Just Keep Swimming - March 31-April 7, 2013 - Closing Thoughts (Updated 5/17)

[jecskc]

I'll let you be judge....

The nose is starting to crinkle, and you can just see the utter disgust beginning to creep across her face. I thought she might like this roll as everything in it was cooked, and it was made from things (mostly) she would eat normally. Plus it had nice spicy sauce on it that would cover up anything objectionable. Apparently the sauce didn't do enough though.

I like sushi myself, but have had some issues with texture of uncooked things. Some things you just can't get past!

Bahahahahaha !!! That is CLASSIC !! I would NEVER get mine to even try it!! DS has been branching out more, but DD just sticks to her pizza, hot dogs and chicken. We do our level best to get one fruit and one green thing into her on a daily basis. And I can't say that we are always successful.

 

[deenbrad]

Enjoying your report! DS's favorite park is AK. His absolute must do is Dinoland. We're one of the crazy families coming out of there loaded down with stuffed animals from the carnival games (let's play just one more time!)!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics....great update!

 

[jecskc]

Enjoying your report! DS's favorite park is AK. His absolute must do is Dinoland. We're one of the crazy families coming out of there loaded down with stuffed animals from the carnival games (let's play just one more time!)!

DD always wants to play them, but we never want to spend the extra money.

Great pics....great update!

Thanks !!!

 

[KatMark]

Beautiful pictures around AK (I have several of them).

Funny with all of the Disney restaurants, they wanted Outback.

Happy Mother's Day.

​

 

[jecskc]

Beautiful pictures around AK (I have several of them).

Funny with all of the Disney restaurants, they wanted Outback.

Happy Mother's Day.

​

Awww .... I LOVE that, Kathy !! Thank you !!

My family couldn't wait and gave me their gifts early. I got flowers, a card and three beads for my Pandora bracelet. We went to dinner and now we are all just relaxing. I hope you have a great day tomorrow as well !!

 

[jecskc]

Day 7 – Part Six

After we got back to the room, I needed ice, etc. So DH took DD out to see the animals again while DS and I stayed back at the room.

Here are some photos he took.



































They noticed the campfire was starting so DD wanted to stick around for that.

 

[tazdev3225]

Happy Mothers Day. Sounds like you had some nice gifts.

I haven't been to Outback in I don't know how long. Funny that you are at Disney and your kids wanted a chain restaurant.

Looks like you had a nice night except for icing the ankle. AKL looks awesome. I am really hoping that my friend and I do get to stay there next May. She is planning the trip so I am just going along with the plans.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Happy Mother's Day!

Oh my gosh, all of these AKL pictures make me want to be there right now. There is nothing better than going out onto the observation decks and watching the animals. I love it!

Do you know there is a hidden Mickey in that giraffe carving? Actually, it is about even with your daughter's head, just to the left! I can't remember where I heard about that one.

 

[jecskc]

Happy Mothers Day. Sounds like you had some nice gifts.

It is has been a good day so far !!

I haven't been to Outback in I don't know how long. Funny that you are at Disney and your kids wanted a chain restaurant.

They love that place. They couldn't WAIT to go there !!

Looks like you had a nice night except for icing the ankle. AKL looks awesome. I am really hoping that my friend and I do get to stay there next May. She is planning the trip so I am just going along with the plans.

I hope you get your wish !!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Thanks !! It has been a nice, quiet day so far.

Oh my gosh, all of these AKL pictures make me want to be there right now. There is nothing better than going out onto the observation decks and watching the animals. I love it!

DD loved seeing all of the animals.

Do you know there is a hidden Mickey in that giraffe carving? Actually, it is about even with your daughter's head, just to the left! I can't remember where I heard about that one.

I can't see it, but I believe you !! I wonder how many there actually are in total or if they can even be counted.

 

[KatMark]

Lovely pictures around AKL. How fun that DD found the campfire and could participate.

 

[jecskc]

Lovely pictures around AKL. How fun that DD found the campfire and could participate.

She loves a good campfire. DH bought a chimnea and she loves it. S'mores all of the time around here. We never get tired of it. We might when summer gets here since it is so hot here.

 

[afwdwfan]

Looks like you got some great resort/pool time! It's just a shame your DS would rather be in the room napping than enjoy the resort!!!

I think it is hilarious that your kids were so excited about Outback. I like Outback, but I'd much rather eat just about anywhere on property. It's the little things I guess.

That's cool that your DD got to check out the fire and roas some marshmallows. I love the little "hidden gems" like this at the resorts.

