Our little thread of BIG changes, the neverending saga of the Resort Changers

[dimndgal1]

How'd the FP bookings go?

We have booked the Family Magic Tour and BBB for DD one evening now...only DTD was available, so it's while we're at POR and we'll have dinner at 1900 later that same night. Pre-park opening ADR the following morning at MK so maybe it'll last through those pics?

Missed this first time through!!!
We did BBB last trip with DD6 and had to BEG her to take her hair out on day 3. We did late evening DtD and no wait for pics (they took 15 or 20!... even let me be in some!); since we pre-ordered CD the photog was totally amiable to it all! We had 805 at CRT following morning and her hair looked PERFECT! This is despite running through a tropical storm after BBB and en route to CRT - we brought a scarf to wrap around her hair for bed and kept it on until we got to CRT. The 'best' part was that her makeup wore off overnight so we put on a much more toned-down (read: dad approved) level for CRT. I can send some pics if interested (I have a slew on FB but need to load to Photobucket to post here). We didn't get to swim the night of the do or the following day (due to rain) but since we swam the third day, we made her take it down that night. FWIW, we did the courtyard package (came with a skirt) and twisties in her hair.
We did the little bun when she was 3 at DL and that held up overnight well but by second morning it was losing wispies. Highly recommend bringing a little gel just to tame any humidity-induced frizzies!

Extra day, extra day

We are so glad to have you too!!! I can't believe the babe is almost one!!! And it's been quite the year for you!!!

SO happy to find you!!!!
Yes, I am very ready for the drama to end and the magic to begin!!!

Yes -- welcome to all the newbies! I do have to say, this is the best thread on the board. It's awesome when people truly get what we're feeling!

And, we've got lots and lots of trips coming up! It's now feeling, really real. We have 78 days left, and I got an email this morning from Disney reminding me of FP+ coming up in a few weeks. Wasn't expecting that! I need to figure out what I want, for what times. I feel like this will be the hardest thing for me to do. I really need to think about how I want our days to look, how many rope drops, etc.

Decisions, decisions!

Ugh, it's always something! I'm just now settling back from sending TA our ADRs only to realize we have FP+ coming up in a few weeks for Sept. DD6 just announced tonight she wants to save her money for BBB... so now DH and I have to discuss if we'll let her do it in Sept or Dec. Hmmmmm....

The plans for my upcoming trip are really done. We are just waiting for Disney to announce their military discount for December. Hopefully we'll be able to keep our current resort, BWI. When the Candlelight Processional packages are released, we plan on booking that with hopefully Teppan Edo. We still haven't bought our MVMCP tickets, but I'm waiting on my friend's hubby to pass his PT test and a military discount to be released.

SHOULD be next month... there's a website that keeps up to date on those things pretty well. Steve at military disney tips was within a few days of last years' announcement and is predicting mid-July this year. I know TONS of people waiting for that to come!!!

I'm sure it is very hard for her to understand at her age.

I'm glad you were able to get ADRs nailed down. It doesn't even sound like you had to duct tape them to the wall and beat them until they picked their ADRs.

We're all doing good here. I hope things get calmer for your family.

DUDE, after sending TA our final list Friday night, FIL got to talking about our Sept ADRs tonight and said how much he wished he could eat at Boma... so I ran to the computer and reworked some things and made a space for it where it works without messing up other things. Then, called TA and sent her an email (super apologetic). She wrote back she would note the change... all within 12 hours of ADRs opening for the trip.

Then, DH and I unilaterally changed where we want to do Christmas Dinner (lots of research, discussion, and finally him saying he'd take the fall if others complain). I'm happier with things now but MAN, will it be nice to see the first draft tomorrow from the TA. I'd say final, but (honestly) we know how this is going to transpire.

DD is hanging in there but lots of heavy questions. She's pretty intuitive and it's been hard to hide the seriousness of things. Still, she's focusing on little sister's first birthday and her first trip away from us... big fun for big sis!

You are so right. It would be absolutely disrespectful as their son/daughter in law to not arrive a day early to be there to greet them. After all they did to raise him, the least your husband could do is to arrive a day early to be there to greet them. If you think about it, it's selfish of him not to.

DH says he's going to start monitoring my DIS time if I don't leave the grumpy nitpickers on the WL threads alone or if I keep letting you all encourage my ideas...

Introductions are a good idea.

My name is Kim...

I didn't know you had a 32 weeker! I had 42 and 32 so DH figures I average out to term. Our LO was 4.15 lbs (which totally caught docs off-guard... so big!) and was in NICU for a month but is doing so great now. She's a lardo and quickly learning how to chase after big sis! So glad your kiddos are doing well and LOVE your story about meeting DH!!!

