One Mom and Three Kids Tackle the World in a Week - Dec '09 Trip Report - Complete :)

Lovemy3babes

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Joined
Mar 1, 2006
Messages
3,870
Hello all! To be honest, I have been putting off even attempting to get this trip report going for awhile now. We took our trip last month and it took me a long while to get back on track in the real world. I took a long self imposed Dis break. All things Disney to tell you the truth. But we got through Christmas unscathed so here I am! :goodvibes

I also am not a very good writer. I just am not. I wrote a TR for our 2006 trip that flopped and had very few readers. It was quite embarrassing. But I’ll link to it in case you feel any pity towards this lonely girl. Ha!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1279245

I also do not know how to do those fun hyperlinks. Can anyone teach me? Any kind soul in the audience? ;)

So, 2006 was our last run at Disney. That seems like forever ago!! The kids and I actually had a week booked for November 2007 that ended up being cancelled. It was a really hard time in our lives and going to Florida was not going to be possible. I ended up losing over $1000 that really took a hit on the old checkbook. There is drama that goes along with it if you care to read. It’s a long thread though so be warned!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638295

Well, life happens. You dry your tears, get off the ground and move along, right? So, another curve ball comes our way. We were a family of five, content and done with having children. One day in May ’08 that all changed. I came home from work to a voicemail from a social worker in a neighboring state asking me to call her back. That’s it. Nothing else! Hello? Panic much? After being able to reach her the next day, we were told we had a great nephew that was in foster care that needed a permanent home. Now, we knew nothing of this little boy. We didn’t even really know he existed. My husband comes from a home of 9 and many of them aren’t very functional to put it very nicely. It turns out Michael was the son of our niece. She is the daughter of Marshall’s sister. Got all of that? LOL! So, to not put too much out on the interwebz, all parental rights were terminated, which spurred the phone call. He ended up moving in with us in Sept ’08 and his adoption should actually be finalized very soon! :woohoo: So, I posted all of that just to let you know that going back to Disney World had to be moved down on the priority list just a tad. Understandable do you think? ;)

Well, we settled into life as a family of six. I received a postcard in the mail for a 40% pin code early in 2009! Thank you Mickey Mouse!! I really wanted to go back in November as the weather and crowds were superb on our last trip. So, I booked a week in a family suite at ASMu for us all. Guess what happens? More hoops of course. Would you guess anything different?! It seems that my husband who hates to fly actually could not get the time off of work. He just couldn’t do it. He hasn’t been there that long and it wouldn’t work. If I am telling the truth, he also doesn’t really “get” Disney. At all. Don’t kill the messenger folks! I don’t understand it but I’m just hopeful that someday I can convince him differently. Also, there were some issues that prevented us from taking Michael. I won’t get into them but I was really disappointed that he would have to stay home. I did contemplate not going but we do have three other children. These three children have been through a lot in the last few years and they very much were promised a Disney trip. So, a Disney trip would be had! The count went down to 4 but the planning increased!

May of 2009 rolls along. We’re getting close!! I posted an update on the thread regarding my issue with our 2007 trip. A very, very kind soul on the Dis contacted me and offered to help us out with our trip we were planning. This person is one reason I know there is far more positive than negative in this world. After a little rearranging, we were now booked in a room for a week at Old Key West in December!! Not at all what was planned but this was fantastic! We would get a nicer room, be at a DVC resort and be able to see all of the Christmas decorations plus the Osborne lights (my favorites!). It was just perfect.

Thankfully after that, there were not any bumps. A waitlist for one day came through so we were booked all week at OKW. Yay! My sister had mentioned coming off and on. Do you know the type? Indecisive! You know that drives a Disney planner crazy! She also had no idea where she would stay with her 5 year old son. Hello?! She mentioned Pop, someplace off site or wherever she landed. LOL! It all worked out and she ended up with a studio room at OKW as well. It was nice having her close. We didn’t spend all of our time together and were able to do some things separately. Thankfully I had made the ADRs for 6 hoping she would go and didn't have to change a thing.

So, should we get this TR going? I think we shall!! I’ll finish off this post with some intro pictures and then we’ll get this party started! Woot.

