Making my mom's dream come true! Nov 28-Dec 3 PTR

[PamelaKay]

Cast of characters

Me -Pam a 41 year old Disney Obsessed divorced/no kids female
My dad - Ralph a 71 year old retired commercial door hardware sales rep
My mom - a 67 year retired school teacher and caterer

This is how it all started.

I love Disney and have been many times. My best vacation memory growing up is my parents scraping together enough money to take me and my 2 sisters many years ago to Disney and Epcot for Thanksgiving for 3 days. They saved forever for that trip so we could have Thanksgiving dinner at the Coral Reef.

In December of 2009, I took my first solo trip to WDW to see the Christmas decorations and holiday festivities. My mother oohed and aahed over all my pictures wished out loud how she would love to see that, but that she and my dad could not afford it. My dad is also a little scared to take her himself because over 20 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She has done amazingly well and it wasn't until the last 5 years or so that the disease has started taking over. She can only walk with a walker and has limited use of her right arm after a painful shoulder surgery this past summer.

This February, I was lucky enough to get a bonus in my job and initially I wanted to put Granite counter tops in my kitchen. I have since had a change of heart and decided that memories with my mom are worth so much more than Granite counter tops. I immediately began researching disabilities at Disney on this wonderful board. I called my dad and the trip planning began!

I hope you all enjoy my obsessive planning to come and chime in with any suggestions you might have for this trip!

 

[PamelaKay]

Where to stay and Dates of trip - Sunday, November 28 through Friday, December 3

By the way, this is my first ever trip report or pre-trip report. Any feedback is welcome.

Ok, the date choice was easy, but then came the hard part... where to stay.

I pondered moderate vs. deluxe for a very long time. What it really came down to was reading everyone's posts about ease of transportation. With my mom's disability, I think that will be the key to a successful trip. That being said, I decided we would stay at the Poly.

We wil be renting an ECV for my mother and the ability to hop on the monorail to the MK or go to TTC and catch monorail to epcot was too good to pass up.

So now I have the dates and the resort!

 

[PamelaKay]

Ok, I did mention I was Disney obsessed, but I failed to mention I am a little anal retentive too!

Now that I knew the dates and the resort there was only one next logical step and that was

Create an excel spreadsheet to plan ADR's!


I currently had planned the Poly with deluxe dining so we would have 15 table service credits and endless dining choices. The only way I know organize that is in a spreadsheet.

I started my sheet with the days of weeks across the top and B, L and D down the side.

I wonder how many other obsessed Disney goers spreadsheet their ADR's?

So I got my first draft together and sent it to my dad. (Did I mention I have the best Dad in the whole world! He is in on the surprise even though this will be a birthday/Christmas gift for both of them. The joy is going to be seeing my mother on her birthday in September when I tell her!)

So my dad read the proposal and was immediately concerned about my mother becoming tired or worn out. She like anyone else can be scary grumpy when she gets too tired

So back to the drawing board or in this case the excel spreadsheet I go!

My mom is a very wonderful, loving, and stubborn woman. I truly believe that the reason she has beaten the MS for over 20 years is her determination not to let it slow her down. That being said, it is hard to get her to slow down. You cannot just say... Mom, let's head back to the hotel and rest a bit for this evening's activities. She would incorrectly assume that she is slowing us down and would push to keep going. Dad and I struggled with how to have a great morning in the parks, but to have some "down" time built into our afternoons. I definitely plan on sit table service meals at lunch so they both can rest a bit. I needed a strategy to get everyone back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Again, reading posts on the DIS board gave me a great idea!

Book a club level room. After reading that the clubs offer complimentary wine, beer and snacks in the afternoon was the perfect solution. I mentioned before that my mom was a retired school teacher and caterer. She taught Home Economics. She cannot resist the opportunity to try new food or to see what food is there. So I have now booked us in a club level room at the Poly.

 

[PamelaKay]

Before I get into the planning details, I do want to take a minute to pay a compliement to Disney. I spent almost 1 hour on the phone with Disney booking an accessible room, club level at the Poly. I failed to get the cast members name who helped me (shame on me), but she was unbelievably awesome. She was as excited for me as I am about being able to take my mom on this trip. She worked through all my questions about accessible rooms, made notes on the reservation to help keep this a surprise and was never rushed me at all. This kind of service is what keeps me coming back every year!

Ok, on to the planning!

Trip summary
Nov 28-Dec 3 Club level Poly with deluxe dining

Ok, I know what you are probably thinking. Is she crazy? Deluxe dining and club level. Do they really need all that food? Remember, the club food and snacks guarantee we will have "rest" time in the afternoon. Also, I hope to have several signature dining experiences.

