bookwormde
<font color=darkorchid>Heading out now, another ad
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2008
- Messages
- 6,662
Florida trip report with DS9 Aspergers (condensed)
Dates 8/8/08-8/19/08
Characters DH (me), DW (Mom), DS9 Aspergers DS5 (1st time to WDW with just the 4 of us, 1st time as DVC members)
Loaded up for the airport a 6pm for our 9pm flight (Southwest). The flight was our #1 fear since it was the first flight for both children. Checked out bags and went through security at 7:15pm, no problems (other than DS9 asking lots of questions about the security equipment), I guess I briefed him to well about it.
Waited in an empty gate till just before boarding time (got a 382 pre board pass). Pre-boarded and took our seats near the rear of the plane (DS5 window, DW middle DS9 isle, I was in the isle seat in front of DS9). Got the electronic “toys” out and ready (DVD player, leapfrog game) before anyone else was loading. Why is it when you worry about something it never happens, both took it all in stride even though the plane was almost completely full and noisy. Both though the takeoff was “fun” and with exception the standard litany of questions and quite talking and humming/singing (which was much quieter than the talkative person next to me) there was nothing “out of the norm” for any child. Walked DS9 to the bathroom, but he did fine with no questions or anxiety. Landing was “fun also”, we waited last to disembark.
Wandered our way through MCO to our waiting ME bus (at about midnight). Arrived at Wilderness Lodge at 12:45 (movie on the bus was helpful). We had made a request for the inner courtyard view, but apparently that was not available (new it would be tough arriving that late), Well pixie dust time, we got upgraded to a concierge room on the 7th floor with a Magic Kingdom view. With all the visual intricacies needless to say it was great for DS9.
DAY 1, I picked up my rental car at 7:30 Am. In the morning took the boat to MK and picked up our Aps and GAC (never used it) and stayed at the park till 3pm (weather was great and crowd were not bad). Mom and I ate from the concierge food, kids had a Mc Donald’s french-fry breakfast and we treated them with a grilled cheese room service dinner. The boys went swimming (more accurately sliding) in the afternoon, I walked them up to the slide once and then they were on their own (with us watching closely of coarse). DS9 did bump into people in the pool occasionally but he is quick with an apology so there was never an issue. I watched and took pictures of the MK fireworks (everyone else was asleep).
Day 2, went to check in for our 5 days at a 1br villa at Old Key West Resort. Had a request for a canal front, more pixie dust, there was a second floor available so I had my room by 8AM and it was next to one of the quite pools. I went back to WL and we made cinnamon toast in the concierge eating area for DS9 (brought cinnamon sugar and purchased bread at the WL shop) and the rest of us ate from concierge breakfast (cereal for DS5, pastries and fruit for mom and me). There is a neat “kids” TV area on the concierge level which was an instant “hit” and gave an opportunity for our 2 to socialize with other children of their age (DS9 was very comfortable there). WL is great and we will definitely do it again although I am not sure I can afford to do the concierge level but I will definitely study the possibility. I checked out and hauled our bags to the car and we left for MK, this time by boat to the Contemporary and the resort monorail. With all the wonderful visual pallets and the relaxed environment DS9 was really in his element. We did lots of rides and shows, DS9 enjoyed them except for stitch (which he had done before), he said “I really do not think a like that ride”. DS9 has gotten to be very good at letting us know when he has had “enough” so no significant melt downs (No splash mountain or test track). A little after noon we headed back for WL, misread the sign to the busses so we ended up at TTC by monorail. DS9 was tired and not happy about the delay but I must say he handled it well (especially since it was his brothers idea to try the busses). We ferried back to MK and hopped the bus to WL. Took the back way to OKW and we settled in. The Kids loved it (all the room, 1000+ sqft and a 2nd tv and DVD player), mom liked the view and I liked the price (about $170 and night at what I figure my points cost me, including purchase, maintenance and lost income from the purchase $). Having a full kitchen made the Aspergers diet issues much easier (not to mention a lot less expensive). I headed of to the Winn-Dixie for food, mom unpacked and the kids rested and watched TV. The next 5 days we visited all the parks including Seaworld 2x, walked to DTD. Had a really neat employee at SW the second time at the dolphin nursery that spent almost ½ and hour with DS9 explaining the ins and outs of the whale family in great scientific detail. We finally had to drag him away to get him to stop asking questions so the person could help other guests (more details in a separate post). Walked to DTD once (to far for the kids) boated back. Lego land was a hit even though it was crowded. DQ was not that much of a hit. Also DS9 and I played Summer Land and looked at the water parks, lots of swimming and sliding at the resort pools. While at Epcot DS9 asked if we could do Garden Grill (did it on the last visit), I said that we did not have reservations but would check, they were just opening (more pixie dust) and said they could “fit us in” if we wanted to eat right away. Boys did great with the characters and we got some good pictures. Could not get grilled cheese this time but a big serving of French fries sufficed for DS9. Mom though it would be a neat idea to do the new dinosaur ride at AK, needless to say after that it made to harder to convince him to do any other rides. We did get a good picture of Mom and DS9 huddles down in the car, while DS5 and I were sitting up laughing.
Friday came and we checked out and headed for Sanibel. We checked into CasyBel at about 3pm, nice place but I do not think I would stay there again at the price. It was a nice visit and we swam and checked out the island (I used to go down with friends when I was in high school).
Headed out at 11am Saturday back for WDW and our standard room an AKL for 1 night. We ate lunch on the way (McDonalds) and we checked in at about 2:30. Room was ready so we moved right in (room 353 or something like that). Threw our bags on the beds and opened up the curtains and guess what, it was a great savanna view (we rolled in pixie dust somewhere). Spent the rest of the day exploring the resort and checking out the animals. With a little effort the CS restaurant made up a grille cheese sandwich for DS9. Sunday morning the boys went swimming, no slide though because the lifeguards were not on duty yet but they still had fun. Packed up and off the BCV. Checked in at about 11am, again the room was as requested (EPCOT fireworks view) and was ready. Room number was 431, studio with a huge balcony (30’) and a view of the US pavilion spire and about 50% of the fire works. Plugged the computer in and checked the weather (Fay). It was clear that we were going to be impacted, with the worst forecasted for late Tuesday (our departure time). We headed (took the boat) off the Epcot for the afternoon. We ate at Beaches and Cream. Later we tried SAB and the boys loved the slide (they were allowed to wear their life jackets even though the sign says no), and DS5 loved the whirlpool. Back to the room and I checked to see if SW had opened the weather booking policy. Monday morning it was open so I changed out flight to 11:45am instead of 6pm Tuesday. I was at the front desk at 7am to change out ME reservation, back to EPCOT. Came back and were going to swim but the pool was already closed due to the weather. Tried Beaches and Cream (we liked it so much) but there was a 1-hour wait. We headed over to Boardwalk even though the skies were threatening. We barely got on the boat before it started raining really hard. It let up a little by the time we got off but we still got wet. There was no good place at Boardwalk so we headed over to Swan/Dolphin. TS like Beaches and Cream was not crowded so we ate there (no where near as good a Beaches and Cream). We were going to do HS but with the weather and being tired from 11 days of vacation we just went back to the room to get a jump on packing, check the weather and flights and watch a last night of fireworks from the balcony.
Tuesday morning it was raining lightly and a little windy but not to bad. Checked out and hopped ME at about 8:30am. Our original flight had already been cancelled. Arrived at the airport and got one of the $3 carts and hauled our bags up to SW. A few pictures and some last minute shopping and we were off trough security to the gate area. I have to say MCO has a great security area, which is exceptionally well staffed and organized.
