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

[swwake]

great updat!
Poor baby- i hope everything went okay!

Thank you! Read on to find out how she did...

I'm here, I'm here! Sorry my life has gotten CRAZY the last week! I kind of knew the openeing from your pre-tr! I am so happy for Katie that she got to visit with Paxton 1 last time. It is so hard to deal with that. We had a neighbor whose 4 yr. old daughter died from brain cancer on 8/8 and she had only been sick since May! It was devastating. I am so glad to hear about Magic....how scary! Looking forward to more!

Yeah, you had a pre-view! Yes, we were happy that she got to visit. So touching when the child is so young. More coming up!

 

[swwake]

Part I, Chapter 6
Friday, August 8/Saturday, August 9
Squeezing Howard​

We arrived at our dear friends Troy and Jen’s house in Arlington, TN at about 11:30pm. We always love spending time with them, and were disappointed that our time with them was limited. Their two youngest kiddos, Samantha and Ian, were asleep before we got there. Sean, the 9-year-old, was up to greet us, though. He was excited to have people to (hopefully) play Guitar Hero with him.

We rehashed our stories of the day to Troy and Jen while we tried desperately to stay awake until we heard from Dr. Webb. It was about 12:15am when we received the call that Magic was out of the procedure to insert the tube and release the gas. Dr. Webb told Chris that she was unable to send the tube through the esophagus, because (as the tube determined) there was definitely a blockage there. She was, however, able to successfully relieve the gas. I didn’t ask how. Don’t think I want to know.

Next step, Dr. Webb told Chris, was to fully sedate Magic and open her abdomen to turn the stomach back to its proper position. She estimated that this would take approx. an hour. So we would wait for another call.

Chris called Dad to relay the message. Dad was excited to hear that it was going well so far. We tried again to stay awake for the next call, but, alas, gave in to sleep at about 12:45am. At this point, we had been up since 5am (almost 20 hours), and it had not been the easiest of days, either physically or emotionally.

We slept with Chris’s phone by the bed. When it rang at 1:50am, I refused to answer it. I was so afraid of the outcome. Dr. Webb reported to Chris that Magic was out of surgery just fine. I was so happy to hear this. She had successfully turned the stomach and tacked it to something inside, near the back of the rib cage, in attempt to prevent this from happening again. Magic was resting.

I went to Katie and woke her up to tell her Magic was ok. She was so happy that I woke her up. Chris called Dad to tell him, and we all settled in for a few hours of sleep.

Another call at 6:30am to tell us that Magic was recovering well and needed to be picked up from the emergency clinic before they closed at 7am. Chris and Dad talked and Dad went to get her.

I think we were up by 8am. All taking turns showering, repacking, and getting ready to go to the airport. Dad called at about 8:30 to tell us that he had taken Magic to his regular vet’s office for post-op checkup and that vet complimented Dr Webb’s work and said Magic is doing wonderful. Dad took her home and kept her right by his side, day and night, for the whole remainder of the week. We called him and got updates whenever we wanted to, and she was always right beside him, resting comfortably.

For good measure, here’s a picture of Magic in the car on the way to Memphis, before she got the gastric torsion. Just so we can put the face with the name.

​

I posted on the DIS for my PTR one more time from Troy and Jen’s house. Then we loaded up, picked up Mom, and went to “the Motor Mile” to check out a used Mitsubishi Eclipse that Chris had his eye on for Katie. Chris and Troy looked it over and took it for a test spin. Katie liked it – except for one thing. It had obviously belonged to a heavy smoker previously. After sitting in the car in the sun for about 10 minutes, both of us were feeling sick.

Chris and Troy turned in the keys and politely said something to Howard, the manager at the dealership, and we all hopped in the Yukon and headed for the airport. Along the way, Katie asked about the car. Chris said that he felt like they were asking too high of a price for the vehicle, based on its condition. Chris’s dad is a car dealer from another dealership and had helped locate this car. The rest of the conversation:

Katie: Dude, what happens next?
Chris: Dad’s gonna squeeze Howard to see if he can get the price lowered.
Katie: Oh.
(silence for about 2 minutes)
Katie: Dude?
Chris: Yes, Katie?
Katie: When’s Tom gonna squeeze Howard?

