Don't stop believing... "Major change 6/23 The Circle of Life"

[oregonmommyof2]

Let's do BB messenger, if you haven't switched phones again, I went back down on the text plan since we have been yahooing like crazy. If you hear "TONI, TONI, then beep beep beep" that will be me and Bill trying to get your attention from across the park .

Woo hoo on the booze . ADR day seems so far away!

Even if I get a new phone, which I probably will, but if it isn't a blackberry then we can use yahoo on our phones... Just make sure the alert is loud enough for my hard of hearing self!!!

You guys yelling at me will be a nice change from the people who normally hide from me so that is nice...

 

[KathyRN137]

Wow... That is a lot more breakfast ADRs than you're used to! Bill better not try that "just one more hour of sleep" routine with you, huh?!

Especially if you are planning any pre-park opening meals (Tusker House?).


Glad to see you are doing a lot of your TS meals at your resort(s); that will make transportation much easier and what fun that you will get to share some meals with TnT, the Dynamite Duo!

I really hope you can do the Hoop-dee-doo ressie on Day One! I love that show! And try not to stress too much about the CP ressie... remember that only a small fraction of WDW guests are as obsessed with their ADRs as we DISers are!


Good Luck, Tracy!


Kathy

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

Hey Lady! Sorry I've been AWOL. Things went nutzo around here. Your ADR's look great. I hope you get them all! That'll be great for you guys.

So, I went from the thought of switching our dates to being 90% sure we are going to cancel the whole thing. This has been a crap-tastic week for sure!

 

[mousescrapper]

I need some HELP!! We have never been there during the Candlelight Processional. We want to make sure to do the “package” so we get a seat. We decided to go with the Tutto Italia lunch for this. My problem is Disney trains us that we NEED to make the ADR’s at 180 days out, but they don’t give us the tools i.e. = the Narrators list to make an informed decision, on top of that they don’t start offer the “packages” until after our ADR window has been open for a while. This causes me frustration and stress

and I don’t like it. You would think they would have to book the speakers way in advance so why not give up the list to us?



[/B]

WHAT??????

ruh-ro...oh no, Tracy say this is not so.

The CLP dinner packages are not available to book till after your ADR window in over 20 days....

I make my ADR's in just about 2 weeks...and that is on my list. I noticed you can not book the package online but I figured this must be one of those you have to call on...

We have only one night to see the CLP our last night in Disney 11-27 I believe it's either the first or 2nd night of the CLP starting. So the speaker is irrevelent to us, but we want the package so we can have that preferred seating area and less of a wait (per Nathan if you recall his autism makes the lines very difficult)...

this is a big pile of XXX if this doesn't work.

Should I just book the Epcot restaurant and then try and figure out the package part later? we wanted Tutto Italia too.

reply or pm thanks.

man how did I not know this

TIA

Julie

 

[mrsksomeday]

Even if I get a new phone, which I probably will, but if it isn't a blackberry then we can use yahoo on our phones... Just make sure the alert is loud enough for my hard of hearing self!!!

You guys yelling at me will be a nice change from the people who normally hide from me so that is nice...

Yay for yahoo on the phone, although I am deaf too so we might never hear the alerts .

Wow... That is a lot more breakfast ADRs than you're used to! Bill better not try that "just one more hour of sleep" routine with you, huh?!

Especially if you are planning any pre-park opening meals (Tusker House?).


Glad to see you are doing a lot of your TS meals at your resort(s); that will make transportation much easier and what fun that you will get to share some meals with TnT, the Dynamite Duo!

I really hope you can do the Hoop-dee-doo ressie on Day One! I love that show! And try not to stress too much about the CP ressie... remember that only a small fraction of WDW guests are as obsessed with their ADRs as we DISers are!


Good Luck, Tracy!


Kathy

I already told Bill that he better be sure about all the breakfasts, because if we skip them then it will mess all the dining credits up and I will be in a panic .

I am happy about having the ressies close to the resort. We can't wait for HDDR and I know I am a little too stressed about the CP package. I just want to make sure we get a ressie.

