Springtime is the Best Time- Flower & Garden, a taste of Dapper Days and Earth Day -April 2024- Side Trip to Epic Opening Day

[vamassey1]

I know, I know, I disappeared again.

It's been rough juggling 2 back to back trips to Orlando, Danielle's surgery and the job changes and we go back to Disney in 12 sleeps.

I'm going to start with Danielle's surgery. If you follow her on IG than you already know what surgery she had. If she put it out on IG it should be ok for me to put it out here. She had a medically needed breast reduction. She has been working on this for about a year. She's very lucky that Disney has such great insurance and benefits. She was approved for 6 weeks recovery and is being paid 100% while she's out. She has been needing this for awhile. I didn't go with her to the initial appointments but I was there for the pre-op appointment when I was down in May. I'm a Mother and I wanted to be there for her, but that doesn't mean I'm great with all the gross stuff. I pass out at the sight of blood and have been doing this since I was in grade school. The family loves to tease me about this cause I've done it so much that I know when it's going to happen. Guess what Danielle inherited from me? She passes out too. Not the two best people to handle this situation. One of the reasons I stayed for a week was she had 2 drains that had to be emptied twice a day and the gross stuff coming out of her had to be measured, and it wasn't just blood. She also had lots of limitations after the surgery and still has some now. The surgery went really well and her recovery has been good too. She was given a block during the surgery and that really helped with the pain. She never had to take the hard stuff and so far has not had an infection. She still has stitches and can't sweat or get wet. She can shower but not take a bath. She's had 2 follow up appointments and goes back for another next Tuesday. The drains are out too, which has made the biggest difference. While she was in recovery they showed us how to drain and measure the drains. I'm not going to lie, it was gross and I almost passed out. I had my head between my knees and was sniffing an alcohol pad. I'm also happy to report neither one of us passed out or tossed our cookies. It's really good that she didn't throw up. We heard several people who weren't so lucky while we were in recovery. We got better with the drains as time went on and our next big challenge was when we unwrapped her. She was wrapped up like a mummy. We both did not know what we would see once the wrap was off. Once again I'm happy to say no one passed out or threw up. We got really good with the drains and everything else.

She originally wanted to do most of her recovery here with us, but due to her appointments she has been limited. She came home last Tuesday and will go back next Monday, only for us to be there on that Saturday. We have spent the last week celebrating both girls birthdays. Michelle's birthday was Monday, which Danielle missed due to her appointment. She did make it here for her birthday on Wednesday and a surprise visit from their brother Brent. He came in just to see them and then had to head back home. So we had a dinner for Michelle on Monday, a dinner for Danielle on Wednesday and then another dinner for both girls yesterday. This was the first time we had been able to celebrate the two girls together since 2020. They grew up with each having a separate party with friends and then a party together with family. I'm all partied out.

We are now getting ready for Dennis' work convention and our stay at AOA. Danielle will also be moving during all of this. We have also added another person to our AOA stay. It was going to be too much for Michelle to leave all 3 boys with Jimmy and his parents so we're bringing one with us. It is the "Cool Kid Summer " so we needed a kid. Michelle will be bringing Gia and Dominic. Dominic is 3 and perfect for all the fun that's happening in the parks this summer. JP has had several trips without his brothers so he says he understands. Hopefully in the future we can take Gabrielle on a trip with just him. We're going to just miss the opening of Test Track and the new MK night time parade. I did see today that I can try for an AP Test Track preview. We'll be in Epcot on the 18th and I may try to hop over to Epcot for the 1pm drop on the 13th, my only solo touring day.

Thanks for sticking with me. I still have so much to share from this trip and my Epic opening day.

 

[amazingact21]

I'm happy to hear Danielle's recovery is going well. I feel bad, but I did giggle a bit imagining two people who can't handle medical stuff trying to deal with the drains and the bandages. Bravo to you both for breathing through it and making due! Alex can't do anything related to the eyeballs, so after Landon's eye surgery he got lightheaded and had to sit down the first time he tried to give him his drops. From that point on, I took care of all recovery needs.

How awesome that you were able to see all your kiddos together for a short time.

Hooray for Dominic joining along on the trip! Hope you're getting everything sorted and will be ready to head back to the world in a few weeks!
I know what you mean about barely missing the new stuff. Any excuse to return, I guess.

 

[piglet1979]

I am so glad that everything went well. DH and I work well together as I can handle blood and medical stuff and he can handle the vomit. I was gone once at a funeral when I got a call from DH that DD fell and was bleeding. He was trying so hard to stay calm but I heard the panic when he said I need to get home right away. She was running in the hallway and tripped over her feet and went face first into the bathroom door frame. She was on a liquid diet for a week.

