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

[jecskc]

There have certainly been all kinds of rumors both that it is still on and saying that it isn't going to happen.

I guess from one side, it would be nice just to see something new added to the parks, but at the same time... I just didn't get Avatar. I thought the CGI was pretty impressive, but I watched it once and don't have any desire to see it again. I just can't get myself excited about seeing "Avatarland"

I am not "excited" about it. But it would be nice to have another ride or two at AK and it looks like they had a some cool things planned.

 

[daisymomof4]

The pic of your DD hugging Dug is so cute! He's just squeezing her, lol.

I love that Kali River Rapids sign so much. Secretly I want to steal it and hang it in my house (maybe not such a secret now!)

 

[jecskc]

The pic of your DD hugging Dug is so cute! He's just squeezing her, lol.

She had such a good interaction with them. They were very energetic and so much fun. We waited about 20 minutes and it was worth it.

I love that Kali River Rapids sign so much. Secretly I want to steal it and hang it in my house (maybe not such a secret now!)

I just love the themeing there in general. All of the signs and "advertisements" are so interesting and cool. It is very interesting park. Very visually entertaining.

 

[MEK]

Cute character meet. Ugh to the annoying woman in line. I know that sometimes I can be loud, too. But I hope I am never that bad. Love your scenery pics. I think those egg rolls are a great snack credit.

 

[jecskc]

Cute character meet. Ugh to the annoying woman in line. I know that sometimes I can be loud, too. But I hope I am never that bad. Love your scenery pics. I think those egg rolls are a great snack credit.

I can be loud as well. But this one?? She was a whole new level.

I love AK. Such a great park for photos.

The egg rolls were really good and DH and I split those and the chicken fried rice. Two snack credits. We weren't full, but we knew the kids wouldn't eat their meals later at the Mara, so we were fine with our snack knowing we would finish what they wouldn't. And I like that they have something to offer besides the whole burger and fries thing. It is tasty food.

 

[jecskc]

In my opinion, Avatar doesn't fit anywhere, but that is an entirely different conversation.

I think it would fit in better over at Hollywood studios. I dunno. I do believe that anything they come up with will be pretty neat. Wherever they decide to build it.

That is a shame about the lady in line. Not only for being annoying, but the fact that she could have ruined the magic for some poor kid in line.

She was really an interesting character.

I'm glad your DD got to meet Dug and Russell. I know he probably gets it all the time and it is to the point that it must be absolutely annoying, but there is no way I could meet Dug without yelling "squirrel!" at least 2 or 3 times.

Fortunately for Dug, we weren't tempted to shout that out. It was a great character interaction. Very much worth the wait. Annoyance and all.

 

[teekathepony]

Omg!! Dug and Russel are adorable !!! How rude of the Loud Lady. I have a certain family member like that come to think of it. Loud and attention seeking, but essentially harmless. Still, she could easily have ruined the magic for some kids.

 

[pwdebbie]

I just love the themeing there in general. All of the signs and "advertisements" are so interesting and cool. It is very interesting park. Very visually entertaining.

Totally agree. This park is more themed than the others, imo. So much to see if we just pay attention. And I always feel like I've missed so much. I guess if you consider AK an amusement park, you won't like it. But if you realize that it is a "theme" park and go with the intention of immersing yourself in the theme, then you love it.

 

[matblake]

Finally caught up again. I really like AK. It's not for everyone, DW only liked FOTLK and the bird show, but it just feels so much more laid back than the other parks. World Showcase isn't that far behind IMO.

 

[OhMari]

I have been reading your TR for the last week, and I finally caught up.
Did you have a car?
I just wondered how you transferred from BLT to the AK.
We switched resorts and we let them transfer our luggage for us and it worked really great.