Hey Lady! Sorry I've been AWOL. Things went nutzo around here. Your ADR's look great. I hope you get them all! That'll be great for you guys.

So, I went from the thought of switching our dates to being 90% sure we are going to cancel the whole thing. This has been a crap-tastic week for sure!

You can't drop a bombshell like that and not explain, what is going on?

WHAT??????

ruh-ro...oh no, Tracy say this is not so.

The CLP dinner packages are not available to book till after your ADR window in over 20 days....

I make my ADR's in just about 2 weeks...and that is on my list. I noticed you can not book the package online but I figured this must be one of those you have to call on...

We have only one night to see the CLP our last night in Disney 11-27 I believe it's either the first or 2nd night of the CLP starting. So the speaker is irrevelent to us, but we want the package so we can have that preferred seating area and less of a wait (per Nathan if you recall his autism makes the lines very difficult)...

this is a big pile of XXX if this doesn't work.

Should I just book the Epcot restaurant and then try and figure out the package part later? we wanted Tutto Italia too.

reply or pm thanks.

man how did I not know this

TIA

Julie

I am only going by what I have read, I could be completely wrong . I might call and see if they will give me any information. I did find this about the time frames for the ADR's for the CP dining package:

• For the 5:00 pm show, ADRs will be from 1:45 - 2:45 pm (lunch)
• For the 6:45 pm show, ADRs will be from 3:30 - 4:30 pm (dinner)
• For the 8:15 pm show, ADRs will be from 5:00 - 6:00 pm (dinner)

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

You can't drop a bombshell like that and not explain, what is going on?

Well, things in life have just gone downhill fast. We have of course been working on the financial end of the trip. No matter what discounts we get it's still a ton of money for most people. We have been working it out though. Skrimping and saving where we can and making cut backs. No big deal. We can live without things!

We found out last week that my mom went to the hospital. She didn't tell anyone and still hasn't. She is keeping secrets from her children and everything that we now know, we have overheard and read her mail to find out.

She had her urine tested and the found "m" protein. This is commonly attributed to Multiple Myeloma. Basically it is cancer of the cells inside of the bone marrow. She is seeing an Oncologist on Wednesday. They have "rushed" her out of our military network and sent her to an "outside" doctor.

She has been acting weird around us. When asked about disney she said that she isnt sure if she even wants to go. She has no idea that we know anything. With all of this, we decided that until we find out whats going on we are not proceeding with the planning. This was supposed to be a "family" trip and we don't want to go without her.

I am sure that she will tell us what is going on when she officially knows. At that point I think we can bring back up the possibility of everything. It's been rough to say the least. I'm not sure how long it takes an Oncoligist to do their jobs and figure out whats going on so I have no idea when we will know. I have no idea if we would even be able to make either of the dates we were looking at.

We haven't canceled yet. We also haven't made this paydays payment though either. Its just a tough situation to be in. I wish we could talk to her about all of this but she doesn't want us to know!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Rebecca, I am so sorry about this. I know she hasn't told you guys yet, I assume she doesn't want you to worry. I know it is your Mom and you know her and I don't, but if I was you I would tell her I knew. It has to be horrible and scary to be keeping that locked up inside and not talk about it. I would ask her if she wants company for the appointment on Wednesday. She needs all the support she can get even if she thinks she doesn't.

The trip isn't important at all compared to this. Disney will always be there, I will be praying for your Mom, you, and your family.

 

[mousescrapper]

I am only going by what I have read, I could be completely wrong . I might call and see if they will give me any information. I did find this about the time frames for the ADR's for the CP dining package:

• For the 5:00 pm show, ADRs will be from 1:45 - 2:45 pm (lunch)
• For the 6:45 pm show, ADRs will be from 3:30 - 4:30 pm (dinner)
• For the 8:15 pm show, ADRs will be from 5:00 - 6:00 pm (dinner)

Tracy...this helps...

I will call later in week and find out what they say. We'd prefer the 5 pm time and a lunch...but 1:45-2:45 seems to be a samll window and not to mention isn't this prime lunch time?

