Princess Phoebe's Pre-WISH-Trip Report (arriving in MK 4/17/10)

[yinyanggirls]

Thanks everyone! I think it will be fun to have another adult to tag team the kids with. She's pretty easy-going and just wants to come along for the experience and let me do the planning.


Ummmm, I think Tessa may have been here while I paused to cook dinner?!? She's posted some interesting things as my Facebook status as well.

As I was saying...it's going to be fun to have Heather along.

I think it's wonderful that your freind will be joining you. There are a couple freinds I would love to have join us on vacation. Have you figured out what your doing that second week?

We've decided to travel north along the coast, do some beach time and maybe a little history in Savannah and Charleston. With only one week to do all of that I think we can find enough kid-friendly activities in those areas. I specifically wanted a slower pace and laid back atmosphere for the second week. I don't know if we will have to put it all on credit or not, but I don't really care! DH should have his raise by then, and maybe, just maybe our taxes will help also. Haven't received the W-2 yet. Anyway, I've made a few contacts here to help me with ideas for week 2, but if anyone else wants to offer opinions or suggestions I welcome them!

on the friend!!! You know you could always tell dh to stay in with the kids and you and bff could go out on the town

It crossed my mind, but I honestly don't think she'd want to. She's kind of shy and doesn't like the bar scene unless she's with a group of friends. She'd probably be up for a mani/pedi or massage or something, but that would require leaving DH alone with the kids in the daytime which I try not to do to him.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I love your extended trip plans. I would love to go up the coast to Myrtle Beach

 

[yinyanggirls]

After bugging the Wish trip coordinator I have our flight info. Heather wanted to know what time we fly home on the 30th so that she could try to coordinate and not sit in the airport all day, so I had to bug them for the details. For some reason I assumed we would be taking American (the only airline I knew flew from our closest airport to Orlando with only one stop along the way). We are actually flying Southwest. So the good news is we get TWO checked bags per person (if we need them). The bad news is we fly from Tucson to CHICAGO to Orlando! Can you say triangle??? I was thinking it would be so convenient to fly through DFW on American so Heather could get the same flight home with us. Guess not! More bad news is, the northern airport adds some flight time to our day. Here's our flights:

Depart Tucson 7:50am
layover in Chicago for 2hr 15 mins
Arrive Orlando 6:55pm

So we did get the first flight out in the morning but we still don't get to GKTW until late, possibly after the last orientation that night. Probably after the Mayor's Bday Party is over also. Oh well.

Return trip is as follows:

Depart Orlando 3:05pm
layover in Chicago 1hr 5 mins (probably just enough time to change planes)
Arrive Tucson 7:40pm

At least we don't have to get up at the crack for our return flight. And it does arrive somewhat early in the evening, but we will be used to eastern time by then, so it will feel a bit later.

Now I just have to get the rental car info out of her! Why don't they give you the details as they get them???

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

My goodness that is a really long day for you all. Im sorry you didnt get the same flight. But it is great you get two checked baggage.

 

[yinyanggirls]

I love your extended trip plans. I would love to go up the coast to Myrtle Beach

Tonya, have you ever been there? I've heard of it, of course, but not sure which beach would be best for the kids. I've been told Hilton Head is somewhat upscale. Other than that I'm trying to find pics and websites for these places.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Also, Liz, the trip coordinator, sent an attached form for us to sign basically saying that we understand which days are trip days and which days are on our own. We are not to ask for discounts or special treatment after the day we check out of GKTW. Then it asks for our itinerary for the extension, including contact info. They asked for us to return the form ASAP. I don't have a problem with sharing the info, just think it's ironic that we have to bug them for their travel plans but they want ours (which clearly stated don't involved them) ASAP. I know once we get all these details ironed out it's going to be the trip of Phoebe's lifetime!

 

[Momofwishkid]

on flight times!! Sorry it's going to be such a long day for you though. As you know I feel your pain. I'll make sure I let you know how they handle it at GKTW arriving so late. I've been wondering if we will have to wait until the next mornings orientation to get our tickets and such.

 

[pnutallergymom]

Also, Liz, the trip coordinator, sent an attached form for us to sign basically saying that we understand which days are trip days and which days are on our own. We are not to ask for discounts or special treatment after the day we check out of GKTW. Then it asks for our itinerary for the extension, including contact info. They asked for us to return the form ASAP. I don't have a problem with sharing the info, just think it's ironic that we have to bug them for their travel plans but they want ours (which clearly stated don't involved them) ASAP. I know once we get all these details ironed out it's going to be the trip of Phoebe's lifetime!

