The Mouse-KIDS are in charge...a Jan '12 PTR NEW 2/5 TR link & new tickers

[mousescrapper]

This post will be divided into two categories: the Good News and the Potentially Bad News

The Good News:

* Matt's surgery went well and he is home from the hosipital...

* The trip is still on...

The Potentially Bad News:

* The damage to the spinal disc was worse than orginally suspected, it wasn't just deteriated, but herniated and shattered. Yes it is reparied so PTL but unfortunately, Matt's recovery is looking to last 6 weeks. 6 weeks more out of work, and wearing a restrictive neck brace 24/7 Which basically puts him not going back to work till after the 1st of the year...Matt's office closes for the week between Christmas and NYE

* Matt may not go w/ us to Disney As stated before to cancel or try to postpone is just not workable and he wants us to go no matter what. We'll know more in a few weeks but it's pretty darn hard to plan a trip not knowing what's going on.


For now I will continue to make loose plans w/ the kids and then in a few weeks time we can start to make some more decisions regarding the trip for Matt. I basically think I will plan out what we would like to do and then break it down into the MUST's and maybe's and then come up w/ a basic touring plan for each day...based on if Matt is w/ us (to what degree ) or not...

and...will I go solo or will I try and take someone w/ me (this may be decided closer in)

MK will be easy to do since we'll be there 3 times, DHS and EP will be more tricky since we'll be there only one day each. A sit down w/ the kids and some clever planning will be needed.

Lot's of prayers and pixiedust for this little trip

J~

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Things just haven't been stress-free for you! I'm so happy that Matt's surgery went well, but that definitely stinks about his recovery being longer than anticipated! Hopefully he's feeling all better after all of that is over and done with!

I'm sure that your Disney plans will work out well, no matter what form they end up taking! I'm sorry to hear that Matt might not be joining you on the trip though! Would you guys consider postponing the trip until a bit longer after his recovery?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am so sorry to hear that the damage was worse than originally suspected, but I am glad the surgery went well. Lots of pixie dust that the trip gets figured out.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I'm glad the surgery went well and Matt is home recuperating. So sorry to hear that the damage was worse than expected.

Lots of prayers that the healing process will be quicker than expected and Matt can join the family in WDW.

 

[mousescrapper]

Things just haven't been stress-free for you! I'm so happy that Matt's surgery went well, but that definitely stinks about his recovery being longer than anticipated! Hopefully he's feeling all better after all of that is over and done with!

we all do, thanks Sara

I'm sure that your Disney plans will work out well, no matter what form they end up taking! I'm sorry to hear that Matt might not be joining you on the trip though! Would you guys consider postponing the trip until a bit longer after his recovery?

we really wish this was the case, but the time frame in which we'd have to fly, plus our DVC point situation does it make it possible...I plan to call DVC just to see if there is a loop hole I am missing, but unfortunately I really don't think so

I am so sorry to hear that the damage was worse than originally suspected, but I am glad the surgery went well. Lots of pixie dust that the trip gets figured out.

thanks Jackie I am conituning w/ plan making and we'll know better if that 6 weeks really will be so soon enough and then make that final choice sometime next month...I may be going solo w/ the kids

I'm glad the surgery went well and Matt is home recuperating. So sorry to hear that the damage was worse than expected.

Lots of prayers that the healing process will be quicker than expected and Matt can join the family in WDW.

thanks Missy...I am trying to stay optimistic

 

[mousescrapper]

well no loop hole to be found


it's as I believed...since we borrowed our points for the trip since our 2012 use year actually begins Feb 1, if we cancel the trip our points would be placed back in the 2011 use year and lost if not used by Feb 1. If we wanted to rent out those points I'd have to by Feb 1.

I asked if there was any loop hole and basically if we decide to purchase travel insurance for $79 we should be able to recieve a check for a montary amount for the lost points...but it certaintly won't be what those points are actually worth

I also asked if any 1 BR are available during our dates in case it's just the kids and I, but no and I asked if there was a 2 BR avail a week later and well you must know the answer NO


so this call pretty much sealed what Matt and I were already thinking...keep the trip and have a bit of FAITH and PIXIEDUST, he'll be with us.

Right now as stated before I will continue to make loose plans...and about a month out make a better decision of where he is at w/ recovery and will he be out of work till 1st of yr, and decide if we need to try and have someone come w/ me or not.

