The way We do a Disney Re-Do ~~ Beach club Aug 13-22 - FINISHED!!! 1/20 - Page 12 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Isn't it a little frustrating when you know more than the CMs?
I'm jealous of your meet and greet - they won't give us Canadians a Disney Visa And I completely agree with you about knowing your child and when to give them a gentle nudge or not. Thanks for a great update!
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Stacey
Why do these kids look so pathetic?
Find out in: A New Grade, A New House, and A Surprise!Final Thoughts 01/30
Great updates! Glad you persevered on the turn-down service! Our family loves Living with the Land, too, and have ridden it on every single visit. The Visa Character Meet and Greet is lots of fun, but sorry Hannah was frightened.
Great update, glad that the whole family got to ride Soarin this time, and that everyone enjoyed. Sorry Hannah did not enjoy the "meet and greet" but maybe after talking it through (and a little more preperation) she might enjoy it more tomorrow. I am glad Delaney decided to Mickey a shot....
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It was time to use the fastpasses to ride Test Track. This was one of the many attractions that we did not get to experience on our last trip because the lines were too long and the FPs were out. The boys were sooo excited for this one, and Hannah will try just about anything at WDW…once…
Unfortunately, Delaney did not get to go on this ride because…I did not double check the height requirement! I was certain this was a 44” ride, so she and I sat out and explored some more shops. (I thought this may also give her a chance to rest.) As we were waiting…I reviewed the attraction guide and was so annoyed with myself! I am sitting outside in the heat, with a 3-year old who is frustrated at not being able to ride when all along she could and we all could have done it together! Oh well…there would be another time…
Throughout my TR, I will sprinkle in some “Hannahims,” interesting or funny ways that Hannah reacted to various WDW experiences. All kids say things from time to time that are particularly funny, or insightful; anyone spending time with a child on the autism spectrum may be blessed with insight into their view of the world by staying tuned to these comments and reactions. I only wish I would remember to record more of them in daily life!
I often heard about kids with “sensory” issues, but did not fully understand the scope and implication of those concerns before my Hannah. I thought I understood—(“oh yeah..no itchy clothes…got it”)—but it is so much more than tactile sensory experiences. Hannah is often tuned into sensory experiences (sight, sounds, smell, touch…) more than most, and often interprets those sensory experiences in unique or unusual ways. When she is happy and calm, she is able to verbalize those experiences. When she is overwhelmed and over-stimulated, she is more apt to shut down. With the help of the GAC, the benefit of experience and a touring plan more suited to our family’s needs, we were fortunate to have calm and happy Hannah around for most of our trip, and we therefore got many interesting glimpses into her world.
When Hannah and the boys approached us after TT, I asked how it was. I could not hear Ben’s chatter over Hannah’s emphatic, “I HATED IT!” …Oh uh…She was not in a good spot..She was not engaging…she was not “with” us.
We had dinner ressies in about an hour at Coral Reef, so next plan was to head to the Seas pavilion to check out Nemo. (This was yet another attraction that we did not get to see last time because of the lines….)
I do not recall if we used the GAC for this ride or not—either we did or the line was not very long because we were riding soon…as we traveled though Nemo’s world, we started getting Hannah back. During the ride she was making comments about robots. After the ride, as we headed towards coral reef…she continued to yammer on about robots... and someone forgetting to turn them off…. I had no foggy idea what she was talking about. DH was no help…
Then she yelled “THAT IS WHY I DON’T LIKE TEST TRACK!!!”
Of course, never having been on test Track, I did not get the robots. I asked DH for help. Apparently she did not mention anything about not liking the ride until they got off. He did not know what she did not like…(Of course, at the point she got scared, she withdrew…). Now that she could talk, she explained to me that someone forgot to turn off the robots. She would not go on it again because someone may forget to turn off the robots again. Even with the enhanced explanation, DH and DS did not really understand what she was talking about.
Later in the trip, when I was able to ride TT for the first time, I paid special attention to the robots and finally understood… At the point in the ride when your car is being exposed to "toxic chemicals" there is a faint voice that says, "Did you remember to turn off the robots?" and another small voice answers, "ummm...." as the robots turn their hands toward our car.
I tried to explain to her that it was part of the attraction, it was not a “mistake” but a “joke.” I reasoned that if it happens EVERY time you go past that point in the ride, it cannot be a mistake. I also pointed out how Disney World would never put us in danger. None of it mattered—she would NEVER go on that ride again…Mystery solved!
