My 1st Trip Report~ The good, the bad, and the yucky! Finally FINISHED!

[Julylady]

Sorry you are so sick! Hope things improve. I am wondering why you don't use Fast Pass when the regular lines are too long to wait? Any reason?

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Sorry you are so sick! Hope things improve. I am wondering why you don't use Fast Pass when the regular lines are too long to wait? Any reason?

We are just too sparadic as far as what park we are giong to be in when the FP time comes up. Getting a ticket without park hopping privalages for us would be a nightmare . I also hate to think that me getting a FP and then leaving to go to another park could have knocked someone else out of getting one (pretty much only a problem with Soarin', this time). We also have pretty much done all of the FP rides at one point or another and we know what we are missing, so we just don't bother. When we usually go, Fastpasses are not needed and I guess we have gotten too used to that. We have and on this trip ended up getting them, then either going on in the standby line or giving the FP to someone else, so if you ever see me in the park you might want to stop me, I might have a few to unload .

 

[exwdwcm]

enjoying your report. i can't believe all the people i have read about getting sick on their trips. We were at POR the same time as you and the 2 year old in our group got sick mid way through- they took her to primacare and it cost close to $200. not fun!

we also went to MVMCP the night of 12/6 and had a blast! we also waited til the end of the night to get our photos and had no line to wait in. it was probably our favorite night of the trip!

can't wait to read more

 

[wilma-bride]

Really enjoying reading your report so far. It's a shame you got sick but I hope it didn't ruin your holiday

 

[budbeerlady]

We love POFQ, sorry to hear you got so sick! $200 + for a doctor is ridiculas even in vacation territory!!! Hope to read the rest of your trip details, but I am guessing from your first post that you went home sick on the 10th.

 

[never_enough_pooh]

Gee... I hope you were able to get most (or all!) of that MD visit reimbursed from your insurance company after all!!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Day 6: December 9th – Segway Expereince, LeCellier and DTD

I woke up Friday morning expecting to feel better, but boy was I wrong. My throat was visibly swollen, as was my tongue and I couldn’t swallow at all. I grabbed another empty bottle for that day (still so ewwww, gross!) and we were off. We had the Segway Tour booked for 8:30, so we headed out at 7:40 for Epcot. When we arrived at the bus stop an attendant was there checking the times on the morning buses. 1 Animal Kingdom, 1 MGM, and 2 Magic Kingdom buses came and went, but no Epcot, so I asked the attendant and he said that it would be 35 minutes before the next Epcot bus. What happened to 15-20 minutes in between buses? Another MK bus pulled up so Chad and I decided to take that bus, catch the monorail and book it to Epcot to make our tour. The thing that made me really mad, though, was as we were heading over to Riverside for pickups there were 3 Epcot buses parked in on of the back POFQ lots. After some difficulty we finally made it to Epcot at 8:40, only 10 minutes late, not bad considering.

When we got there I went to guest services to check in for the tour, they sent us to the gate at the far end for early entry, when we walked down there security wouldn’t let us in. I explained that we had tour reservations and they still refused. They said we had to have a manager let us in. There was a gate open for the Princess Breakfast reservations, but they said they couldn’t let us in there. I was already feeling horrible and couldn’t talk plainly so I trudged all the way back to guest services and stood in line to get everything straightened out. With my sore throat and swollen tongue I sound horrible and the guy at guest services must have took pity on me. It was 8:50 by the time I got back to the front of the line, and we had missed the beginning of the tour, so he called his manager who went down and spoke with security to clarify their policy on early entry for tours, and quickly refunded my money for the tour even though their policy is no refunds. He was great, I wish I had his name with me, but Guest Services got an email about him when we got back he was so wonderful.