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Our little family. Two parents, Morghan-10, Mykenah-9, Dimitri-6 and Michael-3

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And my sister Kristen and nephew Jayse-5
 
Could I be first... I don't believe it. Saw you on MeMom's report and came over to read. I don't post much, but I am an avid Trip Report reader. Just wanted to let you know you have a reader....keep it up.
 
December 5th, 2009! It was finally here. After a long 30 day countdown, we were finally able to X off that last day!!!
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We live in MN and our flight was leaving late, around 5pm in the evening. This meant lots of excitement and anticipation all day long.

All day long.

When are we leaving?

When will we get there?

Can we leave now?

Can we go early?

Um, no, no, no, no. Go take a nap or something. LOL! Sheesh. I spent my day doing lots of cleaning and stocking the house with guy food that could be prepared when I was away. My husband worked in the morning and finally arrived home to take his brood to the airport. We got there about 3pm and we parted ways with long hugs and a few kisses. It was going to be a long week, being away from two of my boys. I dried my sappy tears and bid them goodbye.

Now, checking in and going through security with three children alone was not fun. Not even a little bit. They have to see all three kiddos at check in so that meant they needed to stay right by me. Not sneaking into the gift shop a few feet away. Not pestering your sister by telling her she smells funny. Not pretending to see if you can curl up into a ball and fit into our carry on baggage. None of that funny business, just standing right next to your mom. And security? Ick. Four people equal eight shoes folks. It also equals one laptop, one dvd player, three backpacks and a purse. Most of that opened and laid out on that conveyor belt properly. It was a grand time BUT not one I would like to repeat tomorrow or anything.

All of that took about an hour and we were at our gate with an hour to spare. There was a lot to see and keep children busy. The most fun was watching out of the windows for airplanes coming in!
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We live pretty much in the boonies so our little airport flew us out on Allegiant Air. This means we do not go right into Orlando unfortunately but into Sanford, which is about an hour away from Orlando.

The plane was running a little bit late but we were boarded in no time. The plane ride was mostly very uneventful. I thank my lucky stars that I woke up at 3am on Black Friday to score a deal on the very handy portable dvd player. This was invaluable for Dimitri. This little man likes to chat so once I plugged in some earphones, popped in Bolt and got his attention off of the puke bags in the back of the seats (who pukes in these? why do they puke mom? what if they fill it all the way up? what if it stinks up the whole plane? and so on); he was good to go for most of the flight!

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This flared nostril thing is new. Not sure where it comes from, lol!

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The girls were stars. They usually are with stuff like that. I was able to read my book and eat my Sour Patch Kids and drink my Mt. Dew in peace. I also had subscribed to Tour Guide Mike this trip so I took the time to review my plan for the next day.

We touched down pretty late in the evening, 10:20 EST. It had been a long day, a long flight and we were feeling it. Thankfully the nice man from FL Tours was holding up the sign that read “Extremely Tired Woman with 3 Hyper Children” so I spotted him easily. He helped us with our luggage and we got into our shuttle to take us to the Happiest Place on Earth baby!!

The drive to OKW felt very long after being on a plane for over three hours and just wanting to get there already. But alas, we finally arrived! We were cleared by the security guard after he checked the list twice. (I know I was holding my breath!) He found me and sent us through that pretty white gate. We were welcomed home by a fabulous cast member behind the big desk. It was after midnight at that point so we weren’t exactly fighting lines of people trying to check in. We got our room assignment and he sent us on our way with a huge roll of Mickey Mouse stickers!! Fun stuff.

We saw that some had decorated for Christmas!! How pretty.
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Room 4916 – it seems to be at the very, very, very back of the resort. I mean way back people. That was a haul of a lifetime. I definitely did not choose this nor would ever request building 49.
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No smoking here!
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The room turned out to be okay. It was fairly large for a studio and was warm and cozy. It was a little “worn” though but we are not picky people even a little bit and were blessed to stay at a DVC resort.

Beds were chosen, teeth were brushed and jammies were put on little bodies. Unpacking could wait until tomorrow! We said our prayers and all went to bed smiling; knowing tomorrow would be spent near Cinderella’s Castle! :goodvibes


Up next: Day 1: a broken camera?!, Magic Kingdom, Fun with Pooh and Parade Taping Crowds!
 

