AS trip report

[bookwormde]

Well here is my trip report (plans).

Hopefully if the laptop survives the flight I will continue it as a trip report with focus on our family’s perceptions as a spectrum family and some notes about other disability issues, which we observe during the trip.

As a background, we are a family of 4, Myself (DH), DW, DS9, DS6

DS9 is Aspergers, and I am a well-adapted aspie.

As you might expect our touring plans are not typical, we use WDW as not only a vacation but also a chance to expand DS’s skill sets, particularly in the social and sensory areas.

We did a “transitions” skill program last year (very successful and the skills generalized exceptionally well, particularly in school) and will continue it this year, while adding on a “flexibility as hosts” skills program since we are going to be GG hosts. I am hoping DS9 will be more “adventuresome” about some of the rides, but we encourage but do not “push” so I have my doubts.

I make up a “schedule” but it is just the default, we do change our minds about it all the time but is saves the 30 minutes in the morning trying to decide what to do when no one has a strong preference, It gives DS9 a “framework” to build on and seems to help with transitions to different ideas when they have reasonable basis rather than trying to “build a day from scratch” with the endless possibilities that that involves (actually I think it helps everyone in our group). As you can see it gets less “structured” once the GG starts.

Overview:
Dates 6/9-6/19/2009
Flying down
6/9-6/12 just the 4 of us
6/12-6/19 a small GG with DW sister, her daughter and husband and their DS9 and DS4
AP passes so park hopping is not an issue (also have a SW AP).

Pre-planning/packing

11 months of planning (DVC members and actually our first 100% DVC trip), flights, accommodations and room requests, tickets (already had APs from last year), car rental, food (doing QS for 2 days, first time doing DDP), celebration/birthday registrations, photo pass, DME, HDDMR birthday reservation, Disney visa rewards $ transferred, LGMHs picked up, and now packing (we pack very light since we have W/D in the villas).

Trip plan:

6/9
Heading for the airport (PHL) at about 4:30 am (DW brother is dropping us off)
Flying out at 7am on SW, arrive at MCO at 9:30
ME to Jambo arrive at 10:30?
Check in to SV studio (hoping we are lucky again and it is ready)
Explore a little and head to Mara for our first DDP meal and to pick up our mugs (chicken, shrimp platter, pizza, FF)
If we have our room, relax and take a nap, if not swim (We pack a carry on for this) and explore.
About 4pm bus to Epcot, Kim possible seams to be on the top of our list this year. But I am sure Soaring will be done if there are any FPs left, Snacks at Germany (strudel with ice cream)
Dinner (grilled salmon at sunshine, combo platter at the cantina, ff for DS) yes we like to “graze”.
Off to DHS by boat at about 8pm to see if we can get into the 9PM Fantasmic (they have added a 2nd show that night so I am more hopeful), then bus back to Jambo.

6/10
Happy birthday, DS10, typical studio breakfast, cereal for 3 and cinnamon toast for DS10
Off to AK (DS10’s favorite park) for EMH rope drop. Safari tour is top of the list followed by anything involving animals. Lunch, flame tree for ribs/ kee lime pie, yak an yeti for CB and 2x fries Dino bites for a hot fudge sunday.
12:30 bus back to Jambo. Rest/swim/explore (we may go over to Kidani)
5pm bus to MK, do whatever shows/rides do not have a long line, snack at Main street Bakery, pecan pie, dipped and topped marshmallows (DS6), nestle cookie ice cream sandwich, 8pm monorail to GF for a 16” pizza at gasperillas. 9:30 boat back to MK for Wishes (from entrance area) then bus back to Jambo.

6/11
Studio breakfast, EMH at MK, Rides and FPs, 11:30 walk to contempo café for steak salad, Angus burger fries etc. 12:30 Bus to Jambo, swim rest explore, 3pm shuttle to CCC for national minivan. 4:30, car to CSR Pepper market for dinner, rib eye, grilled shrimp, pizza, Oreo cake, cheesecake, cookies. 5:30, car to Seaworld, Sea lions tonight, Shamu rocks (wet seating) 9pm car to Jambo.

