"Mom, this is like a whole new Disney!" New 7/30 - pg 43 - Final Thoughts & PTR Link

[DisMomAmy]

Looks like a nice ride on Triceratop Spin with Zach!

I totally forgot to check in for our return flight last April....UGH! It ended up working out fine, but what a pain! The last thing I want to think about on my last park day is GOING HOME.

Uggghhh... You weren't on Southwest were you? That would be a pain!!

good!

very smart!

we are thinking of doing a walkin to MK one day basically for a Fairy Meet Greet wherever that may be...Toontown or MS??? before heading over to AK for some more fun...that would certaintly speed up the process

Ugh...yes that part....Matt and I will have to do the same in Nov, but luckily w/ the phones should be easier...we'll shoot for Group A and most likely pre-board for nathan too....MP's had me purchase the $10 pre-boarding thing too...they offered for us...but I didn't feel right since it's $60 each way

I think for Matt and I next yr I'll do it.

Mk yes...now what were you doing

You guys should have no problem stopping by MK for a short visit since you'll be right at BLT. And no bags... it was a fun & strange experience.

I know what you mean about $60 for early bird check-in... that's why we didn't do it for our family. It would have only been $40 but still... For my trip with Laura - that's a different story - only $10 is well worth it!!

I suppose you could do early bird check-in for two people and save seats... probably not allowed, but we boarded early and saved Nancy a seat and nobody seemed to care.

Oh no - I can't believe it's your last park day already! It seems like you just started this TR. Looks like a fun morning at AK, love the pictures!

Every single time I check in with SW right at the 24 hour mark we are always at the very end of group A or the very beginning of group B.

Seems like I've been writing this TR forever... but I guess that's just because my next trip is closer than my last trip.

We usually have good luck checking in with Southwest - it's just those return flights from Florida! And we were flying out of Tampa!

I love your AK photos.
Good to know about SW. I'm flying SW for the first time in November for a convention at Disney and will definitely purchase early bird check in.

Good plan!

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

I'm sad your TR is coming to an end, but you have some exciting planning to do for your upcoming trips, so I'll definitely be sticking around to read along.

Great TOT pic of you and Zach! You look so calm. I looked like that guy in the row behind you on your right!

Dinoland looks like it was pretty empty. I bet you were happy about that since you guys only wanted to ride a couple rides and then head to MK.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'm sad your TR is coming to an end, but you have some exciting planning to do for your upcoming trips, so I'll definitely be sticking around to read along.

Great TOT pic of you and Zach! You look so calm. I looked like that guy in the row behind you on your right!

Dinoland looks like it was pretty empty. I bet you were happy about that since you guys only wanted to ride a couple rides and then head to MK.

I'm excited to get this report done so I can start posting the PTR that I've already been writing.

I don't think I'm normally that calm, but I was so focused on making sure Zach was OK...

Luckily AK was pretty empty so we could get in & out.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Quick life update before I post the next part of my TR...

First of all, we finally got the letter from Zach's doctor with his diagnosis. She went with Asperger's (which is what I had originally expected) as opposed to PDD-NOS (Alex's diagnosis). I was surprised when the liaison at the clinic told us the doctor was going to go with PDD but OK about it, although I think Asperger's is a more appropriate diagnosis. Now I have a bunch of paperwork & meetings to get him some more services that will help keep me busy over the next few weeks.

Second, Zach has wanted a cat for a long time but Alex is really afraid of cats (and most animals). We actually had two cats before he was born that we had to find new homes for when he was almost four. They were 7 & 11 years old and I'd had them since they were kittens. We talked about it a lot and decided we were going to get a kitten. We really think it will help Alex get over his fear. The local shelter didn't agree... Alex freaked out when we took him there and they wouldn't let us adopt. (Of course he freaked out - the place is full of animals - but they made us bring him in when we told them about his fears.) Zach was devastated.

The good news is that there is a family in town with kittens!! We started visiting last week when they were five weeks old. Now they are six weeks old and Alex actually held two of them today!!

The first time (last week) he just touched them. Then after the visit he said he wanted to try to hold one. I was so proud of him!

When we were driving away today, he said "I think I really want to get one"!

We'll continue to visit some more until they are ready to come home with us - which won't be until they are 11 weeks because we are going away for 5 days in late August. We want to wait until after that trip to bring him (both boys) home.