Could I be first... I don't believe it. Saw you on MeMom's report and came over to read. I don't post much, but I am an avid Trip Report reader. Just wanted to let you know you have a reader....keep it up.

Hi there! You are very much first. Welcome, welcome!! :goodvibes
 
I too am like your first poster. Love to read, not much of a talker/poster. But at least you know that you have 2 of us.
 
Hi! Saw you on Jackie's PTR, thought I'd come on over! I'm excited to read along with your trip! I was there Dec. 5-12th, so we were there at the same time!
 
Hi! Saw you on Jackie's PTR, thought I'd come on over! I'm excited to read along with your trip! I was there Dec. 5-12th, so we were there at the same time!

Join right in!! Oh, how neat we were there at the same time! Thanks for stopping by!
 
Hold the bus! I'm getting on!!!

Old Key West? Lucky ducks!

I am looking forward to hearing all about the trip. I hope all goes very smoothly with Michael's final paperwork. Next time you go to Disney World, he'll be with you.

Going through airport security is chaotic, for sure. It's always nice to have your luggage checked and get past security. Then you can relax and start getting excited about what lies ahead.

How is it that I never beat CP to a trip report? :laughing:
 
I too am coming from CP's report. I'm really glad you said something about this TR...we're considering the same timeframe for this December, so I can't wait to hear all of your thoughts. Great start so far! :goodvibes
 
I also came over from CP PTR. Looking forward to reading all about your trip!


This was invaluable for Dimitri. This little man likes to chat so once I plugged in some earphones, popped in Bolt and got his attention off of the puke bags in the back of the seats (who pukes in these? why do they puke mom? what if they fill it all the way up? what if it stinks up the whole plane? and so on)

:lmao: You had me cracking up with this, gotta love little boys and their 3,456 questions don't you?
 
I'm here! I'm here!!! :goodvibes

Yay!! You made it. Thanks for popping over Jackie aka CP. :goodvibes You have such a cute family. I really love reading your TRs.

Hold the bus! I'm getting on!!!

Old Key West? Lucky ducks!

I am looking forward to hearing all about the trip. I hope all goes very smoothly with Michael's final paperwork. Next time you go to Disney World, he'll be with you.

Going through airport security is chaotic, for sure. It's always nice to have your luggage checked and get past security. Then you can relax and start getting excited about what lies ahead.

How is it that I never beat CP to a trip report? :laughing:

Oh, MeMom. You are just wonderful. I'm so happy to have you on board. You always know that right thing to say. :hug:

Hi! Coming over from MeMom's thread! I can't wait to read more :goodvibes

Welcome to you!! It looks like you have a trip coming up really soon! Lucky girl. :)

I too am coming from CP's report. I'm really glad you said something about this TR...we're considering the same timeframe for this December, so I can't wait to hear all of your thoughts. Great start so far! :goodvibes

Hello there! If you have anything specific you would like to know about December, please ask. When I was planning for this trip, I know I asked a million and one December questions. :laughing: Thanks for joining in!!


I also came over from CP PTR. Looking forward to reading all about your trip!




:lmao: You had me cracking up with this, gotta love little boys and their 3,456 questions don't you?

That CP, she has some faithful readers. Little boys are a hoot! I have some doozies coming up in this report so stay tuned. :thumbsup2 Thanks for coming over!


I'm subbing - can't wait to read more.

Hi there!! And welcome! You have a May trip planned? That sounds like such a nice time frame to visit.
:cloud9:
 
I also do not know how to do those fun hyperlinks. Can anyone teach me? Any kind soul in the audience? ;)
I'll try :goodvibes Write what you want to be the link, then highlight it. Now click the "insert link" (globe) button and paste on your link. It should then magically work, let me know if it does :thumbsup2


Sounds as though you had a rough journey to finally get to WDW, I'm so pleased you managed to kind of sort it all out and how nice of another DISer to help you get OKW :goodvibes
 
I'll try :goodvibes Write what you want to be the link, then highlight it. Now click the "insert link" (globe) button and paste on your link. It should then magically work, let me know if it does :thumbsup2

I just wanted to say thanks! I've been wondering myself how do this. Just tried it with the links in my siggie and it worked! :worship:
 












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