Ok well FPs made for all 2 weeks. Can't believe it took me 2+ hrs I don't understand why they can't improve the process first you have to book picking option A, B, or C. then you have to go back in and change them all to the times you actually want!! Why can't we just skip the options and book the times we want in the first place?????

My thoughts on FP+. There are things I like and some I don't. I like that when there are days we don't plan on rope drop, like a couple of breakfast days, we still have FPs, during times we want, rather then possibility of them running out or a really late time you have no control of with legacy pass.

Things I don't like is that it's a lot more work, (2hrs) and I don't like the tiers at DHS & Epcot.

Oh, I so agree with this! I love that I have an opportunity to get FPs even if I'm not there for RD or if I hop... but I hate, HATE planning out and how tedious it is! Luckily, I will be out west when FP window opens for Sept (so midnight won't feel so late!) but I loathe to think how I am going to work 12 people's FP for Dec!!!! TA offered to do it but I know it's going to be so much of "X many here" "X many there" "X many this and this but not this"... *sighs*

Yes Jeanette, lots of newbies but you are all in the right place! I stumbled upon here in 2011 or early 2012 with a question about switching back to the Poly and have never left! Lots of fab women here.

One question is all it takes to fall into the RC cycle!!! But it's a great one to be in!!!


*fingers crossed* I get a great email tomorrow! DH and I changed our Christmas dinner options away from buffet and to more of the 'hidden' gem restaurants that offer the additional holiday selection. TA was really concerned we would get broken up into smaller groups at the buffet and also that the experience wouldn't be what we were looking for. HOPING we end up coming out ahead, but we shall see!!!!

*HUGS* to all and have a great night!

 

[letthewookiewin]

SHOULD be next month... there's a website that keeps up to date on those things pretty well. Steve at military disney tips was within a few days of last years' announcement and is predicting mid-July this year. I know TONS of people waiting for that to come!!!

My friend has talked about Steve, and monitors his information. Hopefully, he's right and it will be mid July. That would work our perfect since my friend's DH is retaking his PT test about July 12 or 13th.

DUDE, after sending TA our final list Friday night, FIL got to talking about our Sept ADRs tonight and said how much he wished he could eat at Boma... so I ran to the computer and reworked some things and made a space for it where it works without messing up other things. Then, called TA and sent her an email (super apologetic). She wrote back she would note the change... all within 12 hours of ADRs opening for the trip.

Then, DH and I unilaterally changed where we want to do Christmas Dinner (lots of research, discussion, and finally him saying he'd take the fall if others complain). I'm happier with things now but MAN, will it be nice to see the first draft tomorrow from the TA. I'd say final, but (honestly) we know how this is going to transpire.

First, I am so glad I am not the only one out there that still uses "dude" on a regular basis. I even use it on my kids.

Sounds like you have a good TA.

DD is hanging in there but lots of heavy questions. She's pretty intuitive and it's been hard to hide the seriousness of things. Still, she's focusing on little sister's first birthday and her first trip away from us... big fun for big sis!

I'm sure it is hard to hide from her. My boys really haven't had anyone close to them pass. My fil's father did kill himself last Summer, and the oldest did go to the funeral. They just hadn't been around him much do to him being an alcoholic. They probably saw him less than 20 times in there entire life, so they didn't know him at all. The mil's mother passed from cancer, and neither of the boys went to his funeral. The boys didn't spend any more time with her than they did the fil's father, so they didn't know her either. Kids are resilient, and I'm glad she has some amazing things to focus on.

DH says he's going to start monitoring my DIS time if I don't leave the grumpy nitpickers on the WL threads alone or if I keep letting you all encourage my ideas...

My DH says that to. He even says he is going to block the DIS so I can't get on it.

I didn't know you had a 32 weeker! I had 42 and 32 so DH figures I average out to term. Our LO was 4.15 lbs (which totally caught docs off-guard... so big!) and was in NICU for a month but is doing so great now. She's a lardo and quickly learning how to chase after big sis! So glad your kiddos are doing well and LOVE your story about meeting DH!!!

Yes, ma'am. Here is my favorite pic of him in the NICU..


He was born on November 13, and we took him home from the NICU the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

My youngest son was a full term baby, but only weighed about 5 lbs. The doctor said that was normal since I had them so close together.

*fingers crossed* I get a great email tomorrow! DH and I changed our Christmas dinner options away from buffet and to more of the 'hidden' gem restaurants that offer the additional holiday selection. TA was really concerned we would get broken up into smaller groups at the buffet and also that the experience wouldn't be what we were looking for. HOPING we end up coming out ahead, but we shall see!!!!

*HUGS* to all and have a great night!

