Island Hopping: A Highly Inappropriate TR. (Boom.)-- Link to NEW TR! 10/8

[LifeIsDis]

The title is just perfect, first of all. Disney acronyms =

I haven’t seen VOTLM is years. It’s a great show, but short, as you said. They really can’t fit a whole movie into 17 minutes!

I LOVED the bubbles when I was little at Playhouse Disney. I went nuts. Well I still do when we see Finding Nemo…

I would be SO mad if I didn’t get a table at Sci-Fi. I mean, isn’t that part of the whole experience?

The atmosphere is SO cool at Sci-Fi. I love the stars in the “sky!”

 

[Tinker326]

I am so glad to meet someone with a GIRL on the spectrum--it is so rare! I am glad your here. Feel free to chime in with any comments or tips you have!

Tips? No tips.. I'm reading your report for tips! Hahahaha- She's almost 8 & We are still trying to figure it out! Our life with her usually goes like 'whuck? what just happened?' . She's complex that one.. (my girl). I honestly never thought about a GAC card- she has mucho problems regulating in crowds..she just goes spastic & is out of control. It's harder as she gets older because I see people looking over & she's old enough that she 'should' know what she's doing is not acceptable and yet she's going wild. I want to scream sometimes... ' you don't understand... you just don't!!!' I will maybe seriously consider a GAC card in November when we go.... I know once a few years ago she just had it - midway through Epcot. She let me know by laying down in Morocco- middle of the busy walkway and not moving for 1/2 hour. OK.

Love the HS update. This is probalby my least favorite park and we have not been in years. Planning on hitting it in November to try TSM, ToT (my favorite) and eat at Prime Time!! So kinda excited to 're-try' it.....

 

[starann]

Tips? No tips.. I'm reading your report for tips! Hahahaha- She's almost 8 & We are still trying to figure it out! Our life with her usually goes like 'whuck? what just happened?' . She's complex that one.. (my girl). I honestly never thought about a GAC card- she has mucho problems regulating in crowds..she just goes spastic & is out of control. It's harder as she gets older because I see people looking over & she's old enough that she 'should' know what she's doing is not acceptable and yet she's going wild. I want to scream sometimes... ' you don't understand... you just don't!!!' I will maybe seriously consider a GAC card in November when we go.... I know once a few years ago she just had it - midway through Epcot. She let me know by laying down in Morocco- middle of the busy walkway and not moving for 1/2 hour. OK.

Love the HS update. This is probalby my least favorite park and we have not been in years. Planning on hitting it in November to try TSM, ToT (my favorite) and eat at Prime Time!! So kinda excited to 're-try' it.....

I have a 9yo boy who is ASD and I HATE the looks...you know the ones that make you question how good of a parent you are? Pretty sure we will be getting a GAC when we go down. We didn't need them in the past, but his issues were just passed off as him being immature.

 

[starann]

OK, all caught up now. I would have totally been crying at CRT. Sometimes you run across GREAT CM, other times those who are there for a paycheck and then you have those who you wonder how they have a job! Glad your next day was better.

Now I want to read more! Guess I will have to wait....hmf!~

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Just finished your entire TR so far and looking foward to reading more. I'm so sorry you had such a crappy time at CRT. I would have felt the same way.

Our favorite character meals were also Crystal Palace with Pooh & Friends, as well as Garden Grill. My youngest daughter (who was 3 on our last trip) was nowhere near interested in princesses whatsoever loved these two meals! My oldest who was 6 1/2 on our last trip was all about the princesses so I booked the Cinderella dinner at the GF, which the character interaction was awesome. The food was good, not fantastic but it was fine. We're planning to go down again in the fall, not sure what character meals, we'll do, now that the girls are older. my oldest is 11 now and my youngest will be 8 so we shall see!

Glad to hear that about GF! We're planning on that meal next trip! Thanks for reading along!

How is it that no matter what time of year it is, Hollywood Studios is always, always packed?

I've actually never seen any of the shows at Hollywood Studios! It's funny you mention the story thing about the Little Mermaid show, because the new ride has the same issues. It's like someone read the wikipedia synopsis and then condensed it to 2 or 3 sentences.

Yay for Star Wars pictures! I love that speeder bike. In fact, I love the entire exterior of Star Tours.

Sci Fi! Yet another place I've never been. We really need to go at some point.

I think Julia's logic is flawless! Clearly it's only fair to divide all the scores (except hers) by two.

Also, I really don't mind the rain in WDW. Now, part of this is growing up a Seattleite, you just learn to roll with the rain. But I love how it just clears things out in WDW, so you can just go out and do whatever you want. Just throw on a poncho and go.