Waited at the flight’s gate. I was toying with the idea of doing a standard boarding (had A25-28 passes) but with the likelihood of a completely full plane I went ahead and got a 382 pre-board pass. Our plane was coming in from St. Louis and only 12 passengers got off. Pre-boarded and took our seats near the rear of the plane (DS5 isle, DW middle DS9 window (his request), I was in the window seat in front of DS9). Same prep routine as going down. Both children did great and DS9 enjoyed looking at the cars on the ground and commented on how much they looked like ants. A little fun in the middle when we made a hard right turn and had to circle because Washington control center was “closed”, we were back on our way in 15 minutes. DS9 let DS5 have his seat about half way through the flight (a little begrudgingly) About 30 minutes before landing DS9 had to go the bathroom, seat belt sign was on but crew said it was all right but no “groups” waiting at the bathroom. DS9 went back but it turned out someone was in the bathroom so he had to wait. I could see him most of the time be when he went out of view in the rear galley area, I was getting nervous that he might “disassemble part of the aircraft “just to see how it was put together. I was getting ready to get up when 2 of the flight attendants returned and he carried on what appeared to be a very animated conversation with them until the bathroom was available (since DS9 had done so well on the flight down I had not even briefed the flight attendants, although they did see us pre-board). Landing was uneventful and we were met by DW’s brother (and best buddy to the boys). The boys were definitely a little restless while we waited for the bags but nothing to “out of control”. We loaded up and were off for home.
We sort of plan or WDW vacations like therapeutic events. The theme of this one, if you could not tell was “transitions”. As always, WDW is a wonderful place for our children (and us). Stamina is still a big “issue” for DS9 but considering all of what we did he managed great. One big problem with the trip was that Mom got way to comfortable with the top line weekend cash accommodations we had (WL club level and AKL savanna view), not sure how I will mange this next time. DVC is definitely a great thing with the space and kitchen (I do not think it would have gone near as well if we had been jammed in a hotel room).
We are headed back for 9 days next June and have an OKW grand villa booked for 5 days. Family is going with us so we will be a group of 12-16 (we vacation like this every year to Outer banks). I think the theme will be “hosting”, since DS9 had more “experience” with WDW than his cousins will.
I will be posting a “regular” trip report on the DVC boards when I have time.
bookwormde
Dates 8/8/08-8/19/08
Characters DH (me), DW (Mom), DS9 Aspergers DS5 (1st time to WDW with just the 4 of us, 1st time as DVC members)
Loaded up for the airport a 6pm for our 9pm flight (Southwest). The flight was our #1 fear since it was the first flight for both children. Checked out bags and went through security at 7:15pm, no problems (other than DS9 asking lots of questions about the security equipment), I guess I briefed him to well about it.
Waited in an empty gate till just before boarding time (got a 382 pre board pass). Pre-boarded and took our seats near the rear of the plane (DS5 window, DW middle DS9 isle, I was in the isle seat in front of DS9). Got the electronic “toys” out and ready (DVD player, leapfrog game) before anyone else was loading. Why is it when you worry about something it never happens, both took it all in stride even though the plane was almost completely full and noisy. Both though the takeoff was “fun” and with exception the standard litany of questions and quite talking and humming/singing (which was much quieter than the talkative person next to me) there was nothing “out of the norm” for any child. Walked DS9 to the bathroom, but he did fine with no questions or anxiety. Landing was “fun also”, we waited last to disembark.
Wandered our way through MCO to our waiting ME bus (at about midnight). Arrived at Wilderness Lodge at 12:45 (movie on the bus was helpful). We had made a request for the inner courtyard view, but apparently that was not available (new it would be tough arriving that late), Well pixie dust time, we got upgraded to a concierge room on the 7th floor with a Magic Kingdom view. With all the visual intricacies needless to say it was great for DS9.
DAY 1, I picked up my rental car at 7:30 Am. In the morning took the boat to MK and picked up our Aps and GAC (never used it) and stayed at the park till 3pm (weather was great and crowd were not bad). Mom and I ate from the concierge food, kids had a Mc Donald’s french-fry breakfast and we treated them with a grilled cheese room service dinner. The boys went swimming (more accurately sliding) in the afternoon, I walked them up to the slide once and then they were on their own (with us watching closely of coarse). DS9 did bump into people in the pool occasionally but he is quick with an apology so there was never an issue. I watched and took pictures of the MK fireworks (everyone else was asleep).
