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

[GrimGrinningStitch]

Yay for new update!

The Merida interaction sounds like it was so fantastic! I love it when they go that extra mile and make kids feel really special.

I LOVE that picture on the Tea Cups. Brandon is crazy talented with that camera.

Every time I see Confectionary photos, I just want to eat everything. EVERYTHING.

Hooray for Duffy! You know we're big Duffy fans in our house. Have you seen the Sully costume for him? It's pretty much the best.

This is making me so excited for the trip. Just over a month now. AAAHHHH!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Definitely will be keeping Brynn in my thoughts and prayers as well as the doctors that the test go well and they/you figure things out ... like you said, she could use a break!

Also glad to hear that things are working out ok on the job front and that you will be able to make your next trip to WDW



Love this picture because a) the artistry of it an ii) the looks on the kids faces! (well at least the girls, Sawyer just looks like his is chilling and/or not sure what is going on)

Thanks! We made it through the test okay (except they had no a/c in the office and it was a zillion degrees...they gave us a cold pad, but those don't hold up eight hours) with very little fussing from anyone involved. No we just wait and see if it gives any answers! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
You're right, Sawyer was a bit unsure of the whole thing, but I assure you he did have fun...at least a little.

YAY for the "massive" update! Looks like you had a great day in MK especially dancing along with the parade. So fun!!


Awww, love this pic!




And WOW! Love this one even more!! Just amazing! What lens/settings did your hubby use for this shot? I wonder if I should be brave enough to try and recreate it!

He had a Canon 14mm f/2.8 and a long exposure time. I'm not sure really what that even means, but he just stood here and told me the specs!
I'm hoping for another massive update soon, hopefully this weekend! 34 days until we go back to WDW, and I want to finish before then!

That's what I was thinking... My Meniere's having mom would probably attempt this this ride just to get a shot like this of all 5 grandkids!

He was brave...crazy, but brave!

What a great morning/afternoon at the Magic Kingdom! We haven't done the Speedway in a long time....those cars never go fast enough!!!

We have only seen snippets of the afternoon parade/street party at MK. I know, terrible right? I just don't like being around a million people in the heat of the day all in the same area. We're nighttime parade people.

It's too bad the weather didn't stay that beautiful all day..this was our MNSSHP night.

I think this was the first time we've seen it beginning to end. I know that last year, for example, we stopped at the hub and danced a little along the edge for literally less than a minute, then moved on. But this time, the girls were really into it! We are night time people, too. You'll see later on that we saw the full daytime 3:00 parade for the first time, too. I don't know what got into us this trip!
You are very, very right about that darn weather...dun dun duuuuuuuuunnnnn!

Tomorrow!?! Wow! That's quick, but hey, at least you are getting it done sooner than later. I took my kids to visit family in MA (we are in TN) in July and Ethan was supposed to have his EEG that Monday after we returned, but they called on the way up and said the 'machines are down for servicing' and they were supposed to call when they were back online. As of this past Friday, they still had not called. URGH! The pediatrician -Love her!- gave me the direct line to the scheduler at the hospital instead of going through the neurologist's. I was struggling to find things to keep Ethan busy for the last sleep study. It was at the local hospital instead of going to Vandy like I requested and the tech seemed so nervous dealing with a child. Especially a child that yelled 'OUCH' every time he's touch! LOL Luckily, The Lion King was on TV that night and he watched it twice before he fell asleep! Don't know what I'm going to do for the next sleep study. I'm just glad the 24hr EEG is one we get to do at home.

I feel you on how overwhelming it can be! I thought I had my hands full with my oldest when he was younger (ADHD, ODD, depression)... You would think I would be prepared to handle all of this with Ethan considering I worked at a private nurse for children with special needs of all types and worked at a school that's 100% children with multiple diagnosis. I do respite care afternoons and weekends. Have made many connections through the years (a friend owns a children's therapy clinic, I'm on a first name basis with an orthotist, attended many IEP meetings, etc).... BUT NOTHING prepared me for dealing on my own.

Luckily, his new Kindergarten teacher seems somewhat versed in how to handle some things, but the school system as a whole is my biggest hurdle right now.