6/12
6:30 am balance of GG departs BWI, 7am check into Kidani 2BR SV. 8am car to DHS EMH SWW. GG arrives MCO 8:30. 9:15 return Kidani. 9:30 GG arrives Kidani.10:30 check out of Jambo. Grocery shop, Lunch in villa (hopefully). Swim explore relax naps.
Dinner in villa, 7pm bus/car to MK EMH rides wishes etc return Kidani 11pm?.

6/13
5:30am 6 in car to KSC to watch 7am launch form A1A. Return to Kidani bus/car to DHS SWW 9am. 12:30 back to Kidani for villa lunch/rest/swim/explore. Dinner in villa, 5:30 bus DHS SWW return 9 pm

6/14
6:30 check into OKW HH GV. 7:30 check out Kidani 8am EPCOT EMH. 1pm Bus/car to OKW, boat to DTD for T-rex lunch, Lego store, 3pm return OKW swim relax, Dinner in villa. 7pm EMH MK, return OKW midnight.

6/15
Happy 10th birthday DN’s DS, 9:00 Seaworld 10am blue horizons, 12:30 believe(wet) 2pm OKW light lunch/birthday cake, 4:15pm FW, 5pm HDD, 7:30 AK EMH, 10:30 DHS Fantasmic. 11:30 return OKW.

6/16
Mk 8am EMH, return OKW 12:00 lunch swim rest dinner 4pm. Seaworld 4:30pm 5:15 C&S6:45 pets ahoy, 8pm Shamu rocks(dry) 9:45 reflections.

6/17
7am check into 2br at BCV. 7:30 check out OKW. 8am AK EMH return 12:00 OKW boat to DTD for balloon ride, lunch (earl of sandwich) 2pm return BCV rest swim. Final groceries. Dinner in villa, 5:30pm EPCOT 9:30 pm DHS EMH rides. Return BCV 11pm

6/18
8am EMH MK by bus, 10:30 monorail to Epcot. 1:30pm return BCV lunch rest swim 2pm return rental car, EPCOT 4pm return BCV 7pm dinner n villa, 8:30 fireworks movies and smores on the beach.

6/19
Happy birthday DN, Swim rest, brunch 10:30 check out 11am, 11:30 Epcot 3pm return BC late lunch at HH and kitchen sink at B&C 5:00 get luggage and board ME for MCO, depart MCO 8pm arrive PHL 10:30 Picked up by DW’s brother and sister.

As you can see we have a busy schedule. I guess we are somewhat backward of most families as we are very low-key about the parks and vary active with how and the amount of time that we enjoy the resorts. Hopefully I will be able to post a live trip report so you can see how theory and reality diverge for an aspie family.

Thoughts or alternate ideas and recommendation are always appreciated from those who “understand” our special situation.


bookwormde

 

[pudge the fish]

I think you have an awesome plan

I am hoping to read a *live* trip report- I love to hear how others enjoy the World

Kim Possible is awesome and if you can get Germany, you can be right there after the mission to get strudle I do think KP would be hard in the evening- not sure if they do it at night?? but I think 4ish should be good to go-

Looking forward to reading more

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I notice you have three birthdays in there. As each is an AP holder be sure to either get the Fun Card or Special Fastpass Card for the park. You have to bring a government-issued photo ID (DL or Passport) for anyione 18 or older or a government-issued photo ID or birth certificate with raised seal for someone under 18 as proof. The SFPC will not work for the GG as it is only valid fofr a maximum of six people.

 

[C&G'sMama]

Hey Bookwormde,

I just found your PTR. Between an excuciatingly slow computer and a very hectic schedule I haven't spent much time on the Boards this week. Sounds good. We did the Bday FP on DS Bday and it was great. What does SW AP stand for (I get the AP part but not the SW part).

