November 2012 Trip planners #4~almost Disney time! Everyone welcome!

[squirrel4569]

I was thinking about the price of this trip this morning and how I'm feeling like we're getting a pretty decent deal despite going at a holiday time. Then I thought about my first trip as an adult back in 1999. We had 3 adults and 3 kids with us. We got 4 day tickets with the Park Hopper option (back then tickets didn't expire so that was included) and it was just under $1000 for all of them. We stayed off-site for a week at a Travelodge in Kissimmee that had a suite and kitchenette for about $500. I just looked at what the same tickets would cost today. A 4 day ticket without hoppers for 3 adults and 3 kids would be nearly $1500. Add hopper and that goes to $1827. Add the no expiration option and it's up to $2337. Pretty wild when you think about it.

When you think about all of the changes in the parks and additions to it though, I still think it's one of the best ways to create memories with your family.

 

[disneychic2]

I am so very sorry for your news. But I can share a little bit of my story, for what it's worth. In 2000 my Dad was diagnosed with a disease similar to ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), I lived with my parents so I started doing more & more for him and by 2004 I had to quit my job to stay home to take care of him and he passed away in 2007. The 7 years that we (my mom, my dad & I) were so focused on each other, while very stressful at times, were truly the happiest we had ever all been together. I have siblings and there was some help but I was truly the primary care giver and I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. Of course, not a day goes by that I don't miss my daddy, he was my best friend after all (even before he got sick).

I read Patti Davis' book (The Long Goodbye) about her father President Reagan's battle with Alzheimers and although it didn't fit my situation exactly it was a very very helpful book to read at the time.

God Bless you at this very difficult time.

Oh and I also know that my 3 1/2 year old daughter keeps my Mom feeling younger and has been the absolute best thing that has happened to us since losing my daddy. Your grandchild will probably do the same for you!

Thanks for sharing your story. We just lost a friend to ALS a month ago. Very sad. I'm glad your Mom has you and your little one. Children and Grandchildren are one of God's very best ideas!

No stories or advice. Just hugs. And thank goodness for the joy and love of 3 year old granddaughters.

Thanks, Smileybug!

My dad was also diagnosed (officially) in the last year. He'd previously been told he likely had early signs of it (including forgetting where his eye doctor was located after leaving the house in his car to go to an appointment). In the last year, we've seen it go from occasional lapses like that and sometimes forgetting substantive conversations we had with him to having to remind him about conversations multiple times and sometimes having him repeat conversations we just had seconds before, because it didn't "take." It's rough, and I know my mother is dreading further progression. She had to deal with it with her mother some years back, and it got quite pronounced before her death. We also had an older third-cousin we helped care for who had it.

I try not to let it upset me. I've mentioned new medications that are coming out. I bought him a game player and sudoku game to try to keep his brain active. I got him a password app so he only has to remember one password. I installed a remote program for his computer so I can help from 3 hours away when needed. And I assigned him a folder in my cloud storage so that I can find and retrieve documents if something goes wrong on his end.

For now, life goes on mostly as normal for him. But my sister has already encouraged them to consider moving closer to me so they can see their grandson more often, which is something I was sure they'd never do. They still may not. But that decision is a ways off. We can only hope the progression is slow and that we have lots of time.

°o° Lace — Planning our second WDW adventure, 11/1-12 AoA-LM (Sent from my iPad using DISBoards)

I hope things go slowly for your Dad also. There are so many types of Alzheimers, some slow, some more rapid. We go to Mom's Dr. today to get the details and the "what to expect" talk. I know there are support groups and classes for caregivers, so I will probably take advantage of those. Thanks for sharing your story.

My dad is like that. We hope with all the new medicines coming out that the progression will slow down. He normally has a great memory, and is very punctual. Well now he forgets things like his keys. He has never done that. Forgot where his doctors office head to call my mom. The town only has 18000 people. Next week he will see the dr. We will see what happens. I know if he does I will feel guilty for living 1200 miles away, and he will barely have a relationship with his only grand kid. I just hope it's just him getting older,

That sounds similar to my Mom. I hope it's just your Dad getting older too. Good luck next week!

Disneychic, I'm so sorry to hear about this for you. Keep your head held high and enjoy this time with your mom and family. It's amazing how resilient one can become when facing diversity. Will be thinking of you and your family often.

Thanks! So many of you have been encouraging and it really helps. I appreciate it!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Okay. I debated about whether to share this with you all since this is a happy thread, but I really need to. My Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's yesterday. It doesn't come as a huge shock of course. There have been signs. But to have it actually confirmed was a bit more emotional for me than I had expected. I moved recently to be closer to my parents, so I will be quite involved with everything. I have one sister who lives in Texas, but that's a good thing. Anyway, I just needed to tell someone...and you all are the someone. Thanks for listening.

