Ok--so here's more detail on my trip for those who were interested.
We're calling this trip the "Titanic"--because it was such a shipwreck!
Well, not completely, but it seems like we had a disaster a day.
First, it turns out that Saratoga Springs has NO roll-in accessible studio rooms where someone with an assistive device can access the main closet. (The area between the bed and closet wall is about 14 inches.) Some of you may recall we had the same issue last year, and they told us they just didn't have the "right" room available. Now they're saying there are none. So, I'm going to have to have a long talk with my guide.
They were going to upgrade my Mom (who has to use a walker) to a one bedroom-but they didn't have any available. Oh, and they said they were going to charge "ME" the additional points required. Uh, no. I don't think so. So instead they "upgraded" us to a two-bedroom--only one problem guys--I DIDN'T WANT a villa WITH my Mother (that sounds bad, doesn't it?) that is why I booked TWO STUDIOS and then to add insult to injury in the two-bedroom units the "second" bedroom (the one I was in because it was the non-accessible one) has NO Internet connection. Ok, out to the electronics store to buy a wireless router. $150 later . . . . . . and I'm waiting to see if they don't hit my DVC account for extra points (you will probably hear the screams of protest through the Internet if that happens) Oh, and SSR's solution to the no Internet in the second bedroom where I needed to work problem--they would pay for a cab to take me to an Internet cafe. Uh, yeah--can I wear my jammies?
Second, I got sick. I'm pretty sure it was the swine flu. Didn't think to ask my doctor for Tamiflu--thought it was sinus infection and just asked for a Z-pack--then had to fight all day with doc and the pharmacy--one wouldn't do prescriptions by fax/the other wouldn't do prescriptions by phone. They finally decided to kiss and make up and I got the Z-pack late Monday night.
Third, my Mom thought she lost her purse on Wednesday. After two hours of dealing with lost and found and the restaurant where she might have lost it, we went back to the villa and discovered it in a cupboard she had put it in.
Fourth, did I mention I was sick?
Fifth, I lost my room key and almost immediately called the front desk to report it missing and ask that they void it. After first saying "no-we can't do that" they assured me that it was done. Then the next morning I got a call saying I was over the resort limit. Not only had they been charging me cash (instead of points) for the room but someone had charged $575+ to my room (some crooked person apparently found my room key--which had NOT been properly voided.) Front desk did agree to waive the charges--after carefully telling me that they would investigate any fraud. Well duh--of course there was fraud. Someone else used MY ROOM KEY which would have been avoided if your staff had properly handled the issue. I was insulted, because they seemed to be implying that if they discovered
I had committed fraud they would have Security get in touch with me. Yeah, right--I am going to risk my career and reputation for $575 worth of Disney crap.
Friday we went to dinner at Yak and Yeti. Good experience, other than the hostess who pitched a fit about my Mom's scooter--we were at a table next to a wall--my Mom parked her scooter behind her own seat between her and the wall--no one would be walking in there --not even the server. She wanted it moved outside --we said "why?" it's not in the way. She went away, came back and didn't say a word, just put the menus down and walked away.
Saturday we flew home. Finally got some pixie dust as the gate agent was able to get us the bulkhead. Then we hit LAX where they couldn't find my Mom's scooter for 30 minutes and my suitcase for an hour. Then we got to valet parking and I had a dead battery.
Other than that it was a GREAT trip! I've never been so happy to be home from vacation!
I don't want to sound like we didn't have any fun. Our stay (on cash) at Boardwalk Inn was without incident. The accessible room we shared was HUMONGOUS with two queen sized beds. In retrospect I wish I could have stayed there the whole time. On Saturday (the first full day there) we went to Epcot and had lunch at Chefs de France and checked out the Food and Wine festival. I had this awesome Cosmopolitan slushie in France that was delicious--it was a hot day and it tasted sooo good. Of course, I had a red tongue when I brushed my teeth that night. And the profiteroles at chefs de France are to die for. Unfortunately our waiter did not rival the cuteness of the waiter in April so no pics--sorry girls.
That night we had dinner at the new Cat Cora restaurant Kouzzina with friends that live in Florida. It was "ok"--I had heard raves about this and it was good, but not great. I had the lamb burger that was spicy and maybe I was starting to get sick--just can't tell.
The night before (Friday--after we flew in) we shared an appetizer of calamari and the potato crusted red snapper at Flying Fish on the Boardwalk. VERY pricy--and good--but again not something I will wake up craving (my criteria for something outstanding). They did, however, give us free creme brulee because Mom was wearing her birthday button--and it was very good (but still not cravable).
On Sunday we moved to SSR (and encountered the aforementioned room issue). Our bellman and the greeter at SSR were fabulous, however--we ran into them often on our trip and they always had a smile and were gracious.
Monday we went to Hollywood Studios--mostly because Mom didn't get to go last year because she wasn't feeling well. We ate at 50's Prime Time and again it was "ok"--our waiter tried but he was sorta blah--or maybe because of my Mom's age he didn't rib us as much as he could have. (she could have matched him jab for jab). Having been to this park three times I think it is "missable"--my Mom only having been there once has reached the same conclusion. Of course, we don't do RocknRoller Coaster. And the fastpasses for TSMM were gone by the time we got there. We did the Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour.
Tuesday we stayed in all day until we had dinner at Ohana. We enjoyed this--especially since it turned out we could see Wishes fireworks from our seats--they pipe the music into the restaurant. We both got "lei'd" and thought the food overall was good--although the noodles were bland. We were both stuffed. The only thing we thought was so so was the dessert--a bread pudding. I don't like bread pudding and my Mom--who adores bread pudding--thought it was yucky. After dinner we took a grand circle tour on the Monorail from the Poly all the way round and back again to the Poly.