I enjoyed all your pictures. I take lousy pictures.
I hope your knee gets better. I sprained my ankle last August and I am still having issues. It is no fun. At times I wished I had a

 

[jecskc]

Actually, mine is an ankle injury as well. I damaged some tendons and that required surgery. Those kinds of ankle injuries take FOREVER to heal. How did you hurt yours and how long has it been ?? Having a scooter has saved our trips. I wouldn't be able to do it otherwise. Everything we do nowadays revolves around how much walking is involved.

I hurt mine zip lining. I was told I did not need to break. Body weight, going down or across is not the same for every one. Both my feet bent towards me when I landed on the side of the plat -form. My right foot recovered, but not my left. I could cry some days, when I do a lot of walking. I saw a specialist after my Er visit and he said I would be better in 4 months, but I still feel pain at times.

 

[jecskc]

Day 7 – Part Five

The kids wanted to eat at the Mara and we got them that same thing they had for dinner the night before.







This day turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day and since it was only about 12:30-1:00 PM, we had most of the day ahead of us. So DD and I went down to the pool. She swam and played while I read a book.

After a couple of hours, DH came to keep an eye on DD while I went to take photos. DS was up in the room taking a nap.































I headed back up to get some laundry going and things packed up since we were leaving the following day. Always sad to have to do that. After a while, DD and DH came back up and we went to Outback for dinner. It was SUPER close by. Less than a mile. We didn’t have the dining plan for the last two nights, so our plan had expired the day before. Don’t you fret, though. We used up all of those credits !!

Anyway, we had pretty much planned this all week. And all week, it is what the kids talked about most when the subject of food came up. They couldn’t WAIT to eat …. at Outback. We have those here and we go several times a year. I would have preferred a Disney restaurant, but Noooooo. They wanted Outback. And it turned out to be amazing. The food was perfect and our waiter was fantastic. I didn’t get photos because most people know what kind of food they have. But it was good.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I still haven't figured out the whole purpose of that "Dinoland" area. I do love Dinosaur though, but don't get to ride it because Mark can't/won't since his neck surgery.

Cute dresses.

DisUnplugged has a GREAT 2 part podcast series about AK. Part 2, which was just done this past week, explains the story of Dinoland. Now that I know the story, it makes much more sense. And to be honest, if I were paying more attention in that part of the park all along, I probably would have picked up on what was going on over there. That said, I still think that whole Dino section is just a weird way to showcase the animals of the past in the park. I guess they didn't want it to seem to museum like.

There have certainly been all kinds of rumors both that it is still on and saying that it isn't going to happen.

I guess from one side, it would be nice just to see something new added to the parks, but at the same time... I just didn't get Avatar. I thought the CGI was pretty impressive, but I watched it once and don't have any desire to see it again. I just can't get myself excited about seeing "Avatarland"

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.

I am not "excited" about it. But it would be nice to have another ride or two at AK and it looks like they had a some cool things planned.

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...

I love that Dug and Russel meet and greet! I had a very special moment with Russell over my Ellie Badge pin. Then sadly that pin was snatched away from me by the Space Mountain yeti.

The food at the Yak and Yeti stand looks so good. I wish DD would eat chinese food. You think as much as she loves anything Asian she would be all about it, but no. I do give her props for trying sushi though. It was an admirable effort.

 

[Pixie Princess]

Love the AKL lobby pictures! We really enjoyed staying there. Hope to be able to go back there one day.

Aren't kids funny? You go to somewhere like Disney and the biggest thrill is the hotel pool, and all they want to do is swim. You could eat a different place, and Outback is the highlight. LOL! Well, with mine it would be Chilli's. She loves that place. The important thing is that everyone had a good time!

 

[jecskc]

DisUnplugged has a GREAT 2 part podcast series about AK. Part 2, which was just done this past week, explains the story of Dinoland. Now that I know the story, it makes much more sense. And to be honest, if I were paying more attention in that part of the park all along, I probably would have picked up on what was going on over there. That said, I still think that whole Dino section is just a weird way to showcase the animals of the past in the park. I guess they didn't want it to seem to museum like.

