The Great Disney Do-Over—PTR for Aug 2010 - UPDATED 8/2 About This Page:

[chezp]

I hope the next day is better.

[tammyd_rn]

I just found your TR and am all caught up and was so caught up in it I was disappointed that I finally got left at a cliff hanger. I am enjoying your report or as others have said your story telling. I am looking forward to more and seeing how the redo trip creates great memories to come.

[magic mickey]

I just read through your whole TR. Sorry that your first trip was less then magical, but that just means that you have to go back again and again. I remember the first trip that DH and I took with our then 3 yr. old DD. I wanted it to be so special that I pushed and pushed too hard. It wasn't until I became more flexible, that we really started to have a good time. I can't even imagine taking that trip with a large group. Can't wait to hear your plans for the next trip. We have been converted to summer visiting people(not really by choice), so if you need any pointers let me know.l

[benjiboo25]

Originally Posted by magic mickey

I just read through your whole TR. We have been converted to summer visiting people(not really by choice), so if you need any pointers let me know.l

Thanks! Wondering why you were "converted" to summer visits? I would love tips and feedback (especially as I move to my real pre-trip plans). I fear the heat...

[benjiboo25]

Originally Posted by tammyd_rn

I just found your TR and am all caught up and was so caught up in it I was disappointed that I finally got left at a cliff hanger. I am enjoying your report or as others have said your story telling. I am looking forward to more and seeing how the redo trip creates great memories to come.

Thanks for reading! I will post more shortly...

[benjiboo25]

The phone rang at 5:45. It was our wake up call.
I asked the kids if they still wanted to get to MK early.
DS was the first to realize what I was saying. He popped out of bed, encouraged his sisters to do the same, and soon they were all getting themselves ready for the day. When we heard the start of bickering, we reminded the kids that we all have to work together to make the plan work. Nothing more was needed. We ate a quick breakfast in the room as we got ready and were walking out our door before 7am. We were taking a cab to MK.

It was Thanksgiving. It was the last full day of our trip. We arrived before the park opened. I was trying to think of what I would say at the Guest Relations office once we made it through the gates.

Christmas music was playing. I was overcome with emotion as I entered the Guest Relations office. I spoke with a wonderful cast member who was more helpful than I ever would have imagined.


I cannot say enough wonderful things about CM Melanie, who was working in guest relations that day. Her kindness and compassion changed not only our vacation, but also our family. I was pretty emotional and embarrassed when I approached the counter that morning. I did not really know what I was asking for as I started telling Melanie the story of our Disney experience thus far. I had done enough research to know that Disney wants to do help create a magical experience for all. We had brought along our daughter's IEP to use if we needed it, but we expected our daughter who “looks normal” to have a very “normal” experience with the family.


I told Melanie what a powerful and positive force the Princesses have been in Hannah's development. She loves princesses. When we realized that she respected Cinderella, Snow White and the rest more than mom and dad, we started using their stories to teach Hannah lessons on manners and social interaction. She learned how to be a good friend from Belle, and she learned how to be kind to animals from Snow White. Whenever she was having trouble complying with a request, we could ask her to think about how Cinderella may act in this situation, and once she could determine how a princess would act, she was able to change her behavior or attitude to match what she thought a princess would do. Although just in kindergarten, she has an amazing ability to read and understand words, but she resisted "formal reading," until we started introducing princess books. With the help of princess books and stories, Hannah started kindergarten reading at a 3rd grade level.


After two years of living in a "kingdom," you can imagine how excited we were to let her finally meet the princesses in Disney. The first four days, although filled with many wonderful moments, had more frustrations and melt downs than positive interactions. When Hannah would behave strangely in line, her older brother would scream at her, and her little sister would copy her, in adoration. It was embarrassing and stressful for us parents. We avoided many of the lines that were too long for Hannah, and by doing that, further angered the older brother who just wanted to go on rides.


