack sneakers for them, too.

 

[KellyNTink]

OK, So here's a rough outline of what I currently have planned. But, tonight after kiddos go to bed I'm going to need to review these again, check out TP more and flush out more details. Here's what is currently on tap for reserved ADRs and where we're going to be on what days...

March 15 Afternoon at MK, 6:25 PM Dinner ADR at Tony's Town Square, Early to Bed

March 16 8 AM Rope Drop at MK, MK for day, then hop to DHS for 3:55 PM Fantasmic Dinner Package (Mama Melrose - Yep Italian is easy with kids) at DHS; Fantasmic Show

March 17 9 AM Rope Drop at DHS, All Day at DHS, No ADRS, Early Dinner/Swim at Resort

March 18 9 AM Rope Drop at AK, All Day at AK, 5:30 PM Dinner ADR at Yak & Yeti

March 19 Breakfast Character Breakfast 8:25 AM ADR at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot); All Day at Epcot

March 20 Relaxing Morning, MK Afternoon, Late Lunch 2 PM ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern , Stay up for Wishes

March 21 Resort Day and/or Park of Choice, Dinner ADR at 5:40 PM California Grill

March 22 Sadly departing

 

[KellyNTink]

Can I just say the Accuweather extended forecast is KIND OF FREAKING ME OUT!?! It is forecasting out through the 18th as of today and shows RAIN on the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th...ack!!! I know, I know, FL weather can quickly change. I will be cyberstalking Accuweather site

 

[KellyNTink]

Accuweather is looking GOOOOOOOOOD for our days now. Come on, sun...

 

[KellyNTink]

Still feeling good about our plans for which parks and which days. I also like our ADRs, though I am not one that goes to WDW for the food. I am super excited about our California Grill ADR...have wanted to try there and could not get it last time. Oh, also really excited to try Yak & Yeti. AND with snagging a Fantasmic! Package w/ Mama Melrose we're going to finally go see Fantasmic! Kind of bummed I haven't been able to snatch an ADR for Le Cellier. I'm going to continue to check online to see if I can snatch an ADR there. It's worth the extra TS credits. I might even be tempted to dump CG for it. We went to Le Cellier last time for dinner (when it was still 1 TS) and we just LOVED it. Delish!

We do not have any repeats on ADRs this year - trying all new places. Last time, we ate at Chef Mickey's (character b'fast), Kona Cafe, Teppan Edo, Le Cellier, The Wave, and Cinderalla's Royal Table. Chef Mickey's was a blast for breakfast...that I think I'm going to miss. Kona Cafe was good. Teppan Edo wasn't that impressive (better Japanese restaurant here at home that we frequent), Le Cellier was DELISH, I really liked The Wave (hubby thought it was just OK), and CRT food was OK but it was the experience that was really neat!

Overall, the ADR strategy this time was for LEAST amount of hopping around. We like to hop parks to switch gears, but with the pressure of making it to a reservation on time we have found it not to be good for us. So, the strategy is early rise and eat dinner ADRs early and at the park we're already planning to be at. With exception to our last night...we're kind of leaving that whole day real loose on plans.

Sorry for this next stream of consciousness here...brainstorming on packing. Cannot pack for hubby at all right now as he's in Australia on business and I don't know what the heck he wants packed. He's so low maintenance I'm sure he'll take about 5 minutes to add what he wants to the bags!

DONE clothes shopping for my daughter. Almost done getting what I need clothes wise (had to get some new stuff because I've dropped a size since last Spring/Summer. Been doing fitness bootcamps and they're working . Pretty close on my son, just need to get him a few more t-shirts and a couple of hoodies I can pack without suspicion (if I pack his two current faves he'll be searching for them!)

Currently Packed in suitcase - clothes, bathing suit for daughter, new Crocs for daughter, shorts and bathing suit for son, son's pin lanyard, new Crocs for son, Sunscreen Spray Bottles, (NEED TO START PACKING MY CLOTHES, PACK SOME HOODIES FOR DAUGHTER, TOO, ALSO PACK FOOT RUB STUFF...)

