Collin's MAW Pre-Trip Report

[cajunfan]

Here is my 2 cents about MNSSHP...

we were there last year in Oct...our first fall trip! It was me (47), my DS(15), a family friend (20 and 6 mo pregnant) and my sister (50). Needless to say, none of us are big Halloween people. We debated for a long time about attending the party because it was so expensive. (and there were no really good cast discounts...me and the 20 year old are (were) CMs at a Disney Store)...we ended up going because we figured none of us may have the opportunity to go back at that time of the year for quite some time. Boy am I glad that we did! The parade and fireworks alone were worth it to me! We enjoyed them that much. If anyone in your party is a villan fan...they will LOVE it because there are usually villian meet & greets. There are special photo ops, the trick or treating was fun too...we had full bags...the later it got, the more cany we got...we had a room full of chocoholics and we still had candy when we left...mixed bag on the candy...most of it is what I would call "good candy", although I have heard peaople say they have gotten "junky/cheap" candy. We were able to see the princess in their tent with very little wait...I am sure it would be the same for Mickey's tent...for us having fast access to the rides with little to no wait was a bonus, but that is not an issue for you folks since you have a GAC. We just really enjoyed the atmosphere! But I have also heard other people say that they hated it...we loved it and would go again if we had the opportunity.

Lynn

 

[wkualum]

Just stopping by to see how Collin is feeling...hopefully much much better!

 

[Sandy321]

Just signed on to your trip report!

The first day of school and chemo does seem to have taken a lot out of Collin - adding my prayers and positive thoughts

Did Maroo send you tips for Buzz? If so go to this website and click on the pictures to get a feel for what and where to get the BIG scores!!!
http://badshoe.com/BuzzLightyearSpin.htm

My thoughts on MNSSHP - dont waste your time, dont waste your money!! Instead enjoy GKTW - its usually still really hot and humid in Oct - and the crowds for MNSSHP are intense! The candy is pitiful - the fireworks and parade are awestriking - but go to youtube and check it out - without the crowds!!

You are also going to be there for Food and Wine Festival at Epcot - that can be fun trying different foods - I think they will still have the Kim Possible game going on too -

 

[maroo]

Just signed on to your trip report!

The first day of school and chemo does seem to have taken a lot out of Collin - adding my prayers and positive thoughts

Did Maroo send you tips for Buzz? If so go to this website and click on the pictures to get a feel for what and where to get the BIG scores!!!
http://badshoe.com/BuzzLightyearSpin.htm

My thoughts on MNSSHP - dont waste your time, dont waste your money!! Instead enjoy GKTW - its usually still really hot and humid in Oct - and the crowds for MNSSHP are intense! The candy is pitiful - the fireworks and parade are awestriking - but go to youtube and check it out - without the crowds!!

You are also going to be there for Food and Wine Festival at Epcot - that can be fun trying different foods - I think they will still have the Kim Possible game going on too -

(Imagine me running at the screen.....arms flailing....)


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...................



Oh my gosh!!!

MNSSHP was the BEST $250+ bucks we spent on our whole wish trip!



Lauren had a blast dancing with Chip and Dale and Donald...And we got more CANDY than I could have ever imagined!

PLUS - since you only get 3 Disney days with your GKTW stuff...going to MNSSHP would give you extra Disney time. Take a big nap and plan on staying till Midnight! It will be a blast! You can get in at 4:00 PM and stay till after midnight!


Well....at least...we had a blast!


I love you, Sandy....but they HAVE to go to MNSSHP!

 

[billwendy]

Hi

We went on a weeknight early in the week and it wasnt bad at all!!! We were able to ride everything tons of times, sometimes without even getting off the ride!! We got TONS of good candy too - lots of hershey miniatures, twizzlers, sweet tarts, gummy stuff, milkyways, york peppermint patties,,,,,blow pops, mary janes, tootsie rolls,,,,,i cant remember what else, but we were suprised that the majority of the candy was brand name and the rest was from goofy's candy company.

Do want you feel your family would enjoy!!!!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Hey, just wondering if Colin was feeling any better? Hope he is and hope to hear from you soon!

 

[Mickydees]

A big thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and comments. Collin's latest flare took a lot out of all of us. Today (Sunday) he is doing some better. He was very sick for several days. At one point he lost most of his vision. He is doing better with that although still has some blurry vision. He is still struggling getting around. But at least he is up and about. He starts out fairly strong in the morning but gives out within a few hours. His bladder issues have also returned. But all in all better than where he was a few days ago. We are going to try for school Monday. We will only be sending him for 2-3 hours per day to start with. Still trying to decide on MNSSHP. We do like the idea of extra disney time since we only get 3 days of tickets. We would take a rest day during the majority of the day at GKTW and then hit the park late that day for the party. But we'll see. Still trying to decide on what days for what parks. Any advice would be appreciated our dates are 10/10 - 10/16. Having to factor in Columbus Day week. We are a little disapointed as our MAW will not be able to provide us with the limo to airport. Looking into doing that ourselves but it is kind of pricey. Trying to decide where to best spend money for the extras. Thanks again for all the prayers and kind thoughts. Hope everyone has a great week.