*fingers, toes, arms, and legs crossed* Hopefully, you'll get the ones you want. This upcoming trip is the first one I didn't get all the ADRs we wanted. We couldn't get 'Ohana for dinner at a decent time, and we ended up settling on 1900 Park Faire the night we go to MVMCP because we couldn't find another option at a time we liked. I have never been to 1900 PF, but it will get us to the GF, which we wanted to do any way to look at the Christmas decorations.

Well it looks like I'm going to work with the hubby again tomorrow. He had to put his work car in the shop at the end of last week, so he's been having me go with him and drive.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I have lots of Mine Train FPs!! Morning, night time, mid day!! so hope I like it!!!!

Me too! I just kept booking it on every MK day! DD thinks it might bother my back but I say we'll see ....

 

[dimndgal1]

My friend has talked about Steve, and monitors his information. Hopefully, he's right and it will be mid July. That would work our perfect since my friend's DH is retaking his PT test about July 12 or 13th.

*fingers crossed!*

First, I am so glad I am not the only one out there that still uses "dude" on a regular basis. I even use it on my kids.
Sounds like you have a good TA.

I use it way too much. DD rolls her eyes when I do - going to be some looooong teenage years for her.

I have a very understanding TA. At least I hope she is - I already want to change one ADR from this AM!

I am glad your kids haven't had to be too close to losing family. I only lost an uncle when I was young and a good friend to Cystic Fibrosis when I was 12. I think the latter affected me immensely (she was 13) but I was old enough to process most of what was happening. It's hard to bring stuff like that down to a level a 6 yo will understand without being TOO much.

Yes, ma'am. Here is my favorite pic of him in the NICU..


He was born on November 13, and we took him home from the NICU the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

My youngest son was a full term baby, but only weighed about 5 lbs. The doctor said that was normal since I had them so close together.

What a cutie! And so happy he was only in for a short time! Our LO was reluctant to grasp the suck/swallow/breathe thing so she was moved up from NICU but still in nursery after 2 weeks. She finally got the hang of it but went home on an apnea monitor due to As & Bs. She's doing great now but it's crazy to see how far we've come!
[/QUOTE]

Hope the drive with hubby wasn't TOO early/hard/annoying. I hate when DH and I have to split a car... mostly because his flights are SOOO early and I hate dragging the kiddos along.

Me too! I just kept booking it on every MK day! DD thinks it might bother my back but I say we'll see ....

I would rather HAVE the FPs and end up releasing them than wishing I had them!!!


So, TA did her magic this morning and we got almost all the ADRs we wanted for Christmas. I'm not thrilled with Christmas Dinner (we have our third choice of GF Cafe)... Cape May has no availability, the Wave has no availability. Just wondering if they might have waited to release those days??? I mean, no availability for dinner - even when I drop the group size down to 4.

1900 PF is available and so is 'Ohana. I don't think MIL would go for 'Ohana but I am seriously considering flipping our group to 1900 because I think the buffet would work 'better' for our group. I just don't know if the characters would be a turn off for some of the less 'Disney' people in the group. I just don't know!!!!

 

[Koh1977]

FWIW - we all loved 1900 for dinner and that was one request DH had for this trip. Everyone was happy with the choices on the buffet and the characters were great!
Not sure about It specifically being Christmas dinner, but...it's nice without being overly Disneyfied if you know what I mean.

Introductions...? I'm Krystal and I am an English teacher (moving from high school to middle school this fall which I am both excited and anxious about since it's been a while since I taught MS and it wasn't very pleasant the last time). DH and I have been married for 9 years this August, although I have known him and gone to school with him since 5th grade. We were engaged at Alfredo's at Epcot in April 2004 and had a Disney inspired wedding reception (tables named after Disney animated movies, Mickey and Minnie cake topper, the song Promise from Illuminations as our first dance song, etc.) We have 2 kids. DS is 7 and DD is 3. We have basically been to Disney every year since DS was almost 2 (except for the year DD was born since she was born in May and we go during the summer). We've stayed offsite at the Doubletree Suites and then more recently on property at the Poly (2 stays and my favorite resort so far) and Beach Club (once only and would love to stay again for my 40th bday girls only F&W trip in 2017!) I am a true Libra and as indecisive as they come, SO...I happened upon this thread back when I booked the BC after numerous changes and returned last year when I went through as many if not more RCs before ending up at the Poly.

