Making Lemonade out of Lemons: Katrina

[WDWLinda]

russtwinsmom - I'm gald you can get away from all the devastation for a while - hope you can get away mentally as well. Just keep reminding yourself that it could have been a lot worse - at least it sounds like your family is OK. As for things to do, can you split your stay into a few different hotels? Even though this sounds great, I'm sure after the first week or two you'll get tired of hotels and just want to go home, but maybe a change of hotels will push that feeling off...maybe check out the Kennedy Space Center too? I think the recommendation for the AP is well worth it too.

melomouse - I'm so sorry for you and your kids. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you - saying goodbye to your husband while still keeping some sense of normalcy for your kids. I hope things have gotten better for you, and I'm glad to see you have some fun times coming up at Disney. Enjoy it, and don't feel guilty for anything!

~Linda

 

[bunny213]

God Bless you and your family and all the other people affected by this tragedy....my heart is breaking for all of you. I'm so glad that you have found some sunshine in this tunnel..and I pray that everyone hurting right now finds a sunbeam somewhere or in someone today. You are all in my prayers.....Barb in Fort Worth.

 

[minnie61650]

I'm terribly sorry about your loss and all you are going through, my prayers are with you. I'm glad you will be able to have some happiness for your family even in the midst of tragedy.

As far as what to do on your off days, you could always upgrade to plus passes, if $$ allowed, and visit the water parks and disney quest too!

God bless!!

I am sorry about Katrina displacing you also.
Good suggestion from babynurse31 about the plus passes. They are only $35 to upgrade and might be worth it if does not put a strain on your budget,
I would also suggest going to FW.
They have a petting farm and every night they have a sing-a long campfine.
Most nights Chip and Dale are there and you can roast marshmellows.
Then they show a Disney movie.
Enjoy your stay at Disney!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Do you need anything that insurance won't or can't help with yet? I want to help somehow, but I feel like a drop in the bucket, you know what I mean? If you need something I can send you, I would love to help. If not, I want to figure out a way to help.

 

[lauran cameron]

wow, what a great way to help lighten the mood...no better way to do it than with a little pixie dust

 

[erinch]

I don't know if you've bought your passes yet....we got 21 day tickets from discount orlando vacations, with gives access to the parks, water parks, PI, DisneyQuest, etc. The adult cost was $370 and child $312.

You have to subscribe to their newsletter in order to order the tickets.

 

[Jane E.]

I'm so glad that your family is safe. My prayers are with you. The tragedy is overwhelming. I hope and pray that everyone is evacuated safely.

 

[qtwns]

God bless!

 

[Jen D]

I'm glad you are safe. Try to enjoy this time and your family.

 

[ladysoleil]

I hope that every second of your vacation is absolutely magical, and I respect you for your courage and your ability to find a bright spot during a very dark time.

Blessings to you and your family!

 

[russtwinsmom]

DisneyMom, thank you for your tremendous generosity. Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers everyone, it really warms my heart. I appreciate the suggestions for ticketing changes and will explore the APs and the 21 day tickets. Thanks too for the great suggestions for how to fill our off days.

We are in good shape; DH, DS, DD and our three dogs are all fine. So many more are in much more dire straits than we. For those interested in helping, please consider giving to the Red Cross, and to the Humane Society of the United States or the Amrerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. At least 40 percent of households have dogs and slightly more have cats. If one thinks of the throngs you have seen waiting for buses outside the Superdome and convention center one can just imagine how many animals have been left behind with no hope of help. (Sorry to sound down about this, but it hasn't received any press as yet and I have seen/heard some bad stories).

On a wonderful note, I just read that our friends at Disney have pledged $2.5 million to the relief efforts - a very good reason to support this company!

Thanks for all of your compassion, everyone. What a very nice group of people post here!

 

[kerry34]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and so many others who have suffered though this horrible disaster. It is truly wonderful that you are able to have something bright to look forward to and I hope you all have a wonderful time on your trip!! God Bless

 

[Dis_Grk Grl]

My prayers will be with you and your family during this very difficult time. You deserve a truly magical vacation. God Bless

 

[mscoryb]

I called my kiddos in to read them your post and to remind them how grateful we should be for just knowing we have a home to come to at the end of the day. The whole country has your family and all those affected by Katrina in their thoughts and prayers! Donations were being accepted almost everywhere I went today. How blessed you are to be able to keep such a optimistic outlook. My children and I hope you have a magical time and hope the magic follows you home, where ever that may be!

 

[Skroops]

I am inspired by your attitude! I am glad that your family is doing okay. WDW is the best distraction from the "real" world. All of this really puts perspective on things. Enjoy your family time together, live in the moment and praise God for all of the things we do have. In other words, like you said, make lemonade.

Please post or message me if there is anything I can do for you on a personal level. Our employers are matching our donations and so we are contributing to the Red Cross there. Many of us feel helpless in this situation...and we'd REALLY be happy to give a hand. So, if your family needs some help or you meet someone at WDW who could use a hand because of Katrina...please let me know.

Anne

 

[funshipm174]

Good luck and GOD Bless!