I may just book 2 extra TS ADR's on the 24th and thne if the CLP thing doen't work I have them and if it does I can cancel. 90 days before is end of Aug...that's seems like a long time to wait to book something during Thanksgiving weekend w/out a back-up plan.

I will call and let you know if or what I can find out.

thanks for your help.

thank goodness for these boards

 

[mrsksomeday]

Tracy...this helps...

I will call later in week and find out what they say. We'd prefer the 5 pm time and a lunch...but 1:45-2:45 seems to be a samll window and not to mention isn't this prime lunch time?

I may just book 2 extra TS ADR's on the 24th and thne if the CLP thing doen't work I have them and if it does I can cancel. 90 days before is end of Aug...that's seems like a long time to wait to book something during Thanksgiving weekend w/out a back-up plan.

I will call and let you know if or what I can find out.

thanks for your help.

thank goodness for these boards

I might call this week too, it seems no one gets the same answer from two CMs .

 

[exwdwcm]

Rebecca- i am so sorry to hear about your mom and the trip. I'll hope and pray things turn around and you guys can still go.

i am also frustrated with the CLP. We want to do it this year too. I know my MIL would really love it. I might just have to consider getting a sitter for that night though- not sure my son will sit through it all, and if he acts up, i won't get to enjoy it. I've had to walk out of hall of presidents and other things, i don't want to miss this. So might be a sitter night!

So what show is better to do - the early? I wonder which one is less crowded? We will be scheduling at least 3 sit down meals at Epcot, so we can definitely do the package. I just need to figure out which 3. lol

LOVE all your ADR choices so far!! Looks to be some fabulous eating and a lot of our favorites in there too. Plus, the company (TnT) sounds like they can't be beat!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Rebecca- i am so sorry to hear about your mom and the trip. I'll hope and pray things turn around and you guys can still go.

i am also frustrated with the CLP. We want to do it this year too. I know my MIL would really love it. I might just have to consider getting a sitter for that night though- not sure my son will sit through it all, and if he acts up, i won't get to enjoy it. I've had to walk out of hall of presidents and other things, i don't want to miss this. So might be a sitter night!

So what show is better to do - the early? I wonder which one is less crowded? We will be scheduling at least 3 sit down meals at Epcot, so we can definitely do the package. I just need to figure out which 3. lol

LOVE all your ADR choices so far!! Looks to be some fabulous eating and a lot of our favorites in there too. Plus, the company (TnT) sounds like they can't be beat!

I have been thinking about Rebecca and family .

It might be a good idea for the sitter, then you can just sit and relax. I have no idea which show is better or less crowded, I feel like I am going into this blind and I do NOT like it

.

Bill loves picking out where to eat in Disney. The company is a great added bonus, I hope they don't get sick of us .

 

[mrsksomeday]

I recently received a PM asking questions about doing Disney overweight. I was not offended at all. In fact, I thought

“if this person is worried about fitting in the rides, the walking, or anything else like that maybe others are too?” I was that way before I went and every time I thought about getting on a ride I had never been on. It made me a nervous wreck. Thoughts like this played out in my head:

Would I fit? If not, I was not only embarrassing myself but Bill wouldn’t be able to ride.

Would I make a fool out of myself getting in and out of the ride vehicle?

What if I wasn’t able to ride anything? It would ruin the trip for Bill.

This is hard for me to talk about actually

and I would appreciate no flames for putting myself into this situation I fully acknowledge I got myself into the overweight mess I am in now. I am a work in progress, it took a long time to get this way and it will take a long time to get out of it. I know there are many overweight people that go to Disney so I figured why not share my experiences on the issue? So here it goes:

At the turnstiles, I have read if you turn sideways it might help, my advice if you think you won’t fit or if they make you uncomfortable politely tell the CM that you would like to enter they use for strollers/wheelchairs gate.

The theater seats in the 3D movies, shows, Voyage of the Little Mermaid etc can be tight, especially Carousel of Progress. It is best to sit at the edge of the seat then scoot yourself back.

