And we are off…
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Trip Report A Very Merry Sweet 16!!
- Thread starter Figment Forever
- Start date
We were able to get a spot in the disability section and settled in to watch the fireworks.
It was chilly but we all bundled up. Julia wasn’t into it. She’s not a fireworks girl. I don’t understand. So she asked if she could skedaddle and do other things. I told her of course, and said we would meet over in Tomorrowland after the show. She agreed.
It was chilly but we all bundled up. Julia wasn’t into it. She’s not a fireworks girl. I don’t understand. So she asked if she could skedaddle and do other things. I told her of course, and said we would meet over in Tomorrowland after the show. She agreed.
The show was fantastic as always.
Afterwards, Julia said that she was going in to see the monsters so walked over that way. This is when I almost wanted to kill my husband. As we approached the show, Julia texted and said she was just getting ready to walk inside the show. Ross said we should enter from the exit. I am not a rule breaker, so I was very uncomfortable with this. But he didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with it. It wasn’t a packed show, so it wasn’t like we were stealing seats from anyone. I reluctantly gave in. When everyone exited from the show we walked past and into the show. I saw Julia right away and I walked over towards her. And that’s when a cast member who must’ve had some sort of radar system built in her brain zoomed over and blocked me and asked if I needed help. I was completely mortified. I mean, can you say “busted” any other way? I just pointed towards Julia and said that’s my daughter. We were just meeting her here. She scolded me in a kind way and reminded me that next time I needed to go through the entrance. I thanked her and sat down. And don’t you know, through all this, who got into the show without even having a word said to them? Yes, my husband and Hope!!!
I was embarrassed through the whole show. I was waiting for one of the monsters to yell at me. Thankfully, the show was good and I told Ross never again! He found the whole situation humorous.
The night was growing into a close, but not before we entered the digital world of Tron and played one more round of Buzz.
I had a severe case of the munchies and was so craving one of the cream cheese pretzels, I ordered two because Julia had never tried it before, but unfortunately when I went to the window to get them, they said they only had one left. I settle. They offered me a regular pretzel instead so I Took it. Turns out that you really didn’t like the cream cheese one anyway so it worked out well. Ross got a smoothie from Auntie Gravity and we just stayed around there and ate our snack. It was quite chilly outside.
Afterwards, Julia said that she was going in to see the monsters so walked over that way. This is when I almost wanted to kill my husband. As we approached the show, Julia texted and said she was just getting ready to walk inside the show. Ross said we should enter from the exit. I am not a rule breaker, so I was very uncomfortable with this. But he didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with it. It wasn’t a packed show, so it wasn’t like we were stealing seats from anyone. I reluctantly gave in. When everyone exited from the show we walked past and into the show. I saw Julia right away and I walked over towards her. And that’s when a cast member who must’ve had some sort of radar system built in her brain zoomed over and blocked me and asked if I needed help. I was completely mortified. I mean, can you say “busted” any other way? I just pointed towards Julia and said that’s my daughter. We were just meeting her here. She scolded me in a kind way and reminded me that next time I needed to go through the entrance. I thanked her and sat down. And don’t you know, through all this, who got into the show without even having a word said to them? Yes, my husband and Hope!!!
I was embarrassed through the whole show. I was waiting for one of the monsters to yell at me. Thankfully, the show was good and I told Ross never again! He found the whole situation humorous.
The night was growing into a close, but not before we entered the digital world of Tron and played one more round of Buzz.
I had a severe case of the munchies and was so craving one of the cream cheese pretzels, I ordered two because Julia had never tried it before, but unfortunately when I went to the window to get them, they said they only had one left. I settle. They offered me a regular pretzel instead so I Took it. Turns out that you really didn’t like the cream cheese one anyway so it worked out well. Ross got a smoothie from Auntie Gravity and we just stayed around there and ate our snack. It was quite chilly outside.
After our snack, we had a return time for 7DMT
There was one last thing we had to do for the night… we traded our Tiana‘s anytime lightning Lane for a boat ride around the world!
Then we started to make our way out of the park. Julia and Ross decided they needed some ice cream, so they paid a visit to the plaza ice cream shop. I went to the Starbucks to get coffee since the Joffrey‘s locations were already closed. I prefer Joffrey to Starbucks any day. I ordered the peppermint mocha latte since they were out of the gingerbread, but I’m pretty sure they gave me the peppermint mocha hot chocolate. It was really strong and sweet!