Danielle has great insurance. I am having a hysterectomy in September and I looked into taking a full 6 weeks off. I would only get 60% of my pay. Though I can't complain too much as I have already hit my out of pocket and insurance pays 100% after that so I won't owe anything for the surgery. I have a desk job and can work from home so I am taking 2 weeks PTO and then working as I am up to it the week after. I will just work from the couch and work is good with me just letting them know when I am on and when I get off and taking naps when I feel I need them. I am also doing it during our slow time of year. Like to the point I am trying to find work to do it gets so slow.

 

[Woth2982]

So happy to hear Danielles recovery is going well. I had the same surgery back in high school and it made my quality of life so much better! I am lucky my mom is a nurse so she took care of everything! Helped me out post c-section too when I had a bleeding hematoma. That was fun. Now that I am in my 40s, have had two kids and at my lowest weight ever in my adult life, I said I need a lift and a tummy tuck! Goal is to do it when my 3 year old is in K or 1st grade. He needs to be semi independent.

 

[pkondz]

Danielle's surgery went really well. She's still recovering. It meant a lot to both of us that I was there.

I'm glad you were there for her.

It can't always be good.

It should be... but... no.

She is doing well.

Wonderful!

I know, I know, I disappeared again.

Totally understand.
Holy smokes you've had a lot going on.

It's been rough juggling 2 back to back trips to Orlando, Danielle's surgery and the job changes and we go back to Disney in 12 sleeps.

See? Lots!

If you follow her on IG than you already know what surgery she had.

She was approved for 6 weeks recovery and is being paid 100% while she's out.

Very nice! Impressive, actually.

I'm a Mother and I wanted to be there for her, but that doesn't mean I'm great with all the gross stuff.

The family loves to tease me about this cause I've done it so much that I know when it's going to happen.

Oh dear.

Guess what Danielle inherited from me? She passes out too.

Oh, no!
What a trait to get passed on!

She also had lots of limitations after the surgery and still has some now.

I bet she did/does.
I have no idea of what is involved in that surgery, but... I would think even raising your hands above your shoulders would be difficult or even prohibited.

She never had to take the hard stuff and so far has not had an infection.

Good

She still has stitches and can't sweat or get wet.

Can't sweat?? Isn't it hot down there? Hope she's staying indoors in AC!

I'm not going to lie, it was gross and I almost passed out.

We have spent the last week celebrating both girls birthdays.

Saw that.

a surprise visit from their brother Brent. He came in just to see them and then had to head back home.

Very nice of him.

I'm all partied out.

There are worse things, but... I know it's a lot of work.

Danielle will also be moving during all of this.

Again? Didn't she just move into her new place?
I hope it's because she found something even better.

Thanks for sticking with me. I still have so much to share from this trip and my Epic opening day.

Sticking around.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Glad to hear Danielle is recovering well and that both of you are managing to stay conscious. Why is it that our kids always inherit the awkward traits You seem to have managed the drain situation like a couple of pros so well done to you both

 

[missjackiemcg]

You're a couple of troopers dealing with all of the pre/post and surgery activities! I'm impressed that Disney's insurance is so good and that Danielle is able to be paid the whole time she's out recovering. That's really nice to hear.

How exciting that your trip is so close! I should've realized since I'm leaving for NOLA in 11 days, and I know we talked about that!

Happy 4th of July!! Looking forward to hearing more about your trip and your Epic adventure, too!

 

[Steppesister]

Danielle is doing well. It really meant a lot to both of us that I could be there.

I'm sure it did. I've recovered many, many reductions and it's a tough one for sure. Long recovery time and those drains are killer. Super happy she got the block, what a world of difference that can make.

This reminds me of the time I was in Disney after a surgery I had with drains and I pulled them out myself when I was there. LOL!!! I was so over them, and knew it was time. Glad she's on the mend and what a Godsend to have such great benefits at work!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm happy to hear Danielle's recovery is going well. I feel bad, but I did giggle a bit imagining two people who can't handle medical stuff trying to deal with the drains and the bandages. Bravo to you both for breathing through it and making due! Alex can't do anything related to the eyeballs, so after Landon's eye surgery he got lightheaded and had to sit down the first time he tried to give him his drops. From that point on, I took care of all recovery needs.

Michelle said we were the worst two people to have this situation. Dennis can handle the blood stuff but not the bodily fluids coming out.