I'm just getting caught up too!! So happy that your friend will be able to join you on the second leg of your trip!! That is great.

I think it is weird that they want that kind of information. I guess I can understand just wanting a number to get in touch with you in case there is an issue with your flights, etc....but your itinerary? What is with that??

I wonder if our chapter will ask us to do the same. I haven't heard that from them yet. All they have said was "just as long as you understand that our portion of your trip ends on Friday....after that, you are on your own."

And asking for discounts??? I suppose that there are people that take advantage...I can't understand it, but that is they way the world is I suppose...but seriously, could you imagine "ummm...yes, its my childs wish trip, what kind of discount can I have??" Beyond tacky!!!

You guys are going to have a long travel day. Hopefully you can sleep on the plane!

Keep us posted!!!

 

[yinyanggirls]

So, all of you who've flown in and out of Orlando/MCO....Is the airport divided in terms of airlines? Meaning is Southwest going to have a different security checkpoint and terminal than American?

 

[myasma]

So, all of you who've flown in and out of Orlando/MCO....Is the airport divided in terms of airlines? Meaning is Southwest going to have a different security checkpoint and terminal than American?

When we went the everyone went through the same security checkpoint then went to the seperate terminals. There is a shuttle that takes you from the main terminal to Southwesterns terminal. You go through security first in the main terminal then take the shuttle to the Southwestern terminal.

 

[yinyanggirls]

on flight times!! Sorry it's going to be such a long day for you though. As you know I feel your pain. I'll make sure I let you know how they handle it at GKTW arriving so late. I've been wondering if we will have to wait until the next mornings orientation to get our tickets and such.

I planned the day after our arrival to be a meelow one, so if we don't get the orientation until then we'll be okay. It would be nice to have a little more time to let the kids play after we arrive though. Being in a new place and having traveled all day, I think they're going to be wired!! I will be very curious about how your arrival evening goes. I thought we'd be slightly better off than you guys, but I guess when the airlines feel it's economical to fly from Mexico to Canada before Orlando....

And asking for discounts??? I suppose that there are people that take advantage...I can't understand it, but that is they way the world is I suppose...but seriously, could you imagine "ummm...yes, its my childs wish trip, what kind of discount can I have??" Beyond tacky!!!

You guys are going to have a long travel day. Hopefully you can sleep on the plane!

I know I'll be up packing into the wee hours of the morning (I always do) so some sleep on the plane would be lovely! We'll see!

I can see why they have to tell us that the wish trip is officially over. I do see some gray area for those of you staying at WDW for the extra days though. If you take a couple days off for the pool or DTD or something where you are NOT getting special treatment then go to the parks on the extended days, are you not supposed to wear your button or shirt anymore? Maybe if you put in the paperwork that your WISH trip will be on days 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 and your personal days will be on days 2 and 5.

When we went the everyone went through the same security checkpoint then went to the seperate terminals. There is a shuttle that takes you from the main terminal to Southwesterns terminal. You go through security first in the main terminal then take the shuttle to the Southwestern terminal.

Thank you thank you! That is very helpful when planning out two separate flights home.

 

[jordanyosh]

How scary about the helicopter patrol.

We used to live in an area that wasn't so good. It was a normal event to have helicopters shining down. One time they had blocked off our tract...

Yay for friends. It sounds like you understand your traveling dynamic between the 3 of you. That's a good thing.

 

[that's nice]

I'm glad you have your flight info!!!

It seems like you will have some long travel days. You should be happy you have 2 hour layovers in Chicago. That airport has the most flight delays in the country. It does seem weird they have you going through there though.

 

[pacrosby]

Re: 'extra discounts' or whatever after the 'official' Wish Trip is over..................I actually told the gentleman who did our check out at GKTW that we were staying on property for another couple of days and he, on his accord, changed the date on our GAC (and initialed it) and told us to absolutely continue to use it and wear the buttons etc. I love love love MAW for doing what they did for us (what they are doing for all of you) but I'm getting alittle bit crazy with some of the nit-picky stuff I've been hearing lately.


Anyway, plans for the extended portion of your trip sound great!! And yay on the flight times. The clock is ticking..................



Pamela

 

[myasma]

Re: 'extra discounts' or whatever after the 'official' Wish Trip is over..................I actually told the gentleman who did our check out at GKTW that we were staying on property for another couple of days and he, on his accord, changed the date on our GAC (and initialed it) and told us to absolutely continue to use it and wear the buttons etc. I love love love MAW for doing what they did for us (what they are doing for all of you) but I'm getting alittle bit crazy with some of the nit-picky stuff I've been hearing lately.


