"This is NOT the once in a lifetime trip I was hoping for!" - (Baby Simba - 12/18)

[ronnmel]

it's so nice when you don't have to rush because you know you'll be back there are still days when i go full force into Disney mode but some days that I take it easy too and I find I enjoy things so much more when I have trips with the perfect mix.

Actually at that point we didn't know if we were going to come back to AK this trip, but we weren't rushing anyway. It's kind of in our nature to be go-go-GO!, but this trip we were forced to slow down due to sickness and the baby. It was kind of a blessing in disguise, as it made us see that slowing down can be great too! You're right, the best trips include a mix of commando style and smelling the roses.

AK at night is GORGEOUS!!!!! I'm glad you were able to enjoy your day there without one ride. It is nice sometimes to just look around and enjoy your surroundings instead of just what you get done.

It really is gorgeous, right?!! At that point I was feeling too uneasy to good on rides, but good enough to be able to enjoy the beauty of the park all around me. It was great!

Yeah, so happy for the new update and glad that you were feeling a little bit better at the end of the night.

Animal Kingdom looks so amazing at night, I would love to ride EE in the dark just once.

Except for NYE, evenings tended to be better than mornings for me. Which is pretty much the case in real life too.

Otaku actually said that riding EE in the dark was her favorite part of Animal Kingdom.

I really enjoy your pics from AK! I have never been there at night. You have added a few things to my must do list for our next family trip! I haven't gone to Rafiki's Planet watch in ages or have I seen the parade. I'm so sorry you weren't feeling great on your trip. I hope it gets better!

Thanks! It's hard to get to see AK at night because it usually closes before sunset and doesn't have evening EMH anymore. Unless you're there for a special occasion, your best bet is a busy week in winter. That way sunset will be early (especially Nov, Dec and Jan) and they might extend hours late enough. While were were there AK closed at 8pm, which is pretty unusual.

There are so many things to do at AK that are not the main attractions, it's nice to take the time to check them out. I hope you get to see the parade again soon, or visit Rafiki's.

I go better... eventually.

 

[ronnmel]

Yippee! Lots of updates!!

First of all, glad to hear you were starting to feel a bit better. Even though I know that isn't the last we will hear about sicknesses this trip.

We used to be the "up at dawn at the parks from open to close' couple. Then DS came along. It is amazing how much slower we take things, but how it is absolutely just as fun!

You say "Yippee! Lots of updates!!" and I say "Yippee! Lots of replies!!"

Nope, it isn't the last you'll hear about sicknesses. I *think* you've heard the worse though.

I thought for sure with a baby we'd be up and ready early since she'd wake us up early. Wasn't the case. First, I hadn't imposed a schedule on her at home yet so she was often waking up at 8am. Second, no matter how early you get up, you have to at least double the time it takes you to get ready in the morning. Third, even if you put an alarm, chances are you wont want to wake up since you'll have been up a couple of times in the middle of the night to feed said baby. So yeah, we took things lots slower, especially in the mornings and evenings. It was a bit disconcerting at first, but by the end of the trip we found our groove and were enjoying ourselves.

Usually a lurker so I am stepping out to say "Hi!" We are thinking about staying at the Beach Club in 2014 so I am excited to see your review of it.

I'm glad you took the time to say Hi! My review of Beach Club is all typed up and ready to go. I'll post it as soon as I get to that point in the TR, which is coming up during Day 3.

It's good to hear that you were starting to feel better as the day went on. It's been a really really long time since we've been in the Animal Kingdom after dark. I forgot how pretty it was.

Mornings are usually the roughest for me. It was nice to be able to enjoy a nice evening.

Well they make it hard for anyone to see AK at night anymore since they shortened the hours and did away with evening EMH. I know you usually travel in the spring, but if you manage to convince the boys to let you see Disney for the Holidays you might get a chance to see Animal Kingdom at night again.

Hi Mel, I'm glad you still had a great time at AK without riding anything, well except the train to Rafiki's Watch!

Your nighttime picture are lovely, we've never stayed until dark there as DH gets a bit fed up with the park after a few hours lol

I love your EE picture, that guy in front of Otaku looks as if he's about to cry!

