Happiest place on earth planned by a first timer

[NightAngelX]

Just thought I'd give a quick update on the ONE thing I did do Disney planning this weekend.

I changed my dinner at Mama Melrose's in DHS to a lunch so we could have a Fantasmic Dining package! Before I wanted all TS to be dinners so I could go back to the hotel, change and look nice for them but I think having designated seating and not having to wait in line for seats to trump that. Also we wont get wet at DHS (unless it rains) so we shouldn't be looking too awful. It's a late lunch at 1:30 and then we are seeing Fantasmic at 9pm.

Oh I guess the other thing I kind of worked on is exercise. I am trying to lose weight and I know exercise will help I just have a hard time getting the motivation to do it. I gave myself motivation to do it this weekend by saying 'how am I going to survive Disney if I'm out of shape?!' So it gave me an extra kick in the rear to get moving.

Does anyone have a pre-Disney training program? lol If not someone should totally create one.

So that's it for now. I am hoping for Mickey mail in the mail tonight. I will update if it comes!!!

33 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LifeIsDis]

I would absolutely love that as would DH, but we can't afford that. I am hoping we can do a trip with DH's family soon and that would be cheaper since we'd be splitting costs with his parents/family.

I hope you can have another trip. Splitting the cost would be great!

 

[NightAngelX]

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

Sorry for lack of updates but nothing new has been happening. I got my Mickey Mail yesterday! I think my reaction to it was similar to this kids face:

Here are my cool luggage tags that came in my Mickey Mail! Even though we are driving and don't technically NEED to use these they are totally going on our luggage.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting with my Mickey Mail but I wasn't disappointed. DH didn't see the big deal, but it is a physical representation of our upcoming trip and I LOVE coupons!

I noticed it came with coupon for a round of free mini-golf! i wonder if we should try to weave that into our itenary or not.

I also signed up at the photopass website. I am not sure i will buy the cd or anything but I'm interested to see the photos and I think I can share the photos on facebook for free. Is that right? I might order one or two favorite photos but since i plan on giving the photopass photographer OUR camera as well i hope our camera has pictures that are just as good.

In other news I may need an ECV myself. My back has bothered me off and on for years but it wasn't until April when my back went totally out (i couldn't sit up or get up or anything. DH had to call an ambulance to get me to ER after 8 hrs of not being able to get up. That was a horrible week. Besides pain meds i didn't do anything about it and it had no exact cause. I was just standing up from a sitting position when a sharp pain went through me and I sat back down and then laid down and hoped it would pass but it didn't. Anyway, so a few weeks ago I started getting random sharp pains again and I was so worried for a repeat that I decided to call a chiropractor. Something coworkers thought I should have done back in April but decided against. I had xrays on Monday and then results on Wednesday. Turns out one hip is higher than the other by about an inch and my vertabrae in the lower back are a little twisted. It did not look good but I was glad to have an explanation for my pain. The chiropractor said it wasn't good but it was something he could fix and that my side view of my back was textbook good. So its just the few vertabrae that are twisted in the lower back that are the issue. He thinks in about 12 visits he can have it fixed and then i will just need to come back monthly to keep it in check. He also said walking is what causes the most issues for me because it puts pressure on the hips and then back too. i should have asked about our trip to Disney world right then and there but I didn't. I plan to ask him when I see him Monday. But last night I decided to go shopping for a few things I need for the trip and after an hour I was really hurting. I came home and just collapsed. My back still hurt through the night and morning. I finally gave in and took some medicine this morning so its feeling a bit better but still hurts. I am just thinking if I can't even shop for a few hours how on earth am I going to walk around Disney.

I guess if he can't 'fix me' before Disney I can get an ECV but I'd really rather not. This also puts a glitch in my 'training' for working up to being fit enough to do well at Disney. Again I will ask him what sort of exercise I can safely do on Monday.

Here's hoping that 4 weeks from today I will be feeling good and on the road to Disney World!!!!

 

[Angel16]

Hi Elizabeth I have been following along on your PT report. I am so excited for you and JC. You both are going to have the greatest time. Sorry to hear your having back problems...I do understand as I started having them myself last year. No Fun! I pray your back problem is gone before your vacation, however if it isn't be sure to get yourself an ECV prior to leaving on your trip. Some of the ECV rental will give a discount for renting more than one at a time.

