Disney Has the Best Chicken Nuggets Ever! - Update Dump - Finally Completed!

I've missed this place. More specifically, I've missed all of you. I really wish I'd have come back sooner, because I have missed my Dis friends. I never would have expected to see so many welcome backs from all you so quickly, and I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me and how much I appreciate it.

:hug:

It really has helped renew my excitement and energy to get re-engaged here and plan our trip.

Great! :goodvibes

He was a champ though and literally was jumping on the trampoline at home a few hours after surgery.

That must've been both a relief and a joy for you.

Just before that procedure, they found a reoccurrence of his diaphragmatic hernia, and the idea was kicked around of taking care of that when he went in. After a lot of discussion, it was decided that it isn't very big and it is in a bad spot to safely make a strong repair. Since he's not showing any symptoms of any intestinal problems, we're in a holding pattern. Hopefully he'll grow and give them more space and material to work with before they have to do anything with it.

So continuing issues, not as serious as when he was born and doing well?
Would that about sum it up?

I am somewhat concerned about him on this trip... he is very, very headstrong. More so than our other 2 ever were. And that's probably a product of all he's been through. But he hates riding in his stroller, wants to be carried and his meltdowns tend to be frequent and epic... Disney World, in July, with him going through this phase could get ugly.

Oh dear. Good luck! Really!
 
But aside from that, he's a healthy, hellraising toddler. He's a little bit below the curve on the growth chart and he's not as verbal as you'd expect from a child that's 2 months away from being 3, but other than that he's just a total momma's boy and living the terrible 2's to their fullest. I am somewhat concerned about him on this trip... he is very, very headstrong. More so than our other 2 ever were. And that's probably a product of all he's been through. But he hates riding in his stroller, wants to be carried and his meltdowns tend to be frequent and epic... Disney World, in July, with him going through this phase could get ugly.
This is the best news. I thought you were going to say for medical reasons. But to be worried about him because he is strong willed is something to celebrate! I know, that's easy for me to say, i am not the one dealing with the strong willed kid but it just means to me that he is a healthy kid. And he will probably be a hand full here and there but then again, you never know... Disney is a magical place... Stranger things could happen. ;)
 
Hey Andy! Great to see you back here. I've missed you on your TR (and on the DISDads thread). I completely understand your struggle to keep up on the DIS. I tried doing a TR of my own and I wasn't really prepared for the amount of time it takes. I hope you are able to finish off your report, it would be nice to read the rest.
Interesting you mention not going back until 2022 and the reasons for it. That's pretty much where I am (ignoring the fact you are going in July).
Great to hear your little guy is doing OK. I hope you all have a good time on your trip this summer.
 
He was a champ though and literally was jumping on the trampoline at home a few hours after surgery.

What an amazing recovery! Kids amaze me.

Hopefully he'll grow and give them more space and material to work with before they have to do anything with it.

Time sounds like it's the best thing for him for now.

But aside from that, he's a healthy, hellraising toddler. He's a little bit below the curve on the growth chart and he's not as verbal as you'd expect from a child that's 2 months away from being 3, but other than that he's just a total momma's boy and living the terrible 2's to their fullest. I am somewhat concerned about him on this trip... he is very, very headstrong. More so than our other 2 ever were. And that's probably a product of all he's been through. But he hates riding in his stroller, wants to be carried and his meltdowns tend to be frequent and epic... Disney World, in July, with him going through this phase could get ugly.

I'm feeling you on this right now. We're getting ready to go back in December. My grandson JP is going to be 2 1/2 when we go. He's really cute but a handful. He headstrong too and does what he wants to do. It doesn't faze him if you reprimand him or put him in time-out. He pitches a fit when he doesn't get his way. We were out shopping with him today and wondering how bad it was going to be in Disney. We're hoping he grows out of some of this before December. I'm looking forward to see how little guy does it may help us as we prepare.
 


Welcome back! How on earth is your youngest 3?! I'm so glad he is doing so well!
And so awesome that you got in on free dining! Someday!
 
Last edited:
I've missed this place. More specifically, I've missed all of you. I really wish I'd have come back sooner, because I have missed my Dis friends. I never would have expected to see so many welcome backs from all you so quickly, and I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me and how much I appreciate it. It really has helped renew my excitement and energy to get re-engaged here and plan our trip.

