Bad Mothers' Handbook - Chapter 8 - The DIS Discussion Forums

wilma-bride · 12-10-2009, 11:59 AM

Chapter 7: An update

Sorry, guys, before I begin with Chapter 8, I must just add something to Chapter 7 that I had completely forgotten about.

On returning from our shopping trip and, knowing that we wouldn’t be going out that night so didn’t need to rush anywhere, we decided to take a trip down to the pool. Obviously, this was done purely with the kids’ pleasure in mind and absolutely nothing to do with the pool bar whatsoever

However, since we were in the vicinity and the bar was open, it would have been incredibly rude not to partake in a couple of drinkies. And, since Gary was not driving, he even joined in and had a beer.

Our good friend, Dee, was working the bar and asked if we’d had a good day, to which we responded that we had been shopping with 6 and 8 year old boys. At that, Dee promptly decided we needed an extra shot in our drinks so we got nice strong cocktails (not that they’re not pretty strong in the first place). Needless to say, our new friend Dee became our new best friend Dee

Anyway, the reason I had to add this little addendum is because it is relevant when we get to Chapter 9 – stay tuned!

Chapter 8: A Cold Day at Animal Kingdom

A bit of background: Whilst this trip was still in the planning stages and the discussion about which parks we wanted to visit was taking place, Animal Kingdom was very much off the list as far as I was concerned. Our family has not had much luck with Animal Kingdom in the past, particularly in relation to the weather. It is always either very cold or raining – or both – when we visit. Hence I wasn’t in any real hurry to head back there on this trip. However, Nat and John really wanted to include AK on the list so, as a compromise, Nat promised us nice weather for our Animal Kingdom day. Amid much scepticism from the Alcocks, I might add, however I always deliver on my promises !

So, here we were some 6 or 7 months later and this was the view that greeted us out of the windows.

The first thing we all said was ‘Great day for Animal Kingdom then’

In actual fact, it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the holiday but we spent all day moaning about how cold it was much to Nat’s annoyance. They did as well!

We were able to have a slightly later start this morning since we were only going round the corner. Nonetheless, we were at the park shortly after opening and soon heading toward Expedition Everest. Nat and I did the FPR (Fast Pass Run) while the others (yes, even Rea) joined the line. Rea had decided to brave her fears and meet the Yeti. By the time Nat and I had conquered the Fast Pass machines, the others had disappeared so we joined the line, only to reach the front and find them waiting for us. I sat next to Rea for her first ride and she clung to my hand. It’s probably fair to say that Rea didn’t really enjoy it – but, don’t worry, the feeling returned to my hand last week and the doctors say I will be able to play the piano again so it’s all good.

Rea decided she didn’t really want to go on again but we still got more Fast Passes for another ride later in the day.

Next, it was over to Dinorama where we rode Dinosaur – yes, all of us. So, how come you can hate expedition Everest and like Dinosaur! Answers on a postcard please.

While we perused the shops, John took the kids on Triceratops Spin.

Next up we had an audience with Pluto and Goofy, then it was back to Everest to face the mighty Yeti again.

On the way we realised that Finding Nemo, The Musical was just about to start and, although Nat and family had seen it, we hadn’t so it would have been rude not to take the opportunity. I have to say that I really enjoyed it, thought it was very cleverly done. Finding Nemo is one of my favourite Disney Pixar films so that might have biased my opinion, though.

Back at Everest, we rode again with our Fast Passes. This time Rea opted out and we were seated towards the back of the train - definitely a far more thrilling ride at the back, in my opinion.

After Everest, it was off to It’s Tough To Be A Bug. Obviously, we had to take the obligatory ‘3D glasses’ picture, although a big ugly bug managed to creep into mine and Rea’s photo.

None of us had any real wish to go on the safari since it just can’t compare to the one at Busch gardens so we had a general wander and took some photos. The kids met Turk from Tarzan and then we saw Devine. Nat and John had never seen her before so Nat was really pleased and we took lots of pictures and stopped to watch her for a while. She really is so beautiful.

Soon we were all pretty hungry so we had lunch at Yak and Yeti counter service.

