To go or not to go.....

[silence]

I'm struggling with this right now, trying to decide.

Usually 5 of us go to the parks (me, DH, DS, DD and mom) a few times a year since we have AP's.

Our last trip, my mom developed a blood clot and had to leave the first day. It was the first time we spent any time in the parks without her....ever.

I have a room booked for 3 nights (Sat/Sun/Mon) for us to all go down and spend Sun/Mon in the parks since the kiddos are out of school next week. It is the only time we have to go to see the holiday stuff.

Hubby has to work now. My mom called and said its to uncomfortable for her to sit that long in a car. I'm getting a cold. I'm nervous about driving the entire trip by myself and any detours we may hit due to the fires (we are coming from Sacramento).

Anyways, just wanted to vent a little here with all my Disney Addict DIS buddies.

 

[trodrigue]

In my humble opinion....once you are surrounded by the magic, all the rest of the challenges will fade into the background. Go and enjoy.

 

[pixiewings71]

I'd go...I've done the drive by myself (and I HATE driving long distances alone) and made it perfectly fine. It was me and my 2 girls, it was long but I just stopped when I needed to and I was fine. I would definitely go, you will all love it, and honestly, I loved being at DL just me and my 2 girls, it was only a couple of days but man, it was just so much fun just the 3 of us.

 

[blue donkey]

do you know what makes the car ride uncomfortable for your mother?

if it's her body, maybe you could try making frequent stops for your mother. if she gets a chance to stretch out her body & get fresh air every hour or two, she may feel better. I know it'll take longer to get there but making the ride easier for your mom will be worth it. also, maybe try to plan the drive avoiding traffic hours.

once you're there, it'll all be worth it & what's a little cold when you're at dl?

 

[bumbershoot]

Amtrak???

 

[silence]

Amtrak???

I totally looked into this today.

However, it will take me over 14 hours to get from Sacramento to Disneyland. OMG, that is just crazy. I can do the drive in 7 hours, usually we average around 8 with the stops for the kiddos to use the potty. Plus the money we would save ($120 each way for the 3 of us).

It's always just nice sharing the driving duties with 2 other adults. I know once we get there we will have a blast, but it's the driving by myself that is killing my disney buzz I think. Then the drive home, yuck!

My mom's leg is all swollen. She went down last week with my aunt, so she said it feels like she is sitting on something very uncomfortable, but it is just her swollen leg. She has another trip planned the week after Thanksgiving, so she wants to stay home and rest.

So, as long as I can shake this cold bug (my head has been pounding for 2 days) we will go. The kids can't wait.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

If you feel better, I'd go! With 5 days still, odds are that you should! But if I'm sick, and no other adult with me? No way! LOL

 

[Marciern22]

Go. Just don't rush around for rides and shows. Go just for the magic and to be with each other. I bet you will feel more relaxed after this trip than any other if you just go for the joy of it.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

You know - I'm going to go with the less popular opinion and say to put the trip off for a bit. It sounds like a lot of stuff is working against you and maybe the signs are there to skip it. It's not like you have non-refundable airline tickets.

I would definitely look after my family's health first - get well. I work in Nuclear Medicine and know how serious PVD and blood clots can be for your mom. If she's already having leg troubles, this trip won't help her and could knock a potential clot loose into her lung. Bad news. She's definitely out of the trip.

If you have a cold and it gets worse, how will you get help with the kids or get home if you get worse? I know they are older, but still. I've been sick in another state with my 2 little girls by myself. It stinks.

DL is always around and since you have APs, it's okay to come back later. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

You know - I'm going to go with the less popular opinion and say to put the trip off for a bit. It sounds like a lot of stuff is working against you and maybe the signs are there to skip it. It's not like you have non-refundable airline tickets.

I would definitely look after my family's health first - get well. I work in Nuclear Medicine and know how serious PVD and blood clots can be for your mom. If she's already having leg troubles, this trip won't help her and could knock a potential clot loose into her lung. Bad news. She's definitely out of the trip.

If you have a cold and it gets worse, how will you get help with the kids or get home if you get worse? I know they are older, but still. I've been sick in another state with my 2 little girls by myself. It stinks.

DL is always around and since you have APs, it's okay to come back later. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I agree, if you dont get better stay home. Being ill, hours from home, at a place where the kids expect you to be able to run circles around the place, will be awful and draining. Being home and sick and dealing with them alone is bad enough. Also DH can't go anymore and mom is out. I wouldn't make her drive or even sit for that long! It would be neat just you and your girls but honestly maybe the timing isn't there? If in 2 days you are feeling much much better you can still make it but dont feel like you absolutely have to. You have AP's so maybe something else will work out. I hope you feel better and are able to make it though

 

[silence]

Ok....I'm GOING!

Feeling better today....thank goodness.

I actually decided to leave with the kiddos tomorrow right after work. We'll drive 3-4 hours and then stop at a hotel.

Finish the drive on Saturday morning. Since Saturday is not a block out day, we'll check in to HoJo then head over to the park.

Sunday, DH is going to fly down after getting some sleep (he works swings). We will meet him at the hotel Sunday around 2:30 for a break, then head back over to finish out the day.

We'll all be in the parks together on Monday and then drive home Saturday.

Now....to decide just where to stop overnight.

 

[dwheatl]

I'm happy that you are going. I'm an AP holder who had to cancel an Oct. trip, and I was very disappointed.

Make sure you drink lots of fluids on the trip, to help your body heal. Get some vitamin C and zinc too.

Is Buttonwillow about halfway for you? That might be a good stop.

Have a great trip! We're going New Year's Day, and I'm super-excited!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Ok....I'm GOING!
...... Now....to decide just where to stop overnight.

We just did that drive Sunday, coming home from my best friend's wedding in Loomis. We had friends who stayed here on the way up to the wedding....


From Google Maps.....

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant‎
Highway 198 & # I-5, Coalinga, CA‎ - (800) 942-2333‎

"We are conveniently located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, just off Interstate 5 and Highway 198 in Coalinga, California. ..." harrisranch.com

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I am happy to hear that you will be able to make your trip, and that DH will be there as well. But mostly I am happy that you are feeling better! Enjoy your trip!

 

[silence]

Is Buttonwillow about halfway for you? That might be a good stop.

It's actually more than 1/2 way, but where I'm thinking of stopping. We stayed here before once long ago.

Either that, or I'm going to drive 99 down and stop in Bakersfield. That way, if I get really tired, I could stop early in Fresno or Visalia.

I'm nervous about staying anywhere along i5, mostly because its in the middle of nowhere, at least down 99 I will feel like there are lots of people around. Crazy I know.

 

[pixiewings71]

You could try Lost Hills, it's about halfway or a bit more. Or Harris Ranch, but it's super fancy there, more like a resort style place than a simple place to spend the night.

 

[blue donkey]

so glad you're feeling well enough to go.