April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[lildeb724]

It went very well actually! We feared they were going to suggest getting us off an IEP, but nope, everyone was in agreement on the goals. I can't believe being a no-show for these meetings, but we are constantly told how we are not only exemplarary parents, but so far above the norm that its not even funny - and I get the chills thinking about that since, we both work, and I try to keep up with what is happening and how to improve my daughter's skills and help she is receiving, but in no way are we as involved as we can and should be!

OK, I am hitting my limit with work focus here.... We leave tomorrow!!!

I was already told at my triennial review that there will be no more OT so no more IEP. Also no more reading help. All of this is good, because truly he does not need it anymore....but he also has ADHD and takes medication. Debating if I should get an official diagnosis on the record. What I think will be the worst part of not getting services is the meetings during the year to discuss his academic and behavioral progress with a team. I also feel that because he has had an IEP extra care is taken in placing him with the right teacher....What to do.......

 

[irishone21]

I don't want to stick my nose where it doesn't belong, but......... you can have a 504 accomodation plan written up for a child who has ADHD & is on meds. It states the disability and the accomodations & modifications that need to be made in the classroom/school for the child. It doesn't carry as much weight as an IEP, but it's better than nothing. HTH.

Chris

 

[guarn3md]

I was already told at my triennial review that there will be no more OT so no more IEP. Also no more reading help. All of this is good, because truly he does not need it anymore....but he also has ADHD and takes medication. Debating if I should get an official diagnosis on the record. What I think will be the worst part of not getting services is the meetings during the year to discuss his academic and behavioral progress with a team. I also feel that because he has had an IEP extra care is taken in placing him with the right teacher....What to do.......

Does he qualify for 504 services? It's an official document not quite as intense as an IEP but it documents services/modifications/accommodations and diagnosis.

Debbie

Hey Chris - I wrote my response without knowing about yours. I was just catching up on the boards and noticed we posted the same thing within minutes of each other!! Great minds think alike!

 

[Z'sDisneyMom]

I was up at 5:00 this morning because I just couldn't sleep anymore. I'm even dreaming about our trip now.

I don't know why this trip is so much more exciting than all my past trips, but it has more to do with just the addition of the cruise, I think. I believe it may be a combination of the following:
1. I R E A L L Y need a vacation
2. The bad weather/snow we've all encountered this winter was horrible!
3. The idea of a Disney Cruise is definitely exciting and adds a new element
4. Did I mention I R E A L L Y need a vacation?
5. I haven't been to the World in 3 years so my kids will experience it with a new sense of excitement. It's almost like it will be their first time (even though it's like their 5th, I think?!) Can't wait to hang with them this week!
6. Oh wait, the best of all - I think all of you have really feuled my
excitement. We all seem to have the same "I don't get it" DH's (as per the list), so I know that being able to express my excitement on the Dis Board and get to hear about all of yours has heightened the sense of joy and over the top "can't wait" feeling I have about this trip!

OK, just wanted to share...!
Have a good day! Only 3 more crazy mornings of trying to get the kids on the bus until we leave on Saturday!!

Ditto.

 

[Mom 3 mouseketeers]

Does he qualify for 504 services? It's an official document not quite as intense as an IEP but it documents services/modifications/accommodations and diagnosis.

Debbie

Another vote for a 504, my son has one for ADHD as well. While it doesn't get him any extra services it does give him some special things such as having his assignment booked checked every night, special writing tools, he uses a computer for all his writing assignments instead of having to write. It may not be much but I feel that it keeps him in their radar and that he can't get lost in the system. All we needed to get one was to have the doctor treating him write a letter with his diagnosis. Good luck with whatever you decided! Our 504 meeting is the first week of May and my DD's IEP meeting the week after!!!

Now on to the trip!!!! I have almost everything laid out and as soon as the kids are off to school tomorrow its time to pack!!!!!! Can't believe it's only 2 more sleeps till we leave!

 

[svcutler]

It went very well actually! We feared they were going to suggest getting us off an IEP, but nope, everyone was in agreement on the goals. I can't believe being a no-show for these meetings, but we are constantly told how we are not only exemplarary parents, but so far above the norm that its not even funny - and I get the chills thinking about that since, we both work, and I try to keep up with what is happening and how to improve my daughter's skills and help she is receiving, but in no way are we as involved as we can and should be!

OK, I am hitting my limit with work focus here.... We leave tomorrow!!!

Wow, a lot of our kids are in the same boat (no pun intended!!) I had our PPT/IEP last week. Bailey also has ADHD and is on medication. They are definitely keeping her exactly where she is and she gets a lot of resources so we're very pleased, plus they know that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.... One day she forgot to take her meds and I got a call at 10:30 from the school letting me know she was literally off the walls and could I hurry by with her medicine!

