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

[lovethattink]

I have some exciting news to share and a couple vents.

First the exciting news!!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/events.htm#celebration Star Wars Celebration VI - August 23-26, 2012 This fan favorite will once again be held at the Orange County Convention Center. This gathering features celebrity appearances, costume contests, and other fan events.

So that means we know when our 2012 vacation will be!! We will definately stay within walking distance to the convention center, so this will be our first off property stay in Orlando.

Next bit of good news. Today starts the day of the free passholder Star Tours lanyard at DHS for SWW. We will head over there after dh gets out of work too see if they have any left! I sure hope so, because I do not want a repeat of yesterday at Burger King. (That's one of the vents.) And Ray Parks is there this weekend!!! He is my husband's and my favorite!!!
Onto the vents...

Yesterday after occupational therapy, Anakin was able to see his past physical therapist. They said hello and hugged and he announced this was the best day ever!! Then he got his hair cut. He sat nice and still the whole time!! I let him eat his lollipop afterwards which he usually had to save for another time. Again he announced it was the best day ever!!

Then we went to Burger King to get a kid's meal for the nerf squirt gun toy. We got to the counter and the BK employee could see how excited he was to get the toy. He was jumping, flapping (a characteristic of ASD), and giggling with excitement. In a joking tone, she informed his that they didn't have any toys. His face sunk, he stood still, and the tears began to flow.

He could not pick up the cue that she was joking. When I told him she was joking he was so hurt that someone would lie to him. And that hurt turned into anger. He stood there and growled at her. I felt embarrassed that he was growling, and at the same time I felt so badly for him that he was hurting so badly. I had to attend to him, but had to explain to her that he has autism and doesn't understand joking. Holding him with pressure helped calm him quickly.

So somehow tonight, when we go to Jabba's tent, one of us will have to ask if they have the lanyard while the other one sidetracks him so he can't hear the answer. At this point he doesn't know anything about the complimentary lanyard.

The other vent is about Desparate Housewifes. Louanne made a comment when her camel wasn't cooperating about it having epilepsy. Her ignorance bugs me. I bet she would have ever considered making a comment like that about cancer or heart attack.

 

[Lidian]

I'm so sorry to hear of Anakin's meltdown over the BK toy. I hope they have plenty of lanyards in stock tonight, so it won't be an issue for you. Fingers are crossed! Please let us know how it turns out!

I don't watch Desperate Housewives, but I hear a lot of celebrities make inappropriate comments.

 

[lovethattink]

Thanks, Lidian! They had so many lanyards left! It was very easy to get one. We took lots of pics tonight that I need to upload. Anakin met Ashley Eckstein, and did a character impersonation for her. He got his lightsaber stolen, and chased a jawa back stage. (Story to follow once I get the pics downloaded for dh's phone.)

 

[Lidian]

Thanks, Lidian! They had so many lanyards left! It was very easy to get one. We took lots of pics tonight that I need to upload. Anakin met Ashley Eckstein, and did a character impersonation for her. He got his lightsaber stolen, and chased a jawa back stage. (Story to follow once I get the pics downloaded for dh's phone.)

I was sooo excited for you when you sent that text about meeting Ashley! I can't wait for pics and to hear all about your adventures!!!!

 

[lovethattink]

We had two totally fabulous days, yesterday and today! More fun and magic to come! We ate somewhere at Disney we haven't eaten in years! Anakin is definately stronger and able to endur more than the last two weeks!!

 

[lovethattink]

Yesterday we set out to pick up the passholder lanyards and maybe see a character or two for SWW. Much to our surprise, there was a sign that Ashley Eckstein was going to be signing autographs inside Jabba's Hut starting at 5:45pm. It was almost that time! We got our lanyard then stood in the line to get the autograph. There was a sign that said all merchandise for signing needed to be purchased prior to autographing. There were a half dozen security standing nearby.

A CM said that she would only sign her line of merchandise, either on the shirt or the hang tag. We didn't have a shirt and while I was in line with Anakin, Goofy was searching for merchandise. He found some pictures of Asoka he thought would be cool to have signed, but we were told they were a "no go" here. So I got out of line and purchased a Her Universe shirt. Silly me forgot that Goofy had my PAP so I had to run back for it in order to purchase the shirt. And got back in line.