You were definitely missed here too! I thought about you in your absence and hoped that it was "work busy" and not something else.

So a few of you asked about the little guy.

I didn't ask, but I'm glad you shared about him. He was also in my thoughts and I was hoping that he was doing OK. Sounds like for the most part he is OK. Hopefully your issues in July will be short lived. <crosses fingers>
 
I'm so glad to hear that your little guy is doing so well! I'm sorry that he had to have another surgery, but it sounds like his doctors are on top of it and will address things before they're a big issue. The removal of the feeding tube is a big deal! That's great!

I'm also sure the reason he's doing so well is BECAUSE he is so headstrong! I'm sure you'll have your crazy moments on your trip (what family wouldn't with a three-year-old in Disney World in July?!), but you'll have your magical moments, too! (You'll just have to concentrate on the magical moments in the midst of the crazy moments as best you can... or, perhaps get a nice, stiff drink. ;) )
 


Welcome back Andy! Good luck with planning your trip for the summer. If you decide to talk about your plans on the DIS and/or write a TR afterwards, I will be very excited to read!
 
Yay!!!! I'm glad you're back! Sometimes, due to real life, we can lose touch with the Magic. It'll be back! It always comes back!
 
Ok... I have been working on getting around to everyone's threads to catch up with you all and see what is going on with my Disfriends. I know there are a couple of you with current TR's that I have started, but haven't posted yet and a couple that I haven't made it to just yet, but if you have one that I haven't visited yet, please feel free share a link or just make a note of it here to make sure I don't miss you!

That must've been both a relief and a joy for you.
Actually it made me feel like a wuss. When I had surgery on my achilles, I didn't want to freakin' move because it throbbed any time I did... and he just got his abdomen cut open and was jumping around.

So continuing issues, not as serious as when he was born and doing well?
Would that about sum it up?
::yes::

Oh dear. Good luck! Really!
Thanks. We're gonna need it.

This is the best news. I thought you were going to say for medical reasons. But to be worried about him because he is strong willed is something to celebrate! I know, that's easy for me to say, i am not the one dealing with the strong willed kid but it just means to me that he is a healthy kid. And he will probably be a hand full here and there but then again, you never know... Disney is a magical place... Stranger things could happen. ;)
I hope he does well... but I'm not holding out much hope. He really is just one of those kids that tends to want what he wants, when he wants it and if he doesn't get it... kicking and screaming. And I probably look like the parent of the year, because I've seen it enough that I'll just pick him up kicking and screaming and usually start laughing. Exhibit A:

He was having a blast winning the Indy 500 when we went to the Indianapolis Children's Museum.

47624280212_70c71e9219_b.jpg


Unfortunately, there were other kids waiting their turn and he had to get out. He had a death grip on that wheel, but I persevered. This resulted in about 10 minutes of kicking and screaming from him... good times.

47624280092_5ee24ee587_b.jpg


Hey Andy! Great to see you back here. I've missed you on your TR (and on the DISDads thread). I completely understand your struggle to keep up on the DIS. I tried doing a TR of my own and I wasn't really prepared for the amount of time it takes. I hope you are able to finish off your report, it would be nice to read the rest.
Interesting you mention not going back until 2022 and the reasons for it. That's pretty much where I am (ignoring the fact you are going in July).
Great to hear your little guy is doing OK. I hope you all have a good time on your trip this summer.
So are you saying you didn't finish your TR? I have actually started reading it, but I haven't made it very far yet. I definitely wasn't feeling the Disney magic a year ago. I'm kind of getting excited again now, but I'm also a little bit disappointed that we're going to literally be missing everything new... Star Wars opens a month after we're there, the gondolas likely won't be open, and now Mickeys Runaway Railway is pushed back from "summer 2019."

What an amazing recovery! Kids amaze me.
He's definitely tough.

Time sounds like it's the best thing for him for now.
::yes:: Just hoping we don't get any surprises requiring immediate attention.

I'm feeling you on this right now. We're getting ready to go back in December. My grandson JP is going to be 2 1/2 when we go. He's really cute but a handful. He headstrong too and does what he wants to do. It doesn't faze him if you reprimand him or put him in time-out. He pitches a fit when he doesn't get his way. We were out shopping with him today and wondering how bad it was going to be in Disney. We're hoping he grows out of some of this before December. I'm looking forward to see how little guy does it may help us as we prepare.
Yes... this exactly. See the pictures above from our Children's Museum trip.