We arrived about 30 minutes early for our 5:10 ADR. We checked in early because there was not much we could have done to kill 20 minutes, and we hoped to get a spot by the aquarium. We were told that all aquarium seats had been recently seated and we would be waiting at least 45 minutes. We declined and were seated immediately at a table which I would describe as the “third” row. We could see the aquarium. It would have been nice to have a front row view…
The restaurant was beautiful. One of the great things about arriving at this time was the restaurant was not yet crowded. There were a number of empty tables, and the noise level was fairly low. By the end of our meal, the restaurant was crowded and loud. For our family, eating early was a great way to minimize some of the sensory concerns!
I have pictures of our food below. I do not remember exactly what our items were called but I asked to have a menu to take a souvenir to reference later. When the server gave me the menu, I put it in my bag without looking at it. I did not notice it was merely the menu for specials/drinks and appetizers.
I ordered the appetizer trio for my main meal. I planned to “reserve” some of my TS credits as we had one more meal planned than meal credits, but this item looked better to me than anything else on the menu. I was not disappointed.
DH also loved his meal.
The allergy plate was as boring as it often is. The chef came out and talked with us and Delaney got the typical “safe” foods.
The kids are not huge fans of the pizza they serve for kids’ meals. Although they have always loved the “adult” versions of the pizzas…not sure what is different, but they have tossed an insane amount of uneaten pizza! If we were not on the DDP it would have been a better value to order one “real” pizza and have them split it.
I was still feeling sick, so passed on a FAB here as well. DH joined with me and we joked how my cold would be saving us a lot of money on drinks! LOL!
The desserts here were incredible.
I would definitely come to this restaurant again!
After we left Coral Reef, we headed to Turtle Talk with Crush. We did utilize the GAC here as the line would have been too long for us to bother. (I bet you can guess that we did not do this one last trip…). When we walked in, Hannah got a bit nervous to be directed to a spot on the floor. Once DH and I realized “that” is how it works, I explained it to her, and was able to take one of the adult front row seats. She was fine was the show started—and what a cute show it was! I now understood why the lines had been so long! Next up: Mission Space…
Wonderful updates! I couldn't help but get teary eyed again reading about Gpa Jim. Isn't it amazing how things "just happen" at just the right moment sometimes. I'm so glad you ran into him that day. And so nice that you remained in contact. With all the bad stuff we hear about everyday, isn't it great to know that there are still good people out there!?
I am so glad you got to do the private meet & greet! Wonderful picture!! Can't wait to read more!
Not sure if I ever mentioned that "Disney Grandpa Jim" sent me my first passporter (and my second and third....). As I understand, he often gives them to his clients (he is a travel agent) and he often has leftover editions. So if not for him, I never would have found this message board... (someone being very picky may have seen that I signed up before our first trip and the GPa Jim encounter, but I never posted before...). A few months ago, I lead him to my original Trip report. I told him I would also send him an email when I complete this one. So eventually, he may read this... ("Hi Disney Grandpa Jim! )
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Originally Posted by kmurburg
I'm glad you were able to do the VISA meet and greet. We've tried to do it twice now but the line never moves! Maybe if we would get there right at the beginning, we could be a little luckier!
I saw what you meant the second time we tried...forgive me if I mention it later, but on our 2nd Epcot day, we arrived to find a HUGE line. It was near the start of the photo session. We were not about to wait in the line, we did something else and came back later--probably about an hour before it was over--and found the line more manageable. Not as great as the first day, probably about 30 minutes. It was also easier to be patient with how slow the line moved because I knowthat meant we got lots of individual attention. If we did not have a short line the first day, we may never have waited. We got another piece of WDW magic there!
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Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great update! Sorry about the turndown mess! Great times in Epcot! I remember Grandpa Jim! Great picture from the meet and greet!
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Originally Posted by saibot0001
I was so excited when I saw that you updated. I ♥ your TR. It is really enjoyable to read. So funny about the turn down service. Glad you did not give up. I'm so there with you when you said you were trying to talk loud enough so that maybe someone else would hear you and know what you were talking about. I've done that before too. lol
Soarin is my favorite ride ever and I'm so glad you brought up Grandpa Jim again. I love that story so much. I think that is such a magical moment and a blessing that you all have kept in touch. It make me teary to think about it.
The meet and greet sounds like so much fun to be able to have a private meeting. Sounds like a great start to another great day. Can't wait to read more.