Anyway, plans for the extended portion of your trip sound great!! And yay on the flight times. The clock is ticking..................



Pamela

I second that when it comes to the love I have for MAW. They went above and beyond for us. Most of you know how my mom and i had a arguement and she decided to leave me and my dd at a gas station miles from GKTW. By time me and DD finally got back to GKTW MAW had already called a private car service and in no time we were setting out to enjoy our last day in the parks. We really did not have to worry about anything and that made our trip so much more enjoyable.

 

[pnutallergymom]

Re: 'extra discounts' or whatever after the 'official' Wish Trip is over..................I actually told the gentleman who did our check out at GKTW that we were staying on property for another couple of days and he, on his accord, changed the date on our GAC (and initialed it) and told us to absolutely continue to use it and wear the buttons etc. I love love love MAW for doing what they did for us (what they are doing for all of you) but I'm getting alittle bit crazy with some of the nit-picky stuff I've been hearing lately.


Anyway, plans for the extended portion of your trip sound great!! And yay on the flight times. The clock is ticking..................



Pamela

LOL!! I hope we get that same gentleman when we check out!!!

I have a whole lot to say about this issue, but don't want to hijack Pheobe's wish thread!!! I do agree with you Pamela, that alot of it seems to very nit-picky....boy could I tell you a story!!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Well, I've got some shopping to do. Unfortunately none of it's for me but it is stuff that has to be here before the trip. By "be here" I mean shipped because I don't think I can get either of these things in any of our local stores.

First off, maybe y'all can help me...I want to get one of those sea bands, for motion sickness, for Tessa. I hope she'll be fine on the rides, but during our second week we'll be doing a few hours of driving on a couple of days. It would be nice to have it handy for the rides also, just in case. Since I've never purchased one before, where do I look? I'll try googling it later but thought I'd ask here since some of you recommended it. I also need to get with my pregnant friend who told me about "Preggie Pops" for nausea. She bought a couple extra for me when she went to Babies R Us. We are planning a quick get-away in February that should be just far enough of a drive to induce the predicted sickness in Tessa, so it would be the perfect time to test these things out!

Second, and more immediate, is the need for a whole bunch of hair products for Tessa. She is, shall I say, full of life. She likes to explore, learn, experience, erm, make lots of messes! I found her the other day after she had been cooking/playing/brewing a concoction of several of her hair products that were all over the sink, counter, cabinets, floor, and a tiny bit of the mix made it back into one of the bottles. It's so hard not to get mad when she does this with the hair stuff because it's so expensive (when I have to pay shipping) and it takes so long to replace it since I have to order online. Her hair has very tight curls, as I'm sure you've seen, and also gets very dry and breaks easily. When her hair is wet it is about down to her shoulder blades. She's 4 and never had a real haircut. Phoebe's at the same age was almost to her waist so we cut off 12 inches and donated it to Locks of Love. If Tessa's ever got that long, I don't think I'd let her, even if she wanted to! We need conditioner for the bath, leave-in conditioner to comb it out, oil to add moisture, mask conditioner to keep it moist, etc. I also only use 100% natural products on her because she's still little and I don't want to sting her eyes, and I also have every intention of keeping those gorgeous curls, not relaxing them. (Someday I'm sure she'll have her own opinion and I'll have to let her find her own style, but for now - CURLS! ) I've tried several different companies over the past few years and unfortunately I have a favorite product at each different company, which would be fine if I were buying them all off the shelf but I have to order them online and pay shipping. While it feels like we live in a fairly diverse area, ethnically speaking, I guess the retail stores do not feel the same. Our WalMart only has a small black hair section and the products are all very harsh, even the ones supposedly meant for kids. We have a Sally store close, but they don't have much either. I have asked the manager to order some of these brands but I haven't seen a change yet. I even looked up stores that sell my favorites in Florida to see if we could pick some up while we're there! There are many locations that do, but I haven't convinced myself that DH would be willing to pull the car off the interstate to go buy conditioner. So there's my shopping woes for today. My babysitting kid just got her so I'll have to find time later to sit in front of the computer and shop.

Tessa's 4 yr old portrait

Phoebe's Locks of Love donation (also 4 yrs old)

Both girls adorable with short hair, but still wish we had the options of long hair....

 

[pnutallergymom]

Absolutely LOVE the new pics!!