Anakin did his Yoda impression for her. She thought it was cute and told him she was really good at Ahsoka Tano, and did her character for him.

 

[Lidian]

Oh, what adorable pictures of Anakin and Ashley! Glad you sorted out the merchandise issue in time! Can't wait to hear more about the awesome days! (And super glad that Anakin is growing so much!)

 

[lovethattink]

We still haven't seen the 6pm show of voices, so we will attempt that Sunday. Since we finished after 6 with the autograph, we had time to kill before the 8pm Hyperspace Hoopla. Headed over to TSM!

Got hungry and headed over to the ABC Comissary. Where I picked the WRONG line!! Anakin and Goofy had gone to sit down while I ordered. I saw it was 7:50 so texted for them to go to the Hoopla and I would bring the food out to them. I got to the Idol screen where I was to meet them and they weren't there!! Where were they?! They were playing with Star Wars characters!!

Anakin saw them waiting for the hoopla to begin. He went over to a Tuskan Raider and they began to engage in battle after posing for a picture. A Jawa lurked nearby. Posed for a picture, then stole Anakin's light saber and began to run with it.

Anakin slipped under the rope and began to pursue him! Goofy was hollering for Anakin to come back, that he wasn't suppose to be back there. The Jawa realized he was being pursued and headed back to Goofy. Gave him the light saber back, and Anakin was so excited about this all!! I wish Goofy would have gotten it on video!

We watched hyperspace hoopla again from the idol screen, while Goofy and Anakin snacked!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Oh, what a fun interaction over the stolen lightsaber!!! I just love hearing stuff like that.

 

[lovethattink]

Oh, what adorable pictures of Anakin and Ashley! Glad you sorted out the merchandise issue in time! Can't wait to hear more about the awesome days! (And super glad that Anakin is growing so much!)

Thanks! Yep, it was just in the nick of time! We were the fourth family in row!

Oh, what a fun interaction over the stolen lightsaber!!! I just love hearing stuff like that.

And I missed it!!! I was standing at the Idol screen holding a tray full of food, lol! It was a fun Friday night!!

But the funny thing was, yesterday (Saturday) another character made comments to my son during a meet and greet. So he either he saw everything go down, or he WAS the Jawa or the tuskan raider!! More on this to come...

 

[mommy2mrb]

boy sounds Like Anakin had a very fun day! some great interactions with the characters!!

 

[lovethattink]

He has had a very fun weekend! We have enjoyed it as well. We are off for another day of SWW then we are taking a break for a bit.

 

[Kennywife]

Lovin the pics! You are a great storyteller, ever thought of writing a book?

Well, I am going to have surgery for a tubal problem (ttc related). I have a tube that is defective and am having it removed/or lanced. I am also having my uterus shaped to prevent (hopefully) miscarriage.

After looking at our ttc bills (and my discounts from work), I decided to change all our hotels to value this year. So.....

in August, we are staying at either a Ramada or Motel 6 at D-land (Aug. 17-20)
in Sept., I am staying at ASMu Sept. 29-Oct. 3 for WDW 40/opening weekend of F&W
in Nov., Kenny and I are staying at Pop Nov. 10-14. I will be wearing my purple! It's Epilepsy month. I've been an Epileptic for 15 years and have accomplished everything (except having a baby) I wanted to do on my bucket list!

Look forward to more of your TR!

Gabbie

 

[lovethattink]

Lovin the pics! You are a great storyteller, ever thought of writing a book?

Well, I am going to have surgery for a tubal problem (ttc related). I have a tube that is defective and am having it removed/or lanced. I am also having my uterus shaped to prevent (hopefully) miscarriage.

After looking at our ttc bills (and my discounts from work), I decided to change all our hotels to value this year. So.....

in August, we are staying at either a Ramada or Motel 6 at D-land (Aug. 17-20)
in Sept., I am staying at ASMu Sept. 29-Oct. 3 for WDW 40/opening weekend of F&W
in Nov., Kenny and I are staying at Pop Nov. 10-14. I will be wearing my purple! It's Epilepsy month. I've been an Epileptic for 15 years and have accomplished everything (except having a baby) I wanted to do on my bucket list!

Look forward to more of your TR!

Gabbie

I'm sorry you are having so many medical bills this year. I wish you all the best and pray that everything works out great for you!