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Originally Posted by Pinkyt177
Yea, great update, thanks for sharing! I love the meet and greet, sounds like it went pretty well. Hannah at least was in the room, a small victory! Can't wait to hear more!
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Originally Posted by B.M.
Sounds like a great time at Epcot!!
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Originally Posted by Linnynad
That update is making me want to get a Disney Visa, what a great meet and greet. Now, I am dying to know if you ever got the turn down service or not?? I hate when the CM not only are un-informed but talk to you like your the stupid one.
Can't wait for more
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
Great update and I love the character pic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sc507
Isn't it a little frustrating when you know more than the CMs?
I'm jealous of your meet and greet - they won't give us Canadians a Disney Visa And I completely agree with you about knowing your child and when to give them a gentle nudge or not. Thanks for a great update!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Great updates! Glad you persevered on the turn-down service! Our family loves Living with the Land, too, and have ridden it on every single visit. The Visa Character Meet and Greet is lots of fun, but sorry Hannah was frightened.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
Great update, glad that the whole family got to ride Soarin this time, and that everyone enjoyed. Sorry Hannah did not enjoy the "meet and greet" but maybe after talking it through (and a little more preperation) she might enjoy it more tomorrow. I am glad Delaney decided to Mickey a shot....
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Good for you - not giving up on turndown service. Glad you finally found someone who could help!
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Originally Posted by nalexander
Just getting caught up on your TR. We loved the Visa Character meet as well. We did it twice and had a great time both times.
The turn down service update does not deserve its own post...so I will add more here...
It sure was nice to come back to our room that evening with clean towels. Hannah LOVED the chocolates (I could not even do justice to her reaction--she was THRILLED! It was truly a highlight of her week!). Since DS is not a chocolate fan (nor are DH or myself) and the littlest is allergic to it, she got it all....
The mousekeep "attempted" to do some cute things with our toys...It was fun.
The kids got a kick out the penguins who became friends...
Does this count as a towel animal? I was hoping for something more "stable"
Great update! We did The Coral Reef in 2005 and thought it was nice. My DD was 9 months old at the time, and really enjoyed the aquarium.
I will have to pay attention to the TT robots, I havent been on this ride either the last trip or in 2009. So I can't remember.
Love the pic of the kids in front of the Seas. Each one of them looks very happy! Great pic!
Get your bum over to my TR! I updated, or did you already see it?
Great update! We did The Coral Reef in 2005 and thought it was nice. My DD was 9 months old at the time, and really enjoyed the aquarium.
I will have to pay attention to the TT robots, I havent been on this ride either the last trip or in 2009. So I can't remember.
Love the pic of the kids in front of the Seas. Each one of them looks very happy! Great pic!
Get your bum over to my TR! I updated, or did you already see it?
The thing with the robots is so subtle...DH and DS could not figure out what could have scared her...when I rode it, I paid attention and noticed the voices about the robots. That is how it is for her with her sensory stuff--she will pick up on what many may miss (at least, my boys...)
I did see your TR today...but I will check again in case there are more updates...I was skimpy with the comments, as I had my own to work on!
The thing with the robots is so subtle...DH and DS could not figure out what could have scared her...when I rode it, I paid attention and noticed the voices about the robots. That is how it is for her with her sensory stuff--she will pick up on what many may miss (at least, my boys...)
I did see your TR today...but I will check again in case there are more updates...I was skimpy with the comments, as I had my own to work on!
I think you might have responded, actually, I can't remember. Isn't it amazing what kids will pick up on and remember!
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And I completely agree with you about knowing your child and when to give them a gentle nudge or not. Thanks for a great update!
Our family loves Living with the Land, too, and have ridden it on every single visit. The Visa Character Meet and Greet is lots of fun, but sorry Hannah was frightened.
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I was certain this was a 44” ride, so she and I sat out and explored some more shops. (I thought this may also give her a chance to rest.) As we were waiting…I reviewed the attraction guide and was so annoyed with myself! I am sitting outside in the heat, with a 3-year old who is frustrated at not being able to ride when all along she could and we all could have done it together! 
I only wish I would remember to record more of them in daily life! 
During the ride she was making comments about robots. After the ride, as we headed towards coral reef…she continued to yammer on about robots... and someone forgetting to turn them off…. I had no foggy idea what she was talking about. DH was no help…
your TR.
Great times in Epcot! I remember Grandpa Jim! 
Great picture from the meet and greet! 
"Sparky"(My first trip.)
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