2 Kids,2 Dogs,1200 Miles: 2 More Weeks in FL 2 - Finished with a Blast! P40

[Captain_Oblivious]

What day is it? What date?

Thursday Morning, June 30th.

What YEAR?!

This is where I need to start apologizing. It's now been over 4 months since our day here, and my memory is a bit hazy. So I'm basically going to have to make stuff up as I go along. I'm sure Bambi will make corrections along the way.

In other words, we're following standard FreezinRafiki TR Procedure.

You can go at your own pace, but I think it took us about 4 or 5 minutes. All that time, I only got one shark bite.

And he didn't even taste that good.

Several of the warnings they give you include: Swim only with your arms (so you don't kick other swimmers) don't stand on the island in the middle (it's slippery) and watch out for ice bergs (they hurt when you hit them). Yeah, the water is a bit chilly.

Since I need this info for future trip research purposes, I guess now is as good a time as ever to ask: is the water really bad? I figure if you went in twice it's bearable, but nearly every report on TL I've read has said it's freezing in there.

Although you can see from our expressions that it was a great ride. The "water coaster" aspect is quite a thrill - being shot uphill on a water ride is tons of fun!

Sounds awesome! I have yet to try a water "coaster", but I can't wait!

You all make make fun of my puns, but Disney does it too!

Once again, there's a difference. I laughed at these.

We caught up the kids and grandparents and spent some time in the wave pool. Now, must wave pools I've been in send gentle, rolling waves for about 10 minutes, then stop for a while. At Typhoon Lagoon, every 90 seconds for 1/2 and hour, you get one wave. But boy what a wave it is! Here's a video of Madison "body surfing." You'd think she would get tired of that, but you would be wrong.

This also sounds awesome! I can't watch the video here at work, but I'll catch up with it later.

But eventually we succumbed to the need for something faster and headed up to Gangplank Falls - the family whitewater tube ride.

Looks like everyone was having a blast. So, again for research purposes, did the crowds and waits get really bad at any point?

Getting into the spirit of the the water park, I ordered the fish.

Did you eat it by the Shark Reef in order to taunt the fish in there?

Evan was a little more adventurous and swam out with me, but he did need some encouragement.

Looks like "encouragement" means "Daddy pushed me the whole way through."

Great picture!

We took shelter in one of the stores - along with everyone else in the park it seemed. We waited about 20 minutes or so, but then decided to call it a day. I'm glad we made it there so early - there were hardly any lines and we were able to get on all of the rides we wanted to do at least once.

Sounds like the plan is: get there at rope drop, secure a locker and chairs, ride everything you want to try, then play it by ear when the crowds and Florida afternoon shower© arrives. Is that about right?

The park was amazing. Where the lines to the slides at most parks are just endless flights of stairs, Typhoon Lagoon has wandering paths up the "mountain", filled with lush vegetation, bridges, and all sorts of little theming that only Disney can come up with.

When we were researching water parks, we looked at Aquatica at Sea World, and it looks like fun. But then we looked at the pictures of Typhoon Lagoon, and the difference was night and day. Disney theming makes a huge difference in the "feel" of the place. Needless to say, we forgot about Aquatica.

Bambi, her mom, and the kids decided to change in the van while her dad and I grabbed some umbrellas, crossed the foot bridge and headed into the locker room of the Lake Buena Vista Golf Couse. And what did we find? Stacks of neatly folded towels, hair driers, basically all the stuff you would want to get dried up and changed.

I'm sure you didn't make anyone aware of this when you returned, so as not to rub their noses in it.

We were a bit hungry, so we drove over to Port Orleans French Quarter for another new treat - beignets!

Awesome picture!

I mean, really, it's fried dough covered in sugar. What's not to love?

Exactlly.

 

[Poolrat]

Since I need this info for future trip research purposes, I guess now is as good a time as ever to ask: is the water really bad? I figure if you went in twice it's bearable, but nearly every report on TL I've read has said it's freezing in there.

It is cool. Quite cool. Especially when it is really hot out if feels even cooler.
Unbearable - no but it does take some getting used to.

If you are from WI - normal everyday water temp. If you are a Fl native - OUCH that is cold. Does that help?

Sounds awesome! I have yet to try a water "coaster", but I can't wait!

They are da bomb!

 

[E3yore]

Since I need this info for future trip research purposes, I guess now is as good a time as ever to ask: is the water really bad? I figure if you went in twice it's bearable, but nearly every report on TL I've read has said it's freezing in there.


Looks like everyone was having a blast. So, again for research purposes, did the crowds and waits get really bad at any point?

