Off to see the "Real Tree" - April 19th - April 26th! Ali's Wish Trip PTR!

[kellyw8863]

Miranda, thank you. I do hope that things are going smoothly with your own planning!

Jennifer, I feel for you. We have no time difference here, so we would have had to leave the house at about 4am and we probably would have settled in around 5pm at GKTW. Honestly, if that was our only option, we would not be able to do it. She just would not have been able to handle it with her fatigue issues. I am sorry that you have to spend that entire first day traveling. I can't imagine...

Well, after my initial bout of whining, we are booked to leave Manchester, NH at 11:55am on the Monday, April 19th, and return leaving Orlando at 5:10pm on Monday, April 26th!!!! I owe a huge, huge thank you to Jessica at the Western MA field office, as she has put up with all of my phone calls and has truly worked with me to make this happen. I can't say enough at this point, and I'm definitely going to be sending her a little something to show our gratitude. I can now officially say I can't wait for April 19th!

 

[pnutallergymom]

You have dates!!! You have times!!!

So happy for you!!!! Are you flying SW Kelly?

Ok!! Keep me posted!! So excited for you guys!!!!

 

[kellyw8863]

You have dates!!! You have times!!!

So happy for you!!!! Are you flying SW Kelly?

Ok!! Keep me posted!! So excited for you guys!!!!

Thanks, Shannon. Yes, we're flying SW - that will be a first for me!

 

[Momofwishkid]

I am so glad you were able to get better times. That is so great they were able to work with you. I have to admit Im quite jealous!

 

[Thumper321]

Well, after my initial bout of whining, we are booked to leave Manchester, NH at 11:55am on the Monday, April 19th, and return leaving Orlando at 5:10pm on Monday, April 26th!!!! I owe a huge, huge thank you to Jessica at the Western MA field office, as she has put up with all of my phone calls and has truly worked with me to make this happen. I can't say enough at this point, and I'm definitely going to be sending her a little something to show our gratitude. I can now officially say I can't wait for April 19th!

Congratulations!!! I know you must be thrilled to have that part of it settled! I've got a question though. Ali made her wish on Jan. 9, right? I'm just curious because Aidan made his on Jan. 5 and we haven't heard a word other than to ask us whether we wanted to meet Tink or go to Disney. I'd really like to know what's happening. But then again, it's only 2 weeks tomorrow, so maybe I'm just rushing it.

 

[dmbfan]

So glad you have your dates and times down. How did everything go with Gabe? Were they able to consider him living with you FULL time, even though he has been for a year now, or did you just POP for him?

 

[kayrosek]

I'm so glad things are working out better for you now. I hope they continue to and that they reconsider about Gabe.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Hurray for dates! I already commented but wanted to hurray on your PTR. I know all of us DISers will be the most knowledgeable ones there, but it's still nice to know there will be people there we "know" and can bug with questions if needed.

 

[kellyw8863]

I am so glad you were able to get better times. That is so great they were able to work with you. I have to admit Im quite jealous!

Thanks! Don't be jealous. Where are you traveling from?

I'm so glad things are working out better for you now. I hope they continue to and that they reconsider about Gabe.

Thanks!

So glad you have your dates and times down. How did everything go with Gabe? Were they able to consider him living with you FULL time, even though he has been for a year now, or did you just POP for him?

No dice. We're just going to pay for him. My inlaws are going to help with it, and he's all signed up for GAD/GAD, so we'll make it work. Question for you - who did you contact to have your sister stay at GKTW with you? Did you go through MAW or did you call GKTW directly?

Hurray for dates! I already commented but wanted to hurray on your PTR. I know all of us DISers will be the most knowledgeable ones there, but it's still nice to know there will be people there we "know" and can bug with questions if needed.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to crossing paths while we are down there. It's funny - I usually recognize the kids before I recognize the adults.

Congratulations!!! I know you must be thrilled to have that part of it settled! I've got a question though. Ali made her wish on Jan. 9, right? I'm just curious because Aidan made his on Jan. 5 and we haven't heard a word other than to ask us whether we wanted to meet Tink or go to Disney. I'd really like to know what's happening. But then again, it's only 2 weeks tomorrow, so maybe I'm just rushing it.