Keep us posted on how the EEG goes. If you're like me, I don't want my child to have any seizure activity, but I'm praying if it does happen, it happens during the test so it can be figured out.

Good luck tomorrow!

It is SO different when dealing with your own kids! I'm always saying that! I was a teacher before Brynn was born (didn't know deciding to stay home with her was going to be such a great choice!) and sat in on tons of IEP meetings, and every time I go into one as a parent now instead of as a teacher, I am in shock...mostly in shock of how confusing the whole process can be and at how you can be treated.
Brynn did have some episodes during the EEG yesterday. They weren't the strongest I've ever seen, but they were definitely there. I have no idea how to read the test, of course, but it was filled with tons of "XLSpikes" and "XLEvents" that will hopefully tell us something. It may say it's JUST the dystonia, and that's fine, but if IS more I am ready to know. And I know what you mean--I felt bad willing it to happen, but I knew we only had those few hours, so I didn't relax until we had some documented!

*sigh*
One of the best things about Disney is that you can be doing something completely ordinary, like eating candy or doing some shopping, you walk outside and BOOM there's an extremely tall guy in yo face, and you can't help but move it, shake it and celebrate with the tall man. On our first family trip, we walked up as that party was happening, and the MC said, with perfect timing, "If you're celebrating your first visit, raise your hand." And we raised our hands and danced..perfect Disney moment.

I just love how surreal and magical the whole place is! It really makes it Disney.

Yay for new update!

The Merida interaction sounds like it was so fantastic! I love it when they go that extra mile and make kids feel really special.

I LOVE that picture on the Tea Cups. Brandon is crazy talented with that camera.

Every time I see Confectionary photos, I just want to eat everything. EVERYTHING.

Hooray for Duffy! You know we're big Duffy fans in our house. Have you seen the Sully costume for him? It's pretty much the best.

This is making me so excited for the trip. Just over a month now. AAAHHHH!

I want the kids to choose the Sully costume on this trip sooooooo badly! I try not to push their choices, but I want to see Duffy in it! And Brynn will be getting hers this trip! YAY!

34 days for us, less for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Hello, all! Two updates for you this morning! Before I update, and in case you aren't on my Facebook confused3), here's a link to our new Panama City Beach 2013 Video!! And HERE is a mobile device-friendly link! Obviously Brandon wanted some practice before doing a new Disney World video!

ON WE GO!!

After partying VERY hard, we decided to change course and head straight for Tomorrowland relatively calmly.



We really weren't sure where to go, so we picked the first thing the children screamed for: Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin!

As we made our way through the line (which said ten minutes but was PACKED), Brynn kept getting nervous and asking if there were any monsters in this game. We reassured her, but I swear she asked twenty times.
Finally, Brandon and Sawyer got into one vehicle, while the girls and I piled in another. Girls against boys, I guess! Brynn was in charge of spinning us, which probably wasn't the best choice in the world, and Julia and I had the laser guns. We did...not great. I can't ever tell where I'm shooting, so I just click a lot. I read about all these people who say to shoot at certain parts, but how do you know you're even close?!

When it was over, we laughed at our ride photos, especially the one with Brandon and Sawyer, as all you could see was one very serious daddy and the top of Sawyer's head.

On the way out, the girls got in a bit of trouble...



I said look scared. That's the best I got.

We then went to our beloved Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor! If you aren't aware, there is a separate waiting area here that we took advantage of (and by that I mean it SAVED us!). You can sort of see it in this picture. We're on one side of the chain in a small area, while everyone else is on the other. NO, it doesn't decrease your wait--everyone enters together, the show starts at the same time--but it does save a sensitive kid's (or adult's) sanity. It is the same as the handicapped area in this case. I cannot imagine being in the regular holding area with Brynn. We still surrounded her even in the roped off area. It's pretty packed in here.



We enjoyed laughing all through the show again. I think my family laughs the loudest!!



We then decided to do something we had never done before, and on the way we had to stop for "Peek-a-boo." The girls said, "We have to do Peek-a-boo!" I thought they meant the game, and I was confused as to why they wanted to do that in the middle of Disney World. But, no, they meant THIS, Peek-a-boo according to their favorite person Stacey!



