Boo to You & Turning 2! Oct 2012 PTR *NEW* 10/30 We're Back! TR Link Posted!!

[khertz]

A few hours alone in the parks is great! Go for it, you'll have a great time!!!

I know, that is what I keep telling myself! I just get really nervous, especially with it being so late at night and having to get back and forth to the parking garage alone. Hopefully I can overcome that and enjoy a unique opportunity, since we will probably never have AP's, much less DL AP's, ever again!

 

[MEK]

What a cool AP event! You must go even if you have to take Paxton with you. Maybe he will sleep through part of it. Good luck with whatever you decided. What a great opportunity!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

I understand the nerves, both about the babysitting service and about going alone. I keep thinking I would love to tour the parks alone, my way...but then I am honest with myself and know that I would probably be sooooo nervous it would take away any enjoyment. BUT.....if it was only for a few hours, I think I would suck it up and enjoy myself! Go for it!!!

 

[Haley]

I am enjoying your ptr - we are taking our dd this October (3-10) with my parents. She will be 19 months old.

 

[khertz]

What a cool AP event! You must go even if you have to take Paxton with you. Maybe he will sleep through part of it. Good luck with whatever you decided. What a great opportunity!

That was our first thought...take him and let him sleep in the stroller. But I decided it wouldn't be a good idea since we will not be there long enough to add in a rest day. I don't want to make him cranky for the rest of the trip so we can do something fun for the two of us, you know? I know for certain DH is going to go one night, and I'm really hoping I won't chicken out and can go the second night.

I understand the nerves, both about the babysitting service and about going alone. I keep thinking I would love to tour the parks alone, my way...but then I am honest with myself and know that I would probably be sooooo nervous it would take away any enjoyment. BUT.....if it was only for a few hours, I think I would suck it up and enjoy myself! Go for it!!!

I did enjoy being in the parks alone for a few hours on our trip a few years ago, but the circumstances were much different. I was already in MK and stayed when everyone else left, then took the monorail to the TTC by myself to meet DH and we continued on to the Epcot monorail. Much different than leaving the resort alone at 10 pm, driving to Disneyland, parking and walking, then having to walk back to the parking garage. Although DH did say there is a shuttle/tram, so maybe I will take that even if I am parked close enough to walk. Honestly, I think that is what I am most nervous about, getting back to the car that late at night! I'm so jumpy when I'm alone, especially at night in a place I'm unfamiliar with. Thank you for the encouragement though, that is really just what I need!

I am enjoying your ptr - we are taking our dd this October (3-10) with my parents. She will be 19 months old.

Thanks so much! I'm glad you are enjoying it. Will this be your DD's first trip? I'm sure she will have a great time at that age!

 

[leshunlenese]

What a cool event! I think your plan is quite smart and i completely agree that it is better than leaving paxton with a stranger. I know i would not do that to devyn especially since they are so young and cannot tell us if someone did something to them.

 

[khertz]

What a cool event! I think your plan is quite smart and i completely agree that it is better than leaving paxton with a stranger. I know i would not do that to devyn especially since they are so young and cannot tell us if someone did something to them.

Yeah, I tossed it out there as an idea, but I don't see myself doing that anytime soon. Maybe when he is MUCH older, and like you said, able to tell me if anything went wrong. I read a lot of reviews of those types of services in Orlando just as I was looking to see if they had such a thing in Anaheim, and I didn't read one bad review. And you know if there was one, it would be all over the Disney community! So maybe when the kids are older and we want a nice dinner or something. But not right now while he's so young and we will be in the park for several hours.

 

[skier_pete]

That's cool. I suspect if I see Fantasmic...it will be solo and a the late (10:30 PM) showing as well. We will see. I'd like to see it to compare, but do not consider it a "Must-do". So nice your AP is getting you something extra!

 

[khertz]

That's cool. I suspect if I see Fantasmic...it will be solo and a the late (10:30 PM) showing as well. We will see. I'd like to see it to compare, but do not consider it a "Must-do". So nice your AP is getting you something extra!