Although I felt awful and really wanted to go sleep, I knew we had lunch reservations at LeCellier at 12:30, which we were looking forward to, so we decided to go on into Epcot. We headed for Soarin’ as soon as we got there and the wait was already at 40 minutes. We grabbed a Fastpass and then went to the Living Seas. The renovations on this pavilion are not complete but the work down so far looks great, hopefully when we go next year it will be completely overhauled as it really needed it. Turtle Talk with Crush had a huge line full of a family of screaming children so we opted out for that and just walked around enjoying the sea life. After we were done we headed back to the Land and rode Living with the Land while we waited on our Fastpass time. We had never been on Living with the Land and it was pretty neat, I really liked the greenhouses with the Mickey shaped vegetables, but not something I would wait in a long line for. We still had 30 minutes until our Fastpass time, but the standby line was posted at only 20, so we went ahead and got in line. We were actually in line about 10 minutes before we got on. We were in the middle row. Soarin’ was really great, a different experience from any other ride I have ever been on. It was relaxing and surreal. I was amazed at how immersed in the experience I got and I didn’t even notice the dangling feet above me. Chad and I both liked Soarin’ but we still agree that it is not nearly as good as Mission Space. When we were leaving Soarin' we noticed it was time for our Fast Passes, we had liked the ride but I was getting tired so we opted not to go again. By then the wait was back up to 50 minutes, Chad and I grabbed 2 unsuspecting guys walking by and handed them our Fastpasses and explained they were good to use now. We left them just standing there looking at us like we were crazy. I just love spreading a little pixie dust when possible. We went over and walked on Mission Space again and spent a few moments wistfully staring at the Wonders of Life pavillion. I got to hear Chad fuss again because the first time we were there in 02, we were going to ride Body Wards, but I wanted to do Test Track again, first. Body Wars closed earlier than Test Track (at 7pm) and we didn't get to ride. If I would have only known that this would be out of commision since then, we would have. Oh, well you live and learn, but if you get to live with Chad like me, you get to hear about it quite often!

World Showcase was getting ready to open for the day so after a rest break, Chad and I headed over there to get some pictures before it got too crowded. We started on the Mexico side and proceeded around thru the countries taking pictures and browsing in the shops. By the time we had made it to France it was time for our lunch ADR at Le Cellier, so we passed by France and England and headed straight to Canada to eat. We have always wanted to eat at Le Cellier, and I have read such good things about it on the Dis, I was excited to be finally eating there. Although I was still very sick and couldn’t swallow much, I was starved and figured I would give it a try. My first impression of the place was that it was tiny, and very crowded, it seemed as though so many tables were crammed in the resturaunt, there was no room to move. But it did have a romantic feel to it with the dimly lit atmosphere. We were seated at the table directly in front of the fireplace (and the kitchen). Chad and I both started with the Cheddar Cheese soup. Everyone just raves about this soup, so I was ready to finally get some. I figured this would be easy on my throat. At first we liked it, but Chad quickly decided he didn’t like it, and a few minutes later I did the same. The soup had a smoky flavor that was contrasting with the green onion chive taste of the toppings swimming in a sea of cheesy soup. At first bite it is tasty, but I’m not sure if it is the aftertaste or what, but neither of us could finish the bowl and Chad was starting to look a little green at just the thought of it. I really wanted a steak, but with the condition my throat was in, I decided against it. I settled with the French Dip prime rib sandwich because I figured I could soak the bread in the au juis’ and make it easier to swallow. Chad also wanted a steak but changed his mind and got a hamburger (surprise!). When our food came, mine looked delicious, but Chad’s burger looked out of place on it’s English muffin style bun. The burger McMuffin. He was a bit taken aback by this but ate it anyway. His overall feeling for the restaurant was that it was nothing special and was overrated. What I could taste of my sandwich was pretty good, but the carmelized onions were a bit overpowering. I was only able to eat about 1/3 of it, and the French fries were completely out of the question. Every tiny bite was an agonizing process that took forever to get down. Keep in mind that being sick may have clouded my judgement, but I also was not very impressed with LeCellier. We rate it at .

