first trip as dvc members 08

[finallydvc08]

OK. This is my first time attempting a trip report. I am not really sure how this goes, but there doesn't seem to be a specific format. I suppose I will just figure it out as I go along.

In our family, we have the following:

DH - DH was first introduced to Disney through me when I took him back in '94 for a high school graduation present to myself. We honeymooned there in '97, and ever since then I have slowly but surely been transforming him into a Disney fan. But I assure you that it is VERY SLOWLY . . . he has not fully arrived yet.

Me - I have been a Disney fanatic since birth. Growing up in FL, my best family memories were always at Disney. Throw in the New Mickey Mouse Club as an impressionable tween, and I was hooked for life.

DD8 - This chick is my mini-me. She is already an obsessive planner in the making (specializing in vacations). Her Disney trivia is nearing perfection. And this vacation is particularly exciting for her since she got her first scrapbook for her birthday and is planning on scrapping about our family vacation.

DS6 - This guy is like no other. He has a true enthusiasm for Disney, Buzz Lightyear and Pirates of the Carribean. He also knows how to reduce his mommy into a pile of warm fuzzies. He continues to do this by presenting me with all the money he receives for gifts and chores to help pay off our dvc membership.

DD3 - This is the spunky character of the group. She is my most affectionate child which is really saying something because all of my kids are snuggle-varmits. She is also my most cranky child when she gets tired, hot, or hungry . . . oh the stories I will tell on this report! DD3 cut her teeth on Disney due to the obsessive Disney nature of her siblings and mother. She puts almost all topics of conversation within the context of Disney. This occasionally makes for amusing misunderstandings which cause DH to shake his head and say, "The brain washing is now complete."

Our family has been to WDW before. But we just joined dvc recently, and this is our first trip as members. Also, we are planning on going to MK, so this will be DD3 first time there and the first time that my DS will remember [the last time he went, he was 2 y.o.]. I am particularly excited about our lodging. We have reservations at VWL. I have wanted to stay in this resort since I was a teen, but I never really thought that I would ever get to do it. Now I finally will. It is a little difficult to take it all in sometimes. Needless to say, this trip has a very heightened sense of anticipation for all in our family.

 

[finallydvc08]

I have been packing for at least a month now in preparation for our trip. All the suitcases have just been sitting in DS room, waiting to be loaded into our minivan. And daily, I have been acquiring things from the store that the ULTIMATE DISNEY PACKING LIST says I should have.

But here we are, the day of departure, and there is still so much to be done.

My children have a medical condition that requires them to be on a strict medical diet. Most of the foods that they eat are not consistently found in grocery stores. Since I can't risk getting to Orlando and not finding their approved foods, we have to grocery shop prior to leaving and pack it all for the trip. And almost everything is perishable, so we can't purchase and pack this stuff ahead of time.

My husband seems to be dragging his feet. I know that he is excited to take this trip, but his attitude can really suck when he has to help out with our food situation. I understand that it is particularly laborious, but I am so anxious to get going, that his snail-pace-with-grumpy-face manner is irritating me beyond description. Doesn't he know that going to Disney invokes blissful joy that overcomes all other dislikes? His apparent lack of understanding this basic principle somehow renders me incapable of invoking this blissful joy too. His contagious cranky spirit is stealing my blissful joy which irritates me further as I acknowledge the hypocrisy of being irritated by someone else's inability to overcome irritability. I find myself in a vicious downward spiral at this point and must defer to an emotiocon .

We have to make this 13 hour trip in one big drive straight through the night for a couple reasons:
1) As I already mentioned, all our groceries need to get to a refrigerator or freezer as quickly as possible, and night-driving provides cooler driving along with less traffic.
2) My children's diet requires that their meals be made from scratch. These types of meals are difficult to serve on the road, and stopping in at random restaurants is not an option due to a lot of "unknowns" concerning the restaurant's food sources. So we have to drive through the night since the kids sleep and do not eat during those hours.

I am a little anxious about having to make this drive because I know that DH will not be much help when I get too tired to drive. He is incapable of driving for more than an hour or two at a time. He gets road hypnosis or something and goes right to sleep. It scares the crap out of me since he could kill us all. Anyway, I know that the brunt of this journey falls to me, and I find myself getting more irritated as I think about my impending duty as driver that I will have to endure almost entirely on my own.

I was hoping to feed the kids, clean up from dinner and get on the road by 7 pm so that I could get a good portion of the trip covered by the time sleepiness hits me. But DH's poor attitude is dragging the process out to an extent that makes me want to pull my hair out.

