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

[MeMom]

I really appreciate the prayers and thank you for thinking about him!!

Hey, we're all family here, right?
If we had all been closer, we would have bombarded you with casseroles, too!

 

[SoonerGirl]

To give you the rundown, Dimitri came home from school on the 15th acting very tired and out of it. I thought he was probably coming down with something. He started running a temp and throwing up and telling me how much his head hurt. So I chalked it up to the flu. He woke up after napping through the afternoon and mentioned hitting his head hard at recess and being in the nurses' office with an icepack on his head. (I hadn't even received a note home about this, which is a whole different matter) I thought I better be safe and take him in to be seen by a doctor. Our small hospital is a bit of a joke and the doctor on call was just eh. He did all sorts of junk not needed such as a strep test, checked his ears, blood count, chest x-ray, whatever. Nothing showed up. I was insistent I was sure it was something to do with his head so they ran a CT scan. The results came back as "small white streak" but would need to be read by a radiologist from a bigger hospital. So, we went home for the night and had to wake him up every two hours. His symptoms persisted and we were sent to a bigger children's hospital out of our state. After reading the CT scan and checking him over, we were admitted. His headaches were horrible, the fever kept leaving and coming back, he was throwing up and he was still confused. For example, he asked me what day it was a few different times. We asked him some math questions that he already knew and he couldn't get them. It was just really scary and so out of character for Dimitri. They sent us home that Saturday night with a diagnosis of a fairly serious concussion and instructions for light activity for at least two weeks. He's very active so hitting his head again is pretty probable for him. Keeping him on the downlow has been HARD. Thankfully he's improving each day! He went back to school last Tuesday. This is the one kid that is going to age me the fastest for sure.

Head injuries are nothing to mess with, I can't believe the school didn't contact you about it I know exactly what you mean about the small town hospitals, we had serious issues with one when my grandfather had a stroke. Unfortunately there wasn't time to take him all the way to Sioux Falls so they had to go with what was close. I wish more good doctors were willing to work the small town hospitals.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear that he is doing better, I feel for you trying to keep an active boy from over doing it - I know that can't be easy!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hey, we're all family here, right?
If we had all been closer, we would have bombarded you with casseroles, too!

Except here in MN we call them "hotdishes". Strange I know.

 

[If U Had Wings]

That's great that he's doing better now. Head injuries are scary. I can't imagine trying to have to keep an active kid to take it easy.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Hello friends!! I’m back with another installment from our last day. This will probably finish up our last evening and be the last update besides departure day and maybe some final thoughts. I hate to prolong it too much as I don’t lose any more of my TR writing steam. As we left off, we were exiting the Magic Kingdom after a really fun morning minus two bumps = other rude guests.

But we made it out alive and I was a little bit sad. Yes, it was time to go home but still, this was the vacation I had planned forever. I spent all of my free time making sure it would be just wonderful and I simply couldn’t believe a week goes by that quickly. It sure doesn’t when you’re at work so why is Disney World so much different?

Soon we were back to OKW and decided to all take a little nap. The early morning wake ups had caught up to us and we thought it would feel good after a chilly morning to snuggle into a warm bed for a couple hours. The kids didn’t even argue. We put Stacy tv on and soon, everyone was asleep. And boy did that work! We all awoke refreshed and excited for our last night in Disney World. The plan was dinner and last minute shopping in DTD. We originally were going to try the MVMCP but I’m so glad we did not now, looking back. That night was chilly!! We had to break out the stretch gloves walking around Downtown Disney. Brrrr!

So, we met up with Kristen and Jayse on the walk to South Point and did not wait long for Downtown Disney bus thankfully. All week, we had fairly good bus mojo. We really enjoyed Earl so we were thinking about possibly going back there for dinner but both my sister and I wanted to give someplace else a try. So, we decided on Wolfgang Puck Express. The reviews are always excellent so I figured why not?