Currently Packed in carry-on - carry on sized sunscreen (so we can hit MK even if our luggage isn't at room yet), Mickey Ears for both kiddos, travel sized Advil bottle,

NEED TO GET - bugspray, new pair of my fave comfy flip flops, few more short sleeved tops for me, more short sleeve T's for son, couple of hoodies for son, glow necklaces, new WDW autograph books and other random things I can get cheaper at home (GOTTA HIT DISNEY STORE!), rolls of quarters for arcade stuff, NEED TO FIND SPRAY FAN BOTTLES that are somewhere around here, .....

After kids go to school tomorrow I'm going to bust it to get some more shopping and packing done! I work out of my house, but Tues and Wed I'm going to need to spend some time at the office to complete some refresh cross training so everyone's ready at office for me to be on vacation. Tomorrow NEEDS to be a productive day!

I have snuck some purchases into normal shopping with my kids. My daughter didn't question why her and I went clothes shopping for summer stuff while my son was at a bday party (he definitely would have been saying WHY, WHY, WHY as it is only 40 degrees out ). Luckily, she's game for clothes shopping ANYTIME Also today, when we were out picking up refills on some prescriptions I was buying things like sunscreen. My son said, "Mom, WHY are we buying sunscreen? It's like still winter!" I told him it was a great price and I had to snatch some up! Oh, weird Mommy

 

[xerotheory7803]

Nothing like a good PTR to start the freakout before a trip. I leave for my trip (first Solo! ) on Friday, spending sometime in other parts of FL first, then checking into the Pop on the 15th as well. I have done almost nothing in terms prep on this trip. Just reading yours I'm starting to think "My brain is still in NY winter mode. I should go find my Spring in FL clothes."

I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the lil pre trip freakouts though. All part of the fun, and makes the time in the parks even better.

 

[brdlyleon]

So glad to see you made a PTR! Nice to see that your family, xerotheory7803, and I will all be at WDW during the same time, all at POP nonetheless!

youre plans sound great! Def. see some good ADR's too!! Like the surprise you're planning and def. seems like a much needed vacation!

I havent even checked the weather, but i suppose thats all because I'm actually in FL lol

Liking all the planning details! I haven't started packing yet, but I did buy some snacks and put together some decorations for the door & window. Hope you guys will able to see and maybe sign!

really excited to hear it all maybe a TR after??? who knows!

 

[KellyNTink]

Thanks for stopping by, guys! How funny we're all going to be at POP at the same time!

OK, I don't feel like such a mess that I'm just now getting things together, packing-wise! Sounds like you guys are right there on the freak out train with me =) =).

It's a bit more challenging in that I have to be a sneak about it, though. I have to be for the most part DONE (except for those last minute additions of their DS's, etc. the morning of...when they're not looking ) before they're out of school this Thursday )

Off topic...my son was in a BAD mood this morning and told me, "YOU'RE THE MEANEST MOM"... grrrr...if only the kid knew I'm planning a WDW trip! Phhbbttt...turkey

 

[KellyNTink]

Just checked one more thing off of my list! Requested to be in the back (lake facing) somewhere in 60's or 70's section and on the top floor. CM I spoke to was really awesome and assured me she could make this happen. My son is a REALLY light sleeper and I'm hoping being in a quiet area will help.

 

[Becc1]

Joining in on your trip report. You have a beautiful family and I just love your DD's Crocs, I already got my boys some new ones for our trip but still have to get my DD some, now I know which ones I want to get!

 

[brdlyleon]

i didnt know you could go as far as requesting a room like that! sounds awesome! hmmm...may have to make some class!
I can only imagine how hard that must all be! so much to do by yourself! It'll pay off in the end
I should make a list of what to take...oh if only i didn't have this paper due!

 

[KellyNTink]

Joining in on your trip report. You have a beautiful family and I just love your DD's Crocs, I already got my boys some new ones for our trip but still have to get my DD some, now I know which ones I want to get!