It's understandable to switch from CSR to off site, ASMu, and Pop. The best part is you didn't have to cancel your visits to Disney!!

Grumpy learned to swim under water without any flotation devices at All Star Music, in the piano pool!!

The only off site motel I've ever stayed at in Orlando was the Homewood Suites on I-drive, and it was very nice. I stayed there with some friends when we went to a Women of Faith Conference.

I've stayed at both Pop and All Star Music. Of the 2, Pop is my favorite.

 

[lovethattink]

Back tracking to another Star Wars Weekend memory!

We arrived at DHS almost an hour before the Star Wars Parade. It was 90-some degrees and we knew there was no way Anakin could stay outdoors that long. We parked the stroller to hold his place, Goofy stood next to it, and parked our cooler bag to hold my spot. I took Anakin to first aid to stay in the air conditioning, until closer to parade time. While we were waiting, I did the Wilbarger Brushing and join compressions on him. I got a text from dh that people were starting to crowd around him, that we should come out.
He was quite our hero standing out there holding our place for 45 minutes. A 15 minute wait was much easier for Anakin!

The parade was great! We all enjoyed it!

 

[lovethattink]

After the parade, Anakin needed to cool down! The Great Movie Ride, made perfect sense! It's air conditioned and it's a nice long attraction!

We got the Bugsy scene.

 

[lovethattink]

Here is the highlight of our day!! The meet and great with Anakin. I love the Disney magic that transpired here! A very nice conversation ensued that lasted at least 5 minutes!!

We begin with Anakin meeting Anakin! Notice how my Anakin does not meet the other's eyes.

So he makes himself lower than my Anakin.

They continue talking...

and talking...

Then comes the posing, while talking...posing for Dad...

and Mom...

and the photopass...

While we headed to Darth Maul, we asked him what he and Anakin talked about that whole time. He said that Anakin told him that if he sees any Jawas or tuskan raiders that he should get them. He said they talked about jawas and tuskan raiders the whole time.

Wonder if he is a friend of the tuskan raider who fought him and saw the jawa steal his lightsabor, or if he just was there seeing it all go down?

 

[lovethattink]

Up next, Darth Maul!!

Then Aurra Sing

 

[lovethattink]

It was time to cool off again! Lunch! We had an ADR for 50's PTC. I was very nervous about this. Anakin does not take well to joking or sarcasm...remember the Burger King incident on Thursday? I brought his ear muffs just in case we needed them. I checked in at the podium, and they told us to take a seat in the living room.

The living room was packed with people, not an open seat any where. So we stood and took in the ambiance, and enjoyed the air conditioning!

After waiting 15 minutes, I asked Anakin if he was sure he wanted to eat here? Our ADR was for 3:05pm, and we arrived there around 2:50pm to beat the Pixar Parade. I watched the parade from near the door. Anakin had no interest in seeing it. He insisted he wanted to eat there and he would wait how ever long it took. He played games while we waited.

After about 30 minutes of waiting, I went up to the podium to ask how much longer it would be. The hostess asked what my name was, and it just so happened the paper in her hand was our name!!! We were seated and told that Sophie would be with us in a minute. But our server ended up being a Michael. And he was amazing!!!

We never said a word to him about Anakin's sensory issues. I thought if need be, I'd say something, but he must have picked up on it from the ear muffs on the table.

Anakin exclaimed in dismay that the tv didn't change channels!

And the blender was stuck on the ledge, but the knobs turned!

Michael made dh set the table. Because he already caught him twice with elbows on the table.

Apparently elbows aren't permitted, but flying tooth pics are, we had to test to find out...

I got the club sandwich, dh got a fish sandwich, and ds got chicken nuggets.

Anakin cleaned his plate...

Well...kind of...his last nugget ended up in the super hard roll of dh's fish sandwich.

Our trick worked, and ds got the clean plate sticker! And a sundae!

Dh broke too many rules. He had to take the dishes to the kitchen! (Unfortunately my camera ran out of batteries just then!)

But not to worry, Anakin volunteered to take his dishes to the kitchen.

It was a very fun meal at 50's PTC

 

[KatMark]

Great parade pictures. And great 50's Prime Time pics too. Good job Anakin on the "clean the plate" sticker.