Arrivals

I want to have a day in the park on Sunday, Nov 28 so I have convinced my dad to drive most of the way Saturday (from Atlanta) and spend the night in Ocala and then drive on into Disney on Sunday morning. He believes I am doing the same thing only driving to Jacksonville, FL from Charlotte. What I didn't fess up to is that I am actually driving down to Disney on Saturday, November 27th and spending the night at the POFQ. I plan to arrive early afternoon so I can go enjoy some shopping at DTD. I am not planning to take my folks to DTD because 1. My dad hates to shop and 2. I think shopping in an ECV will be a challenge for my mom.

Right now, I think we will be renting an ECV from Walker. I have read pretty good things about them, but appreciate any feedback.


So arrivals to the Poly

7:00 a.m. Sunday, Nov 28. I am going to head over early and leave my luggage with the concierge and pick up our park tickets (6 days with hopper)

I am planning to have Tonga Toast at Captain hooks and then head over to see rope drop at the MK. I hope to ride Space Mountain and Big Thunder Rail Road before mom and dad arrive at the Poly.

10:30 a.m. - If mom and dad get out of Ocala, FL around 8, they should be at the poly around 10:30. I will meet them there. We will pick up the ECV for mom, leave their luggage with the concierge and then head to the MK. This is where the ADR and spreadsheet fun begins!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

1:00 Head to Magic Kingdom
2:00 Late lunch at Crystal Palace
3:30 - Enjoy MK and all its wonderful Christmas decorations
6:00 - Back to hotel to get room, clean up and then head to GF to see Gingerbread
8:00 Dinner at Narcoosees, this will allow mom to see and "hear" fireworks while relaxing and having a wonderful dinner.

So this is what I have planned for the first day. I don't know about all you other Dinsey fans, but I absolutely love to have my first park experience of each trip be the MK. There is nothing quite as beautiful as seeing that Castle!

 

[PamelaKay]

Ok, so as I am planning this trip, I keep talking to my sister about it. She actually said "The trip isn't until December, can we please not talk about it now" BOOOOO So I decided to write it all here with the hopes that you all can be excited with me.

Since we have club level ressies at Poly, I have decided to take advantage of the breakfast offereings in the King Kamehameha club. I figure I can get up, shower, dress and head to the club and hang out while waiting on mom and dad. The are a little slow getting around in the moring.

Monday, November 29, 2010
Breakfast at club
Head to TTC and monorail to Epcot to enjoy Future World
12:00 Lunch at Coral Reef
Enjoy part of World Showcase
6:00 Le Cellier Candlelight Processional dinner (keep your fingers crossed I get this)
8:00 Candlelight processional

On our first day there, we will not be heading back to the hotel in the afternoon. If mom is too tired after lunch, we can take the monorail back and then head back for candlelight activities.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Breakfast at club
Bus to Animal Kingdom - Must do's there include Safari, Nemo Show, Lion King Show, Birds of Prey show and bugs life movie.
11:30 Lunch at Yak and Yeti
3:00 head back to hotel to sample club snacks and wine
7:30 Dinner at Artist Point

Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Breakfast at the club
Bus to DHS - Must do's Toy Story Mania, Little Mermaid, Disney Animation, Beauty and the Beast
12:30 lunch at 50's Prime Time
Back to the resort in the afternoon ( I may send mom and dad and then head over to take in rock n roller coaster and ToT
7:30 Dinner at California Grill

Thursday, December 2, 2010
Snack at the club
10:00 Breakfast at Boma
No set plans for late morning this will "flex" time
2:00 Lunch at Chef's de France
Enjoy World Showcase
4:00 Take boat to DHS and get in line for Fantasmic.
6:30 Fantasmic and then walk to see Osborne lights
Head back to resort to enjoy deserts and cordials at club

Friday, December 3, 2010
Breakfast at club
Check out
Head to Epcot to catch anything we missed
12:00 Lunch at either Tepan Edo or Tutto ItaliaI think Mom and Dad my leave after lunch and I might head back to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom

 

[Nettaboo]

I just wanted to come in and say what a wonderful daughter you are!! I think that it is beyond sweet that you are doing this for your mom!!
My sister said the SAME thing to me so that is why(and because i am EXCITED) I decided to start a pre trip report! I look forward to reading about your plans! I think the delux dinning while it is alot of food is a good way to get your mom to rest!