Thanks! I know, those Crocs are SERIOUSLY cute, huh?! I actually showed them to her on the Crocs website a few weeks back and asked her if she liked them better than regular Crocs. Of course, she was drooling and said she WANTED THEM. I reminded her that the Mickey holes don't hold on to jibbitz very well, so if she got Crocs like that she couldn't wear hers in this Crocs this summer (she has a bunch from our 2009 trip). She said she didn't care...she REALLY wanted these over plain Crocs. She has NO IDEA I actually ended up buying them OR that she's GOING TO WDW next week ....now....let's see if she really can handle no jibbitz. I'm not packing the jibbitz (they seriously always end up falling out of the Mickey holes) and hope she doesn't beg me to buy any of them there .

 

[KellyNTink]

i didnt know you could go as far as requesting a room like that! sounds awesome! hmmm...may have to make some class!
I can only imagine how hard that must all be! so much to do by yourself! It'll pay off in the end
I should make a list of what to take...oh if only i didn't have this paper due!

Yes, it used to be that people would fax in specific room requests...but word on the DIS boards is that the faxes often get tossed or lost. I've read if you have a specific request it's best just to call the resort directly and talk to someone. I really just stressed to the CM that I needed a quiet room so top floor facing the lake would be great. And I asked her if she could make it in the 60's or 70's section (because that looks pretty central to me...just going by the resort map - never been to POP). We didn't make any specific room requests last time because we knew GF was a quiet resort, but I know that POP has a little more action.

The number I used was 407-938-4000.

 

[BucsTex]

Hi Kelly!

Thanks for following my PTR. If Grant is like me as a kid (and he sounds like it), these will be some of the only memories that really sink in and stay with him. I also have ADD and a lot of my childhood is a blur... but not Disney!!!

You are braver than I am, going in Spring Break season, but at least you're going armed with knowledge.

One question: You have March 16th as MK rope drop, then hop to Epcot (I think you mean DHS) for Fantasmic. That appears to be your only planned hop... is it worth the cost for that one additional hour at DHS? Personally, I'd do DHS all day and move MK rope drop to the next day.

And one other major point: I don't see whether you've built in daily rests, but with two kids I'm sure you're going to need it!!!

Have an awesome trip! I will have at least one more revision to my plan... hahaha!

 

[KellyNTink]

Hi Kelly!

Thanks for following my PTR. If Grant is like me as a kid (and he sounds like it), these will be some of the only memories that really sink in and stay with him. I also have ADD and a lot of my childhood is a blur... but not Disney!!!

You are braver than I am, going in Spring Break season, but at least you're going armed with knowledge.

One question: You have March 16th as MK rope drop, then hop to Epcot (I think you mean DHS) for Fantasmic. That appears to be your only planned hop... is it worth the cost for that one additional hour at DHS? Personally, I'd do DHS all day and move MK rope drop to the next day.

And one other major point: I don't see whether you've built in daily rests, but with two kids I'm sure you're going to need it!!!

Have an awesome trip! I will have at least one more revision to my plan... hahaha!

Hey there! Glad to see you! I've enjoyed following your trip report. I hear you about my son...I have a lot of missing memories about my childhood. Going to WDW when I was 7 is more vivid than a lot of other things. But, my parents only took me the one time and I always told my DH when we had kids that they were going to go more than once if we could swing it! Glad we have the chance to take them back again!

YES, you are right, we're hopping to DHS for Fantasmic! Typo! I need to fix that. We actually got a really good deal on a vacation package that included park hoppers for the entire trip. And we found last time we really did hop a lot. This time, I actually have a harder set plan because it is Spring Break and we're using TouringPlans for guidance, but I love that we'll have the flexibility to hop. I know we're paying for it, but it will be worth it - and we're leaving the last couple of days a bit more flexible.

You are right, we are not building in breaks. My kids are the kids that wake up at dawn no matter what. So, we're planning four days where our action at parks generally from Rope Drop to afternoon...then slow down and eat an early dinner and then head back to resort early. Early to bed/early to rise days there. We found last time that when we went back to the resort for breaks our kids actually did worse and got crankier. Last time we did action in morning, then took a few hours in the afternoon as a nap or swim time and then our kids were CRABBIER when we went back to parks and/or tried to eat dinner at a normal 7'ish time. So, we're trying this.

The only part I'm really concerned about is doing Fantasmic! 8:30 PM show on day 2 and then trying to make it to park opening at 9 AM on day 3.

