PART TWO *December 2012 Roll Call* Holidays, FLE & MVMCP!! A very, merry thread!

[Tltorrez]

Here's hoping FIL feels much better, very soon.

Question: Did they need to do any fusion of any of the vertebrae? It doesn't sound like it, via your description.

Check with his doctor to get their impressions ...every injury/surgery is slightly different. But there is a very good chance, 82 days postop, his actual injury will be pretty much healed around the implements (rods and plate) they used to stabilize. Especially if, 5 days postop, they've moved him to a rehab facility (it means they're not worried about Surgical Site infections and think he's ready, at least pretty quickly, for PT/OT). There's a good chance he'll be healed enough to travel (probably with a scooter, though) in 77 days.

Now, that doesn't mean he SHOULD travel...that will be up to his PT doc, his OT therapist, and how much (if any) effect they think it would have on his PT/OT progress. If he works hard, and sees good results (no reinjuries or setbacks...both possibilities with back/neck injuries like this)....there's a decent chance they can join you. So don't give up hope!

He might not be able to do much in terms of rides, etc (again, up to his doctors...but you have to be relatively cautious, obviously)...but that doesn't mean he can't share in the trip.

As far as I know, no fusion. Is that generally done in the neck? Everyone I know who has that done has been lower down.

Thanks for the advice. This is what I was thinking and why I want to encourage them to wait to make any decision. I also want to lay out all their options - going for part of the time, skipping things if he gets tired, using a wheelchair, etc. DSis is already in a wheelchair so having a second one (with three able-bodied adults would be no big deal.) And we don't have any ride planned more exciting than Small World, so no concerns there.

Having said that, they've never been. If it were me, I would take recovery at Disney World over recovery at home any day. But not really knowing what to expect... That's a different scenario. not sure what they'll do.

Random question - anyone know if I can book two room ressies for the same dates and names? Or will they cancel one? The BWV ressie is fine. (So glad I split!) but I still have a 2BDR at AKV. I can book a 1BDR with a 5% discount now but I don't want to give up the 2BDR until I know for sure.

 

[ksromack]

So last week was a rough week. On Wed., my FIL fell and hit his head. When he came to he couldn’t feel his legs or hands. He was taken to the Shock Trauma Center and on Thursday he had surgery for 3 fractured vertebrae in his neck. They put in a couple rods, a metal plate and several plastic implants. The surgery went well and the MRI came back clean. He won’t need a second surgery (there was a 50% chance of that). He can move his legs and hands but they’re weak. He’s being moved to a rehab facility today. On the plus side, he had a triple bypass a year and a half ago so he’s considerably healthier and stronger than he was before that. He lost weight, eats better and exercises daily. And he worked really hard in his last rehab to get that way. So the outlook is optimistic.

Still, we’re only 77 days out from our trip. DH and I discussed it and the four of us are still going. But we have no idea if my in-laws will go or not, and if they do, how much they will or won’t do. It’s likely they won’t go, but in a couple days I’m going to present them with the options and encourage them to wait to make the decision. I’ve booked Room Only, and since I already split our room into the 1BDR and the Studio, it would be easy to cancel just the Studio. Same with the tour and the ADRs. And no hurry to do it. The plan is the plan whether they come for all, part or none of it so I want them to do what works for them.

At least, that’s what I’m going to tell them. As you’ve probably already figured out, I don’t do so well with plans being unsettled. I would truly rather have them decide to come at the last minute than have a clear “No” now, but it is definitely going to be a test of my patience and flexibility. On the plus side, making alternate park plans will give me something to do. ;-)

So send a little pixie dust our way. I think we’re going to need it.

Prayers for your FIL and for you too, Terri....i like things all neat and tidy too so I feel your pain on that one. Hopefully he will advance in his therapy and will be good as new. I'm not sure how they are but the folks in my family tend to err on the side of caution. If it were my inlaws I'm sure they would cancel right away. I'm confident it will all work out, though.

 

[ksromack]

You can take me off the list - due to other pressing matters we are having to cancel our trip

I hate it when reality kicks in and spoils my fantasy life. I'm sorry this happened to you but sometimes real life gets in the way.