I plan to buy the kids park passes a month out as well, but will wait on Matt's. If we decide the week before he is going then we'll just pay the extra cost and buy his ticket onsite OR if he doesn't go I'll cancel his aifare right before we leave...this way we have a cushion to work w/

I think if our use yr was say April or even March we'd probably postpone, but oh well. I am not going to fret over this decision anymore.

Time will tell us and we'll go w/ that

 

[mousescrapper]

Let’s stay up beat shall we and look at the new possible plans for DHS

Now I re did these plans (for day time touring vs orignial eve-EMH touring) based on what the kids originally wanted while sitting in the waiting room when Matt was in surgery so of course this was BEFORE we knew he may not go now…so these plans need some tweaking.

This is what I am looking at now w/ park plans:

1) loose but has the definite 5-6 things each person wants to do
2) not much splitting up (ain’t gonna happen whether Matt is w/ us or not)
3) a slow pace, hitting parks early (when applicable) stay through lunch, break and then back for a few hours​

With what I have for DHS, I don’t want to break mid day and come back and deal w/ the buses twice so this is a ¾ day plan. I need some down time in the middle. It seems a bit packed, but not sure, maybe not w/ all the sitting w/ shows.

I always have the hardest time planning this park. The items in red I’m a bit unsure of either because we have to split up or because of timing (I made a few notes). The items in green are the MUSTS.

Day 4 Wed 1-18

* RD arrival 8:30/8:45 am (night before MK up till 9 pm)

* TSM try for standby or use FP line

* Star Tours ? have to split up for this not sure NR will want to ride or Rach, plus this will be a no go for Matt if he’s w/ us not sure twins can do this alone?

* 9:40 Disney Junior Show may split up for this and combine w/ Star Tours OR have twins hang in Animation area (is it open in there before 10 am?)

* MV3D (meet up if needed here 10:15 am)

(take picture Mom/Dad at NY backdrop?)

* Go to 11:30 Indy Stunt Show (11 ish) *Be sure to sit near exit row side* OR do we skip it and go play at HISTK playset?

Lunch time eat at Sunset market area

* ToT Bekah and Mom ? this will be scratched for sure if it’s just me (may need FP’s for this)

* Go to 2 pm B&B show (1:30 ish)

* TGMR? (maybe)

* 2nd TSM ride

* Little Mermaid? (maybe)

* Characters: Animation area or Toy Story friends or Disney Junior Pals (look for Jake or Handy Manny) or Phineas/Ferb near Mama Melroses

* One Man’s Dream

* Fit in a snack/treat break

Go to 4:10 showing of LMA show (3:40ish)

DONE!

So thoughts, ideas…what do you all think?

Thanks for reading, Up NEXT EPCOT touring plan!

 

[Marshay]

Wow, so January is already filling up -- no 2br anywhere the week after you? That's kind of unbelievable for me with as large as SSR and AKV are...and of course as I was reading that I was going -- yes! we'll overlap vacations then!

But alas, it's not meant to be, I guess.

I'm sorry this is getting so complicated for you, but I think you have the best plan -- just wait and see and plan a few things.

On another note, I just found out that DVC stopped letting you pick and choose when to do the DDP (like we did on our May trip), so now it's either move to a new room/category/resort or take the DDP for the entire trip.

So we aren't doing the DDP at all.

It's kind of crazy b/c now we'll just cook or eat CS ...where before Disney would have gotten a lot more money for me to eat TS...

 

[DisMomAmy]

I know it's hard to plan when you don't know what's going to be happening...

But your plans look good. I say to plan everything in & skip things if you need to slow down.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

It can't be easy to plan with all of the unknown going on, but I think you're doing a great job! I think the 3/4 day at DHS sounds like a good plan, it sounds like you're doing enough shows that you'll get lots of breaks!

 

[mousescrapper]

Wow, so January is already filling up -- no 2br anywhere the week after you? That's kind of unbelievable for me with as large as SSR and AKV are...and of course as I was reading that I was going -- yes! we'll overlap vacations then!

well not sure everywhere but at BLT at least...if I am going solo or Matt is w/ us but not full touring I only want to deal w/ the buses at a minimum, not that we don't like the buses, but just easier when you can walk or monorail to your destinations besides especially at MK I rerally think if Nathan was getting tired and wanted to walk back to the room, he can't get lost and can text me when he's in the room

But alas, it's not meant to be, I guess.

I know hopefully another trip!

I'm sorry this is getting so complicated for you, but I think you have the best plan -- just wait and see and plan a few things.


thanks marsha

On another note, I just found out that DVC stopped letting you pick and choose when to do the DDP (like we did on our May trip), so now it's either move to a new room/category/resort or take the DDP for the entire trip.

