So discouraged... I need someone to sprinkle pixie dust! Even if just a kind word.

[Ariel Wanna-be]

 

[hockeymomNS]

Oh my please relax.

I think that you have been given some good advice re heating pad and checking out other resorts.


You will be travelling with a one year old and having done that, you need to plan less and just let the magic take over. Get her a cupcake on her birthday and have a party for her and hub upon return. I have done this as well. This is a time to enjoy the countdown, everything will fall into place.

 

[adventure_woman]

First, please remember why you are going to Disney. To have a great vacation and have good family time. If you are stressed out this much already, you are going to have a miserable time at Disney. AND, who wants to spend all that money and be miserable? SO, you need to relax and know that things are NOT going to go as planned. Your 10yr old is going to want to do different things than your 1 yr old. Your 1 yr old may be PETRIFIED of the characters and rides and scream the whole time, while your 10yr old is loving it. Go into your vacation knowing that everything will NOT go as expected, and just go with the flow. Also, try not to wear everyone out. Take afternoon breaks. You will not see everything and you will leave with a list of things you wanted to do and didn't get a chance to do. Also, please be realisitic. You said you have been planning for 2 months. Is that when you made your hotel reservation and ADRs? If so, it's not surprising that you didn't get exactly what you wanted - many people are planning 6-12 months (or more!).

Just take a deep breath and have a great time. You'll be at Disney! Watching your girl's faces will be wonderful.

 

[Sandy321]

Great Advice here!! Brergnat -

I've gotten birthday cakes in the past - way over rated - TOO EXPENSIVE!! Save your money and the aggravation, if Disney doesnt want your money - go for the free cupcakes!! Make sure you note on all your ressies its your DD 1st bday and your DH bday (that way you can get 2 cupcakes and your 10 yr old can have some too!!)

The BEds are a PAIN - serious!! BUT again, the positive is your dh and your dd are happy, you arent "wasting" money and the theming is wonderful - they have better bus service at the values (imho - we stayed at POR and it was such a waste both in time and money - it was such a long walk to the food court we never went there!! ) Now I have read that people have had success in getting padding added to teh bed - so take the money for hte birthday cake buy one of those egg carton mattresses at Bed Bath and Beyond (I think Sears may sell them too!) and ship it down to the resort - then throw it away afterwards!!

ADR's - where are you eating? You may be disappointed, but we may be able to help you overcome that - for instance LeCellier everyone raves on it here, but since the menu change - blah! If you are doing a Grand Floridian resort restaraunt - ie 1900 Park Fare, or the Grand Tea, or Cafe - order a slipper dessert for $15 bucks and the kids will share!! Skip the cakes! IF you are going to a Boardwalk area the Boardwalk Bakery sells a cute Mickey Mouse tiny cake that is on the DDP snack credit...

Go to the Board here Creative DISigns I think - make a countdown for your Fridge - they add magical trivia - go to you tube watch a movie of WISHES with your DD 10 - see this trip thru her eyes...

and keep posting - I'd love to help cheer you up!!

 

[DisneyMim]

First Relax!! Don't worry so much about all the stuff, you will miss so much of all the little things that make up a great vacation. As soon as you get to Disney you will feel the magic. About the cake....when my son was little we spent almost every birthday (of his) at Disney. At first I thought that I had to have a cake for him. I did it all, buy one from the restaurant, buy my own, etc. Finally I figured to just let a cupcake or whatever dessert he ordered do for the birthday cake. He never knew, or cared about, the difference. By all means order a cake if you want it, but don't feel bad if it doesn't work out. Heck, you'll be celebrating at Disney!!!

Enjoy the Magic!!