Can't wait for the next update!

You know I love that whole Star Wars section. LOVE. I'm just chillin' Tattooine-style and living that fantasy for a while. My daughter getting into it? Amazeballs.
I may be a Seattleite at heart. I totally roll with it.

Aw man, that sucks that plans went out the window, but at least breakfast was awesome!!

Glad you guys got your own little place for Voyage, and oh god the plot holes in it are hilarious!! It makes me laugh so hard! Yay for two shows back to back, I honestly kinda want to go to Disney Jr next time I’m down there, especially with Sofia in it now! Love her!

DHS definitely has a bunch of awesome stuff to photograph, I have to agree!! That is odd that they were all “no car” but then you got one..odd…but good! Sci Fi definitely is one for the atmosphere, I simply ordered a grilled cheese when I was there, nothing on the menu appealed to me! Hha!

OH MY GOD THAT RAINSTORM!!! We were stuck in it over at AK that day! Running through the park with a broken umbrella trying to make it to Tusker House, and that clap of thunder that rumbled Sci Fi hit when we were running across the bridge into Africa, it was terrifying being outside in that!!

That is so weird to meet sisters with the same names as your kids, awesome!! Ha! That’s a pretty good “not amused” face while waiting for TSM!

We were in AK when yet another downpour happened (the next day, I think), and that was quite an experience, too...you'll hear about that soon!
I'm excited to see the new additions to the Disney Jr. show, too, even though I haven't even seen Sophia the First yet . The pictures look great.
Luckily, our plans going out the window didn't bother us at all. They were loose plans to begin with. We go with the flow!

How annoying that the rain cover didn't fit! I can't imagine anything less comfortable than being damp all day.

I've never given a ton of thought to the GAC lines, but I guess you're right-I did always think they moved a little faster than the regular lines. When you have 3 little ones, I'm sure that's kind of hard.

On our last trip Buzz and Woody's line was always at least 45 minutes! We never did meet them.

I think I'm going to have to see Disney Jr Live this trip. Is it at least cute?

I wonder what was up with the 12 year old hostess? Power trip? At least you got a car!

It is cute. I couldn't really enjoy the cuteness this year because they were so wild, but I have definitely enjoyed it myself in the past. It doesn't last long, and it's very upbeat!
Yeah, I think she was on a power trip. And then I was kinda on one because she got overruled!

I was a couple of updates behind, but I'm caught up now!

LOL at Julia's TSMM logic...I'm totally stealing it because I'm awful at that ride, and it's the the only way I'll ever win!

DHS is a lot of fun to photograph...I love the old Hollywood vibe even though it's my least favorite park.

I need to steal her logic, too! I am HORRIBLE at TSM and at Space Ranger Spin. I can't hit a target to save my life! We got the XBOX360 version of TSM for Christmas, so maybe I can practice up before next trip.
DHS is totally not my favorite park, either, but the vibe is why I still go. Other than that, I could skip it and be just fine.

Okay, this is the rain I remembered from our trip.

Another set of sisters named Julia and Brynn? I love coincidences like that!

And it isn't the end of the rain, which I guess you remember! Good thing the downpours felt sort of good, I guess!
I was floored by finding another family with two sort of unique names! I have only met one other Brynn in my life, so finding a Brynn and Julia really shocked me!!

You updated too??!!!! I guess February 20th was International Updating Day.

It sucks when plans are derailed, but you guys seem to bounce back okay. Boo to the non-fitting rain cover. We had a slightly similar problem as you'll see on day 4 of my TR, but it was our fault.

I can imagine how two shows back to back would be a bit much for children to sit through.

I remember in the past they used to pack us in the striped section at TSM. However our experience was different this time. Each and every time we went on TSM they stopped most people at the merge point. Once past that point we would walk almost all the way to boarding, stopping just at the stop of the last set of stairs you go down before boarding. So we would only wait a few minutes in that section of the queue. I'm pretty sure Brynn would have been fine with that. Maybe next time you can ask the CM at the merge how long the regular line is at that point, and make a decision on which way to go based on that?

Leaky diapers suck.

Hmmm...interesting on the TSM. That day, it was definitely packed in. The line was down the stairs and moving very slowly, so I'm guessing it was pretty tight up there. If they've changed things now, I would be so happy! This is one ride where the GAC REALLY works against you. Normally rides take the same amount of time with the GAC, but here we waited so much longer. I was okay with it, though, because I knew things could have gotten pretty rough if we'd stuck her in that room!!
I have to go catch up on your TR. You are my inspiration for hotel choices, after all!

