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NDR. Hey friends. Some of you know this already, but Friday will be the day for my 10-year-old's open heart surgery. I just completed the 20-hr drive to Mayo Clinic in MN (over two days), and I'm waiting for my husband and kiddo to get off the plane...

7:34pm on 7/7/26 by JERancher

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...For those inclined, I'd welcome all the prayers and well wishes for us (especially for Friday, and for his recovery in this upcoming season). Thank you so much!

7:35pm on 7/7/26 by JERancher

Sending prayers your way @JER and happy thoughts for a quick recovery.

7:41pm on 7/7/26 by cdlla

Sending prayers!

7:42pm on 7/7/26 by imadisneymom

So sorry to hear about your child's heart issue. Will be praying.

7:43pm on 7/7/26 by h2olly

Praying here in Michigan for your DS, and for you and DH too. May your faith carry you during this challenging time.

7:49pm on 7/7/26 by Call me Leota

Sending good vibes and wishes your way for a good surgery and speedy recovery for your kiddo! And huge hugs to you!

7:52pm on 7/7/26 by tlrg4488

Adding your DS and your family to my prayer list @JER.

7:57pm on 7/7/26 by TacMed

Sending prayers and hugs.

7:59pm on 7/7/26 by evamarie320

Sending prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery for your DS @JER

8:04pm on 7/7/26 by Rjcsmom

You've got it.

8:07pm on 7/7/26 by utang44

Sending my best to all of you!

8:11pm on 7/7/26 by JJT (staff)

Prayers and more prayers!

8:15pm on 7/7/26 by 58breezy

My DW and I are sending your son and family prayers and strength. We will be thinking of you.

8:15pm on 7/7/26 by IMarriedMyEllie

Sending prayers and pixie dust!!!

8:16pm on 7/7/26 by jbreen25

@JER, praying for a successful surgery, compassionate and wise members of the care team, peace and rest for you, family and kiddo. Prayers of healing and wholeness.

8:20pm on 7/7/26 by ejhnstn

One of my DDs has had 2 heart surgeries, so my mom heart is right there with you @JER! Sending prayers, liner love, pixie dust and whatever else you and your family need!!

8:22pm on 7/7/26 by njhyndman

@JER, sending lots of prayers and well wishes to you all!

8:24pm on 7/7/26 by MicheleandtheBeast

Lots of prayers and positive thoughts to your family and to the doctors and nurses that will be taking care of your little one.

8:26pm on 7/7/26 by HeiGirlHei

Sending prayers your way @JER

8:28pm on 7/7/26 by ram777

Prayers ascending!

8:28pm on 7/7/26 by ferbtones

Hugs!

8:34pm on 7/7/26 by RememberWhen

@JER I'll be thinking of him (and you and the rest of the family) this week but especially on Friday

8:39pm on 7/7/26 by KLuck

Prayers for you and your child.

8:44pm on 7/7/26 by maurine08

Sending much love and hugs to you all. Nurses are amazing and will help you through it. Will be thinking of you Friday. Please reach out if you need anything at all.

8:47pm on 7/7/26 by Magicalday2011

Praying for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Also make sure to take care of you as well!!

8:47pm on 7/7/26 by jules_fletch

Sending healing thoughts to your kiddo and strength to the family during this tough period. Youre in great hands at Mayo

8:54pm on 7/7/26 by 56arlene

I hope everything goes smoothly. I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts.

9:01pm on 7/7/26 by Ange425

Sending prayers for safe and steady hands for your doctor and that you and your boy will be on your next Disney trip before you know it. Hugs mom!

9:03pm on 7/7/26 by Totsypooh

Thinking of your family, @JE!

9:13pm on 7/7/26 by TumbleMonkeys

Sending prayers @JE!

9:38pm on 7/7/26 by koolaid

Thinking of your family.

9:44pm on 7/7/26 by momma4fun

Sending prayers for your 10 year old. Also to you and your family.

9:45pm on 7/7/26 by olddonnaduck

Sending prayers for DS, his doctors, your whole family, and the rest of the staff at Mayo Clinic that they keep DS as healthy, happy, and pain free as possible.

9:49pm on 7/7/26 by Phil H. Magic

Absolutely will be praying for your little one plus you and your DH.

9:52pm on 7/7/26 by youcanfly

Praying for your son and your family.

9:59pm on 7/7/26 by WendyMarie

You're in good hands. Best wishes from me and DD (who needs another EKG after heat exhaustion issues at camp)

10:22pm on 7/7/26 by Ali Ababwa

I've added you, your family and friends and your care team to my prayer list @JER. Please keep us posted on how all of yall are doing.

11:06pm on 7/7/26 by popupcamper

Thinking of you and sending well wishes for a smooth procedure and recovery process.

11:20pm on 7/7/26 by trixiedust23

Will definitely be thinking about your family - especially Friday and during recovery. Sending my best to all of you!

