"Do You Mind?" - Disney Adventures with Teens August Trip Report

[swwake]

Well, I have a newsflash. I was just offered the opportunity to attend a conference for work. The conference attendance is comped for me. My options are:

Orlando (June 9-10)
Washington DC
New Orleans
Las Vegas (November)

I have built-in conflicts with the DC and New Orleans dates. So those are out.

Now, I've been AIMing with Mom about the other two. Orlando is a little bit of a conflict, but very attractive to me. I have our dance showcase on the 8th of June, so I'd have to take an early morning flight on Monday to go in. I would also have to miss the first morning of the conference. Would need to get permission to miss that.

Las Vegas poses no conflicts. But I will be in Vegas in June and again in December this year. Mom would like to go to Vegas and I'd like to take her there. She hasn't been in many years, and this one is at Caesar's, where I've always wanted to stay and where the shopping is steps away. It would be fun to go with Mom on this one.

OR the Orlando one. The hotel is Hyatt Cypress something. Right in the WDW area. Hotel, my airfare, and car rental would be reimbursed. Mom and Haley (my niece) will be in Austin already for the dance showcase. I checked airfare and we could get Mom, Haley, and KT there for $250 each. They could fly in late Monday night, sleep in Tuesday or go to the pool, etc., then we could head to WDW when I get out of conference around 1pm. Then we could do another park early on Wednesday and catch a 7pm flight home that ngiht.

Sort of a little "preview" of WDW for us. Plus, we could take Haley, since she won't be able to join us in August. (Wow, I just remembered that Jo (Haley's mom) reads this. I haven't discussed this with her and it will be quite a shock. Don't get mad, Jo. It's still up for discussion.)

Wait! I'm assuming those hotels may have a shuttle to/from the Disney parks, huh? Maybe we don't need a rental car.

And if we did this, we would seriously consider upgrading our park tickets to annual passes. What does that do to Chris and Caitlin's? Since we are booked on a package in August with MYW and park-hopper, etc. And when you book a package, everyone in the same room, I think everyone has to have the same ticket package. I guess we could go room-only.

I have been meaning to check AAA rates (now that I'm a member) and see if I should cancel and re-reserve our room anyway. And if we buy APs, maybe we could get a passholder room discount? Not sure how to find out if they are available during our dates.

Dilemmas, dilemmas....

I told Mom - "I'm so spoiled."

 

[dddisrunner]

OMG!!!!!! A preview trip!! GRAB IT GRAB IT!!!! Secondly 89 days now WOO-HOO! P.S. if Haley can't go I'm available!

 

[dreamer17555]

Oh I would take the Mini trip! But then again you are talking to a bunch of Disney Freaks here Still it could be a nice "preview".

-Becca-

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Dilemmas, dilemmas....

I told Mom - "I'm so spoiled."

Wouldn't we all be so lucky to have such dilemmas?
And, Yes, My Dear Daughter, you ARE spoiled! but you are also very blessed.

To my dear Disney friends, I personally voted for Las Vegas. That would be a nice "big girls only mother-daughter" trip. But I also think being able to take Haley to WDW would be fun, too. She SO wants to go with us in August, but she would have to miss the beginning of school in a year when she is starting to a new school due to redistricting. So the August trip is out for her.

 

[brewzoo5]

Are you KIDDING ME!!!!!!??????

Ok, first of all!!!!,,,,,,, Haley was reading this too and the "can or worms" is open or "the cat is out of the bag" now. So, she is all .... "what a dilemma, what a dilemma..." not because of the WDW or LV trip, but more of the choice between Katie, Disney or Tristin's birthday party.

Ha... I have news for her.....!!!! Not a Dilemma at all as far as I am concerned!

And again... Are you KIDDING ME!!!! ????

That little trist to WDW will start adding up $$$$$ wise. I have to consider my options of whether Haley goes. MY dilemma is... replacing the eves on the house to get ready to sell or haley goes on a quickie Mickey.

