3 Families doin' a Surf & Turf Trip! AKL CL & Dream...Good-Byes

[Sue M]

Don't say the s_ _ o_l word, shhhhhh way too soon. Still on vacay here please!!!!

 

[pas130]

Back to work I went today....students start next week. It was REALLY hard to roll myself out of bed. Oh well...another day, another dollar, another trip to Disney

Don't say the s_ _ o_l word, shhhhhh way too soon. Still on vacay here please!!!!

I know...poor heather

 

[happy2012]

Thanks a million for the info! I've been over to that site several times, but have only priced several resorts. I have not read the fine print about how to book, etc. It appears that it's around 30-35% off rack rate which is pretty good.

I will patiently wait for your full report on both resorts!

No prob.

 

[Lisa29]

Great updates again.

So pleased for Stephen going on the slide that shall not be named! You would never get me on it!

 

[hstrickland]

Don't say the s_ _ o_l word, shhhhhh way too soon. Still on vacay here please!!!!

I'll refrain until all are back in session!

Great updates again.

So pleased for Stephen going on the slide that shall not be named! You would never get me on it!

Me either!!!!

 

[hstrickland]

Day 3
Rain, Rain, Go Away....​

…..after jumping on the bus to the AKL, we noticed the clouds were really moving in. I was a bit concerned because Bill was on his way down to meet us (not in the Ferrari Van of course) AND my sister and her family were flying down from Connecticut. Bill was due in around 9ish (gonna miss Jiko) and Stephanie was due in around 8:45pm.


As we were riding down the road, the bottom let out….it was flooding!!!! All I could say is thank heavens we were NOT at Blizzard Beach. When we arrived at the Lodge, we made a quick pit stop at the lounge to grab some drinks and cookies. Because of the rain, it was PACKED!



Just so you can get a visual of how hard it was raining….check out these pictures...

At this point, my sister text me and said their flight was delayed….not good.

It wasn’t just raining; there was thunder and lots of lightening!! Immediately, I thought about Orlando Airport…..inbound and outbound flights had to be on hold. And guess what….Stephanie text me to say their actual plane was still in Orlando due to weather….it had never taken off to go to CT. REALLY not good.


I was steady typing away on my computer to see what the weather forecast had in store….it was showing red, yellow and green. Then, I found out that all flights were grounded at MCO until the weather cleared. And as many of you know, when one key hub has major delays, it throws a kink in all air travel.
As the lightening ceased and the rain slowed down (it never completely stopped), we were able to watch the CMs distribute food on the savannah.

As they put out food, the animals slowly started making their way back….very interesting to watch by the way.

One of the CMs told us that when they feed the pelicans, they have to make notes about which ones eat and which ones don’t.

This guy appears to be motionless…almost looking fake.

While we were sitting on the balcony, the Wanyama Safari passed by….

Just a little info about the safari…


Wanyama Safari and Dinner is exclusively for Guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. The Wanyama Safari and Dinner is offered in the afternoon seven days a week. No more than 12 Guests per excursion (ages 8 and up) Get up-close to the animals and end the event with a multi-course meal served family style at Jiko - The Cooking Place.

This safari is an opportunity to spend time with members from the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge animal programs team. Learn about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Enjoy incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from the perspective on the savanna.



Time to get ready for Jiko! We decided to go up to the lounge for some appetizers before dinner…our ressies were at 7:45. I made the reservation at this time because I was hoping Bill could make it by then….but no such luck





We interrupt this regularly scheduled program to bring you this update….


The plane is STILL delayed. MCO is open, but it’s chaos. In CT, departure time reads 9ish…..not good at all for this family of four. Ivy and Jonah are getting antsy while Stephanie and Sean are trying to remain positive.
Bill is slowly making it, but not as quickly as he had intended. The rain is coming and going.

Back to our regularly scheduled program….






Since my family is all about a photograph or two or three, we had to do the family portraits. Ya never know when the perfect shot will be made…always trying to get photos for Christmas cards.


This was in the lounge…

Aren’t they sweet?!.....45 years of wedded bliss!

Stephen thinks his Pop and MaHopie are the best…

…and my family…minus my better half….

This trip really made Bill and me realize that Stephen is growing up….it’s hard to believe he’s going to middle school. Where does time go???!!!

Last but not least………these two keep us young. We have people ask us all the time if they’re twins. Might as well be since they’re only a year apart!

Now that you’ve endured the family portrait section…..I guess I might as well warn you. There could be more of these once we hit the cruise



Up next……dinner at Jiko!!!




​

 

[AvasMommy526]

for yall!!! A 3 in 1 trip!! That's the way to do it Did you plan any character meals for your daughter?