11:20pm on 7/7/26 by tl5

Sending prayers @Jer. Hugs to you!

11:57pm on 7/7/26 by armandarae

Lots of prayers for you and your kiddo!! I hope and pray for a successful surgery and fast recovery.

12:05am on 7/8/26 by kslawyergirl

Open heart surgery. Wow. Praying hard for your family and your kiddo.

12:14am on 7/8/26 by Rhondak0000

Sending prayers and well wishes for your DS to have a smooth recovery.

12:19am on 7/8/26 by WildernessPixie

Many thoughts and prayers are with you constantly. You could not be in a better place for his care! I'm glad you had such happy recent travels to fill your minds with happy memories.

12:37am on 7/8/26 by snowdiz

You all are the absolute best; thank you so much. I'll update this post once I have news to share!

4:53am on 7/8/26 by JERancher

Thinking of your DS and your family this week. Sending you a big virtual hug.

5:09am on 7/8/26 by PrincipalTinker

Hope your precious son and hubby made it safely and y'all got settled into a hotel and got some good rest last night.

6:14am on 7/8/26 by h2olly

Prayers and pixie dust.

6:55am on 7/8/26 by matterhorn55

Your family will be in my thoughts.

6:57am on 7/8/26 by deejason

Prayers <>

7:04am on 7/8/26 by pod4christ

Keeping your family in my thoughts.

7:37am on 7/8/26 by Dis_stacey

Sending prayers!

7:44am on 7/8/26 by Attyaz9

Sending prayers for your family!

7:47am on 7/8/26 by WDWchipndale

My mom had a surgery at Mayo that none of the other hospitals would even attempt to do. She came through it great. You are in good hands up there. Praying for your family.

7:49am on 7/8/26 by hawkeye91

Prayers for your son, your family, and his care team. It's scary to hand your child over to doctors for a surgery like that.

8:03am on 7/8/26 by JenniferB1975

Thinking of you in Minneapolis. You are in great hands at Mayo.

8:14am on 7/8/26 by VikeQueen

Praying for your son and family!

8:26am on 7/8/26 by GoldenDreams

Adding more prayers as well as chiming in that Mayo is wonderful! Your family is in great hands.

8:50am on 7/8/26 by Muffins_Mom

Thinking of you and sending positive healing thoughts.

9:12am on 7/8/26 by WalternateUniverse

Sending all of you love and light right now. And many nurse-y good luck and healing vibes.

9:22am on 7/8/26 by hauntedmansionnurse

Sending prayers and positive thoughts that everything goes smoothly on Friday and beyond. Thinking of you all

9:30am on 7/8/26 by act72

Hoping everyone got through their flights okay and you can have a productive but boring day getting checked in, if that's supposed to happen today.

9:39am on 7/8/26 by Ali Ababwa

Wow @JER - may God guide the hands of the surgeons & peace rest upon you all! Praying for success, healing, & restoration! Blessings upon blessings!

10:17am on 7/8/26 by DestinyCalled

Praying for full healing and recovery for your son and strength to endure for you and your husband. My daughter had heart surgery, so I know what you're going through. Praying also for God to guide the hands of all the doctors.

10:21am on 7/8/26 by TheWholePie

Sending well wishes and good vibes your way.

11:28am on 7/8/26 by baemax

Prayers for your family @JER. Stay strong, but also allow yourself to be emotional. We are with you.

11:32am on 7/8/26 by trishr.

Praying that peace embraces you all.

11:33am on 7/8/26 by vmorrison63

JER, praying for your little warrior, you & your family, all those involved.

11:36am on 7/8/26 by LisaPooh

Sending prayers to you and your family. The Mayo is the best.

11:39am on 7/8/26 by BraveDisgrrl

Thinking of you

11:56am on 7/8/26 by ls2000

Thoughts and prayers for all of you.

12:13pm on 7/8/26 by BriarRosy

Positive vibes for all.

12:57pm on 7/8/26 by gmcc

Adding good thoughts here for you all tomorrow.

9:36pm on 7/9/26 by RememberWhen

Praying for this!

9:42pm on 7/9/26 by yetisafari

Praying for your son and your family!

9:53pm on 7/9/26 by MstrGoofy

Sending good thoughts and strength

9:54pm on 7/9/26 by TypeAplanner

Sending Prayers

10:01pm on 7/9/26 by bowling_gma

Thinking of you all !

10:27pm on 7/9/26 by snelvis

Thinking of you all today

10:38pm on 7/9/26 by hodg

Prayed for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

10:41pm on 7/9/26 by Pumpkinprincess11

Thanks again, everyone! Pre-op appts went great, and we're due to be at the hospital at 6am (Central) this morning. Thankful for all of your kind words and support!

