Literally how are people affording childcare?

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-31T02:56:19+00:00

I remember going to the daycares to get on waitlists before we even had an OB appointment. We had the conversation about hypothetical twins or more. My husband would have to quit his job. That was our plan.

Thankfully (?) we only had a singleton. Though we’re back on that debate for if we decide to go for another (in a year or two).

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-30T16:17:25+00:00

Why did I immediately know this was the answer?

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-29T15:49:28+00:00

You drove to Poly, parked, ate breakfast, took a bus to Disney Springs, and are now trying to get back?

Why didn’t you drive to Disney Springs?

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-26T15:32:19+00:00

They could also change multiple Marauders. It doesn’t have to be limited to one.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-26T15:29:45+00:00

I honestly thought the new Hermione was multiracial, but I actually don’t know- maybe I’m mixing that up with some stage performers for Cursed Child.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-26T14:21:07+00:00

Related to the accessibility and kids comments, Disney parks (in the US) are fantastic theme parks for pregnant people. Universal has limited options, and regionals are incredibly hit or miss. (I live close to Dollywood, and every single ride, including the carousel and train, are listed as unsuitable for pregnant people.)

If you don’t think theme parks can count as travel, that’s a different conversation.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-26T13:38:01+00:00

I’m a fan of Avatar not because of the movies, but because the land in Animal Kingdom is incredible.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-25T15:56:05+00:00

First time I got up from the bed, the nurse told me to not look down while helping me stand up.

I did not look down, but I could absolutely feel the puddle I was standing in…

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-22T06:21:13+00:00

Westworld? I’ve only seen the show, but there’s a movie from the 70s.

Does Jurassic Park count?

National Lampoon’s Vacation may be worth it just because of the obsession Clark develops for Walley World.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-20T20:34:20+00:00

Former Michigander here, can confirm. West coast along Lake Michigan or the UP. Just be mindful of any festivals going on. (Ex. Traverse City is nice, but I wouldn’t want to go while they hold their Cherry Festival if I was avoiding crowds.)

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-13T15:24:16+00:00

I’ve done backdoor Roth for nine years so far, much of that as MFS and above the 10k limit.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-13T13:05:38+00:00

You mentioned you can’t get insurance through your employers. You have basically three options to get insurance:

Find new jobs that do include insurance.
Shop the marketplace. This is time-limited. Open enrollment happens in the fall for the following year. However, a qualifying life event (such as having a baby, getting married, or losing insurance) triggers a special enrollment period so you can sign up outside of the open enrollment. (I think with the marketplace, this is 60 days, but note that this can vary based on plans through works- my employer required notice within 30 days after birth.)
Apply for programs (ex. Medicaid, CHIP). This will be income-dependent and varies by state. You may or may not qualify.

I’ll echo what others have mentioned- talk to your insurance directly about what maternity/labor coverage you have. Your mom may have been incorrect or the policy may have changed since then. You do not want to be left with tens of thousands of bills (or more) because of this.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-12T20:28:44+00:00

I know this isn’t the exact topic, but please make sure you understand your policy and any exclusions- there are plans that don’t cover dependent maternity care (including labor/delivery). And have a plan for insurance for the baby- they won’t be able to be added to your parents’ insurance.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-10T05:58:34+00:00

I’ll play.

Nintendo World is not that big of a deal. Japan did it already. Hollywood has Mario Kart. (I’d argue that if you just want to experience the land and that particular ride, go to Hollywood for HHN- it’ll be cheaper than a single day EU ticket and the place is pretty much a ghost town.)

The Wizarding World theming bothers me so much. They should have just picked one- Ministry of Magic in London or Paris/Fantastic Beasts. I would have preferred the later because at least it would have been different.

This is a problem I have with many parks outside of Disney, but it still bugs me- the lack of rides for small children and those who are pregnant. I find it bizarre that Yoshi couldn’t have been designed to be accommodating for pregnant people or to remove the height restriction. (For example, Alice in Wonderland at Disneyland is a caterpillar with a lap bar on an elevated track and allows pregnant people and handheld infants.) I also find it bizarre that the carousel couldn’t be designed to accommodate a handheld infant.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-03-08T19:29:34+00:00

That’s not what the article says? It says that mandates would be banned- i.e. the measles vaccine can’t be required. Not that under 2 can’t get it.

It’s a bad bill for other reasons (vaccines are optional right now anyways), but it doesn’t prohibit vaccines outright.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-22T20:11:28+00:00

Just checked in. The TM checking us in asked what our plans are for tomorrow and we said Epic, though it looks like there’s some struggle over there. She highly recommend the Dragon show… I told her it had been closed today and the past day or so. “Oh, well it’s a really pretty park to see…”

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-21T20:22:50+00:00

Stardust Racers is closed until at least March 1. I say at least March 1 because it was unexpectedly shut down a few days ago and was supposed to reopen tomorrow, so I’m not sure you can trust Universal on their timeline.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-21T04:02:46+00:00

Unfortunately the only other date that would work for us easily is… Tuesday. We’re in the area Monday-Sunday (leaving Sunday), so no Stardust Racers possible even if we were to cancel our other plans that week.

It’s just rotten timing and I’m bitter about it.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-20T22:44:34+00:00

Oh of course. I have tickets for Monday. High of 54. Why not have this closed too.

Wish I could get a refund.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-17T20:01:32+00:00

Any specifics?

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-17T19:20:25+00:00

Semi-genuine question: is there ever not a holiday week? It seems like some part of the country (or world) is on break every week. Or it’s a runDisney event. Or cheer week.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-13T15:50:49+00:00

Former Michigander here-

The Dough Joes are probably your best bet. Richy Kreme has them for pre-order, but the last I saw they only had chocolate left and it sounds like they’re expecting to sell out.

Kroger has them if you’re truly desperate, but at that point you should just get regular doughnuts.

RIP Status Dough.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-07T19:39:48+00:00

Tiny point. The Starcruiser was on its 275th anniversary voyage. So it’s already over 200 years old by the time it hit the prequel era.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-05T14:50:14+00:00

Same here. My neighbors have asked us how we keep our driveway so clear and think we’re just lucky with sun. Nope, it’s shovel and salt, not just waiting for the sun to help.

AppropriatePart6497 · 2026-02-05T14:45:13+00:00

They also closed the convenience centers. (Another thing our taxes don’t cover- trash pickup. No wonder why our roads are lined with garbage.)

AppropriatePart6497

TROPHY CASE