I tend to count the train to Rafiki's more as a mode of transportation than a ride. But yeah, I love that I managed to have a great time regardless.

Thanks. I don't have the best camera (or the best skills), so I'm happy that I was able to convey the beauty of AK at night. They more often than not close AK before sunset nowadays, so good luck seeing it at night. If you do manage to go at a time when they stay open late, just show up late to AK that day. That way your DH will only be in the parks a few hours.

haha, I hadn't noticed that guy! So funny! That's why I post the full ride picture as well as the close up, sometimes the other guests can be quite entertaining.

Lovely update Mel.. I have never been to Animal Kingdom in the evening, the park looks so pretty!

It's great you had a nice day despite not doing any attractions


Emma x

It is gorgeous! I hope you get a chance to see it yourself one day, it's even better to be walking through it.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed myself despite the lack of attractions. Maybe I am capable of taking things slow after all.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Glad you felt a bit better. AK is a park you really can enjoy the shopping and browsing in. I'm not a fan of PW on a good day, so I can't say missing that one would be a downer. Too bad the safari was done for the day. We were able to do an EMH an AK in 2006. Rode EE 4 times in a row. Then I was DONE! Haven't been out to Rafiki's Planet Watch since 2004. I think it may be time to explore it again next trip.

 

[KatMark]

Mel, I'm a couple of updates behind. Let's see if I remember everything.

I'm so sorry you were still feeling so poorly.

I'm sorry you guys didn't enjoy Holiday Wishes...we loved it more than Wishes and Hallowishes. It's a shame that you were feeling so poorly and couldn't stay for the New Year fireworks, but the sleep was probably a better idea.

I love your photos of the AK Jingle Jungle parade. And your photopass pictures are great.

Sometimes you can have just as great a time by just watching others enjoy and just taking it all in.

 

[photographymom517]

All caught up again!!!

Love all of your pictures!!! I have never stayed at Animal Kingdom past 4pm before, so being able to stay late this trip was a lot of fun for us!!! We were actually completely exhausted the one evening but were determined to see the park after dark...so we just sat on a bench beside a gift shop & waited for the sun to set!

I totally agree with you about touring...our best days were the ones where we either changed plans or didn't have any to begin with!!! But we also had a good time on some of the days where things were planned from morning to evening. I think the best trips have a combo of both touring styles!

I am sooooo looking forward to your BC review! I miss it there so much!!!

 

[shan23877]

Looks like a fun night! I'm sorry you weren't feeling up to riding anything, but you seem to have been able to keep a good attitude about it.

Love the PP pics!

 

[Pluto0809]

Three updates behind.... so let's see what I remember.

Great pictures of the AK parade. That is one I have yet to see. I don't think I'm going to get to it this trip either. Someday I will though!

I love riding the train out to the Conservation Station. It's really neat to see where they house the animals. Just like Disney to decorate even the vet's office!

AK at night looks so pretty. There's another thing to add to my list of things to do on a future trip!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Joining in!

Your little girl is beautiful!

 

[katt789]

AK at night looks so pretty!! I've always wanted to check it out after dark, but it's always been closed at five when we've been there, or I've had other plans, lol! Glad you had fun while slowing down and relaxing!!

 

[ronnmel]

I'm watching "Live with Kelly & Michael" in Magic Kingdom and it's both awesome and pure torture. I wanna go back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going back to work next week. I'm so sad that my mat leave is almost over. I could have had 10 more weeks, but I decided to give them to Ron. It's better for me as a teacher to go back not so close to the end of the school year. Plus, I think it will be nice for them to have some father-daughter alone time.

I know I'm going to be tired and busy, but I don't think this TR will suffer too much as I've been very good so far at typing updates ahead of time. I'm already halfway through Day 5.

Glad you felt a bit better. AK is a park you really can enjoy the shopping and browsing in. I'm not a fan of PW on a good day, so I can't say missing that one would be a downer. Too bad the safari was done for the day. We were able to do an EMH an AK in 2006. Rode EE 4 times in a row. Then I was DONE! Haven't been out to Rafiki's Planet Watch since 2004. I think it may be time to explore it again next trip.