How awesome that you were able to see all your kiddos together for a short time.

It was really great!

Hooray for Dominic joining along on the trip! Hope you're getting everything sorted and will be ready to head back to the world in a few weeks!

We're getting there.

I know what you mean about barely missing the new stuff. Any excuse to return, I guess.

One of the big reasons we keep going back. No 2 trips are ever the same.

 

[vamassey1]

I am so glad that everything went well. DH and I work well together as I can handle blood and medical stuff and he can handle the vomit. I was gone once at a funeral when I got a call from DH that DD fell and was bleeding. He was trying so hard to stay calm but I heard the panic when he said I need to get home right away. She was running in the hallway and tripped over her feet and went face first into the bathroom door frame. She was on a liquid diet for a week.

We are the opposite. I handle the bodily fluids and Dennis does the blood.

So sorry your DD had such a bad accident. I'm sure recovery was really hard.

Danielle has great insurance. I am having a hysterectomy in September and I looked into taking a full 6 weeks off. I would only get 60% of my pay. Though I can't complain too much as I have already hit my out of pocket and insurance pays 100% after that so I won't owe anything for the surgery. I have a desk job and can work from home so I am taking 2 weeks PTO and then working as I am up to it the week after. I will just work from the couch and work is good with me just letting them know when I am on and when I get off and taking naps when I feel I need them. I am also doing it during our slow time of year. Like to the point I am trying to find work to do it gets so slow.

Disney has been great with the insurance and the paid time off. I hope everything goes well for your surgery.

Danielle work at Epcot Festivals so now was the perfect time for her to do this since they are between Festivals. They were all told to take vacation during this slow time. When she does go back she needs to be able to spend lots of time walking and sweating. Food and Wine is their biggest and busiest Festival .

 

[vamassey1]

So happy to hear Danielles recovery is going well. I had the same surgery back in high school and it made my quality of life so much better! I am lucky my mom is a nurse so she took care of everything! Helped me out post c-section too when I had a bleeding hematoma. That was fun. Now that I am in my 40s, have had two kids and at my lowest weight ever in my adult life, I said I need a lift and a tummy tuck! Goal is to do it when my 3 year old is in K or 1st grade. He needs to be semi independent.

Wow, I'm impressed you did this so young. Danielle has been wanting it for years. My Mom was an operating room nurse but I did not get any of those genes. She took care of 2 of my sisters when they had medical issues. I would love a "Mommy Makeover" but I'm probably too old now.

 

[vamassey1]

Totally understand.
Holy smokes you've had a lot going on.

It really has been. I thought things were suppose to slow down during the summer.

Oh, no!
What a trait to get passed on!

My Mom was an operating room nurse and neither one of us got it from her.

I have no idea of what is involved in that surgery, but... I would think even raising your hands above your shoulders would be difficult or even prohibited.

Raising her arms was on the bad list but she do it now, but only when she needs to do it. No exercising.

Can't sweat?? Isn't it hot down there? Hope she's staying indoors in AC!

Her stitches can't stay wet. She has been staying inside and has lost her healthy glow from working out side.

Again? Didn't she just move into her new place?
I hope it's because she found something even better.

She has loved her apartment and living alone, but is ready to save a little money. She is moving back in with 2 of her friends she lived with before and a new person who we all really like. They will be renting a townhouse close to the College program housing, so closer to Disney.

Sticking around.

Thank you!!!

 

[vamassey1]

Glad to hear Danielle is recovering well and that both of you are managing to stay conscious. Why is it that our kids always inherit the awkward traits You seem to have managed the drain situation like a couple of pros so well done to you both

Thank you!

We were very proud of ourselves. We did better than I thought we would.

 

[vamassey1]

You're a couple of troopers dealing with all of the pre/post and surgery activities! I'm impressed that Disney's insurance is so good and that Danielle is able to be paid the whole time she's out recovering. That's really nice to hear.

Disney has great benefits. They have levels of health insurance and she chose to have the best one offered.

How exciting that your trip is so close! I should've realized since I'm leaving for NOLA in 11 days, and I know we talked about that!

How is your trip prep going? Are you ready? What exciting things do you have planned?

Happy 4th of July!! Looking forward to hearing more about your trip and your Epic adventure, too!

I'm trying to load my pictures now.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm sure it did. I've recovered many, many reductions and it's a tough one for sure. Long recovery time and those drains are killer. Super happy she got the block, what a world of difference that can make.

I though I remembered that you do recovery for these types of surgeries. Her recovery nurse's name was Danielle too.