2:39am on 7/10/26 by JERancher

Wishing you all the very best, from across the pond :-)

5:08am on 7/10/26 by grannymac

Prayers for your family today @JER

6:00am on 7/10/26 by wvdisneyrn

Praying for you and your family today @JER.

6:14am on 7/10/26 by TacMed

Praying for best possible outcome and a full and swift recovery for your little guy.

6:55am on 7/10/26 by gopackgo

Sending prayers for you and your family @JER

7:10am on 7/10/26 by T07

Adding my prayers for your DS and family.

7:21am on 7/10/26 by youcanfly

Holding your son and his surgery team in my thoughts

7:34am on 7/10/26 by KLuck

Today's the day! Lots of good people holding you all in their thoughts today.

8:36am on 7/10/26 by Ali Ababwa

Prayers lifted up

8:50am on 7/10/26 by sarahr

Thinking of you today.

9:03am on 7/10/26 by Jennyhirsch

We are keeping you and your son and his surgical team in our prayers today. Hugs to you.

9:13am on 7/10/26 by evamarie320

Praying

9:31am on 7/10/26 by h2olly

Thinking of you today!!!

9:33am on 7/10/26 by tlrg4488

Thanks, everyone. We're about an hr into his surgery; no news so far, and this is a time when no news is good news.

9:53am on 7/10/26 by JERancher

That's great @JER. Sending a hug <> too

10:21am on 7/10/26 by youcanfly

Praying all goes well

10:39am on 7/10/26 by sivako4750

Praying for you and your family!!

11:02am on 7/10/26 by kimincrete79

Sending all the good energy and pixie dust

11:55am on 7/10/26 by LaurenInWonderland

Three hours later, hopefully it's well on the way to being resolved!

12:26pm on 7/10/26 by Ali Ababwa

Thank you all so much! The main part of the procedure is complete. No surprises, and everything went well. It'll still be a few hours before we can see him- lots to do post-op- but this is amazing news. The next hurdle is to see how he does in the...

12:41pm on 7/10/26 by JERancher

Congratulations to DS for courage, and well done to the family for their patience and support.

12:43pm on 7/10/26 by Ali Ababwa

...next 24 hrs or so with the new (repaired) valve; that will determine whether he'll need a second surgery and/or different interventions. So please do feel free to keep the prayers coming. But good news so far!

12:43pm on 7/10/26 by JERancher

Glad today went well, and continued prayers for all of you.

12:56pm on 7/10/26 by ram777

This is great news ! Will continue to send good thoughts your way

12:57pm on 7/10/26 by VikeQueen

Thank you for the update, been thinking of you all today!

1:01pm on 7/10/26 by ferbtones

So gals everything is going well so far!

1:21pm on 7/10/26 by njhyndman

I hope all continues to go smoothly!

1:26pm on 7/10/26 by WDWchipndale

Prayers, pixie dust and well wishes

1:26pm on 7/10/26 by Eeyores Pal

I'll add good vibes and pixie dust to my prayers!

1:35pm on 7/10/26 by TacMed

Prayers for you all and his team. It is crazy how quick they get them up and moving in the ICU. (DH had open heart last year) Be sure to take care of yourself while taking care of him.

1:37pm on 7/10/26 by Tinkerminnie

Continued prayers coming your way, JER.

2:30pm on 7/10/26 by lizshiv

Sending all the love!

2:48pm on 7/10/26 by BlastThatPeterPan

Wonderful news so far still holding you all up in our thoughts

4:29pm on 7/10/26 by snelvis

So glad to read this! Sending more prayers for your DS (and virtual hugs for you).

4:35pm on 7/10/26 by Rjcsmom

Holding you and your family in my thoughts.

4:44pm on 7/10/26 by Tracyclary

Glad our prayers are working. We won't stop praying for your little guy.

6:40pm on 7/10/26 by Phil H. Magic

Glad to hear the good news. Counting to pray.

8:12pm on 7/10/26 by WendyMarie

So glad to read this! Continued prayers and pixie dust.

8:41pm on 7/10/26 by jbreen25

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Good news. Prayers for all of you.

10:33pm on 7/10/26 by fcoffey

I'm late to this, but sending my Care Bear Stare your family's way.

12:08am by tiana

Great news JERancher! Continued prayers for his recovery and all of you.

1:08am by h2olly

NDR. INSOMNIA SUCKS.I get why sleep deprivation is a form of torture. Been awake for 48 hours straight & only slept 3 hours previous day.None of my usual tricks are working & brain refuses to shut off. I am here for any tips you kind folks can give me

6:09am on 7/8/26 by h2olly

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Sleep issues are so tough. I'm sorry I've had some success with the following: In Apple Music, search up the "Pure Calm" playlist. Put on some headphones, lie down, and focus on the music. I've been able to fall asleep using that playlist.

