Spectrum Moms Take on The World! Our Last Day...Multiple Posts!

[mickeysmyboy]

Joining in! This is FABULOUS! I love that you ladies are all going on this trip! Can't wait for more!

 

[mousescrapper]

Can you believe just under 2 weeks ago...I saw in my inbox an email from Amy...something about a propsition from Kathy...I had not been on the Dis yet so I wasn't sure what it was about...

I quickly logged on and went to my PM's and read w/ eager excitment about Kathy's idea for a trip in January...a few Spectrum Mom's and a book (Kathy can tell more)...

I emailed back Amy and went straight to opening more windows online to ckeck room rates and possible airfare...

then Amy calls me and I couldn't believe in my excitment I missed the part where Kathy offered to host in DVC

w/ an AP already bought for my upcoming November trip, room cost done as well...this actually looked doable.

Pm'd back Kathy

then up next was how to run this by DH and could I actually go...

I copied Kathy's PM into an email and waited ...his response was

"How much would airfare be?"

I figured I was golden...

less than 24 hrs later I was in 100% as was Amy...I didn't want to go w/out her

it was slightly bittersweet though as another dear Diser and friend MRYPPNS had to bow due to timing and a family trip she had planned for end of Feb '11

also during this Tracy realized she could go, irish dancer Anne Marie was invited and could go too...cool I have a travel partner now. ( I have actually never traveled by myself or flown by myself either...)

Kathy got the all clear from the "big kahuna" and up next was waiting for SW to open their fares just this past Tues and Amy's 6:30 am wake-up call for me....

we have sent a ton of pm's and now emails...and it is amazing how fast this has come together...

stay tuned for more

J~

 

[DisMomAmy]

On my phone so I'll have to edit my color later... But just wanted to say that was a great recap Julie!!! I feel the excitement all over again!!

 

[moparop]

That is just so so cool how it all came together! You all are an awesome bunch of ladies and deserve this and more!

And a book?? Kathy, you have me intrigued!

 

[mousescrapper]

On my phone so I'll have to edit my color later... But just wanted to say that was a great recap Julie!!! I feel the excitement all over again!!

I know...you & Tracy must tell about the airfare day....

That is just so so cool how it all came together! You all are an awesome bunch of ladies and deserve this and more!

aww thanks

it was slightly bittersweet though as another dear Diser and friend MRYPPNS had to bow due to timing and a family trip she had planned for end of Feb '11

so hey all this might not be the case anymore.....

 

[KathyRN137]

If you’re a regular on the TR/PTR boards, I don’t have to tell you that there are some pretty amazing people here! Some are moms, some aren’t. Some have kids on the Spectrum, some don’t. Some have been to Disney numerous times and others are planning their first trips. I’ve made some great cyber-friends here… a few of whom I’ve been lucky enough to have eventually met while vacationing at The World! (Shout-out to mrsksomeday, Yoda K, and Dreamer&Wisher.) But there is a special place in my heart for all the DIS-Moms with kids on the Autistic Spectrum. In addition to our love of Disney, we’ve shared the experience of guiding our children through the myriad of challenges they face every day. We’ve laughed and cried and rejoiced together as each family trip progresses from dream to reality to magical memory.

We have become friends.

And that is why it doesn’t seem so very odd, really, to find myself planning a Disney trip with a bunch of women I have never met!

But, I must confess, I have another reason for wanting to get together with these gals. They have agreed to help me with a crazy dream project of mine… writing a book!

About a year ago I began to think seriously about writing a book… a book about my family’s “Adventures in Autism” at Walt Disney World. I’ve had so much fun writing trip reports on the DIS and have been genuinely humbled and deeply gratified by the responses I have received from other DISers… particularly from other parents of children with Autism. What an incredible feeling it is to get a message saying that my little reports have helped someone gather the courage to take their autistic child to WDW! Or that something they learned from me helped them to enjoy their trip more than they ever thought they could! It’s well known that WDW does an amazing job accommodating the special needs of guests, but a person truly cannot understand the full scope of that until they read about other families like theirs who have experienced a hundred magical moments because of awesome, understanding Cast Members (and a hefty dose of good ole pixie dust!)

In any case, at the urging of family and friends I began planning “the book” in my head. But I soon realized that something was off. Sure, my family’s stories might be somewhat entertaining and informative… but they can’t really speak to all families on the spectrum.

Autism is known as a “spectrum disorder” because there are so many symptoms associated with it. Not all children with autism have all the symptoms, so it is often difficult to generalize (and even diagnose.) A person can be just a little autistic, or a lot autistic. When a person is a little autistic, or High-Functioning, it is commonly called Asperger’s Syndrome. If a person has more symptoms of autism or if the symptoms are more severe, it is commonly referred to as “classic autism.” (My Billy has classic autism.)

So I began to think that I really should include the experiences of several families with kids on the spectrum… one family just couldn’t tell the whole story! And that’s where my DIS-friends come in! Everyone coming on this trip has agreed to be part of Kathy’s Great Big Book of Adventures in Autism: Walt Disney World!!

(That’s not the actual title… but you get the idea.)

