145 Middle Schoolers: Wicked Awesome or Epic Fail???DeParting-Such Sweet Sorrow p. 76

[DisMomAmy]

All caught up again! I cannot even begin to imagine how frustrating it would be to try to lead such a large group (of mostly teenagers)! I think you should have jumped back on a plane to Orlando when you made it back home!

Anxious to hear the story behind what reduces you to tears... and a bit surprised it took this long!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Wow! Dee! You were able to snag some really good seats at Flame Tree BBQ. Too bad some of the folks decided to sit in other areas and tht it was a little stressful for you. I think it's the mother hen in us wanting to make sure that all of our chicks are gathered around.

It's been a while since we've eaten at Flame Tree. It's not because it isn't good food, it's because I can't make myself eat a hot meal out in the heat. I need air conditioning!

 

[DrMomof3]

I've never eaten at Flame Tree because my family doesn't eat pork and that seems like the best stuff on the menu (although not based on your report!).
Sorry it was yet another frustrating experience for you.

Amanda

 

[eandesmom]

Ugh, that stresses me out when folks get spread out like that and have differing agendas. I really liked the food there but it was HUGE. Bummer that they were too fatty. I agree on the portion size, ridiculously huge. Although for once Jeff didn't complain about it being too small.

Pretty spot for lunch though!

 

[natebenma]

Great pics again! I would be really frustrated with the seating situation too. I hope the teen that reduces you to tears is not your son.

You will be relieved to know that it was not my son who was the source of my waterworks.

I've been in that situation as a chaperone where one group sits separately from the rest. I was frustrated too.

I've eaten at Flame Tree, but I never saw that pool of water, love those pics!

And I think you sat where we did because I remember being covered and having that view of EE.

I love the seating at the Flame Tree. So peaceful and zen. Or at least it should have been.

Beautiful pics of your seating view.

I think the experience didn't stand a chance once you had to break out the map to find the place. With teens, you make one false move and everything after can be doomed.

The meal looked good. It is always frustrating when ribs don't live up to how good they look. Beans however, are always reliable. (I'm sure there is a joke to be inserted here, but it is too early in the morning to come up with one.)

The view was the best part of the lunch. The food was good. Not great, but good.

Maybe we could work in a joke using my title (Flare up at Flame Tree), incorporating the beans, but then again, maybe we shouldn't!

I think its hard to get good ribs. Sorry that weren't all that great. It's been years since I've eaten there, mostly because its always hot when I visit Disney world and I ate to eat outside in the heat (yet we did in June, go figure).

I had no idea you could find tables with such a remarkable view of Everest (probably because the last time I ate there was pre-Everest ). You got some great pictures and now I want to visit, if for no other reason than to take pictures.

Don't blame you for getting frustrated when you tried so hard to get good seating and the kids go and do their own thing. ugh!

It really was hot, even under the protective covering! Definitely did not make the meal appetizing.

The view from our tables was awesome! Too bad not everyone in our group enjoyed it, though.

All caught up again! I cannot even begin to imagine how frustrating it would be to try to lead such a large group (of mostly teenagers)! I think you should have jumped back on a plane to Orlando when you made it back home!

Anxious to hear the story behind what reduces you to tears... and a bit surprised it took this long!

Now there's a great suggestion!!! I did feel like a do over was in order.

Your comment about it taking so long for the crying to start made me laugh!

Wow! Dee! You were able to snag some really good seats at Flame Tree BBQ. Too bad some of the folks decided to sit in other areas and tht it was a little stressful for you. I think it's the mother hen in us wanting to make sure that all of our chicks are gathered around.

It's been a while since we've eaten at Flame Tree. It's not because it isn't good food, it's because I can't make myself eat a hot meal out in the heat. I need air conditioning!

I was very proud of myself for getting those great seats and I was excited to share them with everyone. Which turned out to be about half of our group.

Apparently, I have been taking this whole "chaperoning" thing a bit too seriously.

I was hoping I was going to have a really spectacular meal that would redeem the restaurant for us, but that wasn't the case. I thik we will stick with Tamu Tamu in the future.

I've never eaten at Flame Tree because my family doesn't eat pork and that seems like the best stuff on the menu (although not based on your report!).
Sorry it was yet another frustrating experience for you.

Amanda

Is there someplace you usually eat at in AK? I know Tom prefers sit down places to quick service in most cases.

The menu at Flame Tree is mostly pork. There is a roast chicken, but again, not a light meal!