We dragged ourselves out to the busses and back to POP. I was so happy that I did NOT have to set my alarm for the morning!
There was one last thing we had to do for the night… we traded our Tiana‘s anytime lightning Lane for a boat ride around the world!
Then we started to make our way out of the park. Julia and Ross decided they needed some ice cream, so they paid a visit to the plaza ice cream shop. I went to the Starbucks to get coffee since the Joffrey‘s locations were already closed. I prefer Joffrey to Starbucks any day. I ordered the peppermint mocha latte since they were out of the gingerbread, but I’m pretty sure they gave me the peppermint mocha hot chocolate. It was really strong and sweet!
We dragged ourselves out to the busses and back to POP. I was so happy that I did NOT have to set my alarm for the morning!
RememberWhen
Well-Known Member
Alas, we’re not. We don’t have plans to be back until February 2027!! That’s a long time and I’ll definitely try to finagle a little visit before then, but it really might be that long.
Here’s a screenshot of the new shirt:
meggo819
Well-Known Member
It might have been correct. I think the recipe is 4 pumps each of chocolate and peppermint. I order mine with half of each and it’s plenty!
Ellen Ripley
Well-Known Member
These photos are amazing and y'all look like you're having a ball!
Thanks! I'll have to remember that!
Thank you! It was a great time!
Thank you so much! We had so much fun! It was a wonderful trip!
Day 4 – December 12
This morning started out just wonderfully because I did not have to set my alarm! None of us even opened our eyes until almost 9 AM, which was perfectly fine with me. We took our time getting ready. I knew we would have another late night, so it didn’t bother me at all. Over the years, I have slowly come to the realization that we are not and will never be a rope drop family, but instead, a “close the park down” family and it seems to suit us well.
While the girls finished getting ready, Ross and I walked to the lobby. The cast members at the front desk helped me print something out from my phone. They were really sweet and so helpful! It was all in regards to services that I’m trying to get for Hope. It took about 20 minutes because of some privacy issues, but she would not give up! And soon, I was able to do what I needed to do. I was very grateful for her!
I have to say, I did some research about the cast compliment in the app and I did use it this trip. This was one of those times that I sent one because she helped me out so much and would not give up until I was able to get what I needed. I think I sent four or five cast compliments this trip.
Once that was taken care of, the girls met us and we headed over to the Skyliner. It was time to head to Hollywood or should I say Potatoland!
This morning started out just wonderfully because I did not have to set my alarm! None of us even opened our eyes until almost 9 AM, which was perfectly fine with me. We took our time getting ready. I knew we would have another late night, so it didn’t bother me at all. Over the years, I have slowly come to the realization that we are not and will never be a rope drop family, but instead, a “close the park down” family and it seems to suit us well.
While the girls finished getting ready, Ross and I walked to the lobby. The cast members at the front desk helped me print something out from my phone. They were really sweet and so helpful! It was all in regards to services that I’m trying to get for Hope. It took about 20 minutes because of some privacy issues, but she would not give up! And soon, I was able to do what I needed to do. I was very grateful for her!
I have to say, I did some research about the cast compliment in the app and I did use it this trip. This was one of those times that I sent one because she helped me out so much and would not give up until I was able to get what I needed. I think I sent four or five cast compliments this trip.
Once that was taken care of, the girls met us and we headed over to the Skyliner. It was time to head to Hollywood or should I say Potatoland!
Since we didn’t arrive to Hollywood until almost noon, we were all starving, so our first matter of business was to get something to eat. At first, we stopped into ABC Commissary. Unfortunately, none of us could all agree on something we wanted. Hope and Ross were not too fond of the menu there, so we headed out to the Backlot Express.
We were all happy here. I actually got the children’s salad and it was absolutely delicious and it was a perfect amount. For a child’s meal, I don’t think I could’ve eaten much more.
Julia managed to get this gingerbread dessert, which was absolutely adorable! It tasted pretty good too, which was always a plus.
Our first attraction of the day was MMRR.
We were all happy here. I actually got the children’s salad and it was absolutely delicious and it was a perfect amount. For a child’s meal, I don’t think I could’ve eaten much more.