Your just a little less than a week away. Can't wait to start reading your Trip report.

 

[bookwormde]

Pudge the fish

I figured there is a good chance they will be out of kimmunicators, but with EMH we may still have a chance.

Cheshire Figment,

We are all preregistered for the birthday, it does make me a little “nervous” having to carry an original birth certificate in this day of identity theft.

C&G’s Mama

SW is short for Seaworld, one of DH9’s favorite places.

10 day to go; now I am just trying to figure out what I have forgotten.

bookwormde

 

[bookwormde]

Well I finally got the laptop working (it does not like to run for 24 hours after flying). Of course if drives me crazy since it has a touchpad instead of a mouse and no “real” keyboad . I am also on Vista, which I am not used to. OK enough complaining.
We were out of the house by 4:20am and DW’s brother drove us to the airport. At the airport by 5:20 and bags checked in and through security by 5:45. I had been diligent in getting our SW passes (by using the multi-window method) so I was able to get A18-21. DS9 was excited and not anxious (had “fun” in security be going through the scanner 2x, thank goodness we had a TSA agent with a sense of humor) so we decided not to do a disability preboard. We boarded and got settled uneventfully, but had a 20 minute gate hold for lightening, but the kids made it though it with minimal complaints. The boys enjoyed the flight and we ended up into MCO only about 15 minutes late. Off to DME, where we had about a 15 minute wait (of course the boys were rather “wound” by this time) so waiting in line was fun. Of to Jambo and arrived by a little before 11am and our room (dvc studio) was ready (Kudo trial request since we had never stayed there before. It is quite a ways out on the Sunset savanna, and had an OK savanna view and a good view of the Kidani overlook area.
We had purchased 2 days of CS DDP which they had a hard time getting priced correctly, as it turned out they had entered the order as 5 people (even though only 4 are allowed in a studio), so we headed down to Mara before swim. Chicken platter and shrimp platter plus a kids pizza. We asked about a grilled cheese from the “order taker” but the answer was no, even though I knew it was possible I did not pursue it since it was crowded. DS9 scarfed all the FF and we shared the rest. We still had left over’s including. carrot cake and zebra domes bottled drinks (since we got our resort mugs and used them. The boys then went for a swim/slide. Resort life jackets for both. DS9 was a great advertisement for the slide. When he started almost no children were using it, well he is quite vocal about how much fun it was (stating this and just laughing and screaming as he rode it), so within about 10 minutes the slide was packed with other children using it. After about 40 minutes and a final face full of water for DS9 they had had enough (actually DS6 would have probably stayed), so we headed back to the room to find that out luggage had arrived.
The boys were having fun viewing the savanna, but we tried to get them to take a nap, which was only marginally successful. At about 4:30 we boarded the bus for EPCOT (only about a 5 minute wait for an uncrowded bus). Once there we went immediately to get our “ticket” for Kim Possible, I was happy to get on for 6:20. We went to seasons grill and got a grilled salmon, which while a little “black” on one side was still quite good as was the salad and potatoes. DS9 did not find much to eat (we had snacks that he had been working an anyway) but there was a very cute baby at the table next to use so they kept each other amused.
Of to KP, they have a quiz when you pick up the Kimmunicator, which after many question the CM could not find one to stump my crew. We did it as a joint project between DS6 and DS9. Next time we will get them each one since this caused some “tension. Even with this they had lots of fun and move through it quickly with a little guidance from me and DW. Of course they wanted to do another but there was not time. We did the American experience show (a social studies substitute since DS was missing school and this was what he is studying), not to mention a good cool seated break. Then off to Mexico, we had intended to get a comb0 platter from San Angelo but it was crowded and no one was that hungry so we passed on that and headed in for the 3 amigos ride, which is one of DS9’s must do rides. As usual he was commenting and laughing quite excitedly but no one seemed to mind to much (actually I have found that in most cases the only people who are bothered by this level of “enjoyment” are those who do not want to be happy themselves). We headed back outside for Illuminations but unfortunately, there was a lightning storm on the horizon so we decided just to head for the bus since we were all tired anyway. Quick load and ride home. As a side note all the mobility issues both on the bus and at the parks seemed to be handled properly, pleasantly and efficiently.
Stopped at the AKL store to pick up bread and milk (for DS9’s cinnamon toast in the morning), and I ran back to the fountain to fill our mugs. We snacked on some leftovers and other snacks and headed for bed. For me and DW sore feet were the rule.
So much for a successful day 1.