I wanted to suggest you take a look at the disability forum on here. They have a lot of information about traveling with a disability for your DH and yourself with your back. Many great suggestions and lots of people who have simular problems share what works for them. There is a LOT of walking during a Disney vacation as well as standing in line. The average person walks around 8 to 16 miles per day while at WDW. A lot more than one would think right?

We have used ECV's at Disney in the past. My DH has medical problems that makes walking a great amount very painful and difficult. He is fine around home or at daily living, however WDW is not a place he can function without a ECV. A trip with me to a Big Box store, walking the whole place and shopping is about all he can do for a day walking wise.

I read in a prior post you have rented a Dream ECV for your DH. Please take a look at this thread page 4. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

It states there: "Riding WDW Buses with a wheelchair or ECV

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This information is from personal experience, things other DISers have posted and contact with bus drivers."

I have been informed by a WDW bus driver that new operational guidelines for buses go into effect on Oct. 1. Any ECVs must fit completely in a 30x48 space without turning the wheels to fit or they will not be transported on the WDW buses. This includes any bags, backpacks or baskets; if they intrude to the point of making the ECV longer than 48 inches or wider than 30 inches, they will need to be removed.

This should not affect most ECVs - there is one particular one, the Dream, which is larger and will not fit without turning the wheels. A spokesperson for the company that rents the Dream says that they have been told that the Dream scooter can not be used on the buses with lifts, but will be allowed on the buses with ramps.
Other ECVs should be OK. Even the park rental ones, which make most ECVs look tiny are only 26 inches wide and just a hair under 47 inches long.
30"X48" is the ADA standardhttp://www.access-board.gov/transit/html/Transfig1.html

If your ECV does not fit those dimensions, the driver is to call for a transportation manager who will explain alternate arrangements.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elizabeth I have copied part of page 4 of that thread. I don't know if you planned on using Disney transportation or your car. I also don't know anything about the Dream ECV, but I do remember reading this disability thread and making a mental note to myself to never rent a Dream ECV for my DH. Also, if you are planning on using your car, does the dream break down for transport in your vehicle?

You probably have this information and everything all planned out and taken are of already.
I just don't want you to experience any hicups in your vacation so I wanted to make sure you were aware.

Ann

 

[NightAngelX]

Thanks for the information Angel! We will have our car but do not plan on taking the Dream with us anywhere. DH is fine for short periods of time but new the 8+ miles a day would be too hard for him. The ECV company will deliver it to our resort and pick it up for free. They already informed us that we have to use the newer ramp buses instead of the older lift buses and to just let the resort know what we needed. We didn't think it would be an issue since hopefully more newer buses than older ones are around. But I don't know. Maybe I should talk to DH about this and see if it changes his mind. I think I will go post over in the disabilities forum to see how many lift buses are still around. I just know DH wasn't happy about having to use an ECV so getting him the nicest, least medical looking one was my priority. i wish they had a little golf cart we could use if we both needed them. That would be more romantic.

 

[LifeIsDis]

Mickey Mail!!

I'm sorry you might have to use an EVC around Disney. I can totally understand why that would be really hard.

 

[Sandi S]

You will have a fantastic time! DH & I went in 99 - sort of a late honeymoon - but it was just us. I'm so glad we did. Disney really is the happiest place on earth!

 

[lilmissie]

I remember my first trip like it was yesterday (it was almost 3 years ago) and I've been planning on returning ever since! We have our date set for Sept or Oct 2013. I will be following along to read how everything goes!

 

[NightAngelX]

Welcome to my new readers!! Thanks for all your comments.

Due to all the Dream ECV controversy, I have cancelled my reservation and made one with Apple Scooters. His new ECV still has the nice captain's seat and hopefully DH will be more comfortable and we won't have any issues. I was surprised DH conceded but would rather not have the possibility of added stress. Doesn't hurt that the ECV we got is almost half the price of the dream too. Makes me a happy camper.

EDIT:Also I'm debating on attempting to make my own maxi dress to wear at Disney. I went shopping Friday night and found nothing I liked. I figure I can just make what I want but I'm not that talented. I am not sure it will turn out and I highly doubt it will be much cheaper since I'm sure a maxi dress takes alot of fabric. Hrmmm

 

[SenecaWolf]

So excited for you going on your first trip!! I cannot believe you almost let a bedroom get in the way of Disney!!