6:28am on 7/8/26 by shockbl

Thanks so much shockbl. Just pulled playlist up. Already had headphones on listening to Calm app anyway. My brain seems to know that when I turn on my Calm app, that's a signal now to get anxious. Weird...anticipatory insomnia now. Lol Maybe a

6:33am on 7/8/26 by h2olly

Maybe a different playlist will fool my brain. Appreciate you.

6:33am on 7/8/26 by h2olly

@h2lly, I like Sleep with me podcast. It's a guy who tells stories and rambles. As the hour goes on he gets more and more rambly and his voice kind of drones. He has insomnia too and says if he doesn't help you sleep at least he'll keep you company.

6:58am on 7/8/26 by popupcamper

Popup, that sounds so intriguing. He probably rambles like I do ....nothing makes sense when brain is so tired, so he and I would be great friends I bet. Ha ha. Thank you.

7:04am on 7/8/26 by h2olly

Something I read recently has worked for me: just start naming & picturing generic items in your head. Shoe, window, spoon, industrial smoother, chair... Something about that process doesn't allow your brain to fall back into the cycle you are dealing ...

7:05am on 7/8/26 by JJT (staff)

Thanks JJT. That is so interesting. Ok. Have a game plan now. Good night all. I knew someone here would help.

7:07am on 7/8/26 by h2olly

Ok. Going to fall asleep pondering what in the world JTT's industrial smoother is. :) :) :)

7:15am on 7/8/26 by h2olly

I have done some reading on this too. I found for me as much as I don't like it in summer warm feet is helpful. And I know it sounds weird but I find a simpler game on my phone helps take my mind off Not falling asleep which eventually helps me sleep **

7:56am on 7/8/26 by Eeyores Pal

The stress can be worse than the fatigue. I find meditation helpful to take my stress level down. Apps like Headspace and Happier have a few free meditations or a friend with a subscription can give you a free 30 day guest pass.

7:56am on 7/8/26 by KangaLilo4

** like Wordscapes or a simple mahjong matching game. Best of luck

7:56am on 7/8/26 by Eeyores Pal

I heard the technique like @jjt mentioned but start with the alphabet and just list ANY random words that start with the letter: apple aardvark about ambidextrous arsenal... keep going until you slow down, then go to next letter.

8:02am on 7/8/26 by Ali Ababwa

I hope you did eventually get some sleep @h2olly! I try to stick to a pretty rigid bedtime too with 10 mg of melatonin every night at the same time, but my schedule still gets upset by naps that I seem to need to keep my back in shape.

8:06am on 7/8/26 by Ali Ababwa

There's good science behind the random words trick. The way I do it is I think of a word like PEACE. Then I try to think of as words that start with P. When I'm out of P words I move on to E words. I never get to the second E in PEACE.

8:32am on 7/8/26 by evamarie320

Other things you should consult with your PCP about: 1. magnesium supplements or magnesium leg cream or Epsom salts (mainly magnesium) bath or foot bath. And/or melatonin.

8:34am on 7/8/26 by evamarie320

Bedtime ritual (remember bath time, story, song, and rocking for your babies?) adapt a ritual appropriate for you. Paper and pen next to bed: dump all your worries onto that before laying down.

8:36am on 7/8/26 by evamarie320

Anxiety meds help me when my thoughts won't stop running in my head...

11:43am on 7/8/26 by vmorrison63

Hope you've slept well and are seeing this after a long restful sleep @h2olly... My dr. Recommended spray magnesium. I spray on the bottom of my feet and in about 20 minutes I'm ready for sleep. It's very drying so I only use it for about 3 days at a t...

11:56am on 7/8/26 by Rjcsmom

Seven Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil Spray, Big 12oz, USP Grade, Extra Strength, for Sleep, Feet, Muscle Pain, Cramps, Restless Legs - Mined in The USA. About 33,000mg of Mg. This is what I use and it can be purchased on Amazon.

11:57am on 7/8/26 by Rjcsmom

Along with magnesium, black cohosh really helped when I had trouble sleeping. Especially during menopause.

12:06pm on 7/8/26 by trishr.

Another good sleep tip: get outside within the first half hour you are awake each morning just to get some natural light. Walk around the block. Or eat breakfast outside. The sunlight is a cue to your body to produce melatonin 12-14 hours later when you'l

1:01pm on 7/8/26 by evamarie320

be wanting to start winding down for the evening.

1:01pm on 7/8/26 by evamarie320

I also take magnesium to help sleep sometimes. The kind I have has ashwaganda and L- theanine. Both are supposed to help with calming and sleep.

3:13pm on 7/8/26 by WildernessPixie

Hot bath with lavender epsom salts, then yoga, then magnesium and Get Some Z's tea here too.

3:26pm on 7/8/26 by popupcamper

Ugh. This is such a struggle for me, too. Magnesium glycinate helps at night. Counting backwards from 99 helps sometimes and repeating "don't think about work" over and over. Or counting but spelling the words: o-n-e, t-w-o, t-h-r-e-e, etc.