This was the first of many of our bouts with hilarity due to Katie’s (and Caitlin’s) sense of humor during the trip. A preview of things to come.

Next up: Check-in, Security, and Gate-Waiting

 

[katiebug86]

Woo Hoo! Magic is ok.. a biiiig sigh of relief. Katie is funny can't wait to hear what happens next.

 

[Marshay]

Yeah, Magic is ok!!!

And by this time you are all utterly exhausted and so happy that you can just sleep in and not doing anything the next day, right?!!

 

[winkers]

I'm so glad Magic is ok! She is a beautiful dog!

 

[Charleston Princess]

So glad that everything ended up okay with Magic (although I knew that from your PTR ).

On to the airport!!!

 

[RachelNinja]

Glad to hear that Magic was okay! I actually just read about that procedure in a Reader's Digest article. It's amazing to me how vets and people who spend time with animals (along with pet owners) can tell what's going on just by looking at an animal who can't speak.

Can't wait to read more of your TR

 

[swwake]

Woo Hoo! Magic is ok.. a biiiig sigh of relief. Katie is funny can't wait to hear what happens next.

Yeah! We are so glad she's ok. My kiddo has a great sense of humor.

Yeah, Magic is ok!!!

And by this time you are all utterly exhausted and so happy that you can just sleep in and not doing anything the next day, right?!!

We were so tired and we knew we weren't going to get any rest for the next week. Oh my.

I'm so glad Magic is ok! She is a beautiful dog!

Thanks so much. We love our furbabies.

So glad that everything ended up okay with Magic (although I knew that from your PTR ).

On to the airport!!!

Cheater! j/k Yes, on to the airport.

Glad to hear that Magic was okay! I actually just read about that procedure in a Reader's Digest article. It's amazing to me how vets and people who spend time with animals (along with pet owners) can tell what's going on just by looking at an animal who can't speak.

Can't wait to read more of your TR

I would like to see that article. Was it pretty much the same as what I have written above? You're right - amazing that the dog "whisperers" can tell so much. I credit my dad for being the first responder this time.

 

[swwake]

I am really excited about the next update and really getting moving with the Disney part of this TR. I am sure you all are as well.

I am so tempted to write the next chapter tonight, but I just have to get some rest. I have been traveling all afternoon/evening. Delta through Atlanta to Norfolk, VA, and there were delays getting into ATL due to the remnants of Fay.

I have an early-starting all-day meeting tomorrow, then another travel night tomorrow night. I should be home at 1am.

Maybe I can write the next couple of chapters on the plane tomorrow night. I am really excited to share with all of you the rest of the trip.

 

[DisneyJen]

Yeah Dad, Yeah Dr. Webb ... YEAH MAGIC

As I said on your PTR ... Magic is beautiful ... as is Harry

Looking forward to the WDW report!

Safe traveling!

 

[RachelNinja]

I would like to see that article. Was it pretty much the same as what I have written above? You're right - amazing that the dog "whisperers" can tell so much. I credit my dad for being the first responder this time.

I agree! Thankfully your dad knew. Was a case of father knows best

Here's the link to that article I mentioned: A Dog's Life.

Safe travels!

 

[alexb0923]

I saw a cute idea that I thought was kind of clever. A family that always took their Christmas card photo on their summer vacation would pack Santa hats for the photo. So they would have a picture of all of them at the beach or wherever, but they were all wearing Santa hats for Christmas.

I'm thinking of using our "Mickey Ears" photo from DHS for our Christmas card this year.

That sounds like a great idea for a Christmas card .very cute.

 

[swwake]

Yeah Dad, Yeah Dr. Webb ... YEAH MAGIC

As I said on your PTR ... Magic is beautiful ... as is Harry

Looking forward to the WDW report!