Ugh, that stresses me out when folks get spread out like that and have differing agendas. I really liked the food there but it was HUGE. Bummer that they were too fatty. I agree on the portion size, ridiculously huge. Although for once Jeff didn't complain about it being too small.

Pretty spot for lunch though!

The seating we had at the Flame Tree is probably the best view while dining in the park. This would be a great place to share a meal! Since my stomach was in knots from all of the stress, it really added to my inability to finish my meal.

 

[MHTeacher]

What could go wrong???
.

I (correctly) sensed some foreshadowing here! It's so frustrating when things don't go the way we have them worked out in our head.

You did get some great pics of EE though. It's a really pretty dining area!

 

[Queila]

Oh Dee... I am sorry Flame Tree did not leave up to your expectations. I love ribs so I never have left overs when I go there. And the fact that they are fatty only add to my "Disney indulgence. One thing I learned is NOT to book a table service meal on AK day. I am never hungry at night after eating Flame Tree for lunch.

I doNt care about their dessert either. On our most recent trip we got stopped at the exit of AK and asked to fill up a survey about the food we had eaten that day. Our only complaint: Flame Tree needs decent desserts.

Can't wait to read more.
Q

 

[emmysmommy]

Loved your comment Dee - let it rain on them! Sorry the ribs disappointed. The last time we got ribs there they were a bit on the fatty side as well... hmmm. Oh, and we sat exactly where you had saved tables. I think it is the farthest eating area for the place but what a view!

I'm already hoping the next installment turned out different...

 

[DrMomof3]

This last trip we ate at Pizzafari. I know it gets its share of criticism but I like it. Plenty of indoor seating. Bright colors. I had a really yummy sandwich there.
We've eaten at Rainforest plenty of times, too. The kids menu is extensive and the salads are huge and good.

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

I (correctly) sensed some foreshadowing here! It's so frustrating when things don't go the way we have them worked out in our head.

You did get some great pics of EE though. It's a really pretty dining area!

I was experiencing a serious case of "Planner's Pout" on this trip. As much as I tried not to picture how the trip should go, it is an occupational hazard of a Disney Commando.

The dining area at Flame Tree is beautiful!

Oh Dee... I am sorry Flame Tree did not leave up to your expectations. I love ribs so I never have left overs when I go there. And the fact that they are fatty only add to my "Disney indulgence. One thing I learned is NOT to book a table service meal on AK day. I am never hungry at night after eating Flame Tree for lunch.

I doNt care about their dessert either. On our most recent trip we got stopped at the exit of AK and asked to fill up a survey about the food we had eaten that day. Our only complaint: Flame Tree needs decent desserts.

Can't wait to read more.
Q

I was really hoping I would like Flame Tree, but I'm not sure if I will be able to lure my family to Flame Tree on future trips based on my review.

The chocolate mousse was ok, but from reports I have read here, and from what I recall from our meal in 2008, the Key lime dessert is nasty.

We enjoy Tamu Tamu-they have yummy flatbread sandwiches (tuna, turkey) and my boys get burgers I think. You can get a milkshake for dessert.

Loved your comment Dee - let it rain on them! Sorry the ribs disappointed. The last time we got ribs there they were a bit on the fatty side as well... hmmm. Oh, and we sat exactly where you had saved tables. I think it is the farthest eating area for the place but what a view!

I'm already hoping the next installment turned out different...

Yeah, things are starting to quickly unravel at this point. I am an extremely tolerant, patient person, but the early mornings and late nights were starting to catch up with everyone.

The amazing view of EE is not quite enough of a tipping point for me to encourage a return to the restaurant. I think Nate had a good meal, though. I believe he ordered the pulled pork sandwich and enjoyed it.

This last trip we ate at Pizzafari. I know it gets its share of criticism but I like it. Plenty of indoor seating. Bright colors. I had a really yummy sandwich there.
We've eaten at Rainforest plenty of times, too. The kids menu is extensive and the salads are huge and good.

Amanda

We haven't been to Pizzafari or Restaurantasaurus. Haven't tried the Yak & Yeti Counter Service either. At least there are a lot of choices. Nate is the only fussy eater in our crew, and he is really starting to come around and expand his palate, so we don't have trouble finding something we like wherever we end up.

 

[333disneymom]

I was experiencing a serious case of "Planner's Pout" on this trip. As much as I tried not to picture how the trip should go, it is an occupational hazard of a Disney Commando.

I think one of the toughest parts of any trip where you travel with people who are not family, is expectations. You always have an idea of how you want it to go, and the more people you travel with, the tougher it is to live up to those expectations/goals. Sounds like you did a great job being flexible with the groups' plans, while trying to bring your expertise to the groups' planning.