Dilemma indeed!

Jo

 

[Shmu]

Believe it or not, I'm all caught up.
Haven't felt to well last few days so lots of computer time.

You have a nice family.
Love that you and Grandma Bonnie are both contributing.

We'll just miss each other.
We're going in Sept.

I like your writing style.
Very entertaining.

That is so neat we both gave our DD 16 a special ring for their birthday.
LOVED the pink Limo.

BOB looks cool.

 

[irene_dsc]

Wow - fun dilemma, I guess! Dh keeps telling me he has to get me to Vegas, mainly to just see everything. Good luck trying to figure this one out!

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

So the cat's out of the bag. O My What to do? What to do!

Poor Haley. Don't let her get her hopes up too high. We are just brainstorming at this point.

I'm sure Susan will place an entry soon about another "event" that may happen this weekend. If she doesn't get a chance to write, I'll bring everyone up to date as soon as final decisions are made.

Is that a teaser or what?

 

[Donald is #1]

I'm sure Susan will place an entry soon about another "event" that may happen this weekend. If she doesn't get a chance to write, I'll bring everyone up to date as soon as final decisions are made.

Is that a teaser or what?

 

[swwake]

Woo Hoo!

Congrats on only 90 days to go!

-Becca-

Thank you! They say the time really starts to fly after 90 days. Since it has taken me 3 days to respond to you, that just goes to show that the time really does fly!

Cracked me up that you put Mouse Ears on Katie and Caitlin in the plane diagram!

Bob sure does come in a lot of colors! I really need to go check him out!

Susan and Grandma Bonnie, Happy Mother's Day!

I know. I love the mouse ears. They are hard to see in the pic, but I promise they're there.

I think Bob comes in bright colors too, and I know he comes in a stainless steel-looking color.

Thanks for the Mothers' Day wishes! It was a good day!

I rarely get up either, but the thought of having to climb over people freaks me out.

Yeah, I have to agree with you there. And you never know who you might have to climb over.

Thanks, Princess. Susan's DH, My DSiL, cooked steaks for us for dinner tonight. Perfect! I'm having a great Mother's Day!

The steaks were great, but the sweet potatoes were better. And all on the diet! Bonus! The dogs loved the bacon that wrapped the filets, as usual. That is their special treat.

How did I miss your report?
Well, I'm here now.
We are going at the same time aren't we?
Sept. 12 - 22 for us.
I'll try to catch up on all the fun I seem to have missed.

Not sure. I came into your PTR late, right before you took "the break". Glad you're back! Nope, we're going about a month earlier than you. You get the benefit of cooler weather and shorter lines.

OMG!!!!!! A preview trip!! GRAB IT GRAB IT!!!! Secondly 89 days now WOO-HOO! P.S. if Haley can't go I'm available!

I know - crazy, huh? Stay tuned to see what we decide...

Oh I would take the Mini trip! But then again you are talking to a bunch of Disney Freaks here Still it could be a nice "preview".

You're right - what would I expect from DISers? If you go back a few pages, you'll see that I was getting antsy a few months ago and mentioned trying to take a quickie trip over a weekend with Katie. This could be my wish come true!

To my dear Disney friends, I personally voted for Las Vegas. That would be a nice "big girls only mother-daughter" trip. But I also think being able to take Haley to WDW would be fun, too. She SO wants to go with us in August, but she would have to miss the beginning of school in a year when she is starting to a new school due to redistricting. So the August trip is out for her.

Vegas is still in the running, much to Haley's chagrin. Stay tuned...

Are you KIDDING ME!!!!!!??????

Ok, first of all!!!!,,,,,,, Haley was reading this too and the "can or worms" is open or "the cat is out of the bag" now. So, she is all .... "what a dilemma, what a dilemma..." not because of the WDW or LV trip, but more of the choice between Katie, Disney or Tristin's birthday party.

Ha... I have news for her.....!!!! Not a Dilemma at all as far as I am concerned!