 

[Brightsy]

Sounds like a good fun day!

 

[bookwormde]

Day 2
Happy birthday DS10. Grabbed coffee and a platter from Mara, and made cinnamon toast for DS10, got everyone ready for the parks (DS10 with his birthday button).
Well we were supposed to be at AK for 8am EMH, but we did not make it here until almost 9am. Busses at AKL are quite packed and we walked up to KIdani to make sure we got a seat. When we arrived we went to the safari to get a fast pass. I was surprised that it was for 10:20 so we went to find something to do in the interim. DS10 decided that he wanted to do a bugs life. DW reminded him that he did not “like the smells, water and stuff” last time. DS10 said he wanted to try it anyway. There was no wait to get into the “lobby” area but we waited for about 10 minutes for the doors to open. Well the first part went pretty well until the dart shooting portion, followed by the acid (water) spraying (I am not sure if he was more upset by the fact that he was getting wet or that the termite was being so “unreasonable”.
By the time the smoke settled in (extra thick from my past memories, DS10 was done and wanted “out”. We did manage to calm him (while he was laying across our laps) and finished the show. DW reminded DS10 that we tried to warn him but he said that he did not remember it being that “bad”. Funny with all the progress we have made with sensory issues that as soon as other anxiety is added that the impact goes way up.
Off to the safari, which is always “good” despite the concern by DS10 that the driver was a little fast and might “hurt” some of the animals with the bus.
Then the long walk to Dino land. Lots of happy birthdays from CMs, although we coached DS10 for some thank yous, it was always a little delayed and sporadic, but was good “practice”.
Into the playground for about 30 minutes and the over for a hot fudge sunday and lunch (fries again for DS10). DS6 had decided that he wanted to do Dinosaur so I got fast passes before we ate. Off the 2 of us went and had a good time although DS6 was a little more scared this time than last year. I have been surprised that although the parks seem relatively crowded (7 or an 8). The ride and attraction waits and fast pass return times seem more like a 6. Since the crowds do not tend to have much “effect” on DS10 (unless we get really “packed” in a line) this works out great (we have not gotten a GAC yet).
DW and DH10 were tired after this so we decided to head back to Jambo. We got snagged for a food survey at the picnic ordering area, which gave me a chance to express my opinion about how “silly” it was to have a family pick nick that most families using DDP with young children could not participate in since it takes 3 adult meals (I am sure I embarrassed DW with my direct comments). Took the 3 minute survey (which was actually a 10 minute survey), and went out and got DS10’s birthday gift card. It took a while since they made DS10 up a new adult AP (much to DS6 chagrin since he wanted one also).
Huge line at the AKL bus slot but somehow we managed to pack everyone on (probably 30 standing) and took the circuitous route back to Jambo. We were in the very front standing so it was not a big problem. I am going to call transportation services to express my “concerns” about the bus service at AKL.
Back to the room for a good and needed afternoon nap. About 5 we headed for MK but stopped in the lobby to see if a package sent by one of DW’s sisters had arrived, it had so I took it up to our room (it was filled with snacks, with lots of DS10’s favorite snacks that are difficult to get down here). We Arrived at MK (bus was only moderately crowded) and took the boat over to GF for dinner (Gasperillas). As large pizza and a chicken salad, DS ate a piece of the “decheesed” pizza but it was definitely not his favorite ( if it had been he would have eaten at least ½). There was also an arcade integral to the eating area so both DSs were very distracted (there was and dino game). Only my crew could be amused by an arcade without putting any money in it.
Monorail to MK and DS10 decided he wanted to do laugh floor (needless to say I think we contributed about 50% of the laugh volume to fill the container (one of the few places where you can laugh as loud as you like without getting “major looks” (DS10 find slapstick to be the funniest thing ever). DS6 wanted to do Buzz do DW took him on that while we walked around. Then we walked up to liberty square and enjoyed some snacks. We wanted to be sure to make MK EMH in the morning so we headed back to Jambo (again packed bus and we had to stand).
It has been a little above average temperatures so we find ourselves getting “burnt out” a little quicker than usual.