I need to listen to that. I usually listen to in in the car on the way back and forth to work, but I have been sick this week. I did watch the Ladies Only podcast, though.

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.

There really hasn't seemed to be a lot of excitement over the Avatar thing and I agree with you about that franchise not being as popular. Also, it would fit in better over at HS.

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.

I saw that. It looked so cool.

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.

I wonder what will happen with it. The longer it gets pushed back, the less chance their is of anything happening, I think. I agree that that ride mechanism could be easily adapted to something else. Cool idea !!

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

Armchair imagineering !! Hahahah

I love that Dug and Russel meet and greet! I had a very special moment with Russell over my Ellie Badge pin. Then sadly that pin was snatched away from me by the Space Mountain yeti.

Aww ... bummer. I remember that you were looking for that pin. Bad Space Mountain !!! I love the pins, but I don't wear my pin lanyard anymore. It just isn't comfortable.

The food at the Yak and Yeti stand looks so good. I wish DD would eat chinese food. You think as much as she loves anything Asian she would be all about it, but no. I do give her props for trying sushi though. It was an admirable effort.

I always thought that place smelled so good and we never would eat there because the kids are so picky. But now, DH and I get something there and then the kids get burgers and fries somewhere else. And everyone is happy. The food there is pretty good.

Sushi ... ick It just isn't my thing. I need my food to be cooked. Did she like it ???

 

[wdwgirl03]

Mmm, that cupcake looks good!

Great AKL pictures. I really loved it when we stayed there. I will have to stay there again some day.

 

[emmysmommy]

LOVE your AKL photos! Brings me back to a very happy place! I can't wait to try The Mara this summer. Glad you included your meal photos.

Because we stay in the bubble of Disney (no car there) I don't even think about the fact that there are places to eat like Outback (love it) and McDonalds nearby. It would probably be cheaper to take a taxi to Outback and enjoy a steak rather than go to some of the steak places on property.

 

[jecskc]

Love the AKL lobby pictures! We really enjoyed staying there. Hope to be able to go back there one day.

Yes, it is really beautiful !! It is very hard to photograph though. So when I see a really good photo of it, I am always impressed.

Aren't kids funny? You go to somewhere like Disney and the biggest thrill is the hotel pool, and all they want to do is swim. You could eat a different place, and Outback is the highlight. LOL! Well, with mine it would be Chilli's. She loves that place. The important thing is that everyone had a good time!

Isn't that the truth ?? DD loves her some pool time. We don't go to Chili's much, but my kids LOVE them some Outback !!

Mmm, that cupcake looks good!

Doesn't it ?? I didn't get to have any, but there wasn't any left over, so I assume it was tasty.

Great AKL pictures. I really loved it when we stayed there. I will have to stay there again some day.

Yes, it is really beautiful !! We will be back for sure. It really is a beautiful resort !!

 

[jecskc]

LOVE your AKL photos! Brings me back to a very happy place! I can't wait to try The Mara this summer. Glad you included your meal photos.

I have a dining review. I don't know if you have been following or not. Mara has pretty good food. The kids really liked the food there.

Because we stay in the bubble of Disney (no car there) I don't even think about the fact that there are places to eat like Outback (love it) and McDonalds nearby. It would probably be cheaper to take a taxi to Outback and enjoy a steak rather than go to some of the steak places on property.

You are probably right about that. If you are staying at AKL, you just turn right as you are exiting the resort property and that road - Sherberth Road, I think it is called - takes you out to an area that has TONS or restaurants like Outback, Olive Garden, etc. Lots of franchise places to chose from. But really nothing that you can't get at home.

I will say that at Outback, we had appetizers, salads, steaks and drinks and our bill for four people was only $70. I prefer to stay on property, but if you are a on a budget, going off property really is a good way to get some bang for your buck.

 

[Pixie Princess]

Sushi ... ick It just isn't my thing. I need my food to be cooked. Did she like it ???

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!