 

[Sandy321]

Here's a link to a countdown Calendar
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2046994

THis board has LOTS of creative ideas - autograph books - maybe make a journal for your dd10, my dd always loves doing that... (I get the templates from mouseforless.com http://www.mouseforless.com/downloads.shtml#kids)
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=105

Here's a pic of the bakery on the Boardwalk - do know you can NOT do it all, you can NOT plan fun - its the magic of Disney, to let go and let it happen -

I was reading on Theme Park thread about Harmony Barber Shop - some complain about the dye and picie dust, but for $7.50 - I know the wait may be too long, but for a fisrst haircut? maybe its worth it!! How fun for both your kids!

 

[clutter]

Did you say you're staying at All Star Sports? When were you there last? They replaced all of the matresses in August (we saw the new ones get rolled in everyday). The new ones, still doubles, are wonderfully comfortable. When I have to share a bed with my dd, I bring some Ambien with me. But if you really don't want to stay there, just keep checking. I went to the website often when I wanted a different resort over christmas. I did get it, finally. When it showed up, I booked through the website, then had to cancel my original ressie. The refund did take a few days (less than thay said), but I got what I wanted, so I didn't care. As for dining, just keep calling, or go to your second level of choices. Some of our new favorite restaurants are the ones we had to book over christmas because nothing else was available.

Don't stress, you'll be at Disney!!! You will be having so much fun, don't stress.

 

[pagano12111]

Definately, call for an upgrade. People change their plans all the time or can't go at all. There are cancellations out there, you just have to call at the right time. I have always been able to get the location or time for dining/rooms that I have wanted, it just took perseverence on my part.

Good luck and heres some Pixie Dust

Kelly

 

[bumbershoot]

...my 10 yr old said this morning she had a dream that we were leaving for Disney today.

I won't be able to fix the issue with my back/bed though and I know I'll be getting it snapped back into place when we return.

Sounds like your DD is already showing you that you can feel the magic. YOu've asked for just a smile, and she's already giving you that! At 10 that's pretty good...when I was 10 I was already moody. You should have seen me on my 10th birthday even when the whole day was planned just for me. Not pretty.

Nothing wrong with having a chiro appt when you get home...very healthy!

But have you considered getting one of those "egg crate" mattress pads....could buy one, space-bag it (or put it one of those big huge ziploks that compete with space bag) and put it in the luggage. Then put that under the sheets...when I used to have one, it was really nice.

IThe moderates have the same "small beds", FYI.

Did you try to get into Coronado Springs? They have queen beds in the rooms now.

That's what I was going to say! We're heavy into pre-pre-pre-planning for our first trip, and that keeps pulling CSR out ahead of CBR for us.

The CM I was working with really seems to want to help. I was so dissapointed this morning because I can't get a cake in Epcot for my DH's birthday now. They said to bring our own! Excuse me? Oh boy...

My goodness! I didn't even think they'd let you do that...

Here's a pic of the bakery on the Boardwalk - do know you can NOT do it all, you can NOT plan fun - its the magic of Disney, to let go and let it happen -

Even that cake on the left is cool. Could bring in some cake decorating gel (assuming no food issues or ingredient allergies) in a tube, buy one of those, and write on it whatever you want to for the birthday people.




re: your back and money...it's either co-pay for the chiro (which again is healthy anyway) or a bit more for another resort, or...and I like this one...how about a spa treatment wherever they have spas? I saw massage tables and rooms on the big Coronado Springs Resort thread...that could make it all worth it, AND get you away for a few hours. Hubby will either get painful cranky you or spend a couple bucks and have a happy healthy relaxed wife! gosh, which one should he choose....

 

[PebblesMom]

I hope everything works out

 

[Colleen27]

I was reading on Theme Park thread about Harmony Barber Shop - some complain about the dye and picie dust, but for $7.50 - I know the wait may be too long, but for a fisrst haircut? maybe its worth it!! How fun for both your kids!

To expand on this idea... A haircut there is like $14 and if you get your DD's first haircut there, she'll get special Mickey ears with "First Haircut" embroidered on them and a "Magic Moment" certificate to commemorate the occasion. My older DD had her first haircut there (at 4) and Im chomping at the bit to take the baby too even though I'm sure it'll be years before she needs a haircut.