So we aren't doing the DDP at all.

It's kind of crazy b/c now we'll just cook or eat CS ...where before Disney would have gotten a lot more money for me to eat TS...

dang that is stinky news for sure, we never got a chnace to try it out too was thinking of it for the 2013 trip, but w/ 5 "adults" and 1 child it may not be worth it thanks for that heads-up

I know it's hard to plan when you don't know what's going to be happening...

But your plans look good. I say to plan everything in & skip things if you need to slow down.

yes that is a good plan I just need to have clear reasoning if we do skip and anything upfront we may skip...tor hat plan could backfire a bit

It can't be easy to plan with all of the unknown going on, but I think you're doing a great job! I think the 3/4 day at DHS sounds like a good plan, it sounds like you're doing enough shows that you'll get lots of breaks!

thanks Sara, after re looking at the plan again and typing it out and hearing some feedback, I feel a bit better about it

 

[mommytothreeboys]

DHS is a tough park to plan...agreed. I think as long as you have a clear plan of what CAN be skipped, like Amy said, plan a packed day and know what can be left out if necessary.

I'm sure it's a huge challenge to plan for so many unknowns.

 

[MEK]

Subbing to your PTR because I noticed that dates of your trip and BLT and it looks like such a wonderful time to travel and such a great place to stay.

So sorry to hear about your DH'd recent surgery and anticipated recovery. I really, really hopes everything works out for you. I had a friend who had similar surgery and, although she was hurting for the first several weeks, so was doing really well at 6 weeks.

Good luck! I belong to DVC too and I purchased the travel insurance for 2012 because I have over 300 points in trips. I love DVC, but the cancellation policies are tough.

 

[Marshay]

Oh, that makes sense (re: only looking at BLT). I thought you were saying there were absolutely no 1 or 2br at all for DVC in January. I know that can happen but January is the least likely month of all.

FYI -- we just booked our first Disney cruise -- going on a 3 night Dream cruise in Jan 2013. We'll go a week earlier (MLK week for 3 or 4 nights and then board the Dream for 3 nights. I'm so excited about that trip!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Argh, I'm no help at all!!! In fact, I was hoping reading your plans would help me with mine, but nope, still confused about DHS as well. It SEEMS like it would be an easier park to plan, but it's not!

 

[mousescrapper]

DHS is a tough park to plan...agreed. I think as long as you have a clear plan of what CAN be skipped, like Amy said, plan a packed day and know what can be left out if necessary.

I'm sure it's a huge challenge to plan for so many unknowns.

I may revisit the DHS plan yet again

Subbing to your PTR because I noticed that dates of your trip and BLT and it looks like such a wonderful time to travel and such a great place to stay.

AWESOME! MEK!

We love BLT, it will be our 3rd stay there (2nd for the kids) we really can't wait! I was down at WDW in Jan of this yr and it was pretty nice

So sorry to hear about your DH'd recent surgery and anticipated recovery. I really, really hopes everything works out for you. I had a friend who had similar surgery and, although she was hurting for the first several weeks, so was doing really well at 6 weeks.

thanks for the well wishes...he really is doing much better the 1st week after post op was pretty hard, but things are starting to become more normal now...so even though it's still about 3 1/2 weeks more of his inital recovery things are better for him and he feels good.

Good luck! I belong to DVC too and I purchased the travel insurance for 2012 because I have over 300 points in trips. I love DVC, but the cancellation policies are tough.

we have some pretty good news on the trip front so see upcoming life update!

Oh, that makes sense (re: only looking at BLT). I thought you were saying there were absolutely no 1 or 2br at all for DVC in January. I know that can happen but January is the least likely month of all.

FYI -- we just booked our first Disney cruise -- going on a 3 night Dream cruise in Jan 2013. We'll go a week earlier (MLK week for 3 or 4 nights and then board the Dream for 3 nights. I'm so excited about that trip!!

the next, next trip sounds awesome marsha...what fun!

Argh, I'm no help at all!!! In fact, I was hoping reading your plans would help me with mine, but nope, still confused about DHS as well. It SEEMS like it would be an easier park to plan, but it's not!

sorry I think the layout and all the shows makes it tough. I still think if TSM is on your list GO there first, the TOT, RnRC area still fills but not as bad as TSM since it's the best family ride in that park.

