ANOTHER Adventure in Autism (4/15) A Taste of What's to Come...

[KathyRN137]

SwansLoveDisney: Your dolls will be treasured heirlooms for your little girls!

Praisehisname: I'm so glad your DD is still enjoying her dolls!

DisneyMomFanatic and mvazul: Tricia was almost eight when she got Jessica....but AG has the "Bitty Baby" line of dolls for younger girls!

mrsksomeday: Hooray! You started your report!

Halloweenqueen: Thanks! I'm so glad you're feeling well enough to DIS again!


Kathy

 

[Goofster57]

Kathy,
Great installments, even if they were about Dolls…………

Not that I have anything against Dolls, after all Barbie and Ken were my best Friends when I was a kid. It got me ready for real life, since Barbie was always telling Ken what do and don’t even get me started about what went on when G.I. Joe come home on leave….

Seriously sounds like a great experience, my wife and daughters shared the same experiences when they were young, and in fact they still have their AG dolls.

 

[princesskenziesmom]

Hello, I have not caught up to your new trip report yet, but just finished your first one and it was wonderful.

I have a ds4 who is autistic and we are taking the family to DL for his and dd's 5th birthday. It will be our first time and I am hoping that our family will find the "magic" and make some breakthroughs with our ds.

When you posted about your ds saying "I love you mom" for the first time, I just broke down and sobbed. I remember a few months ago, it being the first time that my ds said it to me and I know how special and precious that is to us to hear and know that we have in some way gotten through to them.

Looking forward to reading this trip report.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Moan Boy is talking real good lately also... however, he's not excited about school on Wednesday. Can't figure out why.

Sure is quiet around here. Post something new Kathy. We need something to read!

 

[IluvXU]

My 4 year old has and dearly loves her bitty baby, Lucy, and she too went to WDW since Hannah sleeps with her every night! Upon arrival home after our trip, we now have a Nikki too! My mom got Hannah her for her birthday and she is already much loved. I am sure she will go to the hospital= thanks for sharing!

Wish we were headed to the WL like you are!

 

[KathyRN137]

Pre-Trip #23


Much Ado About Nothing


Well, friends, I know I haven’t posted in the past few days, but I haven’t had too much time to DIS. Eddie(DSS) is up from North Carolina for two weeks, and my mom had shoulder surgery Tuesday, so I spent a couple of days at my parents’ house taking care of her. (I know you’re going to ask; she’s doing much better, thanks!)

So I think I’ll just post a few pics of nothing much….



My PassPorter

This is my favorite trip-planner, PassPorter Walt Disney World Resort. As you can see, the deluxe version features a binder with storage slots that can hold a whole lot. I stick my pocket travel journals in there, as well as our park passes, mousekeeping envelopes, flight itineraries, etc. I also keep our DVC sales rep's card, just in case lightning strikes and Ed agrees that it is imperitive to add more DVC points to our ownership!

Additional pockets in the back of the binder can hold even more, and can be used a day-by-day travel planner. There are really nice color park maps that fold out, and I really like the chapters on the resorts because they include maps of the resort layouts.

PassPorter also has an edition of the same guidebook that they produced with the folks from www.allearsnet.com. This book discusses the concerns of travelers with special needs. The title of the newest edition, which will be available in September, is PassPorter's Open Mouse to Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. The chapter on Autism will even feature a travel tip that was submitted by Yours Truly.



My Disney Binder

So, in my binder I have my Operational Plan, plus anything that I've printed out about our resort and our touring (mostly TourGuideMike stuff).


Miscellaneous

I like to write out each day's touring plan and ADR confirmation #s on index cards, laminate them, and carry the individual card in my bag. That way, I can leave the big binder and the PassPorter in our room.

The other thing I carry is my copy of Portable Perks, which lists all of our DVC member perks and discounts.

I also like to take along a pocket-sized travel journal to jot down notes whenever I get the chance... when waiting in a queue, when waiting for a table, when riding the buses, or when back in the room on a break. If I wait until the end of the day to write notes, I'm either too tired or I find that I can't remember as much.


Blonde + Pre-senior + Fatigue = Huh??