 

[dispatch21]

Keep your head up n smile

 

[tkitty]

I feel for you girl- I tend to also feel like it's my job to see that everyone is happy, has a good time, and make everything perfect on our vacations. Planning is good, but always have a plan B, and be happy with it. You've got great advice here, take what you have, and get excited about it! Don't be too set on anything, because anything can happen!
Have a super fantastic trip, and just enjoy watching the joy on your kids faces! RELAX!

 

[KSG'sDisneyMem]

Hi OP, there is nothing like the magic you get when you take a trip to the World. I would definitely say forget the cake and relax. What will be, will be. Let some of it go and remember you are going to the most fun place! There are other options for cake, such as the lovely French bakery located at the France Pavillion in World Showcase. Also, if you know that day 4 is the day you all crash, plan that day to be your relaxing day. Sleep in, hang out by the pool, have DH watch the kids, or trade off with each other, and go for a massage at one of the many spas located at WDW. This would be especially good for you as a relaxation option. We never do the parks for more than 3 or 4 days straight on a trip. You have 8 days so be sure to take a whole day off in the middle of it. Stroll around DTD, explore your resort, and again, relax by the pool. If you have the $$ do the massage as it will help you relax, help your back issues, and allow you to enjoy the second half of your trip. If I were going to plan anything at this point, it would be the day of relaxation for your family mid-way through your trip. Think about it. We always do this break, I do not do a massage, but we do rest in the room, spend time relaxing by the pool and tour DTD or roam around another resort we have not visited before. Also, as a previous poster mentioned if you are staying AS the ASSp and ASMu have been renovated recently. All of the rooms have been updated. The only one not done yet is ASMo. Also, Pop has been recently updated as well. This is your little ones first trip to Disney and your are celebrating birthdays as well! Just being at Disney for my birthday is going to be enough for me. Since I am an AP holder, I am going to use the fun card instead of the free park entry, and buy something I really want! Have a wonderful trip and remember that it is all in the magic of moments....and we all know WDW can deliver that.

 

[Disneymama09]

I am sorry nothing is going your way.. I know the feeling.. Dont forget DisneyWorld is about the Small Things..

 

[**eeyore**]

In regards to the bed issue - why not bring a twin-sized inflatable mattress for your 10yo to sleep on, use one of the resort's pack n plays for the 1 yo and you and DH each get your own bed.

Best of luck to you and your family

 

[pktbMouse]

Vacations are not always vacations for mom... we still have to do what we do, only we are not at home where all our stuff is...

Oh Laurabearz..you couldnt be more right about that..there is no vacation for us Moms...we are heading down first week of May...I originally suggested the vacation as I have had a bad year and Im pretty worn out right now. it went from me suggesting a nice week relaxing in the bahamas to a week at the Keys to a week at Carribean Beach resort to finally what Hubby and son wanted...a week at POP century!!! Im going to be more worn out by the time I get back...I will also be travelling with my 9month old who dosnt like anyone right now except me..not even hubby so that will be fun!!! Did I mention he is teething!!!!!!just shoot me now..

 

[Colleen27]

Oh Laurabearz..you couldnt be more right about that..there is no vacation for us Moms...we are heading down first week of May...I originally suggested the vacation as I have had a bad year and Im pretty worn out right now. it went from me suggesting a nice week relaxing in the bahamas to a week at the Keys to a week at Carribean Beach resort to finally what Hubby and son wanted...a week at POP century!!! Im going to be more worn out by the time I get back...I will also be travelling with my 9month old who dosnt like anyone right now except me..not even hubby so that will be fun!!! Did I mention he is teething!!!!!!just shoot me now..

I so know what you mean about the baby! DH thinks I'm crazy for even suggesting a Disney trip because our youngest is 7mo old and in that same phase. She's breastfed, just started refusing bottles about a month ago, and is the cheeriest baby ever... If I'm in the room! If I go out of sight, we've got problems. We're working on "training" her before we go. DH is watching her more instead of me handling everything with her in tow while he's at work, and even if she does fuss the whole time I'm at the store or taking a walk or whatever, it is never for long and she does seem to be learning that DH can meet her needs too.