DH said he enjoyed it a lot more than the DHS version, which had me interested because neither of us is a big fan of the DHS show and will skip it 9 times out of 10. I think besides seeing F! the big draw is being able to attend an AP event, since it doesn't seem we will be able to attend any in WDW.

 

[Maestra99]

Great plan to see Fantasmic! I've done WDW twice solo and I loved it. My DH has conferences in Orlando a lot, so twice I talked him into letting me tag along and go to the parks by myself during the day while he was working (this was pre-baby, of course). I've done all 4 parks alone, even at night. I've done both staying on-site/taking Disney transportation and staying off-site and driving myself. All that is to say, it can be done and enjoyed!

I understand the apprehension about navigating the parking lots alone at night, but after the park closes and the show is over, I would imagine there would be lots of park-goers headed that way - I mean, it wouldn't be like walking all alone in a dark, creepy parking garage, right? I don't know the DL parking set-up, though. Anyway, I say go for it and enjoy yourself! It may be a whole new experience with unique memories.

 

[Maestra99]

Yeah, I tossed it out there as an idea, but I don't see myself doing that anytime soon. Maybe when he is MUCH older, and like you said, able to tell me if anything went wrong. I read a lot of reviews of those types of services in Orlando just as I was looking to see if they had such a thing in Anaheim, and I didn't read one bad review. And you know if there was one, it would be all over the Disney community! So maybe when the kids are older and we want a nice dinner or something. But not right now while he's so young and we will be in the park for several hours.

Oh, and also: I have A LOT of research to do still, but I've thrown around the idea of getting a sitter service for a few hours while DH and I go to California Grill one evening on our Oct. trip, but I'm hesitant about that, too. It makes me nervous, but like you said, I figure if there were any negative experiences, the reviews would be everywhere. Where did you see reviews for a service in Orlando, if you don't mind pointing me in that direction?

 

[khertz]

Great plan to see Fantasmic! I've done WDW twice solo and I loved it. My DH has conferences in Orlando a lot, so twice I talked him into letting me tag along and go to the parks by myself during the day while he was working (this was pre-baby, of course). I've done all 4 parks alone, even at night. I've done both staying on-site/taking Disney transportation and staying off-site and driving myself. All that is to say, it can be done and enjoyed!

I understand the apprehension about navigating the parking lots alone at night, but after the park closes and the show is over, I would imagine there would be lots of park-goers headed that way - I mean, it wouldn't be like walking all alone in a dark, creepy parking garage, right? I don't know the DL parking set-up, though. Anyway, I say go for it and enjoy yourself! It may be a whole new experience with unique memories.

I am like you, I have never seen the DL parking lot set-up, but DH says it's not as bad as I'm probably imagining it! He got a little peeved last night when I said that when I got back to the resort, he'd have to come walk to the car and meet me to walk me back into the resort, since I'd likely have to park further away from our building so late at night when the parks are not open to regular day guests. I watch way too much Investigation Discovery and always imagine the worst!

Oh, and also: I have A LOT of research to do still, but I've thrown around the idea of getting a sitter service for a few hours while DH and I go to California Grill one evening on our Oct. trip, but I'm hesitant about that, too. It makes me nervous, but like you said, I figure if there were any negative experiences, the reviews would be everywhere. Where did you see reviews for a service in Orlando, if you don't mind pointing me in that direction?

I pretty much just googled "babysitting services in Disney World" and had to sift through a lot of different links to find the ones to other message boards. Here's a couple I found to get you started. I didn't do it myself (I was on my iPhone at the time), but I'm sure you could do a search on the DIS as well. I remember seeing threads about this topic before.

http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?66712-Babysitting-Services-at-Disney-World

http://www.tipsfromthedisneydiva.com/2008/06/babysitting-at-wdw.html

http://www.epinions.com/review/trvl.../trvl-review-1D35-51A6704-39CA75C0-prod5?sb=1

http://community.babycenter.com/post/a29663967/anyone_used_the_disney_babysitting_service

 

[Maestra99]

I am like you, I have never seen the DL parking lot set-up, but DH says it's not as bad as I'm probably imagining it! He got a little peeved last night when I said that when I got back to the resort, he'd have to come walk to the car and meet me to walk me back into the resort, since I'd likely have to park further away from our building so late at night when the parks are not open to regular day guests. I watch way too much Investigation Discovery and always imagine the worst!