The only other thing that I can think of to post is that as of today, it is Ten Weeks to WDW!!

Good Night, All!


Kathy

 

[dismom9761]

Hi Kathy!!I have both the passporter and the passporter with special needs. I love them.

I like the idea of the laminated index cards.I have all my info in a little notebook but I think I have too much stuff to carry in the parks.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Kathy - So glad to hear there will be a new Passporters in September. Passporters for your special needs was my bible when we went last time! Can't wait to read your contribution!

I hope I can get it in time to read before we leave October 4th. Do you know the exact release date? Passporters webiste says around 9/15, but Amazon says 9/28. I'm going to need something to keep me busy as we get close to the trip.

 

[mvazul]

Great travel planning material!! That puts mine to shame. I just have one folder with all my print-outs. And my mother and sister think I have gone overboard with the planning!!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Kathy-
I just showed the pictures of your travel planning to my husband so he understands that I'm not the only one who does that kind of stuff for Disney. I only do a master color coded excel spreadsheet and then one index card for each day. I might have to break down and get a Passporter for the next trip. I've been an unofficial guide junkie for the past 6 or so years.

Heidi

 

[mrsksomeday]

PassPorter also has an edition of the same guidebook that they produced with the folks from www.allearsnet.com. This book discusses the concerns of travelers with special needs. The title of the newest edition, which will be available in September, is PassPorter's Open Mouse to Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. The chapter on Autism will even feature a travel tip that was submitted by Yours Truly.

I ordered my "Open Mouse" yesterday and now am even MORE excited to know that you have a travel tip in there!!

My Disney Binder

So, in my binder I have my Operational Plan, plus anything that I've printed out about our resort and our touring (mostly TourGuideMike stuff).

You are giving me ideas with this binder. I might just have to do something like this too. I showed Bill your pictures and he just said "oh no".

I like to write out each day's touring plan and ADR confirmation #s on index cards, laminate them, and carry the individual card in my bag. That way, I can leave the big binder and the PassPorter in our room.

This is a great idea, I think I will try to do this.

I also like to take along a pocket-sized travel journal to jot down notes whenever I get the chance... when waiting in a queue, when waiting for a table, when riding the buses, or when back in the room on a break. If I wait until the end of the day to write notes, I'm either too tired or I find that I can't remember as much.

I was wondering how I was going to try to remember it all, I can keep the journal in Bill's back pack.

The only other thing that I can think of to post is that as of today, it is Ten Weeks to WDW!!

Why did you have to say that? I had to count for us after I read that and you are right 10 weeks!! I am happy and in a panic all at the same time. The only thing that confuses me now is I thought we were both starting our vacations on the 3rd, but our vacation tickers are different? I know silly things confuse me.

Great update as usual. I am glad you Mom is ok and it's great that Eddie is there.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Wow! And here I thought I was organized with my manilla folder and a couple of spreadsheets. Sheeezzz! You're making me look bad.

On a side note: 42 Days to go!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Goofster: Your scenario sounds more like Valley of the Dolls!!

princesskenziesmom: There is just something about WDW that reaches past all the barriers and can touch our children. I know you will have an incredible time at DL!!

MDF: Billy can't wait for school to start! He's been asking for school more than he's been asking for WDW!! 42 days. I am jealous!!

IluvXU: They're such wonderful dolls; Hannah will love them forever!

dismom9761: The less I have to carry in the parks, the better! Plus, I only risk losing one day's plan if the card gets lost...if you put your entire itinerary in a little notebook and then lose it, you're sunk!

DisMomAmy: I got an e-mail from www.passporter.com that said my (pre-ordered) copy would be mailed out on 9/15

mvazul: Hey! You're leaving tomorrow!! Have an awesome time!

MRYPPNS: I liked the UG, too, but the PassPorter can be used as a real planning and organizational tool. Check it out!

mrsksomeday: Our dates are the same! Maybe our tickers are a bit different because we got them from different sources?? It's definitely "only" ten weeks from today.... *sigh*

 

[Hedy]

I'm newly in love with the Passporter-I opted for standard, but the deluxe looks really nice.
Congrats on making it into the Special Needs Passporter!

