Disney done differently, (BOG dining updates pages 202 and 203)

[lovethattink]

 

[sl_underwood]

At PT they are working on Anakin's endurance level, as we are at home too. In January he had to stop every few minutes to catch his breath or sit down for a break. He is up to nearly 30 minutes of continuous activity now!! Kind of an oxymoron, since he has ADHD and is like the energizer bunny, but wears out quickly with physical activity. The interactive metronome worked him up to 1 hour of physical activity 3 days a week. Our goal is to go to Disney for a couple hours and not have to use the stroller at all. But he needs more CBT, and social stories so he remembers to stay with us.

Lol... I know exactly what you mean. Luke also has ADHD but has low endurance. We were unable to get a special needs stroller or wheelchair through insurance, however, he is on state insurance (the same one he was on while in foster care) it was part of our adoption subsidy package and at the time I didnt want it but glad we took it as our insurance wont cover anything they deem pre existing which is about everything!

 

[lovethattink]

We are blessed that our insurance covers pre-existing conditions for members under 18 years old. It costs an arm and a leg, but that part of it alone is worth it!

 

[sl_underwood]

Can you check with your dr and get a scrip for one? It has taken us about 6 months but my kids wheel chairs are ordered and should be in soon. We went with Wheelchairs because they can push them by themselves too.

All 5 kids have these ear muffs we got them for the car races but Jason's wears his all the time at home

Just ordered a pair of these. Hopefully, they will help us get through the fireworks. I have yet to see wishes or illuminations. Would love it if we could!

 

[lovethattink]

Just ordered a pair of these. Hopefully, they will help us get through the fireworks. I have yet to see wishes or illuminations. Would love it if we could!

I have considered ordering them. But he hates wearing the earphones for the therapeutic listening. He sweats so much around the ears with them on. I do see them and those orange ones from Walmart's hunting section often at the parks.

 

[blessedmom4]

Hi Tink, I am FINALLY caught up on everything, you have been BUSY!!!! I hope you can get some wheels for Anakin, that will help a LOT I am certain. We LOVE Lisa's EZ Rider (we have big wheels on the back, but not large enough for her to push...all I need is smashed fingers)! She gets around that by grabbing things around us and pulling herself forward or pushing off from walls sometimes...too funny. It fits well in our van which is a good thing since I have a lot to move around sometimes. I thought that was so funny when you said you see family more now than when you lived near them...ahhh, the lure of Disney! Looking forward to MORE!!!!

 

[lovethattink]

Hi Tink, I am FINALLY caught up on everything, you have been BUSY!!!! I hope you can get some wheels for Anakin, that will help a LOT I am certain. We LOVE Lisa's EZ Rider (we have big wheels on the back, but not large enough for her to push...all I need is smashed fingers)! She gets around that by grabbing things around us and pulling herself forward or pushing off from walls sometimes...too funny. It fits well in our van which is a good thing since I have a lot to move around sometimes. I thought that was so funny when you said you see family more now than when you lived near them...ahhh, the lure of Disney! Looking forward to MORE!!!!

For now he has wheels, his baby stroller. He looks like baby huey in it. We get stares, but he is oblivious to the looks or comments. He just knows when his legs are tired he wants to sit. Sadly, the sunshade on his stroller was broken while it was parked outside of Journey into Imagination on Friday.

It's not that big of a deal, except that he used the sunshade to "hide" from overstimulation. I found an old, vented fishing hat of Grumpy and he wore that yesterday at the MK and put it over his face a couple times.

 

[lovethattink]

Yesterday we went to the Polynesian for dessert with relatives who are snow birds. After enjoying a wonderful time with them and showing them around on the monorail. We moved our car over to the TTC and went into the MK for a couple hours.

We met Goofy's aunt and uncle for lunch after church on Sunday then drove over to WDW for a pineapple dole whip at the Poly...YUM!!!

Hopped on the monorail and showed them the GF. Then hopped back on the monorail back to the Poly. They headed home, and we drove to the TTC to spend a couple hours at the MK.

