Lexi's pre-trip report for Dream Factory wish trip! June 18-24, 2009

[maroo]

I hope you will find that the public school is very accomodating with your DD...I hope that you will be pleasantly surprised! Sounds like it was time to get rid of that other school anyway!

You might want to ask about an IEP (individualized education plan)...I am not sure if your DD would need it with a diagnosis of diabetes, but it has certainly helped Lauren with her needs...the physical needs she has and the scholastic needs (not to have to write as much - no "busy" work, she is busy enough!). The public schools, by law, have to make arrangements to take care of her. Knowing your rights as her advocate and being sugary sweet (no pun intended!) will go a long way in helping your DD.

She will make a LOT of new friends!!!

You might do something cool on her Wish Trip, too, for her future class. Maybe get a sign or something signed by characters or something...so she can bring something to them before she even meets them. How cool would that be?!

 

[sammie girl]

Maroo--- Love the idea of a gift before hand.....She loved her teacher this last school year so we are also getting her something as well as the secretary at the Catholic school(she volunteered to learn about diabetes so my DD could still attend). Not all of our experiences were bad ones. It just seems like most everyone follows the leader (we call her Miss St. James as she is involved in everything). Of course they have an inground pool and the girl has her own golf cart etc. so you could see why people would want that. One more thing I should say before I move on to better topics is this girl's mom made a quilt for the school auction. It had all of the first grader's pics on it. (supposedly). Guess which children were left out. Yep, right my DD and another girl in the class whom has a hearing aid and has had several surgeries (choclear implant??? etc.). This girl is also having troubles unfortunately.
But yes, time to move on and the good thing about the new school is our town has done some redistricting and closed 3 schools so ALOT of kids will be new this year. . We meet with her new school tomorrow and I can't wait. Please keep the prayers heading upwards. Thank you all.

My dd is playing her princess game on the WII rignt now and can't stop talking about our trip. I really really don't think I will survive the questions It is non-stop disney talk at our house.
We aren't doing anything Disney special today because my son has t-ball and I have been on the phone with the schools all day. Hopefully tomorrow we will get something in.

My dh took the kids to see UP! (This was the first time he has taken them anywhere by himself since diagnosis). You really really really don't know how good this dis board has been for my family. All the extra prayers I swear.
Anyhoo-they really loved the movie and want to go again to see it in 3-D. Has anyone else seen it?

 

[Corrine 1973]

I am so glad that you seem to be in a better place. As they say, God works in mysterious ways. Now with that over with you can truely start planning for you trip.

 

[cajunfan]

I saw UP! on friday, but not in 3D. I have read that the 3D does not add to the experience in this particular movie, so I chose not to pay the almost $4 a person extra (adults...don't know how much extra for kids).

It ia a FABULOUS movie. Very touching in a lot of ways.

Lynn

 

[sammie girl]

I saw UP! on friday, but not in 3D. I have read that the 3D does not add to the experience in this particular movie, so I chose not to pay the almost $4 a person extra (adults...don't know how much extra for kids).

It ia a FABULOUS movie. Very touching in a lot of ways.

Lynn

I didn't know it was more expensive to see it in 3-D. I will have to check into that. Our theatre doesn't have 3-D but I was going to drive to the next big city to see it. Won't do that if it costs more and is good w/o 3-D.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[cajunfan]

We have Regal Cinemas here. It is like an extra $3.75 for the 3D version for adults here! It was reall a good movie. I judge movies by what would I have apid to see that movie...in other words "not worth the matinee price", "worth seeing for the regular price"...this is a movie that I would go see again and pay full price again to see...yes, I liked it that much.

Lynn

 

[bellairisa]

I'm glad that things are working out for you and your family.
Did your ds and dd enjoy the movie? My dd Malia has been asking for me to take her to see it, every time she sees a commerical, she shouts "mommy, UP!"