We finally get in the car about 9:30pm and pull out of the drive-way. DH then tells me we have to stop at Walmart to get some more last minute things. I am not amused. After our stop at Walmart, we finally actually begin our trip at 10:30pm . . . 3 1/2 hours behind schedule . This is not a good start according to an anal "Rabbit" person such as myself. My DD8 (mini-me) is a little frustrated as well.

DH offers to start the drive. I turn him down because I know that I will have to take over for him within the hour which will only further irritate me. Also, I know that my current irritation will serve us well as I tend to drive a little faster when I am cranky .

So off we go. I am conquering the road at an exciting pace. DH promptly falls asleep. DD8, DS6, and DD3 are squished but quiet and content as they watch a movie in the back bench seat [we had to take out the middle captain's chairs to make room for all our grocery-filled coolers, leaving only the back bench for my 3 kids . . . 2 in car/booster seats].

At one point DD8 whines a little about being uncomfortable. Even though her frustration is valid, she is quickly barked at by her lunatic mom who hasn't completely gotten over her previous irritation and says, "I don't want to hear one syllable of complaint. I am working a job solely to pay for you to have these wonderful Disney vacations, and being cramped in the car like this is the only way we can do it. If I hear even one whimper of complaining--so help me--the complainer will not go on any of the Disney trips in future years. He or she will stay home with Grandma because only happy people are allowed in Disney World!" In my mind, I am fully aware that if this were entirely true, I would be the first one eliminated at this point. But being the mommy, I tend to say these hypocritical and guilt-inducing things in times of high stress . I hope that none of you can relate. Anyway, my empty threat works, as there are no complaints henceforth.

Once the movie is over, it is time to turn off the TV and allow the varmits to dream away the miles between us and our blissful Disney destination. I put on music in the front of the van and keep blazing a trail on the interstate. As I immerse myself in the "magic of music", I begin to sing away my frustration and irritation. Slowly all becomes right in my world again. With each note I slowly evolve into the compassionate, loving, comforting, fun-loving and doting wife and mother that I usually am on WDW trips. And I sing and sing and sing with a smile as I think about my now inevitable arrival in Orlando . . . if I can just get through this drive.

Apparently, I hit some kind of groove and find myself driving without the faintest sign of impending exhaustion. The states go by, and I am still going strong. Around 6:30 am, I begin to feel a slight inkling of reduction in energy and my vocal chords are raspy from the relentless abuse of an 8 hour singing marathon. I am truly pleased as I acknowledge my driving world record in duration as well as Disney trip speed. I have taken us from central VA past the FL border and somehow shaved 2 hours off of our trip. With this badge of honor worn proudly on my sleeve, I relinquish the wheel to DH who awakes and is also in awe of me. I smugly tell him that I can take the wheel back should he tire in an hour as he usually does. He smirks at my snootiness and assures me that he is capable of handling the remainder of the drive.

As I snuggle into the passenger seat, my slight reduction of energy evolves into complete exhaustion. I happily go comatose in an awkward upright position, knowing that in a few hours I will wake up at my friend's house in Kissimee and only one day away arriving at WDW.

. . . DAY 2 to follow soon . . .

 

[jmskinner]

I'm in.

"I don't want to hear one syllable of complaint. I am working a job solely to pay for you to have these wonderful Disney vacations, and being cramped in the car like this is the only way we can do it. If I hear even one whimper of complaining--so help me--the complainer will not go on any of the Disney trips in future years. He or she will stay home with Grandma because only happy people are allowed in Disney World!" This had me .

 

[finallydvc08]

Hooray! A reader! Now I will have the motivation to keep reporting.

Thanks for the boost!

 

[DVC'96]

Love your report so far! This could have been my family about 8 yrs ago, except DH does the driving from Maryland. I have been told I get a little "psycho" just before we leave on our trips. They don't understand I'm under a lot of pressure to make sure everyone has a good time!

I'll keep checking back to see what happens next!

 

[mouseaddicts]

OK. This is my first time attempting a trip report.

DD8 - This chick is my mini-me. She is already an obsessive planner in the making (specializing in vacations). Her Disney trivia is nearing perfection. And this vacation is particularly exciting for her since she got her first scrapbook for her birthday and is planning on scrapping about our family vacation.

DS6 - This guy is like no other. He has a true enthusiasm for Disney, Buzz Lightyear and Pirates of the Carribean. He also knows how to reduce his mommy into a pile of warm fuzzies. He continues to do this by presenting me with all the money he receives for gifts and chores to help pay off our dvc membership.

Okay - You just described my DD11 and my DS8!!! I swear. My sweet lil baby boy just gave us his *new* $1 to put in the Disney jar last week b/c he wants to help pay for the trip!! I tried and tried and tried to give it back, but he wouldn't hear of it. *sniff* sweet baby ........