Anything with a seat belt like Star Tours, Test Track, and Soarin', before you sit down pull the seat belt all the way out. You might have a hard time finding the other end, get a friend/family member help you to get it connected. Their seat belts are really long though, I had a ton left over but felt good to have that wiggle room as I was snapping it in. I just had trouble when I thought I was taking too much time and tried to hurry then it made me flustered.

On some rides it might be best to have your own seat, such as Big Thunder Mountain, anything with a bench seat where one bar is used for two people. This way you are not squished in against someone and they feel safer because the safety bar is accommodating you not them. I have read that Kali River Rapids might be an issue because the seat belt is supposed to go across two people. Just let the CM know you wanted to be seated alone, they understand. I haven't ridden it but have read you can be a lot more comfortable on Splash Mountain in your own seat as well.

Some rides do have test seats, Test Track and Epedition Everest come to mind. Ask the CM if one is available if you are worried about fitting. A lot of the times they might even be able to tell you if they think it is a no go. Also ask to be placed with more leg room, at Test Track that is in the front I think it is the same for RnRC, just ask remember you won’t see these CM’s again and they are there to help the guests have a magical visit.

At some table service restaurants they might have chairs with arms, Ohana comes to mind, my fat hips have issues with those sometimes so I ask for a chair without arms. Either ask when you are checking in or ask the person that seats you, they will gladly help.

I am wide in the hips and have a huge belly, I take up more than one seat on the bus. So have family sit by you if at all possible. I usually sit in front of Bill’s wheelchair spot, I scoot towards him so that the seat next to me is not encroached on.

As for walking there is a ton of it. On a 10 day trip I had my pedometer with me, I logged over 48 miles. Make sure you wear very comfortable shoes. New Balance walking shoes are great for me. Take more than one pair and trade off if your feet are bothering you. I suggest getting out and walking every day before your trip, it really does help with your stamina.

Things to help keep my feet in good shape are bodyglide. I buy it specifically for my feet and apply it before I put my socks and shoes on. It stops the friction and the sweating so that helps out with blisters. It was a godsend to me. Also good are moisture wicking socks. I faithfully use Monistat chafing crème in areas I know are going to rub, there is nothing worse than feeling like your skin is on fire because you are chafed, some people use the bodyglide for that. I also brought Burt's Bees Peppermint foot cream this last trip. I used it after long days in the parks and it did help me.

Make sure to take pain medication with you. There is nothing worse than a headache, backache, etc when all you want to do is keep up with your family and have a good time. It makes you feel guilty, or it least it did me. Extra strength Tylenol was my friend.

You don't have to be an OCD planner like me, but do make some type of plans before you go. For example, at Magic Kingdom, pick a "land" and do things there don't do one thing then walk to the other side of the park and do another. If you have many people in your party, designate one a fast pass runner, take advantage of that system. There are "touring plans" out there to help with the waiting times as well, we have never used one so I can't vouch for them. I can walk all day without issues, it is the standing still in lines that tends to kill my feet. Crisscrossing all day not only wastes time it can wear you out. Do some rides, then do some sit down shows to rejuvenate yourself.

The most important thing I have found, stay hydrated, please. If you aren't you can pass out, you can get a horrible stress headache, you can get muscle cramping etc. If something happens and you get too hot and have to lie down use the first aid facilities. We use them for Bill's personal care but there are many places to rest at those locations.

We use the dining plan, when we do a counter service meal I usually get water as my drink and get another water as my dessert. I take the extra one with me so when I need it I have it. I have read that you can get free water at the counter service restaurants but I have never tried it.

Those are the things off the top of my head, if I come up with more I will post it. I think having Bill to focus on calms my fears of people judging me, although I can say I have never felt judged at WDW. I know Disney can be a scary place if you are worrying about how things will work, if you will fit, if the walking will be too much etc. I hope this helped someone.

Next installment… possible must do’s!

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

Rebecca- i am so sorry to hear about your mom and the trip. I'll hope and pray things turn around and you guys can still go.
QUOTE]

I have been thinking about Rebecca and family .

Hey guys, I am still here. I am in lurk mode for now though. My mom finally "filled" us in about some of the results. She didn't go into detail though. We all told her that we will be right here with her through everything. She doesn't want to hear us right now though. I understand that. She told me this morning that she is worried and that she wants space from us all until she has answers. I told her that we will do anything she wants but to remember that we are here for her.

