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[JerseyDad]

Originally Posted by hleland

First of all, sounds like a great trip and your original post made me smile (something I really needed today so thank you). Second, depending on how quickly he heals, it may be possible. My dad had part of his colon removed in Marchish 2006 (I can't remember exactly, he had so many other surgeries after that) and in June we were on a cruise in Alaska. You may need to rent either a wheelchair or a scooter for him. But it may still be doable. If I learned anything from losing my dad to cancer, it's that life's short and if you want to do something, you better do it because you never know what could happen.

....I wholeheartedly agree. That's why we really tried to get the WHOLE family to go....including my parents. I was raised a "Disney Kid"....was taken to every Disney movie by my dad (in great movie theaters in Brooklyn that had balconies and curtains that would open from in front of the screen....and if you're wondering....no...I'm not a million-billion yrs old....I'm 51 now). I really KNOW that my dad would love WDW...and I AM SURE that he'd particularly get a HUGE kick out of heading to Hollywood Studios in particular....hearing the 1940's era background music at the entrance and on the main street. And my parents would LOVE to see the whole family together. My parents have some mobility issues...mom is 79 and had a knee replacement 2 yrs ago...and my dad is going to be 81. We TOLD them about getting the rental scooters......and, my 26 yr old son had even said that he'd go too if they went...so he could get them around in a wheelchair if they wanted. The real issue is that my mom won't fly...and there's no way that they'd do the 2 day drive with us...so...that issue has been put to rest.

.....as I said...I'll hold out hope that by brother recovers quickly after surgery.....and we'll take it from there.

[hleland]

What about having your parents take the train. If you're driving, you could have them leave NJ such that you would get to Orlando around the same time and you could pick them up. Just a thought. My first trip to WDW was with my dad. He was going down for business and he left the day after my 20th birthday, so my present that year was to go with him. Actually, my one and only trip to DL was with him also.

I'm actually in the very early planning stages of trying to get my generation (there are 5 of us, well 9 with spouses!!) and possibly the next generation (currently there are only 2, but I have one cousin that just got married and another one that is getting married hopefully next year. Depends on when he can get leave from the Army) to go to Disneyland for my 40th birthday. It's not for a few years, but with 2 teachers, a soon to be cousin in grad school, and one in the Army we're going to need all the time we can just to figure out when we'll be able to go!!!

Sorry, I tend to babble.

[DrDolphin]

Sounds like you've done a great deal of planning! I hope your brother's surgery goes well and he can join you at WDW.

[JenfromPhilly]

I will be at POFQ the same week. I am getting so excited - I can't wait. (A little jealous, we check out the 1st)

I have a DS 7 who has Fragile X Syndrome (under the whole autism umbrella, but basically - he is very delayed, with sensory issues, low muscle tone, speech issues etc.) Disney is wonderful with special needs children and you picked a great week to go - (we were there 2 yrs ago same week at ASM) not crowded at all.

Have your nephew get the GAC at guest services. We didn't use often, but it was great to have when we needed it. Your nephews family deserves it. Special needs children are a wonderful gift, but very demanding - the whole family needs the great experience Walt Disney can provide. Also, lots and lots and lots of swim breaks.

Have a wonderful trip and look for us - we will be the family of four having the time of our lives

[Chancho]

Great plans. We are going at the same time. Some of our parks line up...just not any meals. You never know we might just bump into echo other. Let's see how our TRs go.

[Fort wilderness Family]

Originally Posted by JenfromPhilly

I will be at POFQ the same week. I am getting so excited - I can't wait. (A little jealous, we check out the 1st)

I have a DS 7 who has Fragile X Syndrome (under the whole autism umbrella, but basically - he is very delayed, with sensory issues, low muscle tone, speech issues etc.) Disney is wonderful with special needs children and you picked a great week to go - (we were there 2 yrs ago same week at ASM) not crowded at all.

Have your nephew get the GAC at guest services. We didn't use often, but it was great to have when we needed it. Your nephews family deserves it. Special needs children are a wonderful gift, but very demanding - the whole family needs the great experience Walt Disney can provide. Also, lots and lots and lots of swim breaks.

Have a wonderful trip and look for us - we will be the family of four having the time of our lives

.... Same here, checking out (FW) on the first, I'll be carrying my Passporter, and leading my group of 6 (two special needs) all around the World! Would love to see someone from here, such great people!

[JerseyDad]

Originally Posted by hleland

What about having your parents take the train. If you're driving, you could have them leave NJ such that you would get to Orlando around the same time and you could pick them up. Just a thought. My first trip to WDW was with my dad. He was going down for business and he left the day after my 20th birthday, so my present that year was to go with him. Actually, my one and only trip to DL was with him also.

I'm actually in the very early planning stages of trying to get my generation (there are 5 of us, well 9 with spouses!!) and possibly the next generation (currently there are only 2, but I have one cousin that just got married and another one that is getting married hopefully next year. Depends on when he can get leave from the Army) to go to Disneyland for my 40th birthday. It's not for a few years, but with 2 teachers, a soon to be cousin in grad school, and one in the Army we're going to need all the time we can just to figure out when we'll be able to go!!!