Yes, AK is best enjoyed when taking your time. I actually like Primeval Whirl, and it had been closed during our Disneymoon, so I was a bit bummed about that. I cannot do EE though. I tried it twice last trip, and after spending 90 minutes laying on my bed nauseous after the second ride, I said never again. I can't imagine doing it four times in a row!

Yep, you're due to go back to Rafiki's.

Mel, I'm a couple of updates behind. Let's see if I remember everything.

I'm so sorry you were still feeling so poorly.

I'm sorry you guys didn't enjoy Holiday Wishes...we loved it more than Wishes and Hallowishes. It's a shame that you were feeling so poorly and couldn't stay for the New Year fireworks, but the sleep was probably a better idea.

I love your photos of the AK Jingle Jungle parade. And your photopass pictures are great.

Sometimes you can have just as great a time by just watching others enjoy and just taking it all in.

Thanks.

A lot of things played a role in us not enjoying Holiday Wishes. I guess it wasn't meant to be.

I've always been a go-go-go girl at Disney so it was nice to see that I could have a great time slowing down.

All caught up again!!!

Love all of your pictures!!! I have never stayed at Animal Kingdom past 4pm before, so being able to stay late this trip was a lot of fun for us!!! We were actually completely exhausted the one evening but were determined to see the park after dark...so we just sat on a bench beside a gift shop & waited for the sun to set!

I totally agree with you about touring...our best days were the ones where we either changed plans or didn't have any to begin with!!! But we also had a good time on some of the days where things were planned from morning to evening. I think the best trips have a combo of both touring styles!

I am sooooo looking forward to your BC review! I miss it there so much!!!

Nothing wrong with just sitting on a bench and enjoy the moment once in a while. You really need to post your pictures of that trip.

We had some great unplanned moments, some great planned ones, some plans went wrong, and sometimes we should have had a plan. With every trip we are getting better at perfecting the perfect touring styles.

Looks like a fun night! I'm sorry you weren't feeling up to riding anything, but you seem to have been able to keep a good attitude about it.

Love the PP pics!

I think what helped me not feel too abd about not riding stuff is that I knew going into this trip that we would never equal the amount of rides we did during our Disneymoon, that it would be a totally different trip, and that there is nothing wrong with that.

Three updates behind.... so let's see what I remember.

Great pictures of the AK parade. That is one I have yet to see. I don't think I'm going to get to it this trip either. Someday I will though!

I love riding the train out to the Conservation Station. It's really neat to see where they house the animals. Just like Disney to decorate even the vet's office!

AK at night looks so pretty. There's another thing to add to my list of things to do on a future trip!

You are a huge AK fan yet you have never seen the parade? You are missing out!! It's such a neat parade, you have to find a way to make the time for it in the near future. I hope you get to see AK at night as well.

It's nice to see some of the "backstage" stuff like the animal houses. I love how the guide on our train ride said that no animals is forced to go "on stage" on any day, that they can just stay in their "house" if they so desire.

Joining in!

Your little girl is beautiful!

and thank you!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Is that your first? Are you having a boy or a girl?

AK at night looks so pretty!! I've always wanted to check it out after dark, but it's always been closed at five when we've been there, or I've had other plans, lol! Glad you had fun while slowing down and relaxing!!

Well if you ever find yourself at WDW on a day where AK is open late, you have to make it a plan to see it. You won't be disappointed! Especially a big EE fan like you, I'm sure you'll get a huge kick out of riding it in the dark.

 

[ronnmel]

Day 3 part 1 – The One Where We Eat With Fish


We were switching resorts today so when we got up we started packing. Well, they did because I was nauseous. AGAIN. I don’t remember if it was at that time, but since the Pepto Bismol had worked the day before we decided to buy a bottle of it. I ended up using it several times during the trip.

We called for luggage service ahead of the time we wanted, but they were late despite that. I was afraid we would be late for our lunch ADR. I tried changing it, but never got the line. We had done express check-out, so when luggage service arrived we high-tailed it to the buses. An Epcot bus arrived shortly after and we were on our way.

There was quite a big crowd at Epcot’s entrance. There were also lots of people in line for Spaceship Earth.

We walked straight to Coral Reef and got there just in time for our 11:30 lunch ADR.

I checked-us in and was handed a pager. I gave the camera to Otaku so she could take pictures of the waiting area.