I am keeping up with everyones reports but, Im laying low right now. You guys can't get rid of me that easily! Love ya!!!!!!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Tracy, I'm cerainly not one of those "skinny Minnies" who never has to worry about whether things will fit. I use the same technique of pulling the seat belt all the way out and always use the anti-chafe cream, not just at WDW, but whenever I go for a long walk... it's great!

Thanks for being so brave and sharing such personal information with other DISers... you are sweet as always to think of others the way you do! I'm sure your knowledge, experience, and advice is going to help a lot of people.


Kathy


p.s. ~ Rebecca, I'm sending prayers and pixie dust for your mom.


'

 

[mousescrapper]

I might call this week too, it seems no one gets the same answer from two CMs .

sounds like a plan

and thank you for your wonderful honesty and helpful heart concerning your last post. this does not affect me, but I still read it through. you are a wonderful person

 

[Hedy]

FWIW, I'm a heavy girl, and there was no way in you know what I could fit into the cars for the Sum of All Thrills (this mainly worries me because the new ride at You-know-where is made by the same people).

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

Just wanted to say Hi i read your PTR i really need to start one my self im sure a slacker :/

 

[mrsksomeday]

Hey guys, I am still here. I am in lurk mode for now though. My mom finally "filled" us in about some of the results. She didn't go into detail though. We all told her that we will be right here with her through everything. She doesn't want to hear us right now though. I understand that. She told me this morning that she is worried and that she wants space from us all until she has answers. I told her that we will do anything she wants but to remember that we are here for her.

I am keeping up with everyones reports but, Im laying low right now. You guys can't get rid of me that easily! Love ya!!!!!!!!

Thank goodness your Mom said something to you. I am glad you are lurking, we don't want to get rid of you .

Tracy, I'm cerainly not one of those "skinny Minnies" who never has to worry about whether things will fit. I use the same technique of pulling the seat belt all the way out and always use the anti-chafe cream, not just at WDW, but whenever I go for a long walk... it's great!

Thanks for being so brave and sharing such personal information with other DISers... you are sweet as always to think of others the way you do! I'm sure your knowledge, experience, and advice is going to help a lot of people.


Kathy
'

I love the anti-chafe cream, it is fantastic!! I don't think I am brave at all, I just wanted to try to help and ease some people's minds.

sounds like a plan

and thank you for your wonderful honesty and helpful heart concerning your last post. this does not affect me, but I still read it through. you are a wonderful person

Thank you for your kind words.

FWIW, I'm a heavy girl, and there was no way in you know what I could fit into the cars for the Sum of All Thrills (this mainly worries me because the new ride at You-know-where is made by the same people).

I had read that Sum of All Thrills was on the small side.

Just wanted to say Hi i read your PTR i really need to start one my self im sure a slacker :/

Wecome Amber!! Looks like we will be at the Poly at the same time . Have you ever stayed there before? I hope you start a PTR, I would read it.

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

Tracy, I have to tell you something. I am your friend on FB and I have seen many pics of you.....YOU LOOK GREAT TO ME!

I am by no means a small person on the outside......I am on the inside though! I am sure that it was a little tough to post that but I bet there are tons of people who appreciate it! You are a tough broad.......48 miles, holy crap! That makes me tired just reading it! I am glad that Disney is so accomodating (sp?). I too firmly believe in pills! When I travel I take a pharmacy with me. Just in case! If I am going somewhere my goal is at least 2 Epi-Pens per day....I am allergic to everything and get new allergies day by day! The last thing anyone wants to do is be in pain on a vacation! What I will say about the sore piggies (feet) is that its one of those "hurts so good" things for me. Hurts like a mo-frackie but the reasoning behind the pain is good!

We all have a few pounds to lose....we all know that. I believe that self-image is what matters....well, health too. If you feel good then you look good to me!

Thank you for your post.

 

[Tinkermom76]

Tracy,

What a wonderful person you are for posting that and you have helped more people than you will ever know by doing it!!!