Airline and Park Tickets purchased... check.
Reservations made... check.
Maps printed... check.
Park-and-fly package for hotel near airport booked... check.
Park menus researched and assembled... check.
Ipods loaded with music and a new audiobook and charged... check.
Movies loaded onto mini-laptop... check.
T-shirts made... check.
Arrangements made for Jake to say with his previous owner while we are away... check.
Jake's bowls, food, treats, extra leash and treats packed in a backpack... check.
Care for cats, chickens and fish lined up... check.
Itineraries for each day in the park, using Ridemax to maximize rides and minimize wait time... check.
Practice drills begun with children for airport, security and airplane routines... check.
Clothes laid out for first day of travel... check.
Additional clothes bagged in ziplocks and labeled with photo and day to wear... check.
Groceries ordered to be delivered to our hotel on 2nd day of stay... check.
Carry-ons packed with gameboys, books, coloring, ipods, snacks, one change of clothes (in case the checked luggage is lost), swimsuits and toiletries... check.
Maps, e-tickets, confirmations, itineraries, and menus assembled and comb-bound in to three books (Travel, Disneyland and DCA)... check.
Adoption worker told of vacation plans and informed that we WILL be reachable by cell phone AND by hotel fax, should anything really interesting come up while we're gone... check.
House clean and ready for us to make a joyful return... um, no... I'll get right on that.
You really have to plan your meals and rides? And bag, label, plan which day to wear and include photo of clothes? I love you Hilary, but you make this vacation sound like work...I think I'll take a nap now.
Posted by: Adalia | 02/25/2010 at 09:08 AM
Work now, play later! And to clarify, only the KIDS clothes are labeled. Brian and I do pretty well at dressing ourselves most days. :)
Posted by: Hilary | 02/25/2010 at 09:17 AM
I think you are the most organized vacationer I have ever heard of. WOW! :)
Have a great trip!
Posted by: Amy/southkona | 02/25/2010 at 10:44 AM
Hi Hilary, It seems like you have thought of everything!
In case you were not aware, Disney World offers FastPass and Rider Swap options - both a real time saver. In addition, the Disney World Guest Relations center has a "Guest Assistance Card" that you can request for a child on the Autism/Aspergers Spectrum who needs special accommodations (i.e. special seating, alternative entrance, waiting in line away from noise/close quarters or direct sun etc.) it may or may not shorten the wait, but it may make it easier. Go to the Guest Relations center with your child and explain their particular accommodation needs (a letter from a Dr. stating the child has autism would be helpful to show, but is NOT necessary - ADA/HIPAA privacy act.) - oh, and I hear you can request a "1st visit" button from them too.
Have a super fantastic time - can't wait to read about your experience at Disneyland!
Posted by: Gwendie | 02/26/2010 at 05:47 PM
Hilary...I have been meaning to comment for a long time and can remain silent no longer....YOU are amazing!!! I love reading your blog and seeing your creativity, you are truly an inspiration! This vacation blog is over the top....way to go! Chessa
Posted by: Onlyonelifehoneyhome.blogspot.com | 03/01/2010 at 08:11 PM