Yes, the water is cold, even being a WI native. Lake Michigan is cold but the shark reef is colder.

The crowds did not get to bad while we were there. They got long but not crazy.

 

[that's nice]

Hello friend...

Thanks for the TL update. We have 8 day passed to the water parks from some old non-expiring passes. We really need to get there someday. It is tough to go to a water park in March though- even in Florida.

Loved the video of Madison, although I lost her for a minute.


Once again great update!!!!

Hi Bambi! Hope you are feeling well and aren't getting punned to death by your husband.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Interesting… that’s the date I’m about to get started on over in my TR
(and… I probably ought to get back over there and get on with it, but… it’s just so much fun giving you a hard time).

Ooooo.....creepy. Or just coincidence. But I like to go with creepy.

Like this is a new occurance…

As far as you know, everything happened exactly as I reported it...

Like this is a new occur… oh never mind.

...unless it was later corrected.

Wait till you try it on a coaster that is attached to a moving object.
Oh wait… that’s the next TR.

That's why I'm trying to hurry up with this one so I can get to writing that one. Before I forget too much of it and have to resort to making stuff up there too!

Actually, since everyone in the park was already wet and in the water anyway, I don’t see where a little bit of rain should have been an issue.
Just think of at as an added feature.

I would think it would be extra awesome going down those slides in the rain. Disney, however, felt differently and shutdown all of the attractions. Probably had something to do with the lightening.

Rule #1 at all Disney attractions… Rope Drop matters.

There’s a good tip to tuck away for future reference.

Welllllll...we weren't exactly supposed to be there. But we'd been there before when we actually paid to golf there, so we knew where to go and which door to use to avoid walking past the front desk.

One of my favorite resorts (and one of the reasons why)

We've never stayed there, but have visited a few times. It does look like a very nice place to stay!

Great update, Barry. We used to go to TL all the time (but those hills and stuff up to the slides got to be a bit much for us and we only use the lazy river and not worth the cost of a ticket for us anymore). It looks like you all had a great time.

I can see how all the stairs would really get to to someone. The biggest downside to the "meandering path" queue lines is that for every two steps you go up, you go down another one somewhere else. It makes for very nice scenery, but extra work to get to the top

I like the picture of you and Bambi on the slide. And the picture above is yet another great family photo.

I'm going to need to do some Photoshop work on my hair before that one hits a Christmas Card.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I love pictures like this. The Lifeguard is looking NOWHERE near where the people are. I am going to hope this was the "moment in time" where something caught her attention right in front of her ( Like that guy JUST pushed off the "reef") and her eyes either followed him a moment later or she looked up to see the next guest.

Yeah, I'm sure that's what she was doing.

Everyone is drowning !!!!!

Not to worry! Those are Disney fish in the tank. If someone starts to drown, they are trained to push the person back to the surface and perform CPR. Although I'm not sure I'd enjoy getting mouth-to-mouth from a puffer fish...

I guess if they thrash about they are in trouble.
Sorry, some Lifeguard humor in there.

I don't get it, but I'll take your word for it that it's funny.

Afraid you were going to get wet?

Again... afraid you were going to get wet?

Essentially, yes.

Hey I've been there. Toured the park VIP style..... in January... in 13" of snow. Nope didn't get to see much.

I have a feeling some of those slides would be awesome covered in ice! Imagine the speed you'd get!

I like the landings so you can rest a bit, while you are lugging your huge tube up the mountain. I am surprised more rides don't have tube lifts and a less exhausting way to get up to the top.

Try two tubes. Most of the tubes were taller than the kids so they couldn't carry them. Pack-Mule Dad to the rescue!

Filed away in the vault. Now the question is... Did you tell Bambi?

See my previous response to GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes. I'm not responsible if you get caught at thrown out.
And yes, I told her all about it!

What day is it? What date?

What YEAR?!

October?

In other words, we're following standard FreezinRafiki TR Procedure.

*All events and descriptions in this report are guaranteed to have happen exactly as described or your money back.

Oh, like your "bat" joke was any better?

Since I need this info for future trip research purposes, I guess now is as good a time as ever to ask: is the water really bad? I figure if you went in twice it's bearable, but nearly every report on TL I've read has said it's freezing in there.

It's chilly, but bearable. Compared to the heated water they use everywhere else in the park, it's downright cold. But you get used to it within a minute or so. And by then, you're floating face down, taking in all of the cool man-eating fish below you to really notice it anymore.

Sounds awesome! I have yet to try a water "coaster", but I can't wait!

You should book a Dream Cruise!