I love the fresh floral arrangement at the GF!!

Each time we got in line for the monorail, there was no line, and the monorail was timed perfectly that we didn't have to wait, just walked right on it. I was shocked that the monorail station at the MK was so empty in the afternoon. It was only on March 13th that we had gone and the park was swamped with people. Remember the stroller parking at Columbia Harbour House, or the crowd pics I took? Not like that yesterday at all!!

There is such a nice dance area with Stitch, Goofy and Chip and Dale. The characters each approached us, but Anakin didn't care about them yesterday, he was more concerned about the CM with pin lanyards who accompanied them.

One of Anakin's favorite things at the MK is the piano man outside of Casey's Corner. He isn't one to usually sit still for long, but he gets mesmorized listening to him.

After he had finished his song, he spent a long time talking about trading pins with Anakin. He explained that he isn't allowed to wear a lanyard while playing the piano, but he comes in on his days off and wears a lanyard. He was really great with Anakin!!

I think we have a new area of hyperfocus...pin trading.

 

[lovethattink]

Just a couple quick FYI's

The handicap entrance for the Tea cups is to the right of the main entrance around the fence. The main queue does not accomodate a wheel chair.

There was no alternate entrance to see Rapunzel and Flynn. My suggestion is to arrive early, make sure you visit the restroom before waiting in line, and bring something to keep cool. It was in the high 80's on Sunday afternoon, so we didn't venture in line. But when we do, I will be sure to be armed with frozen waters to keep Anakin cool, and an umbrella to shade from the sun.

Also the TTA does not have a handicapped entrance. If you are in a wheel chair, you need to be able to get up the ramp and though the queue on the upper level.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Too cute about Anakin being so into the pins! Has he not been into them before? The piano man sounds like he was just awesome with him!

 

[lovethattink]

Too cute about Anakin being so into the pins! Has he not been into them before? The piano man sounds like he was just awesome with him!

When Goofy was in elementary school we were a pin trading family. We went to PTN every other Friday at the Contemporary. And when they started Thursday nights at All Star Sports we went there too fairly frequently. Even when they did the PTN at POR. When they changed to the Contemporary monthly in the convention center, Grumpy began to lose interest and we eventually stopped going. Put all our pins and pin books in a huge rubbermaid container, where they've sat until recently. We are sitting down with Anakin looking at our old pins.

It's really neat how they bring back memories of that particular trade, or trying to get our computer to work faster to bid on those Disney auction pins, or standing in lines waiting to purchase brand new pins when they came out.

It's because of going to purchase a pin that we are in Disney's Vacation Planning DVD!

 

[sl_underwood]

We tried pin trading last vist but no one in our house was really into it. Jess likes collecting pins but not really trading. Luke just didnt get it much. Think there was just so much going on that pin trading wasnt important. Of course, it was his first visit. I think its a great activity and think its cute that Anakin is into it. Also love the piano man story. I always love it when someone takes special interest in our kids. It just makes their day. Luke is the favorite bag boy at our local grocery store. Every time we go, the manager greets him and tells him to help me shop and he will need his help when it comes time to get my groceries sacked. Then he helps him sack the groceries and put them in the car. It makes our trip so much easier because Luke has something to look forward too.

 

[lovethattink]

I can imagine that it makes going to the grocery store easier!! I dread stops at the grocery store! The lights are too bright and seem to bother him as soon as we enter.

 

[blessedmom4]

When Goofy was in elementary school we were a pin trading family. We went to PTN every other Friday at the Contemporary. And when they started Thursday nights at All Star Sports we went there too fairly frequently. Even when they did the PTN at POR. When they changed to the Contemporary monthly in the convention center, Grumpy began to lose interest and we eventually stopped going. Put all our pins and pin books in a huge rubbermaid container, where they've sat until recently. We are sitting down with Anakin looking at our old pins.

It's really neat how they bring back memories of that particular trade, or trying to get our computer to work faster to bid on those Disney auction pins, or standing in lines waiting to purchase brand new pins when they came out.