Thanks! We are so looking forward to this! We are planning on Chef Mickeys (we are staying at CR and BLT), Crystal Palace for her actually birthday breakfast and a big day at MK, H&V bc Little Einsteins is her favorite and possibly 1900 Park Fare bc I love the GF lol! I have so many dining plans, my poor DF has no idea what he's in for

Side note, I used David's DVC to book the last 4 nights at BLT (and actually am on the waiting list to book the first 7 too but have CR booked in case) and I have to say they were really easy to deal with so far, we did have to pay upfront but I knew that going in and we prob aren't going to do the DP but you can add that, and they told me if you don't feel comfortable giving your credit card number to the member to book that, you can use gift cards instead. They will also add the ME for you. Plus I figured you can beat the price! What I really wish for is my own DVC membership

 

[jennyjinx3]

Can you tell what I am eager to hear about??

 

[rustytss]

Reading that last update brought back some really bad feelings!!!

 

[RGirl]

Wow! That storm looks awful! I hope that no one is delayed too long. Waiting at an airport with children for a delayed flight is soooo hard.

I can't believe Stephen is going to middle school. I realize that I am old enough to have a grandchild , but the thought of DD going to kindergarten this year is just .

 

[shan23877]

That weather sounds crazy! I hope that every one made it safely to WDW (but I assume that they did or it wouldn't be a very fun TR to write)

Nice family photos! Too bad Bill hadn't made it, the one of the 4 of you is excellent and would have made a nice Christmas card candidate. Maybe you can photoshop him in?

 

[Yellowbellow]

As we were riding down the road, the bottom let out….it was flooding!!!! All I could say is thank heavens we were NOT at Blizzard Beach. When we arrived at the Lodge, we made a quick pit stop at the lounge to grab some drinks and cookies. Because of the rain, it was PACKED!

Very nice pics DD#1. But no mention of 'ole Pop' having to brave the storm and park the car and run back to the Lodge in the pouring down rain and missing the snack in the lounge. Drenched.

The weather reports bring back bad feelings for us too DD#2. -

DD#1 will report on that event in a later post.

 

[Sue M]

I'll refrain until all are back in session

Deal

 

[Sue M]

Great pics! Good thing you left BB in time. I feel so sorry for those people who booked the safari that day Guess that's the chance you take booking afternoon things summer time in Florida! Glad we're doing the Sunrise Safari
We pack our ponchos everywhere we go in August. I can set my watch to the afternoon T-Storms!

 

[hstrickland]

Very nice pics DD#1. But no mention of 'ole Pop' having to brave the storm and park the car and run back to the Lodge in the pouring down rain and missing the snack in the lounge. Drenched.

The weather reports bring back bad feelings for us too DD#2. -

DD#1 will report on that event in a later post.

My heavens...how could I forget that!!??? Sorry, dad! I'm going to have to go back and edit.

Yep....good ol' Pop did brave the torrential downpours when we jumped off the bus. We had the Ferrari Van parked in valet and needed to get it out so as not to pay for another day. Pop was soaked to the boned when he returned...poor guy. At least he was already in a bathsuit

Thanks! We are so looking forward to this! We are planning on Chef Mickeys (we are staying at CR and BLT), Crystal Palace for her actually birthday breakfast and a big day at MK, H&V bc Little Einsteins is her favorite and possibly 1900 Park Fare bc I love the GF lol! I have so many dining plans, my poor DF has no idea what he's in for

Soooooooooooo many great choices!!!! And love your choice of resorts We did CR last year, and IMO they have the best rooms...the BEST beds!! Your dining sounds like a blast, especially for a 2year old! We did H&V last year and I'm so glad we did....my kids are getting too old for Little Einsteins now. It's very high energy and interactive...a great place! 1900 Park Fare was another wonderful place to dine. We did breakfast there 2 years ago when we were at the Poly. The Mad Hatter was just awesome...totally cracked us up! And no worries about DF...he'll be fine

Side note, I used David's DVC to book the last 4 nights at BLT (and actually am on the waiting list to book the first 7 too but have CR booked in case) and I have to say they were really easy to deal with so far, we did have to pay upfront but I knew that going in and we prob aren't going to do the DP but you can add that, and they told me if you don't feel comfortable giving your credit card number to the member to book that, you can use gift cards instead. They will also add the ME for you. Plus I figured you can beat the price! What I really wish for is my own DVC membership

I'm fairly certain that we will do this on our next big Disney trip with my parents. We always have 2 rooms at a deluxe, so it's going to be around the same price for a 2 bedroom villa (David's rentals, of course... not rack rate) Not sure about the dining plan...that's usually a must for our long trips, but if we're in a villa........ok...enough thinking(typing) outloud. I only have 1 year and 9 months to plan this trip More more question, though. Did you get to choose the view you wanted at BLT? I kinda want to try BWV, but didn't want to be stuck with a hideous view, ya know...the Boardwalk view would be awesome!

