I finally found a way to get DH excited about Disney! - ADDED LINK TO TRIP REPORT

[CandleontheWater]

Way to go Reid on your new belt! The photos of him in his outfit taking his tests were so cute, he looks so grown up!

And that is awesome news about the hearing test! I am very happy for you guys!

I'm sorry you had to move the cruise, and more money always is a big BOOO in my book, but I'm sure Reid will enjoy getting to spend the last days of school with his buddies, and Ed will be less stressed about work. I'm crossing my fingers you guys get early dining!

 

[marDgreen88]

Postponing the trip just gives you more time to look forward to it, right?!

But definitely BOOOO!!!! about the extra cost.

That's great news about Reid's hearing! I hope it really is correct!

Look at him go! Congrats to him on the new color belt... what color is it? Did I miss that part? I know nothing about karate hahaha.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Amanda: are you guys ok over there? Is Isaac going to affect you? I looked at the map on the National Hurricane Center and thought of your family...hoping you will be ok.

 

[TinksThree]

Hey! Just checking in due to Isaac. Looks like it may be moving closer and closer to you guys! It is crazy here! Two hour gas lines, no bread or water in the stores. I think Katrina made everyone learn to not take things lightly! Hope all stays well for ya'll!!!

 

[amandaw]

yay to go Reid on the new belt!

Thanks!

Way to go Reid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!!

As for the nerve healing...let's chalk it up to RC pixie dust

Indeed! Talk about some major pixie dust there! I still don't quite understand it all, to be honest.

BOO! for a more expensive cruise, but YAY Reid can graduate preK with his friends

Yeah, it wasn't the "perfect" cruise to pick, but I do think the dates will be much better for our family.

Oh my gosh, Reid is so terribly cute in his karate outfit!

Thank you!!

I'm late to this party, but I've read other TRs of yours, and I always enjoy seeing your little cutie.

Better late than never, right?!? Aww....thank you!

AWESOME JOB REID (on the karate belt)

Thank you!! I am so proud of him!

That's also great about passing the hearing test. Lots of pixie dust that things remain the same for his test in November!!

Thank you! It seems so unreal that he was able to pass. I keep waiting for someone to tell me the test wasn't accurate or something.

Oh goodness! I just love the karate pics of Reid. Amazing!

Awww....thank you!!

And how cool about his hearing! Isn't that something? The human body is truly inexplicable sometimes (and, like now, occasionally that is in a good way! )!

You are so right! I am still having trouble believing the results though.

Yay Reid!!! He is the cutest thing ever in his karate outfit!

Thank you!! I certainly think he is....but I'm a little biased.

That's amazing that he's passed the hearing test again! He must be a pretty special kid!

He sure is!

That's too bad about having to chance the cruise. I hope that everything works out well in the end-I have no doubt that it will.

While I am not completely happy about having to move the cruise, I do think the June dates will be better than the May ones we originally had booked. At least I won't have to stress about whether or not Ed's project at work will be done in time for him to cruise.

Another belt for Reid. That's awesome!

Thank you!!

I am glad you were able to painlessly move your cruise. that's great! Reminds me that I want to book mine this week.

Yeah, luckily we're still far enough out that moving dates is (overall) pretty simple & easy. Besides that early dining time being booked up!

Are you planning on doing a cruise next year?

Aft verandah? What is the advantage. I know nothing. I even forget if aft is front or back. I think its the back of the ship.

When we did our 1st Disney cruise last year on the Dream, we had an aft verandah. We liked it for a few reasons:

1. very little foot traffic at the back of the boat so it was quiet
2. beautiful panoramic views of the ocean behind you & gorgeous views from your verandah when in port
3. they are very big

Here's a couple of pictures of our aft verandah on the Dream:

Oh - and yeah for passing the hearing test, too. That is really great news!

Thank you!! I was so happy but yet so shocked!

Oh he looks like such a little man concentrating on his test....you must be so proud of him! CONGRATS REID!!

I am really proud of him.

All caught up...at least for today!!! Love the calendar. I have never done one since my family already thinks I am a little crazy! I do keep a countdown on my phone...and come to think about it, they think that is crazy!

Ed already knows I'm crazy so I go ahead & do my countdown calendar!

I will not say anything about the Ohana reservation due to I am almost there in my TR and don't want to give away my opinion....I will say 9 or 9:30is a little too late so hooray on getting the earlier. And the bar (as others have said) will get anything for you, even water.

Ooohhh.....I can't wait to hear about 'Ohana in your TR. I'm a little worried....

Woohoo!!! way to go reid!! how awesome that his nerve healed. Miracles do happen.

They sure do....it's really amazing!

 

[amandaw]

Way to go Reid on your new belt! The photos of him in his outfit taking his tests were so cute, he looks so grown up!

He is really looking grown up, right? *sigh* It's so bittersweet to watch them grow up. I really wish I could freeze him at 4. There are days he pushes me to my limits but overall I just love this age.

And that is awesome news about the hearing test! I am very happy for you guys!

Awww...thank you!! I can still remember when they told me in the hospital he couldn't pass the hearing test in his right ear & then having to have more in-depth tests done at 5 weeks old. It's amazing.