It is SUCH a relief! Yes, her wish granters came on the 9th, we faxed birth certificates on the 11th, and we heard from MAW on the 13th. I wouldn't think it would hurt to give a quick call. You could always say that you are just calling to make sure that they have everything they need in order to move forward. I hope that you hear something soon.

Okay, so I've been working on an itinerary, and this is what I have so far. Thoughts and feedback are welcome!

Monday, April 19th
Leave NH and arrive in Orlando at 3:15. We'll spend the rest of the day/evening relaxing at GKTW

Tuesday, April 20th
This is our big MK day since it's the only other "good" day to visit the park during which both Spectromagic and Wishes are happening. We're going to start with breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, so I'm thinking that we may have to go back to GKTW at some point so Ali can crash, but we might split up for that.

Wednesday, April 21st
Planning a slow day. Maybe do SW and then just kick around GKTW. Maybe visit DTD for a bit after dinner since there's not much at GKTW that night. Then again, maybe not. It will depend on the kids.

Thursday, April 22nd
Day split between DHS and EP. We have lunch reservations for Akershus, and then of course there's Christmas at GKTW!

Friday, April 23rd
US/IOA. We're thinking at this point, Ali is going to be pretty wiped. We're going to have to play it by ear, and I want her well-rested for when she goes to see the "real tree"!

Saturday, April 24th
AK! Nothing big planned for the day. Originally we had wanted to do breakfast at Tusker House, but where we're paying for Gabe OOP, we had to pare things down a bit. Not big deal! We do have ADRs at Rainforest Cafe depending on how the day goes and what we feel like by the end.

Sunday, April 25th
Check out of GKTW and move over to AKL! We have ADRs at Boma for that night, but otherwise, our plan is to do NOTHING!

Monday, April 26th
Fly out at 5:10pm.

 

[Momofwishkid]

Were coming from Wa state so pretty much as far away as you can get within the country
Your plans look good and you are getting a night at AKL It will be here before you know it!

 

[maroo]

Your night at AKL is going to be AWESOME!!!

Your plans look great!

 

[pnutallergymom]

Your plans look great Kelly!! We'll see you at AKL!!! I am so happy that everything seems to be working out!!!

 

[Wee Annie]

Kelly,

I am so excited that we are going to overlap time periods at GKTW! As you know, we are going from 4/17 - 4/23. We are planning to then extend our stay for several days, so we may bump into each other at WDW later on!

Your itinerary looks good. We are also planning on DHS for the Thursday (wanted a shorter day before the Christmas party), and we are planning on doing AK that Saturday, the 24th (after we move hotels). So we may bump into each other there.

I kind of chuckle to myself with all of us making these plans. I know we need to, but I catch myself thinking about how Elke's medical condition may make us change plans at a minute's notice, though (we too have to rush to the ER for a fever, etc). I know we're all in the same boat here, and have all had to learn to change plans last minute due to medical emergencies. So I do chuckle as I see all of us merrily planning away, knowing that we are oh-so-used to having to "roll with the punches"!

Have fun planning!
Ann

 

[kellyw8863]

Were coming from Wa state so pretty much as far away as you can get within the country
Your plans look good and you are getting a night at AKL It will be here before you know it!

I had no idea you were traveling from so far away! Seriously, that is about as far away as it gets! I HATE flying, so I'm not sure I could do it if that was the case.

Your night at AKL is going to be AWESOME!!!

Your plans look great!

Thanks, Maroo! I keep going back and forth regarding whether or not it is worth it to spend the money for just one night, though we did get a very good deal through expedia. It will be a total bummer if the weather is lousy and we can't enjoy the outdoors, but then again, it really fits with Ali's wish to be near the animals. I just keep going back and forth!

Your plans look great Kelly!! We'll see you at AKL!!! I am so happy that everything seems to be working out!!!

Do you know where at AKL you are going to be? We were able to upgrade to a pool view room for just $5 more, so I'm hoping that means we'll actually be close to the pool. I know that's where Ali will want to spend all of her time, so it will be nice to have it convenient. The girls thought it was pretty cool when we spent a night at the Holiday Inn in Wilmington, so they don't exactly have high standards.

Kelly,

I am so excited that we are going to overlap time periods at GKTW! As you know, we are going from 4/17 - 4/23. We are planning to then extend our stay for several days, so we may bump into each other at WDW later on!