I too have commited myself to write our very FIRST trip report when we return. We leave in 7 days!!! I understand your attempt to muddle through ....... I'll be doing the same.

"I don't want to hear one syllable of complaint. I am working a job solely to pay for you to have these wonderful Disney vacations, and being cramped in the car like this is the only way we can do it. If I hear even one whimper of complaining--so help me--the complainer will not go on any of the Disney trips in future years. He or she will stay home with Grandma because only happy people are allowed in Disney World!"

I swear, I've spoken these words ..........
I guess it's just all part of being a "Disney" mom ......


So ........ all that said, I'm in!
(and btw, you are using my fav font & size - I had already planned to do the same when I write my report)

 

[patches07]

Looking forward to more!

 

[megveg]

Im here! Your trip report has PULLEd me in, I felt like I was driving right with you and I cant wait for the rest!!

hopefully I get readers on my trip report once I get my photopass pictures!

hurrayy!

 

[finallydvc08]

Okay - You just described my DD11 and my DS8!!! I swear. My sweet lil baby boy just gave us his *new* $1 to put in the Disney jar last week b/c he wants to help pay for the trip!! I tried and tried and tried to give it back, but he wouldn't hear of it. *sniff* sweet baby ........

I too have commited myself to write our very FIRST trip report when we return. We leave in 7 days!!! I understand your attempt to muddle through ....... I'll be doing the same.

I swear, I've spoken these words ..........
I guess it's just all part of being a "Disney" mom ......

So ........ all that said, I'm in!
(and btw, you are using my fav font & size - I had already planned to do the same when I write my report)

Hi Mouseaddicts.

Well, apparently there IS another like my DS, but he is still one-of-a-kind to me. I am sure you know how mommies are about their sons.

It is so much fun to hear we are such kindred spirits. To hear that we speak the same words, use the same fonts and sizes and have the same children tickles me and creeps me out all at the same time. Seriously, though, that is rather funny, and I definitely want to read your report when you write it. Make sure you find me and post the link to me in case I don't find it on my own.

 

[finallydvc08]

Love your report so far! This could have been my family about 8 yrs ago, except DH does the driving from Maryland. I have been told I get a little "psycho" just before we leave on our trips. They don't understand I'm under a lot of pressure to make sure everyone has a good time!


Yes! This is it exactly.

 

[jen3003]

I can't wait to read more of your trip report. I am anxiously awaiting your report of Wilderness. We are staying there in August, no DVC. (Still can't convince my hubby to buy into it.)
Until your next post...

 

[finallydvc08]

I wake up somewhere in Kissimee. My DH has miraculously been able to drive more than 2 hours, and I find myself totally refreshed and pumped for vacation. The sun is bright; the air is hot, and my emotional state is instantly rejuvinated as I imagine my pasty, white VA skin transforming into a beautiful FL tan. Life is good, and it is about to get better because we are staying overnight at the home of a friend of mine that I haven't seen since high school. Upon arrival, the plan is to feed the children, recover from the drive, catch up on 14 years in 24 hours and get "insider tips" since she and her husband both work at Disney.

Finally, the house is found. MapQuest has successfully lead us to the front steps of a long lost friend. DH and I get out of the van, stretch our legs, lovingly smile at each other and stroke each other's ego as we comment on a drive well done. We unbuckle our 3 restless children who haven't moved in 11 hours and freshen them up as best we can considering that the conditions for freshening are 95 degree temps and blinding sunshine. I can see them bite their tongues in an attempt to hold back complaints as the humidity hits them like a brick wall. "After all," I remind them, "Disney World is the 'happiest place on Earth'. If they allowed cranky people to come, it wouldn't be the 'happiest place' anymore. So we need to be worthy of entrance."

I ring the doorbell with great anticipation. This was one of my best friends in high school. We recently reunited through e-mail, and I am very excited for our families to finally meet. We have discussed how wonderful it will be for our husbands to pal around and our children to be able to play together, and now the day has finally come.

The door opens and we are greeted by my dear friend and her husband who look as if they were the ones who just made the 11 hour trip. They excuse their appearance and explain that their DD2 has a flu bug and has been vomiting relentlessly all night.

I immediately see visions of my 3 beauties spending our precious days at Disney on the tile floor of our villa bathroom, taking turns puking in the commode. Is it too late to run? Can I somehow pretend that I am not actually the long-lost high school buddy but a look-alike that has mistakenly ended up on her front step and must be going now? Fourteen years of friendship doesn't compare in value to six blissful days of Disney, so I figure if she is really offended, the loss will be worth it. But where will we go? I have got to get these groceries in a refrigerator because they are not going to last in a steaming FL car. I also need a kitchen because it is nearing 10:00am and my kids need their breakfast prepared. Where could I find a nearby hotel with such accomodations? Is it possible to get an instant 2nd mortgage on the house to buy more dvc points on the spot, giving us a chance to check into our villa for an extra day right now!