3:46pm on 7/8/26 by DEmouseFan

Plan a trip to Disney. ;-) 14,000 steps at a park sure helps me sleep.

3:49pm on 7/8/26 by jenc45

Ain't that the truth. I sleep great at WDW. Partly it's the room darkening shades which I've struggled to get right at home.

4:24pm on 7/8/26 by evamarie320

Magnesium and Sorcerer Radio Atmosphere music. I focus on visualizing walking through the Parks. It steers me away from mind racing and activating subconscious. Sometimes I really have to concentrate hard. But it works.

4:43pm on 7/8/26 by Magicalday2011

Second @eva. Getting sunlight (no sunglasses) 1st thing in morning. Avoid screens/blue lights for a couple hours before bed. Supplements like Melatonin, Magnesium G, L-theanine etc. I also have one called Zen sleep. No caffeine (so hard for me!)

8:06pm on 7/8/26 by JNDLTOT

Also will try and do 15 min or so of deep belly breathing when I get in bed. Put on some soothing spa music.

8:10pm on 7/8/26 by JNDLTOT

Nothing turns my brain off at night except meds to 1) calm my mind and 2) make me drowsy. I wish I could not take them, but alas. Asked my doc once about some meds potentially increasing the risk of dementia, and she said not sleeping is worse for you.

8:19pm on 7/8/26 by utang44

@utang44, same here! Anxiety is tough at night. Prescription meds are what helps me, but I know they are not for everyone.

8:45pm on 7/8/26 by jbreen25

I read recently that looking at the time when one wakes up at night makes it harder to fall back asleep and for the last few weeks when I wake up I don't look at time and have been falling back to sleep much more easily.

8:46pm on 7/8/26 by royjoyahoy

I also adore sleep with me. Scooter (the host) is a big Disney fan. I also listen to Jane Austen audiobooks to fall back asleep. I love them and they distract me from worries and they also usually put ne back to sleep.

8:48pm on 7/8/26 by royjoyahoy

This had some good ideas. I got maybe 3 hours of sleep last night. I can't remember getting close to 7 hours of sleep recently. I look at my Disney pictures on my phone to calm me down.

9:05pm on 7/8/26 by olddonnaduck

I use Rowe Casa cherry juice. Also Amazon has peel and stick black out shades that have helped me, but then when you sleep where they don't have them it's tricky.

11:11pm on 7/8/26 by momma4fun

Wow. Thanks everyone for all the helpful tips! Liners are awesome. I did get 4 hours sleep this morning and that was enough to function. I am still reading through all of the messages but there are lots of great ideas. Someone mentioned meds, and I am n

12:12am on 7/9/26 by h2olly

I am not opposed to prescription sleep meds used occasionally. I do have a prescription for Restoril (it is a benzo); so I really hate to take it too often. I did take 1/2 of one finally this morning and was able to stop my racing thoughts/anxiety enough

12:14am on 7/9/26 by h2olly

to get a solid 4 hours sleep And that podcast someone mentioned is great. That guy rambles so much it helps to stop my racing thoughts. Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to respond.

12:15am on 7/9/26 by h2olly

Utang, anxiety meds were only thing that could calm my mind last night also. You are so right. Chronic sleep deprivation is so bad for you and can lead to dementia anyway. That's one reason I don't like to take benadryl a lot ...dementia risk.

12:19am on 7/9/26 by h2olly

@Ali Ababwa, I about OD'd on melatonin last night. Ha That stuff usually works well for me.

12:20am on 7/9/26 by h2olly

I need this chat for the insomnia that has decided to grip me tonight. Going to try the letter thing now.

1:28am on 7/9/26 by el_1102

@el.102. Solidarity. Ha. Good luck

1:43am on 7/9/26 by h2olly

A few more thoughts triggered by recent responses: agree with deep belly breathing. Pair that with images of inhaling sleep and exhaling worries. For those of you concerned about meds, consider 8 sessions of CBT-I which is the gold standard for treating

10:12am on 7/9/26 by evamarie320

insomnia without meds. And if you have more than just insomnia (eg anxiety or depression causing insomnia) then consider a short course of CBT. Ask your PCP for a CBT or CBT-I specialist. Or look at psychology today listings. Or Google it with ur zip code

10:13am on 7/9/26 by evamarie320

Thanks so much for all of your ideas @evamarie. Those are some great suggestions. Appreciate you.

2:27pm on 7/9/26 by h2olly

I tried Rowe casa gel magnesium last night. It seemed to work well. I feel rested and went to sleep pretty quick. Pharmacist said you can use it for tight muscles too.