The dining area at Flame Tree is beautiful!

Love Flame Tree's seating area, but the last trip we avoided it because of the birds. My family does not find it relaxing to try and dine while birds are pacing behind and beside you. Not sure if you had that problem, but we have always found the birds too close for comfort.

The chocolate mousse was ok, but from reports I have read here, and from what I recall from our meal in 2008, the Key lime dessert is nasty.

The Key lime dessert is indeed nasty.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Loving the view from your table Dee Such a shame the food wasnt up to standard! We ate at Yak and Yeti in july and really enjoyed our meal-even my fussy boys were happy. We had sweet and sour chicken and honey chicken. The boys got fries as usualtoo (you know just for a change) The fried rice was a really tasty snack too

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Well I know the others didn't have a great view like you did!
We usually have lunch there. I like the pork sandwich.
I probably would have been aggrivated too.
Don't you wish it would have rained?? Well maybe not on Nate.

 

[Pastina Noodle]

Sounds like somebody needed a nap.... or in your case a giant coffee! Working with kids is tough, let me tell you. At least your group wasn't jumping on you and whacking each other like us noodles have to put up with.

I can't wait for the next installment of your report!

Fondly, Pastina

 

[natebenma]

I think one of the toughest parts of any trip where you travel with people who are not family, is expectations. You always have an idea of how you want it to go, and the more people you travel with, the tougher it is to live up to those expectations/goals. Sounds like you did a great job being flexible with the groups' plans, while trying to bring your expertise to the groups' planning.

I agree. I had an idea in my mind about how the trip would be. I knew it would be different pace from what I am used to with my family. I just didn't know how different everyone's style would be.

Love Flame Tree's seating area, but the last trip we avoided it because of the birds. My family does not find it relaxing to try and dine while birds are pacing behind and beside you. Not sure if you had that problem, but we have always found the birds too close for comfort.

I saw some of the birds, but they weren't bothering us or begging for food. That does not make for an enjoyable dining experience!

The Key lime dessert is indeed nasty.

Glad I didn't make that mistake, at least!

Loving the view from your table Dee Such a shame the food wasnt up to standard! We ate at Yak and Yeti in july and really enjoyed our meal-even my fussy boys were happy. We had sweet and sour chicken and honey chicken. The boys got fries as usualtoo (you know just for a change) The fried rice was a really tasty snack too

I loved the view, too! I was WOWed, even if nobody else was impressed!

Ben would love Yak & Yeti. We may try it on one of our trips.

Well I know the others didn't have a great view like you did!
We usually have lunch there. I like the pork sandwich.
I probably would have been aggrivated too.
Don't you wish it would have rained?? Well maybe not on Nate.

No, it would have been ok if Nate got wet!

Once again, it was about the boys just wanting to hang out together, not really caring what was going on around them. Who cares that you can see Everest while you are eating BBQ? I'm sitting with my friend.

Sounds like somebody needed a nap.... or in your case a giant coffee! Working with kids is tough, let me tell you. At least your group wasn't jumping on you and whacking each other like us noodles have to put up with.

I can't wait for the next installment of your report!

Fondly, Pastina

A giant coffee wouldn't have hurt!

You know, just when I think I have it tough, stories like yours about the tribulations in your life really bring it home. I can't imagine what it would be like walking a mile in your... um.. shoes? flippers?

 

[AnjieNet]

Your Kali photos make me want to get a waterproof camera. I always get the pulled pork sandwich from Flame Tree. It's very good. DD is insisting on a Mac & Cheese Hot Dog from Restaurantosaurus this trip though. Does Flat Ben take his M&C Hot Dog with or without ketchup?

 

[natebenma]

Your Kali photos make me want to get a waterproof camera. I always get the pulled pork sandwich from Flame Tree. It's very good. DD is insisting on a Mac & Cheese Hot Dog from Restaurantosaurus this trip though. Does Flat Ben take his M&C Hot Dog with or without ketchup?

Thanks! I can't imagine not having the waterproof camera. We do a lot of snorkeling, and I love taking pictures underwater. I also like that I never have to leave the camera behind when I go into the ocean or on a water ride. Or get caught in the rain (spoiler alert- that comes up soon in the TR)

I seriously considered getting the pulled pork sandwich. I believe I chose poorly!

Just checked with real Ben- he says without. He doesn't usually put ketchup on his regular hot dogs, so he will take his plain. So I think I promised to get FB out to you this week, but it has been a busy one. But I know you are headed out toward the end of Oct, so I will get moving on that.

