Can't Plan for Baby? Better Plan for Disney! -- PTR

[Imagineer5]

I asked how you were on my PTR and had no idea this happened. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you are doing a good job keeping your mind on positive things (DVC! ) but I know it will always hurt. I'm sorry you had to go through it again.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Coming over from my PTR and I just read all of your updates. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your baby. My heart breaks for you. My sister had a miscarriage back in January and it was hard for all of us.

 

[onescgirl]

Hi Paula, I am so sorry for your loss.
I will be praying for you & your husband while you are going through this for the strength & peace that you need.

 

[oboedm]

Sometimes, people just don't know how they should act. I can't imagine they mean to sound/act clueless...

Reason... she didn't feel up to it since she was pregnant and she couldnt ask the other gal since she had her own child to tend to.

It does sound like you are moving in some postive direction. DVC? And a for sure trip? I agree... crappy consolation... but at least it is something.

Breakfast looks super yummy...

And that pink tree?! I agree, it is beautiful!

I completely agree. I know that they mean well, it's just that they forget and get wrapped up in their own lives. I do that too. My sympathy runs short for them sometimes, and I am sure their sympathy runs short for me-- after all, I have an "easy" life where I am not responsible for another human being, you know?

Great story. I probably would have just burst into tears. That seems to be my MO!

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family has my deepest sympathies, and I'll remember you in my prayers.

Thanks!

I've read through your report, rejoiced with you at the news of your pregnancy, laughed at your stories and then mourned with you when you miscarried. I'm so sorry. I want to stay on board with your Report and see how you life goes. You've got me involved now.

Thanks for your support and subscription! My BIL (who posted on here a while back, was so pleased with all of the support I have received her. He couldn't believe that complete strangers were more supportive and caring than my two little sisters, LOL! Gotta love the DIS!

Has every woman who has ever had a miscarriage had a well meaning "friend" who acted like a moron with them?

You will love DVC! I wish we had been smart enough to do resale but we've still loved every minute! Where are you hoping to buy?

Be good and kind to yourself.

Thanks for your post! The thing is, this one person has been super supportive all along, I think it was just a slip up, so to speak.

I don't know where we want to buy! I want cheap, but I also want something "in demand" enough so that if we have to rent our points (for example, if we can't go due to pregnancies, finances or what not), we can be sure that people will want our points. Decisions, decisions... I will have to start thinking about it and posting our thought processes!

My deepest condolences are with you and your family, and I am so sorry for your loss.

Sending lots of prayers your way!

Thanks! Prayers are definitely welcome!

I'm so sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I have a really close friend that had a really rough time with IVF so I know what you mean about needing a break from feeling like science experiment. It does take a toll on you. Knowing that the hormones were working is good news its a piece of the puzzle that you have figured out. Sending you guys lots of good vibes

Yes, it is nice to know that one piece of the puzzle is there! I was actually "happy" that I had to have the D and C because to me, that meant my body really really wanted to hold onto the baby!

As others, I am also sorry to hear about your loss. Hopeful you will hear good news in the near future when you are ready.

Thanks! We are hoping for good news in the future as well! Still hoping to take a wee one in 2013! If not, I hope I am pregnant and I can sit out on all the major rides with the other little ones!

I just want to say that I feel some comfort knowing there is someone out there in a similar situation as me. I have been having fertility issues as well, I have been on different drugs for over a year now and just keeping on hoping and trying.

We are planning a trip for February 2013 to Disney World, my first with my husband but it'll be I think my 14th trip, I haven't been back since 2007. I am super excited but part of me hopes I have to cancel because of getting pregnant, I don't think I'd want to go to Disney at 8 months pregnant if lets say it happened this month, but then again who knows.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss though, but you're not alone in this struggle.

I know all about hoping to cancel, not feeling like you can plan but wanting to plan, etc. I don't think I could do Disney 8 months pregnant, either. However, I may be able to do it 7 months pregnant if I built in lots of rest! Hopefully you can have a "for sure" Feb 2013 trip if this month doesn't work out. At least it is somewhat of a consolation prize!

I asked how you were on my PTR and had no idea this happened. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you are doing a good job keeping your mind on positive things (DVC! ) but I know it will always hurt. I'm sorry you had to go through it again.

Yes, we are trying to keep our spirits up! I think I am over the mourning of the loss, but now my frustration comes with "trying" again. I want a baby, but I don't want to try to get one, if that makes sense. I am done with tracking and timing and everything! I need some time off, so the forced break necessitated by the miscarriage is a good thing!

Coming over from my PTR and I just read all of your updates. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your baby. My heart breaks for you. My sister had a miscarriage back in January and it was hard for all of us.