The title is just perfect, first of all. Disney acronyms =

I haven’t seen VOTLM is years. It’s a great show, but short, as you said. They really can’t fit a whole movie into 17 minutes!

I LOVED the bubbles when I was little at Playhouse Disney. I went nuts. Well I still do when we see Finding Nemo…

I would be SO mad if I didn’t get a table at Sci-Fi. I mean, isn’t that part of the whole experience?

The atmosphere is SO cool at Sci-Fi. I love the stars in the “sky!”

Yeah, Sci-Fi without a car table is kind of pointless, especially with kids who want to "drive."
I have to admit that I do love bubbles, too. Kid at heart!

Tips? No tips.. I'm reading your report for tips! Hahahaha- She's almost 8 & We are still trying to figure it out! Our life with her usually goes like 'whuck? what just happened?' . She's complex that one.. (my girl). I honestly never thought about a GAC card- she has mucho problems regulating in crowds..she just goes spastic & is out of control. It's harder as she gets older because I see people looking over & she's old enough that she 'should' know what she's doing is not acceptable and yet she's going wild. I want to scream sometimes... ' you don't understand... you just don't!!!' I will maybe seriously consider a GAC card in November when we go.... I know once a few years ago she just had it - midway through Epcot. She let me know by laying down in Morocco- middle of the busy walkway and not moving for 1/2 hour. OK.

Love the HS update. This is probalby my least favorite park and we have not been in years. Planning on hitting it in November to try TSM, ToT (my favorite) and eat at Prime Time!! So kinda excited to 're-try' it.....

Oh, gosh. You could just have been describing Brynn! This was our first year with the GAC, and really it was just because she has gotten so big and so hard to handle, whether for her tantrums or for having to carry her when her legs give out. The GAC really helped us have the smoothest trip of our life. Even when it made rides not as convenient, I know it really made the trip go better because it saved multiple meltdowns. Still, though, we did get "the look" several times. I mean, we get it all the time at home, so I shouldn't be surprised. I've even been told that "all she needs is a kick in the pants." I don't believe in spanking, anyway, but to apply that to her?? RIDICULOUS! I hate being judged, and I hate people judging her. She really is trying her best. I know I said it before, but I'm so glad you're here.

I have a 9yo boy who is ASD and I HATE the looks...you know the ones that make you question how good of a parent you are? Pretty sure we will be getting a GAC when we go down. We didn't need them in the past, but his issues were just passed off as him being immature.

That's exactly it, Star. It makes you question yourself as a parent, even when you know why things are happening. The GAC helped us mostly because she is so big, and when things go wrong, they go wrong in a BIG way! And other times she's just great.

OK, all caught up now. I would have totally been crying at CRT. Sometimes you run across GREAT CM, other times those who are there for a paycheck and then you have those who you wonder how they have a job! Glad your next day was better.

Now I want to read more! Guess I will have to wait....hmf!~

I went from teary to flat-out angry. They were sadness tears, then MAD tears .

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

And now I'm curious about that inside joke...

Haha, it's really just kind of dumb. We were watching TV one day, and he was getting bored and wanted to go play his video games, and I didn't want him to leave, so I turned perpendicular to him, wrapped my legs around his waist and arms around his shoulder and went "I's a koala." I never said we were normal....anyway, it's just gotten to be a cute thing between us, so the fact that IASW has an adult koala with a baby koala on its back...I had to take a picture!

On a side note, have you ever considered therapeutic horseback riding for Brynn? I volunteer at a local center here, and it really does work wonders on all sorts of disabilities, physical and mental. The majority of our riders fall on the autism spectrum. I guess it's just because I love my work out there so much, but I'm always happy to advocate it!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Actually, I HAVE!! A friend of mine has a daughter doing Hippotherapy right now. Unfortunately, our insurance decided it counts as part of OT, and they already only give us twenty visits a year for that (Brynn's recommended for two visits a week!), so we can't afford it. Some places far away from us will do it for free, but I haven't been able to find any near us. I contacted a bunch of places last week, but they all did the "do you have insurance" thing and none would tell me about financial help . I think it would help her so much, so I'm bummed. SO COOL that you do that!