Obviously Duffy got in on the action. He was a big part of our activities this day.

Where were we going??

We parked our strollers. No strollers allowed!



Tom SAWYER Island!



I mean, when your kid is named after a character, you have go to his very own island!

Side note: notice that Brynn is STILL carrying the tea set. She insisted it go with us...yeah, that didn't make things more difficult or anything...



The raft over...hmmm...how can I describe it...HOT! You are really packed in with all the sweaty strangers you have to quickly befriend. We enjoyed the view and the slight breeze when we finally started moving, but I can't say that I love the raft at all. Not at all.

I'm going to bombard you with a ton of pictures and no words, so here's a summary of the trip to the island: the girls ran ahead of me, everyone played on the play sets, we crossed bridges, we went in caves, we saw every inch of Fort Langhorn, and I ended up carrying Sawyer and that darn tea set by the end. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!













I love the next one, with Julia bossing and Brynn holding that darn tea set!






Sawyer was very small at the time, remember. We were still working on that whole "stairs" thing.



So this is how it ended up.



OH MY GOSH. I love the next one because it totally conveys that feeling you have when you're on the island: you've stowed away to a secret place and you're sneaking around the trails. Don't tell!







Along one of the many paths, we came upon a stunning view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I guess if I'd logically thought about it, I would have known it was there, but it took me by total surprise, and we were all in awe!



There are even rocking chairs set up so you can just sit and stare at it...ya know, in case you don't have three small children with you...

We decided we'd just wave at a few passing trains and move on.



CONTINUED BELOW!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

(continued from above.)
Eventually we stumbled upon Fort Langhorn, though I'm not sure we approached it in the right direction, if there is a right direction. I remember that everyone went in but Brynn and me. She couldn't see inside and didn't know what to expect, so I talked to her about it.



Once she finally agreed to go in, she was off and running with the other two!! They ran upstairs and downstairs, splashed in puddles, shot things, climbed secret passageways...all the things you dream of as a child!









Brandon admitted that this was exactly what he wanted to escape to when he was a little boy. The smile on his face showed that he was just as happy fo find it now. We obviously love that Tom Sawyer spirit--after all, we named our son after him in hopes that he'd be blessed with that mischievous demeanor and heart of gold--and it was present on the island that day.
Eventually, we made our way out.



In the end, we were extremely hot and extremely hungry! We waited to climb back on the packed raft and decided to make our way immediately to find yummy food. And we did! Our lunch was at Tortuga Tavern, which we've rarely seen open!

I have no photos of this experience, because I assume we were chowing down! I remember that it was quite crowded, and we could only find a table for four, and it was out in the sun. Sawyer just sat in his stroller for a seat.
I went to the line and ordered the basics: quesadillas for the kids, burritos for the adults. And grapes. LOTS of grapes. It is a bit shocking here when they pretty much present you with an open tortilla with some meat and rice on it, and that's all. But that's because you make your way to the toppings bar and load up on all the goodies like salsa, tomatoes, cheese, etc. When I finished making ours, I went back to the table.

Right away, I saw that the tiny quesadillas weren't going to hold these kids over for long, but they didn't complain. Our burritos were delicious! They are seasoned just right and HUGE. I hope that Tortuga Tavern is open this year so we can go there again!

When we were finished, Julia and looked around the little jewelry/crystal stand nearby and made a note to come back and purchase some things. We never did. I made a mental note after this trip to always buy things when you see them!!

You may have noticed by now that we were wearing our hand-made "it's a small world" shirts. If you skipped this part of the TR or don't know Brynn, you may not realize that she has an intense love and fascination with this ride. INTENSE. We were wearing our shirts in honor of her, and we couldn't leave the park without a ride on the Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed!



Duffy came with us. I know you're shocked.









The girl working the alternate entrance stopped us and told us how much she loved our shirts. She said she had a brother with Aspergers who was fascinated with "it's a small world" and he would adore them, as well. WHAT THE WHAT!?!?! We told her about Brynn and laughed about how strange it was to run into someone who understood this exact thing!

We began the first stages of making our way out of the park, pausing for anything that caught our attention. Do you do that? Take any excuse to stay there??