The food was pretty good and it made a real change from burgers and chips – we were all impressed with it. Another wander after lunch and, since it was so hot, everybody wanted to go on Kali River Rapids. Nat and I decided we weren’t really in the mood for getting wet so opted to stay off and take some video footage of the others on the ride. We soon began to wish we’d gone on though as it was absolutely sweltering waiting for them. It also seemed to take an age for them to come round, every time we though this was going to be the raft it was someone else's.....very frustrating

Since we’d done all we really wanted to and it was so hot, we decided to end the day with a stop off at rainforest Café for a nice, refreshing drink. The kids had been promised ice-creams so, after despatching the girls and Daniel to get frozen lemonades, we headed for the exit, agreeing to meet them outside Rainforest Café.

We met a Photopass photographer on the way out and couldn’t resist some fun shots. (I am hoping the CD will arrive any day now so will post some of our Photopass shots in my summing-up chapter

)

At RFC, we waited…and waited…and waited. Eventually, Gary went off to see if he could find the girls and Daniel. He thought maybe they’d been reluctant to exit the park, knowing they wouldn’t be able to get back in if we weren’t there. After about 30 minutes, I wonderd if they may have thought we meant the back entrance to Rainforest café (the shop side) so went off there to have a look and, lo and behold, there they were. After gathering up Gary and the others, the adults settled themselves at the bar while the kids finished their ice-creams and looked around the shop.

It was very pleasant to sit and have an adult conversation while sipping an ice-cold adult beverage. Amen to that!

Soon, the troops were getting restless so we decided to head back.

Once showered and changed into something warmer – did I mention it had been an incredibly cold day

– we set off for Chillis, our restaurant of choice tonight. As we parked up outside the restaurant, we saw a troupe of raccoons scampering across the grass and up a nearby tree. We stood and watched for a little while, like the tourists we were, until stomachs started rumbling and hunger drove us indoors.

Gary and I had been to Chillis before but none of the others had and, it’s fair to say, while the food was good the service was sadly lacking with Daniel not getting his meal until the rest of us had nearly finished ours. And, because Daniel had been sharing with me while he waited for his own dinner, he didn’t really want it when it arrived anyway.

It was, therefore, quite late by the time we headed back to the resort so it was straight off to our rooms. I believe Nat may have found enough energy from somewhere to venture down to the library and read for a while but I’m pretty sure none of us were that late getting to bed. The hectic schedule and lack of rest days was starting to catch up with us all. Yes I did indeed pop down to the library for a little while. I found a quiet corner by the fire and read a few chapters of the DIS book club read “Can any mother help me”. It was very relaxing in there.

Coming soon: New rides, new friends and…is my Mother-in-Law here?!?

jockey · 12-10-2009, 12:13 PM

Great day, I am looking forward to trying Chillis in a few weeks, shame about the service though

Jets fan · 12-10-2009, 01:01 PM

Another great day. Love the pics

Tina

SusanEllen · 12-10-2009, 03:03 PM

Did this change the Alcock Family's opinion of Animal Kingdom? It sounds like a productive day with everyone having fun.

tony64 · 12-11-2009, 01:54 AM

Great day again, looks like those raccoons have scary eyes!

wilma-bride · 12-11-2009, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusanEllen

Did this change the Alcock Family's opinion of Animal Kingdom? It sounds like a productive day with everyone having fun.

Truth be told, Susan, it really didn't. I wish I knew what it was but Animal Kingdom just doesn't seem as 'Disney' to us. There are elements which we love but I suspect it would still be the first park we choose not to visit if time was restricted.

natalielongstaff · 12-11-2009, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilma-bride

Truth be told, Susan, it really didn't. I wish I knew what it was but Animal Kingdom just doesn't seem as 'Disney' to us. There are elements which we love but I suspect it would still be the first park we choose not to visit if time was restricted.

I agree with Joh, I do love AK but if i had to leave a park out then that would be the one i chose

mandymouse · 12-11-2009, 05:47 AM

Fab trippy girls, I can't wait till you get to the Cruise part

darthtatty · 12-11-2009, 06:27 AM

Fab day, im glad the weather was great for you.
we always seem to be at either Animal Kingdom or typhoon Lagoon on the hottest day of our holiday

wilma-bride · 12-11-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandymouse

Fab trippy girls, I can't wait till you get to the Cruise part

Nearly there Mandy

jns · 12-11-2009, 03:40 PM

Another great day

Chilly · 12-14-2009, 02:11 PM

Everytime I go to AK its always boiling hot, I think its my least fav park as well.

wicket2005 · 12-14-2009, 04:03 PM

Another lovely day.

irongirlof12 · 12-16-2009, 07:55 AM

glad you enjoyed AK

Pegasus928 · 12-17-2009, 01:17 AM

A great report.
I would join the list of people who could 'take or leave' AK. We never went at all on our first 2 trips and have only been twice since.

