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

[irish dancer]

Hi Heidi & Jessica! So glad to have you on board and looking forward to meeting you!


For me it all started a little over one week ago. I had emailed Julie to let her know that SWA was having a fare sale and to check if she might be able to get her fares lower for her Tgiving trip. She replied that unfortunately nothing changed with her fares. She also laid out the plan for the book trip and extended the invite from Kathy for me to participate. Well, let me tell you I was literally dancing around and bouncing off the walls. We are also going at Tgiving (it's a surprise trip hence no ticker ) and our plan was to get APs since we're going back June 2011 to celebrate our oldest daughter's graduation.

Well, I had to run it past my other half since he'd have to hold down the fort and get the kids to/from school while I'm gone. Hmm, how do I pitch this?? I'm sure he knew something was up the minute he saw me coming as I'm sure I had a goofy grin on my face.

I just laid it all out and asked if he thought we could swing it. Surprisingly he barely hesitated and I got the thumbs up.

Now, we were only a few days out from SWA opening their fares so luckily I didn't have to wait long. It was a shock though to get a call from Julie at 7:30am!! After conferring about times and such we both began the booking process. This is when I ran into my first glitch. By the time I input all my credit card info the fare on our return trip had gone up. I have to say this is one thing that ticks me off about their booking process, once I am at the point of putting in cc info they should have the ticket blocked so you don't get bumped. Don't ya think?

I was still over the moon though that it was a done deal and that I was really going to get the girls trip that I've always wanted. It is truly going to be an amazing time I'm sure and there's nothing like spending time with other moms that "get it".

Here's a pic of our crew, it's not from WDW but it is from Disney's HHI Resort (we were headed on a Marsh Walk, hence the black rubber boots, lol)

 

[KathyRN137]

....I had the pleasure of going to Disney solo in October 2009 so I know how good it can be for the soul. Not to mention you get to meet fabulous DISers while you are there.

....So a perfect storm sort of thing happened. Kathy started this PTR and I felt like I was missing out on something really good.... And then last night I happened to be emailing back and forth with Amy about something else and the rest….well I’m Spectrum Mom # 6 now.

Yay for Heidi!!!!

Well I'm a little late to this party and didn't think I would be joining the party...but as luck would have it my DH said yes last night and so today I became Spectrum Mom #7.

....And I'm over the top excited about getting to meet everyone and was so excited when my husband said yes last night I was crying. (Yes I'm an emotional person and I wear my heart on my sleeve)

Yay for Jessica!!

....Well, let me tell you I was literally dancing around and bouncing off the walls
....I had to run it past my other half since he'd have to hold down the fort and get the kids to/from school while I'm gone.

....I just laid it all out and asked if he thought we could swing it. Surprisingly he barely hesitated and I got the thumbs up.

I was still over the moon though that it was a done deal and that I was really going to get the girls trip that I've always wanted. It is truly going to be an amazing time I'm sure and there's nothing like spending time with other moms that "get it".

Yay for Anne Marie!!!


Hail, Hail, the Gang's all here!!


... and can I just send out a six-pack of big old hugs to the Spectrum Dads who are a huge part of making this whole thing happen!!!


(Ed gets a lot more than a hug!)


Kathy

 

[carissanboys]

Hi Everyone! Spectrum Mom # 6 saying Hello!

Glad to see you're going along too Heidi!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Wooo hoo for more Mom's! I'm glad you all get to go!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so glad that more Moms are able to make this trip happen. And how exciting that you are staying at Kidani!!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Glad to see you're going along too Heidi!

Thanks Carissa!

 

[jmskinner]

I'm following a link from Jessica's other PTR. This sounds like a wonderful trip. So excited for you all!!!!

My son, Jacob, is 11 and is ADHD and also diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. Starting middle school next week.

Looking forward to reading about your trip.

 

[mousescrapper]

. And I'm over the top excited about getting to meet everyone and was so excited when my husband said yes last night I was crying. (Yes I'm an emotional person and I wear my heart on my sleeve)

I'm right there w/ you...