She also took pictures of us.

We waited about 5 minutes. Claudia had fallen asleep in the stroller in the time that it had taken us to walk from the bus to the restaurant, so we brought it inside. She woke up almost right away. We folded the stroller than tried to put her in a high chair. She didn’t like it very much. We were sitting on the second tier, so I think we were too far from the aquarium for Claudia to really be interested in the fish swimming by. We really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant.

This is Peanut during the short period she was in the high chair. We were trying to feed her lunch.

A sting ray passed by.

Then it was the shark’s turn to pay us a visit.

Time for the food. My stomach was still queasy and all I got was bland mashed potatoes. I barely touched them.

Ron and Otaku shared the Appetizer for Two, which consists of Crab Cakes, Fried Shrimp and the Lobster Soup. Otaku ate most of it as she had it as her main meal. I think they liked everything.

Ron had the grilled Mahi-Mahi. He said it was very light and perfect for his appetite at the time.

This fish passed by verrrrrrrryyyyy slowly. We were worried we wouldn’t have time to take his picture.

We had to keep passing Claudia around as she was being very fussy (who wouldn’t be with a 10 minute nap?). Our waitress was okay, nothing special.

I didn’t care that I was sick; I was not going to pass on the opportunity to try the Chocolate Wave. I split it with Otaku. It tasted awesome!!!!

After the meal we went to Mousegear to look for a bag. I have no idea how we thought one small diaper backpack would be enough to carry all our stuff. We were also using a string backpack to carry the lightweight stroller stuff (blanket, sun hat, sun shade, rain cover), but it was still not enough. We chose a nice Mickey backpack. Thank you Hope for the gift card, that’s what we bought with it. :

We walked out of the park, but not the way we came in. We went through the International Gateway as it was time to check-in at our home for the next 8 nights, the Beach Club!
​

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I'm so sorry you were too sick to eat anything at Coral Reef, I know we talked about the chicken a lot before you left. But you did have a pretty good view of the aquarium and got some good pictures!

I can't wait to see Beach Club!!!

 

[shan23877]

I'm so sorry you still weren't feeling well! Glad you got dessert though!

Cute, cute Claudia! Loving all the photos of her!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

and thank you!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Is that your first? Are you having a boy or a girl?

Thank you! This is my first. We're having a boy.

We're already considering taking a trip in January 2014. Claudia seems to be such a good traveler.

 

[SAT887]

Claudia is adorable... While my youngest is only about 1.5 yrs it makes me miss that age.. Maybe its because we decided 2 is enough and I know there won't be another, but they are so muchkin squeezable!

At least you were able to stomach (for at least this part of the update!) the chocolate wave!! I'd take dessert over most main courses anyway We really enjoyed our visit there and the ambiance is so fantastic! Enjoying your updates and keep em coming!

 

[gracer9977]

So sorry you are still feeling so nauseous. I am so glad that you are powering through and making the best of everything but I can only imagine how awful you must have felt at times.

The pictures of Claudia at the table are so cute. I remember going when my DD was only 16 months. We spent alot of time taking turns eating while someone took her out to the lobby to run around. She had no interest in sitting at the table. At least there was 7 adults that time so everyone was nice enough to take a turn.

Looking forward to the next update.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Did Ron like the Lobster soup? I thought it was wonderful! So sorry you haven't been able to enjoy any of your meals so far.
Can't wait to hear what you all think of the BC! One of my favorites! The location is so awesome.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh no! I was hoping that the nausea would have gone away after the Pepto. We really enjoy our meals at Coral Reef. I wonder if they'll let me order that appetizer as an entree when we are on the dining plan. It looks delicious.

The joys of traveling with a baby....I remember those days well and do not miss them.

 

[ronnmel]

Ok, I love reading trip reports. I'm always excited when I see someone has posted an update. This morning started off kinda slow so I decided to start reading a new trip report per Shan's suggestion (thanks, it's hilarious! ) But then it seems that EVERYONE decided to do updates today. And often multiple ones! Couldn't you guys stagger them a little? Just kidding. It took me all day, but I FINALLY caught up.

I'm so sorry you were too sick to eat anything at Coral Reef, I know we talked about the chicken a lot before you left. But you did have a pretty good view of the aquarium and got some good pictures!