Your itinerary looks good. We are also planning on DHS for the Thursday (wanted a shorter day before the Christmas party), and we are planning on doing AK that Saturday, the 24th (after we move hotels). So we may bump into each other there.

I kind of chuckle to myself with all of us making these plans. I know we need to, but I catch myself thinking about how Elke's medical condition may make us change plans at a minute's notice, though (we too have to rush to the ER for a fever, etc). I know we're all in the same boat here, and have all had to learn to change plans last minute due to medical emergencies. So I do chuckle as I see all of us merrily planning away, knowing that we are oh-so-used to having to "roll with the punches"!

Have fun planning!
Ann

I am, too! Where are you guys staying when you extend your trip? We won't be doing any parks because we're only extending by one day, but we're looking forward to relaxing and doing nothing.

I hear you on the whole plan thing. My husband teases me, but it's just so nice to obsess over something that is not medical. At one point, I had an itinerary for February (just in case), April 17th - 23rd (just in case), and then April 19th - 26th. I spent all afternoon yesterday cancelling ADRs. I'm trying not to think of the possibility that she could end up in an ER (or worse yet, admitted) down there, though it seems to happen every time we do take a vacation. This summer, we ended up in the ER every other Monday for three weeks in a row because all of our vacation plans fell at the end of the summer.

Selfishly, I wish you were doing a PTR so I could follow along!

I'm not feeling that great tonight, and it seems that Ali isn't either. I have a headache that I can't get rid of, and I just feel blah. Ali looks terrible, but says that she feels fine. We've had such a good run with Ali (or at least it feels that way) where we've been able to avoid doctors and hospitals that I loathe the possibility she could be coming down with something. We go for antibiotic allergy testing next Thursday, so I'm praying that she doesn't get anything between now and then. If the testing shows she can take meds in the penicillin family, our lives will become so much easier and less stressful. So healthy vibes until then!

 

[pnutallergymom]

Oh Kelly....I hope you and Ali aren't coming down with anything. That is the last thing you guys need right now.

I have no idea where we are staying at AKL...letting that one be a surprise!!! I am so glad your in-laws are going with you though. That will make it so much easier on you guys. We took my mother with us last Feb. and it was great. We even got to have "date night" when the kids went to bed!! It was so great to just get out and have a few drinks with the kids being safe and sound!!! Maybe you guys could do that on your night at AKL!! I hear the bar area is great there, or you could always get brave and go over to the BW area and go to Jelly Rolls!!

I was just thinking about Ali and the heat too, can you guys bolus Pedialyte through her tube throughout the day? You probably already do it, but just thought I'd mention it!! We have even added pedialyte to her overnight feeds as well when it is hot and that has helped too!!

Were you able to get all the ADR's you wanted?? I have been having great luck!! The hardest part is trying to decide!!!

 

[kellyw8863]

Oh Kelly....I hope you and Ali aren't coming down with anything. That is the last thing you guys need right now.

I have no idea where we are staying at AKL...letting that one be a surprise!!! I am so glad your in-laws are going with you though. That will make it so much easier on you guys. We took my mother with us last Feb. and it was great. We even got to have "date night" when the kids went to bed!! It was so great to just get out and have a few drinks with the kids being safe and sound!!! Maybe you guys could do that on your night at AKL!! I hear the bar area is great there, or you could always get brave and go over to the BW area and go to Jelly Rolls!!

I was just thinking about Ali and the heat too, can you guys bolus Pedialyte through her tube throughout the day? You probably already do it, but just thought I'd mention it!! We have even added pedialyte to her overnight feeds as well when it is hot and that has helped too!!

Were you able to get all the ADR's you wanted?? I have been having great luck!! The hardest part is trying to decide!!!

It will make it so much easier. They are seasoned travelers, so I have no concerns there. I would be STOKED if we could get out for an hour or two on our last night there. We have very good friends in Jax, so I'm hoping that we can meet up with them at some point as well.

When Ali is under metabolic stress, she cannot handle boluses well at all. The first thing that shuts down for her is her GI tract. And because she can't protect her airway and has all of the antibiotic issues, we are not supposed to run fluids at night, though sometimes we do at very slow rates. We were told to add ice to the bag to bring down her core temperature when it is hot, which we've done with success, though it sometimes causes cramps for her. We have a cooling vest, but it doesn't work in the humidity. So I'm stressed about it. We do have an appointment with Dr. Korson for right before we go, so I'm sure we'll get some things in place then.