Quickly I realize that there is no backtracking. We must proceed into the germ-infested abode of my welcoming friend but not before I describe her daughter's condition to my children as something akin to the Bubonic Plague and warn them to stay on the opposite side of the house as the sweet viral darling. Any prior dreams of seeing my children playing with my friend's children will be put on hold for another year.

I hold my breath, cross my fingers, heart, eyes, say 7 hail Marys, stand on one leg, hop in a circle, rub my lucky rabbit's foot, sprinkle pixie dust over each family member and humbly pray to God for protection from viral infestation as we take our first steps inside the lovely Kissimee dwelling.

I am more at ease as we settle in for the day. The kids get fed, vitamins are dispersed with an extra dosage of vitamin A and C, and the viral little girl does seem to be perking up throughout the day and refrains from vomiting.

My friend and I laugh over old memories and relay things that have happened to us since we have grown up. She tells me all about working at Disney, the casting process, perks, and then flatters me by affirming that I meet all the requirements for being hired as a Disney princess. "Aww shucks!", I blush and encourage her to go on. I breathe in every word of Disney wisdom that she is willing to give me and look ahead in my mind's eye to the fun that awaits.

My kids quickly throw themselves into a tride and true WDW trip tradition . . . consume endless hours of Disney Channel viewing. And DH goes in and out of consciousness as he nestles into their overstuffed sofa.

After a while, the kids and I try out my friend's enormous trampoline, and then we all retire for a couple hours as to recouperate from our trek through the night.

When we wake up in the late afternoon, we get some more food and wrap up the day with a relaxing walk through the neighborhood to a beautiful lake. DH and the kids enjoy a swing that someone has put up in a willowing cypress tree, and I walk out to the end of a rickety pier on the lake. I sit down on the very tip and try to "be one" with the peaceful water, but this is a difficult thing to do for an active, neurotic, Disney freak who is on the verge of entering the nirvana of Disney's holy ground. Nevertheless, I see some merit in slowing down, taking time to smell the flowers and take it all in. At this moment, I realize I should try not to obsess about conquering Disney during our vacation and refrain from going "commando" at least some of the time.

The family join me on the pier, and we all snuggle and watch the sun setting over the water. Then we very briefly do a little fishing . . . a first for all my kids . . . which ends with lots of squeals and giggles over the wiggling fish and the huge, white heron we feed them to.

We return to my friend's home, bathe, get in pjs and drift into Slumberland, knowing that tomorrow is the day we have all been waiting for.

 

[megveg]

I wake up somewhere in Kissimee. My DH has miraculously been able to drive more than 2 hours, and I find myself totally refreshed and pumped for vacation. The sun is bright; the air is hot, and my emotional state is instantly rejuvinated as I imagine my pasty, white VA skin transforming into a beautiful FL tan. Life is good, and it is about to get better because we are staying overnight at the home of a friend of mine that I haven't seen since high school. Upon arrival, the plan is to feed the children, recover from the drive, catch up on 14 years in 24 hours and get "insider tips" since she and her husband both work at Disney.

Finally, the house is found. MapQuest has successfully lead us to the front steps of a long lost friend. DH and I get out of the van, stretch our legs, lovingly smile at each other and stroke each other's ego as we comment on a drive well done. We unbuckle our 3 restless children who haven't moved in 11 hours and freshen them up as best we can considering that the conditions for freshening are 95 degree temps and blinding sunshine. I can see them bite their tongues in an attempt to hold back complaints as the humidity hits them like a brick wall. "After all," I remind them, "Disney World is the 'happiest place on Earth'. If they allowed cranky people to come, it wouldn't be the 'happiest place' anymore. So we need to be worthy of entrance."

I ring the doorbell with great anticipation. This was one of my best friends in high school. We recently reunited through e-mail, and I am very excited for our families to finally meet. We have discussed how wonderful it will be for our husbands to pal around and our children to be able to play together, and now the day has finally come.

The door opens and we are greeted by my dear friend and her husband who look as if they were the ones who just made the 11 hour trip. They excuse their appearance and explain that their DD2 has a flu bug and has been vomiting relentlessly all night.