Yes! It was definitely hard on my family as well. My dad is still having a hard time with it, actually. My nieces and nephews are the only ones that go out of their way to have a conversation with me about it. They always want to talk about how the baby died, why it died, how it is living with Jesus now, etc. It is so sweet, actually!

Hi Paula, I am so sorry for your loss.
I will be praying for you & your husband while you are going through this for the strength & peace that you need.

Thank you so much!

 

[oboedm]

Day 2: Part 2—Hangry

We made it halfway through the line and took the obligatory pictures in front of Mr. Potato Head. The girls thought he was cute.

Evan and I both wore white-ish shirts this day, which made us a blob of white when we stood together in pictures.

Example A: Taken on the way out of the park that night. Ignore awkward kiss and focus on the blob that our two bodies create. Note to self, don’t wear the same color on the same day.

I believe I rode with Evan this round. While he beat me, score wise, we won the same prize which makes it a tie. I was pretty proud of myself because I usually just get the beaver, but I am obviously improving TSMM my skills.

After riding TSMM, we decided to walk over to Tower of Terror and Rock N Roller Coaster. On our way, we saw this sign.

A poster for Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. Really, Disney, really?

Side note: Evan and I always discuss how these movies won’t “exist” in our kids’ world. Neither will straight to DVD movies like: Lion King 2, Peter Pan 2, etc. I don’t know. I just feel as though these movies are just there to make money—not because there was a story to tell. There are enough good movies in the world— they will have enough to watch without having to resort to nonsense. Rant over.

We got to ToT and entered the line:

Not too bad, but Evan and I are used to Sept crowds, so this was a “long” line to us.

Carol had back surgery about a year prior to our trip. She asked her doctor about the various rides, and unfortunately, the only one she could not do was ToT. She was pretty disappointed, but it wasn’t worth the risk.

She walked through the line with us and took the “chicken” exit.

We finally entered the lobby, which you can’t resist taking pictures of:

Newer rides are a double edged sword when it comes to wheelchairs. You get the benefit of going through the regular queue, as it is wide enough for wheelchairs. However, you don’t get the benefit of cutting everyone in line…

Here is June, in her chair in the boiler room.

June thought this was the greatest ride ever. Seriously. She loved it! Chloe, not so much. After the first drop, Chloe wanted to get off the ride and kept saying, “I’m done.” Good thing she was sitting by her dad, who was able to comfort her.

After ToT it was time for RnRC! I was pretty worried about this one, as I wasn’t huge fan when I rode it in 2009. In 2010, I skipped it. However, I was willing to give it a try. I can’t have an 8 and 7 year old that is braver than me, right?

I believe this was our second longest wait of the trip. The longest wait was for the safari on our last day. This wait was around 40 minutes. Taking pictures is a great way to pass the time, right?

Carol was super excited about this ride. She loves thrill rides and music.

“Hangry” June was starting to come out at this point.

Picture of the ToT with the pretty pink trees!

We were finally inside! Hooray for air conditioning! It was pretty warm for February. I wasn’t expecting that. I expected it to be in the low 70s, not the low 80s.

The girls are/were Selena Gomez fans:

Guitar pillar:

The girls LOVED the beaded door. They ran their hands along the beads for as long as possible.

Carol loves Janet Jackson!

We made our way to the limo and hopped on board. Our redneck photos:

BTW… I think I will plan to get PhotoPass + for our next trip. I don’t think it would be worth it in most situations. However, we have such a large group! For example, on RnRC, we would take up two cars and so we would end up purchasing two pictures, at least.

Additionally, you have to take into account riding these types of rides multiple times using the stroller passes. That means three pictures per ride. I think it will be worth the extra money, especially because we will be doing some of those meals where they take your picture. =)

Sure, we could just have someone use our camera at the meals and we could take redneck photos of the rides. However, with as many people as we are corralling, having one less thing “to do” before we regroup after a ride and/or before we can eat may be a good thing.

Anyway, did I survive the ride? Did I like it? This picture speaks for itself, I think!

Where did we go next? Were we able to get rid of “hangry” June? Stay tuned to find out!

 

[Chelley00]

I've been on a DIS hiatus, so I missed the news. I'm so sad for you. We've had 4 miscarriages, so I can empathize. I so hope you get another chance soon.

 

[annmarieda]

I am glad you survived the ride. I have been told I will ride it in the fall... I have never done so...and wonder if it might kill me.

I don't think the two of you look like a white blob... it is a cute picture.

 

[silverhaze269]

You're much braver than I am to ride ToT and RnR. I really don't like big drops, so ToT is pretty much out for me, though I do intend to see the queue because it looks so awesome...I'll just take the chicken exit, I have no shame

Love the pictures though I especially like the one of you and Evan...so cute!