And again... Are you KIDDING ME!!!! ????

That little trist to WDW will start adding up $$$$$ wise. I have to consider my options of whether Haley goes. MY dilemma is... replacing the eves on the house to get ready to sell or haley goes on a quickie Mickey.

Dilemma indeed!

Jo

So does Haley read on her own, or does she read over your shoulder? The WDW trip would be incredibly inexpensive for Haley. Ha ha sis - too bad!

"quickie Mickey" I like that!

Believe it or not, I'm all caught up.
Haven't felt to well last few days so lots of computer time.

You have a nice family.
Love that you and Grandma Bonnie are both contributing.

We'll just miss each other.
We're going in Sept.

I like your writing style.
Very entertaining.

That is so neat we both gave our DD 16 a special ring for their birthday.
LOVED the pink Limo.

BOB looks cool.

I can't believe you caught up so quickly - especially with all my ramblings and Grandma's OT history lessons. Thanks for the compliments. Sorry we will miss each other.

I know, I was so excited to read about your DD16's birthday and gift. I didn't have time to comment last night, but I loved the Emergency cake, and she is soooo adorable! We are so lucky to have such special girls.

Wow - fun dilemma, I guess! Dh keeps telling me he has to get me to Vegas, mainly to just see everything. Good luck trying to figure this one out!

Have you not been to Vegas? Oh, you gotta go! It is Disney World for grown-ups. You will love it!

I'm sure Susan will place an entry soon about another "event" that may happen this weekend. If she doesn't get a chance to write, I'll bring everyone up to date as soon as final decisions are made.

Is that a teaser or what?

Yep - teaser! And unfortunately, I am about to hop on the plane to NOLA, so you ladies and gentlemen will have to be just a little more patient before hearing the new news! Hint: It is somewhat exciting and somewhat bittersweet news. And Katie would say it is "stressful".

Stay tuned...

Cue the suspenseful music


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[Charleston Princess]

I think Bob comes in bright colors too, and I know he comes in a stainless steel-looking color.

Thanks for the Mothers' Day wishes! It was a good day!

Yeah, I have to agree with you there. And you never know who you might have to climb over.

The steaks were great, but the sweet potatoes were better. And all on the diet! Bonus! The dogs loved the bacon that wrapped the filets, as usual. That is their special treat.

I looked up Bob, and he is only available in blue and silver online . Time for a trip to the mall!

I was totally unprepared for him to actually be named Bob -- I thought you had given him that name!

I should be so lucky to have bacon-wrapped filet! DH tried to be helpful last night and was going to grill hamburgers outside only to discover that the grill was out of gas. So, he cooked them inside -- my house still smells. Yick!

 

[swwake]

I looked up Bob, and he is only available in blue and silver online . Time for a trip to the mall!

I was totally unprepared for him to actually be named Bob -- I thought you had given him that name!

I should be so lucky to have bacon-wrapped filet! DH tried to be helpful last night and was going to grill hamburgers outside only to discover that the grill was out of gas. So, he cooked them inside -- my house still smells. Yick!

Yep, Bob's his name! Oh that sucks when you're out of gas. Sorry about the house smell. Were the steaks good anyway?

 

[swwake]

So nobody's biting on the teasers? I can't believe it!

I am up at this odd hour because I received a phone call about 45 minutes ago from my Dad. My Grandma Shelby passed away at 11:30 last night (Wednesday). I was happy to hear that my Dad was with her when she passed. He sounded good and at peace with it. I am sure it was difficult for him. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

I am in New Orleans this week for business and this weekend to celebrate our anniversary in the city where we married 10 years ago. The funeral will be on Monday, so I am fortunate to have a ride back to Memphis on Sunday with our friends who will be here in NOLA with us.

Now, I have made a few calls and sent a few text messages and emails, and I can't get to sleep. So I thought I'd come resolve the cliffhanger.