Melanie gave us the disability pass (GAC) and explained how we could use it. Melanie also took the time to arrange a special "character greeting" for Hannah. Unfortunately, DD is not a fan of the "fur characters" so we were not able to take advantage of that opportunity. But we were overwhelmed by the gesture! When I left, I was so emotional it took me almost an hour to explain the experience to my husband. I did that while waiting in line for Dumbo.

As we went to stand in the next line, my husband suggested we try the disability pass. I was reluctant, since the lines were not very long yet. I relented. We showed the pass to a cast member who directed us to the disability waiting area.

For the first time that trip, we were able to wait like a normal family. DS was not yelling at Hannah for being "crazy." We did not feel the stress of trying to control her behavior. With more space to move, and less waiting time, the 2-year old was not copying her sister's behavior. The freedom we felt was amazing. We no longer had to rush, causing more stress for everyone in the process. We got to stop and look at things, and play on things, and take pictures-- things we did not take time for in the days before. At the end of the day, we were not as exhausted as we had been at the end of the previous days. Our last day at Disney was the first day our family truly experienced "the Magic." Melanie gave us the gift of time, so we could slow down and enjoy Disney.

We grabbed our FPs on schedule, so the boys could make their “fun rides.” Me and the girls spent a lot of time “doing nothing”--we played on the playgrounds, explored Mickey and Minnie’s houses, met Ariel and the princesses, and went on a few “girly” rides.

H Minnies house.JPG

D minnies chair!.JPG

minnies house girls.JPG

DH and B.jpg

D minnies wall.JPG

[benjiboo25]

The highlight of that last day, for the 5-year old daughter and her adoring 2-year old sister was spending almost an hour picking up the Mickey confetti from the road in front of City Hall. Before that day, each time she tried to bend down to pick up that "garbage," my husband or I pulled her along, rushing her so we could get to the next line to wait in. In our effort to get in as many Disney experiences as possible, we did not allow Hannah to do the things she wanted to do--the things we saw as a waste of time. As we left city hall, and I saw the confetti, I asked Hannah if she would like to stop and pick up the "Mickey Sparkles" (as she called them.) The look on her face was indescribable. She looked at me, eyes wide, and said, "Really?!" I said "yes," parked the stroller and leaned against a flower box while she went to work. Other kids came and went, being rushed along in the same way we had done in the days before.

While the girls gathered the sparkles, we were joined by two Disney Cast Members. The female cast member stopped to chat with me, while the male cast member (George) went to help the girls collect the “sparkles.” Although I did not catch the female CM’s name, she and I spoke a bit about this first experience at Disney and what Melanie had provided us. When I asked her if I was keeping her from something, she described her role as a “super greeter.” She watched the girls (and George) collect the confetti and asked me if I knew what the “goal” was. I told her that I did not know, but George came over and told us that Hannah is trying to get every last purple sparkle. That made sense. J At one point, a CM with a sweeper came close to us, and stood off to the side as if he were waiting for us to move on. I told him, “I think we have this.” I answered his look of puzzlement by saying we have been here about a half hour so far, and I think they would like to continue. He went off to sweep something else, with a smile.

MK sparkles.JPG

MK sparkles all.JPG

The picture below was taken during Thanksgiving dinner (lunch, actually, at Tonys with our GG). Seemingly out of nowhere, our Hannah started to cry. We asked her what was wrong. She said she did not think anything was wrong. She felt happy. She was thinking of what a good day we had and she started to cry. That made me cry as well. We had a lesson about “happy tears.”

MK happy tears.JPG

Before that day, we vowed to never return to Disney. We hated it. (Some moments we hated each other). After that last day, we longed for a chance to do it again, our way, but thought it would be years before we could make that happen.

MK zoo.JPG

slide.JPG

Next: How is it that we got to plan a trip so soon after the last one?

[mcc0313]

Shelly - I am so glad that you decided to go to guest services and get the GAC, not that you have to use it all the time but for when it gets crowded, there is nothing wrong with using the pass to make the experience better for everyone. Your day so far sounded magical, I am so glad that everyone worked together to get to the MK early so you could truly enjoy the day.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of the day. Also I know that you are worrying about the summer months, I have to tell you the heat was my worse fear, until we starting traveling in the summer. It was hot and humid but we have begun to love our August trips, they definitely take some planning but a wonderful trip is very possible.