This reminds me of the time I was in Disney after a surgery I had with drains and I pulled them out myself when I was there. LOL!!! I was so over them, and knew it was time. Glad she's on the mend and what a Godsend to have such great benefits at work!

I remember that trip. I'm hoping the only reason you took them out was because you're a nurse. When Danielle went to get her drains out she said it was painful.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm interrupting this very over due report to bring you The EPIC Opening Day Update.

*Disclaimer*

Before I get started I just want to state that our Opening Day Experience will most likely be very different from anyone going to Epic now. They wanted everyone to have a good "experience" so the amount of tickets sold was limited. I heard a rumor about this but wasn't sure it was really true until we actually lived it. We were also told that day that attendance was limited up until June 2nd.
We didn't plan our original trip just so we could be there for Epic's opening. We planned our trip around many dates we all had to work around and to get some Flower and Garden in. There were 4 of us going. You already know Robin, and the other 2 were her sister and her brother-in-law. Robin's sister was with us on our Labor Day weekend trip in 2023 too. When Robin and her sister go they like to do both Disney and Universal and usually like at least a 10 day trip. They are the reason I finally went to Universal in 2023 even though it was for only 1 day.
We planned our trip with plans to go to Universal but lucked out when Epic opening was announced. We were those crazy people who bought the 3 day tickets (1 Epic & 2 Universal days) when they dropped. We also purchased the Express Pass when it was offered too.

It was very exciting to think we were going to be there for the very first official opening day. I know many others visited the park before opening day for media events, team member days and annual passholder days, but that wasn't the official opening day.

We had already been in Florida since Saturday and had done a few days at Disney. We were already tired from park touring. When we starting making plans for what time to get at the park we went back and forth. We were worried about the parking. Rumors were everywhere. I think we heard the parking lot would open at 5 am and we also heard 4 am. I think the official opening park time was given as 9 am but you could enter earlier. The opening ceremonies were for 8 am. We ended up deciding to head over around 6:15 am. I think we were ready for about 6:10 am so we left the condo a little early. We really expected to see lines of cars and were very shocked when we did not. We did see reports that the lines to get into the parking lot were much earlier, so we did avoid that.
We were pulling in at 6:30 am.


We had no problem getting into the parking lot and even paid for the upgraded parking with the covers.


Being close really made a difference at the end of the day.
The entrance is really pretty, but I can see where people have complained about the no shade issue.


I have to warn you now that I was with people who shop and shop a lot. I was also guilty of looking for certain items too. I had a list of things I needed to look for me and for others. We made our first stop before be got into the park. A & A (Robin's sister and brother-in-law) purchased the Super Mario bands.
I didn't take any photos of the security, but I felt it worked really well. This was my first experience with it. We had to put our bags on a conveyor belt like at the airport and go through the metal scanner. I don't remember that from 2023. I do feel it works better that having your bag searched like at Disney.
The park was indeed open and there were people everywhere. The vibe was electric. We saw lots of people dressed up all day and lots of media set ups. Here's a taste.

Is this not just Glorious?

And it really wasn't too crowded. This was taken after you walk through the entrance portal. There are 2 big stores, one on each side.

This was looking back through the entrance portal.


Once we got our bearings we used the restrooms, rented a locker to put our purchases in and started shopping. Most people were shopping but some were also lining up at whatever portal they wanted to enter first and they wanted to see the opening ceremony. We spent way too much time shopping. The line for check out in the main store to the left wrapped around the store. We all made purchases and spent a good bit of time in the line. There was lots of merchandise that was not delivered yet and they hoped would come in during the day. I grabbed an opening day T-shirt and an Epic pin (but not the one that had opening day on it). We finished right before official opening but opted to check out the other store that was to the right. When we came back out we could see the opening fireworks for each portal. They would announce each portal one at a time. There were people sectioned off that could see the official ceremony and then an area sectioned off where people were lined up to enter each portal.

This was taken while one of the portals was opening. We were standing near the Isle of Berk around the fountains. I thought it was cool that you could see the colors during the daylight.

The park basically uses the spoke and wheel concept from most of the Disney parks so I felt I was going in circles all day, but I still got lost a few times. I like the set up much better than the other Universal parks, which make no sense to me at all.
Here we are right after opening ceremonies were done. You can see the carousel in the background.

We were also right by some influencers. See anyone you recognize?


I have to say the park really is beautiful. I was very impressed.

Now that the portals were open it was time to pick one. We were right by Isle of Berk so you would think that's where we would go first. Guess again.