As for heading to Dumbo first at MK, thats exactly what I did! From the first commercials I remember of Disney World all I remember clearly is people on the Dumbos and to me that was what I envisioned of Disney. I had the biggest stupidest grin on my face the entire time I rode...of course after I cried that I was actually there LOL.

Cant wait to hear more!!

 

[NightAngelX]

So excited for you going on your first trip!! I cannot believe you almost let a bedroom get in the way of Disney!!

As for heading to Dumbo first at MK, thats exactly what I did! From the first commercials I remember of Disney World all I remember clearly is people on the Dumbos and to me that was what I envisioned of Disney. I had the biggest stupidest grin on my face the entire time I rode...of course after I cried that I was actually there LOL.

Cant wait to hear more!!

Thanks! Yeah the Dumbos always made me want to go too and Dumbo has been my favorite character as long as I can remember (not sure why I love elephants so much besides Dumbo). I am sure I will be crying too!

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Dumbo is one of my favorite Disney Characters. I used to drive my family (mom, dad, sister, brother, husband, son and daughter) nuts by chanting "Dum...bo, Dum...bo, Dum...bo" for about 5 minutes everytime we were in the MK. Didn't matter what part of the park we were in, if it struck my fancy, I would start chanting it. Oh how they hated me!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi Elizabeth!! Just poking in to let you know I'm still reading along. Yay on Mickey mail.....I'm still waiting for mine. Good luck with your back issues. I've had back issues all my life and have just learned to deal with it. I actually have a fracture in one of the discs that are between the vertebre so every once is a while it will go into spasm mode for a couple of days. It sucks, yes, but I find walking really helps it. (And pain meds are good, too!).

 

[NightAngelX]

Not too much to update. I bought a few things for our trip last night

3 ponchos (one for DH, one for me and one for the ECV)
moleskin
2 maxi dresses

The dresses have 'twisted' straps which annoy me but I am thinking I can cut them and sew them properly. I will have to look at them closer. It's not online or I'd show you all a pic of what I mean.

I also needed hairspray and I was looking at all my options and there was one with UV blockers and 'climate control' that is supposed to help in humidity and whatnot. So I figure 'why not?' and I bought that. They only had a full size version but since we're driving that shouldn't be an issue.

Additionally some of you may be asking what are we doing with our fur babies while we're gone? Well even if you're not wondering I am going to tell you. We hire a pet sitter. She comes twice a day on days we're gone and will come once per day on the day we leave and arrive. She costs about the same as a kennel for just our dog and she takes care of the cats and brings in the mail, etc. So its a very good deal. Also Ginger doesn't do well in kennels we kenneled her twice and each time they report she doesn't eat very well and she comes home stinky. I just feel bad having her cooped up all day when she is used to full reign of the house. With the pet sitter she can stay at home where she is comfortable. She can still deter robbers (hopefully, she barks like a mad dog until she realizes you're friendly then she licks you to death. I know the mailman is scared of her. )

In other news I asked my chiropractor about how my back might be next month. He said hopefully my back will be ALOT better by this time next month, but everyone heals differently so I could be a slower healer, he simply does not know. I asked him about walking now to prepare for then and he said walking should be fine but don't walk very long and ice it immediately after because walking inflames it. So I've been icing every night. Hopefully I won't need to do that much longer.

Meanwhile DH's psoriasis has been flaring more than usual (he is normally covered 90+% but now its more red and hot than usual) So dr told him to do wet wraps daily. Basically I put on his topical medication and then wrap my hubby up like a mummy with wet gauze and we cover him up in sweats/robe and he sits in them for a few hrs. LoL At least he doesnt have to be hospitalized. He was in the hospital 3 days at Mayo clinic where they did this around the clock. The doctor also suggested he do them at Disney too since he will be without his light box. I think he will be getting plenty of light to make up for not having his light box so I don't think he'll flare. I think we should BRING his stuff to do wraps but not actually do it unless he needs it. I guess we'll see how he is. That would NOT be very fun. At least its not the coal tar...

So that's all that's new with me. Is there anything else I should be doing to prepare???