 

[ksromack]

Panic mode I'm 81 days out, all plans locked in so now all I have to do is stare and stare and state at my plans. No tweaking left.

There's always room to tweak...lol! I just changed a lunch reservaton for 50 minutes earlier in order to give us a little more time at DTD.

9th HS day EMH night - 12.30 50's Prime Time Cafe Fantasmic 6.30 (hoping they add a second one, if so then I'll tweak) 7.50pm Hollywood Brown Derby

Us too! Only we're eating at PTC AFTER Fantasmic/Osbourne Lights. I'd like to do the lights while the first Fantasmic is going on so it'll be less crowded....then do Fantasmic after. They usually add on the second one around 8pm, don't they? Not sure we'll stay for EMH, maybe ride one more ride after our late dinner then head out while it isn't too crowded.

11th MK day - Early go to GF to see Gingerbread House, then follow on to MK. 12.30pm Liberty Tree Tavern 4.55pm Crystal Palace ***Christmas Party!!!***

This is our MK day too......only we're doing Kona for breakfast at 7:50. I think you should too.

12th AK day - Tuskers 1pm Leave AK at closing head to DTD 6pm T-Rex and build a dinosaur yay! La Nouba 9pm

Our AK day as well. Tried getting Tuskers breakfast but it wasn't meant to be (there's a 10am-ish spot available but I'd rather do early. I can't remember if this is our La Nouba day or not...no, I think ours is on the 14th.

13th - home *blows raspberry*

WORD.

 

[pilferk]

As far as I know, no fusion. Is that generally done in the neck? Everyone I know who has that done has been lower down.

In severe cases they can fuse cervical vertebrae...which is why I asked. Between the range of motion loss AND the long recovery time...it's not something they do without good cause. It IS more common to do it in the lumbar region (with much better outcomes).

Thanks for the advice. This is what I was thinking and why I want to encourage them to wait to make any decision. I also want to lay out all their options - going for part of the time, skipping things if he gets tired, using a wheelchair, etc. DSis is already in a wheelchair so having a second one (with three able-bodied adults would be no big deal.) And we don't have any ride planned more exciting than Small World, so no concerns there.

Just a suggestion: Lay out that WDW isn't going anywhere, too. I know that with our patients (full disclosure: I'm NOT a doctor..but work very closely with Trauma doctors/nurses/information)...sometimes having to miss out on a family trip, gathering or event can be a real anti-motivator. Having to miss out, or potentially miss out, can really have a big effect on their commitment to rehab and getting better.

Maybe not the case with your FIL...you'd know best, obviously. But if this was a "big deal, really looking forward to it" kind of event...it might be worthwhile.

Having said that, they've never been. If it were me, I would take recovery at Disney World over recovery at home any day. But not really knowing what to expect... That's a different scenario. not sure what they'll do.

Good point. And lets face it...his rehab and getting better is the biggest worry.

Random question - anyone know if I can book two room ressies for the same dates and names? Or will they cancel one? The BWV ressie is fine. (So glad I split!) but I still have a 2BDR at AKV. I can book a 1BDR with a 5% discount now but I don't want to give up the 2BDR until I know for sure.

All cash ressies, right? You're not using DVC points or anything?

Assuming cash reservations, they shouldn't have a problem, because they're getting your money/deposit for each, anyway. We've done it before (for a conference) and changed the occupancy (but not who's name the ressie was under) about 30 days prior to arrival. No problems with that.

 

[molitva]

Glad to hear a few of you chime in with good things to say about LTT. I've generally seen mixed reviews-but I love me some comfort food! It's our first table service meal of this trip and I hope it doesn't disappoint.

The dessert (the name escapes me at this time) looked delish!

 

[taaren]

Panic mode I'm 81 days out, all plans locked in so now all I have to do is stare and stare and state at my plans. No tweaking left.

But now I'm looking and I want to change everything! Suddenly, if I switch this, swap that it will be better. Must. Step. Away.

Tell me this is a great plan (lie if you have to)

7th arrive around noon. Explore resort (POR RR's) hop on ferry to DTD to shop and snack. 5pm head to Epcot. 5.45pm Via Napoli 8.15 CP 9.30 Illuminations head to FW and spend EMH there.