We arrived and found our way to WPE. Maybe going to DTD on a Friday night was not my best idea. That place was PACKED with people. Everywhere you looked, there was a crowd. Geesh. WPE of course was no exception. The line extended a little outside the door and we had to wait that way for awhile before we finally moved inside, where it was much warmer. I decided on getting Roast Beef and Cheddar minus any sauce. Two of the kiddos had pizza and the other one had a quesadilla. Our food was pretty good! I wish I would have tried something else but I went with my “safe” choice. The kids ate theirs with no complaint. It was definitely worth trying and I am sure we will go back again someday. Seating was horrendous however! That place is not that big and all six of us were squeezed at a tiny table for four, using two extra patio chairs. Eh, not impressed with that but what could they do being so busy? I felt really bad for the people forced to eat outside! Brrr again! Who wants to eat outside in cold weather? We hurried to eat so we could free up a little room for those waiting.

After a bathroom break, we all decided to wander around, buying souvenirs for ourselves and family at home. There was a lot of activity going on that evening; music with a little dance party, Santa Claus was out with a HUGE line, lots of hustle and bustle. I took a few photos but it being dark out, they didn’t turn out so hot.

The kids dancing to the music-

We spent a ton of time in the World of Disney store. That is where we picked up most our souvies to bring home. It’s been awhile but I remember buying a Christmas ornament (from the Christmas store), pens for each of my co-workers, a food bowl for our puppy, a coffee mug for myself, a fridge ornament for myself, snacks for the kids to bring back to school, a keychain, a car magnet and then other items for my mom, dad, brother, sister in law and nieces. It sure adds up there, doesn’t it? The kids each got to pick up a few more things with their spending money (and a little help from mom). Mykenah chose a Minnie Mouse outfit for her American doll and a necklace. Dimitri chose a light up sword and some cars. Now, poor Morghan…all she really wanted were a pair of those Mickey heads bobbly things. You know the headband type? She didn’t want them light up or anything, just a simple black glittery pair. Do you think we could find them anywhere?! NO!!!!!!!! We looked in every single shop in DTD, I am not kidding. They said we would have to go back to Magic Kingdom. First of all, no thanks. Second of all, we couldn’t get in anyway without a MVMCP ticket. So, my poor girl was out of luck. We had tears of course. After a long while she thankfully did decide on a cute Minnie Mouse pair of ears, along with some jewelry-

She was pretty bummed. You can tell she had been crying. Poor thing! Next time we won’t wait until the last night to buy ears, hats or whatever. We’ll just make sure they really, really want it and then purchase it. She could have gotten more use out of them earlier in the week too looking back. Oh well, live and learn.

One last stop of course….Goofy’s! We couldn’t leave DTD without a sweet treat. The kids had fun with the mirror-

We all looked around for a long while. The kids decided they wanted to Build-A-Cup, which I think is an awesome souvenir! You get a drink and then something to use at home as well. Perfect! They were yummy too. Their mom was in the mood for chocolate however so I got an apple dipped in white chocolate and rolled in pecans. Hello, heavenly!!!!! It was HUGE and they kindly cut it for me. So, so, so good! Can I got back and get one now? Please? LOL!

Morghan even made a couple little friends. These girls were twins and they had just arrived that evening on a surprise trip. How neat! They were her exact same age (10 years) so they talked for about all things Disney for quite awhile. It was really cute.