A little background: Katie's father has an on-again off-again girlfriend of about 5 years who has a daughter who has had leukemia for almost the same amount of time. Her name is Paxton, and she has been treated as Katie's sibling for all these years. Paxton just turned 9 years old and has been through so much in her few years - so much more than any child should have to endure. She is such a sweet girl with such a strong will.

Paxton had her second stem cell transplant earlier this year. From what I understand, she went in for a test early this week, just a post-op from the transplant to make sure things were ok. Well, the cancer is back, and it is "rapid", they say. They say they can't do anything at this point but keep her comfortable.

So far Paxton isn't sick and doesn't show any symptoms. So that is a blessing. The Make-A-Wish Foundation (which, by the way, I have done extensive volunteer work for in the past) has "rushed" Paxton's wish and she will be leaving for Disneyworld this Friday, and staying through next Thursday.

Paxton's mother and Katie's father want Katie to be there. Paxton has always said she wants Katie to go on the Disneyworld wish trip. At this point in the school year, Katie insists that she can't miss school for any reason. (We know this because we have been discussing whether she would go to Grandma's funeral.)

So we have made arrangements to fly Katie to Orlando this Friday night and fly her home on Sunday night. She will get to spend Saturday and much of Sunday in the parks with Paxton.

We are all very happy that Katie will get to go on this trip and to be with Paxton. They will be able to make some wonderful memories, and it wouldn't be the same for Paxton and her family if Katie weren't there, even for part of the trip. Katie is glad that she gets to go as well.

So there's your early morning dose of news. Katie will now get to visit the Mouse twice this year. We are still up in the air about the June trip, but it is looking less likely at this point.

I don't want to be greedy with my requests for thoughts and prayers, but please, if you can, also keep Paxton and her family in your thoughts.

 

[Shmu]

Sorry about your loss and news of Paxton.
Just said prayers for you and your loved ones.

That is great that Katie gets to go with Paxton on the Make A Wish trip.
We have some good friends who went on their trip last summer.
They said it was fantastic.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am so sorry about your grandmother and Paxton! My prayers are definitely including everyone!

 

[MeMom]

A lot of things tugging at your emotions right now. This will be hard on Katie, knowing the situation, but it is good that she will have these memories to treasure in hard times ahead. We will also keep Paxton in mind in a very special way, as she goes through this difficult time. Prayers will be said for her, those who love her, and all the doctors and nurses who give her the tender care she will need as she goes through this.

I work with kids her age every day, so it touches me in a special way this morning to read this, as they will be coming down the hall in about five minutes. It helps me appreciate and tolerate them more, even with the wildest ones, when I think what another little girl their age is going through.

I hope the girls have the most fabulous trip!!!

 

[stagemomx3]

Sorry about your loss and Paxton.

 

[dddisrunner]

Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother! Poor little Paxton! Life really isn't fair sometimes! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

 

[irene_dsc]

So sorry for your loss, and on top of Paxton's news. (((hugs)))

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Now that y'all know that Susan's Grandmother has passed, you'll understand my need to fly back to Memphis earlier than my ticket says.
I booked my RT ticket Mem to Aus through Orbitz bc they had the best rates at the time.
I got on the phone this am trying to get my return ticket changed. I'm not even going to go into all my problems. I'll just say that I think I've talked to every English speaking person in Calcutta and LaHore. I had quotes of $441 to $798 for my return ticket (even with insurance).
Finally I spoke with a little gal who must have been from China. She was able to get me a flight home for just the rebooking fee of $130. And I spoke to a sweet lady in the insurance dept. who is sending me forms to get that expense covered.
All this took me over 3 hours.
On top of that I have a terrible sinus infection, sore throat, etc. and a fever. So I've called my allergist in Memphis and asked for a Z-Pack order for the local Walgreens. I sure hope the nurse who heard my plea extends to him how horrible I sound.
Now you know why I need a drink. Perhaps Lapu Lapus aren't strong enough. I may have to take the route my grandmother took and hit the brandy cabinet. I know Susan has one around here somewhere!!!!!