We only have 9 days left before our trip, but I am so anxious and stressed and worried about it all that I don't know what to do. My MIL was diagnosed soon after we returned from Disney last year with stage 4 sarcoma cancer. Long story short, she is not doing well right now. DH is over at their house almost every night, sometimes multiple times a day, and we get countless phone calls. Actually there were at least 5 this morning starting at 3:30am and that was all before I left the house at ten til 8. They've taken her to the ER because she was screaming to call 911. I realize she's in lots of pain but it seemed to be under control this weekend when we upped the pain meds, so I don't know...we NEED this break and DH NEEDS to get away, but if anything happens while we're gone...BIL will be making sure everything's taken care of here and will update us I'm sure, but still...on top of that, my mom was diagnosed recently with stage 4 breast cancer (metastasized in the bone - hip/femur area). She's in better shape right now with it, but still...not sure how many years we have left so...needless to say, this Disney trip is the only thing that's keeping my mind off everything else...but I feel guilty at the same time.

Wow! Sorry, that was not a very happy way to start the morning huh... *hugs all around*

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[pas130]

Yes -- welcome to all the newbies! I do have to say, this is the best thread on the board. It's awesome when people truly get what we're feeling!

And, we've got lots and lots of trips coming up! It's now feeling, really real. We have 78 days left, and I got an email this morning from Disney reminding me of FP+ coming up in a few weeks. Wasn't expecting that! I need to figure out what I want, for what times. I feel like this will be the hardest thing for me to do. I really need to think about how I want our days to look, how many rope drops, etc.

Decisions, decisions!

I was horribly unprepared for my FP today, even though I planned I couldn't make up my mind

I have A&E and SDMT, and ALL the important rides

Exactly, nothing is really offtopic here, since we are not only a support group for RC'ing, but for anything.

Yes Jeanette, lots of newbies but you are all in the right place! I stumbled upon here in 2011 or early 2012 with a question about switching back to the Poly and have never left! Lots of fab women here.

Best friends ever!!

SO happy to find you!!!!
Yes, I am very ready for the drama to end and the magic to begin!!!

My DH says that to. He even says he is going to block the DIS so I can't get on it.




Yes, ma'am. Here is my favorite pic of him in the NICU..

I love baby pics!!!!

Me too! I just kept booking it on every MK day! DD thinks it might bother my back but I say we'll see ....

I hope it doesn't Mama!!

I have a very understanding TA. At least I hope she is - I already want to change one ADR from this AM!

Haha, I still have to form the support group for RC TAs...to be a fly on the wall there

We only have 9 days left before our trip, but I am so anxious and stressed and worried about it all that I don't know what to do. My MIL was diagnosed soon after we returned from Disney last year with stage 4 sarcoma cancer. Long story short, she is not doing well right now. DH is over at their house almost every night, sometimes multiple times a day, and we get countless phone calls. Actually there were at least 5 this morning starting at 3:30am and that was all before I left the house at ten til 8. They've taken her to the ER because she was screaming to call 911. I realize she's in lots of pain but it seemed to be under control this weekend when we upped the pain meds, so I don't know...we NEED this break and DH NEEDS to get away, but if anything happens while we're gone...BIL will be making sure everything's taken care of here and will update us I'm sure, but still...on top of that, my mom was diagnosed recently with stage 4 breast cancer (metastasized in the bone - hip/femur area). She's in better shape right now with it, but still...not sure how many years we have left so...needless to say, this Disney trip is the only thing that's keeping my mind off everything else...but I feel guilty at the same time.

Wow! Sorry, that was not a very happy way to start the morning huh... *hugs all around*

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I feel bad even doing a single digit dance for you Krystal Is DH okay going away??? If so, go and try to enjoy the Magic!! It sounds as things with MIL are unstable, that has got to be difficult. Prayers!!!

 

[Koh1977]

Thanks Jeanette.

When I talked to him about it the night before last, he said no time is going to be ideal, and he really needs a break and time to decompress. I laughingly said Disney probably wasn't the best place for that, but he wants to make the kids happy. I said that if he needs a break himself, just to let me know and I can take the kids for a few hours and all.

That was before today. Once we get more info and see how she does today and the next couple of days, I guess I will check with him again and make sure it's ok. Ay yi yi...

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Sue M]

FWIW - we all loved 1900 for dinner and that was one request DH had for this trip. Everyone was happy with the choices on the buffet and the characters were great!
Not sure about It specifically being Christmas dinner, but...it's nice without being overly Disneyfied if you know what I mean.

Introductions...? I'm Krystal and I am an English teacher (moving from high school to middle school this fall which I am both excited and anxious about since it's been a while since I taught MS and it wasn't very pleasant the last time). DH and I have been married for 9 years this August, although I have known him and gone to school with him since 5th grade. We were engaged at Alfredo's at Epcot in April 2004 and had a Disney inspired wedding reception (tables named after Disney animated movies, Mickey and Minnie cake topper, the song Promise from Illuminations as our first dance song, etc.) We have 2 kids. DS is 7 and DD is 3. We have basically been to Disney every year since DS was almost 2 (except for the year DD was born since she was born in May and we go during the summer). We've stayed offsite at the Doubletree Suites and then more recently on property at the Poly (2 stays and my favorite resort so far) and Beach Club (once only and would love to stay again for my 40th bday girls only F&W trip in 2017!) I am a true Libra and as indecisive as they come, SO...I happened upon this thread back when I booked the BC after numerous changes and returned last year when I went through as many if not more RCs before ending up at the Poly.

