Our First WDW Trip!

[TeachGeekLove]

Magic Bands arrived in the mail today

 

[TeachGeekLove]

Just a quick update...the exercise regimen is going well. I've been walking miles on an incline at the gym a few times a week. My son is another story and I'm a little worried about how he'll handle days in the park. Will most likely need to take a midday break back at the resort. Good thing he's the kind of kid that can get up at the crack of dawn and stay up as late as I do.

On another note, because of some eating issues (mine) I contacted Coral Reef to see if they could make an accommodation since DS really wants to eat there. First I was told to try again 30 days out (it was like 35 days). So I emailed them two days ago and was told to allow 3-5 business days for a reply as they searched for an answer.

 

[TeachGeekLove]

One more comment before I go. At almost 2 weeks out, I can't imagine not sharing this planning time with DS. I can't understand families who spring the trip on their kids as they're going in the car. I mean, is it that your kids would be horribly behaved if they knew ahead of time? Or do you just have other people to talk with about it? I don't know. Even though I talk to some friends about this (like a friend who is very familiar with air travel has been getting an earful from me, who hasn't been on a plane in a decade...or my friends who are Disney obsessed and I treat like my own personal Birnbaum's), I can't imagine not sharing all the planning with DS. We talk about what restaurants we want to go to, what we want to do, what resorts and rides we want to see, and he has a countdown on the whiteboard in his room. When we talk about what we're thankful every day, he brings up our upcoming trip. Plus, there's so much I have to do to prepare him. For instance, he's very nervous about the plane trip so we've been reading books and watching videos (there's a good Lamar Burton video about fear of flying).

And let me tell you. DS loves Mickey. LOVES Mickey. So I just found out about the awesome Meet and Greet Mickey in Liberty Square. I started crying when I saw that video, picturing DS' reaction to the "real" Mickey. I showed him the video and he grinned ear to ear, telling me in awe that that one was the real Mickey and we HAD to see him.

Anyway, I don't mean to criticize anyone's way of doing their trip. Just posting my thoughts on how I'm doing things. I'm sure we all come from very different situations and family types that allow for different ways of doing things like this. And I hope that anyone planning a family trip has a great time!

 

[TeachGeekLove]

What's in the Bag?​

What do you pack for a day trip? Since DS is too big for a stroller and just old enough to carry his own supplies, we'll both have small, mesh bags to carry around. I was thinking belly bag, but we'll have just way too much stuff, I think. What do you carry? What is your advice? Here's what we'll have:

Me
Small first aid kid (bandaids and blister packs)
Water bottle?
Ziploc bags
Kleenex
Eye drops
Phone, tickets (yes, I have some hard copy tickets), ID, etc.
Hats and sunglasses
Fans (manual and electric)
Ponchos
Extra phone battery (got this at 5 below for $3. You charge the brick via USB and then plug it into your phone. Neat!)
Wipes
Tylenol

DS
Nintendo DS
(Clearly, the essentials)

Extras
Epcot day - Duffy
MK day - autograph book

 

[ZehnJahren]

I carry very little into the parks; just necessities. I always have a $1 poncho too, in case it rains, and ziplocks (gallon and sandwich sized) to protect my phone / purse if need be. I don't worry about kleenex (since I can stop at any CS and get napkins) or tylenol (first aid for free).

Also you can get water for free at any CS as well, so you don't HAVE to carry a water bottle - though I end up doing it anyway most of the time. I drink a ton of water in my daily life though, so I up it during Disney - though I'm not sure how!

 

[TeachGeekLove]

While I realize that Florida thunderstorms are common, I checked the weather yesterday for the 10 day forecast and it as beginning to look like a lot of rain was on the plan. I began to get very disappointed. Then DS and I went through our books and realized that the majority of the rides are indoors and, supposedly, the animals are more active when it rains. Spirits lifted, I checked the weather again today and it's saying 30% chance of rain. Much better than 70%! I'm not sure how I feel about the 95 temps with 11 on the UV index and 77% humidity, though, but I'll take it!

Now, that said, DS has a bit of fear of flying. I don't blame him! The first time I was ever on a plane it was with a group of friends and they got such a kick out of my fear. Yeah, hilarious >_> Anyway, I've shown him pictures of the plane (inside and out), talked to him about statistics, etc. So now he's telling me he's worried it will be like a ride that goes too fast. I brought home a couple books and showed him the Reading Rainbow video about flying, I hope it all helps

 

[Disneychix]

You're DS will be fine. They let you have small electronics on while taking off now so things like his Nintendo DS and an ipod/ipad can be used. Maybe that will help take his mind off being scared?

What airline are you flying? Maybe when you check in you can tell someone about his fears and they can let him see the cockpit and meet the flight crew?

I wouldn't worry about he rain all that much. We went one year and it poured at the MK. We were drowned rats! It was still fun and my DS talks about that all the time. It's just one of those things you can't escape but you are ready for with the ponchos and correct footwear!

 

[TeachGeekLove]

We are taking Frontier. We're sitting right behind the cockpit, so maybe they'll see the nervous kiddo and offer? I might make him a "my first plane trip" button.

 

[TeachGeekLove]

Oh, man. I'm so glad I printed out all my reservation and confirmation info way ahead of time. The last couple days have seen MyDisneyExperience problems. Yesterday, it told me I had no reservations, confirmation numbers, etc. Today I don't see any WDW sites working (I just see Donald telling me about maintenance). Yikes! Hope we don't run into any problems! I can't believe we're going to be there in just over a day!

 

[Poohbear77]

Just caught up!

Your story is inspirational! I hope you have a wonderful time making memories with your son.

If you get some downtime and feel up to it, I would love to hear how your trip went, and any suggestions/tips you may have. We leave in 25 days!

 

[Disneychix]

Have fun! Be sure to tell us all about it! Enjoy each moment

 

[TeachGeekLove]

Oh, man. So, just to update quickly, then will post a full trip report in a few days: things are ridiculous. Not in a good way. Like, CMs are horribly rude. The room was dirty. Coral Reef wouldn't accommodate a request I had made through special diets. DS is terribly sick. And today housekeeping broke something valuable and important. Wow!

One thing I keep focusing on: Why are people so unhappy to be in Disney World? Seriously, there are some horrible people here right now. Things are not going well.

 

[Poohbear77]

Oh crap! Hope it turns around for you quickly.
No-one should be unhappy at Disney!

 

[sianell]

Hope your trip ended on a better note!