I pretty much just googled "babysitting services in Disney World" and had to sift through a lot of different links to find the ones to other message boards. Here's a couple I found to get you started. I didn't do it myself (I was on my iPhone at the time), but I'm sure you could do a search on the DIS as well. I remember seeing threads about this topic before.

http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?66712-Babysitting-Services-at-Disney-World

http://www.tipsfromthedisneydiva.com/2008/06/babysitting-at-wdw.html

http://www.epinions.com/review/trvl.../trvl-review-1D35-51A6704-39CA75C0-prod5?sb=1

http://community.babycenter.com/post/a29663967/anyone_used_the_disney_babysitting_service

I understand...that sounds like exactly something I would do (ask to be walked back to the room) and the type of reaction my DH would have!
Thank you for the links! I will bookmark them and start there (as well as search the DIS) when I do my research!!

 

[khertz]

Could it be? A Disney WORLD update?! Yes, it's true!

This week was what I call "ADR week" since I had to book each reservation 180 days in advance from the day we wanted to eat! I got all of the restaurants & times I wanted, and was even able to change a couple of them around today to accommodate for a last minute itinerary change. This will just be a quick overview with our ADR's, since I'm planning a more detailed day-by-day itinerary for when the trip is a bit closer.


SUNDAY OCTOBER 21st

• Fly out from New Orleans at 10:30 am
• Arrive in Orlando 1:10 pm
• Pick up rental car
• Check in at Wyndham Bonnet Creek
• Unpack if room is ready. If not...
• To Magic Kingdom! Dinner at Columbia Harbour House & ride Haunted Mansion (our new first day tradition...maybe a couple other attractions if up for it!)
• Back to resort
• Not sure about dinner? Maybe order in from the WBC restaurant

MONDAY OCTOBER 22nd

• Epcot for RD - Future World attractions
• Lunch at Via Napoli 11:30 am
• Spend some time in World Showcase before taking a break in the room
• MK in evening
• Dinner at CS
• MSEP 8 pm, Wishes 9 pm

TUESDAY OCTOBER 23rd

• DHS for Rope Drop
• Lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe 11:25 am
• Break in early afternoon at resort
• MK in afternoon/evening
• Dinner at CS

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24th - Paxton's 2nd Birthday

• Breakfast at Crystal Palace 8:10 am
• MK until mid-afternoon
• Lunch at CS
• Pick up cake from Contemporary Bakery
• Dinner (cook tacos) at Bonnet Creek with cake & ice cream

THURSDAY OCTOBER 25th

• AK for RD
• Lunch at CS
• Break/nap at resort mid-afternoon
• Epcot in evening
• World Showcase, F&W Booths
• Walk to Boardwalk? Beaches & Cream for dinner and/or dessert?

FRIDAY OCTOBER 26th

• 'Ohana breakfast 8:50 am
• Swim & play at Bonnet Creek
• DHS or park of choice in late afternoon/evening

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27th

• MK for RD
• Lunch at CS
• Break at resort
• Maybe AK in late afternoon for couple of hours
• Church at 6 pm - Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine

SUNDAY OCTOBER 28th

• Check out of WBC
• MK for RD (hopefully!)
• Lunch at CS
• Leave park by 3 pm to head to airport
• Dinner at airport
• Depart for New Orleans 6:40 pm

For a little OT...