We only have 9 days left before our trip, but I am so anxious and stressed and worried about it all that I don't know what to do. My MIL was diagnosed soon after we returned from Disney last year with stage 4 sarcoma cancer. Long story short, she is not doing well right now. DH is over at their house almost every night, sometimes multiple times a day, and we get countless phone calls. Actually there were at least 5 this morning starting at 3:30am and that was all before I left the house at ten til 8. They've taken her to the ER because she was screaming to call 911. I realize she's in lots of pain but it seemed to be under control this weekend when we upped the pain meds, so I don't know...we NEED this break and DH NEEDS to get away, but if anything happens while we're gone...BIL will be making sure everything's taken care of here and will update us I'm sure, but still...on top of that, my mom was diagnosed recently with stage 4 breast cancer (metastasized in the bone - hip/femur area). She's in better shape right now with it, but still...not sure how many years we have left so...needless to say, this Disney trip is the only thing that's keeping my mind off everything else...but I feel guilty at the same time.

Wow! Sorry, that was not a very happy way to start the morning huh... *hugs all around*

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Sounds like you need a lot of pixie dust right now

 

[Sue M]

introductions I'm Sue. I live on the west coast with my husband and 1 adult daughter,( other daughter has her own apt )and 2 dogs & 2 cats I am support staff at a high school.

My daughter at home and I go to wdw twice a year. My younger daughter hasn't been able to for a few years due to school & work sched. During school she had a summer camp job and her college semester break wasn't the same as me.
We are very excited that she is able to come this August. She graduated last June, and after camp found a full time job in her field. So she is now able to get summer holiday!!

I have family in Ft Lauderdale, which justifies my going down twice a year . Our plan this summer is Lauderdale for 9 days, then Universal 3 days at Portofino, then Wdw at GF for 2 weeks. My youngest can only get 2 weeks off, so she will come to GF with us then take DME the next day to go home. I've surprised them with 2 days Sugar Loaf!

We were orig booked at a Poly but with construction and pool closure we ch changed to GF!!

Oh, my husband has no desire to go to wdw so he stays home with the animals. And it's ok, because I love my mom/daughter trips, they are very special.

I have a friend in L.A. Who meets up with me during our trips in Jan & Aug too. Depending on work sched, we have the bulk of our time together. This Aug she is checking in 3 days later, and leaving 3 days later.

 

[pigletgirl]

Another introduction!

My name is Emily, and my husband and I have been married 3 years. We live in the Midwest and so far we like it. We are both from Arizona (both born and raised) and are high school sweethearts. We have a beautiful daughter who is 13 months that gives us a run for our money! She's totally amazing, and we can't imagine life without her.

We are planning our first WDW family vacation this September (the 8th-15th) and we can't wait! DH and I honeymooned there back in 2011 and stayed at the Contemporary. Unfortunately we both had horrendous colds so we didn't get to enjoy the parks as much as we had hoped. I am praying for good health this time around!

We definitely love the Disney magic and (God willing) hope to return on a yearly basis with our family.

 

[pigletgirl]

Thanks Jeanette.

When I talked to him about it the night before last, he said no time is going to be ideal, and he really needs a break and time to decompress. I laughingly said Disney probably wasn't the best place for that, but he wants to make the kids happy. I said that if he needs a break himself, just to let me know and I can take the kids for a few hours and all.

That was before today. Once we get more info and see how she does today and the next couple of days, I guess I will check with him again and make sure it's ok. Ay yi yi...

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I think a trip sounds like what he needs!

But in all seriousness, I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Like you said, no time will be ideal, but it's important to keep your husband healthy too, and getting away is a great way to do that.

 

[disney meema]

I've posted. It never did an introduction so here is goes : )

We lived in Utah for 8 years and before that in Southern California for 45 years. Up until 2 years ago we still had a house in California so we had the best of the coast of California and mountains of Utah which was wonderful. It became costly so we went all in at Utah and enjoy the winter snow ect. Still go to California several times a year with an upcoming trip for 10 days in July to visit family, disney, universal and. Sea world San Diego area. Still a California family at heart : )
My husband and I have been married almost 35 years and have 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren twin boys 14 yrs, twin girls 12 yrs, single girl 12 yrs, single boy 11 yrs. and boy/girl twins 4 yrs old ( yeah 3 sets of twins )
This current trip we are planning in November 2014 will be our first with no kids or grandkiddies which still seems a bit weird for me ... but will be dining at more upscale restaurants, food and wine and other plans for an adult trip. Planning on going back with family in 2015.
We are booked 2 nights at AKL CL, 10 nights GF theme park view and lastly 2 nights GF main building RP CL. Originally we booked WL CL but with the pool gate going on there we switched up our trip and now our trips really blown up cost wise ... Yikes!

