Heading Home - Day 7

It was 5:14 am when I woke up, just 1 minute before the alarm sounded.   I got myself ready for the day and made sure the kids were up.  Then I went to work finishing the packing job.

We all met downstairs at 6:00 am for our pick up.  The same driver came to get us.

We checked our bags curb-side, making the move into the airport much smoother.  We had less than 20 minutes to get through security and then we boarded the tram again to get to our terminal.

We had only about a 30 minute wait before boarding our plane.

It was a smooth flight arriving a few minutes ahead of schedule.  We had about 1.5 hours in Atlanta, so we used rest rooms and then made it most of the way to our gate before stopping for lunch at Five Guys, Burgers & Fries.  

Then we sat down and enjoyed some quiet time before boarding our next flight.

 

Our next flight was appx 2 hours up to Grand Rapids.  Although we left the gate late because of delayed pilots, they planned to make up the time and arrive as scheduled.  However about 20 minutes out, they came over the loud speaker to announce the runways were shut down for snow removal and they would be slowing down to take up the time.  

You'll notice in the pic that the adults are all sleeping.  Yup, the kids played together while we all slept.  Just goes to show those who can and cannot handle a Disney trip!

We arrived only a few minutes later than planned.  It was great to be home but the snow didn't feel too welcoming to my sandal-clad bare feet.

Our driver was waiting and took us home... first the DeYoungs, then us, and finally Ray & Bev.

It was a great week but boy, is it good to be home!

Return to Magic Kingdom - Day 6

We decided to sleep in this morning... because our 4 busy days and 3 late nights are beginning to catch up to us.  Besides today was the day to repeat a park so we didn't feel any pressure to rush through.

We grabbed the bus for the resort a little after 9:00 am.  On the ride over, I made a plan of the different rides we wanted to repeat and the few areas of the park we had missed on Day 1.  Plan in hand, we headed into the park, ready to finish strong.

 

Here was the plan for today...
 
Pirates of the Caribbean
Lunch at Pinnochio's Place
Peter Pan
Story Time with Belle
Ariel's Little Mermaid
Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride
Buzz Lightyear
Snacks for everyone
Tyler shopped for a Light Saber
and for our grand finale... Space Mountain!!

We headed back to the resort for a little down time and a chance to pack our bags.   We took a quick walk over to the lobby to get Sammy her toy.  I took the following pics of the golf course near our room.  The lighting was gorgeous.

We need to leave for dinner around 6:15 pm to make our 7:05 pm reservation at The Captain's Grille, at a different Disney Resort.  We met the whole family downstairs for 2 vans and headed over for dinner.

It was fun exploring the other resort while we waited.  There was a pretty elaborate train set up in the lobby, a fun gift shop to explore and a quiet walk on the boardwalk to the lighthouse out back.

In no time at all, we were all seated for dinner.  Everyone agreed it was a wonderful meal!

We took a couple vans back to the resort and agreed to meet in the morning at 6:00 am for our transfer to the airport.

Its always bitter sweet to wrap up a vacation.  The kids have really enjoyed our 2nd trip to Disney, we made memories with family and literally took on every major ride at Disney World.  2016 was our year!

I'm Sorry - Day 4

We walked into the Magic Kingdom ready for the Christmas party.  What I didn't plan on was the bombardment of people sitting / standing / crowding Main Street preparing for the shows and parade. I couldn't even step inside the park without my blood pressure jumping... I just knew we were in for trouble.

The family met us at the big Christmas tree just inside the park.  We took one big family photo and then the DeYoungs and Ray & Bev headed off to find their place for the night's events.

I'm not gonna lie... I teared up.  I was overwhelmed and needed time to make a plan, unsure of how this night would play out, and disappointed to be separated from the family.  

I received the following text moments later... "I'm so sorry".

At first, I wasn't sure how to take it.  But while writing my response I found great peace in our situation and what needed to happen next.  Here's what I wrote back:

"We knew it was a tough night for Sammy but wanted to give the family the experience in spite of that.  We love her to pieces.  Loving someone comes with pluses and minuses. But we love them anyway... I know you get that, but it's ok to remember :).  We take the bad with the awesome!   Yup tonight was tough.  But we stick together and make memories wherever we land..."

And that is what we did.  Life doesn't always go the way we plan.  Especially with autism, we need to be flexible and make accommodations as needed.  BUT... memories are made even in the unplanned moments and love shows up in unexpected places!  

It was a great night in spite of it all!

Hollywood Studios, Our Final Park - Day 5

This morning we needed to get an early start so we could be at the gate drop of Hollywood Studios.
We were up and headed out by 8:00 am.  Dad woke up with some congestion so he stayed back at the resort while Mom came with us.

We got right in the park and headed to Toy Mania to put our name in.  While we were in the section of the park that focuses on Toy Story, we met some toy soldiers and then Buzz & Woody.

Then it was off to the Frozen Sing-A-Long.  We sat in the very front row!  It was a super-cute show and Sammy absolutely loved it.  We all sang along and enjoyed the show.

By now Dad was headed to the park so we made our way to the front of the park to meet him, stopping to see the parade of Storm Troopers.  Mom met up with Dad while we grabbed a coffee from Starbucks.

Then we met Sarah and Jeff by the the next Fast Pass... Star Wars - the __ continues.  It was a 3D simulator that brought us into space to fight the Empire.  It was lots of fun!  After this we all went back to the Toy Mania ride and enjoyed it as a party of 10.  The kids paired up to ride together... boys and girls.

Next we headed over to the other side of the park to put our name in for the Rock 'N Roll Coaster.  We had about an hour to wait so we ran to get some snacks, use the restrooms and take our photos.