 

[billwendy]

Wow, you guys really go through alot! I've been praying for your little guy!!

Glad to hear he seems to be coming out of the flare - how scarey for you all.

Do you have a stroller/wheelchair for him in the parks to help him conserve energy?

I'd stay away from the weekends if you could - the times Ive been to WDW that time of year, the weekends were busy and the weekdays were empty. If you did decide to do MNSSHP, you can usually get in at 4pm, so if you really rested all day, got a good nap before you came,,,,,it just might all work out!!

Hope you can figure out the whole airport transportation....

Wendy

 

[jenb1023]

Glad to hear that Collin is doing a little better. I hope he continues to recover from his latest flare.

Maroo would be a good one to ask about touring plans etc. Of course, I am biased, but to me the more Disney time the better!

 

[Sandy321]

A big thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and comments. Collin's latest flare took a lot out of all of us. Today (Sunday) he is doing some better. He was very sick for several days. At one point he lost most of his vision. He is doing better with that although still has some blurry vision. He is still struggling getting around. But at least he is up and about. He starts out fairly strong in the morning but gives out within a few hours. His bladder issues have also returned. But all in all better than where he was a few days ago. We are going to try for school Monday. We will only be sending him for 2-3 hours per day to start with. Still trying to decide on MNSSHP. We do like the idea of extra disney time since we only get 3 days of tickets. We would take a rest day during the majority of the day at GKTW and then hit the park late that day for the party. But we'll see. Still trying to decide on what days for what parks. Any advice would be appreciated our dates are 10/10 - 10/16. Having to factor in Columbus Day week. We are a little disapointed as our MAW will not be able to provide us with the limo to airport. Looking into doing that ourselves but it is kind of pricey. Trying to decide where to best spend money for the extras. Thanks again for all the prayers and kind thoughts. Hope everyone has a great week.

Continued prayers, positive thoughts, and

Do NOT worry about the limo - there's better places to spend the money! It is a luxury - but the trip in and of itself is the prize! I'd spend the limo money on the MNSSHP tickets - it sounds like you have limited time to tour - so I think you are thinking in the right vein - get to MK at 4 (leave GKTW at 3 maybe - and take your time plano n entering the MK at 4!)

You will notice the crowds start to pick up at 4 - for the parade you want to be lined up at least 30 - 45 min before starting - all trip reports are saying that the crowds are HUGE for the parade, 3 - 6 people deep!

What parks are you planning on going to? Will you have park Hoppers?

Arrival day plans? If you are going to all 4 parks - I would start out at Animal Kingdom - do the Safari, Festival of the Lion King - how about EE or Dinosaur? Get soaked on Kali RIver, or bring ponchos!

Sat and Sun are going to be your most crowded parks - plan and prepare for the crowds - but dont worry - people watch!! You dont have to worry about getting FP so enjoy the time - make a list of what you want to see and do -

Epcot - will have the Food and Wine Festival - I would try and hit this park on a weekday - avoid it on Fri and SAt!! (but soon the restaurant board will have a review and a list of all the booths with food items - and ratings!! So you will want to try the Canada's LeCellier's famed Cheese Soup, they'll have it at the festival booth!!)

The usual Best Day crowd advice is to see which park had a late night emh and then the next day - thats the least crowded park! Avoid parks with a late night emh -

Columbus Day will be "crowded" but relatively speaking - it wont be Christmas time Crowded, Spring Break Crowded, or 4th of July crowded!!

and remember the best laid plans go astray! DD has some medical issues - and we have often made rope drop - then one year, she just couldnt do it - so staying in the resort and just being together was a blessing too!! We got there when we got there!! Do stop in at Club Cool at Epcot - the "Beverly" drink everyone makes faces for - its DD favorite drink!! ROFLOL - seriously - I have since found out it has quinine in it like Tonic Water - she would fill up a water bottle of that stuff!!