Our late nights planned are only day 2 for Fantasmic! and lastly day 5 for Illuminations, but on day 6 we're having a lazy morning with the late lunch in MK and hopes to stay up for MK. Honestly, I don't think my kids will start sleeping in until that point in the trip. Now, my husband...well, that's another story. Kids and I will be at foodcourt at dawn getting Daddy some coffee

Yes, I am a little bit nervous about going during Spring Break, BUT....my kids' only other experience was going during packed time in June 2009. We went the time that all schools are just finished up and also the week of gay days which reportedly brings in 100,000+++ extra people. Crowd levels were 9's and 10's then, too. AND it was SUPER hot and rained every day. But, we had a BLAST...so I think that we'll probably not be shocked by the crowds and the weather will be a BIG bonus!!! I'm working up daily touring plan routes that include rests, but also make sure we efficiently round up FastPasses, too. The only thing I am REALLY bummed about is that I Star Tours is closed when we'll be there, but we did hit a Star Wars weekend last time we were there. My son was REALLY into Star Wars at age 7 1/2. Though, I think he'll always love it!

Is Julian into Star Wars??? I have to admit, I love watching these movies with my son!

Thanks for making the point about memories and ADD. I never really put that together. My dad, who is approaching 70 remembers more about details of his childhood than I do - all the names of his teachers, classmates in elementary school, random everyday types of memories...whereas my memory is MUCH more fragmented of my childhood. I never really connected it would probably have something to do with ADD. I just know that school when I was young was REALLY tough in that every report card was like a broken record, "Kelly is really smart...if only she'd apply herself...she needs to stop daydreaming...she needs to pay attention...she needs to stop talking so much to her friends" I was not hyperactive at all. And when we were kids if you were inattentive type ADD...everyone just thought you were LAZY! They didn't realize it was REALLY hard for me to focus and remember that I had homework, or even sustain the attention to get things completed. Glad there is much more awareness about ADHD now for my son's sake. He is like me - VERY MUCH CARES, WANTS an A+ on everything, but some things, like reading comprehension tests, are REALLY tough for an ADHD kiddo.

 

[KellyNTink]

Since I mentioned in my last post that the last time we were at WDW was in June 2009 and happened to be the week of Gay Days...I just wanted to say something for anyone reading.

I am saddened by the stigma that some of the folks that write various Disney Guides attach to Gay Days. Certainly, they are entitled to their opinion. But, I have to admit...their opinion makes me sad. It would be one thing to say, this is a busy time folks...beware. But, there's more of a message of intolerance in some of the things I've read. We were clueless about Disney in 2009 and just booked the trip and fortunately I found this site in time to learn about ADRs and FastPasses...but, that's all we knew.

I had no idea we were going during Gay Days and I certainly did NOT care! We are a pretty traditional family - man/woman married only once and to each other and have two kids. But, why do we care that there were gay families there? I read on one particular site that it might not be 'an appropriate' time to take kids. Why???? If I am in a public place where a man and woman are GROPING each other then my kids are going to STARE at them and start asking me all kinds of questions, just the same as they would if they saw two men or two women doing that. But, we never saw any gay or straight couple doing that when we were at WDW last time. What we saw was a LOT of beautiful families. And my kids did not even bat an eye or ask a question as to why lots of families there had two daddys or two mommys. They just saw FAMILIES that loved each other and were enjoying Disney!

In fact, two FUN things came out of going during Gay Days then...first, was our first full day there (a Monday) my husband and son both happened to wear solid red shirts. We got on the monorail from our hotel and as more and more people got on my husband and I looked around and started noticing TONS of red shirts and rainbow Mickey pins. We flashed each other a quick smile. We figured out it was a signal and that this must have been a gay pride type of week (at the time we didn't know anything about Gay Days). When we got off the monorail and entered MK it was a SEA of red...it actually was a pretty amazing site to see! I've told my gay friends they should try to go during Gay Days...an amazing supportive feel to it! My husband didn't care that he and Grant were wearing red. My kids still didn't ask any questions. They just saw happiness, and Mickey, and the castle! I thought about getting my husband a rainbow pin to go with his shirt, but then I wouldn't want some hunky guy to think he wasn't mine . So the red shirt thing was a fun inside joke between hubby and me. The second FUN thing that came out of it was that we actually met more adoptive parents in one week than we've ever met. As I've mentioned, we adopted my daughter at birth and we're very open about it and she's got a great extended family between her daddy, brother and me and her birthfamily on her birthmother's side. It was really cool to connect with other adoptive families and also we were able to pass some contacts (adoption agencies and attorneys we networked with in our process) to couples we talked with that wanted to adopt. It was a very special time to go in my humble opinion. LOVE is beautiful!