I think we're going to get a GAC when we are in WDW. I already have a note from her doctor stating that it is very hard for her to wait in crowded lines for long periods of time without a meltdown. Not sure if I want to do it or not, but we just changed her medication, she is becoming extremely hormonal (almost 12) and it's causing havoc with her impulsivity, patience, behavior, etc. I feel a little guilty about doing it, but we'll see....

 

[goofy4tink]

hey Diane, I am now staying at Portofino on Thursday night. Do you want to get in touch so we can check out the Jazz at the Royal Pacific that evening?

Hi Shyla....I pm'd you but figured it wouldn't hurt to post here as well. DH and I are having dinner at Tchoup Chop that night, so I'll already be over at RPR. Dinner is at 8ish, so would love to meet up for a drink. We'll talk.

 

[Deb T.]

Cabin Change Alert:

I just sent a pm to all "Large Group" and "Both Groups" FE Participants to alert you to a cabin change.


Guess what?!?! I can count the number of days until our cruise on ONE HAND!!!

 

[guarn3md]

I just need to send a big thank you and virtual hug to all you parents who deal with IEP meetings and everything they involve. Being on the IEP school team side I sometimes find it is a lot of talk being thrown at parents and often see the deer in the headlights look. Today in a meeting - I looked at our table there were four of us on one side and the parents w/ the child on the other. I was thinking we looked liked we were squared off...It was an intense meeting and some hard stuff discussed but sometimes I think educators/administrators need to think about the parents...Anyway... My parent who didn't show yesterday for IEP and then rescheduled for today was a no show again!! After tomorrow I pass this problem on to some one else...must be done by Friday.
Onto to trip...

I AM PACKED! And I did pretty good, if I must say so myself. There was a bit of bathing suit drama...I can't stand trying on bathing suits. Almost had a breakdown in Kohl's but I finally decided I'm not going to worry. Who cares?? I am 42 and mother and that's all she wrote...

Off to bed - 1 day of work left!!
My parents arrive tomorrow! Yay! Asia and Connor got their phone calls tonight from Mickey and Ariel (Asia). The phone rang and I told Connor to answer, he does but then says oh it's unavailable and hangs up!!! What are you doing?? Thank goodness the phone rang again. He put it on speaker phone and it was really cool!

Good Night All!
Debbie

 

[alenushka]

US/IOA
*
Day 2:
As advised we got up early and entered IOA at around 8 am. They started admission at 7:45. *By the time we got to WWoHP, the line for Olivander's was longer than the evening before. So we decided not to repeat it. *We went for FJ once again, and then again, lol. NO LINES at all! After two FJ rides, DD and DH went for more rides on "hippogriff", and I was just wondering around admiring the village once again. *It was around 8:50, and I could not believe my eyes: suddenly, the line was growing, and growing, and growing.....it was actually entertaining to watch all these people rushing in with such determination on their faces, parents pulling their children, not allowing them to slow down for a second, lol. We did some shopping, ate early lunch at Three Broomsticks, and left shortly after 10 am as it became super crowded.*
BTW- did you know that you can make reservations for breakfast there? But u have to do it a day before. I learned it today and wanted to share.
We continued with the rest of the rides, went on Popeye raft 3 times (no lines at all), and left IOA at around 2 pm. It was nice to chill at the pool!! We love everything about HRH: room is clean and spacious, pool is big and warm with a nice waterside, people are very nice, etc...
At 5:10 we left HRH as we went back to US bs DD wanted to go on Simpsons and ET again. At 6:15 we were done, and now we raced BACK to IOA because DD wanted to get on one more ride, don't remember it's name. We walked really fast, made it, K was next in line, and then ....it was closed due to a lightening in close proximity . All outdoor rides got closed, however we were told we could still do any indoor ride, and.......once again we went for FJ (fifth or sixth time by now). We got there at6:52, and they were still letting people in, NO lines, of course! It was a great way to finish our IOA/US adventure followed by a very nice dinner at Margaritaville.
Conclusion: if you have that extra hour bs you are staying in Universal's hotels, be at the entrance at 7:30 am, you will have exactly one hour to enjoy it wt crowds, then leave and come back late afternoon. *Bridget, I highly advise to upgrade your ticket so that you could go to IOA on Friday afternoon. I hope you all enjoy these parks as much as we did!
Epcot is for tomorrow. I did not research it, we will just go with the flow....Debbie, thank you again for your "outline", I will rely on it greatly
Y.