I immediately see visions of my 3 beauties spending our precious days at Disney on the tile floor of our villa bathroom, taking turns puking in the commode. Is it too late to run? Can I somehow pretend that I am not actually the long-lost high school buddy but a look-alike that has mistakenly ended up on her front step and must be going now? Fourteen years of friendship doesn't compare in value to six blissful days of Disney, so I figure if she is really offended, the loss will be worth it. But where will we go? I have got to get these groceries in a refrigerator because they are not going to last in a steaming FL car. I also need a kitchen because it is nearing 10:00am and my kids need their breakfast prepared. Where could I find a nearby hotel with such accomodations? Is it possible to get an instant 2nd mortgage on the house to buy more dvc points on the spot, giving us a chance to check into our villa for an extra day right now!

Quickly I realize that there is no backtracking. We must proceed into the germ-infested abode of my welcoming friend but not before I describe her daughter's condition to my children as something akin to the Bubonic Plague and warn them to stay on the opposite side of the house as the sweet viral darling. Any prior dreams of seeing my children playing with my friend's children will be put on hold for another year.

I hold my breath, cross my fingers, heart, eyes, say 7 hail Marys, stand on one leg, hop in a circle, rub my lucky rabbit's foot, sprinkle pixie dust over each family member and humbly pray to God for protection from viral infestation as we take our first steps inside the lovely Kissimee dwelling.

I am more at ease as we settle in for the day. The kids get fed, vitamins are dispersed with an extra dosage of vitamin A and C, and the viral little girl does seem to be perking up throughout the day and refrains from vomiting.

My friend and I laugh over old memories and relay things that have happened to us since we have grown up. She tells me all about working at Disney, the casting process, perks, and then flatters me by affirming that I meet all the requirements for being hired as a Disney princess. "Aww shucks!", I blush and encourage her to go on. I breathe in every word of Disney wisdom that she is willing to give me and look ahead in my mind's eye to the fun that awaits.

My kids quickly throw themselves into a tride and true WDW trip tradition . . . consume endless hours of Disney Channel viewing. And DH goes in and out of consciousness as he nestles into their overstuffed sofa.

After a while, the kids and I try out my friend's enormous trampoline, and then we all retire for a couple hours as to recouperate from our trek through the night.

When we wake up in the late afternoon, we get some more food and wrap up the day with a relaxing walk through the neighborhood to a beautiful lake. DH and the kids enjoy a swing that someone has put up in a willowing cypress tree, and I walk out to the end of a rickety pier on the lake. I sit down on the very tip and try to "be one" with the peaceful water, but this is a difficult thing to do for an active, neurotic, Disney freak who is on the verge of entering the nirvana of Disney's holy ground. Nevertheless, I see some merit in slowing down, taking time to smell the flowers and take it all in. At this moment, I realize I should try not to obsess about conquering Disney during our vacation and refrain from going "commando" at least some of the time.

The family join me on the pier, and we all snuggle and watch the sun setting over the water. Then we very briefly do a little fishing . . . a first for all my kids . . . which ends with lots of squeals and giggles over the wiggling fish and the huge, white heron we feed them to.

We return to my friend's home, bathe, get in pjs and drift into Slumberland, knowing that tomorrow is the day we have all been waiting for.

pleaseeeeeeeeee you need to write a book!

 

[tinkbutt]

Ok sorry I was at work but I have now read your trip report!!! so far I am loving it too funny!!! I am anxiously awaiting day 3!!!

your new name speed racer!

 

[acejka]

I'm hooked!!

 

[finallydvc08]

Thanks, Megveg! Maybe I will title my book Confessions of a Truly Neurotic Disney Mom. I will even autograph a copy for you . Though, you might be waiting a while for it since I doubt I could find a publisher and you might be the only one who would buy a copy.

In the meantime, you have encouraged me enough to spend some of tomorrow documenting day 3. Look for the next installment . . . coming soon to a PC near YOU!

 

[jmtf2004]

Great report so far! I am looking forward to the next installment...
Joan

 

[mouseaddicts]

Okay - all caught up ............ where's Day 3???

Waiting ......

 

[megveg]

Thanks, Megveg! Maybe I will title my book Confessions of a Truly Neurotic Disney Mom. I will even autograph a copy for you . Though, you might be waiting a while for it since I doubt I could find a publisher and you might be the only one who would buy a copy.

In the meantime, you have encouraged me enough to spend some of tomorrow documenting day 3. Look for the next installment . . . coming soon to a PC near YOU!

i would so buy it! you are a very eloquent writer!

 

[tinkermamaof2]

Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that the report is great. Your writing style is wonderful just from what I have read so far. And just so you know, you're not the only neurotic mother, I'm constantly razzed about it, if I'm home or on holiday, it's called being a MOM, neurotic or not. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip, hope all went well!

Patti