 

[vamassey1]

We opted to start with Super Nintendo World. We had some trouble getting there because of sections being blocked off for the portal openings. We eventually got where we needed to be and joined the masses of people entering the portal. All portals were open after the ceremonies so I guess the official opening time was 8 am.


After going through the portal we had to go up the escalator. There were also elevators for those that needed them. I will say this whole area had lots of stairs going up and down. There are lots of different levels.


This area was so cute and a real sensory overload. All the team members were greeting everyone and so happy.

There were officials everywhere.


It looked really crowded when we entered, but the people dispersed pretty quickly.

Not really knowing what to do first we just did the first ride we saw and that was Yoshi's Adventure. This is one of the few rides that little kids could ride. There really isn't a whole lot for little kids to do in this park. We really didn't see a whole lot of little kids like you do in a Disney park. While riding you're looking for Yoshi's eggs. It's really bright and cute. It's also a way to look at the area from up high.


Here's the green egg.




I know I'm just getting started but I need to stop here. I have so much more to share.

 

[pkondz]

It really has been. I thought things were suppose to slow down during the summer.

Apparently... not so much.

My Mom was an operating room nurse and neither one of us got it from her.

"Scalpel... Scalpel... Oh, for the love of... someone wake Mary up again!"

Raising her arms was on the bad list but she do it now, but only when she needs to do it. No exercising.

Ah. And no surprise about no excercising.

Her stitches can't stay wet. She has been staying inside and has lost her healthy glow from working out side.

She'll get that back.

She has loved her apartment and living alone, but is ready to save a little money.

Ah yes. There's always that.


Back later to read the update.

 

[Steppesister]

I though I remembered that you do recovery for these types of surgeries. Her recovery nurse's name was Danielle too.

I did for many years.

That was a fun coincidence; hopefully she took really good care of her!

I remember that trip. I'm hoping the only reason you took them out was because you're a nurse. When Danielle went to get her drains out she said it was painful.

I knew I could do it just fine, knowing what to expect and what they looked like. I was glad I did because one was completely clotted off with a clot like 5" long inside it. I ended up with a seroma that had to be drained off. Mine didn't hurt at all coming out, just gotta remember to clip the sutures.

We ended up deciding to head over around 6:15 am.

Yikes!

I love this portal concept. Super cool!

I

Pretty! I heard the prices for the hotel rooms is hideously high right now.

After going through the portal we had to go up the escalator.

Even more cool!

 

[pkondz]

I'm interrupting this very over due report to bring you The EPIC Opening Day Update.

They wanted everyone to have a good "experience" so the amount of tickets sold was limited.

Huh! I've never heard of that, before. Probably a good idea.

We also purchased the Express Pass when it was offered too.

I will always get that. Such a time saver!

It was very exciting to think we were going to be there for the very first official opening day.

We were already tired from park touring.

But a good tired, yes?

Rumors were everywhere. I think we heard the parking lot would open at 5 am and we also heard 4 am. I think the official opening park time was given as 9 am but you could enter earlier.

Yikes. Hard to know what to plan for. But looks like you did okay.

We had no problem getting into the parking lot and even paid for the upgraded parking with the covers.

Nice option!

I was also guilty of looking for certain items too.

We had to put our bags on a conveyor belt like at the airport and go through the metal scanner. I don't remember that from 2023.

I don't remember that either, although it's been longer for me since I've been to Uni.

Even a raised stage and seats.

That seems very Disney-ish to me. The words on the portal, I mean.

The line for check out in the main store to the left wrapped around the store.

I thought it was cool that you could see the colors during the daylight.

That is! I've never seen that.

I still got lost a few times.

I wonder if that's the plan? Like a casino.

We were also right by some influencers. See anyone you recognize?

Nope. I don't follow any. Well... there's a Disdad who passed away a few years ago, so I started following his DD. She's got tons of followers now and was just interviewed by People magazine. But I follow her for her dad, and not really because she's an influencer. (I'm not even sure if that's the right word.)

We were right by Isle of Berk so you would think that's where we would go first. Guess again.

Tricky girl!

So could you see any of the area from this side of the portal? Or does the view only open up once you're through?

I will say this whole area had lots of stairs going up and down. There are lots of different levels.

Really! That's very different. Huh!

This area was so cute and a real sensory overload.

I'm sure Uni will be happy to hear that.

All the team members were greeting everyone and so happy.

There really isn't a whole lot for little kids to do in this park.

I'm okay with that.

I know I'm just getting started but I need to stop here. I have so much more to share.