 

[letthewookiewin]

I am glad your kids haven't had to be too close to losing family. I only lost an uncle when I was young and a good friend to Cystic Fibrosis when I was 12. I think the latter affected me immensely (she was 13) but I was old enough to process most of what was happening. It's hard to bring stuff like that down to a level a 6 yo will understand without being TOO much.

We have been very lucky with the boys not losing someone close to them. I can't imagine having to explain what your family is going through to a 6 year old. Sending lots of prayers.

What a cutie! And so happy he was only in for a short time! Our LO was reluctant to grasp the suck/swallow/breathe thing so she was moved up from NICU but still in nursery after 2 weeks. She finally got the hang of it but went home on an apnea monitor due to As & Bs. She's doing great now but it's crazy to see how far we've come!

Joey came home on the apnea monitor as well. I think he was on one for at least 6 months. It seemed like that thing was always going off due to the wires getting lose from him moving.

Hope the drive with hubby wasn't TOO early/hard/annoying. I hate when DH and I have to split a car... mostly because his flights are SOOO early and I hate dragging the kiddos along.

It's not too bad. He does buy me lunch. The first day he got me Panera Bread. The 2nd day he got me Chick-fil-A for lunch and an ice cream cone as we headed home.

So, TA did her magic this morning and we got almost all the ADRs we wanted for Christmas. I'm not thrilled with Christmas Dinner (we have our third choice of GF Cafe)... Cape May has no availability, the Wave has no availability. Just wondering if they might have waited to release those days??? I mean, no availability for dinner - even when I drop the group size down to 4.

1900 PF is available and so is 'Ohana. I don't think MIL would go for 'Ohana but I am seriously considering flipping our group to 1900 because I think the buffet would work 'better' for our group. I just don't know if the characters would be a turn off for some of the less 'Disney' people in the group. I just don't know!!!!

I'm glad you were at least able to get most of what you wanted. With a group as big as yours, it's hard to please everyone. If you think 1900 would please the majority, I would book it.

FWIW - we all loved 1900 for dinner and that was one request DH had for this trip. Everyone was happy with the choices on the buffet and the characters were great!
Not sure about It specifically being Christmas dinner, but...it's nice without being overly Disneyfied if you know what I mean.

Thank you, that helps me as well. I meant to, but I think I forgot to, ask for opinions about 1900 since I have never eaten there.

Introductions...? I'm Krystal and I am an English teacher (moving from high school to middle school this fall which I am both excited and anxious about since it's been a while since I taught MS and it wasn't very pleasant the last time). DH and I have been married for 9 years this August, although I have known him and gone to school with him since 5th grade. We were engaged at Alfredo's at Epcot in April 2004 and had a Disney inspired wedding reception (tables named after Disney animated movies, Mickey and Minnie cake topper, the song Promise from Illuminations as our first dance song, etc.) We have 2 kids. DS is 7 and DD is 3. We have basically been to Disney every year since DS was almost 2 (except for the year DD was born since she was born in May and we go during the summer). We've stayed offsite at the Doubletree Suites and then more recently on property at the Poly (2 stays and my favorite resort so far) and Beach Club (once only and would love to stay again for my 40th bday girls only F&W trip in 2017!) I am a true Libra and as indecisive as they come, SO...I happened upon this thread back when I booked the BC after numerous changes and returned last year when I went through as many if not more RCs before ending up at the Poly.

We only have 9 days left before our trip, but I am so anxious and stressed and worried about it all that I don't know what to do. My MIL was diagnosed soon after we returned from Disney last year with stage 4 sarcoma cancer. Long story short, she is not doing well right now. DH is over at their house almost every night, sometimes multiple times a day, and we get countless phone calls. Actually there were at least 5 this morning starting at 3:30am and that was all before I left the house at ten til 8. They've taken her to the ER because she was screaming to call 911. I realize she's in lots of pain but it seemed to be under control this weekend when we upped the pain meds, so I don't know...we NEED this break and DH NEEDS to get away, but if anything happens while we're gone...BIL will be making sure everything's taken care of here and will update us I'm sure, but still...on top of that, my mom was diagnosed recently with stage 4 breast cancer (metastasized in the bone - hip/femur area). She's in better shape right now with it, but still...not sure how many years we have left so...needless to say, this Disney trip is the only thing that's keeping my mind off everything else...but I feel guilty at the same time.