Julia managed to get this gingerbread dessert, which was absolutely adorable! It tasted pretty good too, which was always a plus.
Our first attraction of the day was MMRR.
Attachments
As we exited, we made a required purchase for Julia and Hope.
They had both seen this in the other parks while we were there and requested to get one. I didn’t want to take a chance that they would sell out. I had no idea if it was a hot item or not. I hadn’t seen anything about it before we got there so I purchased it right away. We got the popcorn separate, which was good because then I didn’t have to worry about cleaning it out. I knew this would just become a Christmas decoration for our house. Ross rolled his eyes as I spent nearly $30 for a plastic popcorn bucket. But dear, it’s so much more… look how happy it makes our children!
However, that being said, I knew Mike and Sully would be my buddies for the day. I knew right away that I would be toting them around the park. But that’s OK, I didn’t mind.
Up next was the frozen show. I was excited to have Ross and Julia see this because last year Ross wasn’t feeling well and skipped out on the show and Julia obviously was not with us, so she was unaware that it had a special ending for the holidays.
They had both seen this in the other parks while we were there and requested to get one. I didn’t want to take a chance that they would sell out. I had no idea if it was a hot item or not. I hadn’t seen anything about it before we got there so I purchased it right away. We got the popcorn separate, which was good because then I didn’t have to worry about cleaning it out. I knew this would just become a Christmas decoration for our house. Ross rolled his eyes as I spent nearly $30 for a plastic popcorn bucket. But dear, it’s so much more… look how happy it makes our children!
However, that being said, I knew Mike and Sully would be my buddies for the day. I knew right away that I would be toting them around the park. But that’s OK, I didn’t mind.
Up next was the frozen show. I was excited to have Ross and Julia see this because last year Ross wasn’t feeling well and skipped out on the show and Julia obviously was not with us, so she was unaware that it had a special ending for the holidays.
Now I have to backtrack a little here. This trip was Hope’s sweet 16 present. Ross and I discussed whether or not we should have a party for her. Don’t get me wrong, it would not have been an MTV super sweet 16. Our budget can’t hold a candle to any of that stuff. Plus, I think it’s totally unnecessary anyway. However, I did wat to have a special something for a sweet 16. Julia did have a surprise party for hers. It was in our backyard and it was themed to a carnival. It was sort of a joke because she had always said, “Mom, I always wanted a carnival theme birthday party when I was little.” So my sister and I planned it as a surprise. It was pretty awesome!
I wanted to give Hope the same special day, but unfortunately, Hope and her autism... well, friendships don’t come easy. Plus I knew besides family,( and right now my family seems to be falling apart, and there are not many of us,) it would really only be Julia’s friends who would be there. And don’t get me wrong Julia‘s friends adore Hope, but it’s not quite the same. Please don’t feel bad for Hope, it’s really Hope’s choice that she doesn’t have friends. There are tons of kids who would love to invite her to play dates and sleepovers and play with her, she just has no interest and I don’t feel the need to force it until she has a desire. She gets along fine and she’s very happy the way things are. It’s just that making friends is very difficult for her. When God turns that switch on, she will be ready for friendships.
So I gave Hope a choice. I asked her if she wanted to have a party for her birthday or if she wanted to go to Disney and celebrate there with just us. Obviously since you are reading this trip report, you know what her decision was.
Now, that being said, as we sat waiting for frozen, the family who sat down next to us also had a special needs daughter. Her mom, whose name I forget, had little pixie dust gifts and she offered one to Hope and wished her a happy birthday! All of a sudden, her daughter and my Hope clicked immediately and started chatting away. Remarkably enough, the other girl’s name was Hope! Not such a common name. I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. The family was from Texas and I was able to chat with the mom for a little bit before the show started. Hope and Hope enjoyed each other company and enjoyed watching the show together.
The mom asked my permission if she could post their picture on social media and I said yes, and I got permission from her as well to share their picture here. It was very sweet. It was one of those instances that I needed that makes me realize that Hope is capable and like I said, God just has not turned that switch on yet.
It was nice to see the holiday update of the frozen show. I like the show, regardless, but having Olaf on stage and hearing the different songs is such a fun addition. I would not miss it!