It was becoming a pattern that I was exhausted after trying to eat anything, so after we finished our meal, we headed for the hotel. The walk back to the front gates nearly did me in, and we stopped a few times to let me rest. By the time we got to the room, I had to forgo my bath ritual and head straight for bed. I took a nap, then a hot bath, then back to bed. It was raining outside, so I didn’t feel too bad for staying in for a little while. I was steadily getting worse and the swelling of my tongue and throat was getting bad. I looked like a chipmunk, and sounded terrible. I couldn’t recognize myself when I spoke and could only manage a few words at a time. I figured we were done for the day, but after lying in bed for hours I started to feel ‘cheated’ again that my vacation was being ruined, so I begged Chad to take me to Downtown Disney and maybe go see a movie. The Chronicles of Narnia had come out that day, and I figured a movie wouldn’t wear me out, too much. By the time we got ready and left, I was to the point where I couldn’t swallow at all again, so I grabbed another “spit” bottle to take with me. We took the bus to DTD just as dusk was settling in. The rain had let up quite a bit and was just misting. I loved riding the boat, it was very relaxing and much quicker than the bus ride we had to DTD. We got to the theater just as Narnia was starting and enjoyed the movie. I was able to sit thru most if it with minimal pain, but was feeling more achy by the minute. On a side note: Narnia was pretty good, but we were expecting more. We had been looking forward to this movie for a while and were disappointed. The story was good and the computer generated animation was amazing, but it just seemed as if a lot of the “meat” of the story was left out. We kinda of had an empty feeling when we left like you might feel if you fell asleep in the middle of a movie. But knowing that the movie is based on a book, I’m sure a lot was left out. After the movie we walked around and shopped in DTD for a few minutes and picked up some stuff at the World of Disney. A few scrapbook items for me, a stitch hat with ears for Chad, a stitch visor for me.

Chad was getting concerned that my voice was gone and I wasn’t getting any better even though I had finished my round of antibiotics that morning. It didn’t help that I was starting to experience more back pain and stiffness in my neck, which was concerning me quite a bit. When we got to the room, Chad tucked me in and I tried to sleep. Friday night was miserable trying to sleep because my throat was swollen shut and I couldn’t swallow. I had to wake up ever so often to spit or I’d end up drooling all over myself. It was not pretty. I also was starting to get a glue feeling in my mouth and throat. I couldn’t drink enough water to get rid of the feeling and the litocaine gargle that the doctor prescribed wasn’t doing anything to help my pain. By now we had also tried to do a salt water gargle, but my throat was so bad, I couldn't gargle. I just kinda of hummed. Now that I think about how thin the walls were and how loud my "humming" was, I bet our neighbors thought we were crazy. My throat was so swollen that laying down was becoming painful and although we were using ice packs on it, none of the swelling would subside. After watchin the appliace guy I feel asleep for a while, but was up and down all night.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Day 7: December 10th - At least the beds are comfortable

I woke up Saturday morning feeling worse than I ever had before. My throat and mouth had that glue feeling again. When I first woke up my throat was so bad I was having problems breathing. I tried sipping small amounts of water, swishing it around in my mouth, and gargling (loud humming, really) to open it up. It took about 2 hours after waking up to get to the point where I was comfortable breathing. Swallowing was still pretty much out of the question. I started out the day with one of my many hot baths. I do have to say (since I feel like an expert on them now ) that the tubs at Disney are decently comfortable. The little ledge at the back makes a great head rest and you can create makeshift pillow by folding up a towel and laying it on the ledge. After that it was back to bed to watch some Disney TV. Disney really needs to get cable! The choices are pretty slim. We ordered pizza from Domino’s for lunch, which looked pretty yummy to my grumbly tummy, but after trying one bite, I knew there was no way I was eating. My acheness kicked into high gear today and at times holding my head up or sitting was sheer torture. My fever also returned and was off and on for most of the day. Since I felt so bad I knew there was no going to any parks today. The best I could do was a very short visit to the gift shop. Chad did go down later that night to get his dinner and he got me some gummy Goofy candy which I sucked on, and later some dirt and worms~Yummy! Of course I had to scrape the dirt off as it was a little rough to swallow, but half of the pudding was all I was going to be able to eat all day, so I had to make do with what I had. He also came back with apple juice which was good and cold but I couldn’t manage but ¼ of the bottle. Today my voice was completely gone, when I managed to spit out a few words they were pretty unintelligible. I resorted to a makeshift sign language and jotting things down on paper. Chad got pretty good at my pitiful sign language, though. Chad was getting quite worried about me by now, so no matter how much I tried to act well enough to go out, he wouldn't budge. I guess it was seeing how exhausted I was from walking from the bed to the bathroom put a nail in that coffin. Saturday night…at Disney…the middle of our trip….woohoo!.... spent in the room, alternating between the bathtub and bed. Tons of fun! It doesn’t get any more exciting than this for Saturday, so I’ll end today’s report here.