Day 2, went to check in for our 5 days at a 1br villa at Old Key West Resort. Had a request for a canal front, more pixie dust, there was a second floor available so I had my room by 8AM and it was next to one of the quite pools. I went back to WL and we made cinnamon toast in the concierge eating area for DS9 (brought cinnamon sugar and purchased bread at the WL shop) and the rest of us ate from concierge breakfast (cereal for DS5, pastries and fruit for mom and me). There is a neat “kids” TV area on the concierge level which was an instant “hit” and gave an opportunity for our 2 to socialize with other children of their age (DS9 was very comfortable there). WL is great and we will definitely do it again although I am not sure I can afford to do the concierge level but I will definitely study the possibility. I checked out and hauled our bags to the car and we left for MK, this time by boat to the Contemporary and the resort monorail. With all the wonderful visual pallets and the relaxed environment DS9 was really in his element. We did lots of rides and shows, DS9 enjoyed them except for stitch (which he had done before), he said “I really do not think a like that ride”. DS9 has gotten to be very good at letting us know when he has had “enough” so no significant melt downs (No splash mountain or test track). A little after noon we headed back for WL, misread the sign to the busses so we ended up at TTC by monorail. DS9 was tired and not happy about the delay but I must say he handled it well (especially since it was his brothers idea to try the busses). We ferried back to MK and hopped the bus to WL. Took the back way to OKW and we settled in. The Kids loved it (all the room, 1000+ sqft and a 2nd tv and DVD player), mom liked the view and I liked the price (about $170 and night at what I figure my points cost me, including purchase, maintenance and lost income from the purchase $). Having a full kitchen made the Aspergers diet issues much easier (not to mention a lot less expensive). I headed of to the Winn-Dixie for food, mom unpacked and the kids rested and watched TV. The next 5 days we visited all the parks including Seaworld 2x, walked to DTD. Had a really neat employee at SW the second time at the dolphin nursery that spent almost ½ and hour with DS9 explaining the ins and outs of the whale family in great scientific detail. We finally had to drag him away to get him to stop asking questions so the person could help other guests (more details in a separate post). Walked to DTD once (to far for the kids) boated back. Lego land was a hit even though it was crowded. DQ was not that much of a hit. Also DS9 and I played Summer Land and looked at the water parks, lots of swimming and sliding at the resort pools. While at Epcot DS9 asked if we could do Garden Grill (did it on the last visit), I said that we did not have reservations but would check, they were just opening (more pixie dust) and said they could “fit us in” if we wanted to eat right away. Boys did great with the characters and we got some good pictures. Could not get grilled cheese this time but a big serving of French fries sufficed for DS9. Mom though it would be a neat idea to do the new dinosaur ride at AK, needless to say after that it made to harder to convince him to do any other rides. We did get a good picture of Mom and DS9 huddles down in the car, while DS5 and I were sitting up laughing.
Friday came and we checked out and headed for Sanibel. We checked into CasyBel at about 3pm, nice place but I do not think I would stay there again at the price. It was a nice visit and we swam and checked out the island (I used to go down with friends when I was in high school).