Once again, there's a difference. I laughed at these.

Looks like everyone was having a blast. So, again for research purposes, did the crowds and waits get really bad at any point?

Not too bad. I think the longest we waited was for the family tube ride, and that was maybe 20-30 minutes. Later in the day the shark reef wait was probably about as long.
A lot of people were heading to the exits with us, so I have a feeling that if you wait out the rain, the park will be pretty empty again when they open the rides up.

Did you eat it by the Shark Reef in order to taunt the fish in there?

But of course!

Looks like "encouragement" means "Daddy pushed me the whole way through."

Not really. He wasn't terribly interested in the fish, but he did stick his head in a few times to look around.

Great picture!

Thanks!

Sounds like the plan is: get there at rope drop, secure a locker and chairs, ride everything you want to try, then play it by ear when the crowds and Florida afternoon shower© arrives. Is that about right?

Your training is now complete. You can learn no more from me.

When we were researching water parks, we looked at Aquatica at Sea World, and it looks like fun. But then we looked at the pictures of Typhoon Lagoon, and the difference was night and day. Disney theming makes a huge difference in the "feel" of the place. Needless to say, we forgot about Aquatica.

I'm sure you didn't make anyone aware of this when you returned, so as not to rub their noses in it.

Something like that.

Awesome picture!

Thank you!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

It is cool. Quite cool. Especially when it is really hot out if feels even cooler.
Unbearable - no but it does take some getting used to.

If you are from WI - normal everyday water temp. If you are a Fl native - OUCH that is cold. Does that help?

I remember having to chip the ice off the pond in the morning so I could take a bath....

Yes, the water is cold, even being a WI native. Lake Michigan is cold but the shark reef is colder.

The difference is that I'd eat something that came out of the shark reef.

Hello friend...

Hello.....Tim.

Thanks for the TL update. We have 8 day passed to the water parks from some old non-expiring passes. We really need to get there someday. It is tough to go to a water park in March though- even in Florida.

I would think that after the 15" of snow you just got, swimming in March wouldn't be a big deal.

Loved the video of Madison, although I lost her for a minute.

You kind of lose everything for a minute in that pool.

Once again great update!!!!

Thanks!

Hi Bambi! Hope you are feeling well and aren't getting punned to death by your husband.

(I think she secretly likes them!)

 

[afwdwfan]

(I had to put that there just to remind me where I was. Looks like it's been awhile since my last update.)

Really??? Hadn't noticed.

This is where I need to start apologizing.

No, I think it's too late for that.

So I'm basically going to have to make stuff up as I go along. I'm sure Bambi will make corrections along the way.

Mark had it right... typical frozen monkey TR.

You can go at your own pace, but I think it took us about 4 or 5 minutes. All that time, I only got one shark bite.

And he didn't even taste that good.

At Typhoon Lagoon, every 90 seconds for 1/2 and hour, you get one wave. But boy what a wave it is!

July ??, 1998: We went to TL on a family vacation. I've never been a big waterpark fan. My most vivid memory from that day was when the lifeguard had to jump in to pull my mom out of the wave pool.

Oh, yeah, Typhoon Hard!

(Get it? We're at Typhoon Lagoon! And a typhoon blew threw! Come on, did you expect anything less from me?)

Nor did we expect anything more.

We took shelter in one of the stores - along with everyone else in the park it seemed

Where were your ponchos?

I mean, really, it's fried dough covered in sugar. What's not to love?

Fried... check
Sugar... check
Yep, you found a winner!

 

[Poolrat]

Not to worry! Those are Disney fish in the tank. If someone starts to drown, they are trained to push the person back to the surface and perform CPR. Although I'm not sure I'd enjoy getting mouth-to-mouth from a puffer fish...

and they use the electric eels as AEDs.

I don't get it, but I'll take your word for it that it's funny.

OK OK Lifeguards are trained to look for signs of life and / or struggle. Struggle if they are Ok but starting to have trouble ( preferred )
or if they see no movement- ( as in the people laying there) it would usually indicate an immediate emergency.

Honestly the snorkle makes it a bit worse since the person will NEVER come up for air and can be motionless for far longer than they need to be.
Thats why some pool do not allow snorkles. Some do not allow masks but I really haven't been able to figure out why.

So to make a short story really long and boring... People laying face down in a pool even with a snorkle do not give the lifeguard any signals about being Ok or not OK.

My comment about thrashing is since they all apprear to be still, the only way the lifeguard would know if there might be trouble is if they move or thrash about. Not likely

I would assume ( no jokes now ) that in reality all those people are moving arms and thier heads indicating that they are Ok. The picture makes it look like everyone but you and Evan have suffered a heart attack or something.