On a happy note, my 3 year old granddaughter has been delighting me since Monday evening when they arrived from Virginia. She loves Disney music (and movies) and we have been dancing up a storm together!

I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis.... i will tell you that my grandmother hasnt been diagnoses yet but there are signs.... and my other grandmother on my dads side just started showing signs... its sad but we are all here for you. I know the feeling about you kind of knew but the 'official' diagnosis hits you. Thats how I was with IC, I knew but when they told me 'officially' what it was, i was in denial

My grandfather was diagnosed with it and since he had a sense of humor about most everything he joked about it early on. He told me the best part about having Alzheimers was that he would make new friends every day!

I'll add ya to my prayer list and wish you the best.

Best advice! And its true... its all about the attitude behind the diagnosis

Okay... you guys convinced me! We're doing the package for the 6:45 show with NPH!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I was able to get Teppan Edo on the same day we were already planning to eat there, so now we will just pay for Sci-Fi with cash. That works better anyway because we can skip dessert and get something yummy from Starring Roles with snack credits!

YAY! what date?

My theory is and has always been if you break it in half the calories will leak out...

Good Morning everyone!!

Hope everyone is doing well, spoke with my daughter last night in Pensacola and she fared out very well. Had lots of wind and rain and was under tornado warning twice, but luckily no real ill effects. Those in Loiusiana made out far worse and certainly my thoughts and prayers are with them all this morning as they begin to cope with all the after effects! Mother Nature can sure be a beast and carry a heavy burden to us sometimes.

I went ahead just for kicks and priced out the RO discount vs what we are getting with FD and upgrade to DxDP and we fare out so much better with what we have in place already. We will end up saving a ton of $$$$ by simply staying with what we have. With everyone's situation different, I just wanted to be sure we were making the right decision and we most assuredly are!!

To those with loved ones struggling with early onset dimentia/alzheimer's- its really a tough and relentless disease. My grandmother/grandfather-- and dad had it and he passed away NYE last year- it was so hard seeing him suffer in the end but knowing he is at peace now and in heaven gives me comfort. As a nurse I know there are many new drugs out on market and even the older ones like Aricept still work extremely well for those in the early stages. Know you are not alone and that there are so many others that share in your struggle. This is a great forum with many supportive people. We're here if you need us!!

Have lots of work to do today so I am off to get started. I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Glad shes ok. Yes we priced out the RO too and the FDing with DxDP was $250 cheaper then RO and NO food

I was thinking about the price of this trip this morning and how I'm feeling like we're getting a pretty decent deal despite going at a holiday time. Then I thought about my first trip as an adult back in 1999. We had 3 adults and 3 kids with us. We got 4 day tickets with the Park Hopper option (back then tickets didn't expire so that was included) and it was just under $1000 for all of them. We stayed off-site for a week at a Travelodge in Kissimmee that had a suite and kitchenette for about $500. I just looked at what the same tickets would cost today. A 4 day ticket without hoppers for 3 adults and 3 kids would be nearly $1500. Add hopper and that goes to $1827. Add the no expiration option and it's up to $2337. Pretty wild when you think about it.

When you think about all of the changes in the parks and additions to it though, I still think it's one of the best ways to create memories with your family.

Yes I think we are getting a good deal too!

 

[princesshope1982]

Good morning all...dd has her appt with the specialist today. Keeping my fingers crossed that we finally get some answers.

 

[TruBlu]

YAY! what date?

Monday, 11/26, 6:45 show with NPH!!!! WooHoo!!!!

 

[disneychic2]

Okay... you guys convinced me! We're doing the package for the 6:45 show with NPH!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I was able to get Teppan Edo on the same day we were already planning to eat there, so now we will just pay for Sci-Fi with cash. That works better anyway because we can skip dessert and get something yummy from Starring Roles with snack credits!

That's great! I think you'll be very glad you did it. And I love Teppan Edo!

I don't personally suffer from dairy intolerance problems, but I've been following a dining review where the person has a dairy allergy and uses these drops just before eating dairy... She buys them online and she swears by them...

Ugh!!! I'll have to figure out who it was....

I read that too! But I couldn't tell you from what thread. I thought it was pretty cool to be able to take a pill and still enjoy ice cream.

My theory is and has always been if you break it in half the calories will leak out...

I like your way of thinking!!

Good Morning everyone!!

Hope everyone is doing well, spoke with my daughter last night in Pensacola and she fared out very well. Had lots of wind and rain and was under tornado warning twice, but luckily no real ill effects. Those in Loiusiana made out far worse and certainly my thoughts and prayers are with them all this morning as they begin to cope with all the after effects! Mother Nature can sure be a beast and carry a heavy burden to us sometimes.