They have four kittens, but two are black & apparently black cats "just freak me out" acording to Alex. So it's between the white & yellow. Alex had his mind set on the white but the family might keep him (the little girl wants him) so Alex is OK with the yellow one if we have to go that way. He's been talking about names & everything!!

Although he did ask me to confirm that we aren't getting both of them.

I'll keep you posted!!

And any suggestions for the yellow (boy) kitten would be appreciated... I'll take suggestions for the white one too... Right now Alex is thinking "Sunshine" for the yellow one but I'm not sure I love that for a boy kitty. He's thinking "Snowy" or "Cloudy" for the white kitten. Alhtough he's turning a little gray so Snowy might not work out...

 

[DisMomAmy]

We arrived at the MK turnstiles around 11am… and it was really heating up! Today was the hottest & most humid day of the whole trip. We hadn’t gotten very much done yet that morning, but Alex was happy so it was time to move on. We had the rest of the day ahead of us. We decided to head toward Tomorrowland and work our way around to Adventureland. First up… Buzz!

We used the GAC and entered through the FP line… and ran into trouble… this is the first time I’ve ever heard a CM talk like this at WDW!! The incident didn’t have anything to do with the GAC because I don’t think the man involved even knew we were doing anything different than everybody else… in fact, the incident didn’t specifically have anything to do with us. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. We got to the front of the FP line where it merges with the standby line. There wasn’t anyone directly in front of us so there was a big gap in the line. The family in the standby line inched forward assuming they were going to go next. I don’t think they had any intention of being pushy or rude or anything. The CM firmly asks them to step back, but the line had inched right up behind them. We were sort of stuck there waiting for the matter to get settled. The man says something like, “where am I supposed to go?” I don’t remember how the rest of the conversation went, but the CM was being very rude to them (seemed to be on a bit of a power trip), which caused them to be very rude back. It all ended peacefully and we were sent through to the next part of the line. Not a very magical Disney moment… Most of these are Nancy’s pictures – she rode alone this time and I don’t think she played the game… just took pictures:

Up next… Space Mountain!

Nancy sat this one out:

(I had totally forgotten this until I saw this picture, but apparently we rented two single strollers that day... I don't remember exactly why... but I guess we did. )

Unfortunately it was closed… but everyone took it in stride & we decided on a change of plans. We were hungry and wanted to eat at Columbia Harbour House so we trekked through Fantasyland and into Liberty Square for a great lunch! We sat upstairs and enjoyed a quiet meal even though it was getting to be prime lunch time. When we arrived the lines were super short, but when we left the lines were really long! We timed it just right!

After lunch we headed over to Adventureland to ride one of everyone’s favorites…

One of the many non-flash shots that didn’t come out very well:

After Pirates, we headed to Splash Mountain!

We got Zach into his Splash Mountain suit:

After Splash we stopped in the gift shop to get Alex a t-shirt. I’ll have to post a picture later… Zach also got a “First Ride” card from the CM in the shop. Even though his first ride had been earlier in the week… it was a big deal!

Where were we off to next? One of the things that gave birth to the title of this TR!

 

[MRYPPNS]

I bet I can guess as to why you got two strollers.....You probably said to yourself...."Geez it's hot and humid....we'll get more done quicker and with happy boys if we use two strollers today....."

How did I do?

Good luck with the kitten! Hope it doesn't eat whatever little critters Zach has in his room these days!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh wow Amy, a lot of what you post about Alex just really reminds me of Michael. He also is scared of animals. My mom had a new litter of baby kittens last April and he would back against the wall, not wanting anything to do with them. What exactly is Alex diagnosed with? Can you explain to me a bit? We have a "diagnosis" of autism I guess you could call it from our school's Autism specialist. But he has nothing medically diagnosed yet. We can't get into that doctor (developmental ped) until January.

I'm sorry there was a bit of a downer when you went on Buzz. We had a few things like that happen to us and it stinks especially because it's at Disney World, of all places. Thankfully the power trippy CM is the exception. CHH sounds good. It's definitely on our next time list!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Another great update Amy! I can't wait to see what inspired the title.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

We have 2 cats. One named Fredi (it's a girl ) and one named...wait for it...MICKEY! haha I told DH I wanted our new kitten to have a Disney name but not an obvious one but he suggested Mickey and I love it!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Great news on the diagnosis for Zach. Now you can move forward with getting him the services he needs.