 

[bdink921]

My parents arrive tomorrow! Yay! Asia and Connor got their phone calls tonight from Mickey and Ariel (Asia). The phone rang and I told Connor to answer, he does but then says oh it's unavailable and hangs up!!! What are you doing?? Thank goodness the phone rang again. He put it on speaker phone and it was really cool!

Good Night All!
Debbie

Isn't it cool to see how happy they get?? Jacob was totally surprised and even at 12 he got a kick out of it. Um, I still haven't put a thing into the suitcases -- I have some last minute things to get . Work has me crazy today. I have an admission, hospice recertification visit plus 5 other visits and a phone call/maybe visit with a patient who's not doing well. That's at least a 12 hour day . Not happening, not today...I have forgotten where I put my supernurse cape . Guess I should get going so I can start early.

US/IOA
*
Day 2:
As advised we got up early and entered IOA at around 8 am. They started admission at 7:45. *By the time we got to WWoHP, the line for Olivander's was longer than the evening before. So we decided not to repeat it. *We went for FJ once again, and then again, lol. NO LINES at all! After two FJ rides, DD and DH went for more rides on "hippogriff", and I was just wondering around admiring the village once again. *It was around 8:50, and I could not believe my eyes: suddenly, the line was growing, and growing, and growing.....it was actually entertaining to watch all these people rushing in with such determination on their faces, parents pulling their children, not allowing them to slow down for a second, lol. We did some shopping, ate early lunch at Three Broomsticks, and left shortly after 10 am as it became super crowded.*
BTW- did you know that you can make reservations for breakfast there? But u have to do it a day before. I learned it today and wanted to share.
We continued with the rest of the rides, went on Popeye raft 3 times (no lines at all), and left IOA at around 2 pm. It was nice to chill at the pool!! We love everything about HRH: room is clean and spacious, pool is big and warm with a nice waterside, people are very nice, etc...
At 5:10 we left HRH as we went back to US bs DD wanted to go on Simpsons and ET again. At 6:15 we were done, and now we raced BACK to IOA because DD wanted to get on one more ride, don't remember it's name. We walked really fast, made it, K was next in line, and then ....it was closed due to a lightening in close proximity . All outdoor rides got closed, however we were told we could still do any indoor ride, and.......once again we went for FJ (fifth or sixth time by now). We got there at6:52, and they were still letting people in, NO lines, of course! It was a great way to finish our IOA/US adventure followed by a very nice dinner at Margaritaville.
Conclusion: if you have that extra hour bs you are staying in Universal's hotels, be at the entrance at 7:30 am, you will have exactly one hour to enjoy it wt crowds, then leave and come back late afternoon. *Bridget, I highly advise to upgrade your ticket so that you could go to IOA on Friday afternoon. I hope you all enjoy these parks as much as we did!
Epcot is for tomorrow. I did not research it, we will just go with the flow....Debbie, thank you again for your "outline", I will rely on it greatly
Y.

Glad you've had a great time at Universal!! I think parks open at 8am Friday and Saturday, so on Saturday we'll be at the gate at 7am *yawn* then head back to RPR around 10 for the buffet breakfast then back to the parks for some afternoon fun. Thanks for all of your updates and have fun at Epcot today!!!!

 

[guarn3md]

Hey Bridget - what is the breakfast buffet at RPR? Do you know the hours. We will be at IOA at 7:00am too. Do you know how to get from RPR to IOA and how long it will take us? Just trying to figure out when we need to leave the hotel to get to IOA by 7:00! I also need to figure out how I am going to do the check out thing by 11am.

Yelena - thanks for the update. In all the times you rode FJ did you see anyone get turned away for being too "big" for the ride? I have read all the threads about the seats and the issues... Can't wait to hear how you like Epcot!
Debbie

 

[jilljill]

Since we are now leaving tomorrow night, instead of Friday night, we'll get to Epcot on Friday and visit our favorite CM - Carl the bartender at Rose & Crown. But sad to say our favorite Epcot 'guest vendor', Geir Ness in Norway, will not be at Epcot on Friday - very sad, especially since he's been there all week.

 

[Donnaksmj]

Heading to the Airport!! Looking forward to meeting you all!!!
Safe trips everyone!!!!

 

[golfnsuch]

There was a bit of bathing suit drama...I can't stand trying on bathing suits. Almost had a breakdown in Kohl's but I finally decided I'm not going to worry. Who cares?? I am 42 and mother and that's all she wrote...