 

[jcc0621]

Hey Kathy I am back and all caught up. I am glad to hear that Emma's TR is back on track. I will go over there and catch up too.

Janet

 

[Who'syourMickey]

I am in awe of your trip planning capabilities.

 

[KathyRN137]

Pre-Trip #24:



Making Our Lists, Checking Them Twice


Have you ever noticed how much we trip-planners seem to enjoy making lists? List making is such a common thread in all of our reports. There are so many things we like to itemize and catalog. Hey, I’ve got an idea! Why don’t we list them?!


First, there are the historical lists. We talk about these in the introductory paragraphs of our reports as part of the backstory. We may even include them in our signatures:

*Our previous trips to WDW, including the dates and special events celebrated.
*The WDW resorts at which we’ve stayed.
*The cast of characters (and how it has changed through the years.)


We then segue into the preliminary planning lists:

*What ADRs we’ve made.
*What parks we plan to visit on which days.
*What shows and attractions we must see.

A subset of planning lists are the "Pro & Con" lists. You’ve seen these, I’m sure!

*Go in October or December? Pros & Cons
*On Property or Off? Pros & Cons
*Dining Plan or No? Pros & Cons


As our trips get closer, we move on to the more specialized lists; the "To Do" Lists:

*What we need to buy.
*What we need to make.
*What we need to pack.
*What we need to clean.
*What we need to accomplish before we leave.


Lists, lists, and more lists. Somehow we feel more organized, more centered when we make lists. We’re more confident that important details will not be forgotten. I would chalk it up to human nature, but it seems as though even Disney characters make lists. I submit this exhibit from Minnie's house as evidence:

The most satisfying thing about these lists, of course, is the crossing off of each item as it gets done. Never is a simple pencil line made with such flourish as when it is made right through an item on a “to do” list! That’s one more thing done! One step closer to the goal. One less thing to worry about.


On the flip side, though, is the anxiety that comes when the items on the “to do” list are not getting crossed off in a timely manner. So many demands pulling us in different directions, and not enough time to accomplish everything we want to! Lists can torment us with their lingering presence. Unfinished tasks become so many itemized mini-burdens; like so many worry beads on a string.


Interestingly, the word list was also once commonly used as “listen” or “to listen to”. Perhaps we like to talk about our "To Do" lists because it helps us to commit more fully to them when we know that someone is listening. We seek the support and advice of our fellow planners as we share the ups and downs of our preparations and move ourselves closer and closer to our shared objective: the fun-filled WDW vacation of our dreams! It’s a joy to share it all with those who understand “the agony and the ecstasy.”


That’s one of the things I like most about the DISers on the trip reporting/planning boards….when we find ourselves listing to the side and in danger of capsizing, we can always find a willing ear to bend, a broad shoulder to cry on, and a helping hand to grasp.

We’ve got a great army of WDW fans here who love to listen to each other go on and on about plans, long after friends and family have grown weary of them. I’m so glad that I enlisted!


Kathy

 

[dismom9761]

Kathy, you have read my mind with this one. I have numerous lists next to my computer but the mega list is on the kitchen counter and my DH threatened to throw it away tonight because I was so distresed at how much was left. You are so talented and thanks for continuing to entertain us.I am glad I enlisted too.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Yes, I admit it. I am an obsessive list maker. I do this all the time b/f thinks I am crazy.

I love your latest installment. I am also glad I enlisted.

Can you believe Bill and I have never been to Minnie's house? Thank you so much for posting her list. I loved it. Now I have to go see it in person.

 

[KathyRN137]

Why did you have to say that? I had to count for us after I read that and you are right 10 weeks!! I am happy and in a panic all at the same time. The only thing that confuses me now is I thought we were both starting our vacations on the 3rd, but our vacation tickers are different? I know silly things confuse me.

Tracy, you are not confused!! I was!! I checked my ticker and the dates were wrong! Heavens! Somehow I had an extra five days of waiting on there!

Thanks to you, all is now squared away and correct!

Now, just for fun everybody, try to say, "Ticker Tinkering" ten times, fast!! Can you do it??


Kathy