I feel your sadness in deciding to come home early, but I totally get it. Had we driven we probably would have done the same thing. Proud of Izzy for being so mature and agreeing it was for the best. That is so hard for a kid her age. Kids have handled so much disappointment in stride, it makes me proud and sad. My friends niece was SOOOO excited for Taylor Swift, but understood when it was cancelled, didn't even cry.
I wonder if this was just anxiety related? I remember I was in my office early April (one of the few times, but I needed access to the scanner for our year end audit), and I was eating a peanut butter sandwich when my friend texted me her husband and mom were both covid positive. I had what I now know, was a panic attack, but thought I was having an allergic reaction peanut butter! The mind plays tricks on us. I ended up having panic attacks almost daily from that point until the day the baby was born (3 weeks early, probably due to pandemic related stress).
Such a major relief. I just had an interview with one of the Covid vaccine companies, didn't get the job (little bummed because it is a really great company that is helping the world, would have loved to be a part of that), but it was amazing talking to them and getting some insight on their process. I am now fully vaccinated, and feel a major weight off my shoulders. Just waiting on my husbands group to open up! Things will get better. I really believe it.
Despite the challenges I really enjoyed your report! I am sorry about the cruddy hotel. I give you credit for sticking it out! I would have fled! My husband and our two friends are all going to Disney in May for an adults only weekend, you have me very excited for DHS. I have not been in years! We have an Oga's reservation so will be interesting to see how they social distance it.
Thanks for writing this! I hope you are able to go write and back date some old reports!
That is definitely a good point about the breathing being possibly anxiety-related. My guess is that was a factor + normal asthma-related breathing impairment from the cold or whatever we had. I remember so much anxiety during that drive - just the not knowing was rough. I'm so sorry you have had to deal with panic attacks - they are awful. So glad you are vaccinated now, but sorry you didn't get that job. I'm still waiting for my turn for the shot, but hoping it's on the horizon. So exciting you have a trip in May! If you haven't seen all the DHS things yet, like us, it really is fun - there's just something exhilarating about brand new attractions. I hope Oga's handles things well - I'd imagine they have to keep parties separate these days. Thanks so much for reading along! I'm considering if I try another report - maybe Alaskan cruise or Izzy's surprise birthday
MNSSHP...we'll see...it definitely won't be done as fast as this one, though, haha.
Finally caught up again! So fun to see the parks so full, but also so scary. The one big thing I noticed was the Preshow to Mickey and Minnie's- they weren't doing it in October...
I really hope our August trip is able to happen! I also have one shot in, anxiously awaiting the 2nd!
Thank you for taking us on this adventure!
It really is strange to think that we were there in the very last days of the "what pandemic?" times - the crowds look insane now, but seemed totally reasonable at the time. What a difference a year's perspective makes! That's too bad they weren't doing the preshow to M&M - it seems like that's an important part of the set-up of the story on the ride. Hope your second shot goes well - we have Dug's 4/8 and I'm just going to keep monitoring for the soonest I can get one. Heck, I've even checked if Izzy can get in any trials to get a vaccine, but none in MN. We literally talk about August every day here!
I understand what you mean by this. It's been sort of fascinating watching how the U.S. is handling it while living and following the U.K.'s guidelines. It's definitely like night and day! Right now, the U.K. is still in their third national lockdown, so we haven't gone to shops, ate out, or had extracurricular activates since last March. There was a brief period in the summer where outdoor English Heritage sites were open, so that helped entertain us a lot during that time. When people in the states ask us what we've been up to, we have to remind them constantly, "Nothing! We're staying home!"
I know I didn't comment on all the updates, but I read your entire trip. What a crazy time! I cannot imagine what that experience must have been like for you guys. To watch as everything turned on a dime, all while you are on vacation and supposed to be having fun. I guess you can say it was certainly memorable....
Alex passed by the computer as I was reading your droid building update. He had no clue you could do that at Galaxy's Edge and now him and Evie are very excited to try it out themselves. He said it looked like a lot of fun.
I'm glad the boarding groups worked well for you and you got to ride ROR twice. That's awesome.
And wow, the view of Toppolina's balcony looked stunning.
What?! Oh, that's so exciting for you guys! I really hope it works out. If the U.K. ever lets us out, I'd love to coordinate trip dates while you all are there, as well! (Obviously, I'm referring to way down the road, here. lol) My kids still remember spending time with Izzy in DLP, and I think they'd have just as much fun with your three.
I bet it's so different not being in the U.S. during this! I'm glad you got out to the heritage sites while you could - that's kind-of the level of activity we've done - state/county parks, etc. It's so helpful to get out for a drive, a walk, some scenery, etc. I hope things improve enough that you're able to visit all the places you wanted to while living in the U.K. I know this was a big opportunity for you to explore.
Thanks for reading! It really was the craziest week to be at WDW. Night and day from beginning to end of the trip. I'm thankful we got in a lot of fun, though. The droid building was really cool/fun - not the cheapest, but made a perfect splurge-y gift, since you get an experience + a souvenir out of it.
Yes, I loved that balcony so much. So peaceful and gorgeous up there!
And, yes, if late August happens to be a more travel-friendly time, please get in touch! Izzy still remembers DLP with your kids and she had such a great time (I still picture her and Landon hanging out like they'd known each other forever).
PS - loving your book, up to chapter 32 now and it's hard to put down
Thank you! it has been a crazy and chaotic time and I appreciate your honesty as well as your fun storytelling! May you all continue to be safe and well! (Also do not feel horrible about leaving early-you made the right call)
Thank you so much! It's really been something to relive this trip - it took a while to get to a point that I could even revisit it, but I'm glad I did. You stay safe and well too!
Thanks for this trip report, I love reading about your trips! Sorry it got so stressful at the end, though. At least you had a few days to enjoy things at the end of the Before Times. Hopefully 2021 will be healthier and safer for all of us!
Thank you! It really was the perfect way to end the "before times" lol. I remember in the car on the way back thinking, "I'm either going to really regret this trip or feel really lucky we took this trip when we did, once we know if we have Covid..." Just thankful I can look back on cherished memories of this trip now. Hoping the rest of 2021 brings joy and relief to all.
That was quiet the ending to your trip. I can't imagine how stress full it must have all been. A blessing and a curse to have driven! A long drive back but at least you were in your own car.
Glad that you are all fine. Let's hope that things return to a new normal soon! I know I am ready!
Yes, we were really glad to have the car - I would have had a really hard timing feeling okay about getting on a crowded plane at that point. I totally want to drive again sometime, when it's safe, but have the most leisurely time at it - to make up for this - see all the sights and take several days at least. Someday! I am sure ready for the new normal now too.
Just read your whole report while sitting at work in Nashville. I actually manage buildings and on that 3/3/20, had three buildings completely flattened (and sadly had one death). It was so surreal dealing with the tornado recovery and Covid looming. Your trip sounded like a good one mixed in with the stress of not knowing what was about to happen.
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry you were so close to the tornado and devastation. It just sounded awful.
Yes, overall I'd say it was a good trip, but just taken over with stress and anxiety the further it went along. It's definitely a vacation we'll always remember.