I can't wait to see Beach Club!!!

Yes, I was disappointed that i couldn't try the chicken. I did ask about getting just a plate of spaetzel, but they said it couldn't be served on its own. I'm not sure I would have appreciated a new taste anyway at that point.

We had a good view, I was happy! I wish we had had a table closest to the aquarium, but since I didn't request it I did not expect it (unlike certain people in your TR if I remember right. )

I'm so sorry you still weren't feeling well! Glad you got dessert though!

Cute, cute Claudia! Loving all the photos of her!

I always have room for dessert. As I found out that day, it even holds true when I feel sick.

I'm hoping to post more photos of her from this past month. Can you believe she just turned 8 months? She's almost crawling now!!!

Thank you! This is my first. We're having a boy.

We're already considering taking a trip in January 2014. Claudia seems to be such a good traveler.

That's great! Have you chosen a name yet?

I hope my TR helps you prepare yourself should you decide to take that trip. We tried our best to prepare ourselves, but it wasn't enough. Obviously being sick put a kink in it and made it harder on us. Also traveling with a 13 y.o. helped (extra pair of hands) and made things worse (we both wanted to go out and do all the big rides with her). If you all agree to take things slow, it should help. Also, I don't know if you'll be breastfeeding, but it would have made things so much EASIER if I had been. Obviously I can't change the past and even knowing this would not have solved the problems I faced with breastfeeding, but I just thought I'd let you know. Carrying around 5 bottles full of water and having to wash those every night was a pain. Other than that, yes she was good for the most part. She would take naps in the stroller and did not fuss too much except on a few occasions.

Claudia is adorable... While my youngest is only about 1.5 yrs it makes me miss that age.. Maybe its because we decided 2 is enough and I know there won't be another, but they are so muchkin squeezable!

At least you were able to stomach (for at least this part of the update!) the chocolate wave!! I'd take dessert over most main courses anyway We really enjoyed our visit there and the ambiance is so fantastic! Enjoying your updates and keep em coming!

I'm already missing the newborn stage, so I understand what you mean.

I have no idea why I didn't think earlier of eating something chocolatey. I should've known that even feeling nauseous, my stomach would always be able to digest chocolate. At that point I was basically nauseous because I hadn't had anything to eat in days. Who cares if it's sugar that makes it in, it's better than nothing, no? As you'll see later on in the TR, I very often substituted sweets for real meals.

 

[ronnmel]

So sorry you are still feeling so nauseous. I am so glad that you are powering through and making the best of everything but I can only imagine how awful you must have felt at times.

The pictures of Claudia at the table are so cute. I remember going when my DD was only 16 months. We spent alot of time taking turns eating while someone took her out to the lobby to run around. She had no interest in sitting at the table. At least there was 7 adults that time so everyone was nice enough to take a turn.

Looking forward to the next update.

It sure did not make things easy to have to pack and go eat while feeling sick. But as you can see in some pictures, I still managed to smile.

She has actually gotten better with high chairs. Already later on in the trip she would last a little longer, then last week I went out by myself o have breakfast with other moms and she spent almost the entire meal in the chair! I'm sure that's about to end soon though, as she starts to be mobile. Then she won't want to sit at the table, like your DD.

Did Ron like the Lobster soup? I thought it was wonderful! So sorry you haven't been able to enjoy any of your meals so far.
Can't wait to hear what you all think of the BC! One of my favorites! The location is so awesome.

I just asked him and he said "It was good". He is usually a man of many words, but I caught him watching a movie so I guess that's all the answer you're going to get tonight.

I'll be posting Beach Club updates separately from the "story" like I did for AoA.

Oh no! I was hoping that the nausea would have gone away after the Pepto. We really enjoy our meals at Coral Reef. I wonder if they'll let me order that appetizer as an entree when we are on the dining plan. It looks delicious.

The joys of traveling with a baby....I remember those days well and do not miss them.

Well the Pepto did help for the previous day, but I had to take it again that morning as the nausea had come back. Eating the Chocolate Wave did help though, as now I had something in my stomach that I was able to build upon.

It doesn't hurt to ask! I hope they let you order it, Ron and Otaku enjoyed it very much.