We are having good luck with the ADRs, and you're right - it is hard to decide! So far, we're just doing Akershus for lunch (Maya's request) and Lilo and Stitch for breakfast (Ali's request). We also have ADRs for Rainforest Cafe at AK in case we're looking for something and Boma for our night at AKL. Though I am wondering if we would be better off canceling RC for dinner and instead doing the character breakfast at Tusker House. We don't really have plans to see the "traditional" Disney characters, so that might be nice. What do you have brewing for the week?

 

[kellyw8863]

For those of you who have already been, or, at the very least, are seasoned Disney travellers, did you find that your expense check was enough to cover regular counter-service meals with a couple of sit-down meals thrown in? I know we have too many character meal plans -

1900 Park Fare (dinner)
50s Prime Time Diner (lunch)
'Ohana's (breakfast)
Rainforest Cafe (dinner - but will likely cancel - I only made it because my in-laws do like to eat out)
Tusker House (breakfast)
Boma (dinner)

We do plan on drinking water in the parks so we're not paying for drinks, and we also plan on buying snacks at WalMart and bringing our own. Though, I know the reality of NOT indulging in a Dole Whip or Mickey ice cream is slim. We do have at least one day where we plan on eating every meal at GKTW. And, it's likely that my inlaws will pick up the tab on several meals while we're out and about, but I certainly don't want to expect it or to count on it.

So what do you think? The only ones that are "musts" are 1900 Park Fare, as Maya LOVES the princesses, and 'Ohana's because Ali keeps talking about Lilo and Stitch. And Boma makes sense because we'll be spending that night at AKL anyhow. Thoughts or tips?

Thanks so much!

 

[Momofwishkid]

I cant help to much but from what I hear the expense check varies widely between chapters. Anyway from a couple hundred to over a thousand. I know how hard it is to plan when you just dont know. Some people have been able to call and just ask them about the amount.

 

[maroo]

I second Jennifer's thoughts on the expense check question.

One thing you could do is plan to snack a lot (bring your own) at the parks and eat a big breakfast at GKTW and then pool your money into the buffets in the evenings. They will have a TON of food...so I think it is do-able.

And seeing characters will be relatively easy. They will be at GKTW two days a week (in the morning) and you won't have to wait in lines at the parks for them either...so if it is just about seeing the characters, I wouldn't worry about that so much.

Great places to see them all pretty quickly ... DHS has an indoor character place in the Animation Studio - with lots of characters. Epcot has a Character Spot with all of the big ones, too. AK - they are all at Camp Mickey. For the main characters.

 

[pnutallergymom]

Hi Kelly,

I would definitely call your chapter and try to ask them if they could give you a ballpark figure. I know that our chapter gives us an allowance for all 3 meals a day, and an allowance for tips.

That being said....the meals at CS places are HUGE. Bryan and I often split a meal. My two boys always share a kids meal, and Brigitte usually picks off that too...couple of FF and a bite of a chix nugget and she's done. You can also split meals at the TS meals, unless it is buffet. Another suggestion I have seen people do is to order a double cheeseburger and ask for an extra bun. Then you have enough to feed 2 for the price of 1.

Have you looked at the menus on www.allearsnet.com?? They will give you the prices so you can get a general idea about how much the prices are. If your looking for some more inexpensive ideas, look at Trails End. There buffet is one of the most inexpensive meals onsite, and they also have takeout. The food there is exactly the same as at HDDR (which is amazing). We have seen the show, but Bryan's only request this time around is he NEEDS the fried chix from HDDR. So we are going to go to Trails End (get their takeout) sit on the porch at Pioneer Hall and then take the kids over to Chip and Dales campfire. They show a movie and you can get smores ($). Its a fun, relaxing night. We try to take the boat over, as it just makes it a little more special for the kids.

Also another thing to think about, which we are doing a couple of days, is to try to schedule the latest lunch at places. Then you can just get a snack or something for dinner. Lunch is generally more inexpensive than dinner too.

Have you been over to the restaurant board yet? There are a few threads that show all the food porn!! You can get a good idea at how large the portions are.