I know, youve been patiently waiting to hear why I was so unnaturally okay with downgrading from the WL to CSR. And I promise to get there. But first, the ADRs
Rhonda at
Dreams Unlimited had offered to make my ADRs when I initially booked through them and I took her up on it. I did my research and came up with a good smattering of table service (TS) locations. Id been wanting to try Biergarten, despite my distaste for sausage-type products, and wed never been to Ohana. I havent been back to Artist Point or the Hollywood Brown Derby in ages. Grammas never been to the Rose & Crown. We took Leo to Chef Mickeys for his 2nd birthday and enjoyed the buffet, so that sounded good for a return, too. Rhonda got me all set up!
All was well in my Disney world. I had some nice ADRs, and I was strangely happy with our new hotel choice. What was up with that, anyway?
Any other trip, Id have been devastated.
If youve gotten to know me at all on the DIS, youll know that Im a mostly upbeat person. I like to laugh, I enjoy amusing others, and I tend to keep the drama to a minimum.
(Here, on the DISboards, I mean. In real life, Im a total diva. FYI.) But. This trip, about which Im writing, took a big change about a month ago. And that change results from a less-than-upbeat event.
This January, my dear friend lost her husband to cancer. They were both in their young 30s. He was diagnosed last April, two weeks before she gave birth to their first child. His passing came out of left field hed been battling the cancer with chemo and all seemed to be going fairly well and it didnt come quietly or easily.
Back in December, I had talked with them about my idea to take a WDW trip in early May. I knew they were planning to get APs and bring their new boy for his first visit to The Mouse around his first birthday, which happens to be early May, just 3 days apart from Leos. When they heard about my trip plans, we all decided it would be fun to go at the same time and explore The World together.
With her DH gone and her grieving only beginning, I wasnt sure if shed even want to go with us still. So I put off asking and did what I could to help her get through those first few weeks.
When the AP discounts came out, I expressed my dilemma to Gramma: if I dont ask my friend and she really wanted to go, she might miss out on the hotel discount; if I do ask, I risk causing her further pain. Gramma advised that I should ask my friend and let her know, particularly, how much Gramma would love for them to join us.
So I did. As kindly and gently as I could. And I passed along Grammas personal message.
Guess what? My friend said I cant think of a time I could more use a trip to Disney! Would it be okay if we tagged along with you guys? Whatever you want to do, well come along dont worry about us at all.
For the record, my first reaction was joy joy that she sees how much fun is still out there for her; joy that Ill get to be there for her sweet little boys first encounters with our pal (not Pal) Mickey; joy that I then knew for certain she was going to make it through this.
And. Yes - joy that I was given full reign to create our trip of dreams. Oh yeah, she gave me that awesome power, and I promised to wield it wisely.
She received my assurances that I would take care of everything and she could have as much or as little say as she wanted. I insisted that she do what she needs to do on our vacation and not worry about messing us up if baby needs to call it a day or skip out on a TS meal. I promised not to bother her with 101 questions and comments about my trip planning. And, so far, Ive mostly been true to my word. Mostly. Youll see.
I provided her with all she needed to get the discount and room request and she booked her room at CSR. We both had them make a note to place our rooms close to each other. Past that, she was off the hook. V. was making a plan!
But. Now, our little trio had become a quintuple. Which meant
. ADR Change #1! Not only did I need to change everything to a party of five, I wanted to cancel Chef Mickeys and add Garden Grill, (a fave from Dec.), and a new one for us Coral Reef. Rhonda was able to change all but Ohana. Darn, I really wanted that one.
Back to the drawing board, I suggested switching around a couple days, canceling Artist Point and adding Concourse Steakhouse. It worked!
And that, for those keeping track, is ADR change #2.
I was, and am, looking forward to this trip more than ever. My friend and I used to work together, and she was there for me every single day when my ex walked out on me. I can only hope that Im providing the same support for her now, in her time of need. I know better than to expect perfection, but I do want to make this the best possible trip for them they deserve at least that much. And Id like to think her DH might find a way to join us in spirit and take great joy in watching his son experience WDW.
I know that well be carrying him in our hearts the entire time.
Dec. 2006
) So thank you thank you thank you! 
I am wiping tears as I type. After my dad died, my mom and I headed to Disney for our first Christmas without him. I know with your support and friendship and some Mickey love
healing can begin. Our prayers are with you both!
Wild horses couldn't drag me away from my V! 
That is certainly a dream for me, too. Second, here's wishing you & your friend a truly "magical" vacation together!
Can't wait to read all about it!