 

[myasma]

Well, I've got some shopping to do. Unfortunately none of it's for me but it is stuff that has to be here before the trip. By "be here" I mean shipped because I don't think I can get either of these things in any of our local stores.

First off, maybe y'all can help me...I want to get one of those sea bands, for motion sickness, for Tessa. I hope she'll be fine on the rides, but during our second week we'll be doing a few hours of driving on a couple of days. It would be nice to have it handy for the rides also, just in case. Since I've never purchased one before, where do I look? I'll try googling it later but thought I'd ask here since some of you recommended it. I also need to get with my pregnant friend who told me about "Preggie Pops" for nausea. She bought a couple extra for me when she went to Babies R Us. We are planning a quick get-away in February that should be just far enough of a drive to induce the predicted sickness in Tessa, so it would be the perfect time to test these things out!

Second, and more immediate, is the need for a whole bunch of hair products for Tessa. She is, shall I say, full of life. She likes to explore, learn, experience, erm, make lots of messes! I found her the other day after she had been cooking/playing/brewing a concoction of several of her hair products that were all over the sink, counter, cabinets, floor, and a tiny bit of the mix made it back into one of the bottles. It's so hard not to get mad when she does this with the hair stuff because it's so expensive (when I have to pay shipping) and it takes so long to replace it since I have to order online. Her hair has very tight curls, as I'm sure you've seen, and also gets very dry and breaks easily. When her hair is wet it is about down to her shoulder blades. She's 4 and never had a real haircut. Phoebe's at the same age was almost to her waist so we cut off 12 inches and donated it to Locks of Love. If Tessa's ever got that long, I don't think I'd let her, even if she wanted to! We need conditioner for the bath, leave-in conditioner to comb it out, oil to add moisture, mask conditioner to keep it moist, etc. I also only use 100% natural products on her because she's still little and I don't want to sting her eyes, and I also have every intention of keeping those gorgeous curls, not relaxing them. (Someday I'm sure she'll have her own opinion and I'll have to let her find her own style, but for now - CURLS! ) I've tried several different companies over the past few years and unfortunately I have a favorite product at each different company, which would be fine if I were buying them all off the shelf but I have to order them online and pay shipping. While it feels like we live in a fairly diverse area, ethnically speaking, I guess the retail stores do not feel the same. Our WalMart only has a small black hair section and the products are all very harsh, even the ones supposedly meant for kids. We have a Sally store close, but they don't have much either. I have asked the manager to order some of these brands but I haven't seen a change yet. I even looked up stores that sell my favorites in Florida to see if we could pick some up while we're there! There are many locations that do, but I haven't convinced myself that DH would be willing to pull the car off the interstate to go buy conditioner. So there's my shopping woes for today. My babysitting kid just got her so I'll have to find time later to sit in front of the computer and shop.

Tessa's 4 yr old portrait

Phoebe's Locks of Love donation (also 4 yrs old)

Both girls adorable with short hair, but still wish we had the options of long hair....

For Mya's hair and myself, I tend to use Organic Olive Oil moisturizing Hair lotion. It works wonders. Cuts down on breakage and stimulates hair growth. You can find there website here and you can even order a free sample. I personally use all of there products and like them alot. Also, have you considered gettind Tessa's hair braided before you leave? It may keep better that way and keep you from having to do it everyday. Especially if you are planning to use the pool.

 

[yinyanggirls]

For Mya's hair and myself, I tend to use Organic Olive Oil moisturizing Hair lotion. It works wonders. Cuts down on breakage and stimulates hair growth. You can find there website here and you can even order a free sample. I personally use all of there products and like them alot. Also, have you considered gettind Tessa's hair braided before you leave? It may keep better that way and keep you from having to do it everyday. Especially if you are planning to use the pool.

Thanks for the link Shardai! I love that they let you order samples before committing to a huge, expensive bottle of something you may not like. I'm definitely going to order a few to try on her. I have bought Olive Oil shampoo at the store but to be honest, I don't use it very often. Her hair is so dry (we also live in a desert with 10% humidity) that she never gets oily. All I really need to do is rinse out the dust and dirt she rolls in. Then I just keep adding moisture all day long, if I do anything at all. I love, love, love Taaliah Waajid's Protective Mist Bodifier to use after her bath and throughout the day, but the shipping for me is so expensive. Some of my friends have commented on how good T's hair smells and how soft it is and ended up buying some. Also, Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Milk, but again the darn shipping. OH! I just searched the stores for your link and they have stores in Dallas, so if the samples get here fast enough I can have my friend pick some up before out trip! Yay!