 

[Mickydees]

Thank you for the suggestions. We will certainly use all the advice. Collin does have a wheel chair. It is one that folds up for transport so we will be taking it with us. Collin cannot seem to quite get over his latest disease flare up. He tried to go to school Monday but got sick on the way to his class. He kept running low blood pressures during the afternoon and night. This morning (Tuesday) he got up sick. So not trying school today. These flare ups just take a while to get over. If he has to have one glad it's now and not during our trip. Hopefully he'll be over it and ready for his trip. As far as questions about our plans: We will be coming in on a Saturday. After check in and orientation we are going to Disney Boardwalk for an ADR at Kouzina. According to the crowd calender Sunday is an 8. Thinking of doing Sea World. I've read they handle crowds pretty well since much of the park has shows going on. This will allow us to avoid DW on the weekend. We will do either Epcot or AK Monday. Maybe the holiday crowd will be managable. Plan on staying at GKTW for Tuesday and try to get some rest in and then head to MK at 4 for his pirate makeover and MNSSHP. Wednesday & Thursday try to get the rest of DW done. Have an ADR Wednesday for T-Rex. Friday go to US & IOA. We've done these parks before so I think we can do what we want in one day. These are just plans realizing all this can change depending on crowds and how Collin is doing. Trip will be here before we know it so we are all getting excited. Also a little nervous - hoping Collin will be over his flare up and feeling good. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts.

 

[Sandy321]

what works with his low blood pressure issues? Can he have salty foods? Powerade? Pumpkin seeds work magic for me, as well as cheese crackers -

DD fell in love with Beverly when she was having difficulty... I know with his treatments it must be hit and miss, just trying different things!!

continued prayers and positive thoughts!!

Sounds like you do have a great plan worked out!! We were in Disney for Columbus Day weekend one year - it was so frustrating to read the Theme board and all the posts - low crowds, NO LINES... then we get there - and BAM! Crowds, line etc... so I had a rotten time due to MY expectations - I've since learned that its all good - a bad day at Disney trumps a good day at work anytime!!

Boardwalk entertainment isnt what it used to be, so if you have to forego that adr - dont stress it!! But it sounds like a nice way to ease into Disney! Cant wait to hear about it! I've been reading reviews and looking at pictures - I may try and add it!

 

[cajunfan]

I read on Collin's caringbridge page about him being admitted to the hospital! We will keep you all in our prayers!

Lynn

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks for the update -

continued prayers - I'll put Collin on our church's prayer list - IL is praying Collin - be strong!!

 

[wkualum]

Oh NO! I just got a PM from her yesterday as we are planning to meet at GKTW since we'll be on our trips at the same time. She didn't mention anything about this.

We are praying for Collin here in Kentucky as well. I hope he recovers quickly so he will be able to really enjoy his trip. Poor guy

 

[Mickydees]

In the midst of our planning our trip, Collin's flare up is getting worse. At one point we thought he was getting over it. However, the last few days he has been going backwards. Wednesday went for bloodwork, while there Dr decided to admit and begin a 2 round course of IVIG. His Dr did not like the way he looked. He is very tired, having leg and back pain, lost bladder function and throwing up at least once a day. If he does not improve greatly in the next week we may have to reschedule our trip. Hopefully he'll come home from hospital Friday. Just really frustrating seems his flares are lasting longer each time. I'll update again in a few days. His caring bridge site will get updated more often. It is at : http://www.collinsquest.org
Click on the journal button to view his caring bridge page.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

 

[Sandy321]

Praying... may Collin continue to get what he needs to heal and gain strength - may you all be surrounded in His peace, and feel His healing hand upon you...

 

[jenb1023]

I am so sorry to hear Collin's flare is not improving! I hope his hospital stay will be just the thing he needs to get better and to be well enough for your trip!

 

[Mickydees]

Collin is home from the hospital. But he is still about the same. He slept most of the time while there. He still has back and leg pain, very tired, trouble with bladder and bowel function, and is not digesting his food. We are hoping after the IVIG kicks in most of this will return. Our biggest concern right now is the digesting problem. We have an appointment with a GI specialist Monday. Seems like that's all we do is got the hospital and visit doctors. Collins wish trip will be a wonderful change. He was very excited to see the Big Give packages when he got in. Here are some pics.

The kids were so excited to open their gifts. You would think it was Christmas
A great big thank you to the special people from the Big Give. Lynn George (cajunfan) for the shirts and all the extras, also to Jen Baney (jenb1023) for the pixie dust (sorry the kids tore into that one before I could get the camera). All of this will make our trip so special.
Collins is pretty much worn out now. Making the trip home from the hospital and the excitement of the gifts is about all he can handle for today. He has a lot of improvement to make in the next three weeks. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts.

 

[billwendy]

Awww- cute pics - your kids are adorable! Nice to see Collin smiling. How are the girls doing with him being so sick right now?

You guys are in my prayers...

Wendy