I'm sorry you had to move the cruise, and more money always is a big BOOO in my book, but I'm sure Reid will enjoy getting to spend the last days of school with his buddies, and Ed will be less stressed about work. I'm crossing my fingers you guys get early dining!

Yeah, I think overall it was best to move the cruise.

Thanks....I do really hope the wait list works out for us!

Postponing the trip just gives you more time to look forward to it, right?!

You are so right!! You always have the best outlook on things....love it!

But definitely BOOOO!!!! about the extra cost.

I know, right?!? Now, it is hard to look at that factor in a good way.

That's great news about Reid's hearing! I hope it really is correct!

Thank you!! Me, too. I will be holding my breath during his November test for sure!

Look at him go! Congrats to him on the new color belt... what color is it? Did I miss that part? I know nothing about karate hahaha.

He got his Pre-Yellow belt. In the "Little Ninja" program, they do what I would call "half steps" to belts to make sure they're really learning the stuff & not progressing too quickly.

Amanda: are you guys ok over there? Is Isaac going to affect you? I looked at the map on the National Hurricane Center and thought of your family...hoping you will be ok.

Thank you soooo much for checking in on us! That really is sweet of you! Unfortunately, it does look like Isaac keeps moving more & more west. I think he'll make landfall in Louisiana but it's still very unpredictable right now. I'm just praying he makes landfall to the east of us, not to the west or right underneath us.

Hey! Just checking in due to Isaac. Looks like it may be moving closer and closer to you guys! It is crazy here! Two hour gas lines, no bread or water in the stores. I think Katrina made everyone learn to not take things lightly! Hope all stays well for ya'll!!!

Thank you for checking on us! I think it's going to get really crazy here tomorrow. Especially since it keeps moving west. We went to Target tonight to get some bread....there were only a few loaves left. We also grabbed a few canned goods that we could always heat up on the burner of our grill outside.....did that quite a bit during Gustav in 2008. Cases of water were already gone at Target. Thankfully, I had already bought us a case to bring to Disney World, so we can just use it if need be. See - it's good to be an OCD Disney planner! We haven't filled up our cars with gas but we had just done that on Friday, so I think we're good there. Ed does need to start up the generator tomorrow though & check it out. And we'll probably get some gas for it, if it keeps moving our way.

And to think....it was the same timeframe in August when Katrina hit! My sister was living in Metarie at the time & they couldn't go home for several months. For my family, Gustav in 2008 was the one that really got us! We were living in a suburb of Baton Rouge at the time. Reid was 6 months old, cutting his 1st two teeth & had a violent stomach virus! We lost power for a week, our land line for several weeks and running water for a day or two. Can I tell you how much fun that was?

I hope y'all stay safe as well! Looks like regardless of where it makes landfall, both our states are in for some nasty weather!

 

[megan511]

Oh my gosh Reid's karate pics are precious! Awesome job passing Reid!

That is amazing about his hearing!

I'm sorry you had to switch your cruise. PreK graduation is really fun though. I'm sure Reid will enjoy it & I'm sure the cruise will be great!

I hope you all stay safe during Isaac & that it fizzles right on out. I will be thinking of you all.

 

[amandaw]

Oh my gosh Reid's karate pics are precious! Awesome job passing Reid!

Thank you so much!! I was surprised by how well he did at the test....he did better there than he usually does in class.

That is amazing about his hearing!

It really is....I think part of me still doesn't believe it.

I'm sorry you had to switch your cruise. PreK graduation is really fun though. I'm sure Reid will enjoy it & I'm sure the cruise will be great!

Overall, I think the switch was a good decision. I hate paying more money, but Ed wasn't too worried about it. Since he's the money maker, I guess I shouldn't be too worried either.

I hope you all stay safe during Isaac & that it fizzles right on out. I will be thinking of you all.

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that. Looks like it may be a Cat 1 instead of a Cat 2 when it lands. But, we still need to be cautious.

 

[KatMark]

Way to go, Reid on your karate!!!! Awesome job.

Good news on the cruise and hope your Aunt and Uncle can join you. And even better news on the hearing test and the nerve healing.

 

[amandaw]

Way to go, Reid on your karate!!!! Awesome job.

Thank you!! I am so proud of my little man.

Good news on the cruise and hope your Aunt and Uncle can join you. And even better news on the hearing test and the nerve healing.

I really hope they decide to join us for the cruise. We enjoy spending time with them so much but don't get to do it too often since they a live few hours away from us.

I couldn't believe it when the audiologist told us the good news!

 

[ShannonMarie]

Got ME tickets!

 

[amandaw]

Got ME tickets!

So exciting! Always makes the trip feel more real!

 

[RGirl]

ONE MONTH AND ONE DAY!!!!!!!

 

[amandaw]

ONE MONTH AND ONE DAY!!!!!!!

I know....I am getting soooo excited!!!