8:26am on 7/10/26 by momma4fun

Mommaforfun, I will try that tonight. Part of my problem this week is pain from an arthritic knee. Thanks for suggestion

9:32am on 7/10/26 by h2olly

I saw on another post that you also cold plunge. Have you tried doing it late and just not as cold? I have a chiller so in the morning I'm around 58* but in the evening 62*. It seems to help with falling asleep but I will still do the dreaded 3am wake up

10:25am on 7/10/26 by youcanfly

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I also do progesterone but....I cannot do oral. That was a nightmare. The progesterone was probably something I needed before but now it definitely helps with feeling a bit more relaxed

10:26am on 7/10/26 by youcanfly

@Youcanfly, That is interesting about your cold plunges at night. I have never tried that, but I am the opposite of you...I am always coldest at bedtime (midnight). And the plunge activates me. I like to do it before a workout. Gives me energy. I know ...

1:02am by h2olly

I know many post-menopausal women who take progesterone (DS included) , and they all swear how much it helps their sleep

1:03am by h2olly

Good morning everyone. I put a message in the forum, I thought I would put a message here on chat as well. I am floating the idea of an anniversary trip to Aluani next summer. I know nothing other than I will have to wait until the seventh month mark.

10:36am on 7/9/26 by goofygardiner

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Any and all information/suggestions would be quite welcome at this point.

10:36am on 7/9/26 by goofygardiner

I've never been but following as we're considering a trip in the future.

10:40am on 7/9/26 by popupcamper

Dh and I went last December as part of a larger Hawai'i trip. It was a lovely and relaxing 5 nights. We took advantage of the adult pool, ate multiple times at the Olelo room (and enjoyed the live music!), and relaxed. Dh has food allergies which made 1/

10:44am on 7/9/26 by KLuck

the 2 prix fixe restaurants not worth it. We also ate at Off the Hook (breakfast and dinner once each) and had a fancy dinner next door at Mina's Fish House at the Four Seasons. There are many other nice places to eat that don't work w dh's restrictions.

10:49am on 7/9/26 by KLuck

We did rent a car (free parking w DVC). One day we drove up to the North Shore and another day we hiked Diamond Head. There are oodles of botanical gardens if you are into that sort of thing like I am lol and Pearl Harbor ofc (had been before) 3/

10:51am on 7/9/26 by KLuck

The luau gets good reviews, but we did another luau on the Big Island. There are lots of characters to meet! We splurged on a 1 br ocean view and I am so happy we did that. We spent a lot of time on our balcony (Ewa tower, one of those w a long balcony)

10:55am on 7/9/26 by KLuck

It is nice to be able to just relax there. There are good places across the street to eat at. There's also a grocery store. The resort places are good too. The traffic from airport to Aulani can be very heavy.

10:57am on 7/9/26 by bucketfoot

Paging @Totsy :)

11:56am on 7/9/26 by cdlla

I will be there in September and can report back. We are also doing it as part of a larger trip to other islands.

12:15pm on 7/9/26 by VikeQueen

We went for 7 nights in the summer of 2023. A few thoughts: the resort is amazing. We loved our stay. We rented DVC points and our room overlooked the center pool area out to the ocean.

12:19pm on 7/9/26 by shockbl

After 4 nights we grew tired of the pool and lazy rivers and lack of food. As others said, there are some great restaurants across the street but we were frankly bored. 4 nights and 3 days was plenty to take in all the resort has to offer.

12:20pm on 7/9/26 by shockbl

Getting and holding pool chairs is a thing. I would go down about 8:30 to get ours. One person has to be present at all times to hold the chairs. The quick service and sit-down restaurants are nice but again for only so long.

12:21pm on 7/9/26 by shockbl

Any island in Hawaii is amazing but having been to other islands, Oahu is probably my least favorite. It's the most crowded. We felt Aulani was one and done for us. We had come from Kauai and wished we had spent more time there. So much so....

12:23pm on 7/9/26 by shockbl

...that we decided if we ever return to Hawaii we are going back to Kauai. I don't mean to sound like a downer about Aulani. We are glad we went. We just wished we spent 4, 5 nights max. Better times and places can be had in other parts of Hawaii.

12:24pm on 7/9/26 by shockbl

I forgot to mention the luau - 200% would do that again at Aulani. Absolutely beautiful, magical and the food was delicious. My daughter was 12 and she cried when it was over because she was so entranced by the beauty of the show.

12:27pm on 7/9/26 by shockbl

We love Aulani. I would definitely recommend renting a car so you can explore the island. Agree about the luau, we really enjoyed it. I'll throw in a different perspective on the restaurants...

12:34pm on 7/9/26 by njhyndman

...Makahiki does a good character breakfast so I'd recommend it if you like character meals. I really enjoyed AMA AMA at sunset for meal. However it is expensive and more for foodies. It's a lovely resort.

12:36pm on 7/9/26 by njhyndman

I agree with everything you said @shock. I own Aulani DVC points so we have been a few times. But I can only stay there for so long. And I think having a car to get out to explore the island is a must if you can possibly do it.