We were ready to head out for the night but the kids had one last request; to ride the monorail. We just had not had to do it that week. There was no park hopping and didn’t eat in any monorail hotel. It just didn’t come up. I am the first one to admit that I am not good with directions, ever. I have studied the park maps well and can get around okay. Not perfect but just okay with a little CM help now and then. BUT, how was I going to get us on the monorail from DTD? Eh, not in a fun way. LOL! Seriously, do not laugh too hard. I am SO embarrassed about this fiasco! I figured we’d take a Contemporary bus from DTD because I had never been in that hotel. So, on we hop and wait, wait, wait. It took a long while before it was loaded and finally we were off. It was getting late and the kids were getting really sleepy. But I couldn’t back out then, could I? We were on the bus to the Contemporary for crying out loud. Oops. Then I made the biggest mistake of all. Eek. We got off at the wrong exit. Remember, it was very late and very dark. I decided getting off the bus at Bay Lake Tower would be a lovely idea. Seriously, I had no idea where we were going. I also had no idea this was the BLT entrance. I didn't even know what BLT was really then. We got inside and I instantly knew something wasn’t right. We had to go all kinds of ways to find the main lobby of the Cont. and even had to follow behind a DVC member just to get through a keyed access door. Oh my word!!!!!!!! What a mess. I really did it. How embarrassing! All of this just to ride the monorail. My poor kids. But alas, we did get to the lobby and did find the monorail. We decided to go into the MK since it was open late for the party and then find our OKW bus from there. I took this picture somewhere at the Contemporary and you experts can tell me where. It was late and dark and I was exhausted and humiliated.

But we waited for a little bit and took this while admiring our surroundings-

and finally were on board of the beloved monorail. Yay!! After all of that, here we are. And not very much longer later, it was over. Still, I am very glad we went through that. Why you ask? Well because we rode the monorail with a very lovely family whom had a very sick child. This dear little girl rode in a chair and seemed to very, very frail. It was very humbling knowing that while we rope dropped and rode everything that we could, this little girl was probably just happy to catch a glimpse of the castle and get a hug from Mickey Mouse. Ah, I had tears that night. It was again just very humbling.

We made it back to the Magic Kingdom and at that point, couldn’t feel our feet or keep our eyes open. We were exhausted and it was way past bedtime. The kids couldn’t stay awake on the bus, the little dears.

We shuffled to our rooms and were out like lights. It had been a great last day, though a little bit of a mess getting here and there. But still a happy day! Thinking back to the little girl we saw earlier, I hugged each of my babes a little tighter and longer that night. How thankful I am for them.

Up next…
Check out day. Sad!!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Hey, we're all family here, right?
If we had all been closer, we would have bombarded you with casseroles, too!

That would have been great!

Head injuries are nothing to mess with, I can't believe the school didn't contact you about it I know exactly what you mean about the small town hospitals, we had serious issues with one when my grandfather had a stroke. Unfortunately there wasn't time to take him all the way to Sioux Falls so they had to go with what was close. I wish more good doctors were willing to work the small town hospitals.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear that he is doing better, I feel for you trying to keep an active boy from over doing it - I know that can't be easy!

I know, I was a bit frustrated about not knowing he hit his head. Our elementary school doesn't have a real nurse, she's just a para. But still, I think for a head injury, a parent should have been called. Sioux Falls is exactly where Dimitri was sent. I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather Michelle.

Except here in MN we call them "hotdishes". Strange I know.

Heehee! Silly Minnesota!

That's great that he's doing better now. Head injuries are scary. I can't imagine trying to have to keep an active kid to take it easy.

Thank you! Keeping him doing quiet activities is like shoveling while it's still snowing. Impossible!! He's a really busy kid and is getting tired of his mom keeping such a close eye on him.

 

[Tinkermom76]

I believe that pic in the Contemporary was taken from the line for the Monorail. The Mickey head is actually on the outside of the hotel but you can see it through the glass

 

[MeMom]

Soon we were back to OKW and decided to all take a little nap. The early morning wake ups had caught up to us and we thought it would feel good after a chilly morning to snuggle into a warm bed for a couple hours. The kids didn’t even argue.

Don't be sad, sweetie - those look great on you!!!

Disney naps are wonderful!

At our school, we walk on the cautious side. We call parents for pretty small things, just to cover ourselves, and certainly for a head injury.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I believe that pic in the Contemporary was taken from the line for the Monorail. The Mickey head is actually on the outside of the hotel but you can see it through the glass

I concur - here's a couple of pictures of it from the outside.