Welcome back! How on earth is your youngest 3?! I'm so glad he is doing so well!
And so awesome that you got in on free dining! Someday!
Well, technically he's still 2. But getting close! Yeah, we kind of lucked out on that. I mean schedule wise we were going in July anyway. We just were not going to do any character meals, etc, because he's a grazer as it is. We're lucky to get our moneys' worth with him on $4 happy meal, let alone a $50 buffet. I think I might end up doing a PTR to help me plan and share a bit more about this, but free dining did really help us justify doing some.

You were definitely missed here too! I thought about you in your absence and hoped that it was "work busy" and not something else.
Thank you, I truly appreciate that. I really should have come back sooner or at least popped in to say hi even if I didn't have time to be fully engaged. I just tend to not like doing things halfway and if I couldn't be all in... well...

I didn't ask, but I'm glad you shared about him. He was also in my thoughts and I was hoping that he was doing OK. Sounds like for the most part he is OK. Hopefully your issues in July will be short lived. <crosses fingers>
He's doing really well. Hopefully he handles things, but my expectations certainly are low.

I'm so glad to hear that your little guy is doing so well! I'm sorry that he had to have another surgery, but it sounds like his doctors are on top of it and will address things before they're a big issue. The removal of the feeding tube is a big deal! That's great!

I'm also sure the reason he's doing so well is BECAUSE he is so headstrong! I'm sure you'll have your crazy moments on your trip (what family wouldn't with a three-year-old in Disney World in July?!), but you'll have your magical moments, too! (You'll just have to concentrate on the magical moments in the midst of the crazy moments as best you can... or, perhaps get a nice, stiff drink. ;) )
Thanks... I definitely think his attitude has helped or is a product of what he's endured. I want my kids to be the type to stand their ground and stand up for what they want, but maybe not to this degree. :rotfl2:

Welcome back Andy! Good luck with planning your trip for the summer. If you decide to talk about your plans on the DIS and/or write a TR afterwards, I will be very excited to read!
Thanks... I think I will do a PTR. I'm really out of touch with current Disney news, so it will help me to collect my thoughts a little bit and get some feedback if I'm missing something.

Yay!!!! I'm glad you're back! Sometimes, due to real life, we can lose touch with the Magic. It'll be back! It always comes back!
This. 100%. It's happened before and it will happen again, but we always come back to it.
 
Hey Andy. Glad you're back and starting to rediscover the magic

Glad to hear little guy is doing well, but I completely understand willful/stubborn children.

You were reading my TR and if I recall, doing pretty well in the contest when you took your hiatus. I won't suggest going back...nothing to see hear, move along. :laughing:

Again...if there's anything I can do locally, let me know.
 
Last edited:
Actually it made me feel like a wuss. When I had surgery on my achilles, I didn't want to freakin' move because it throbbed any time I did... and he just got his abdomen cut open and was jumping around.

Well he’s tougher than you... but we all knew that. ;)
 
Here's a link to a PTR for our upcoming trip if anyone is interested...

https://www.disboards.com/threads/lets-rediscover-the-magic.3746343/


I even started typing up some updates for this TR too! Unfortunately, I don't have my Photopass pictures anymore. I know my Mom has a copy of them, so I can recover them eventually, but I've had to replace the computer that I had them on and I can't find backups in any of the cloud services I have so I might just write up a quick report for the rest of the trip with limited pictures.
 
::yes:: Just hoping we don't get any surprises requiring immediate attention.

Fingers & toes crossed for you, and some prayers.

Yes... this exactly. See the pictures above from our Children's Museum trip.

Don't get mad but when I read this...I laughed! :rotfl2:

My latest report is a report with my daughter. It starts here https://www.disboards.com/threads/blended-ohana-lights-water-fountains-and-characters-oh-my.3674644/
Don't use the chapter links, I'm way behind on updating them. We're on the last day.
 
Unfortunately, there were other kids waiting their turn and he had to get out. He had a death grip on that wheel, but I persevered. This resulted in about 10 minutes of kicking and screaming from him... good times.

47624280092_5ee24ee587_b.jpg
Awsome! They don't talk about these kinds of things when you are thinking about having a kid!
 