 

[merneric]

I have been catching up on your posts. Ugh! All the school stuff--frustrating! I have 3 girls, all in Catholic school since K. Sam is in public school. He did K at a Catholic school, but the public school is just so much better for him. I find the parents at the public school are so much more accepting of him. Terrible to say, but true. Mrs. St. James--I have known a few of those! The nerve of her to "brag" about being a mean girl and foresees that her daughter will be the same!!!! That just makes me sick!
Hopefully we will be able to catch each other at GKTW, but definitely let me know about the zoo. That would be fun...
Mary Anne

 

[sammie girl]

I have been catching up on your posts. Ugh! All the school stuff--frustrating! I have 3 girls, all in Catholic school since K. Sam is in public school. He did K at a Catholic school, but the public school is just so much better for him. I find the parents at the public school are so much more accepting of him. Terrible to say, but true. Mrs. St. James--I have known a few of those! The nerve of her to "brag" about being a mean girl and foresees that her daughter will be the same!!!! That just makes me sick!
Hopefully we will be able to catch each other at GKTW, but definitely let me know about the zoo. That would be fun...
Mary Anne

Thanks for your kind words. We visited her *new* public school yesterday and now both my kids are happy. The public has so much more to offer and even smaller class sizes. She will be in the same class as her best friend whom lives next to us (thanks to the new understanding principal). I am so happy that God has answered so many prayers for us reguarding our decisions on this issue. I really hope it all works out.

We have decided to have a pillowcase signed by characters, fill it and have someone sew it (I can't even sew on a button). She will donate that to her classroom as the one she will be in has a cool fireplace for storytime.

I have our days planned and want to post them later today. I know that everyone says not to do MK the day after you arrive but it seems that is the only way it will work out because we want to do 2 days there (well you will have to see the schedule).

We will have to all get our dates together to meet at the zoo. I just love going there and that is why we have chosen not to do a whole day at Sea World. (We go to the zoo way to much)

Can't wait to post my schedule and get some feedback.

ALSO wanted to get some feedback on the bibbidy bobbidy botique (spelling). We had originally planned on surprising my dd with this but after reading a report that was just terrible decided to skip it. My dd really wants to do this and now I am torn. Do I take a chance on a bad experience (since disney wouldn't promise another dis member a good time for her girls). That is alot of money to waste if it isn't worth it. What do you all think?

 

[Tygansmom829121]

We took our 4 year old to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and she loved it, especially afterwards (everyone seeing her dressed up.) It is expensive but seeing the joy on her face was worth the money. The Fairy Godmothers in training are really good and patient with the girls. The get to pick out what type of nail polish or fake nails they want and the makeup and a special stick on gem for their face and they even give them some makeup, nail polish and more gems to take home. The wait can be a little long and the space in the boutique in the castle can be a little tight but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[sammie girl]

We took our 4 year old to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and she loved it, especially afterwards (everyone seeing her dressed up.) It is expensive but seeing the joy on her face was worth the money. The Fairy Godmothers in training are really good and patient with the girls. The get to pick out what type of nail polish or fake nails they want and the makeup and a special stick on gem for their face and they even give them some makeup, nail polish and more gems to take home. The wait can be a little long and the space in the boutique in the castle can be a little tight but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Thanks, I called for the reservation today and was suprised that they also had a little package for boys. It includes hair gel, color, stencil and confetti and is only 7.50. I think it is something rather new they are doing.
We are going to do this on our first day there so they can be dolled up for the christmas party at gktw.

 

[sammie girl]

I am worried about the times on our first day there.
Arrive at 10:45
Be at GKTW by 1:00
Reservation for BBB at 4:30
6:00 back to GKTW for supper and Christmas Party (maybe orientation).

Is there orientation every day in the afternoon. I was hoping to get it done early but if not do these times work out good either way?

 

[jessica52877]

I am worried about the times on our first day there.
Arrive at 10:45
Be at GKTW by 1:00
Reservation for BBB at 4:30
6:00 back to GKTW for supper and Christmas Party (maybe orientation).

Is there orientation every day in the afternoon. I was hoping to get it done early but if not do these times work out good either way?

SLOW DOWN! Enjoy your vacation. I think you are rushing things the first day. I know you DD really wants to do BBB but is there another day that it could possibly be done. I know crazy asking that since it is so hard to get in in the first place and obviously you lucked out. I just feel like it is too much rushing and running around.