Today was Paxton's 18 month well visit, and it was definitely not the smoothest of his well visits! We discussed with the doctor that he seems to have a mild egg allergy, so she prescribed him some Epi Pens to carry just in case. Also, she said he is a little delayed in his speech and does not say as many words as she would expect, so we are going to start doing some speech therapy at home, including flash cards (something else for us to keep him occupied with on the plane ride to California, I guess!). But the worst of it was that he seems to have a newly developed heart murmur. Another doctor in the practice heard it about a month ago when he went for a check-up after an ear infection. He just noted it on the chart for our regular pediatrician to follow-up on because Paxton's well visit was scheduled just a few weeks later, and he couldn't even be certain he was hearing anything. Well, today his regular ped heard it too, so we went over to the hospital for an x-ray and an EKG. So far, I've heard back from the dr that the x-ray was normal, but still waiting on the EKG results, and he will have to see a pediatric cardiologist. I'm trying not to worry, but that's definitely NOT an easy thing to do! Here's Paxton getting his EKG done.

Hopefully we will get some results before we leave for vacation, so I'm not constantly worrying until then!

In other, happier news...we leave for Disneyland in 14 DAYS!!

 

[disneybarbie]

Really like your plans for October - lots of rope-drops but plenty of free time to relax in the afternoons

Hope Paxton is ok

Not long at all until Disneyland for you! I'm very jealous, really need to get over to the west coast of the USA one day


Emma x

 

[tofubeast]

Hoping all the best for Paxton. Even with all those EKG thingies on him, he still looks cute as a button!

Your schedule looks great. Glad you have some fun things to look forward to.

 

[Joyciemc]

Hope you get good news for Paxton, and soon!

Your WDW plans look great! Only 2 weeks till Disneyland- awesome!!!

 

[Maestra99]

Sorry to hear that about Paxton! He looks like a trooper with his cute little grin during the test. Hoping for the best with the EKG results, and that the flash cards help him.

Great WDW plans! Some of our plans are similar - we'll also be at Epcot that Monday and DHS on Tuesday (including a lunch ADR at 50's PTC)! What a fun day for Paxton's 2nd birthday - breakfast with Pooh and the gang, a day at MK (with lots of birthday attention, I'm sure), and his own cake and ice cream that evening! He will have such a magical day!

Dinner Thursday at B&C sounds like a great idea. I've never tried it but have heard such rave reviews, and the BW looks so beautiful! I see you have several CS meals planned, especially at MK - what's your favorite?

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Poor Paxton! I hope you hear good news on the EKG...and soon.

As far as the speech delay, I can totally relate there. Both of my youngest are speech delayed. My now 3 yr old started speech therapy 1x week right after he turned 2, and in Nov started the Developmental pre-k program at our local elementary school. My 2 year old started speech & developmental therapy 1x week shortly after his 18 month well check. He was about 9 months behind where he should be. Things are still moving along slow, but he is definately making big strides and he will also start the developmental pre-k program in late Nov. Wishing you the best there too.

Your WDW plans look great!

What type of cake are you getting done for Paxton from CR bakery?

 

[khertz]

Really like your plans for October - lots of rope-drops but plenty of free time to relax in the afternoons

Hope Paxton is ok

Not long at all until Disneyland for you! I'm very jealous, really need to get over to the west coast of the USA one day


Emma x

DS is an early riser, so it makes RD the best time for us to get lots done when he is the most alert & happy. He tends to get kind of cranky in the late afternoon/evening, so we try to avoid too many late nights. Of course, he could change by the time this trip rolls around, so who knows!

Thank you for the hug.

I'm so excited about visiting California! Once you read my TR, it might push you towards the west coast a little more.

Hoping all the best for Paxton. Even with all those EKG thingies on him, he still looks cute as a button!

Your schedule looks great. Glad you have some fun things to look forward to.

Aw, thank you! When we posted that picture on facebook, that's what everyone said too...he's still smiling! He's such a happy little guy, it really takes a lot to get him upset.

I'm getting so excited about this trip that I keep thinking it's closer than it really is!

Hope you get good news for Paxton, and soon!

Your WDW plans look great! Only 2 weeks till Disneyland- awesome!!!

Thank you, me too! Hopefully they will give me a call today with his test result...