 

[jenny105]

Carol was able to ride RnRC with back problems but not ToT? I would think that would be the opposite way around but I'm no doctor!

I hope BHC2 went straight to DVD. The Lion King is one of my favorite movies of all time but I refuse to cave and watch the sequels. I agree with you 100%

 

[teekathepony]

I feel sorry for Carol that she couldn't do ToT when she wanted to. I would have swapped backs with her, I'm able but unwilling to ride that thing ever again!

June thought this was the greatest ride ever. Seriously. She loved it! Chloe, not so much. After the first drop, Chloe wanted to get off the ride and kept saying, “I’m done.” Good thing she was sitting by her dad, who was able to comfort her.

I had the exact same reaction! First drop, ok. After that I kept saying "This needs to be over now!"

Anyway, did I survive the ride? Did I like it? This picture speaks for itself, I think!

Fantastic picture, really sums up how you felt about the ride!

 

[BDL]

Great pictures. You're really getting me excited for my upcoming trip. We were actually talking about potential thrill rides with my future-MIL last night. She said that she is fine with inside rides because that way she won't know how high up she is. So she said yes to RnR and is holding a veto in her pocket for ToT.

BTW... I love that that term, "hangry". I never heard it before. But I know the perfect perso to apply it to.

 

[francis6306]

Hugs there sweetie! I am impressed by your courage and your strength in this time!!

I LOVE "hangry!" Sounds like something we'd say!

 

[oboedm]

I've been on a DIS hiatus, so I missed the news. I'm so sad for you. We've had 4 miscarriages, so I can empathize. I so hope you get another chance soon.

Me too! Although, I must say that the forced break has been good for us. Lots of time to focus on the upcoming trip!

I am glad you survived the ride. I have been told I will ride it in the fall... I have never done so...and wonder if it might kill me.

I don't think the two of you look like a white blob... it is a cute picture.

You will be fine! Just be sure to put you head against the headrest like they tell you too! Although, once the ride started going, I needed to lift my head away a bit, just so it wouldn't be hit against the sides.

You're much braver than I am to ride ToT and RnR. I really don't like big drops, so ToT is pretty much out for me, though I do intend to see the queue because it looks so awesome...I'll just take the chicken exit, I have no shame

Love the pictures though I especially like the one of you and Evan...so cute!

The queue and pre show is awesome! Almost made me take the chicken exit when I was 15, though! R nR is a lot of fun, but you have to ride it twice if you are scared. Once so you can get all the nerves out, and once to actually enjoy the ride.

Carol was able to ride RnRC with back problems but not ToT? I would think that would be the opposite way around but I'm no doctor!

I hope BHC2 went straight to DVD. The Lion King is one of my favorite movies of all time but I refuse to cave and watch the sequels. I agree with you 100%

Yes! I thought that was strange as well. However, the doc said that it was because RnR had more support and the issue was the drops-- and how that would affect her fused spine. He thought it had more chance of snapping on ToT than RnR.

Great pictures. You're really getting me excited for my upcoming trip. We were actually talking about potential thrill rides with my future-MIL last night. She said that she is fine with inside rides because that way she won't know how high up she is. So she said yes to RnR and is holding a veto in her pocket for ToT.

BTW... I love that that term, "hangry". I never heard it before. But I know the perfect perso to apply it to.

Yes! That is a good way of thinking! RnR isn't that bad. The worst part is at the beginning, and that is over soon. ToT is the exact opposite! There is plenty of build up to make you nervous! And then it just keeps going and you don't know when it will end!

Hugs there sweetie! I am impressed by your courage and your strength in this time!!

I LOVE "hangry!" Sounds like something we'd say!

Hangry is the best made up word ever! We love it! I even found a pillow on etsy with a fake definition. Too bad it is $50!

 

[oboedm]

Budget! Hop aboard the Budget Train!

A few weeks ago my BIL, DSis, DH and I had a conversation regarding how long we wanted this trip to be so that we can start saving.

After our discussions we determined that we should have a trip of longer than a week, shorter than two weeks. We didn’t want to be rushing through everything, but we didn’t want to stay too long, either. Having a few days after starting “vacation time” and a few days after to recuperate is a good thing!

Additionally, we determined that staying on property would be best. They take care of transportation, luggage, and it is just so convenient. DSis (Wendi), stated that she wanted the kind of trip we didn’t take as kids—meaning we didn’t spend money on restaurants in the parks, we didn’t stay on property, etc. I will follow her orders!

We don’t have our dates set in stone yet. However, it would be cheaper stay from a Monday through the following Thursday. This is what our plan would look like:

Monday: Travel

Tuesday: Park Day
Wednesday: Park Day
Thursday: Park Day (MNSSHP?)

Friday: Rest Day (Sleep in, then WS)?