It's because of going to purchase a pin that we are in Disney's Vacation Planning DVD!

We haven't had the luxury of gong to Pin Trading Events, but my children LOVE it as well. I am glad you are reliving some GREAT MEMORIES and making new ones, that is AWESOME!!!! I have to laugh about the Pin Auctions...been there, done that!!!! How COOL that you are in the video!!!

 

[davebon23]

Welcome davebon23!

Do you email Disney before your trips about your food allergies?

We tend to eat at the same restaurants over and over so we generally know what he can and cannot eat. Gluten is not one of his allergies, surprisingly, neither is milk. When they did the skin tests on him a few years ago, he was allergic to 80-some things out of the 120 they tested him for.

I'm sorry about your children having febrile seizures. Does the Florida heat cause any problems?

I see your next trip is 8/11. Anakin really minded the heat last summer. There was one day we were on the ferry back to the TTC when he started having an aura. When things heat up here, we keep him inside during the hottest time of the day. We had spent the morning at the MK, and it was around lunch time and we were heading out of the park then home. We carry a cooler bag filled with frozen waters. He was in his stroller, and we took out the frozen waters and laid them around his body, neck, and gave him a bottle to hold in each hand. Once we got off the ferry we dodged into the store at the TTC until he cooled off more. Goofy headed back to the car, got the air cranked and picked us up at the kennels (right by the store). I am hoping that now he is better controlled with medication, that this summer won't be as bothersome for him.

I am glad you have been able to keep Anakin cooled down. The frozen waters are a good idea. The heat and I are not best friends. I tend to get overheated easily. My DS, who is now 16 is always hot. He doesn't even want to wear a coat here in Jersey in the winter. And we had a TON of snow this year. LOL. My kids have seem to have outgrown the seizures as they haven't had any in some time. We are blessed. I know you have to deal with this all of the time with Anakin and it must be a worry for you.

We have been to Disney in August once before. This will be our second time then and it will be a true test of how we will tolerate the heat. My DH is almost ready to retire and is convinced we should move to FL and live close to Disney. We will see how this trip goes to see if I could handle it on a more permanent basis. I am very jealous of you, though that you are so close and can go often. Which is a good thing for Anakin that you can experience a little at a time. I'll go back to finish reading the rest of your report now. LOL

 

[lovethattink]

We haven't had the luxury of gong to Pin Trading Events, but my children LOVE it as well. I am glad you are reliving some GREAT MEMORIES and making new ones, that is AWESOME!!!! I have to laugh about the Pin Auctions...been there, done that!!!! How COOL that you are in the video!!!

Are there special pins your kids collect? Anakin has been trading for the pins of the Toy Story Mania "prizes". He got the last one of that set today at the WOD store. I use to collect sparkly Tink pins. Grumpy collected Chip and Dale. And Goofy collected Stitch and Haunted Mansion.

I am glad you have been able to keep Anakin cooled down. The frozen waters are a good idea. The heat and I are not best friends. I tend to get overheated easily. My DS, who is now 16 is always hot. He doesn't even want to wear a coat here in Jersey in the winter. And we had a TON of snow this year. LOL. My kids have seem to have outgrown the seizures as they haven't had any in some time. We are blessed. I know you have to deal with this all of the time with Anakin and it must be a worry for you.

We have been to Disney in August once before. This will be our second time then and it will be a true test of how we will tolerate the heat. My DH is almost ready to retire and is convinced we should move to FL and live close to Disney. We will see how this trip goes to see if I could handle it on a more permanent basis. I am very jealous of you, though that you are so close and can go often. Which is a good thing for Anakin that you can experience a little at a time. I'll go back to finish reading the rest of your report now. LOL

So glad to hear they have outgrown their seizures!

For us, it was a worry in the beginning. There were so many unknowns. Epilepsy.com has a section called Epilepsy 101, it was very helpful. Also the Florida Epilepsy Foundation has been an invaluable source. Unfortunately, they are not in our county, however since he is under 18 they will help him. His last big seizure was Feb 1. He had some small ones a week ago last Wednesday, making Thursday a rough day being postictal. His balance was a bit off that day and he was tired.

