Adventures In Mickey Land - May 27-June 3 UPDATE 6/15 Page 2 #23

[princesslily]

I love the report so far!

 

[KathyRN137]

Madelyn seems to be doing very well so far! Your planning paid off!
So sorry about your doggie
More TR, please!

Kathy

 

[Disneylvr]

May 29, 2006 Day Three – Part 2 Swimming/Chef Mickey’s/Magic Kingdom

After Animal Kingdom Madelyn and I went back to the room and Jim made a trip to the Food and Fun Center for lunch. Madelyn had the grilled cheese, I had a hot dog and Jim got this chicken melt sandwich that he said was pretty good. It was peaceful eating lunch in our room.

Madelyn didn’t seem ready for sleep so we got on our swim suits and went down to the pool area. We had brought a blow up alligator but quickly found out they aren’t allowed in the pool. Madelyn absolutely love being in the water (she is fearless) but doesn’t know how to swim. Looks like swim lessons will be in her future this summer.

Madelyn was getting sleepy so we returned to our room just after 3pm and she almost fell asleep immediately. Jim and I read books while she napped. Our reservation for Chef Mickey’s was at 5:20 so we started waking her up about 4:45. Not a good idea. She woke up very crabby and did not make the transition from napping in the room to sitting at Chef Mickey’s well at all.

We skipped the family photo and took a screaming Madelyn to our table. I really thought we were going to have to leave as nothing was calming her down. Our server recommended letting Madelyn sit on the booth side against the wall so she would feel safe there. She also enjoys deep pressure on her back (she often leans against us). She apparently knows a family who frequently dine at Chef Mickey’s and they have a son with autism. They even request a specific table each time. Madelyn eventually calmed down but it was a very stressful meal for all of us. I did learn a valuable lesson; never make a transition too quickly with Madelyn. If she is still napping that close to a dining reservation we will skip it.

We allowed Madelyn to take off her shoes and socks during the meal (it did help), we also had her chewy tube. We kept her far from the characters until she was calmer and had finished eating. Madelyn ate applesauce, crackers, corn muffins and rice krispy treats for dinner.  Jim and rushed through our dinner so we really didn’t get our money’s worth here. On the plus side Madelyn did warm up to the characters by the end of the meal and we got a couple of cute photos. She even hugged Donald but I missed getting a picture of the moment.

After the $86 bill at Chef Mickey’s Madelyn was back to her usual happy self so we took the monorail over to Magic Kingdom. The park was still packed but the air was so much cooler and the sun was starting to go down. Jim wanted to visit the candy store to get his jelly belly fix so I stayed outside and took photos around Main Street.

Jim got his stash of jelly belly jelly beans so we were off to Tomorrowland where we rode Buzz Lightyear’s Space Spin. The line was 40 minutes long, Magic Kingdom was wall to wall people, but we utilized the GAC and we were allowed in the Fast Pass Return entrance and got right on. We all three shared a car like we did when Madelyn was just 1 and sat on our lap but made a mental note to get 2 cars next time. Madelyn is no longer allowed to lap sit on rides since she is 3 years old and pretty tall. She did just fine on the ride.

Next we did the Tomorrowland Transit Authority since Madelyn liked it so much on her first trip. It was not necessary to use the GAC for this attraction although we did hang back to allow a huge group of noisy teenagers to get way ahead of us before boarding our car. If you noticed we are pretty much skipping the more adult attractions like Everest at AK and Space Mountain at MK and that is fine. Jim and I have had plenty of adult trips to Walt Disney World (18 in fact) and this trip is for Madelyn.

We used the GAC at the Winnie the Pooh ride and were allowed to use the Fast Pass entrance. The little girl about 6 years old and her family in front of use and she was using a stroller as a wheelchair which we could of done for Madelyn but chose to carry her. A 6 year old is much heavier to carry than a 3 year old and I was fairly certain the little girl had autism as well. Madelyn liked Winnie the Pooh especially when we bounced with Tigger.

Our last attraction of the evening was Cinderella’s Carousel which ended up being her very favorite attraction. I think she would of happy riding it for hours! It was here we got the biggest smiles and laughter from our little girl but I couldn’t get a close up picture of it.

Guests were really lining up on Main Street for the parade so we decided to leave and try Spectro Magic on another night.

We just love being a short monorail ride away from our resort. And later that evening we watched Wishes from room. I think the heart and star shaped fireworks are awesome! Stay tuned for more.

 

[Tortuga Joy]

I'm enjoying your report and happy that your DD is having fun. Sorry about your four legged friend... so sad when we lose our pets. I have a friend whose son is autistic, 6 years old. She won't take him to The World but I'm thinking she needs to reconsider.

 

[KathyRN137]

I'm enjoying your report and happy that your DD is having fun. Sorry about your four legged friend... so sad when we lose our pets. I have a friend whose son is autistic, 6 years old. She won't take him to The World but I'm thinking she needs to reconsider.

It CAN be done!! Just have to make certain adjustments to your planning and go s-l-o-w-l-y!! Like Michelle says, the trip has to be about your child, not about the adult(s).

Really enjoying reading about your adventures, Michelle!
BTW, we always sit next to a wall or window in the restaurants, it DOES seem to be calming.

Kathy

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

It sounds like you had a magical visit so far. I loved to hear that other kids eat like mine at those buffets. You go for the atmosphere and characters once or twice during the trip b/c it sure does a number on the wallet I too loved being at the CR for its convenience. Staying at a monorail resort is invaluable when you have little ones who need lots of down time without having to waste too much time on transportation. Can't wait to hear more

 

[dreamsofdisney]

bump!

 

[Philadisney]

i just found this report - so sad that it's unfinished but i loved what i read! great pictures too. thank you so much for sharing your magical trip with us!