8th MK day - 8.10am CRT reservation, hit Fantastyland before big crowds get there. 4.25pm Be Our Guest 6.15 (approx) Castle lights up Electric Parade & Wishes.

9th HS day EMH night - 12.30 50's Prime Time Cafe Fantasmic 6.30 (hoping they add a second one, if so then I'll tweak) 7.50pm Hollywood Brown Derby

10th Epcot day - finish off FW and the concentrate on WS. 12.30 Biergarten 6.20pm Rose & Crown

11th MK day - Early go to GF to see Gingerbread House, then follow on to MK. 12.30pm Liberty Tree Tavern 4.55pm Crystal Palace ***Christmas Party!!!***

12th AK day - Tuskers 1pm Leave AK at closing head to DTD 6pm T-Rex and build a dinosaur yay! La Nouba 9pm

13th - home *blows raspberry*

I think it looks fine and matches our touring style - long but slow-paced days.

Hows it look - you can be honest really

One note ... not sure how your family is on going with less sleep but you have an awfully late night planned on the 7th, your travel day, with a very early morning on the 8th. My DH would kill me if I planned for him to have that little sleep on vacation!

TlTorrez, so sorry to hear about your FIL and the trip uncertainties, and best wishes to him for a smooth recovery ... one thing to keep in mind if they don't cancel til the very end ... I know its a bit more expensive, but having a 2 bedroom with four people is just since then your living room is always your living room, with nobody's luggage or having to unfold and re-fold the sleeper couch. Plus then its easier for you and the DH to stay up for a nightcap after the kids crash in the 2nd bedroom. Just a thought.

 

[jwgm2012]

Glad to hear a few of you chime in with good things to say about LTT. I've generally seen mixed reviews-but I love me some comfort food! It's our first table service meal of this trip and I hope it doesn't disappoint.

The dessert (the name escapes me at this time) looked delish!

I've been to LTT twice - once during lunch where there's more of an open menu and at dinner where the family style "Thanksgiving" type of food is served. The first time, I can't even remember what I had but the Thanksgiving food was great all around. The turkey and pork tenderloin were cooked well (nothing fancy but not dried out) and the sides were cornbread dressing (again, nothing fancy and I'm sure some wouldn't even say that's true cornbread dressing cuz you know, people get sensitive about their staple dishes) green beans, Stoeffer's mac and cheese (creamy and cheesy good) and then the bread pudding for dessert. The ice cream alone was awesome - seriously, it's just comfort food to the core and all you can eat... it's not cheap but nothing at Disney for dinner at a TS really is...

wow, now I'm hungry

gina

 

[Nixie]

Screwed up my knee jumping from the speed boat to shore to help land her yesterday. Have an appt. with an orthopedic surgeon tommorrow :/ Am really nervous about what is gonna happen.

 

[Valgoof]

Raise your hand if now you are checking the LTT menu and trying to see where it could fit into your schedule.

 

[disneychristmasx3]

my dates changed when the free dining was extended. now checking in on the 20th and staying til the 27th. Tried to extend to the 29th but no room at the POR Inn for a party of 5

 

[Valgoof]

Screwed up my knee jumping from the speed boat to shore to help land her yesterday. Have an appt. with an orthopedic surgeon tommorrow :/ Am really nervous about what is gonna happen.

Yikes!! Hope the visit is good news and you recover quickly!

So many December Disers with bad news today!! Everybody be careful!! You have a Disney vacation in just a few months!!!

 

[Tltorrez]

One note ... not sure how your family is on going with less sleep but you have an awfully late night planned on the 7th, your travel day, with a very early morning on the 8th. My DH would kill me if I planned for him to have that little sleep on vacation!

TlTorrez, so sorry to hear about your FIL and the trip uncertainties, and best wishes to him for a smooth recovery ... one thing to keep in mind if they don't cancel til the very end ... I know its a bit more expensive, but having a 2 bedroom with four people is just since then your living room is always your living room, with nobody's luggage or having to unfold and re-fold the sleeper couch. Plus then its easier for you and the DH to stay up for a nightcap after the kids crash in the 2nd bedroom. Just a thought.