Can you tell what I am eager to hear about??

got it coming!

Reading that last update brought back some really bad feelings!!!

I know!!! I think our meal at Jiko would have been much better had we not been worried about yall getting out. And poor mom and dad...you should have seen how worried they were!

Wow! That storm looks awful! I hope that no one is delayed too long. Waiting at an airport with children for a delayed flight is soooo hard.

I can't believe Stephen is going to middle school. I realize that I am old enough to have a grandchild , but the thought of DD going to kindergarten this year is just .

Willow is going to kindergarten, too?! Why was I thinking she was younger??? Jesse starts kindergarten next week We'll all be in constant prayer for his teachers. And Faith in 1st, Stephen in 6th.......I'm getting old!

That weather sounds crazy! I hope that every one made it safely to WDW (but I assume that they did or it wouldn't be a very fun TR to write)

Nice family photos! Too bad Bill hadn't made it, the one of the 4 of you is excellent and would have made a nice Christmas card candidate. Maybe you can photoshop him in?

Thanks! I know...too bad Bill was missing. No worries....there's still the cruise

Deal

Sorry....I forgot and mentioned the forbidden word when talking to Roni....my bad

Great pics! Good thing you left BB in time. I feel so sorry for those people who booked the safari that day Guess that's the chance you take booking afternoon things summer time in Florida! Glad we're doing the Sunrise Safari
We pack our ponchos everywhere we go in August. I can set my watch to the afternoon T-Storms!

Ya know...I was thinking the same thing when I was watching that safari pass by. Good grief that's a pile of money to spend and then it rain. You couldn't really tell by the pictures unless you looked closely, but it was still raining...you could see the puddles with the rain drops. Funny though...after the heavy rain stopped, the animals came back out. So I guess the safari was a success after all.

You're just like us....we ALWAYS have ponchos, no doubt! Last year, we even rented rain covers for the strollers. And let me tell ya....it was a blessing!!!!! A bad storm rolled through, but we were prepared! Check this out!!!

Faith and Jesse were completely dry along with the strollers! I felt really bad for all those people who had no ponchos, no umbrellas, sopping wet strollers....just terrible. Being wet like that makes for a very long day.

 

[chattadisser]

I think your parents must be fibbing about when they got married...those two in the pictures are NOT old enough to have been married 45 years! Congratulations to them (and to you and your sister) for the committment! I love that they love going on vacations with their children and grandchildren. I can't say that we have a Disney loving family to go with us...their loss...they don't know what they are missing!

Help me! I'm starting to cave on the "no ADR" rule that I have imposed on myself. I just tried to book the dessert party at MK on Addie's birthday but no availability! No suprising as a planner would have booked it about 170 days ago. I'll keep checking but the back-up is Beaches and Cream to try the kitchen sink. If you can't eat ice cream and dessert for dinner on your birthday, when can you?

I can't wait to hear about Jiko. Bummer about the flights...that kind of anxiety makes you just want to cry! I can only imagine how your sister felt, trying to get to vaction and entertain 2 kids at the airport

Christine

 

[hstrickland]

I think your parents must be fibbing about when they got married...those two in the pictures are NOT old enough to have been married 45 years! Congratulations to them (and to you and your sister) for the committment! I love that they love going on vacations with their children and grandchildren. I can't say that we have a Disney loving family to go with us...their loss...they don't know what they are missing!

You're very sweet! They really are quite an inspiration. And we are very fortunate to have them on vacations. That isn't something I take for granted. I think Stephen is old enough to understand how lucky he is.

Help me! I'm starting to cave on the "no ADR" rule that I have imposed on myself. I just tried to book the dessert party at MK on Addie's birthday but no availability! No suprising as a planner would have booked it about 170 days ago. I'll keep checking but the back-up is Beaches and Cream to try the kitchen sink. If you can't eat ice cream and dessert for dinner on your birthday, when can you?

Yep....every good planner....180 days out Ya know we had this same problem a couple of years ago when we did a last minute MNSSHP. The only place we could get for a TS dinner close to MK was The Wave....which turned out to be great.

We tried to do the Kitchen Sink on this last trip but the wait was TERRIBLE! Should have gotten there earlier. Stephen was super disappointed. Can you make ressies there? Hope yall can do it! That would be an awesome bday surprise!