That night I got an emergency call from a client. So Wednesday morning I got up early and worked, then we left for breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe. The food (we had the breakfast skillet) was delicious and our waitress was a delight. We didn't see a lot of "antics" but they did do the ketchup and giant coke thing. Back to the villa and more work, then a short rest.
That night we went to the Hoop Dee Doo at Fort Wilderness. The show is ok--no better than a high school or college production (and depending on the college maybe not as good) maybe it was tempered by the fact that we had to fight for a good table despite having made reservations six months ago. they were going to seat us in the front row (good) behind the upright piano (bad). They claimed there were no other tables. I had to use my "lawyer" voice. Especially since it was my Mom's actual birthday that day (which is why I scheduled it for that day). Miracle of miracles--a table in the middle of the front row opened up--imagine that!
Mom became the "star" of the show--once the funnyman found out it was her 79th birthday he played the entire show to her. It was fun. Getting to and from Fort Wilderness, however, was not fun. We drove the rental car to a parking lot then had to take a bus. The problem was getting her scooter in and out of the car. I couldn't do it myself. We snagged this guy on the way in--but when we got to the car after there was no one around. I had to call security and they sent a Fort Wilderness person.
On Thursday--more work. So Thursday morning I slept in and got to work. I worked until lunchtime and then we went to the Turf Club at SSR for lunch. This is really our favorite place. We had the steak sandwich for lunch. (We had eaten there Sunday night too--had lamb (Mom) and a strip steak (me)) Their cheesecake is to die for. That was Sunday night. Thursday we had the chocolate espresso cake with port wine vanilla ice cream. We were full, so just ate the ice cream and took the cake to go. We ate some that night and it SOOOOO rich and good. Definitely something to have again.
I finally finished working at 5 p.m. and we jumped on a bus for Epcot. Our plan was to "eat around the World" at some of the Food and wine booths using our snack credits on the dining plan. This is where I lost my key card--at the first booth! Luckily my Mom had her key and we were able to continue with our eating spree. The best thing was the Irish Lobster and Scallop pie. It was divine! We would have had it again later if we hadn't been so full. I couldn't even do a Cosmo slushie again (of course, it had also turned cooler so it didn't appeal quite as much).
Friday morning was when we discovered the charges on my key card, so we didn't really get started until 11:30 a.m. or so. We went to Animal Kingdom and it was a nice day. We had lunch at Flame Tree BBQ (very good--but too much food) and then dinner at Yak and Yeti--also delicious--especially dessert--pineapple cream cheese wontons! Yum! I had another mango daiquiri like last time but could only finish half of it. There were tons of animals out on the safari and I had a stare down contest with a tiger on the Maharaja Jungle Trek (I wonder what those windows are made out of . . . . ?)
Back to the room by 7, where we spent an hour packing. I had already scheduled bell services to come at 10:45 the next morning. We got up early and had an hour before 10:45 just to rest. Bell services was right on time (they know what they are doing) and got everything where it needed to go. We were checking one bag at resort check-in where we encountered our final SSR indignity. I had booked our airfare through US Airways because we had a $400 credit from where my Mom broke her leg in Feb. and couldn't go last March. However, we were flying on a United flight. There were two gals at Resort Check-In. One started telling me she couldn't check us in because it was a co-share flight. She looked up the flight for US Airways and said, see--it won't let me do it. I told her--two or three times--that we had to check in on United when we flew out. She just kept saying she couldn't do it. I didn't have the United flight number (my error to not have that) and I asked her if she could look it up by time and destination. She said sometimes she could, but it probably wouldn't let her do it. finally, the other gal starts typing and the first girl turns to her and says--what are you doing? and the other girl says "I'm going to help her." Sure enough, within about ten seconds she says "is your name Cheryl?" "Yes," I said, "and my Mom is Doris." She had our boarding passes printed out and our bag checked in about 30 seconds flat. The other girl spent more time arguing that it couldn't be done than the one who helped us took to actually do it. I was extremely thankful for the second lady and extremely annoyed at the first girl. It was the "Disney NO" that I have encountered way too many times recently. Disney's reputation for good customer service is going down the drain.
We had lunch at the counter service place at SSR (which is ok, but not great) and also got a couple extra meals to use up our meal credits and take on the plane. We got to the airport early and enjoyed watching people until it was time to board. I have to say the United personnel were great for the most part--especially that one gate agent.
So girls, that was my trip in a nutshell (a LARGE nutshell). And now? Well, after a year of visiting others, Aunt Flo has suddenly decided to pay me a visit. Oh joy.
Missed you all! Planning now to concentrate on the scavenger hunt!
I hope and pray that you all feel very much better soon!
I wanted to get him a bike too, but he refuses to wear a helmet. 
None of his other friends do and it just wouldn't be "cool". 
Phooey!!
).
Sounds great.
I look forward to putting it all together with the amazing planning team we have, and having a great Meet and Greet. 
EEK!!
I'm actually proud of how he's handling it (now....... not at first!). He's reading more now and actually loves it, which I am so happy for, and he's doing his homework right away, no problemo. When he gets the XBox back it will have restrictions for sure because he just can't fluff off school. Nowadays it is way too important - even in grade 9 (I'm not sure why these kids are getting the idea that marks don't count until grade 10 