Debbie

Debbie, I am in the exact same boat, which is why I prescribe bathing suit dresses like the ones from Athleta. Everything's covered, supported and I don't feel like I have to always have a cover up on to be comfortable. This one is my new favorite... it even has pockets!
E.

 

[Deb T.]

Been busy the last couple of days - only enough time to skim our thread. Now, it's time for me to catch up again!

I don't know why this trip is so much more exciting than all my past trips, but it has more to do with just the addition of the cruise, I think. I believe it may be a combination of the following:
1. I R E A L L Y need a vacation
2. The bad weather/snow we've all encountered this winter was horrible!
3. The idea of a Disney Cruise is definitely exciting and adds a new element
4. Did I mention I R E A L L Y need a vacation?
5. I haven't been to the World in 3 years so my kids will experience it with a new sense of excitement. It's almost like it will be their first time (even though it's like their 5th, I think?!) Can't wait to hang with them this week!
6. Oh wait, the best of all - I think all of you have really feuled my excitement. We all seem to have the same "I don't get it" DH's (as per the list), so I know that being able to express my excitement on the Dis Board and get to hear about all of yours has heightened the sense of joy and over the top "can't wait" feeling I have about this trip!

OK, just wanted to share...!

Sooooo sweet! Ditto for me, too!

The last time I went to WDW was 1999. Just DH & I, before the kids came along. Our last cruise was 2007 on Disney. We are loooong overdue for a Disney fix! I just know the kids will love it, that's why we bought DVC last year.

You are all in for quite a treat, then! A lot has changed since you were last there! Don't miss Soarin' and Turtle Talk with Crush in EPCOT, Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios, and Mickey's Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom!

Oh, and....Deb, can you change the last night of girl's night out to PINK again. You were right about Meridian only being for Remy/Palo guests.

Wasn't me who noticed that... can't remember who it was, but thanks to that person! Made the change:

Pershing's (Sue) “Girls Night Out 11pm Night Club Tour” :
April 17th 11Pm Meet at Skyline /11:15 Move to Evolution
April 18th 11PM Meet at Pink/11:15 Move to D Lounge
April 19th 11PM Meet at 687/11:15 Move to District Lounge
April 20th 11PM Meet at Pink again

hey Diane, I am now staying at Portofino on Thursday night.

OMG! We LOVE the Portofino! It's been many years since we last stayed there (due to DVC), but the beds and bedding at Portifino are heavenly!

Ok, Southwest's limit is 50 pounds and not 40. Someboday say halliyulah with me. Woohoo!

Hallelujah!!!

Heading to the Airport!! Looking forward to meeting you all!!!
Safe trips everyone!!!!

So exciting that several families are already there or on their way!

Have a great cruise tomorrow alenushka, castlegazer, Sheree, mommybean, Disneydrg, and nyjoet! See ya onboard in just a few days!

 

[golfnsuch]

For those of you interested, I just saw there's still one cabana left to be reserved through the DCL website for our cruise. Its on Serenity Bay...

Hope someone can save themselves a dash to the ship to stand in line.

Take care, E.

 

[Deb T.]

Debbie, I am in the exact same boat, which is why I prescribe bathing suit dresses like the ones from Athleta. Everything's covered, supported and I don't feel like I have to always have a cover up on to be comfortable. This one is my new favorite... it even has pockets!
E.

Ooooooooooooh...... pockets! I looooooove pockets!!! Thanks for the head's up!

For those of you interested, I just saw there's still one cabana left to be reserved through the DCL website for our cruise. Its on Serenity Bay...

Hope someone can save themselves a dash to the ship to stand in line.

Take care, E.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have one of those!?!? Good luck to whoeverthe lucky one is to snag it!

 

[bdink921]

Hey Bridget - what is the breakfast buffet at RPR? Do you know the hours. We will be at IOA at 7:00am too. Do you know how to get from RPR to IOA and how long it will take us? Just trying to figure out when we need to leave the hotel to get to IOA by 7:00! I also need to figure out how I am going to do the check out thing by 11am.

Debbie

Hey Debbie!!!

I'm not sure of the hours for the buffet -- I think 7a -11a or 12p. We're going to go to the WWoHP then head back for breakfast before attacking the rest of the park. As for checking out, you could always check out when you head to the park, then stow your bags in the car or at guest services. There is a walkway to IOA and from what I've read, it take about 7 minutes to get to the park. We're going to head out around 645a to get ther a few minutes before 7.

 

[bumperlove]

So is the meet at 2pm or 2:30pm? I know the Tween meet is at 3pm. Wondering because I just got a call from DVC and their meet in Evolution is at 2:30. I did want to to do it all but trying to figure out what is and is not feasible....hmmm