 

[Tinker326]

Oh, gosh. You could just have been describing Brynn! This was our first year with the GAC, and really it was just because she has gotten so big and so hard to handle, whether for her tantrums or for having to carry her when her legs give out. The GAC really helped us have the smoothest trip of our life. Even when it made rides not as convenient, I know it really made the trip go better because it saved multiple meltdowns. Still, though, we did get "the look" several times. I mean, we get it all the time at home, so I shouldn't be surprised. I've even been told that "all she needs is a kick in the pants." I don't believe in spanking, anyway, but to apply that to her?? RIDICULOUS! I hate being judged, and I hate people judging her. She really is trying her best. I know I said it before, but I'm so glad you're here.


That's exactly it, Star. It makes you question yourself as a parent, even when you know why things are happening. The GAC helped us mostly because she is so big, and when things go wrong, they go wrong in a BIG way! And other times she's just great.

Yes!! That's it. It's so hard because they really are trying their best. Sarah even says to me, "Mom, I am trying but I can't make my brain listen to me". Breaks my heart...makes me mad..and all that wrapped in one. Anyone who has never had to deal with it just can not understand... I'm sure I was a judger too back in the day before I knew better. She's in mainstream school and it's so, so hard for me to watch her struggle there.... I just want everyone to know MY Sarah. The sweet girl who I love with all my heart... and see past what she really can not control....

And I was very, very happy to stumble on your trip report. I also have not met anyone with a girl who struggles with these issues.....

On a side note, have you ever considered therapeutic horseback riding for Brynn? I volunteer at a local center here, and it really does work wonders on all sorts of disabilities, physical and mental. The majority of our riders fall on the autism spectrum. I guess it's just because I love my work out there so much, but I'm always happy to advocate it!

We tried this with Sarah as well. It did not go so well because have I mentioned she has control issues?! She was not so happy to 'do what she was told' Apparently she just wanted to ride free with the horses and so be it...it turned into a battle with us & I decided to table it till she was older (we tried when she was around 6). We were just talking about this recently- putting her back it. Our insurance also will not cover & it's wicked expensive.

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Sorry to hear it's so expensive :-(. I have no real idea of the cost, but I do know that something like 90% of our riders are on financial aid/scholarship. Tinker326 I've worked with a rider with control issues, I applaud your decision. For our rider, we now use a "3 strikes" rule, either positive or negative. Some days, if we can tell when she comes in it's going to be difficult, we have whiteboard with three squares, and each time she argues or does something inappropriate, she gets a check. 3 checks, and she dismounts and the lesson is over. On other days, if she does 3 things correctly, at the end of her lesson she gets a sticker. It's been a HUGE help. But, of course, all instructors teach differently, and every rider is different. If y'all are ever up in Greenville, NC, I'll show you Rocking Horse Ranch!

 

[nannye]

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad you're here to read. I hope you'll do a TR after your trip, too, so I can read about a first-timer's experiences!


So happy you liked it...twice! Thanks for reading .


We just got Brandsmart around here in the last couple of years...in fact, I'm not sure if it is anywhere but Georgia?! I'm just saying that the listed prices online are not accurate. We've seen it at Target (oh..Canada?) and Best Buy and Walmart B]

than yes w are in Canada, I am visiting te states in April and June so I can buy online and ship. Downfall is warranty will prob be void. But noting ever happens in te first year. Brands,art I could order online but the price there was high too so I'll keep looking.
Thanks!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for a jam-packed day at DHS! That's good that you ended up getting a car at Sci-Fi, how weird that they wanted to bump you to a table after only 10 minutes!

Too funny about meeting the other Julia and Brynn!!

 

[danimaroo]

Toy Story Mania is ALWAYS busy, even on the slow days! It's just annoying. I'm glad it isn't my favorite ride in the world because it's near impossible to get on unless you are equipped with some FPs!

I've never watched the Voyage show, but I've heard the same thing you said about there being some large gaps in it, haha. That being said, it seems like the kiddos loved it!

Your children are little pirates, hoarding those Dubloons! Mwahaha.

HS is very photogenic, but it's not my favorite park. In fact, I'd rank it at the bottom at number 5 (only above California Adventure) for Disney parks. I think I can blame that in part due to Brazilian Tour Groups ALWAYS being there every day when we are in Disney. EVERY. DAY.

OMGOMG.. I was literally DYING over here at the look on Julia's face where she's riding the Speeder Bike! SHE IS SO SERIOUS in that photo about cruising along.

Sci-Fi Dine-In looks pretty fun! I am not such a fan of Crabby Cathys in Disney World who tell you that your family won't get a car. Gaaahd.

That's so weird about meeting another Brynn and Julia. The odds are not very high! Haha.

I enjoy Julia's logic for Toy Story!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Studios isn't my favorite park either... I like it... just don't love it... not sure... something about the layout...? (hope they bring Carsland... it would give it a boost...