Sorry, I tend to babble.

....funny you mentioned the train.......that idea actually came up in conversation with my parents about 2 years ago. We discussed the AutoTrain option ...and mentioned that they could have their car with them (more freedom). But when we got into details..and then discussed having to drive to Va. to get to the AutoTrain...the idea stopped there.

....I think my mother is worried about how hot it will be...and the general getting around aspects (all of which..as you know...have solutions) I also think that they (she in particular) have become so attached to "being home"...ie: close to doctors, familiar places....that they will never get to go anywhere. That's what saddens me the most. There was always talk (by my dad in particular) of going somewhere (to Italy most often)...after he retired to see where the family had "originated". So...then...retirement came...and they went no place at all. That's why I always pushed them to have a vacation with us....because family members would be 'right-there' for them all the time. And even if they were not "into" the whole theme park aspect of the trip (which I'm not so sure would happen)...at a minimum they'd be able to have dinner with us each nite...my dad could read a newspaper by the pool...near palm trees (which neither of them have seen in person).....my mom could go shopping for stuff she needs...or doesn't need..... and they could say that they have been someplace that was further south than Atlantic City..!!

[JerseyDad]

......and.....lest I forget.....just want to send out a whole bunch of thank you's for the well wishes towards my brother. Looks like he's settled on Sloan-Kettering for treatment...will have pre-operative testing this Tuesday...and be in for surgery shortly thereafter.

....the "one big family" aspect of this board is a great boost. Thank You.

[hleland]

Originally Posted by JerseyDad

....funny you mentioned the train.......that idea actually came up in conversation with my parents about 2 years ago. We discussed the AutoTrain option ...and mentioned that they could have their car with them (more freedom). But when we got into details..and then discussed having to drive to Va. to get to the AutoTrain...the idea stopped there.

....I think my mother is worried about how hot it will be...and the general getting around aspects (all of which..as you know...have solutions) I also think that they (she in particular) have become so attached to "being home"...ie: close to doctors, familiar places....that they will never get to go anywhere. That's what saddens me the most. There was always talk (by my dad in particular) of going somewhere (to Italy most often)...after he retired to see where the family had "originated". So...then...retirement came...and they went no place at all. That's why I always pushed them to have a vacation with us....because family members would be 'right-there' for them all the time. And even if they were not "into" the whole theme park aspect of the trip (which I'm not so sure would happen)...at a minimum they'd be able to have dinner with us each nite...my dad could read a newspaper by the pool...near palm trees (which neither of them have seen in person).....my mom could go shopping for stuff she needs...or doesn't need..... and they could say that they have been someplace that was further south than Atlantic City..!!

Well, there is always the kidnap them and bring them along theory!! (Did I say that!!!) I had actually forgotten about the auto train!! I was thinking regular old train, maybe with a sleeper and then they wouldn't have to drive around in unfamiliar territory (Me, I never ever drive when I'm at Disney. If I'm with someone crazy enough to want to drive, great! But no way no how baby am I driving in the big city!! I'm from the middle of nowhere, can ya tell!!)

Best of luck to your brother and for the whole family.

[davishomeschool]

My parents are getting where they can't go too far anymore also. Too bad your parents won't let one of the adults drive them to the train and from the train to the resort.
Keep us updated on your bother's condition.

[My2suns]

I love your posts! Sounds like you guys have thought everything through carefully and you will have an awesome time. I hope your brother has a speedy recovery and is able to join you! I do understand about the parents thing. Mine have passed on now but my Mom in particular got to be extremely comfortable being at home. We tried many times to have her and Dad (before the nursing home) to come with us. There was always a reason and we were always there with an answer but I think it boiled down to not wanting to venture too far outside the box. You did try really hard obviously and just know they are comfortable with the decision and will want you to go and have fun!

[JerseyDad]

Originally Posted by hleland

Well, there is always the kidnap them and bring them along theory!! (Did I say that!!!) I had actually forgotten about the auto train!! I was thinking regular old train, maybe with a sleeper and then they wouldn't have to drive around in unfamiliar territory (Me, I never ever drive when I'm at Disney. If I'm with someone crazy enough to want to drive, great! But no way no how baby am I driving in the big city!! I'm from the middle of nowhere, can ya tell!!)

Best of luck to your brother and for the whole family.

....you know...that would be some great "payback"....I could just hurry them into the car and off we'd go!! Lord only knows how many times when I was "little" that they stuffed me into the car to go places that I didn't want to go!!!

....of course at the end of my 'captive trip' there was never Mickey Mouse waiting for me...only some aunt or uncle that'd squeeze my face and say to me "oh my...how big you are getting".

[hleland]

Originally Posted by JerseyDad

....you know...that would be some great "payback"....I could just hurry them into the car and off we'd go!! Lord only knows how many times when I was "little" that they stuffed me into the car to go places that I didn't want to go!!!

....of course at the end of my 'captive trip' there was never Mickey Mouse waiting for me...only some aunt or uncle that'd squeeze my face and say to me "oh my...how big you are getting".

I never thought about it as payback...but that's good, I like it!!!