Hi Jessica! This trip will be a huge help to you for your family trip. You'll pick up on things as we do attractions and such that you might not have thought of before. Like how loud or dark things can be.

great point...I always feel like I'd like to test the waters w/ new things for the kids...especially Nathan...vacations that can be hard to do...this will be a great time for you, Jessica

... and can I just send out a six-pack of big old hugs to the Spectrum Dads who are a huge part of making this whole thing happen!!!


(Ed gets a lot more than a hug!)


Kathy

good one

I'm following a link from Jessica's other PTR. This sounds like a wonderful trip. So excited for you all!!!!

My son, Jacob, is 11 and is ADHD and also diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. Starting middle school next week.

Looking forward to reading about your trip.

Hi and welcome...my son Nathan is 11 too...he is starting MS on Tuesas well....I'm very ...but trying to keep it together for him....lot's of emails will be flying to his case manager (he's on an IEP) after the first week....Nathan was also first diagnosed w/SPD too at about age 7 in 1st grade...before the ADHD and Aspergers diagnosis the following yr...

we may have many of the same experiences....

 

[moparop]

I have a feeling this thread needs to come with a warning. With each wlecome and each story, I get a little teary eyed. With all of you wonderful women (and those amazing spectrum dads) having things fall into place just perfectly, you know this was meant to be! I know many of you are sending your kids off to school this year. I hope the transition goes well!

 

[MaryAz]

I have a feeling this thread needs to come with a warning. With each wlecome and each story, I get a little teary eyed. With all of you wonderful women (and those amazing spectrum dads) having things fall into place just perfectly, you know this was meant to be! I know many of you are sending your kids off to school this year. I hope the transition goes well!

I agree 100% Am so excited and happy for all of you! What a great trip! Kidani is our "home" and such a beautiful resort!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

That extra bathroom is WONDERFUL at AKV - and I'm sure will be very handy for seven lovely ladies. I'm excited for all of you!

 

[wdwgirl03]

YEAH for booking at Kidani Village! I know Tracy read my April TR but that is where my dad and I stayed. We loved it so much! You are going to have a great time!

 

[KathyRN137]

Glad to see you're going along too Heidi!

Carissa, I was so thrilled when I found out!

I'm so glad that more Moms are able to make this trip happen. And how exciting that you are staying at Kidani!!

YAY for the new additions!!! I know it will be a great time for all of you to get together!!! I am also very excited to be able to try to arrange a meet to say hi to all you wonderful ladies!!

OOOH...staying at Kidani is going to be amazing!! Someday when we finally buy DVC I will make sure to stay over there!!! I'm looking forward to staying at the Boardwalk this next time.

Hi, Leslie & Jen! I'm sure that as we get further along in our park planning we'll be able to compare notes and work out a DIS-meet!! And of course, we're so excited to be staying at Kidani now!! I haven't stayed at Boardwalk Vilas yet; it will be fun to see all your pix!

Wooo hoo for more Mom's! I'm glad you all get to go!

Definitely the more the merrier!!

I'm following a link from Jessica's other PTR. This sounds like a wonderful trip. So excited for you all!!!!

My son, Jacob, is 11 and is ADHD and also diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. Starting middle school next week.

Looking forward to reading about your trip.

Hello and

My son, Billy, is 12 and he just "moved up" to the middle school program at his school. (He attends a special school for kids with developmental disabilities.) He is so proud to be "a big boy" in a "big boy class!)

Glad to have you along!

I have a feeling this thread needs to come with a warning. With each wlecome and each story, I get a little teary eyed. With all of you wonderful women (and those amazing spectrum dads) having things fall into place just perfectly, you know this was meant to be! I know many of you are sending your kids off to school this year. I hope the transition goes well!

Hey, Margaret!
Yes, this is a stressful time of year for all us parents, but especially when your child has so many "issues" to deal with. It's so nice to know that we are not alone and there are other DIS-moms we can talk to as we navigate the waters...

I agree 100% Am so excited and happy for all of you! What a great trip! Kidani is our "home" and such a beautiful resort!!