Awww...a kitty will be so fun! Good for Alex for working to overcome his fears! Can't wait to see which one you end up getting!

Love the Buzz pictures! I never get any on that ride because I'm too busy shooting stuff!!

I guess every CM has a bad day...too bad you had to be a part of that.

Sounds like a great MK day so far!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

It is so funny you mentioned cats, because Jack has been asking for a cat for like a year. I think it is a sensory thing, because my parents have dogs and they have a very calming affect on him. I'm allergic to cats, so we are really having to think about this, maybe in a year when my 2 yo is a little older and won't pull the tail. I'll be anxious to hear how it goes with your kids with the cat(s).

I wonder if you got two single strollers because they were out of doubles.

I'm glad that everyone took it well when Space Mountain was closed.

Jack told me he would try splash mountain if he had a "rain coat" like your son. So I said ok I'll take it. We'll see what happens when we actually get there though.

I'm very anxious to see what happens that gave you your TR title

 

[mousescrapper]

Amy I can't believe the TR is almost over....good thing you have some trips in the wings to keep us all happy

for a proper diagnosis really hopes that helps at school too.

cat names...Matt and I had cats when were dating and first married, we gave them up when the twins were 2. We liked using human names...Sarah and Dana...

If I was to name a yellow boy cat...I'd go w/ Peter...I don't know first thing that popped in my head

J~

 

[DisMomAmy]

I bet I can guess as to why you got two strollers.....You probably said to yourself...."Geez it's hot and humid....we'll get more done quicker and with happy boys if we use two strollers today....."

How did I do?

Good luck with the kitten! Hope it doesn't eat whatever little critters Zach has in his room these days!!

I suspect that's the case... I think I remember some fighting over the stroller the day before.

We got a new tank for the gerbils - it's an aquarium type tank with a locking cover.

Oh wow Amy, a lot of what you post about Alex just really reminds me of Michael. He also is scared of animals. My mom had a new litter of baby kittens last April and he would back against the wall, not wanting anything to do with them. What exactly is Alex diagnosed with? Can you explain to me a bit? We have a "diagnosis" of autism I guess you could call it from our school's Autism specialist. But he has nothing medically diagnosed yet. We can't get into that doctor (developmental ped) until January.

I'm sorry there was a bit of a downer when you went on Buzz. We had a few things like that happen to us and it stinks especially because it's at Disney World, of all places. Thankfully the power trippy CM is the exception. CHH sounds good. It's definitely on our next time list!

Oh how frustrating that you can't get in to see the specialist until January! Ugghhh... Alex was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (kind of an umbrella for the many, many kids who fall somewhere between classic autism & aspergers) just after his second birthday. He didn't talk until after age 3 and it took a while after that to understand what he was saying and for him to use more than one word at a time. Now he doesn't stop talking! He has a lot of anxiety, including fear of animals and lots of other things. He never wants to go to California because he's afraid of earthquakes for example. He has come a long, long way. Many people think his diagnosis should be changed to Aspergers, but the specialists disagree since he didn't have language early on and Aspie kids do. Please feel free to ask more questions!!

Luckily our not-so-magical Disney moment wasn't as bad as some of the moments you guys faced on your trip! What a bummer that you had to face that...

Another great update Amy! I can't wait to see what inspired the title.

Thanks Shelly!!

We have 2 cats. One named Fredi (it's a girl ) and one named...wait for it...MICKEY! haha I told DH I wanted our new kitten to have a Disney name but not an obvious one but he suggested Mickey and I love it!

Oooo... great idea!! I wonder if I could sell the boys on Mickey! I don't know why I didn't think to go the Disney route earlier... I'll have to put on my thinking cap now.

Great news on the diagnosis for Zach. Now you can move forward with getting him the services he needs.

Awww...a kitty will be so fun! Good for Alex for working to overcome his fears! Can't wait to see which one you end up getting!

Love the Buzz pictures! I never get any on that ride because I'm too busy shooting stuff!!

I guess every CM has a bad day...too bad you had to be a part of that.

Sounds like a great MK day so far!

Thanks Missy!! Very good news on the diagnosis. We are all really excited about the kitty!! I took Zach to see them today. I was reluctant to get him too attached before I knew it would work out with Alex. I think it's really going to help him!

I'm glad Nancy took the pictures on Buzz - because I'm the same way as you - that's not a big picture taking ride - it's too fun!!