So are you saying you didn't finish your TR? I have actually started reading it, but I haven't made it very far yet.
I actually just did an update for our last day. I’ve been slowly chipping away at it, just took longer than I expected.
Thanks for stopping by my TR to read along. I know it might take you a little while but I certainly appreciate you making the effort. The chapter links should all be good if that helps you out.
 
Hey Andy. Glad you're back and starting to rediscover the magic

Glad to hear little guy is doing well, but I completely understand willful/stubborn children.
Thank you!

You were reading my TR and if I recall, doing pretty well in the contest when you took your hiatus. I won't suggest going back...nothing to see hear, move along. :laughing:

Again...if there's anything I can do locally, let me know.
Yeah... I'm the idiot that's kicking butt in a contest and then just walks away. :sad2:

Well he’s tougher than you... but we all knew that. ;)
He might be tougher, but I'm still not sure he's more stubborn... :rolleyes1

Fingers & toes crossed for you, and some prayers.
Thanks!

Don't get mad but when I read this...I laughed! :rotfl2:

My latest report is a report with my daughter. It starts here https://www.disboards.com/threads/blended-ohana-lights-water-fountains-and-characters-oh-my.3674644/
Don't use the chapter links, I'm way behind on updating them. We're on the last day.
How could you not laugh. I was too. For a little bit. Then after a few minutes it got old.

Thanks for the link! I've started reading. I've not made it far, because, well, time. But I loved the intro update and how the whole blended family rallies together to support Gia... so much awesome right there. What a lucky little girl!

Awsome! They don't talk about these kinds of things when you are thinking about having a kid!
Ain't that the truth!!!!

I actually just did an update for our last day. I’ve been slowly chipping away at it, just took longer than I expected.
Thanks for stopping by my TR to read along. I know it might take you a little while but I certainly appreciate you making the effort. The chapter links should all be good if that helps you out.
I'll get there eventually! I think! :rotfl2:
 
When It Rains, It Pours!


We got up early and drove to DHS for an early morning breakfast at Hollywood & Vine on the Fantasmic Dining package.



But the first order of business was getting DS signed up for Jedi Training Academy. We entered the park and while everyone else stopped to check in at H&V, I went on ahead with DS to get him signed up.


We had a good breakfast and the kids all enjoyed spending time with their Disney Jr friends.



33811417368_75412b69cd_b.jpg



47635949152_e1843b6e9d_b.jpg



40722505943_c1a9933f8d_b.jpg



We rushed out of breakfast with plans to hit Toy Story Mania at rope drop. We got there and made it through the line so quickly that we were able to hop back in for a second ride with hardly any wait.

We had Star Tours FP and using rider swap and extra FP from those who didn’t want to ride, most of us were able to ride twice. DS loved it, but DD was ready for something else after her first ride. She took my sisters over to visit Olaf.


47688844361_02348b0c52_k.jpg



DD enjoyed it, but Sis2 came back feeling a little bit creeped out. She felt like Olaf was a little too friendly with her. You could definitely see by her body language in the pictures that she wasn’t comfortable. Olaf was very close to her… it actually looked like Olaf was taking a picture with Sis2 while Sis, DD and Niece were posing together for a separate picture a few feet away.


By the time we finished riding and meeting Olaf, it was time for DS to go to Jedi Training Academy.


47635949072_d5524d0864_b.jpg



47688843181_0425db3830_k.jpg



33811433148_8ffeb3d4a8_k.jpg



40722518103_cb6f0bf785_k.jpg



47688843861_a9c3644765_k.jpg




He had an absolute blast.



Niece is a big Star Wars fan too, but she doesn’t care much for the bad guys. She thought it was neat to see DS out there, but I think she was scared that something bad was going to happen to him so we ended up having to distract her until the show was over.


We grabbed a quick lunch at Backlot Express since we were right there. I always like eating there. I enjoy the props and the food is pretty good, even if nothing special.


When we finished lunch, it was time for our next FP…


The greatest ride ever.


Rock n Rollercoaster!!!


This was DS’s first time being able to ride it. I think he was a bit apprehensive about it, but excited at the same time. When it was all said and done, he loved it.

Sharing unused FPs and RS passes, DS was able to ride 3 times… I got 2 rides in myself. All in all, a pretty good afternoon.