I wanted to give Hope the same special day, but unfortunately, Hope and her autism... well, friendships don’t come easy. Plus I knew besides family,( and right now my family seems to be falling apart, and there are not many of us,) it would really only be Julia’s friends who would be there. And don’t get me wrong Julia‘s friends adore Hope, but it’s not quite the same. Please don’t feel bad for Hope, it’s really Hope’s choice that she doesn’t have friends. There are tons of kids who would love to invite her to play dates and sleepovers and play with her, she just has no interest and I don’t feel the need to force it until she has a desire. She gets along fine and she’s very happy the way things are. It’s just that making friends is very difficult for her. When God turns that switch on, she will be ready for friendships.
So I gave Hope a choice. I asked her if she wanted to have a party for her birthday or if she wanted to go to Disney and celebrate there with just us. Obviously since you are reading this trip report, you know what her decision was.
Now, that being said, as we sat waiting for frozen, the family who sat down next to us also had a special needs daughter. Her mom, whose name I forget, had little pixie dust gifts and she offered one to Hope and wished her a happy birthday! All of a sudden, her daughter and my Hope clicked immediately and started chatting away. Remarkably enough, the other girl’s name was Hope! Not such a common name. I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. The family was from Texas and I was able to chat with the mom for a little bit before the show started. Hope and Hope enjoyed each other company and enjoyed watching the show together.
The mom asked my permission if she could post their picture on social media and I said yes, and I got permission from her as well to share their picture here. It was very sweet. It was one of those instances that I needed that makes me realize that Hope is capable and like I said, God just has not turned that switch on yet.
It was nice to see the holiday update of the frozen show. I like the show, regardless, but having Olaf on stage and hearing the different songs is such a fun addition. I would not miss it!
After the show, we headed on over to Toy Story land.
Ross and I had a score to settle. Unfortunately, I lost to him. Yep, I could never seem to beat him in this game these days.
Ross and I had a score to settle. Unfortunately, I lost to him. Yep, I could never seem to beat him in this game these days.
We had some time before our return time for RoR, so Hope wanted to meet Sully. We use the bathrooms and also took this time to use the restrooms and grab a snack. I was so sad that the previous day when Julia did not enjoy the cream cheese pretzel at Magic Kingdom, but this pretzel she gobbled up!
I also got a Joffrey’s gingerbread cold brew – it was definitely a favorite!
Time for some pics!
I also got a Joffrey’s gingerbread cold brew – it was definitely a favorite!
Time for some pics!
Then it was time to meet up with some friends.
Hope it’s looking forward to the day when Mike was asking once again meets guests. She was still scared of the monsters when he was meeting, so even though he is her most favorite character now, she doesn’t really have a good picture with him. We do have a picture of her screaming and trying to run away from them when they last had a meet and greet. Lol
Hope it’s looking forward to the day when Mike was asking once again meets guests. She was still scared of the monsters when he was meeting, so even though he is her most favorite character now, she doesn’t really have a good picture with him. We do have a picture of her screaming and trying to run away from them when they last had a meet and greet. Lol
We enjoyed the rest of our snacks as we walked over to Galaxy’s Edge.
Kylo Ren was in B mode and I had never experienced that, so it was sort of cool.
Kylo Ren was in B mode and I had never experienced that, so it was sort of cool.
Once we knew Lieutenant Beck was safe, we walked over to Muppet’s courtyard.
Hope was very excited to make a statement when we got here. Sorry, Kermit fans!
She says we are ready to make the switch from Muppet vision to monster vision!
Sully had a new buddy to take care of him for the show.
Hope was very excited to make a statement when we got here. Sorry, Kermit fans!
She says we are ready to make the switch from Muppet vision to monster vision!
Sully had a new buddy to take care of him for the show.
Soon it was time to take flight on the millennium falcon
Hope wanted to go see the vacation shorts film so we walked through Andy’s backyard to head over that way. On the way, Hope and I took a spin with the aliens while and Julia use the restrooms. This is not a favorite for them. It’s actually not a favor for me either, but Hope likes it.
Of course, after the film, Hope had to stop for a photo shoot in Potatoland.
Hope wanted to go see the vacation shorts film so we walked through Andy’s backyard to head over that way. On the way, Hope and I took a spin with the aliens while and Julia use the restrooms. This is not a favorite for them. It’s actually not a favor for me either, but Hope likes it.
Of course, after the film, Hope had to stop for a photo shoot in Potatoland.