Try two tubes. Most of the tubes were taller than the kids so they couldn't carry them. Pack-Mule Dad to the rescue!

I remember those days. Now I just position the tube like a large sombrero and hang it off my head leaving my hands relatively free. This way I use the handrail or at least put them out if I trip.

See my previous response to GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes. I'm not responsible if you get caught at thrown out.
And yes, I told her all about it!

Still filed away- now to find that door...

It's chilly, but bearable. Compared to the heated water they use everywhere else in the park, it's downright cold. But you get used to it within a minute or so. And by then, you're floating face down, taking in all of the cool man-eating fish below you to really notice it anymore.

I tried looking up what they keep the temperature at but I cannot find it.
I do have a tidbit about Blizzard Beach though. Since itis supposed to be melting snow they so keep the water slightly cooler than TL to create that
"effect". I would also assume that during the summertime both pools have some sort of chiller to cool that water back to refreshing from bath water.

However the chillers are a secret. We tried to ask and inquire where the set point is and what they use and that shut staff down. We were not even allowed to see the equipment for fear that someone would duplicate it.

 

[kate_wdw]

Thursday Morning, June 30th.

How adorable!

I'm also very impressed by your and Bambi's ability to look good in waterpark pictures.

 

[petals]

Nice to see an update!
Hope yee all enjoyed the cruise!

 

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

Just caught up with your TR and loving it!

It sounds like your family just got off the Dream, will you be starting TR soon?

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Really??? Hadn't noticed.

You realize what you're setting yourself up for come mid-December, right?

No, I think it's too late for that.

[scribbling notes on my "things to say on Andy's TR" list]

Mark had it right... typical frozen monkey TR.

No arguments here!

Really? You're going to do your entire TR pun-free?
What's the point in that?

July ??, 1998: We went to TL on a family vacation. I've never been a big waterpark fan. My most vivid memory from that day was when the lifeguard had to jump in to pull my mom out of the wave pool.

Sounds like a great vacation!

Nor did we expect anything more.

Excellent. You're expectations are properly managed.

Where were your ponchos?

Why would we need ponchos? We're in a water park! Oh, wait....

Fried... check
Sugar... check
Yep, you found a winner!

At least I said something you agreed with!

OK OK Lifeguards are trained to look for signs of life and / or struggle. Struggle if they are Ok but starting to have trouble ( preferred )
or if they see no movement- ( as in the people laying there) it would usually indicate an immediate emergency.

Honestly the snorkle makes it a bit worse since the person will NEVER come up for air and can be motionless for far longer than they need to be.
Thats why some pool do not allow snorkles. Some do not allow masks but I really haven't been able to figure out why.

So to make a short story really long and boring... People laying face down in a pool even with a snorkle do not give the lifeguard any signals about being Ok or not OK.

My comment about thrashing is since they all apprear to be still, the only way the lifeguard would know if there might be trouble is if they move or thrash about. Not likely

I would assume ( no jokes now ) that in reality all those people are moving arms and thier heads indicating that they are Ok. The picture makes it look like everyone but you and Evan have suffered a heart attack or something.

Makes total sense! Nice work

Still filed away- now to find that door...

I tried looking up what they keep the temperature at but I cannot find it.
I do have a tidbit about Blizzard Beach though. Since itis supposed to be melting snow they so keep the water slightly cooler than TL to create that
"effect". I would also assume that during the summertime both pools have some sort of chiller to cool that water back to refreshing from bath water.

However the chillers are a secret. We tried to ask and inquire where the set point is and what they use and that shut staff down. We were not even allowed to see the equipment for fear that someone would duplicate it.

Interesting!
It's probably just some intern dumping buckets of ice into the filter!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

How adorable!

Thanks!

I'm also very impressed by your and Bambi's ability to look good in waterpark pictures.

Wanna know a secret? Bambi looks good doing anything. True story.

Nice to see an update!
Hope yee all enjoyed the cruise!

Thanks! The cruise was awesome!

Just caught up with your TR and loving it!

It sounds like your family just got off the Dream, will you be starting TR soon?

Thanks! Yes, we got off on the 3rd, and want to go back tomorrow!
I really want to do a TR for that, but I need to finish this one first. Hopefully I can get on a roll and finish quickly!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

October?

Not up on your Terminator quotes, I guess.

Oh, like your "bat" joke was any better?

It's you, ok?? I learned it by watching you!

You should book a Dream Cruise!

Oh, all right. Twist my arm.

Your training is now complete. You can learn no more from me.