12-10-2009, 11:59 AM	#1
wilma-bride Would love a diet on Cadbury Flakes Admits she's strange when it comes to eggs Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 18,435	Bad Mothers' Handbook - Chapter 8 Chapter 7: An update Sorry, guys, before I begin with Chapter 8, I must just add something to Chapter 7 that I had completely forgotten about. On returning from our shopping trip and, knowing that we wouldn’t be going out that night so didn’t need to rush anywhere, we decided to take a trip down to the pool. Obviously, this was done purely with the kids’ pleasure in mind and absolutely nothing to do with the pool bar whatsoever However, since we were in the vicinity and the bar was open, it would have been incredibly rude not to partake in a couple of drinkies. And, since Gary was not driving, he even joined in and had a beer. Our good friend, Dee, was working the bar and asked if we’d had a good day, to which we responded that we had been shopping with 6 and 8 year old boys. At that, Dee promptly decided we needed an extra shot in our drinks so we got nice strong cocktails (not that they’re not pretty strong in the first place). Needless to say, our new friend Dee became our new best friend Dee Anyway, the reason I had to add this little addendum is because it is relevant when we get to Chapter 9 – stay tuned! Chapter 8: A Cold Day at Animal Kingdom A bit of background: Whilst this trip was still in the planning stages and the discussion about which parks we wanted to visit was taking place, Animal Kingdom was very much off the list as far as I was concerned. Our family has not had much luck with Animal Kingdom in the past, particularly in relation to the weather. It is always either very cold or raining – or both – when we visit. Hence I wasn’t in any real hurry to head back there on this trip. However, Nat and John really wanted to include AK on the list so, as a compromise, Nat promised us nice weather for our Animal Kingdom day. Amid much scepticism from the Alcocks, I might add, however I always deliver on my promises ! So, here we were some 6 or 7 months later and this was the view that greeted us out of the windows. The first thing we all said was ‘Great day for Animal Kingdom then’ In actual fact, it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the holiday but we spent all day moaning about how cold it was much to Nat’s annoyance. They did as well! We were able to have a slightly later start this morning since we were only going round the corner. Nonetheless, we were at the park shortly after opening and soon heading toward Expedition Everest. Nat and I did the FPR (Fast Pass Run) while the others (yes, even Rea) joined the line. Rea had decided to brave her fears and meet the Yeti. By the time Nat and I had conquered the Fast Pass machines, the others had disappeared so we joined the line, only to reach the front and find them waiting for us. I sat next to Rea for her first ride and she clung to my hand. It’s probably fair to say that Rea didn’t really enjoy it – but, don’t worry, the feeling returned to my hand last week and the doctors say I will be able to play the piano again so it’s all good. Rea decided she didn’t really want to go on again but we still got more Fast Passes for another ride later in the day. Next, it was over to Dinorama where we rode Dinosaur – yes, all of us. So, how come you can hate expedition Everest and like Dinosaur! Answers on a postcard please. While we perused the shops, John took the kids on Triceratops Spin. Next up we had an audience with Pluto and Goofy, then it was back to Everest to face the mighty Yeti again. On the way we realised that Finding Nemo, The Musical was just about to start and, although Nat and family had seen it, we hadn’t so it would have been rude not to take the opportunity. I have to say that I really enjoyed it, thought it was very cleverly done. Finding Nemo is one of my favourite Disney Pixar films so that might have biased my opinion, though. Back at Everest, we rode again with our Fast Passes. This time Rea opted out and we were seated towards the back of the train - definitely a far more thrilling ride at the back, in my opinion. After Everest, it was off to It’s Tough To Be A Bug. Obviously, we had to take the obligatory ‘3D glasses’ picture, although a big ugly bug managed to creep into mine and Rea’s photo. None of us had any real wish to go on the safari since it just can’t compare to the one at Busch gardens so we had a general wander and took some photos. The kids met Turk from Tarzan and then we saw Devine. Nat and John had never seen her before so Nat was really pleased and we took lots of pictures and stopped to watch her for a while. She really is so beautiful. Soon we were all pretty hungry so we had lunch at Yak and Yeti counter service. The food was pretty good and it made a real change from burgers and chips – we were all impressed with it. Another wander after lunch and, since it was so hot, everybody wanted to go on Kali River Rapids. Nat and I decided we weren’t really in the mood for getting wet so opted to stay off and take some video footage of the others on the ride. We soon began to wish we’d gone on though as it was absolutely sweltering waiting for them. It also seemed to take an age for them to come round, every time we though this was going to be the raft it was someone else's.....very frustrating Since we’d done all we really wanted to and it was so hot, we decided to end the day with a stop off at rainforest Café for a nice, refreshing drink. The kids had been promised ice-creams so, after despatching the girls and Daniel to get frozen lemonades, we headed for the exit, agreeing to meet them outside Rainforest Café. We met a Photopass photographer on the way out and couldn’t resist some fun shots. (I am hoping the CD will arrive any day now so will post some of our Photopass shots in my summing-up chapter ) At RFC, we waited…and waited…and waited. Eventually, Gary went off to see if he could find the girls and Daniel. He thought maybe they’d been reluctant to exit the park, knowing they wouldn’t be able to get back in if we weren’t there. After about 30 minutes, I wonderd if they may have thought we meant the back entrance to Rainforest café (the shop side) so went off there to have a look and, lo and behold, there they were. After gathering up Gary and the others, the adults settled themselves at the bar while the kids finished their ice-creams and looked around the shop. It was very pleasant to sit and have an adult conversation while sipping an ice-cold adult beverage. Amen to that! Soon, the troops were getting restless so we decided to head back. Once showered and changed into something warmer – did I mention it had been an incredibly cold day – we set off for Chillis, our restaurant of choice tonight. As we parked up outside the restaurant, we saw a troupe of raccoons scampering across the grass and up a nearby tree. We stood and watched for a little while, like the tourists we were, until stomachs started rumbling and hunger drove us indoors. Gary and I had been to Chillis before but none of the others had and, it’s fair to say, while the food was good the service was sadly lacking with Daniel not getting his meal until the rest of us had nearly finished ours. And, because Daniel had been sharing with me while he waited for his own dinner, he didn’t really want it when it arrived anyway. It was, therefore, quite late by the time we headed back to the resort so it was straight off to our rooms. I believe Nat may have found enough energy from somewhere to venture down to the library and read for a while but I’m pretty sure none of us were that late getting to bed. The hectic schedule and lack of rest days was starting to catch up with us all. Yes I did indeed pop down to the library for a little while. I found a quiet corner by the fire and read a few chapters of the DIS book club read “Can any mother help me”. It was very relaxing in there. Coming soon: New rides, new friends and…is my Mother-in-Law here?!? __________________ Fred and Wilma Go On Honeymoon Fred and Wilma Second Time Around Fred and Wilma and the Girls Came Too Fred, Wilma and Friends February Fun & Frolics Fred and Wilma do DVC, DCL & DDP - The Food Fred, Wilma and Family do Disney Bad Mothers Handbook Fred and Wilma - They're Back and They're Child Free Bad Mothers and Others Fred and Wilma - The Keys to the World Last edited by wilma-bride; 12-10-2009 at 12:05 PM.