 

[sammie girl]

SLOW DOWN! Enjoy your vacation. I think you are rushing things the first day. I know you DD really wants to do BBB but is there another day that it could possibly be done. I know crazy asking that since it is so hard to get in in the first place and obviously you lucked out. I just feel like it is too much rushing and running around.

I think you are right. I guess I needed someone to tell me it is o.k. not to do everything. I really would like to stay at the village and enjoy what they have to offer.
That does sound pretty hectic especially when we will be getting up very early the next morning for our princess breakfast. She will just have to understand.

 

[jessica52877]

I think you are right. I guess I needed someone to tell me it is o.k. not to do everything. I really would like to stay at the village and enjoy what they have to offer.
That does sound pretty hectic especially when we will be getting up very early the next morning for our princess breakfast. She will just have to understand.

Maybe you could schedule the spa at GKTW. I know, not the same but I am sure she would love that just as much.

 

[Tygansmom829121]

Your very welcome. There is another Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Downtown Disney if that would be easier for you. You could always get an apointment there after your orientation so your daughter could still be made up for breakfast the next day. I know my daughters hairdo lasted for 2 days, just make sure you bring some hairspray.

I did see some boys with their hair done and they looked so cute.

 

[sammie girl]

My dd recieved her packet from GKTW today.
My ds went to get the mail (it was his turn) but when my dd seen the envelope with GKTW in the corner she tried taking it from him. I had to intervene and open it for them. Almost a full blown fight over opening the mail. Then after I had it opened my dd noticed it was addressed to her and her only so she had to point that out to her little brother. He of course was just happy that mom opened it and not his sister. The little things that make them happy......

So now things are starting to feel like they are coming together and I am getting so excited for this trip. Maybe even more so than my kiddo's.

We did go and see the movie UP today. (my kids had seen it last Sunday with their Dad but went again today with me). We didn't do the 3D because I didn't really feel like driving the 1 1/2 hours to the movie theater that plays 3D. It was a very good movie with a whole lot of wake-up calls. You will just have to wait to see it because I am not giving anything away
It was more story than they lead on in the commercials.

So this next week is extremely busy. Fri my ds gets tested for public preschool (It is a 3 hour test) We hope his speech will let him qualify. Sat is both my kids gymnastics recital. Sun is my mom's b-day. Mon we meet with our dream granter. Wed is my 9th wedding anniversary. I know there is more that I have probably forgotten. And on top of this all I get to finish planning and packing. It feels busier around my house now than it does at the holidays.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Yeah for your GKTW package. Funny to hear about the kids fighting over the mail.

Two weeks to go, how excited are you?

 

[sammie girl]

We made it to see the movie UP. What a great movie with alot more to tell than they lead on in the commercials.
We didn't make it to the 3D because I didn't have the time to drive 1 1/2 hours to the only theater in our area that had it in 3D. It was still great and my kids loved it the second time just as much.

 

[BeckySob]

I am worried about the times on our first day there.
Arrive at 10:45
Be at GKTW by 1:00
Reservation for BBB at 4:30
6:00 back to GKTW for supper and Christmas Party (maybe orientation).

Is there orientation every day in the afternoon. I was hoping to get it done early but if not do these times work out good either way?

Is the BBB at the Magic Kingdom. Not to alarm you but you won't get your tickets to the parks until you've attended the orientation at GKTW. So you'll have to fit in your orientation before 4:30.

I also think that it is going to be un-doable to do the BBB and then leave immediately to go back to GKTW? Your kids aren't going to want to leave the park once you're there! You've got to consider walking time, driving time. You do need to realize, that it is IMPOSSIBLE to complete everything. We tried that, and you know what I ended up feeling? I feel like it's all a blur. I can't remember some of the things we did. We were constantly GO GO GO GO, and thinking about it, I really didn't stop and truly enjoy the moment. Think about that. I don't mean to sound like a Debbie Downer, but I don't want you to have any regrets.