Mary, I'm so behind on my subscriptions... I must get over to your report and catch up!

Isn't Kidani gorgeous? Oh, I'll bet your kids loved that pool complex!!!

That extra bathroom is WONDERFUL at AKV - and I'm sure will be very handy for seven lovely ladies. I'm excited for all of you!

Oh my goodness, yes!

YEAH for booking at Kidani Village! I know Tracy read my April TR but that is where my dad and I stayed. We loved it so much! You are going to have a great time!

Ah-ha! Another TR I must get to! Thanks for joining in, Sarah!



Kathy

 

[mousescrapper]

As requested…this could evoke some tears and a need for Kleenexes nearby…

There is no need in these DISboard forums to explain why I or my family loves Disney and why we keep going back…but since this particular PTR is dedicated to not just the 7 of us who live each day w/ a child w/ Autism…but to you our readers and followers…friends, fellow parents on the Spectrum or not….

I felt it would be helpful for you to know my story and how DISNEY has become one of the pieces of the puzzle we have been looking for.

You may be aware a puzzle piece is a somewhat unofficial symbol for the fight of Autism…as each family on the Spectrum will come to know…it’s many little steps leading to other steps…or pieces in the puzzle to help you the parent, or your doctors and most importantly your child understand, live and thrive w/ this disorder…

For me (and this took time) there is nothing “wrong” w/ my son and daughter…they were designed this way…this was the plan all along. And although just about everyday we hit some hurdles in the road…this disorder called Autism is a part of them and I love them even more because of it.

The Disney puzzle piece

I had withdrawn from college due to illness at the start of my winter semester during my freshman year. I came back home to live w/ my parents and get better…a few months later we decided I should attend the local community college, get a job and buy my first car…that first job was at the Disney store…my love affair had begun.

After reconnecting w/ an old high school friend who soon became my boyfriend, then finance and husband…my love affair for Disney quickly became ours…we took 2 trips to WDW before we were married and 1 after…it was shortly after the return of that late summer trip in 1998 I found out I was pregnant and then found out I was having twins…

Fast forward 5 yrs to when I began the great Disney trip plan…a surprise trip to WDW for the twins 6th birthday in May of 2005. This was for me before the Dis, or TGM, or any extensive research on other Disney sites…

It was also during thing time that we began to see an increasing rate of delay and struggles for Nathan at school (he was in K) and at home, especially in comparison to his twins sister (Bekah) and now younger toddler sister (Rachel). As a toddler Nathan and Bekah both received PT and OT and we had decreased those services once they enrolled in K…

Fast forward to the summer of 2008….it has been a yr since Nathan was diagnosed w/ Aspergers and ADHD, we now have 4 children and were our on our way back to WDW. I have been a faithful addict to the DIS now for about a year…and I should point out 2007 was probably one of my hardest times as a parent…the realization of Autism, struggling w/ how to help, and a 1 yr old baby who was still suffering was serve food issues….we all were in desperate need of a break…

Through the DIS I had met Kathy, Amy, and Heidi at this point plus a few other key Disers…I was feeling prepared and ready to tackle this trip…I was uneasy though how Nathan would do and could he handle it. 2005 went well, but seemed like a blur in comparison to the events of life in between these two trips.

I was manned w/ TGM suggestions, staying at the POLY so we’d have monorail access to 2 of the 4 parks, my Mother was traveling w/ us, I knew about the GAC, planned and prepped Nathan w/ social stories and a special guide book…

We were off….

Fast forward to now…late August of 2010…after the 2008 trip, we went back in March of 09 and now will be going as a family again this Nov. 2010.

We have taken other small trips to Michigan w/ family and friends and up to the Wisconsin Dells…many day trips to the zoo, and Chicago museums….but honestly nothing works like Disney…

Now I’m not saying it’s all pixie dust and Mickey ice cream bars each day…Stitch and some pirate like attitudes certainly sneak out…but somehow, the MAGIC of DISNEY transforms Nathan and he is happy, carefree, more tolerable and excited…he can managing switching gears or waiting a little longer for his turn more so than anywhere else….