 

[PamelaKay]

So here is a list of the ADR's I am planning

Crystal Palace Lunch -1
Narcoosees Dinner -2
Coral Reef Lunch -1
Le Cellier Dinner Candlelight -2
Yak and Yeti Lunch -1
Artist Point Dinner -2
50's Prime time Lunch (or is Mama Melroses better) -1
California Grill Dinner -2
Boma Breakfast -1
Chef's De France Lunch -1
Tepan Edo or Tutto Italia Lunch -1

For a total of 15 Table service credits

 

[PamelaKay]

Hmm. After reading posts on other boards I am beginning to wonder if I need to create a backup plan if one of my preferred ADR's is not available. The Poly IPO will be making my ADR's.

 

[carlnix30]

I think it's wonderful that you decided to take your parents to Disney World! Even without kids you realize the sacrifice your parents went through to make your childhood magical!
I too obsess about planning our trip to the world! Drives my wife and kids nuts. Poly CL is a great way to plan rests in the evening, I always go back in the afternoon to rest and avoid the evening rain shower
I just nap for a couple hours and head back to a park showered and refreshed!

I don't think you will have a problem with your ADR's just make sure you let the IPO know before the 180 day mark! They made our reservations magically before the 180 mark! No problems with any ADR! We learned over the last few trips that if you make too many commitments to too many restaraunts we were running to get to our next res (not enjoying the parks as much) so plan light on ADR's and try to pull the sword out of the stone!

 

[danagirl]

Your plans sound great!!! You guys are going to have so much fun!! I find that even though ADRs can be a little bit of a pain to always make they are well worth the rest time.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

What a wonderful daughter you are, PamelaKay! And what a wonderful trip you're planning. I'm sorry your sister isn't a little more excited for you all, but please know that all of us here are! Keep us posted as you go along with your plans.
Can't answer any of your questions due to lack of personal experience, with the exception of 50's Prime Time - we absolutely loved it - and I bet your parents will too, considering the 50's theme.
Sending lots of Pixie Dust your way in the hopes you get every ADR you requested and that your trip is truly Magical!
Gretchen

 

[PamelaKay]

What a wonderful daughter you are, PamelaKay! And what a wonderful trip you're planning. I'm sorry your sister isn't a little more excited for you all, but please know that all of us here are! Keep us posted as you go along with your plans.
Can't answer any of your questions due to lack of personal experience, with the exception of 50's Prime Time - we absolutely loved it - and I bet your parents will too, considering the 50's theme.
Sending lots of Pixie Dust your way in the hopes you get every ADR you requested and that your trip is truly Magical!
Gretchen

Thank you so much for the kind words. I will gladly take any and all pixie dust sent my way! We had a bad scare with my mom this past weekend. She tried to take a few steps without her walker or cane and fell. She cracked her head on the door and ended up in the ER having to get stitches. I told my dad it wa his job to make sure she stayed healthy for this trip.

 

[Nettaboo]

OH NO!! I am soo sorry to hear about your mom!! That had to be way scarey!!Is she doing better now?

 

[PamelaKay]

OH NO!! I am soo sorry to hear about your mom!! That had to be way scarey!!Is she doing better now?

Thanks for asking. She is doing better. She has a gash on her head and 8 stitches. She promised me not to try walking without her cane or walker again. It almost makes me want to spill the beans about the trip so she will have something to look forward too and will try extra hard to stay healthy.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

It's definitely easy, PamelaKay!
I hope your mom remembers her promise not to try to walk without her walker - and that she mends quickly & uneventfully.
A little more Pixie Dust for you & your parentsixiedust:

 

[reyasmommy]

Wow, what a wonderful daughter you are! You're going to have an amazing time.

I was noticing your signature and it says that you're also leaving for WDW in a week and 5 days? Looks like we'll be there at the same time.

I look forward to reading more.

 

[PamelaKay]

Wow, what a wonderful daughter you are! You're going to have an amazing time.

I was noticing your signature and it says that you're also leaving for WDW in a week and 5 days? Looks like we'll be there at the same time.

I look forward to reading more.

I am taking a quick solo trip in March staying at the AKL. I am excited. Where are you staying.

 

[Nettaboo]

Hey Pam how cool..I didn't even notice that you were going in March!! Are you all ready for that trip?

 

[PamelaKay]

Hey Pam how cool..I didn't even notice that you were going in March!! Are you all ready for that trip?

It was a last minute decision to take a short solo trip. Got a a great deal on airfare $178 round trip nonstop on USAIR so I decided to use my 40% off code and treat myself. Staying at AKL and have dining reservations at Citricos, Tepan Edo, Flying Fish, Yak & Yeti, Jiko's and 50's prime time. I don't plan on doing a pre-trip report, but hope to do a detailed trip report/dining review when I get back.

 

[mster425]

What you are doing for your parents is awesome!!

From the looks of your ADR's we have the same taste in food. Please write dining reviews when you get back from your AKL trip