In other Flat Ben news- he is currently on an adventure with KatinGA and her DH on an anniversary trip, along with the flat versions of their two daughters. He was also in the world last week with Cindydare and family, and we will probably be seeing those pictures in a few days!

 

[natebenma]

After our lunch, we headed toward Dinoland USA. Finding Nemo was starting in about 10 minutes, so I asked if any of the kids wanted to see the show. No takers. We all went to ride Dinosaur. Very short line, we were probably through the queue and boarding our time rovers in about 10 minutes.

I rode with one boy from our group. Everyone else must have been ahead or behind us.

I mentioned earlier in my report that on the way to the AK bus that morning, I caught up with Nate and a friend of his, and told him at some point during the day I would like a picture of the two of us together. Nate scowled, looked at me and said “No”.

I told him that I’m serious, I want one picture.

We had just exited the Dinosaur ride and we were waiting around, probably for kids in the bathroom, so I thought it would be a good time to take the picture since we were not doing anything at the time. I called Nate over, he stood next to me and I handed my camera over to someone.

As the photo was taken, the boy who was with Nate this morning during our talk photobombed our picture.

We took another- a different kid came up behind us.

At this point, Nate was done and I don’t blame him.

I am not a confrontational person, but this upset me so much that I decided to talk to each boy. I told the second photobomber I didn’t find his actions amusing or respectful. He apologized.

I found Nate’s friend and took him aside and told him the same thing, reminding him that he was there when I told Nate this was really important to me. I said that all of us were working really hard to make sure the kids had a great trip and this was the one thing I had asked for, and now because of what he did, I didn’t have a photo with Nate.

I asked him if he understood why I was upset and he said "Yes".

I asked him if he had anything else to say and he said "No".

I went behind a pole at Primeval Whirl and lost it.

I am not one who cries very often, but the stress of the past few days, lack of sleep, weight of responsibility I felt all came crashing down on me.

Although I tried to keep to myself, a couple of my fellow chaperones came by to see what was wrong, but I wasn’t really able to talk about it. I said it was ok, not anything that was a major issue, and I would be fine. A few minutes later, Nate found me and asked me what was wrong. I told him one of the kids upset me, it wasn’t him and he gave me a little hug and left me.

Eventually one of the chaperones came to talk to me and I was able to tell her what happened.

Once I had calmed down and could face everybody, either Nate or the chaperone suggested another picture. I was skeptical how I would look with red puffy eyes, but I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity. These are the pictures we ended up with.

No, it is not the picture I posted at the beginning of the report. That was the second photobombed picture, with the boy cropped out. Apparently, he was not as “in” my photo as I believed.

So now I am going to repost the comments that Disneymomx7, Janetmom and bookgirl made about the photo I included at the beginning of my report.

Do I detect a little gritting of the teeth in your photo. Believe me I recognize that look all too well!!

Love the pic you chose. For you it seems to say "I'm in for Disney, but I'm worried they won't do it right, how can I improve things, I wonder if I can just manage to..." Nate of course is saying "hurry up, I don't want to have my picture taken standing beside my mom"

Love the title Dee!

Also cracking up at the Picture. I swear you can see the words in the bubble.

Mom, my friends are watching don't make me have to have photographic proof that you were here and we're related.

Quiet kid and take the picture, you owe me for labor, vacations, and the fact that I am living through your teenage drama without a Grey Goose Slushie..I want proof that I didn't lock you down in a buggy at Nemo and Friends"

J/K...I know from your trips that the boys are sweet and you guys get along great.

I'm hitting the I don't know you/ I'm tolerating your presence for the slushie money age with my nephews. The little boys who used to act out the storming of Omaha Beach just so they could snuggle up against me within 3 seconds of me sitting down, now give me the death stare if I so much as look like I might reach out to pat thier shoulder. Teenagers suck!

Wait a minute is that an old picture....I swear I see a thumb splint....didn't he get rid of that.

Kudos for your powers of observation, ladies!

And, bookgirl- the splint is gone again! He took it off a day or two before he entered high school and I have high hopes that we have seen the last of it!

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh Dee! I'm sorry you reached the breaking point. Teens! Did your son actually crack a smile in the last photo? Awww.. so glad that you finally got your photo.

 

[Queila]

Oh Dee... I am so sorry you were brought to tears. I can certainly understand how upsetting that would be. I think I would cry too.

It is so hard when something does not live to our expectations and I can only imagine how much you wished you were there with your husband and kids only.

I think you are a hero for putting a brave smile and carrying on.



Q