I went ahead just for kicks and priced out the RO discount vs what we are getting with FD and upgrade to DxDP and we fare out so much better with what we have in place already. We will end up saving a ton of $$$$ by simply staying with what we have. With everyone's situation different, I just wanted to be sure we were making the right decision and we most assuredly are!!

To those with loved ones struggling with early onset dimentia/alzheimer's- its really a tough and relentless disease. My grandmother/grandfather-- and dad had it and he passed away NYE last year- it was so hard seeing him suffer in the end but knowing he is at peace now and in heaven gives me comfort. As a nurse I know there are many new drugs out on market and even the older ones like Aricept still work extremely well for those in the early stages. Know you are not alone and that there are so many others that share in your struggle. This is a great forum with many supportive people. We're here if you need us!!

Have lots of work to do today so I am off to get started. I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Glad your daughter is okay. So sorry for those in Louisiana yet again!

It worked out best for us to stay put as well. I'm so glad for those who could save some money!

For me right now the saddest part is that my Mom knows what lies ahead for her and it is sad for her. I'm sure as we get adjusted to the news, we'll find a way to live with it. Our lives have been blessed in so many ways, and that's a good place to focus. Thanks for your concern.

 

[disneychic2]

Good morning all...dd has her appt with the specialist today. Keeping my fingers crossed that we finally get some answers.

Here's hoping you get good answers and results! Keep us posted!

I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis.... i will tell you that my grandmother hasnt been diagnoses yet but there are signs.... and my other grandmother on my dads side just started showing signs... its sad but we are all here for you. I know the feeling about you kind of knew but the 'official' diagnosis hits you. Thats how I was with IC, I knew but when they told me 'officially' what it was, i was in denial



Best advice! And its true... its all about the attitude behind the diagnosis

Yeah, lots of denial going on with my Dad. But he'll come around. Thanks so much for the support! It means so much to me that my November peeps are here for me.


Now, (as Smileybug would say) let's get excited....We're going to disney!!!!

 

[Eeyores#1Fan]

Yay....Disney!!!!! I'm heading down there in 81 days

 

[princesshope1982]

66 days!!!!

 

[ksack]

That's great! I think you'll be very glad you did it. And I love Teppan Edo!




I read that too! But I couldn't tell you from what thread. I thought it was pretty cool to be able to take a pill and still enjoy ice cream.

I like your way of thinking!!



Glad your daughter is okay. So sorry for those in Louisiana yet again!

It worked out best for us to stay put as well. I'm so glad for those who could save some money!

For me right now the saddest part is that my Mom knows what lies ahead for her and it is sad for her. I'm sure as we get adjusted to the news, we'll find a way to live with it. Our lives have been blessed in so many ways, and that's a good place to focus. Thanks for your concern.

The user's name who talks about the lactase drops is Bangzoom6877 and they have a dining review going about 10 days and how much they ate!!!

 

[AquaDame]

66 days!!!!

59!

 

[Tulles]

Okay fellow nov-ites which 2 would you choose for lunches out of the following restaurants?

Le Cellier
Teppan Edo
Coral Reef

My family is no help.

 

[Eeyores#1Fan]

Okay fellow nov-ites which 2 would you choose for lunches out of the following restaurants?

Le Cellier
Teppan Edo
Coral Reef

My family is no help.

I would definitely choose Le Cellier! Love that place!

 

[princesshope1982]

Heading to our appt...fingers crossed

 

[Smileybug]

I would definitely choose Le Cellier! Love that place!

Me too!!

Heading to our appt...fingers crossed

 

[AquaDame]

Okay fellow nov-ites which 2 would you choose for lunches out of the following restaurants?

Le Cellier
Teppan Edo
Coral Reef

My family is no help.

I would do Le Cellier and Coral Reef, but then we have many teppanyakis in PDX. If I want an onion volcano I can have a great meal for much cheaper here.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Le Cellier and Coral Reef.... LOVE Coral Reef and I wanna try Le Cellier before it goes to 2 TS credits

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

We will be at POFQ from 11/24 thru 12/2 and will be attending MVMCP on 11/29.

 

[princesshope1982]

we are back..dd has been diagnosed with allergy's and asthma. We will start the new meds and hopefully that will cure the sleep apnea and let her sleep thru a whole night.

 

[Eeyores#1Fan]

we are back..dd has been diagnosed with allergy's and asthma. We will start the new meds and hopefully that will cure the sleep apnea and let her sleep thru a whole night.

Hope that helps! Allergies and asthma combo can be exhausting and definitely hard to sleep. I'm an expert in that area...the non-doctor kind of expert that is.