Sigh... not to jump on the ASD band wagon... but I'm feeling a teeny bit cranky... I don't like to feel like I'm being judged either... and I really detest people who think that it's not ok to be a little bit "eccentric" for lack of a better word but it's ok to be a jerk or smartas* ... DS is super smart... he's gifted but he's socially immature... not rude or oppositional just sensitive and kind of into his own world at times... which is not always the cool "tween" world... (He doesn't have a lot of sensory issues... but he's not great at reading social cues & he's kind of ADD to boot...) The thing is he's a really cool kid... just not the way most 10/11 years olds think of "cool" oh... sorry I'm on a tangent... little headache... bad afternoon... Anyway I think there are more girls on the spectrum than are diagnosed (definitely & significantly less than boys... but they are often a lot harder to diagnose ... and it can look different in girls as well...

Love Star Wars... (we have a photo like that too... I think it's a rite of passage...

Love the Muppets too... wish they'd make a comeback...

I'm really happy that Drill Sergeant CM at the Sci Fi was in fact wrong and you got a car... (that's the whole point of a drive in...) WE actually really enjoy it in there... have to try the Rueben... but the burgers are pretty decent and the milkshakes are awesome... Don't know why it gets such bad reviews... the clips are a hoot...

 

[lvcourtneyy]

The LM ride queue definitely has a way of making you feel boxed in and it is laughable how they turn the movie into a 17 minute show I still love it though.

I can't blame your kids here. I have trouble sitting still for too long too. Although of all places to let loose, I think the Disney Jr show is pretty appropriate!

Finding sisters named Brynn and Julia is so cool. And so coincidental.

Well I sure hope the girl at Sci-Fi felt like an idiot when you got a car anyway. Although, maybe to be fair, that's some strange "rule" at the restaurant? And she chose to just read straight from the "rule book" instead of realize, "Oh hey the restaurant's empty. Let's be nice and let them sit wherever..."

I live my life on the rule that there's always room for ice cream. I've employed it a countless number of time. The most recent being 2 days ago.

Another fantastic update despite all the rain! I hope the skies cleared for you later on!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

I stopped back in to say, I just showed DBF your trip video and his response was "ah this video is amazing! Why don't we have kids so we can make one like it?"

Hm. I don't know. Maybe because we need to work on an engagement first? Hahahaha I died a little though! Just wanted to share!

 

[jojosam]

I am having a fantastic time so far on your amazing journey, and your video was beautiful... it may have sparked a tear or 2 as I get more excited for our own trip in September. I am looking forward to tagging along for the rest of your trip!

 

[merbobear]

I have to admit that I don't know much about GAC cards, because we have never had a need to use one, so this question might be dumb/ignorant - Why did they have the entire GAC line wait until the guest who couldn't transfer got to the special car? Wouldn't it make more sense to have a wheelchair waiting spot and then have the other guests with GAC go past them until the special car came around, and then it would be the non-transferring guest's turn? It just seems like it would expedite the entire process as well as decrease the chance that the non-transferring guest is sitting there feeling guilty for "making" everyone wait behind them. (not that they should feel guilty, but you know..human nature).

Anyway, that stinks about the ill fitting rain cover. I know a lot of companies make all purpose rain covers that supposedly fit all universally (or more like one style fits "all" joggers, one fits "all double umbrellas" etc). They honestly never fit! There just is no way that a cover is going to fit on all the different brands because they are all built so differently (I work in a baby store and my former position was store trainer, so I have spend a ridiculous amount of time learning about different products and teaching the staff about them. it's *highly inappropriate* how much room in my brain is taken up by baby product knowledge hehe).

I love Julia's logic about winning. I try to convince my dd that she hasn't lost, she just won second (or third...) place! If she doesn't WIN...watch out!

 

[okw19]

Hi there! I'm joining in after seeing you over on Dani's TR. Any friend of hers is a friend of mine! I've slowly caught up on your TR over the past couple of days and I am loving it so far! Your kids are adorable and I love your sense of humor. You've definitely convinced me that Hollywood and Vine should be on our list for the next family trip! My daughter just turned 4 and loves some Disney Jr.
Can't wait to read more!

 

[hlrababy]

Hey girl!!!

You want to guess what I had for breakfast this morning??

Yep....cookies!! Savannah Smiles if you will!

You are awesome!!!

 

[hlrababy]

And then this happened, and my geeky little heart nearly exploded with pride!

Ha ha I love this!!! I tried to get Hollie and Hannah both on it when we were there but the line to get on it was a little bit long.