 

[KatMark]

Hopefully I can get on a roll and finish quickly!

Waiting for that roll.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Not up on your Terminator quotes, I guess.

I was going for a Billy Madison response.

It's you, ok?? I learned it by watching you!

Oh man, that's an obscure reference.

Waiting for that roll.

Just call me butter - because I'm on a roll.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Oh man, that's an obscure reference.

Yes. Yes, it is. But you got it.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

After filling ourselves on beignets (which isn't easy, since they're mostly puffed up air) we loaded up the wagon and headed west. Well, really more Northwest, but that's not really the point. The point was we were headed to Fort Wilderness, where the decorations are always in full bloom.

(This is late June, remember.)

Mickey's Backyard BBQ started at 6:30, but since we got there a bit early, the kids found a little distraction with the horse shoes.

We wandered down to the playground and found the swings to kill a few more minutes.

By then it was time to mosey on down the path and get checked in to...

After you get checked in at the hostest stand, you proceed on down the path where they have a few more diversions waiting for you.

After leaving the rodents and talking dog, we joined the herd of people congregating at the entrance to the pavilion. Disney had waiters wandering around offering people lemonade or fruit punch. This is where I'd normally interject that it was "FREE!", but in reality, we already paid for it when we prepaid for the meal.

It's a fuzzy picture, but this CM would spin his tray as we went back to the kitchen for more drinks. Let's see you do that with a full tray.

Soon enough they did a little opening number with a lucky family and we were being led to our seats. The pavilion is open on all of the sides but covered by a roof. It's fairly large - probably 150'x100' or so. A large stage is set up one side with a big dance floor in front of it. Opposite that are a few dozen rows of buffets set up. The rest is lined with picnic tables.

Instructions were provided for those that had never ...um, eaten before.

As soon as we were seated, we were told we could hit the buffet whenever we wanted. No point in wasting time, we made a bee line right for one. The food was great - hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, ribs, potato salad, corn bread, corn on the cob, baked beans, and cake. Soda, Beer and wine are all included in the price.

After eating for a while, we were introduced to our hosts for the evening, Tumbleweed Will and Cyclone Sally.

They put on a little schtick show and introduced us to....a band whose name I can't remember.

They started playing some classic ghetto rap. Hardcore stuff like NWA, Cypress Hill and all the boys from Death Row Records.

What? Don't believe me? Would you believe me if I said they played some classic country and western? Because they did. And they were joined by some very special guests...

The kids were all invited out to dance, but given the choice between dancing and ice cream, Evan chose...

...wisely. Then he hit the dance floor.

We were glad for the pavilion, because while the fiddle was hot, it began pouring outside!

Mickey & gang danced with the kids for several songs, then headed back for a cheese break. Intermission entertainment coming up in the next post...

 

[FreezinRafiki]

During the band's break, we were entertained by...another feller whose name I don't remember. But he was very adept with both bull whips and lassos.

Cracking that whip was a real attention getter!

He started out with a fairly small lasso...

...doing some tricks, all in time to the music.

He then worked his way up to two lassos and did a little Texas Two Step

He then showed off some amazing talent. I'm sure his parents are very proud.

Although is mom had better teach him to do laundry more than once a month...

After putting his boot back on, he started working the crowd a little bit with a larger lasso

And ended up with an odd little version of jump rope

Finally, he pulled two little volunteers up from the audience and performed the "Cowboy Wedding Ring". He explained it as a tradition custom where the couple was encircled by a huge lasso until they kissed.

Or as the cowboy put it "Until they kissed."

"Until they kissed..."

"Until they kissed..."

"This isn't a light lasso here kids, let's get this going"

Well, as you can imagine two young kids that have never met weren't showing much interest in kissing each other. No matter, though. It was still a very cool show!


The band then fired up again and Madison wasted no time in shaking her groove thing on the floor.

The floor got pretty crowded and it wasn't long before we lost sight of her. She always knows where we are and not to wonder off, so this wasn't uncommon with her at Disney dance parties. What we heard over the speakers next, however, was.

Cyclone Sally was introducing "the cutest little girl that I've been been dancing with all night." Why were none of us surprised to see this sight...

And yes, she's a natural on the microphone!

Not too long after this, however, the night started catching up with us. We grabbed our stuff, said goodbye to Mickey & Pals, and headed back to Grandma & Grandpa's house for the night.

The Backyard BBQ was a great time with good food and excellent entertainment. If you're not big into Country music you may not enjoy it quite as much, but I thought it was awesome!

Up Next: An Epic Event in the Tri-State Area!