Saturday: Park Day
Sunday: Park Day

Monday: Rest Day (Sleep in, afternoon @ DTD?)

Tuesday: Park Day
Wednesday: Park Day

Thursday: Travel

This will give us 7 full park days. Maybe I will convince the family that we should stay until Friday so we have one more park day to play with. Wendi (DSis), said 10 days, which I already stretched to 10 nights, LOL!

Monday: Travel

Tuesday: Park Day
Wednesday: Park Day
Thursday: Park Day

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: Park Day
Sunday: Park Day
Monday: Park Day

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday: Park Day
Thursday: Park Day

Friday: Travel

Let’s just stretch it to 11 nights for budget purposes. We need to figure out how much we need to be saving for this thing! As such, the next few posts will be me working through numbers, which I know you all find fascinating!

Knowing how much we need for this trip will help determine whether we buy into DVC, so yay for that!

 

[annmarieda]

Following the math that people do is fascinating! I hope it turns out that you NEED to buy DVC!!

 

[oboedm]

Following the math that people do is fascinating! I hope it turns out that you NEED to buy DVC!!

I am secretly hoping for that as well, we shall see though! This trip is going to be rather expensive with 5 Disney adults. four kids and one (hopefully two) Disney infants! We may need to forego DVC and put that money into tickets and such!

 

[Alysa]

I can't recommend DVC highly enough but make sure you check out the resale market which is excellent right now. That is the only thing I wish we had done when we bought. Plus you get annual pass discounts AND you could save money but not getting the dining plan for this trip and getting garden grocer to deliver food to your villa! Can't wait to hear what you decide!

 

[oboedm]

Airfare Budget and a Question

Aside from hotel and food, airfare will be our biggest expense. We plan to fly Southwest because of the two free checked bags. I highly doubt that we will bring two bags a piece, but with souvenirs and everything I think it’s better to be safe than sorry. I figure that a couple of the bags can be packed with diapers on the way there and souvenirs on the way home.

I have been trying to earn rewards for Southwest for a few months now. Mostly I just take surveys through them for points, but occasionally I will go to a restaurant or buy something online to help my points along. Here is what we have so far:

Paula: 4,925
Evan: 5,234

We will probably need about 12,000-13,000 points for a one way ticket to Orlando. If we can get two one way tickets (one round trip ticket), using points, I will be happy.

I have considered applying for the Southwest Visa (one for each of us—different account numbers). However, I need to wait a few months because our credit decreased by about 150 points when had to short sell our house (fertility clinics cost a lot of money and we live in one of the areas hardest hit by the housing crisis). Maybe by early next year I will feel comfortable enough to apply.

If we applied, and were approved during the times they offered two free flights (50,000 points), we could potentially get four round trip flights free. Adding that to the round trip ticket earned through shopping/surveys, means 5 out of the 10 tickets would be covered! Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch though. =)

We will need to purchase 10 round trip tickets. One of those will be taken care of by our points. That leaves 9 tickets to purchase.

Granted I haven’t been looking for specials or anything, so this will be a “worst case scenario” budget post. Flights to Orlando range from $150 (with plane change) to $225 (nonstop).

Flights back to PHX are holding @ around $225. Let’s use $450 as the worst case scenario.

$450 x 9 people = $4050

I am glad bags are free! Once we pay for the tickets we won’t have extra expenses as far as travel is concerned.

Right now, the flights with a slight layover on the way to Orlando are $150. Here is my question.

Let’s say I was looking at flights for this October. Do we spend more ($75 per ticket, $675 total) and take the non-stop flight (a 4 1/2 hour flight)? Or do I save that money and take a flight with a layover?

Some layovers are longer than others. If we do take a flight with a layover, should the layover be as short as possible (restroom break only)? Or should I give myself a longer travel day (for example, leaving @ 6, arriving @ 4:30), so we get some wiggles out, eat, and use the restroom during the layover?

Budget Train Estimates:
Airfare: $4050

 

[oboedm]

I can't recommend DVC highly enough but make sure you check out the resale market which is excellent right now. That is the only thing I wish we had done when we bought. Plus you get annual pass discounts AND you could save money but not getting the dining plan for this trip and getting garden grocer to deliver food to your villa! Can't wait to hear what you decide!

Yes! We are definitely going to do resale. So much cheaper, and I can live without the extra perks that buying direct from Disney gives you! I highly doubt that my sister wants to cook for her brood on this trip, though! It may be a pretty expensive trip this go-round with cooking in the villa on her next outing!

 

[annmarieda]

I would be saving where I could...so a layover would be my choice. I also would choose the longer layover. Eat..get wiggles out and a potty break. Also... if there is a wee one... changing could a lot easier (and time consuming) on a layover.