We try not to worry about him. We handle things as they come, and try to live in the now, while being prepared at the same time.

I see in your siggie you are staying at FQ in August. We are staying there in Sept. We've never stayed there before, but have stayed at POR.

 

[lovethattink]

This weekend, I'm hoping to check out the new Mickey Greet area that now has fastpass to see Mickey. Anything else I should check out and report back on?

 

[sl_underwood]

I would love to hear how the mickey meet n greet works. Luke will probably want to do that. I do have one question, how do you do cs with Anakin? Do you have one parent find a table and sit with him while the other orders, do you order and take to a quiet place outdoors? This trip we are on the QSDP and I think those places are always so crowded and chaotic, not entirely sure how Luke will handle them. Any suggestions?

 

[lovethattink]

I would love to hear how the mickey meet n greet works. Luke will probably want to do that. I do have one question, how do you do cs with Anakin? Do you have one parent find a table and sit with him while the other orders, do you order and take to a quiet place outdoors? This trip we are on the QSDP and I think those places are always so crowded and chaotic, not entirely sure how Luke will handle them. Any suggestions?

In our back pack we always keep a few of those Lego figures, or something to build. If I'm feeling particularly strong, I'll bring a DK Ultimate Star Wars Sticker book, but those get heavy carrying them around and I don't trust leaving it in the stroller, (would hate for it to walk away).

While one of us goes in line, the other sits at the table with Anakin. Sometimes he prefers to play alone, other times he will want someone to play with him. He really enjoys being helpful and getting the napkins, straws, and ketchup.

His favorite eating places:

Pinochio Haus - you can watch the Small World attraction and wave to people if you sit at a window seat.

Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe - He loves sitting and watching Sunny Eclipse and has been known to break out in dance.

The Mara at AKL - he loves looking at the animals after eating, and watching the tv while eating. Usually no toys required here as long as he is near the tv.

The Riverside Mill at POR - he loves watching the giant water wheel spin. Also enjoys the kiddie area of the food court that has a coloring table and tv. At certain times of day a cm will come and read a story to the children.

Everything Pop - there is a section off to the left that is usually quieter than the rest of the food court, but this section isn't always opened.

He only likes the All Star Movie's food court because of the grilled cheese sandwich. But he often has his hands over his ears there when large groups are there.

He does not like eating at Flame Tree BBQ because it's outside where it's hot.

He likes the Comissary because of all the tvs. He doesn't like the Back Lot for some reason and gets very hyperactive in there. We haven't figured out why.

Hope this helps.

 

[blessedmom4]

Are there special pins your kids collect? Anakin has been trading for the pins of the Toy Story Mania "prizes". He got the last one of that set today at the WOD store. I use to collect sparkly Tink pins. Grumpy collected Chip and Dale. And Goofy collected Stitch and Haunted Mansion.
They always seem to change, BUT, I love Haunted Mansion, Minnie, Princesses and the holidays, Pete loves the old style Mickey, and older style pins, Christian likes Pirates, Stitch, Haunted Mansion, David LOVES the trains, Stitch, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Rachel loves the Princesses, Tinkerbell, anything with a guitar, Lisa loves the Princesses, especially Belle or Rapunzel, Splash Mountain and Minnie...of course, it always changes!


So glad to hear they have outgrown their seizures!

For us, it was a worry in the beginning. There were so many unknowns. Epilepsy.com has a section called Epilepsy 101, it was very helpful. Also the Florida Epilepsy Foundation has been an invaluable source. Unfortunately, they are not in our county, however since he is under 18 they will help him. His last big seizure was Feb 1. He had some small ones a week ago last Wednesday, making Thursday a rough day being postictal. His balance was a bit off that day and he was tired.

I don't like the post-ictal phases...So sorry to hear about the rough days...glad he gets some help!

I am looking forward to hearing about the meet and greet!