Wow! Sorry, that was not a very happy way to start the morning huh... *hugs all around*

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It sounds like your family is in need of some Disney magic. Sending lots of prayers.

I love baby pics!!!!

Me too!! They used a coffee cup to make a crown. They had to put an IV in his head, and thought the site of that would bother me.

Thanks Jeanette.

When I talked to him about it the night before last, he said no time is going to be ideal, and he really needs a break and time to decompress. I laughingly said Disney probably wasn't the best place for that, but he wants to make the kids happy. I said that if he needs a break himself, just to let me know and I can take the kids for a few hours and all.

That was before today. Once we get more info and see how she does today and the next couple of days, I guess I will check with him again and make sure it's ok. Ay yi yi...

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We went through that with our 2012 trip. The DH's father had just had back surgery and actually ended up having emergency surgery on his back the day we left for WDW. At one point while he was in the hospital with his first surgery, he actually stopped breathing and they had to do CPR to bring him back. This made the decision to go ahead and leave really hard, but the hubby insisted we leave as planned. Like you hubby, he said he needed to get away from stresses caused by his parents health issues, and time to just be our little family of 4.

 

[Sue M]

Me too! I just kept booking it on every MK day! DD thinks it might bother my back but I say we'll see ....

I've read reports that it's pretty smooth. Guess we will find out!!

 

[dimndgal1]

I was horribly unprepared for my FP today, even though I planned I couldn't make up my mind

I have A&E and SDMT, and ALL the important rides

Haha, I still have to form the support group for RC TAs...to be a fly on the wall there

As long as you nailed down the important ones. DD brought me a paper with " My Fastpass choices: Evrest, Race Car Robots (Test Track), Frozen, Tower of Terror, Rock n Roller coaster. Then whatever you and Daddy want" She cracks me up - she hasn't ridden Test Track since she was 4 and can never remember the name (just remembers it had a race car and robots), and she said it's a good thing no one likes the boring (slow) rides that LO will want to ride because "I can use the Fastpasses!" What a wake up call this trip will be .

Also, my TA finally said "if you see an ADR you like, grab it and let me know so I can note it. I don't want you to have to wait for my response with the limited availability of Christmas options"... I think that means I finally went one too many .

Thanks Jeanette.

When I talked to him about it the night before last, he said no time is going to be ideal, and he really needs a break and time to decompress. I laughingly said Disney probably wasn't the best place for that, but he wants to make the kids happy. I said that if he needs a break himself, just to let me know and I can take the kids for a few hours and all.

That was before today. Once we get more info and see how she does today and the next couple of days, I guess I will check with him again and make sure it's ok. Ay yi yi...

I am so sorry for all you are going through. I know that a Disney trip is the exact thing you need and a stressful "what if" making machine... I hope that you guys will be able to escape the stress a bit and enjoy your time together but I also know your family will be on your mind. Just don't feel guilty getting away for a bit - if anything, the stuff that is going on should make you realize how important time together with your DH and kiddos is and how precious those memories are. I wish you an amazing time and will be thinking of you all!!!

introductions

Oh, my husband has no desire to go to wdw so he stays home with the animals. And it's ok, because I love my mom/daughter trips, they are very special.

I love the idea of Mother/Daughter trips! I'm not sure who's more excited for that type of trip - me or DH... because it means he can avoid the mouse for a bit.

We are planning our first WDW family vacation this September (the 8th-15th) and we can't wait! DH and I honeymooned there back in 2011 and stayed at the Contemporary. Unfortunately we both had horrendous colds so we didn't get to enjoy the parks as much as we had hoped. I am praying for good health this time around!

We definitely love the Disney magic and (God willing) hope to return on a yearly basis with our family.

There is nothing like taking a toddler to Disney. The whole world is magical for them and Disney is just the epicenter. Our DD was 18 months first trip to DL and everything from the fake rocks to the lights to the characters was worth stopping and watching. We rode the carousel so much I got sick but she just ate up every minute. It takes touring to a different perspective, but it makes you enjoy the details that the little ones notice and we often overlook.

We are booked 2 nights at AKL CL, 10 nights GF theme park view and lastly 2 nights GF main building RP CL. Originally we booked WL CL but with the pool gate going on there we switched up our trip and now our trips really blown up cost wise ... Yikes!

Three sets of twine! We have a twin gene running on both sides of DH and my family but dodged it twice. Can't imagine TWO of our little ones... love 'em but one is enough to tire me out! Still, something about twins and their natural bond is so amazing and I think it's neat to have so many built in friends in the fam!