12:38pm on 7/9/26 by VikeQueen

The Luau is lovely, but it is less traditional than another luau you might experience elsewhere.

12:38pm on 7/9/26 by VikeQueen

Yes! Forgot about the character breakfast! It's the best character breakfast I have ever attended. Food and character interactions were the best! Non-hurried and delicious.

12:43pm on 7/9/26 by shockbl

We've gone over Christmas and New Years for the last two years. Extended family in a 2-bed villa. We love it. We did a week on the north shore and then transferred to Aulani. Always had a rental car. We love the island.

12:45pm on 7/9/26 by silvest

We're planning a big trip in Feb. current plan is basically every other day at the resort, alternating with something elsewhere. There's a lot to see and do on Oahu. We're planning Pearl Harbor, north shore, PCC, Honolulu and maybe a boat trip.

12:47pm on 7/9/26 by RememberWhen

My BFF had a similar impression as @shock. She was glad when they moved to the Marriott nearby. She thought Aulani was too hectic and had too many screaming kids with families jostling for pool seats. And she had teens with her. She would not recommend it

1:16pm on 7/9/26 by evamarie320

as a romantic couples destination lol.

1:17pm on 7/9/26 by evamarie320

I agree its very much a family destination but when we went, DH and I found pockets that were more quiet/serene and less surrounded with kid enrgy. Here are some ideas. Very early mornings on the beach. Sublime. Yoga classes, paddleboard. We were

1:30pm on 7/9/26 by Totsypooh

Jetlagged anyway. After dark around the resort and by the water. Also very quiet and pretty esp after the pool closes. We are next door at Minas Fish house. A great alternative to Ama Ama and very formal/romantic. We got massages at the SPA and the adult

1:32pm on 7/9/26 by Totsypooh

Only area was very nice and we pretty much had it to ourselves. One of the funnest things we did together was the ukelele class. DH is already a guitar player but i was utterly amazed. They did the 4 chord thing where you can play a dozen different songs

1:33pm on 7/9/26 by Totsypooh

How did I forget to mention the spa? We both enjoyed it (I had a facial bc I don't like people touching me lol) The adult pool was sooooo quiet compared to the main pool. We both liked the lazy river and the slides when not overrun w kids (evening)

2:42pm on 7/9/26 by KLuck

OMG yes - the spa!!! I have been to a lot of different spas and Aulani is by far my favorite.

3:22pm on 7/9/26 by njhyndman

Chiming in with another vote for the spa! We were there a week and alternated one day staying at the resort with one day off site excursions and loved that schedule.

6:44pm on 7/9/26 by Rjcsmom

This is great information. Thank you. Tell me more. You can't possibly oversaturate me at this point. Any thoughts on when to get good prices on flights, and from where? I am Canadian, near Toronto, but I'm happy to fly from Buffalo or Detroit.

8:36pm on 7/10/26 by goofygardiner

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We actually added an extra day at the front and back of our trip and flew from Chicago to San Francisco (sight seeing day there) and then from San Fran to Hawaii the next day so our flights were about 4 hours each vs. one 8 hour flight.

9:35pm on 7/10/26 by Rjcsmom

We stayed there for half our trip, and half at the Royal Hawaiian. We had a rental car. We absolutely loved the resort. I agree with all that the other posters mentioned. We liked snorkeling at their beach. I saw a small octopus, so that was a big plus.

12:33am by tiana

The lazy river was a joy, the luau was good, but I prefer a more authentic one, and the character breakfast was wonderful. I agree with going across the street for food and other things. So much island to explore. Try to hit Waimanalo Beach!

12:35am by tiana

Yall know that feeling when you're laying bed trying to fall asleep but you know the next morning you're gonna wake up, travel, and arrive at WDW for a full week of magic? I'm there! Grateful that there is a place I can post this where folks will get it!

11:01pm on 7/9/26 by dmwiggins

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Safe travels today!

7:34am on 7/10/26 by armandarae

We're here. Great night at Disney Springs. Checking in to CR tomorrow morning then onward to Typhoon Lagoon.

9:59pm on 7/10/26 by dmwiggins

Hope your trip is pure magic!

12:13am by tiana

One more sleep! We arrive tomorrow for our split stay. 1 night Bonnet Creek, 4 nights CR (Garden Wing), 3 nights BW (Deluxe Studio). New things for our crew on this trip - bass fishing on bay lake, karaoke at Kimono's, and ALL deluxe resorts. Pumped!

9:56am on 7/9/26 by dmwiggins

Checking in to CR for the first time ever tomorrow morning. I've been coming to WDW since the 90's and the CR always seemed like this unattainable destination. I KNOW this sounds weird but I'm actually nervous about checking in. Ready. Excited. Nervous.

10:11pm on 7/10/26 by dmwiggins

Enjoy the short walk to MK!