 

[KirstenB]

Bookwormde, I don't venture over to this side of the Disabilities board very often, so I'm just reading your report now. If someone asked me what the hardest attraction would be for someone with ASD, Bug's Life would be right up there. Good for you guys for sticking it out. We stayed at AKV last June for the first time and loved it. It sounds like you guys are having a great time there. We were supposed to stay there this year, but we wound up with 4 snow days in March, so had to cancel that ressie.

We leave Saturday, and are staying at OKW from Sun-Thurs. Unfortunately, we aren't doing the WDW parks this time. The wallet's a little pinched, so we're doing the Universal 7 day passes, and will go to Seaworld one day. Still, we're really looking forward to it. Universal is a lot of fun, just wish I had about 2 hrs at MK to ride Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and see the Tiki Birds.

Let us know how the Grand Gatherings goes. It sounds exciting, with lots to celebrate!

 

[C&G'sMama]

Thank you for taking us along. It's great to hear your trip live. Hope you all continue to have a good time!!!

 

[pudge the fish]

I love to hear about trips and how much fun everyone has
I am enjoying the report

Hope the heat doesn't take everyone out- it is SOO hot here - summer temps have hit with a vengance


I don't like bugs life either- cute show -but loud and dark
Hope you keep having a great time

 

[bookwormde]

Day 3
Standard breakfast and off to MK. We arrived a little late (8:45) but I was still able to get fast passes for DS6 for splash and thunder mountain railroad. We then headed for Pirates and waited until it opened and had almost no wait .DS10 and DW headed for Tom Sawyer island and I took DS6 on the rides. Splash mountain first using standby and then FP for thunder railroad and back to Splash Mountain. We got front seats on both Splash mountain rides so DS6 had a great time, which was nice since the day before was all about DS10’s birthday.
As a side note the busses from AKL continue to be very crowded and we ended up walking up to Kidani to be able to ride seated. DS10 managed the bus crowds quite well.
We were then off (monorail) to the contempo café at the Contemporary for lunch. All the food was very good, DS10 had his normal French fries. Back to Jambo to rest and do some packing and I picked up the rental car.
Off to Pepper market at Coronado, I had ribeye and DW had salmon the boys had pizza and fries, although DS6 worked on my steak also.
Then off to Seaworld for our first time seeing some of the night shows. For the sea lion show we were a few minutes late and found that we were able to enter through the rear “exits” which for people with queue issues might be an excellent alternative as this show is not usually sold out. The show is a parody of all the “serious” shows at Seaworld and if very funny if you have seen the other shows.
Then we were off to Shamu rocks, it was good and a little more “upbeat” and much louder than Believe. DS10 did not seem bothered (anything with animals is tolerable) by it though although he decided not to stay in the wet zone with DS6 and me. We got completely drenched 3x (water is really cold), but it was very fun. We then headed for the car, of course, as we are leaving I look over at DW and ask if she remembered the location of the car. We both just shook our heads and off for another “adventure”, fortunately with my “spatial abilities” it actually only took about 5 minutes to find the car (helpful when linear memory is wanting).
Back to Jambo for more packing and car loading.
The boys went to sleep very excited about the rest of the family arriving tomorrow.