Hmmm. Perhaps that could be the title!

So you see, this is technically a “working vacation” for me. I can’t wait to get started on my research!



Kathy

 

[brookelizabeth]

Joining in!!!!

I recall reading about your book plans before Kathy, but this is more detail - and I think the book sounds FANTASTIC! What a great idea to get real life stories from other Mothers. Exciting work, plus friends, plus fun - sounds like a great trip in the making!!!

 

[carissanboys]

Hey Julie! I didn't realize you were going along too. Awesome! When I saw the trip was going to be January I quickly checked the dates. January is my favorite month to visit WDW! You guys will have a blast.

 

[KathyRN137]

Wow! Old friends, new friends... this PTR is going to be so much fun!!

....It will be wonderful to get away and just be yourselves - not mom or wife or PTA person or teacher or nurse or whatever else you do out here in the real world. Just go and relax and have fun and be you, and in the process develop some special friendships. Sounds awesome to me! .....

Hi MeMom! You're absolutely right... if there's anybody who can use a little respite weekend its the mother of a special-needs child!

So glad you're here!

Sounds like an awesome trip and can't wait to hear all of the details!

Hi Carissa! This feels like Old Home Week, doesn't it? So many wonderfully familiar names and faces!

Joining in ladies!

Yay!! Come on in!! Glad to have you!

I'm joining in ladies. I know a few of you and a few of you I am happy to meet.

I'm very excited that you all get to have this trip together.

Leslie!! We'll be there at the same time! What luck! We definitely must get together!

I am here too!! Many of my favorite ladies on the DIS are going to WDW together , I am so jealous and wish we were going to be there at the same time.

Kathy, Bill asked me your dates, I swear he loves to stalk you. He and I both adore you...

Hi Tracy!! Tell Bill he is sweet! (Okay, you've probably already told him that several times today....) Your ticker designs are amazing and I'm afraid that I will have to ask for yet another change!! We have some "new additions" to our cast...to be named later....

I'm joining in... I am so excited for you guys to have a moms trip!!!

Hi Tinkermom! And Welcome!

Joining in! This is FABULOUS! I love that you ladies are all going on this trip! Can't wait for more!

Hello, Melissa! With so many moms chiming in on this PTR, I'm sure more will be coming every day!

Joining in!!!!

....Exciting work, plus friends, plus fun - sounds like a great trip in the making!!!

Hi Brook! Glad you're here! Looks like both of us will be going to Disney after we didn't think it would be possible. It makes it that much sweeter, doesn't it?



Kathy

 

[mousescrapper]

Autism is known as a “spectrum disorder” because there are so many symptoms associated with it. Not all children with autism have all the symptoms, so it is often difficult to generalize (and even diagnose.) A person can be just a little autistic, or a lot autistic. When a person is a little autistic, or High-Functioning, it is commonly called Asperger’s Syndrome. If a person has more symptoms of autism or if the symptoms are more severe, it is commonly referred to as “classic autism.” (My Billy has classic autism.)

this is so true....as both of my twins are on the spectrum, but each w/ a different set of daily trials and sturggles and how they manage and cope is equally different...

as like any mother w/ multiple children will tell you...all their kids are different, personalities, temperments, likes & dislikes...but it's a bit more when your child lives each day w/ Autism...my DH & I still fumble over what works and doesn't work...we have some general umbrella rules for all of our 4 children and home...but in reality especially for the twins and our youngest...we have a different parenting technique for each...it can be exhuasting but w/ support, love and seeing how they are growing...being a Spectrum Mom is and can be rewarding

Everyone coming on this trip has agreed to be part of Kathy’s Great Big Book of Adventures in Autism: Walt Disney World!!

(That’s not the actual title… but you get the idea.)

Hmmm. Perhaps that could be the title!


hey I like it

Hey Julie! I didn't realize you were going along too. Awesome! When I saw the trip was going to be January I quickly checked the dates. January is my favorite month to visit WDW! You guys will have a blast.

yep...I'm in on the fun and can not wait...this will be such an amazing trip

 

[Stefy]

Joining in too, sounds like its going to be a great trip

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Joining in too, sounds like its going to be a great trip

Hi Stefy! Welcome and thanks for coming over! I wonder how many times the word "excited" will be mentioned on this PTR?

 

[Mickey_Mom]

So one morning, less than two weeks ago, I hop onto the DIS before heading off to work as is my normal routine, and I find I have a PM from KathyRN. It was nice touching base with someone I hadn’t ‘spoken’ to all that frequently lately so I wondered if she had another wonderful tip for me. She has often shared helpful things with me and I looked forward to seeing what she had in store for me this time.

The subject line however, made me quickly realize she had something else in mind and my heart already started beating faster. A ‘girls’ trip? As Kathy has explained, she was hoping to gather spectrum moms together for her book. Disappointment was starting to seep in even as I was still reading knowing that it was a struggle putting our family vacations together, let alone a solo trip not long after. We’d already decided after our Nov/Dec trip that we wouldn’t be going back to WDW until 2012 after the Fantasyland expansion. Then I read the part of her email that made me catch my breath – her amazing offer of DVC accommodations. Could I do this after all? I really wanted to be there for Kathy and be a part of what she was doing, and yes of course I really wanted to go on a “girls” trip.