We tried pulling the sword out of the stone.





No luck.

We bowed to Cinderella at her fountain and took a drink at the fountain water fountain. Hehehe.



Note: Brynn is NOT drinking the water in this photo!





We stalked the balloon girl.





And finally we stopped at our traditional can't-leave-the-park-without-it popcorn stand at the exit, where we got popcorn and a frozen orange Minute Maid thing.



Soon, we hopped on the monorail and were at the TTC in no time. From there, we walked to our room just to drop off our things. We had somewhere to be at 3:00!

Coming Up: We meet a celebrity and do a little dancing!

 

[katt789]

Are you guys doing MK the morning of your MNSSHP?? Or on the 18th? We’ll be back in the MK those days too!! But definitely at MNSSHP, especially since one of the dance parties is now Monsters U themed! Yay!

I seriously always get SO excited when I see that you’ve updated!!

Loved the Panama video!! Oh my gosh Brynn sounds just like me on my first trip, yes, the one where I was legally an adult, bahaa, I kept asking where the drops were, would it be scary, how fast did it go? Lawl. Scardey cat right here! I still have no idea how to play that game properly, I love TSM so much more cause I can tell where I’m hitting Paige hit the magic spot last trip though! She even had no idea what she did!

AWE! Love that they took reference of Stacy, that’s awesome! Awe man, I saw this thing on tumblr that was all about remaking Tom Sawyer’s Island into Neverland, complete with mermaid lagoon, the Indian playground, the crocodile’s area, everything down to pixie hollow where you were shrunk down to meet tink and her friends, and peter and everyone would be running around the island kinda thing, and then at the end it was all “did this for a school project” and I was all “NOOOO I THOUGHT THIS WAS REAL!!!”….are the girls into Tinkerbell movies at all? *random*

I really need to get over to the Island at some point, I remember absolutely LOVING the one in DLR when I was a kid, and I feel like it’d be a fun thing to do, so it’s definitely on our list of things for Sept! You guys certainly had a BLAST! And I was totally thinking that when watching the Panama video, the kids have grown so much since Sept!

AH! Tortuga tavern is one of my favorite places to eat! They also used to have non alcoholic sangria that was absolutely delcicious! It’s been open the past two Sept’s so I’m hoping it’ll be open again, gotta love that topping bar!

I think my Mom wants to skip Small World this time around, I may hop in a boat with you guys this time bahaha! Also, WHAT ABOUT that new show! AS IF! I feel like it’s gonna be awesome! Have you seen the Designer dolls from IASW they released?! They’re totally awesome! I love that you guys have this love for such an underappreciated ride…at WDW that is, DLR it’s jammed all the time!

Those pics are great, I’m such a sucker for a balloon on Main Street pic!

Dude…there is ONE MONTH until we leave…actually exactly one month til you’ll be there, and I’ll be headed off for a MNSSHP!! AAAAAAHHH Like, I seriously cannot wait to meet you guys in person!

 

[shan23877]

What fun updates! I've never been to the island myself, but I think you described it perfectly. It does seem like a little kid's dream.

I do look for every excuse not to leave MK

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Great updates - love the pictures from Tom Sawyer Island!

Oh, and in Brynn's defense, you just never know when the mood will hit you for a spot of tea - she just wanted to be prepared

 

[STLMickeyMom]

I know this is from a few updates ago-but I adore the tea cup picture! Beautiful! Can we borrow your husband for our trip? He could be our own private paparazzi! and your Panama City video is too cute! I need to learn your video making secrets!
We've never gone to the island but it looks like a blast! We may have to try it out next time. I can totally see the girls chasing DH through it.
Oh, you are so lucky to eat at tortuga tavern!! It smelled so good last time we were there. We decided to do pirates first and by the time we got done they were closed. I was so sad! That delicious smell was still hanging in the air, tormenting me! Fingers crossed its open when we go in January!

 

[jane2073]

We love the island! The barrel bridge is our favorite!! But I can't stand the escape tunnel from the fort. We were in there once and there was a group of people in front of us and a group behind us. The people in front stopped for a minute and I almost hyperventilated! Slightly claustrophobic!
When we went to Stone Mountain I had Jeff go ahead of me all the way through the Eye of the Needle and Fat Man's Squeeze so I didn't have to worry about getting trapped!