10:16pm on 7/10/26 by maurine08

Enjoy this special trip! Can't wait to hear all about it :)

10:17pm on 7/10/26 by Rjcsmom

How exciting! I understand that feeling. I hope it's everything you've ever hoped it would be!

12:09am by tiana

Restaurant recommendations? Edison closed the night I need. I have a picky eater adult who likes pasta or grilled chicken. Want vibes/aesthetic and service, can tolerate "satisfactory" food. Must be in a resort or Disney Springs (no parks)

11:13pm on 7/10/26 by TouringPlanDad

Homecomin'?

11:27pm on 7/10/26 by njhyndman

100 Art Smith!

12:04am by Rhondak0000

I see TP no longer has Reservation Finder. Is there a similar third-party Liners use to search for dinner reservations?

12:04am by TouringPlanDad

If anyone wants to follow along, I'm posting in the forum as I make DH's MNSSHP costume for this year. I truly think this will be my best work yet. https://forum.touringplans.com/t/follow-along-with-dh-s-mnsshp-costume-construction/108509

11:06pm on 7/10/26 by HalfBludPrincess

What you have so far is GLORIOUS!!! I am amazed. I can't wait to see your finished product!

12:03am by tiana

For those of you who have gone for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, what did you do to make it feel like Christmas? Did you bring any gifts? Tree? Stockings?

3:03pm on 7/10/26 by tiana

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There is a liner Christmas tree that has gotten passed around the last year or two....

3:14pm on 7/10/26 by Call me Leota

How old are your kids?

3:23pm on 7/10/26 by melcort10

Also depends on if you are driving or flying but we do bring decorations.

3:26pm on 7/10/26 by youcanfly

We have gone to Europe for Christmas 3x with my two boys who expect Santa to come. I fly with wrapped presents (never been an issue checked) some decorations and we use ski socks as stockings. I have never brought a tree but most hotels have one.

3:36pm on 7/10/26 by melcort10

My kids are older, so we don't have any Santa challenges. We are flying.

3:58pm on 7/10/26 by tiana

Ok, with older kids I would consider small things like battery lights or tinsel swag. Just a touch of Christmas around the room can be fun. What are you dining plans for Eve or Day? There's a list of places that will have holiday menus

4:06pm on 7/10/26 by youcanfly

Matching Christmas Disney shirts !! Lights necklace

4:24pm on 7/10/26 by snelvis

We have gone a few time over christmas. We bring stockings and girt cards put in them. Also we exchange names and go shopping in disney. Wrap the gift and open Christmas morning

5:19pm on 7/10/26 by momshappyplace

Don't forget Ugly Sweaters for everyone!

5:23pm on 7/10/26 by Ali Ababwa

We have done Xmas 2 times. My kids are teens. We brought down a small Xmas tree. Days leading up we put a small gift under the tree for each family member- gift cards, socks, etc. last day we did scratch off tickets. We did candle processional Xmas eve

7:05pm on 7/10/26 by Gusgus5

Also we got a ton of Xmas glasses/headbands etc and took family photos with those

7:06pm on 7/10/26 by Gusgus5

I forgot to add, we have also done matching PJ bottoms and Christmas t-shirts for a fun night. Some of our best pictures

7:49pm on 7/10/26 by youcanfly

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Is it time to start the sign up sheet for the Liner Xmas tree?

8:28pm on 7/10/26 by cdlla

If I had older kids I would just do Christmas when I got home ;)

8:53pm on 7/10/26 by melcort10

There's some great ideas here! I love this! Very cute. We haven't figured out our dining choices yet for Christmas Eve/Day. We will be in MK that day.

11:58pm on 7/10/26 by tiana

NDR: Some of the mail received after a loved one dies is just cringe. "We're sorry Tom died, but pay us back his pension for April now."

12:11pm on 7/10/26 by utang44

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@utang I'm sorry. Social security made me pay back around 58 cents when my dad died I can't remember the exact amount, but it was less than a dollar

4:27pm on 7/10/26 by snelvis

Sorry! The hospital where my mom died called me to tell me they found her pants. The person didn't look at the file first.

5:03pm on 7/10/26 by moondance07

For about a year an ambulance company wanted 1500 for 'life saving' measures of fil. He was cold when they got there...they wanted 1500 to transport him to the morgue. Smh..

11:15pm on 7/10/26 by melodicwords

What's your best LL booking strategy for HS? Are the drops reliable still? 7:00am looming tomorrow....

9:18pm on 7/10/26 by Eemoore79

I pick SDD and get ROTR. Everything else is gravy. We RD MMRR to TSM.

9:54pm on 7/10/26 by JackOfAll

Is RNRC tough to get now?

10:05pm on 7/10/26 by Eemoore79

I picked up a RnRC today around 11 am for 6:45 pm, so if your time is flexible it's doable. There was a 90 minutes wait this evening so I was glad to have our LL!

11:09pm on 7/10/26 by armandarae

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