 

[mousescrapper]

I have lots to catch up (not to mention plans to be made) so let’s see what has been going on around the Scrappie Home besides Matt having surgery and recovering…before we get to all of that first a very important update. Matt had his first post op check w/ the surgeons office right before Thanksgiving, and got a great report, despite an initial hard 1st week the incision, and x-ray of new fusion all looks good. He was released to go back to work this week (today is his 2nd day back) of course it is wearing the restrictive neck brace and w/ other work restrictions. But this is way better than sitting at home doing nothing for 4 more weeks and not knowing if he then would go to Disney w/ us…so NOW he's basically a GO! YAY!!!!!

Of course we have a list of things he’ll have to skip like TT, tea cups, TSM (sad) and a few more…but he’ll take that vs not going at all…

*** We celebrated 60 days till Disney w/ a Pirate family Night (theme picked by Rachel)***

Matt decorated the table:

We had a meal brought by a friend this evening so I planned a special treasure (dessert)

ARRGH!

Oh NO! what scurvy dog stole the treasure?

Ah Ha! we found it…

Ooohh What’s inside?

We finished the evening w/ watching POC 2

It was a fun little night and a break during the busy school week.​

 

[mousescrapper]

In other celebrations *** we celebrated two BIRTHDAYS! Naomi-Ruth turning 5 and Rachel turning 9!!!!***

Naomi-Ruth had a Princess tea-party w/ some of her little friends the day before her birthday. It was a fun morning and I was so thankful for the help of two of my girlfriends who came early and stayed to help me…plus Rachel was the Party Hostess and kept everything moving along for me!

The Birthday Girl:

Playing some games:

And w/ a special gift from WDW from her Godmother:

A personalized parasol from MK!

Later that evening, Matt’s parents and sister and bil came over for pizza, cupcakes and more presents. Each of the girls got pillow pets and some other fun items. Plus they opened presents from us. Rachel loved her new plush Alice doll:

Happy Birthday! We’re 95!

The day before Thanksgiving was Rachel’s Birthday and I took her and 3 of her girlfriends (plus our family and my Mom) to see the new Muppets Movie.

“Mah na mah na !”

First were some presents from her friends, she got a great Minnie shirt, and arts and crafts:

Then off to the show:

(Nathan didn’t want in the picture w/ all the girls…) Oh and no picture of me, but I wore some Lime Kermit green to the show LOL​

 

[mousescrapper]

The next celebration was of course ***Thanksgiving*** and we started out first w/ our 2nd Annual Charlie Brown Thanksgiving:

We had the Snoopy Feast for 6 (plus pizza): Toast, Popcorn, pretzels and Jelly beans

Rebekah folded up the napkins into little boats just like Snoopy did too

Here are a few more pixs:

We finished the evening w/ watching the movie of course

==================================================================================


The next day I hosted Thanksgiving Dinner at our home for my parents, brother and sil (my sis was in Atlanta w/ other family). The kids made Turkey place cards for the table and Bekah added some special touches to her's and Matt’s (mouth gear and a neck brace):

Since our 2nd fridge was broken, my parents bought the bird and defrosted it at their home and my dad brought it over in the morning. As I was prepping a GF stuffing for in the bird, Naomi-Ruth was so intrigued by this “bird” coming over and was wondering if this was what I was going to feed it Here she is w/ our bird:

And after Tom the Turkey was cooked:

Our table all set, w/ the help of Bekah:

Getting food:

The girls got to open more presents from their Grandparents and gifts sent from my sister.

Naomi-Ruth had more fun w/ the gift bag…

A blurry but nice family shot:

The next day or later that night depending on how you look at it I did the midnight run at Target like so many others HA! But I got movies, Wii games, PJ bottoms, boots, a new camera and more…we of course Friday night had the traditional leftover Turkey dinner:

And Matt and I attempted making our own versions of the scrumptious EOS Holiday sandwich:

​

 

[mousescrapper]

Finally in this HUGE update of comings and goings…we celebrated our ***50 days to Disney*** last week w/ 50 Disney ornaments.

Like most people I put up our Christmas Trees throughout the weekend following Thanksgiving, and 50 ornaments for 50 days seemed like a great way to mark this timeline till our trip!

Matt helped count them out…yes we have 50 (even more) a lot are WTP…but hey it still works (and of course I bought a new set of 7 on Cyber Monday from the Disney Store )

Then we got to hanging:

We finished the evening w/ watching Disney’s The Santa Clause. What a great movie!

Stay tuned as I am trying to tackle this trip to-do list and now that I know Matt is 95% for sure going I feel way more motivated to get this trip planned…so I have a to-do list re-check, EP & MK touring plans and more to come…​