 

[Britard]

We love Tom Sawyer's Island. It is a great break from a crowded park-gives the kids some running space!

 

[beachphotog]

Sing with me- Update, update, update. Update, update, update!
So exciting to read a new updates!

I love your family- like totes a lot. And I can't wait until we all get to hang out together!

I haven't been on Tom Sawyer's island in so long. It's probably been since 2002? I want to go back over!

And the t-shirts?! LOVE THEM. And Brynn's love for IASW, I indenting, because I have a deep, abiding love for that attraction. I know people find it annoying, but nuts to 'em!

Anyway... Our trip is in 30 days! (Well, mine is 29, but semantics.)

GET EXCITED, PEOPLE!!!!!

 

[danimaroo]

I don't have a ton of time to comment, but I'm caught up again and I just wanted to say that I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU GUYS! Like, it's just going to be fabulous. I also love that you visited Tom Sawyer Island. Matt and I went over and had so much fun on there, and we're not even little kids. It's super fun to explore though! I also love Julia's face as she's trying her hardest to pull out that sword, hahaha.

 

[MissPrice]

I love your photos for this update! I've never been to Tom Sawyer's Island in WDW either. I went to the one in DL, it was super hot. Yes, I always procrastinate while leaving the parks! Main Street shops are great for that -Amanda (ps I just sent you a friend request on FB in case you were wondering who that was )

 

[JulieODC]

Great update! I am embarrassed to admit that I've never done Tom Samyer's island...but I bet DD would love it, so I have a feeling it will be on our list on November!

 

[Cierese]

Tom Sawyer Island is on our to-do list this trip.. About how long did you stay there? I know it could really eat up time.. especially taking 5 kids (ages 5-13!) I can't wait!

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I just found your TR and have only read day 1 but am fascinated by how Brynn is responding to WDW.

My 9 year old niece has aspergers and loves her set schedule and order, most of the time she's the sweetest kid in the world but when she gets overwhelmed she can have major meltdowns. I'll have to send a link to your TR to my sister because I think she'll love reading about how you and your daughter handle and respond to the chaos of WDW. They've taken a weekend trip to DL but they've never been to Disney world.

I think it's great Disney allows special passes to make it easier to navigate the parks with your daughter (don't think my sister knew this, at least she didn't mention it)and loved reading about the special care given at the Pirate makeover.

Off to read day 2 but thought I'd check in. Loving the report and pictures.

 

[GrimGrinningStitch]

Such a great update as always!

I may have to do Monster's Inc Laugh Floor this trip, though I live in mortal fear of being "that guy".

I love Tom Sawyer Island! I just wish there was an easier way to get there. But I guess that would ruin some of the appeal. I need to make sure to spend some time there next trip!

Yay for It's a Small World! No matter how old I get, I'll always love that ride. I love how much love Brynn has for it.

Such great detail photos in this update.

And I echo Danielle's thought that I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU GUYS!!!!!

 

[merbobear]

Thanks for posting the video link, I must have missed it on fb! From the moment that Brynn and Julia held the dolphin's hands, there start the water works. I am seriously a huge sap when it comes to family vacation videos. I thought it was just Disney vids, but I guess beach vacations get me too. It just looks like you all had the best time ever, from playing and laying on the beach, to eating ice cream and gooey cheesey pizza. Your husband and Sawyer are besties, huh? He always has the little man with him in the video Please tell him that he did an amazing job, again! Which I am sure that you have told him already, but just tell him again!

And now on to read your updates

 

[merbobear]

Thank God for those waiting areas. Even with Adison NOT having sensitivities to crowds and such, it is kind of awful waiting in that packed area for **** (I *just* realized that Monsters Inc Laugh Floor shortens to ****..those monsters, making me laugh all the way up here in NY). I am just glad that Disney is wise enough to include all disabilities, disorders, afflictions or illnesses in their umbrella of "Disability" so that all children are hopefully able to enjoy their attractions.

 

[RunningthruDisney]

Great Video, Great update!!!!
We love Tom Sawyer Island too, its a nice get away inside the park.