We met Jeff back at the ride around 12:30 and boarded right away.  Tyler and Jeff were riding in the front seat, Sammy and I directly behind them and Scott alone in the third row.  It was a great ride!  Super fast, dark and upside down.  We all loved it!

Our family headed over to see Beauty and the Beast next.  Its a great show and Sammy absolutely adores the songs and costumes!

After the show we headed to the ABC Commissary for lunch.  We filled up and then headed right over to get in line for the Indiana Jones Stunt Show.  Again we had front row seats... great view and fun show!  Jeff even had the chance to be a stand-in for the adventure.  It was lots of fun to watch someone we know on stage!

As soon as the show let out, we decided to head back to the resort for some rest time.  Tyler watched his movie from yesterday while Sammy found something on TV instead.

We left again around 6:00 pm for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  We took a cab to cut down on the amount of crowds, etc because we knew tonight might be a challenge.  But the cab driver dropped us off at the Transportation Station instead saying we just needed to grab the monorail.  So we agreed and headed in only to find the monorail was closed.  We were directed to a ferry next but with over 600 people ahead of us in line and a crowded staging area, we decided to look for another way.  So, in the end, we ended up on a bus anyway.  Ugh.

When we finally arrived and made it through the gates, I was pretty overwhelmed by the number of people in the park.  So much so, I wanted to turn back and head home.  We ran into the rest of the family near the big Christmas tree and took a group photo.

Then Mom and Dad and the DeYoungs headed out to find a spot and we took a minute to make a plan.  I ended up going back to Guest Services to ask for help.  The lady must have realized how helpless I felt, because she did an amazing job answering my questions and giving great advice.  Exactly the info I'd been looking for (and calling about) all day.

So we made our way down a side path that by-passed Main Street.  On our way, we stopped to take some family photos and grabbed our complementary cookies.  The path eventually popped out between Main Street and Tomorrowland where we found another Guest Service employee and were excerpted to a great spot to watch the shows, parade and fireworks.

We enjoyed the show with Mickey on stage.  Then the characters from Frozen and finally it was time for the parade.  We were front and center and Sammy was so eager to wave at each and every character she recognized.

After the parade was done, Mom and Dad found us.  Dad and I headed out to get some food for the group.  In the meantime, the DeYoungs stopped by.  Jeff and Maddie decided to head home so Sarah and Kyle stayed with us for the fireworks.

It was an amazing show!  Thrilling... like I've never seen before.

We headed out down Main Street with the crowds of people.  I couldn't help think it ironic that they were pumping fake snow out onto the guests as we are here avoiding the real thing at home.

We took the monorail back to the Transportation Station and then took 2 cabs home of the night.  The ride home was pretty quiet... I know everyone is pretty tired today and we are all sure to sleep well!

Day 4 Already? - The Animal Kingdom

The DeYoungs and the Breens met this morning to take the bus over to Animal Kingdom.  We met them in the park, about 20 minutes before our first fast pass.  So, to use up some of the time, we walked the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.  We enjoyed the exotic birds, gorillas, hippos and more!

There's a hippo behind all those fish. I couldn't see it at first but its there. Amazing! 

 

On the walk out, Uncle Jeff realized he had lost his Magic Band on our walk and ran back through to find it.  Luckily someone had turned it in to a cast member and he had it back on his wrist in no time. By now it was time for us to do the Kilimanjaro Safari.  We saw lots of animals on the way and the kids LOVED it.

We all went our separate ways.  Our family headed over toward Expedition Everest to put our name in.  On the way, we stopped for some falafel balls and a drum concert from the kids.

Once we had a ride time, we let Uncle Jeff know since he had shown interest in joining us.  Then we headed over to use the restrooms and get our family photo taken.

We met Jeff in front of the coaster and got our spot in line.  It was a great thrill ride with some of the time riding backwards and some in the dark (and sometimes both at the same time!).

We had to head to the front of the park for our lunch reservation.  But on the way we noticed a short wait time at Its Tough To Be A Bug! so we stopped to take in the show.  On the way, we were dive bombed by a group of colorful parrots after their show.  We all ducked on the sidewalk as they flew overhead.

We all met for lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe.  Dessert (the volcano) was everyone's favorite!

After we got back in the park, we all walked to our next fastpass at Kali River Rapids.

Bev and Ray decided to join us for the show of Finding Nemo.  Then we rushed across the park to arrive just in time to watch the Lion King.  Sarah and Jeff had already sat down and decided not to join us in the handicap seating.  To our surprise, Sammy was asked to join the show!  She stood up and danced and then followed a parade around the outside of the center stage as the "animals" danced in the show.

At this point, Sarah, mom and the DeYoung kids decided to head home for the day.  Ray and Jeff joined us for a return ride on Expedition Everest.

It was a fun time of day to ride as the sun went down.

On our way out, Tyler mentioned a ride that he had earlier decided NOT to ride.  He was beginning to regret his decision.  So, I asked Scott if he'd mind if I went on one more ride with Tyler.  Of course, Sammy wanted to come along as well.  So the kids and I hit the Dinosaur ride as Scott, Jeff and Dad headed home.

This was the ride that left the kids terrified last time.  They both swore they would never return!  But tonight, it was all smiles (contrary to what it looks like in the picture).  As we walked out, Tyler thanked me repeatedly for letting him try again and said he thought "we made a good memory out of a bad one!"  I was pretty proud of them both!

When we returned home, everyone was feeling pretty hungry so we headed to the quick service restaurant at the lobby.  Our family ran next door to rent some movies for the kids.

Once we got home, we made a bed for Sammy in the pull-out couch in the living room and let her watch her movie while Tyler watched shows in their bedroom.  (She ended up sleeping out there.)  Scott and I headed to bed as well.  Today wasn't so bad but the other two days took their toll and I needed to catch up on some rest.