12-10-2009, 03:03 PM	#4
SusanEllen DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A. Posts: 1,706	Did this change the Alcock Family's opinion of Animal Kingdom? It sounds like a productive day with everyone having fun. __________________ A few words about the place where the Magic began: Yet Another Happiest Place on Earth Report Disneyland, June, 2008 Pre-trip w/index to the entire report

12-11-2009, 01:54 AM	#5
tony64 Should've been a Cowboy In charge of driving & collecting coffee and doughnuts for breakfast Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: hampshire Posts: 8,738	Great day again, looks like those raccoons have scary eyes! __________________ 1995 Paris 1997 Masters Inn 1999 Clarion Floridian 2001 HoJo 2003 Econolodge 2005 HoJo 2006 Sheraton Vistana 2007 Club Sevilla 2008 May Sheraton Vistana 2008 Aug Terrace Ridge 2009 Barefoot'n in the Keys 2010 Villa at Cumbrian Lakes2011 Sheraton Vistana & The Magic 2012KeyLargo, Sheriton Vistana & OKW The Buckland Disney Stampede August 2005 Trip The S.V.R. 2006 Trip T&T Do Thanksgiving 2007 Trip T&T & 2 1st Timers May 2008 Trip T&T Do the Triple Aug 2008 Trip T&T's 2nd Thanksgiving Trip 1975 & 2010 A double trip Bad Mothers & Others Oct 2011