I mentioned it quickly to my hubby on my way out the door to work and didn’t get the expected guffah to ixnay it. Mmmmm, intriguing, he didn’t say no. I let Kathy know how grateful I was for her offer, but that I’d have to do some calculations to see if I could swing it.

My husband and I have worked opposite shifts for the last four years. Ariana’s schedule is such that someone is needed at our home not quite all the time, but most of the time. So I work straight days, he works straight nights. During the week our paths cross only for a few minutes each morning, but thankfully we both have weekends off together. Anticipating that I couldn’t sit down with George until that upcoming weekend to go over the trip details with him, I gathered my numbers and the ladies were sending me support and suggestions (and ammunition! ) for making my case.

Fast forward a few days and an amazing thing happened. Followers of my Disney Dreaming PTR know that I’d been griping about the higher than expected Southwest flight costs and was hoping for a travel credit. Well, thanks to a hot tip by DisMomAmy, when SW had a fare sale, I hopped on their website and rebooked my flights leaving me with an incredible $330 travel credit! That left me with only meals and park tickets to cover, and at that point I was looking into upgrading my Nov/Dec ticket to an AP which would be less than getting an all new ticket. Just the thought of having an AP and exploring all its perks gave me an extra bounce to my step!

This was looking more and more doable but I still needed to talk to the hubby. Then, another bit of luck. George was let out of work early one night because of a problem at the plant and we were able to sit down and discuss the trip. We’d have to make some arrangements, but he said yes!

Our next planning item was air fares. Southwest’s fares covering our dates were coming out soon and we were co-ordinating with one another to book our flights. We were expecting around 10am for the flights to be available on the website and the flurry of emails amongst ourselves to begin. The morning of, as is my normal routine before heading off to work, I was about to hop onto the DIS when I checked the SW website. The flights were up! Hours before we expected them! Eek! Right then, Amy happened to email and I quickly sent her the message the flights were out. She called to wake up Julie and the emails were flying! I booked my flights and only then did I let myself believe this was real and going to happen.

More has happened since then…. some additions and changes (of course!) that we’ll detail more about soon. I'll introduce you to Ariana as well but for now I'll leave you with one my favorite Disney picture of her ever!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I saw the new ticker in your siggie and of course I'm here!!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

I saw the new ticker in your siggie and of course I'm here!!

Hi Megan! Welcome and thanks for hopping over!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Mickey_Mom - using my Fuzzy Disney Math you are going to WDW for practically FREE! That's awesome about your SW credits.

 

[jenjolt]

I'm here I'm here!! WOOT!! What a great idea!!!! I cannot wait to hear about all your details!! Girls Only trips are so much fun and you ladies are going to have a blast!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Kathy, I'm here...and now I have to go back and catch up. I'm so glad that you are going for a "mini" trip.

***I love that all of you gals are getting together for a trip. I think it sounds like great fun. I know I've seen most of you around on other reports, etc., but I met Kathy because we both frequented several of the same threads and then when Kathy had a trip planned and was staying at the CSR I was giving her some advice on my favorite resort.

I look forward to getting to know all of you a little better as I follow your PTR.

Kathy, I remember reading about you wanting to write a book and I wish you much success with it.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Mickey_Mom - using my Fuzzy Disney Math you are going to WDW for practically FREE! That's awesome about your SW credits.

Almost! My OOP expenses will be the upgrade to an AP and the QSDP... and of course any beverages I may have.

I'm here I'm here!! WOOT!! What a great idea!!!! I cannot wait to hear about all your details!! Girls Only trips are so much fun and you ladies are going to have a blast!!!!

Hey Jen! We get to meet you too!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

...Thanks to a hot tip by DisMomAmy, when SW had a fare sale, I hopped on their website and rebooked my flights leaving me with an incredible $330 travel credit!

.....The morning of, as is my normal routine before heading off to work, I was about to hop onto the DIS when I checked the SW website. The flights were up! Hours before we expected them! Eek! Right then, Amy happened to email and I quickly sent her the message the flights were out. She called to wake up Julie and the emails were flying! I booked my flights and only then did I let myself believe this was real and going to happen.

I get chills reading about it... what great Karma! It was meant to be...

And I love that picture of Ariana with Cinderella!!

I saw the new ticker in your siggie and of course I'm here!!

Hi Megan! I'm Kathy... Welcome!

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Update! Update! Update! ​

First: We have, not one, but TWO new additions to our group.... bringing our total to a lucky SEVEN!! (I will keep you in suspense and let them introduce themselves when they are ready....


Second: It wouldn't be a proper PTR with at least ONE resort change and we have one for you already!

Now that we're up to Seven Spectacular Spectrum moms, practical considerations regarding morning and evening hygiene and beautification routines became of deep concern to all.

(READ: We really need another bathroom!!)

With this in mind, we have switched resorts to....




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Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge!! ​

....and I have to admit that I've been humming "Hakuna Matata" all day!!!



Talk soon....


Kathy