I can't wait to hear about Jiko. Bummer about the flights...that kind of anxiety makes you just want to cry! I can only imagine how your sister felt, trying to get to vaction and entertain 2 kids at the airport

Christine

Yeah...I think my sister probably did cry. Maybe not in front of the kids, though. I would have been in tears!

 

[amandaw]

That rain is just awful! And to have family trying to travel in that had to be stressful.

Hope y'all were able to enjoy dinner & that everyone made it there safely.

Love all of the pictures! Lovely family!

 

[hstrickland]

Day 3
Jiko – The Cooking Place​

Jiko fuses the bold flavors of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. You can watch the chefs prepare each meal in a beautiful show kitchen.

Cuisine: African Dinner

Experience: Signature Dining

Price Level: $36 to $59.99



Our reservations were made for 7:45, but since Bill wasn’t going to make it we arrived a bit early.

I made this picture early one morning…

Dad snapped a shot of the dress code….which many don’t follow, but we won’t get into that….

The ceiling had a most unusual style but went along beautifully with the décor of the restaurant.

We didn’t wait very long at all. The restaurant really didn’t seem to be busy, unlike its next door neighbor, Boma….it was PACKED!!!




Our waiter was just ok. He was nothing to brag about….kind of a know-it-all. I was a little surprised considering how friendly everyone else has been thus far. But no worries….the atmosphere was beautiful and the food smelled delicious.

Appetizers


African- inspired Dips with Pappadam, Poppy Seed Lavash, and House-made Naan….absolutely delicious!!! It’s a must when visiting Jiko.

Mushroom, Spinach, and Cheese in crispy Tunisian Filo with Apples and Curry Vinaigrette …another winner!!! Positively wonderful. I actually could make a meal off of the appetizers!

Main Course



Jesse and Faith chose the pizza….not bad at all. It was basically one of the flatbreads.

Stephen had a steak which he said was perfect!

Mom had a shrimp dish….

With citrus coconut basmati, summer vegetables and durban curry sauce…..excellent choice if you like shrimp, and it wasn’t too spicy….just right.

Dad had fish…I think…but I couldn’t remember which selection and couldn’t find it online???? It was also a hit.

My meal…..and boy was it good if you're a fish lover!!!



Vegetables of the Moment and Tomato-Butter Sauce…

All the entrées were excellent….absolutely no complaints. While we were waiting on dessert, mom ventured around the restaurant.



Is this a Hidden Mickey or not??? Just not sure……this was in the kitchen area.

Mom started chatting with one of the chefs….no surprise…..MaHopie will talk to anyone!

Time for dessert!!!


Crème brulee of any flavor is my absolute favorite dessert!!! And Disney restaurants have some of the best!


Key Lime-Mango Chutney and Vanilla Meringue Cookie…..

After we were finished with all courses, our waiter brought these out with the check….they were really good, too. Wish I could remember what he called them….

EXCELLENT meal….great food and atmosphere. The waiter could have been better, but he wasn’t horrible. While we did enjoy dinner very much, we were all concerned about Stephanie and Sean….we had not heard anything in a while….then I get a text….





“Flight cancelled….waiting to speak with a gate agent…not sure what’s going to happen.”





Ok….can you say OMG!!!??? My heart sank….I felt horrible for them. I wasn’t aware until later that the weather in the Northeast was also super bad. There were many flights that were cancelled in Hartford and Boston.



I then got a call from Bill saying he was pulling in!!!!! This was good news!!!!The kids had perched themselves in front of the TV while we waited….

Still raining outside!! We grabbed some more luggage and Bill parked the car. Can you believe we didn’t get a picture of my hubby with the kids greeting him with big hugs??!! Guess my mind was in a thousand different places.





Then…..I get the dreaded phone call from Stephanie…. “All flights tonight are cancelled, and the only flight we can get on is tomorrow night out of JFK.” I wanted to break down and cry but held myself together for Stephanie and MaHopie. I can only imagine how disappointed Ivy and Jonah were when they had to drive back home.



Stephanie and MaHopie spoke on the phone for a while…..of course I’m playing out all scenarios in my head….most of which aren’t good. Weather was not supposed to clear in Orlando due to the Tropical Storm. You have got to be kidding me....not happening!



So….we headed up to the lounge for a bit…..heaven knows I needed a drink!!! Then it was back to the room. We were all hoping and praying that tomorrow sends better news for my sister and her family.

Up next….3 resorts in one day!





​

 

[jennyjinx3]

What a stressful situation for all of you...your poor sis! Stressball much????