That's what I told myself before I knew I had another option. I would keep that room if I had to. But knowing there are 1BDRs available, it's hard to ignore a $1200 difference. Anyway, it's only one kid and he will have an air bed in the bedroom. (If I don't put him behind a closed door he'll never fall asleep.) DSis would prefer her own room, of course. But not for that price.

DSis has heard of people having their ressie cancelled if they had the same names. Don't want to take that chance. I think I'll wait a week. Then if I have to, I'll move half the party to the second room so they have different names.

Honestly, I expect the in-laws to bail completely and probably soon. They're excited about their first time but there's also some apprehension about rooms, rides, the length of the trip, etc. So maybe it will all be resolved soon. It's so weird thinking about this trip without them though since they were the main focus. I think if it weren't for them, I'm not sure I could've convinced DH that we needed another long trip, even for the holidays. He seems content to just go to F&W /MNSSHP every year.

 

[Tltorrez]

Raise your hand if now you are checking the LTT menu and trying to see where it could fit into your schedule.

I'm not, but only because I looked at it yesterday.

 

[grrrlennyl]

Haha! We've been planning on going to LTT since our trip-planning started because I want to check out that quinoa burger with vegan tzatziki.

 

[mom2travel]

Raise your hand if now you are checking the LTT menu and trying to see where it could fit into your schedule.

Ooooh, me! Haven't eaten there in years and all this talk makes me want to go back

 

[mom2travel]

DSis has heard of people having their ressie cancelled if they had the same names. Don't want to take that chance. I think I'll wait a week. Then if I have to, I'll move half the party to the second room so they have different names.
.

I've read on the boards about 2nd rooms in the same name being cancelled too. Wouldn't want to risk it

Sorry to hear about your FIL. I hope he has a quick & full recovery

 

[Valgoof]

I'm not, but only because I looked at it yesterday.

Haha! We've been planning on going to LTT since our trip-planning started because I want to check out that quinoa burger with vegan tzatziki.

Ooooh, me! Haven't eaten there in years and all this talk makes me want to go back

LOL!! Really considering it. I have no TS in MK because I am so obsessed with the Epcot restaurants. Right now we are eating at Tutto at 4:00 before the MVMCP. Would make sense to eat in MK. Tutto is a must do, so I could move it and take out San Angel Inn.

Also really want to try Kouzzina. We have an evening planned to explore the Boardwalk and play mini golf and eat at ESPN, so I may try to convince DH to switch to Kouzzina. We could maybe do ESPN for lunch on one of our DHS days.

I REALLY thought I would make my ADRS at 180 days and not touch them. HA!! I have changed them so many times, I have to go back to the website every so often and remind myself what I actually have scheduled.

 

[jwgm2012]

Raise your hand if now you are checking the LTT menu and trying to see where it could fit into your schedule.

LOL, love this! My manfriend wasn't very particular about what we lined up for reservations but he INSISTED on this one! Funnier is Thanksgiving is the week before but there we'll be Dec. 3rd having round two!

Just a friendly warning... don't venture to the dining reviews... Lord have mercy, I've added all kinds of places to my list... just because some "kindly" person posted pics of things that I thought - "oh, I NEED that"... Like the dessert at Yak and Yeti with the cream cheese and fruit on skewers drizzled with what looks like a heavenly creamy sauce. Who does that?!? And then there was the shrimp poor boy pic at Restaurtasaurus... that name or place had never crossed my mind and now, now it's on my list... I just hope somewhere between eateries I actually ride a ride... it's gonna be an expensive trip!

 

[jwgm2012]

on a different note - I'm also really looking forward to picking up Christmas themed Mickey decorations. So far on my list is a Mickey head shaped plate. I saw a pic of some of the holiday decor/housewares from last year at Christmas time and there was a plate in the shape of a Mickey head but painted red with a Santa belt across it - I thought that would be great for Santa's cookies!

Also looking forward to visiting Art of Animation and their gift shop. My 14 yr old is a huge Ariel fan so I know I'll have a bigger selection there of adult sized t-shirts.

And somehow, when we comeback with all our loot - I'll need to come up with something about how we got it so our kids won't know we went without them... I'm worried if they know in advance we'll come back to all of our belongings on the curb... it's already getting tricky and we still have 75 days to go!