Safe traveling!

I have traveled safely, but not uneventfully. Thanks for all the compliments. I can't wait to start the WDW part of the TR either!

I agree! Thankfully your dad knew. Was a case of father knows best

Here's the link to that article I mentioned: A Dog's Life.

Safe travels!

You're right - thanks to Dad! I will check out the article. I actually went to the site the other day and looked for it but couldn't find it. I will check it out soon.

 

[Marshay]

 

[swwake]

Part II, Prologue​

Previews of the Trip​

Before we board the plane, I thought I’d provide a little preview of things to come. Some things we will find later in the trip report:

- We had a favorite restaurant and a least-favorite restaurant.
- We canceled two ADRs and added one ADR.
- A Cast Member truly went “out of his way” for us.
- I have two new favorite characters.
- Chris picked up a surprising new hobby.
- We met a famous Cast Member at the Beach Club.
- Katie and Caitlin befriended a live animal.
- All but one of us received a special button.
- The Kitchen Sink became a bone of contention.
- We visited a Disney Icon soon to be Disney History.
- We only used two of our Water Fun and More experiences.
- We had an unofficial “Magical Moment”.
- Katie and Caitlin surprised me by participating in a traditional Disney vacation activity.
- We did not get to all of our “Not To Be Missed” activities.
- We learned some really fun trivia on the Keys to the Kingdom tour.
- “Do You Mind?” has a special meaning for our family now.
- Katie and Caitlin found creative ways to entertain themselves on buses and in lines.
- We overheard some “funniest comments” made by others.
- We rode some rides twice with no wait.
- We had excellent seats at one of the shows.
- We waited in line for a show, only to be cut off when the theatre was filled.
- One ride became a sentimental favorite for Katie.
- We experienced three different Disney night time shows in one evening.
- Mom got unlimited refills of a cherry coke.
- Some of us weren’t too excited about The Beverly.
- We found where all the Cast Members play on Tuesday nights.
- More than one ride broke down while we were on it.
- I planned a treat for everyone before La Nouba.
- We met the Crazy Bird Lady.
- We learned to hula.
- We each got a very meaningful souvenir (some different from others).
- A character tried to “steal” Katie.
- After much discussion, we were allowed to purchase a Mickey-ears hat with a forbidden name embroidered on it.

Stay tuned for the details about each of these items, coming soon in the Trip Report!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, wow!!! Your TR sounds like it is going to be AWESOME!!! I can't wait for the details on everything!

 

[reelmom]

I'm in but you have to post soon. Those teasers are brutal.

 

[swwake]

Oh, wow!!! Your TR sounds like it is going to be AWESOME!!! I can't wait for the details on everything!

I think it will be good. The trip was amazing! Next chapter, coming up!

I'm in but you have to post soon. Those teasers are brutal.

Posting right now!

(I think I may have lost all my readers, taking too long to post.)

 

[swwake]

Part II, Chapter 1
Saturday, August 9
Journey to Lake Buena Vista​

Tentative plans for today:
• Fly to Orlando
• Disney’s Magical Express to Beach Club
• Check in and check out our room
• Explore the resort
• Find something else to do before dinner
• Dinner at bluezoo
• Evening open

We will see whether we stuck to our plans.

We arrived at the airport at about 12:30pm, plenty early for our 1:45pm flight. Troy dropped us off and we hugged all around. We should see him again in October for a motorcycle track day in Texas.

Check in and security were completely uneventful. Once through security, we quickly located our gate and then split up to each find a snack, a magazine, or both.

I don’t remember what everyone got. I got a little bag of cashews and a bottle of water. I wasn’t too hungry, due to the big home-cooked breakfast at Troy’s house. I think Chris got a sandwich.

Here are some pics of us waiting at the gate at the Memphis International Airport:

We had a reservation for dinner at a “business casual” restaurant, so we were all dressed a little nice. But based on what they’re wearing in the pics, I think Katie and Caitlin changed clothes after we got to the Beach Club. We’ll see about that a little later.