That would have been great!

Heehee! Silly Minnesota!
Thank you! Keeping him doing quiet activities is like shoveling while it's still snowing. Impossible!! He's a really busy kid and is getting tired of his mom keeping such a close eye on him.

Spoken like a Minnesotan, for sure!!! I don't think southerners would use such a reference!
Great update, I'm sorry to see your trip coming to an end!!! It was very sweet what you wrote about the little girl on the monorail. Sometimes we need things like that to remind us how lucky we are and what is really important in life!

 

[Charleston Princess]

DTD can be such a mad house at night! I love the pic of the kids dancing -- too cute!!! Poor Morghan, but I love the ears she picked out! She looks just darling!

Your monorail fiasco sounds like something that would happen to me! Glad you were finally able to find it after wandering around the Contemporary!

So sad that your last day is coming up!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Aw, what a wonderful (and tiring) last evening at Disney. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I believe that pic in the Contemporary was taken from the line for the Monorail. The Mickey head is actually on the outside of the hotel but you can see it through the glass

That sounds right.

Don't be sad, sweetie - those look great on you!!!

Disney naps are wonderful!

At our school, we walk on the cautious side. We call parents for pretty small things, just to cover ourselves, and certainly for a head injury.

I'll tell her that MeMom, poor girl. And I definitely think it's a good idea to err on the side of caution with kids and injuries. You just never know. Disney naps ARE wonderful!

I concur - here's a couple of pictures of it from the outside.

Spoken like a Minnesotan, for sure!!! I don't think southerners would use such a reference!
Great update, I'm sorry to see your trip coming to an end!!! It was very sweet what you wrote about the little girl on the monorail. Sometimes we need things like that to remind us how lucky we are and what is really important in life!

Thanks for the photos Sheree! Next time, we'll go there when it's light outside and not like 11pm at night. Bad idea. Hahaha on the snow reference. Supposedly our temps may get very low on Thursday night and we may see a few flakes. I had to yelp when I heard that on the news this morning. Yucko! They said it won't stick thankfully. It's May for crying out loud!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

DTD can be such a mad house at night! I love the pic of the kids dancing -- too cute!!! Poor Morghan, but I love the ears she picked out! She looks just darling!

Your monorail fiasco sounds like something that would happen to me! Glad you were finally able to find it after wandering around the Contemporary!

So sad that your last day is coming up!

Thanks Jackie! I'm glad I'm not the only one would would have gotten turned around and confused simply trying to ride the monorail. I was super embarrassed and debated even posting about it. Eek.

Aw, what a wonderful (and tiring) last evening at Disney. Thanks for sharing!

Very nice but yes, very tiring!! Thanks for still reading along with me.

 

[DisneyJo]

How frightening about your son, how is he now???

Even though it took longer than you anticipated I'm sure your kids were very grateful they got to ride the monorail and think not many people get to see inside BLT

 

[Lovemy3babes]

How frightening about your son, how is he now???

Even though it took longer than you anticipated I'm sure your kids were very grateful they got to ride the monorail and think not many people get to see inside BLT

He is doing much better now, thank you for asking Jo. I'm still being a little extra cautious and I'm pretty sure he's tired of my hovering. I guess seeing inside BLT was the plus of the crazy end to the night! LOL! We'll look at it that way.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Mom & I did our DTD shopping at night too and it was a madhouse! I don't think I took any pictures, it was impossible to stop and photograph anything, I'll have to download them and go through them to be sure though.

I'm sorry Morghan couldn't find the ears she wanted, but the ones she ended up with are super cute

I had a bit of a monorail fiasco myself, which you'll hear about soon, so don't feel bad - we all do it!