Headed out at 11am Saturday back for WDW and our standard room an AKL for 1 night. We ate lunch on the way (McDonalds) and we checked in at about 2:30. Room was ready so we moved right in (room 353 or something like that). Threw our bags on the beds and opened up the curtains and guess what, it was a great savanna view (we rolled in pixie dust somewhere). Spent the rest of the day exploring the resort and checking out the animals. With a little effort the CS restaurant made up a grille cheese sandwich for DS9. Sunday morning the boys went swimming, no slide though because the lifeguards were not on duty yet but they still had fun. Packed up and off the BCV. Checked in at about 11am, again the room was as requested (EPCOT fireworks view) and was ready. Room number was 431, studio with a huge balcony (30’) and a view of the US pavilion spire and about 50% of the fire works. Plugged the computer in and checked the weather (Fay). It was clear that we were going to be impacted, with the worst forecasted for late Tuesday (our departure time). We headed (took the boat) off the Epcot for the afternoon. We ate at Beaches and Cream. Later we tried SAB and the boys loved the slide (they were allowed to wear their life jackets even though the sign says no), and DS5 loved the whirlpool. Back to the room and I checked to see if SW had opened the weather booking policy. Monday morning it was open so I changed out flight to 11:45am instead of 6pm Tuesday. I was at the front desk at 7am to change out ME reservation, back to EPCOT. Came back and were going to swim but the pool was already closed due to the weather. Tried Beaches and Cream (we liked it so much) but there was a 1-hour wait. We headed over to Boardwalk even though the skies were threatening. We barely got on the boat before it started raining really hard. It let up a little by the time we got off but we still got wet. There was no good place at Boardwalk so we headed over to Swan/Dolphin. TS like Beaches and Cream was not crowded so we ate there (no where near as good a Beaches and Cream). We were going to do HS but with the weather and being tired from 11 days of vacation we just went back to the room to get a jump on packing, check the weather and flights and watch a last night of fireworks from the balcony.
Tuesday morning it was raining lightly and a little windy but not to bad. Checked out and hopped ME at about 8:30am. Our original flight had already been cancelled. Arrived at the airport and got one of the $3 carts and hauled our bags up to SW. A few pictures and some last minute shopping and we were off trough security to the gate area. I have to say MCO has a great security area, which is exceptionally well staffed and organized.
Waited at the flight’s gate. I was toying with the idea of doing a standard boarding (had A25-28 passes) but with the likelihood of a completely full plane I went ahead and got a 382 pre-board pass. Our plane was coming in from St. Louis and only 12 passengers got off. Pre-boarded and took our seats near the rear of the plane (DS5 isle, DW middle DS9 window (his request), I was in the window seat in front of DS9). Same prep routine as going down. Both children did great and DS9 enjoyed looking at the cars on the ground and commented on how much they looked like ants. A little fun in the middle when we made a hard right turn and had to circle because Washington control center was “closed”, we were back on our way in 15 minutes. DS9 let DS5 have his seat about half way through the flight (a little begrudgingly) About 30 minutes before landing DS9 had to go the bathroom, seat belt sign was on but crew said it was all right but no “groups” waiting at the bathroom. DS9 went back but it turned out someone was in the bathroom so he had to wait. I could see him most of the time be when he went out of view in the rear galley area, I was getting nervous that he might “disassemble part of the aircraft “just to see how it was put together. I was getting ready to get up when 2 of the flight attendants returned and he carried on what appeared to be a very animated conversation with them until the bathroom was available (since DS9 had done so well on the flight down I had not even briefed the flight attendants, although they did see us pre-board). Landing was uneventful and we were met by DW’s brother (and best buddy to the boys). The boys were definitely a little restless while we waited for the bags but nothing to “out of control”. We loaded up and were off for home.
We sort of plan or WDW vacations like therapeutic events. The theme of this one, if you could not tell was “transitions”. As always, WDW is a wonderful place for our children (and us). Stamina is still a big “issue” for DS9 but considering all of what we did he managed great. One big problem with the trip was that Mom got way to comfortable with the top line weekend cash accommodations we had (WL club level and AKL savanna view), not sure how I will mange this next time. DVC is definitely a great thing with the space and kitchen (I do not think it would have gone near as well if we had been jammed in a hotel room).
We are headed back for 9 days next June and have an OKW grand villa booked for 5 days. Family is going with us so we will be a group of 12-16 (we vacation like this every year to Outer banks). I think the theme will be “hosting”, since DS9 had more “experience” with WDW than his cousins will.
I will be posting a “regular” trip report on the DVC boards when I have time.
bookwormde