Grouchy CM...

 

[DisMomAmy]

It is so funny you mentioned cats, because Jack has been asking for a cat for like a year. I think it is a sensory thing, because my parents have dogs and they have a very calming affect on him. I'm allergic to cats, so we are really having to think about this, maybe in a year when my 2 yo is a little older and won't pull the tail. I'll be anxious to hear how it goes with your kids with the cat(s).

I wonder if you got two single strollers because they were out of doubles.

I'm glad that everyone took it well when Space Mountain was closed.

Jack told me he would try splash mountain if he had a "rain coat" like your son. So I said ok I'll take it. We'll see what happens when we actually get there though.

I'm very anxious to see what happens that gave you your TR title

Cats are very calming for Zach too... it's funny how different he & Alex are! I think Zach (at almost 7) is getting to the right age to take on a little responsibility with a cat & also old enough to not be leaving his little things (like Silly Bandz) around the house for the kitty to eat!

We actually never rented a double stroller. It was cheaper to rent two singles and gave us the flexibility to split up & also keep the boys apart!

Raincoats are a good thing on Splash! I've been know to wear one before.

Amy I can't believe the TR is almost over....good thing you have some trips in the wings to keep us all happy

for a proper diagnosis really hopes that helps at school too.

cat names...Matt and I had cats when were dating and first married, we gave them up when the twins were 2. We liked using human names...Sarah and Dana...

If I was to name a yellow boy cat...I'd go w/ Peter...I don't know first thing that popped in my head

J~

I'm excited to share more of my plans for the upcoming trips, but don't want to have two reports going at once.

Thanks for the hug! I feel good about the diagnosis!

Hmmmm... Peter... that goes along with the new Disney theme I'm working on. In the past we've used human names too. Our old cats were Max & Fritz (although the only human I know named Fritz is the old guy on the NH tv channel who tells historical stories about different things around the state). We also had a Katie.

I wonder if I could sell the boys on Stitch? Maybe Tigger? How about Walt?

 

[MRYPPNS]

Simba!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Simba!

LOVE IT!!

What about the white (with some gray) one? All I can think of it the Yeti!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

The other names we had picked out were Dory, Figaro (Pinocchio), and Chip (Beauty and the Beast). What about puffle? haha!

 

[Angies1274]

Great update Amy!

So glad you got a proper diagnosis for Zach! And Yay for getting a new kitten! How great that Alex has begun holding them. Hmm...as far as names go...Simba sounds perfect for the yellow one. I'm not sure about the white one. Our kitty is named Milo. We've also had a Max and Ginger. I can't wait to see what you decide.

It sounds like you have gotten so much done at MK so far! Sorry that Space Mountain was closed. Cute Splash Mountain pictures especially Zach in his suit. You know...I never remember to get a picture of the SM sign. I've got to remember next time! Oh and very cool about the first ride card!

 

[DisMomAmy]

The other names we had picked out were Dory, Figaro (Pinocchio), and Chip (Beauty and the Beast). What about puffle? haha!

Cute names! Zach liked the idea of puffle!

Great update Amy!

So glad you got a proper diagnosis for Zach! And Yay for getting a new kitten! How great that Alex has begun holding them. Hmm...as far as names go...Simba sounds perfect for the yellow one. I'm not sure about the white one. Our kitty is named Milo. We've also had a Max and Ginger. I can't wait to see what you decide.

It sounds like you have gotten so much done at MK so far! Sorry that Space Mountain was closed. Cute Splash Mountain pictures especially Zach in his suit. You know...I never remember to get a picture of the SM sign. I've got to remember next time! Oh and very cool about the first ride card!

Unfortunately the kids aren't as excited about Simba as I was... I'll keep working on it. Alex is still referring to the white one as Snowy... but since he has gray too, I'm not sure I love it.

I'm anxious to find out which one we'll be able to take home.

We had a great last day at MK... hope to have an update today or tomorrow. I don't remember if the Splash sign pictures are mine or Nancy's... it's nice to have her pictures to choose from... a different perspective.

 

[Native NYer]

The kittens are adorable!
Two strollers on a hot afternoon in the MK seems like the only way to go.
I want to try CHH next month. Timing CS lunch is so important. We went between 11:30-11:45 last year and never encountered crowds. But by the time we finished lunch, the place was packed!