 

[bookwormde]

Day 4
Up early to load more into the car and check into Kidani, room was not ready. Off to DHS for SWW and light sabers for both boys. Very fun “into it” CM helping with the “assembly”, although I am not sure DS10 liked his “style”. DS6 and I did star tours and by that time the rest of our party was on ME so we left to meet them. We reminded the boys about “hosting”. Loaded the last of the luggage and took the refrigerated items to Kidani for storage. We had 7 CS meals and 14 snacks left so we got lunch and snacks (for everyone). Since the room was still not available, so we headed for MK. Everyone took the train around to Toontown, except I hopped off at frontier land to pick up a few FP for thunder mountain railroad. All the boys like the boat playground so that was the first stop, then up to the ice cream shop brownie fudge Sunday for me chocolate shakes for others and DS10 ate a soft serve vanilla cone (he is picky about them but this one he liked). Then DS6 and I did the FP ride while others did everyone else did small world. The resort had called about 1:30 to let us know the room was ready, so at 3 we headed back to “move in”. Into our 2br dedicated, and we got the pool area that we had requested. Once basic unpacking was done , most headed for the pool, and DW’s niece and I headed out grocery shopping. Dinner in the Villa and I went down to Jambo to use the last CS meal and 5 snacks (cheese cake, carrot cakes and fries for DS10). They had a CS meal African stew bread bowl, which we had as an appetizer (highly recommended when it is available). Lots of good animal viewing and the room along with the rest of Kidani is really well done. The pool, slide and play area are very good and all 4 boys enjoyed all of it (as did DW enjoy the hot tub). Since the rest of our group was up at 3am for their flight we went to be in anticipation of being up early to go up for the launch at 7:15am.
I really appreciate having a supportive and understanding extended family after some of the “family and friends” stories I read on disBoards. Everybody understands and helps with DS10’s special needs and we are all understanding of the “boy moments” and standard meltdowns of the other 3 boys. That is not to say that we are totally in “sync” all the time, but we all now that this is not “needed”.

 

[bookwormde]

Day 5
Well checked on the launch at 1am and it is cancelled, because of a hydrogen leak, hoping it will be rescheduled during our trip.
Off to DHS for SWW with the larger group, lots of fun looking at all the characters. Muppets 3D was first, always one of DH10’s favorites. Then we headed for the back stage tour, but on the way I noticed that there was a SW presentation form the actress who voices Asoca ?sp in the animated series the Clone Wars (both boys are bid fans). In we go and when starts seeking about the series and how she was chosen to do the part. They were set up to show how they do the voice production with clips for her to do the dialog to. She then introduces a special guest, who is the director. He continues with the background of how she was picked and basically said that they were looking for someone with spirit but was very likeable, and I believe he genuinely embarrassed by telling everyone that she was one of the nicest people he had worked with (by her stage presence this was obvious also). They went through a few scenes with him directing her with the film on the monitors. DH10 really enjoyed this since he is always making up “scenes” of his own and wants to send them to the production companies. It gave him some good insight into the “real” world of movie making. In the last section he directed her to play the part using Jane Brady’s voice (Brady bunch) and personality which was very funny and really made the point of how much the actors presentation can change the “feel” of the scene. At the end they showed the unreleased trailer for the next season which the boys all enjoyed.
Off to backstage tour which was fun, we had not done it last visit since previously he had not “liked” it (the earthquake/flood section) but this time he took it all in stride. We got some character pictures for the other kids (mine had no interest) and bought some gifts and a SW Monopoly game for DS10. By this Time DS10 was tired so we headed back to Kidani to rest. Of course they had to play Monopoly which actually went pretty well considering it included DS6, DN9, DS10 and 2 dads. Lunch and dinner was in the Villa. We actually got DS10 to each shells with “non standard” spaghetti sauce.
Off to MK where DH10 wanted to take everyone to Laugh Floor again. After that we got fastpasses for Buzz (DS10 has decided he does not want to bother with this on so only the other boys went). While we were waiting for the fastpass time I checked Speedway and it only had a 15 minute wait, checked but neither older boys were comfortable with going but DS6 was game so off we went. DS6 had lots of fun, although I had to push the throttle for him.
Back to the Villa to rest .