12-11-2009, 05:47 AM	#8
mandymouse If It's Not A Bahama Mama Then I'm Not Interested Can I put my Christmas Tree up yet ? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Nuneaton U.K. Posts: 71,927	Fab trippy girls, I can't wait till you get to the Cruise part __________________ Mandy xx

12-11-2009, 06:27 AM	#9
darthtatty DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Leicestershire UK Posts: 2,699	Fab day, im glad the weather was great for you. we always seem to be at either Animal Kingdom or typhoon Lagoon on the hottest day of our holiday __________________ Nicky.xx May 2004 - Wedding@ Disneys Wedding Pavillion May 2004 - Honeymoon@ Contemporary Resort Feb 2005 - Sequoia Lodge@Disneyland Paris May 2009 - Holiday@ Contemporary Resort Trip report August 2011-Holiday@Contemporary Resort Trip report March 2013-Perth Australia

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12-10-2009, 12:13 PM	#2
jockey Repeat after me....I LOVE CROC's, I LOVE CROC's, I LOVE CROC's!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.Ireland Posts: 7,270	Great day, I am looking forward to trying Chillis in a few weeks, shame about the service though

12-10-2009, 01:01 PM	#3
Jets fan DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windsor, Berkshire, UK Posts: 1,418	Another great day. Love the pics Tina

12-11-2009, 03:40 PM	#11
jns Tries hard to get the jelly off Jaffa Cakes without breaking it!!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Donegal Ireland Posts: 10,543	Another great day __________________ 1997 Dixie Landing and St Petes beach 1999 All Stars Sports 2002 Amerisuites and Beach Club 2004 Port Orleans and All Star Sports 2005 Port Orleans and The Contemporary 2006 New York , Pop Century, Disney Wonder and Port Orleans 2007 Animal Kingdom , Disney Magic , Saratoga Springs,NYC 2008 DLRP Santa Fa , Beachclub Villas, Wilderness Lodge ,Disney Magic and New York 2009 BayLake Towers, Beachclub Villas and Disney Wonder 2011 Disney Magic, Mediterranean Cruise, Old Key West *We now know the secert* too!! Trip report 2006 Trip Report 2008 WDW / DCL**

12-14-2009, 02:11 PM	#12
Chilly I was having a bit of a blonde moment D'oh! Married my prince at WDW Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Essex, England Posts: 12,620	Everytime I go to AK its always boiling hot, I think its my least fav park as well. __________________ Claire 2012 May Alternative West Coast & DCL Alaska 2011 Mar/Apr Disneyland via a road trip 2010 Sept/Oct WDW POFQ 2009 Dec/2010 Jan DFTW WDW GF, Poly & AKL + DCL Wonder 2008 Jul Engaged DLRP Santa Fe 2007 Sept WDW Pop 2006 Sept WDW Offsite 2005 May Disneyland Offsite

12-14-2009, 04:03 PM	#13
wicket2005 Hasn't got a clue what a tag is Christmassyfyed, yes I have had a glass of wine judging by that spelling Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North East England Posts: 5,966	Another lovely day.

12-16-2009, 07:55 AM	#14
irongirlof12 Am I the only one who loves Quorn Sausages? I would love to be at Ghiradelli's ice cream parlour with a massive choc sundae Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK. Posts: 5,499	glad you enjoyed AK __________________ Andrea xxx 1994:Grosvenor 1996:POFQ 2002: Comfort Inn LBV 2007: CSR 2009:OKW 2011:POFQ&Dream HNY DLP 2012

12-17-2009, 01:17 AM	#15
Pegasus928 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Grimsby, Lincolnshire Posts: 4,303	A great report. I would join the list of people who could 'take or leave' AK. We never went at all on our first 2 trips and have only been twice since. __________________ Check out our 2009 music video HERE Our 2005 Florida Music Video HERE Our Halloween 2009 Trip Report with lots of pictures HERE

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