47688842871_d3c756f9df_h.jpg



47635965912_32d7c8053b_h.jpg



33811432588_7e76e51d5f_h.jpg



Sadly, as this was going on the heavens opened up and the monsoon began. Thankfully we have a rain cover for the stroller so we were able to keep the kids dry as we went to find cover, but the rain was coming down in steady fashion and as we’d find out, it was going to continue raining off and on for the rest of the day.

Our next FP window was open for Tower of Terror and this would be the kids’ first time riding it. If I recall, nobody indicated that they wanted to ride more than once and we were just trying to move from shelter to shelter so we didn’t mess with getting RS. BiL and I went with the younger ones and found a dry spot to wait on the others.


40722517653_f0414fbbfa_k.jpg



DS just got done telling me that his favorite ride at DHS is ToT… I love looking back at pictures 2 years later. Maybe it’s a good thing I slacked on this TR!


47688842691_ed3dc3c7af_k.jpg



After riding ToT, I got on the app to make a 4th FP… I went for the Frozen Sing Along.

Not because we needed FP to see it, but I’d been questioned approximately 5,000,000 times already that day about why we don’t have FP for it and when we’re going to see it.

Problem solved.

The FP was for the show that was going to start soon, so we splashed through the puddles and made our way over. I got comfortable and grabbed a fast pass for Toy Story Mania before settling in for a good nap.

After the show, we split up for a while. Sis wanted to do something… I forget what, but DS wanted to see Muppets so we took the kids there.

After Muppets, we grabbed some popcorn and Mickey Ice Cream Bars for a quick snack. We were trading texts with Mom and Dad and they met up with us. The rain had halted for a few minutes, but as it began to drizzle once again, we decided to check out the Great Movie Ride since there were rumors swirling that it might be going away soon… glad we did!

When we came out, it was still a steady rain shower. We wanted to check out Launch Bay so we decided that if we could make it across the animation courtyard without getting too soaked that this would be a good time to do something indoors. I have a Disney Visa card so we wanted to do the exclusive character meet there. Unfortunately, I’d screwed something up along the way and had the wrong times down for it and we were about an hour too late when we got there. The standby character lines were pretty long so we just checked the place out for a while then headed over to Toy Story when it was time for our FP window.

We got to enjoy Toy Story for the third time that day. I don’t know if it was the rain – I have to assume that was a big part of it, but we had some great luck getting Fast Passes that afternoon. In fact, after we rode, I grabbed another set of Fast Passes for Toy Story right before Fantasmic that evening.

It was time to grab some dinner and the rain was still falling so we went to ABC Commissary since it was about the closest indoor option. As far as I can remember, this was my first time eating there, but I thought it was pretty good. I think I had the ribs and I recall it being good for Quick Service food and a bit of a change of pace from the normal burger.

I did like the set up there. We ordered and they told us to find a seat and they’d bring our food to us. As a parent, I have to say this is awesome. Not having to keep track of kids while juggling a tray in a busy QS restaurant. That will score a place some points in my book.

Even if they did spill a frozen lemonade on us while delivering the food.

At least they made it right… we ended up with a table full of frozen lemonades… most of them still in the cups. More than we could even consume.

In case I failed to mention it, it was a rainy afternoon/evening. We chose to just hang out in the restaurant and relax. We were checking the radar and trying to find out if Fantasmic was actually going to happen that evening. There was a break in the rain so there was a chance…

But while we were scheming for the evening, BiL got bored and decided to join the family at a table near ours for nap time.


33811417428_852ab894b4_z.jpg



It had been a long day.


We left dinner and BiL wanted to use the Toy Story FP quickly before going to Fantasmic. Nobody else was feeling too motivated for a fourth ride and timing was going to be close so we just headed toward Sunset Blvd to see if the show would happen. By this time it was raining again. The CMs were still letting people into the theater and said that they were going to try to get the show in. DW didn’t want to sit in the rain, especially with LG. I didn’t either. Everyone else waited a few minutes for BiL to catch up and they headed in with DD and DS in tow.

DW and I took LG and went up to the shops by the entrance to wait on everyone. About 15 minutes later we got a text that Fantasmic was cancelled and they were headed back out.

We really had a pretty good day in DHS given the fact that it was so wet. I do think that actually helped thin the crowds considerably, but Fantasmic is a favorite in our family so missing it didn’t sit well with some as we’d find out the following day…
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Top