[benjiboo25]

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Shelly - I am so glad that you decided to go to guest services and get the GAC, not that you have to use it all the time but for when it gets crowded, there is nothing wrong with using the pass to make the experience better for everyone. Your day so far sounded magical, I am so glad that everyone worked together to get to the MK early so you could truly enjoy the day.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of the day. Also I know that you are worrying about the summer months, I have to tell you the heat was my worse fear, until we starting traveling in the summer. It was hot and humid but we have begun to love our August trips, they definitely take some planning but a wonderful trip is very possible.

Thanks for the continued encouragement!

[Colexis Mom]

What a great last day! I'm so glad the magic was restored for you guys!

[OneLittleSpark]

Shelly, glad to hear your last day at MK turned your views around about WDW. It can be a truly magical place, and you found a piece of it, it seems, with the GAC. Wtg!!
I must say...what beautiful princesses you have!! Those are some nice pics you got of both girls in Minnie's house. What a nice rememberence of your magical day! Those and the one of your handsome prince's in front of the castle.

I especially loved this part of the story...

"Seemingly out of nowhere, our Hannah started to cry. We asked her what was wrong. She said she did not think anything was wrong. She felt happy. She was thinking of what a good day we had and she started to cry. That made me cry as well. We had a lesson about “happy tears.”"

That made me cry too! Such a great story...how precious is that??? A lifetime memory! I also loved that the girls picked up "mickey sparkles", sometimes slowing down brings the best moments.

I cant wait to hear the next installment and your plans for the next trip, as well! Keep up the great work!

[benjiboo25]

Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark

Shelly, glad to hear your last day at MK turned your views around about WDW. It can be a truly magical place, and you found a piece of it, it seems, with the GAC. Wtg!!
I must say...what beautiful princesses you have!! Those are some nice pics you got of both girls in Minnie's house. What a nice rememberence of your magical day! Those and the one of your handsome prince's in front of the castle.

I especially loved this part of the story...

"Seemingly out of nowhere, our Hannah started to cry. We asked her what was wrong. She said she did not think anything was wrong. She felt happy. She was thinking of what a good day we had and she started to cry. That made me cry as well. We had a lesson about “happy tears.”"

That made me cry too! Such a great story...how precious is that??? A lifetime memory! I also loved that the girls picked up "mickey sparkles", sometimes slowing down brings the best moments.

I cant wait to hear the next installment and your plans for the next trip, as well! Keep up the great work!

Thank you so much for your great feedback! Those certainly were the highlights of our day! About the photos--The photos of my DD(5) on the last day (with the GAC) are fantastic. She looks like the bright and engaging girl we get to see when she is feeling good. Most of the photos during the rest of the trip show her looking spacey and distant. It was something I really did not notice until we got home and reviewed the pictures.

[benjiboo25]

Reflecting on our day with the GAC—Although we got to do and see more that day than we had at previous parks without the GAC, the total number of attractions we experienced were not any more than the others in our GG group. The GAC allowed us to have major breaks in between attractions (to waste time picking up “Mickey Sparkles” and playing at the parks, for example), which helped us to have the stamina to continue. On the days we visited parks without the GAC we experienced so much less than others in our GG group (or friends who have visited with similar aged kids).


The rest of our day at MK was fantastic. We were surprised that we made it until 7pm. We could have made it longer, but we needed to get out of there before the evening parade crowds filled in! (A perk of leaving before the evening events is that the buses were very comfortable! ) The next day would be our departure, and we wanted to get a head start on packing and get a good night’s sleep before the long journey home (very prescient of us, even at that point not knowing just how long that journey home would be…)

The next morning, we packed and checked out of CSR. We arranged for a cab to take us to the airport which gave us an extra 90 minutes (almost 3 hours total) to relax at the resort. Although it seemed crazy to spend that extra money on cab fare when we could have free transportation, at that time, our family needed more alone time, more play time, and less crowded transportation.