 

[thelionqueen]

Thanks for the updates, although you sounded like you were in complete agony! I'm anxiously awaiting the rest of your trip. Thanks for posting!

 

[Angelrose]

Oh I feel so bad for you! Hope you improve for the rest of your trip.

 

[BlueBayou]

Yikes! I sure hope you were able to bounce back and have some more fun before your trip ended.

Sher

 

[Mad4Dizne]

The symptoms you describe appear almost life threatening!!! You couldn't swallow your spit--and you still went to the parks.......[I feel sorry for the poor people who may have recently had chemo sitting on the bus next to you. Having had a family member who had it, I am always bothered by the people who go everywhere sick (sorry --including a theme park with young kids and the elderly;] Centra Care Clinic offers a free shuttle!!!! 1-407-238-2000[also in the unofficial guide]. I don't mean to sound harsh here-but many, many people with diminished immune systems are at the parks and Disney isn't going anywhere--get well and come back again!!!!!

 

[Grammyof2]

Just signing on to find out how this ends. Hope you are feeling better.

 

[never_enough_pooh]

The symptoms you describe appear almost life threatening!!! You couldn't swallow your spit--and you still went to the parks.......[I feel sorry for the poor people who may have recently had chemo sitting on the bus next to you. Having had a family member who had it, I am always bothered by the people who go everywhere sick (sorry --including a theme park with young kids and the elderly;] Centra Care Clinic offers a free shuttle!!!! 1-407-238-2000[also in the unofficial guide]. I don't mean to sound harsh here-but many, many people with diminished immune systems are at the parks and Disney isn't going anywhere--get well and come back again!!!!!

Judging by the posted vs. actual date of their trip, it looks like the OP does go home earlier than anticipated. Let's hope she is feeling better!!

 

[fizz13]

I can't believe how bad this has got now, what on earth did you have? Poor Chad, he must have felt useless trying to help you, and you not getting any better, I'm staying tuned to this,

Claire xx

 

[Idroveallnight]

That doesn't sound like strep throat! I really want to hear how this ends!

 

[OhMari]

My dd had strep and tonsilitus and it took 3 rounds of antibiotics to get rid of her strep.

 

[byoung]

Thanks for the good reports.

 

[Mary Anne]

Subscribing to this great thread.

 

[mainelyj]

Please do not try to be a hero again, when you are that sick. I agree with a previous post - I wondering about people either sitting next to you or after you. At all Disney Resorts, there is an emergency button on the phone. Parametics will come and do an evaluation for you. They do not charge unless they transport. We used this when my son had acute appendicitis several years ago. Also, the Celebration Hospital is a great choice for hospitals. The are about 6 minutes from All Star resorts. They also take insurance cards, unlike the Quick Care Centers (you submit for reimbursement later with insurance). Most insurance ER copays are 50-$100. A lot less than Quick Care. I would never use Quick Care again. I would go to Celebration ER - since I have insurance. Most ERs will also give you your initial meds for free.

I can not wait to hear more of your report though.