Yes, and it's going to be a BUSY two weeks, thankfully! I'm hoping it will make it go by quicker. I'm SO ready for a vacation!! Not too long for you to be in WDW either!

Sorry to hear that about Paxton! He looks like a trooper with his cute little grin during the test. Hoping for the best with the EKG results, and that the flash cards help him.

Great WDW plans! Some of our plans are similar - we'll also be at Epcot that Monday and DHS on Tuesday (including a lunch ADR at 50's PTC)! What a fun day for Paxton's 2nd birthday - breakfast with Pooh and the gang, a day at MK (with lots of birthday attention, I'm sure), and his own cake and ice cream that evening! He will have such a magical day!

Dinner Thursday at B&C sounds like a great idea. I've never tried it but have heard such rave reviews, and the BW looks so beautiful! I see you have several CS meals planned, especially at MK - what's your favorite?

Well, we downloaded some flash card apps on the iPad and he actually sat in my lap for a good 25 minutes looking at them with me, so hopefully he will make some progress. Getting him to sit for 25 minutes for ANYTHING is usually impossible! Our doc suggested doing them doing bathtime since he enjoys being in the bathtub. Can't argue with that...a captive audience!

Wow, what time is your lunch at 50's? Wouldn't that be so funny if our tables were next to each other? Maybe we will run into one another at the parks! I think I am most excited about his birthday, just because I never imagined I'd be taking my child to my favorite (and hopefully soon, his favorite too!) place on his birthday! I never had, nor wanted, that chance because my birthday is in the summer and it's just too darn hot. We do eat a lot of CS...The places we like are Cosmic Ray's for all of the choices, Pecos Bill's for the burgers, and Columbia Harbour House is just delicious (I haven't tried the Anchors Aweigh tuna sandwich there yet, but I've heard it's delicious and plan to try it out this time!). At AK we almost always eat Pizzafari, but I've heard Flame Tree Barbeque is good, we are just not fans of bbq. In DHS, the pickin's are slim, but we usually eat at Backlot Express or Pizza Planet. And at Epcot we have only eaten Electric Umbrella, which is nothing spectacular. I'm going to try to get DH to try Sunshine Seasons this trip though.

Poor Paxton! I hope you hear good news on the EKG...and soon.

As far as the speech delay, I can totally relate there. Both of my youngest are speech delayed. My now 3 yr old started speech therapy 1x week right after he turned 2, and in Nov started the Developmental pre-k program at our local elementary school. My 2 year old started speech & developmental therapy 1x week shortly after his 18 month well check. He was about 9 months behind where he should be. Things are still moving along slow, but he is definately making big strides and he will also start the developmental pre-k program in late Nov. Wishing you the best there too.

Your WDW plans look great!

What type of cake are you getting done for Paxton from CR bakery?

Thanks for sharing your experience. She didn't think we needed to go to ST just yet, which is why she tasked us with doing some of it at home with the flashcards. She said he should be saying about 10 words besides Mama and Dada, and we could only come up with 7. So we have a month before we have to report back to her, and hopefully we can get him to say at least 3 more words before then. He understands perfectly fine, but when we repeat words over and over trying to get him to repeat them, he just laughs at us! It's kind of cute, but at the same time, frustrating. Wishing you the best with your DS too, but it sounds like he's doing great now! I guess some kids just take a little longer than the norm. I asked my aunt about when her kids started talking, because her two girls are still pretty young, and she said her oldest took a LONG time to start talking, but when she did, she was speaking in full sentences instead of just saying words here and there. So maybe that's what Paxton is doing too? Hopefully with some quality flashcard time, we can get him moving.

I still haven't decided totally on the cake, but I know it's going to be something simple. We will be getting him a big cake for his party and spending some $$ on that, so don't want to go overboard in Disney World! I've been looking through pictures on the cake chatter thread, so hopefully I can pick something soon! I did see one I really liked that was a chocolate cake with Happy Birthday on the top with some Mickey balloons and Mickey confetti. Simple, but really cute! I'm thinking most likely something like that.