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, first James Cameron has got to get the scripts written. He STILL isn't finished with that. Originally the second movie was supposed to be out this year, then it was pushed to 2014, and then the producer said 2014 would be a hard date to make. I agree the most impressive thing about that movie is the technology. If they would do something around that over at DHS, I'd be all about it. I just don't think this franchise has the staying power of Star Wars or even Harry Potter. I fear the area will feel dated or irrelevant in no time.



Another attraction or two will be nice, and the "leaked" plans of the Soarin' on steroids ride look amazing! I won't care what that thing is themed after. Count me in.

Personally, I wish they'd just tell Cameron, thanks, but no thanks, pay him off, and do something else with the land. They own Star Wars now and can do some amazing stuff with that that would actually compete with Harry Potter. They could re-visit the Beastly Kingdom idea for the Avatar area. I would love some attractions around mythical creatures from around the world (well, besides the Yeti. ). They could do a Gryffon or Dragon flight type ride with that Soarin' on Steroids ride.

Well enough armchair Imagineering for today..on to more important matters...

Ok, I just have to say, I agree with a lot of what you have to say... especially about the staying power of the Avatar name vs. other options.

I have to say though that I don't feel like Avatar fits with Ak and I wouldn't want to see in DHS, just because I really want to see a Star Wars land with a few more attractions/restaurants there if anything.

I could really get carried away with the "armchair imagineering" as well, but I'll try to keep from highjacking the TR too much.

 

[wiigirl]

Roasted marshmellows.

 

[jecskc]

Looks like you got some great resort/pool time! It's just a shame your DS would rather be in the room napping than enjoy the resort!!!

He was playing catch up with all of his friends texting and he's a teenager, so he needs his sleep. He always stays up too late.

I think it is hilarious that your kids were so excited about Outback. I like Outback, but I'd much rather eat just about anywhere on property. It's the little things I guess.

They like the familiar at that age, I think. While we are all done with the familiar at our age and looking for new things to try. And I am only talking about food here.

That's cool that your DD got to check out the fire and roas some marshmallows. I love the little "hidden gems" like this at the resorts.

I do, too. And the movies they play every night. It is fun to go watch those.

Ok, I just have to say, I agree with a lot of what you have to say... especially about the staying power of the Avatar name vs. other options.

I have to say though that I don't feel like Avatar fits with Ak and I wouldn't want to see in DHS, just because I really want to see a Star Wars land with a few more attractions/restaurants there if anything.

I would love to see a Star Wars Land as well. But I don't want them to take out Cars Land for it. I think Cars Land is vitally important to cater to the younger boys who sometimes get left out in all of the princess stuff.

I could really get carried away with the "armchair imagineering" as well, but I'll try to keep from highjacking the TR too much.

Don't mind me, I love a good "armchair imagineering" discussion.

Roasted marshmellows.

Mmmmmm ..... yum !!!

 

[wilma-bride]

DD's new dream is stay in a grand villa. I imagine the points for those are crazy !!

Hey there Susan, I followed you over from your dining reviews. I am just at the beginning of your trip report (still on arrival day) but I couldn't let this go without commenting. DH and I booked a Grand Villa at BLT, for one night, as a surprise for our friends a few years ago (2009). Oh my, it was awesome! It was like a gazillion points but it was so worth it. Going to sleep, lying on the bed looking out at the Magic Kingdom was amazing. The girls slept up on the balcony area and said it was the best place they've ever stayed. There are some pictures in my trip report (Bad Mothers Chapter 15) if you care to see.

Right, off to read more...

 

[OhMari]

I had to go look for the hidden Mickey in the giraffe. Look at your dd, then look at the giraffe. It is part of the giraffe's spots.

 

[LifeIsDis]

Catching up…

SO. MANY. PRETTY. ANIMALS.

And Harambe! MY LOVE.

OMG IT IS DINO THE FLYING DINOSAUR. (that is my fave ride, btw.)

I am so with you, Susan, on hating Dinosaur. That ride scares the crap out of me. Yes, I know the dinosaurs aren’t real BUT STILL.

I LOVE THE THEMING TOO!!!!!!!!!!! As you already know, I am guessing.

Ok. So where do Dug and Russell exactly meet????

I have a very loud voice and sometimes I don’t even notice. But that woman sounds just obnoxious. I would never yell to my family (aka MUM) from like 10 miles away or say oh are the characters changing into their costumes. Thanks for ruining it for the little kids! Seriously.

Stop torturing moi with your pictures of AKL. I am already crying over AK.

And happy belated mother’s day!

 

[wilma-bride]

All caught up - 2 and a half hours later My DH is going to wonder why I've got nothing done this evening

I must admit, seeing how many people there are in some of your pictures, I am starting to regret my plan to visit next March. Still, if the worst comes to the worst, my DD and I will just position ourselves within easy walking distance of the La Vie en Rose (hoping that they have it again next year) and that will be enough to keep me going for the week