I was going to do an update tonight for y'all since I really don't know if I'll have power on Tuesday or even Wednesday due to Isaac. But, I'm just soooo tired. We've been doing some storm prep this evening - testing the generator, moving patio furniture, etc. This way we won't have to do it tomorrow night. Looks like we won't get the storm effects until late tomorrow night, so I'm going to chance it & try to update tomorrow night for y'all!

 

[afwdwfan]

A change to your trip plans??? Surely not!

I think Reid will appreciate being at school for three last few days, and a later trip might be less stressful for Ed. I think it was a good decision.

Congrats to Reid on both his hearing test and karate test.

 

[amandaw]

A change to your trip plans??? Surely not!

Me, change? Never! Ed said the next thread I start will probably be a "Cruise Changers Thread".

I think Reid will appreciate being at school for three last few days, and a later trip might be less stressful for Ed. I think it was a good decision.

I do think it was a good decision. May not be perfect, but I think it will be better overall.

Congrats to Reid on both his hearing test and karate test.

Thank you so much!!

 

[amandaw]

Because I am so dedicated to my DIS peeps, I am pushing out this week's update a little early before Isaac rolls into town. We have prepared for the worst but are hoping for the best. We should be on the west side of the storm, which is the better side. But, he is being all crazy & moving east & west so I don't know how far west we'll end up being & he has a pretty far reach. Reid told me yesterday, "Let's batten down them hatches 'cuz it's an evil looking storm!" And yes, he used his best pirate voice.

Anyway......let's think about something better than a storm......on to Disney!

Saturday, October 6th

This will be our last full day in WDW. Can you believe it's already ending?

Now, this day has gone through more planning changes than any of my other days. I could never get really happy with our final day plans so I've kept tweaking until I'm at least satisfied.

The problem is that I always like to end our trips with Magic Kingdom. But, in looking at crowd calendars & such, it just didn't seem like a wise decision. So, instead we will spend our last park day here:



Yep, we're spending our last day in our least favorite park. Now, I know there are a lot of AK lovers out there. But, it's just ok to us.

Now, what to do for breakfast? That is one of the things that has been changed....a few times. Originally we were going to go here for breakfast before heading to the park:



I was very excited to try this out. But then, I had to go and read a wonderful review of Tusker House on a trip report (yep, I'm talking to you Shannon!). And I just knew I needed to switch us there to give it a try. I was able to get a 905am ADR. At first, I was a little bummed since I like to do our breakfast ADRs before the parks open. But, then I started thinking about it & thought this may not be too bad.

We can sleep in a tad bit later & since AK is our least favorite park, there really isn't much on our "must do" list. So, believe it or not, I haven't even been ADR stalking for an earlier time here.

When we check in, if we have a little wait, I'll send Ed to grab us safari FPs real quick. After our meal, we'll probably go ahead & do the safari. Then, perhaps, we'll head to EE where Ed & I can take turns in the single rider line.

Maybe we'll walk on some the paths to see the animals. It won't take long with Reid - at the zoo, he takes a 1 second look at each animal & is ready to move on.

We'll probably also venture here:



We'll probably do FOTLK & try to meet some Disney friends.

Reid has said that he wants to ride Dinosaur this year. Personally, I don't think he's going to like it because he really doesn't like loud noises. But, if insists on riding it, I will let him give it a try. I'm sure we'll also do the Triceratops Spin. My only problem in that area will be getting him away from those carnival games.

When it comes time for lunch, we'll probably grab a quick bite at whichever CS place we're closest to.

My plan is for us to be out of the park by 4. But, really, we may leave before that. What time we leave will determine where we head to next. We do have an ADR that night but we may have time to go back to OKW first & freshen up first.

As for our dinner ADR that night, that's another one that has gone through some changes. And I'll get to that next week!

 

[megan511]

I think you will love Tusker House! The food is great & the characters are really cute.

We don't stress about rope drop at AK either. It is our go with the flow day. I really love AK though. It is so pretty, I would love to go one day by myself & just take pictures.

Hmmm Dinosaur . It is LOUD & I think it's terrifying! But I also believe in letting kids try things...so it's a tough one! Maybe look it up on YouTube?

I hope you don't have any trouble from Isaac. I'm thinking of you & everyone in the area. I did laugh at "Pirate Reid." So cute even though not a cute situation.

 

[afwdwfan]

Stay safe! Hopefully this storm isn't too bad for you. I've got to admit though, we've needed a tropical storm or hurricane from the Gulf all summer to move up here and break us out of this drought.

I hope you enjoy the Tusker House breakfast. It is definitely on my short list of places to try also. One of these days I'm sure we'll make it happen.

Good luck with Reid and the Dinosaur situation. I'd hate to keep him off of it if he really does want to go, but then again, if you know he's going to be terrified, that really isn't fair to him either.

 

[marDgreen88]

Ack! I hope Isaac is kind to yall and your surrounding areas. So sorry you're having to deal with this.

ANIMAL KINGDOM!!!! Who knows, maybe you'll learn to love it this trip?! (Long shot, I know. )

I've always wanted to try Tusker house (breakfast), but after reading Shannon's review it has been bumped up even higher on the list!

Yeah, Dinosaur can definitely be overwhelming. Hopefully he'll like it if you do end up riding!