 

[Melissa]

I haven't read all the replys so maybe you already do this but if you want to get excited and make the trip special, try doing some Tinkerbelle or Mickey gifts for your kids. You can get a lot of stuff at the dollar store and do little notes from Mickey or Tink or any character that they like. You leave little surprises each day or just once whatever you want. I have always done this and it makes my dd's trip and it is fun for me to think up stuff. If you want to do it and need ideas PM me I'll be glad to help.

 

[Tammy296]

OK. Everyone has had some wonderful suggestions!! Thank you!!

This DIS group is great. I can't honestly tell you how much stress I have been feeling lately. Total meltdown mode and I know it's because of the birthday planning - planning 2 birthdays one being a FIRST and everything else. Especially with a hard to please hub!!

I was finally transferred over to concierge services (after being transferred about a dozen times to the WRONG people who cannot & did NOT help ) In any case, the concierge CM is NICE BUT not helping much either. She says she is willing to do anything to make me happy (and I'm not asking for much!!) but everything I mention is a no-go. So what gives? I'm so confused and LOST. But like everyone says hey this is Dis right??? (I'll try to remember that friends...)

We've somehow gone from discussing birthday cakes to beds, to everything else that's been going wrong in my planning! How hard is it to make a cake? A small cake is all I ask for. In any case, I finally DUMPED the cake idea because when the CM said I can't get a cake in Epcot unless I bring my own to Tutto (for my DH) so why bother doing either birthday at all???? It just doesn't seem fair. The CM said she felt bad and would do anything to make me happy. Yep I FELT BAD. REALLY bad. I don't know how she felt but yep I feel BAD. Like a bad mother, a bad wife.... whatever. And someone here said the work for a mom is never over. You're right. I love my job as mom but I'm exhausted. The CM said "I want you to remember what it was like to be a kid again". Uh huh... I don't want to remember my childhood please. I had an impossible father. My mother worked tirelessly as a maid, a mother, and not much else. She is now like the wall nothing left. So I don't want to remember that.

In any case, I made the suggestion of possibly getting the bakery to make and deliver some fudge to our room for my husbands birthday. Nope! No go. Are you kidding? I mean I can't make fudge for the life of me (I tried 5 sheets for xmas this year and failed) but they can't either??? It's a simple request. They can do all of these things supposedly on their website but no fudge? I'm confused. I mean here I am willing to PAY for it. And I'm being told I have to make it and ship it ahead.

Ok so I'm back to square one in my planning. I explained how I've been through every Disney phone tree there is trying to get help from where we're staying to getting dining reservations (Fantasmic is impossible, 50's prime time for dinner is impossible, Crystal palace around 5-7pm time is impossible). I'm deaf and called through the TTY line. I couldn't get through. Not even an answering message. And Calling through the Relay. Do you know how many times I get hung up on? Ok so going to a moderate, impossible nothing available! Getting groceries delivered is finally happening but way before we even get there. Need I say spoiled yogurt? So I had to compensate.

I'm bringing my heating pad with me and some Ambien as one person suggested. I may have to knock myself out through the whole trip just to get through it. I hope that helps. But to say am I looking forward to this? No, uh huh still not. And I honestly don't mean to be a disney downer here....Really.

The CM is trying to get us into Fantasmic and my kids will like that I'm sure I know my 10 year old will. She's the only one whose smiling that is until last night when I told her there was no birthday cakes for Amy and John to be had. Now she's not any happier than I am. She WANTS to call them and said she'd probably end up crying. I should have just kept my mouth shut. Good going mother.

So here I am... still planning. Thanks for everyone's wishes and kind thoughts and need I say -- HELPFUL suggestions?? I'll figure this all out soon I hope.