Glad you avoided pool-gate! We're in for the long haul but since we had built in pool days, we can handle travel to another resort easier. DD is going to be less than thrilled about short swims in the quiet pool but with the heat, she'll get over it!!!

We have been very lucky with the boys not losing someone close to them. I can't imagine having to explain what your family is going through to a 6 year old. Sending lots of prayers.
Joey came home on the apnea monitor as well. I think he was on one for at least 6 months. It seemed like that thing was always going off due to the wires getting lose from him moving.
I'm glad you were at least able to get most of what you wanted. With a group as big as yours, it's hard to please everyone. If you think 1900 would please the majority, I would book it.

DD has been amazingly strong through everything (DH's crazy-hard training and my hip surgery one year, loss of both great-grandpas and cousin the next year, gaining a sister, and now this...). She can be a pill sometimes but deep down she is just great at coping - she finds the positive to anything. When my nephew passed, she was utterly devastated, but she came up with amazing ways to keep his memory alive (drawing pictures, having us write down funny stories of when he was her age...). Her mind knows no limits and has been a real saving grace through everything.

I HATED the apnea monitor! They didn't want to send us home on one but she wouldn't stop her A's and I was terrified to take her home. Within a week we were over it. By 10 days, she was only wearing it at night and on long car rides but MAN, it ALWAYS went off in the middle of the night once she started rolling over.


We ended up changing a lot around for Christmas. We had Raglan Rd on our arrival night but looking at flight times, we'd be eating at 8... not good for two toddlers. So we're thinking of cancelling arrival dinner and doing RR on Christmas - we know we like the menu, DD loves the dancing, and MIL can get her traditional turkey. Need to play with it tomorrow and see but I think it works well.

and good thoughts to everyone!!! We took an easy day today and did some nostalgia comfort foods for MIL - crabs, snowballs, and sweet corn. Tomorrow we go visit her uncle again and next week we talk about my grandma's memorial service. Hoping to get a bit of fun in before they leave and things get heavy but if nothing else, just taking some time away from the stress.

 

[Koh1977]

Going to have to talk to the TA tomorrow and see what options we have...

Do we cancel completely or postpone or what...?

MIL is in a morphine induced coma right now. One of the tumors has wrapped itself around the colon and cut it off pretty much. They are saying a day or two or could be a week, but definitely not long. She has a DNR and they're not doing a feeding tube or anything...at least she is finally able to sleep without any pain...

I don't know what to do at this point...

:-/

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[gwynne]

Going to have to talk to the TA tomorrow and see what options we have...

Do we cancel completely or postpone or what...?

MIL is in a morphine induced coma right now. One of the tumors has wrapped itself around the colon and cut it off pretty much. They are saying a day or two or could be a week, but definitely not long. She has a DNR and they're not doing a feeding tube or anything...at least she is finally able to sleep without any pain...

I don't know what to do at this point...

:-/

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This is such a stressful situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[trishadono]

Hmm introductions. I'm game.

Hi I'm Trisha ! I live in upstate NY but ventured out a bit and lived a year each in Pa and Ct when I was single. We just had our 20th anniversary and ds will be 17 in a few days and dd19 just finished her first year in college(Buffalo).

My husband's grandma lived in Florida in the winter and at home in summer. My IL's moved to florida when my kids were small for winters as well. So often we visited them then tacked on 2/4 nights at disney on the end.

We just got a boat after many years of wanting one and dh is very happy indeed.

We have visited many beaches from Miami to NJ. However vacationing at Disney is definitely my fav

For dd HS graduation last year I made one of those memory books on disneyphotopass. Title "Alyssa's 18 Magical Years of Disney"!! Yep we go every year so it was fun and heartbreaking to do.

Dd and I just had a great reconnect after school and enjoyed 5 nights at poly CL.

 

[pas130]

This is such a stressful situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Same here Krystal Honestly, can you possibly postpone just a week or two....I literally went to WDW right after my grandmothers funeral and I just wasn't there...As much as your DH needs a distraction he will be grieving as well. I am so sorry, I kind of thought that was the direction she was taking when I saw your post yesterday. Thank goodness they are keeping her comfortable. When the family tells her it's okay to let go, she will be ready to let go. There's no predicting how long though

 

[Sue M]

Going to have to talk to the TA tomorrow and see what options we have...

Do we cancel completely or postpone or what...?

MIL is in a morphine induced coma right now. One of the tumors has wrapped itself around the colon and cut it off pretty much. They are saying a day or two or could be a week, but definitely not long. She has a DNR and they're not doing a feeding tube or anything...at least she is finally able to sleep without any pain...

I don't know what to do at this point...

:-/

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so sorry. I agree with Pas, try to postpone for a bit.