There were several families with kiddos hanging out in the waiting area, though not too many. Memphis schools were starting two days later, so I would imagine not many families were leaving for a vacation this Saturday.

While we were waiting at the gate, I received a call from a 407 area code. You can imagine how my heart skipped a beat. Was there a problem with our resort reservation?? Maybe the surfing at Typhoon Lagoon was back ON! I immediately (of course) answered. It was Garden Grocer. The kind gentleman let me know that he had just delivered our order to the Beach Club and it would be waiting for us at Bell Services.

Check! Wow, the vacation is becoming so real!

Our flight was a few minutes late leaving, but nothing to worry about. Mom, Katie and Caitlin sat in one row, and Chris and I sat behind them. Katie and I both had windows, Chris and Caitlin in middle seats, and Mom on the aisle. Someone did sit in the seat next to Chris, but I think she slept the whole way.

Pictures of us just after boarding the plane:

Katie was already bored with the photo opportunities. Caitlin was just excited to finally be going!

I was very excited that after all the planning and anticipation, we were finally on our way.
Chris was tired from the overnight Magic saga.

I think Mom was most excited of all of us.​

Katie and Caitlin both had their ipods, so they listened to their individual music along the way. I think maybe they slept. Mom finished out the Yes & Know book. I read the Chelsea Handler book and napped, and Chris also read and napped a little, I think.

We arrived in Orlando just 5 minutes late, at 4:45. The flight was only 2 hours.

They told us which terminal we were arriving at, and I glanced at my Magical Express instructions and figured out where we needed to go. We boarded the tram to the main terminal. Caitlin was really cute. Having never been to WDW before, she asked “is this that monorail thing that takes us to Disney World?” We explained to her that it just takes you to the main airport terminal. I don’t think she was disappointed. She was very excited. Soon, she made a friend. He was a really cute little kid. But somehow his mom squeezed him in right between Caitlin and Katie.

Don’t ask me what magazine Mom was holding. I have no idea. Surely it wasn’t Playgirl or Hot Male Bodies or something like that. Katie, again, was frustrated with me and my camera.​

We were met at the airport exit by our first CM, who directed us down the escalators to the DME line. After reading all the trip reports, I figured we were in for a long line. So I was pleasantly surprised when we got there and I walked right up to the CM who registered us. And it was off to the bus!

We only waited a short time for our DME bus to arrive. Under 5 minutes. Then we were escorted outside to board the bus, where we were asked our resort (Beach Club) and were told “Great! That’s the first stop!” Someone must have gotten the signals mixed, because Caribbean Beach Resort was actually the first stop. We really didn’t care. We were well on our way to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Mom, still obviously the most excited of us all:

Caitlin was humoring me and my camera. Katie had had it by this point and was hiding out of frame.
It should be noted that Mom couldn’t have been reading a dirty magazine, since Jenny McCarthy and her son were on the cover. Or maybe not – wasn’t she once a playmate??​

Chris’s side mission for the duration of the trip was to find Katie an affordable, used Mitsubishi Eclipse. So if I had taken lots of pictures of him on the vacation, this is what they would look like:

The hot pink iphone case was the only color they had where and when he bought it (so he says).
Yeah, right.

As for me, I was mesmerized by the bus next to us, fully consumed in planning our NEXT vacation:

Next up: Arriving at the Beach Club
• Is check-in eventful?
• Did we receive any special treatment?
• Did the Garden Grocer shipment make it to our room?
• Did the UPS Ship-ahead box make it?
• Were my room requests honored?
• What floor were we assigned?
• Did we have a full balcony?
• Did we receive an upgrade?
• What did we do before dinner?

 

[mickeymotto]

Just got caught up on your TR and all I can say is that ~ I'm hooked!

Glad to hear that Magic is OK. How awful it must have been for all of you.

Can't wait for the rest of the TR.