 

[jenseib]

DTD at night can be really crazy. And I swear bus service there is so slow.
We went in 2007 at night for dinner on a Wed. night and the palce was packed.
In 2008 we went early Friday morning, and it was so nice and free, but by 11AM it was getting really packed again.
In 2009, my DD and I ran over there on a Fri. night, our last night, to get some sandwiches and a few last minute shopping things. We waited almost 40 minutes for the bus to pick us up at Pop. It was so crowded. I like to walk fast when I'm on a mission, and I couldn't. Then on top of that we went to Goofy's and had the SLOWEST service imaginable. Then again a really long wait to get a bus back to Pop. My husband was worried to what happened to us. I just wanted a quick trip, and it turned into hours. If I had known that I wouldn't have taken DD, as she needed to get to sleep for our early flight home the next day. But all worked out, but I think I will try DTD in the day in the future, preferrrably a week day.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Mom & I did our DTD shopping at night too and it was a madhouse! I don't think I took any pictures, it was impossible to stop and photograph anything, I'll have to download them and go through them to be sure though.

I'm sorry Morghan couldn't find the ears she wanted, but the ones she ended up with are super cute

I had a bit of a monorail fiasco myself, which you'll hear about soon, so don't feel bad - we all do it!

A madhouse is an excellent description! I think the entire state of Florida was shopping that night. I bet a lot of locals go there, don't you think? No park admission so an easy way to sneak in a little Disney. I can't wait to read about your fiasco so I don't feel so silly.

DTD at night can be really crazy. And I swear bus service there is so slow.
We went in 2007 at night for dinner on a Wed. night and the palce was packed.
In 2008 we went early Friday morning, and it was so nice and free, but by 11AM it was getting really packed again.
In 2009, my DD and I ran over there on a Fri. night, our last night, to get some sandwiches and a few last minute shopping things. We waited almost 40 minutes for the bus to pick us up at Pop. It was so crowded. I like to walk fast when I'm on a mission, and I couldn't. Then on top of that we went to Goofy's and had the SLOWEST service imaginable. Then again a really long wait to get a bus back to Pop. My husband was worried to what happened to us. I just wanted a quick trip, and it turned into hours. If I had known that I wouldn't have taken DD, as she needed to get to sleep for our early flight home the next day. But all worked out, but I think I will try DTD in the day in the future, preferrrably a week day.

We also went to DTD on a Wednesday morning/afternoon and it was wonderful! I definitely think daytime during the week is so much nicer! It sounds like you had a really tough time getting back to Pop. Yikes!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I sort of have a mini update. I need some input. Some really good friends of mine have invited me to go to Disney with them this September. We would be taking advantage of the room codes that were released recently. I'd be staying at ASMo and splitting a room with a friend. (It's a girls' only trip.) So, the costs would just be half of the room cost, food, airfare and park tickets. It'd all be pretty manageable for just myself. The trip would be for 4 nights. Most of me is saying yes! The other part is held up on two things. The first night is my husband's birthday. I'm not sure I can leave him on his birthday. He has no problem with it and is telling me to go. We're getting older so birthday celebrations aren't a huge thing. BUT still. The other thing is leaving my kids to go to Disney. They LOVE Disney just as much as I do. I really think I would feel super guilty leaving them. I just am so conflicted on what to do. I really could use a small dose of my happy place before our family 2011 trip but will those two factors make me say no? Any thoughts friends?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

OOOH! I know my DH would not mind me going on his b-day but he and the kids would be INSANELY jealous if I went to WDW without them. That's a tough one. DH and I joke about how SOMEDAY we'll be able to go without kids and do whatever we want. (In about 15 years!) I think I might find myself thinking, "oh, DD7 would love to see this..." and stuff like that. But as they get older and have been a bunch of times, that might lessen. That's when I'll be able to go without kids.

Would you be able to bring them each back something special? Plus, do they know the family is going to go back in 2011? It might ease their pain.
Guess I'm not much help am I? I know I would love to do the same trip, just me and a girlfriend. I just think the timing would have to be perfect and I'd need to be in the right frame of mind to go without the family.

Good luck and keep us posted.