We had hoped to enjoy the pool, but the weather was too cool for that. But it was perfect weather for exploring the grounds, park and HUGE sandbox. (It was almost 70 degrees, with bright sunshine and barely a cloud in the sky.) We used up remaining meal credits at the QS poolside restaurant (which we loved!). DS loved climbing the pyramid. DD (5) loved playing in the sand. DS got to use the arcade card for the first time. It was worth the extra money this day.
balloons.JPG
We met our extended family at the airport. About a half hour before our plane was to take off…they announced a 30-minute delay…then another hour…We watched as other passengers scrambled to get different flights…Then 6 hours…Now people were being offered the chance to stay overnight at the airport hotel and fly out the next day (too bad we did not know this while we were still at WDW!)…We chose to stick it out, thinking it would be more stressful to pick up our checked luggage , spend the night in a hotel and repack to do it again the next day…It was now an 8-hour delay, with no real resolution in sight. Engine trouble. They were waiting for some parts to be flown in…Then they needed to fly in a new flight crew because the existing one was over their hours. Then they had to take the plane out on a couple test runs to ensure safety. 9 hours…And how was it?


Great!Two-thirds of the passengers chose the other options so our waiting area was clear. The kids had space to spread out. We had cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. There were 3 DVD players. 3 laptops. Loads of coloring books. Cool stores to explore. Fun photo ops (that were as deserted as the airport by the end!) Food vouchers and grandparents willing to watch the kids while the parents had “couple” meals alone (for the first time all week). DH and I were able to have our first private conversations that vacation.


By the time we boarded the plane, at almost midnight, everyone was kind and polite, and there was enough space for everyone to have their own row. The flight attendants gave out free ear buds, pillows, blankets, snacks and drinks. It seemed like most of the passengers that made it on board, were not crabby and just relieved to finally be on their way. All of the kids slept. We were also given flight vouchers good for $125/person. It was a nice gesture, but we did not think we would be able to make use of them. Afterall, $100 off a $400 plane ticket is still a huge expense for a family of 5!


The 9-hour airport delay for engine trouble that "blessed" us with flight vouchers was like God saying, "Try again." We were sure we could not make it work in our budget. But just in case, I started making notes of the things that went well and the things that did not, so they would be fresh in my mind “just in case” we got to go again. I also started comparing resort prices/seasons and checking flight prices.


Then we got one of those special pin codes worth 40% off a Deluxe resort (with 3 kids, one with sensory issues, and a 6’5” DH, our room options are pretty limited in the budget categories!). I was thrilled to realize summer “value” pricing starts at the deluxe resorts sooner than it does at the moderates. 40% off a deluxe room during value season would be about the same price we paid for our moderate resort during Thanksgiving week, and only about $20/night more than the 30% discount at a moderate resort at the same time. Again, it was like God said, “No--really—your family needs a do-over.” Hmmm…


Days later, just before Christmas, I found flights from Mpls to MCO for $147! Roundtrip, non-stop!!! We got the message. We had been nudged enough. We booked. It was our Christmas gift to the family.


We chose August 13-21. We wanted to go as late into August as possible to avoid the biggest crowds (but I return to work on Aug 23). We wanted 7 FULL days to make sure we can plan for down time and have flexibility (but DH has limited time off, so we could not plan for more than 7 days). We have to avoid added time pressures.


As much as I was teased for planning before the first trip, the planning will be even "better" this time! We will “plan” for down time. We will “plan” for flexibility. We will “plan” to have time to take it all in. J

(WHEW! That was a lot of writing!)

Still ahead (and may take a while to finish…):
· How we chose the Beach Club
· The budget crunch that *almost* derailed our trip
· What WDW has come to mean to our family

[chezp]

What a truly magical day!

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update! How great that are able to make it back for another trip! The magic was working in your favor! You're going to love BC!