 

[mdsouth]

Day 2
DS10 decided he wanted to do laugh floor (needless to say I think we contributed about 50% of the laugh volume to fill the container (one of the few places where you can laugh as loud as you like without getting “major looks” (DS10 find slapstick to be the funniest thing ever).

My DS12 has Asperger's too. He too loves slapstick and loves to laugh. He often really exaggerates his laughs and laughs real loud!

We are leaving later this week, it is too bad we are missing each other by a little over a week. If we were at WDW at the same time our two boys could have filled all the Monster Inc. laugh cans to the brim!

 

[bookwormde]

Day 6 (done post trip)

I was up early to do more packing and head over to check in at OKW at 6:30 (did online check in since there was no room request needed). The GV was ready so I unloaded what we had in the car and headed back for the rest.

Today is a sea world day so with 9 that meant double shuttling. Loaded up the rest of the luggage and food and 3 older boys, DW and her sister and headed back to OKW. Unloaded and had to drag everyone out the GV since they were way to “comfortable”. Dropped them of at SW, and headed back for the other 3. Loaded up the last few things checked out and we headed for SW. Lins were bad so it was after 10 by the time the last of us got in. The first group had seen blue horizons. DN, her DH and their DS4 went to Elmo while the rest of us went to Believe. We met back up and did Clyde and Seymour (actually only 1 of them for most of the show). By then DS10 was getting tired so I took DW, DS10 and DS6 back to OKW where they settled in and unpacked. The rest of the crew saw a “wet” Believe show and I picked them up. Off to the pool for a long swim (and slide). We decided to take a rest (DH10 studied the star wars monopoly game we bought him) since tomorrow was a busy day. DN and her family went to EMH MK.

 

[bookwormde]

Day 7 (done post vacation)

Well DN’s DS9 becomes DS10 today. Late start, but off to EPCOT. DN’s DS10 top priority was KP so we looked at some exhibits and headed over there. This time we got 3 Kimunicators, and headed to England. Everyone had lots of fun except that DS6’s Kimunicator froze part way through, he joined DS10 to finish. We then headed to the world showcase to “look around”. It was already getting very hot and within an hour DS10 had “had enough”. DS10 and I took the boat across the lagoon and headed back to OKW to relax, while everyone else persevered. DS10 had been becoming more fatigued each day, and quite honestly I had little interest in being baked by the afternoon sun either.

At about 3:45 off to Hoop Dee Doo for a birth day dinner, via MK bus and the boat. Bus wait was 20 minutes so it took us close to an hour. As we approached the dock it started to rain so I waited in the check in line while everyone joined the crowds under roof. DW10 took it for the most part in stride, which considering he was damp, jammed in a crowd and about to do something he had never done before I considered a major accomplishment.

A little after 5 we were shown to out table. I had made arrangements for an “outer table” (first floor) so DS10 would feel less crowded and we could “escape” if needed without disrupting other guests. Well the show was a big hit with everyone, of course we had to ask DH10 to “tone down” his laughter a little a few times but he completely enjoyed himself. Dinner was very good and DH10 had a grilled cheese sandwich and steak fries (the steak fries were not to his liking, which is not unusual since he only finds about 25% of them “acceptable”). We were able to get a second grilled cheese sandwich which was enough. The chef was very nice when he came to table to see what DH10’s meal needed to be. All the staff was great and I would highly recommend it. We had a birthday cake in addition to all the other food so needless to say we were all uncomfortably full. Per birthday boy’s request we a headed over to AK via WL (since they had not seen it). We only stayed a little while and left the “night owl” crew to continue. The left soon after us but headed to Fantasmic for a “nightcap” for the birthday.