A piece in our Autism Puzzle is Disney….

I can’t describe fully in words (hopefully Kathy will be able to)…but it’s home, it’s comfortable, he knows what to expect we know what to expect, it’s structured in such a way that he can move from one thing to the next easily…we know now to tell Character not to hug him so much and we know when he can handle stand-by and when we need to use the GAC…there is a enough choice but there still is enough continuity that he can go longer and manage beyond his typical 3-4 hrs at an outing…

I am thankful for Disney’s great attitude and accommodations for children like mine…to helping w/ crowds and waiting, to making kids feel special and helping w/ food issues.

As long as Disney is there…I see ourselves coming back and back again….

Thanks for reading and thank you for an outlet to share my story of how Disney works for us…

Julie (Scrappie)

 

[MRYPPNS]

As long as Disney is there…I see ourselves coming back and back again….

If not you're going to be renting me a lot of DVC points!

I actually remember Amy asking me on the DIS to go to your 2008 PTR to help look over your itinerary for that trip.

Thanks for sharing your story!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Good afternoon ladies! I am in awe of the Spectrum Moms .

Nice to see the ticker is working, although it doesn't work correctly with the rotating banners . I have had issues with that when using anything but their own tickers.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Good afternoon ladies! I am in awe of the Spectrum Moms .

Nice to see the ticker is working, although it doesn't work correctly with the rotating banners . I have had issues with that when using anything but their own tickers.

I was hoping you weren't going to notice that...... I feared I did something to it!

 

[mrsksomeday]

I was hoping you weren't going to notice that...... I feared I did something to it!

You didn't do anything to it, for some reason mickeypath's software distorts anything in a rotating banner that doesn't come from them for some reason .

 

[mousescrapper]

If not you're going to be renting me a lot of DVC points!

oh don't worry our 50 yrs should be used quite well...I better still be going even at 80

I actually remember Amy asking me on the DIS to go to your 2008 PTR to help look over your itinerary for that trip.

yes I bow at your planning genuis you got me in shape on that trip

Thanks for sharing your story!

thank you...glad you are part of it

Good afternoon ladies! I am in awe of the Spectrum Moms .

Nice to see the ticker is working,

thank you mrsk...I love my fancy new ticker

 

[JPFamilyMom]

For me (and this took time) there is nothing “wrong” w/ my son and daughter…they were designed this way…this was the plan all along. And although just about everyday we hit some hurdles in the road…this disorder called Autism is a part of them and I love them even more because of it.

I am thankful for Disney’s great attitude and accommodations for children like mine…to helping w/ crowds and waiting, to making kids feel special and helping w/ food issues.

I'm so glad to hear you say the first part, I feel the same, it took me the past two years to realize that. There is nothing "wrong" with my son. Autism is a part of his and our life, but it doesn't define who he is, he is such a gift. He has made me a better person on so many levels, God brought him to me for a reason.

And I hope Disney will be for us what I have read it is for so many other families, I'm not expecting any miracles, but am hoping for some pixie dust

I'm following a link from Jessica's other PTR. This sounds like a wonderful trip. So excited for you all!!!!

My son, Jacob, is 11 and is ADHD and also diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. Starting middle school next week.

Looking forward to reading about your trip.

Glad to see you made it over.

Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge!! ​

I am so incredibly happy to be staying here!!!! Just to warn you all right now I will be taking an insane amount of pictures to show Ariana.

How magical that we've all been able to come. Heidi it's wonderful that you were able to join us after all!

I'll be right there with you taking ten million pictures. AK is our dream place to stay, and one day I hope I can make that happen for my kids.

Hi Jessica! This trip will be a huge help to you for your family trip. You'll pick up on things as we do attractions and such that you might not have thought of before. Like how loud or dark things can be.

Yes, I'm so looking forward to taking advantage of this trip and using things to change our plans if needed to accommodate Jack, for instance the dark rides like you said. He has headphones for loud attractions

Hi Jessica!!

Hi