And yup, we are Christians who have great faith in Christ and attend church and read The Bible. I believe The Bible to be the word of God, so this is a confusing subject for me personally in my faith. I am not able to wrap my brain around the concept of someone CHOOSING this road over the 'norm.' In a SIMPLE analogy (please excuse me) it's like imagining me thinking my son CHOSE to be ADHD. Doesn't seem to make sense to me that a child would CHOOSE something that makes their childhood MORE challenging and even painful at times, perhaps make then feel shame, open them up for hate and ridicule, etc. Truth is, I don't know what it's like to wrestle with my $exuality, so I choose to love and NOT judge. I saw people who were happy, enjoying Disney and that was great.

Hopping off my soapbox now =0

WOW, this could be an explosive post ...but, it is MY PTR...so if I can have a soapbox it should be here, right?

 

[brdlyleon]

Kelly, if I didn't already like you, well I love ya know! lol
This was very awesome for you to say because I'm actually homosexual. I would say I'm still a kid and still have my whole life ahead of me to figure things out, but like you said, I didn't choose this, and if anyone knows, I suppose its me.

Ever since I knew it was a daily struggle for me because I am also Christian. I love my father very much and try to thank Him everyday for the life he's giving me and the family he's blessed with me. It's been a very difficult road for me coming from almost opposites but I know my God loves me no matter what and I know he knows the truth...he knows that I didn't choose to be this way and that no matter what I'll love him, regardless of what other people of the same religion may believe.

Thank you so much! This actually meant a lot knowing that there is someone, who loves disney just as much, who also believes that I am normal and that I deserve a family, because, Lord knows, I'd love to have children one day. Thanks for this message, can't wait till, I suppose, our vacations! lol and have a great day

 

[KellyNTink]

PHEW!!! Glad to come back here and not have any hate messages I have been busy, busy, busy getting ready for the trip so I've been away from the boards to get things done.

Brad, thanks for sharing your story! (((HUGS))) God loves you! If I know one thing FOR SURE it's that he loves ALL of his children! I remind my kids of this every day. That we are all HIS creation and he loves us ALL!

Seriously, it would be so cool if we happen to run into each other at POP! Going to keep my eye out for you! You've seen some pics of my little tribe here...so if you see us and recognize us, please say HI!!!

Anyway, about the TRIP!!! I am now officially done with gathering and shopping for clothes for me and kids. I'm washing new stuff now and by tonight I hope to be totally packed for kids and me, except for the last minute morning of departure adds. I've gone totally OCD and have like 3 different packing lists I've found online that I'm cross-referencing...HA! Nothing feels better than to have everything you can think of when you're on a trip and make it as easiest and most efficient as possible!

I am also firming up my touring plan ideas for each day. I'll post those sometime today!

My hubby comes home from Australia finally tomorrow!!!! SOOO excited to see him! Hopefully, he recovers well.

 

[brdlyleon]

Thanks again so much!!! I need those words lately!! Long story with the family and some issues we're having :/

I'm back now but I really did hope to see you and your family!! I was also supposed to meet up with another member but it just never happened! I'm hoping you guys are still having an amazing trip though and I hope you decide to make a TR! Would love to hear about yalls trip!

 

[KellyNTink]

Ohhhh...we had an AMAZING time! We did SO MUCH and using touring plans, getting to parks early and using fastpasses REALLY paid off!!! I never got around to updating this thread because I went into crazy planning mode those past couple of days before we left.

Brad, I was keeping my eye out for you!!! Which building did you stay in? We were in the 60's section facing the lake. It was a nice and quiet room.

I am going to start working up a trip report. It was a GREAT trip!!!! Looking forward to reading yours...hopping there...NOW