3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post...

Day 8

Animal Kingdom - Yak n’ Yeti Lunch
Rain, Rain Go Away!
Part 2



I had to force them to go inside to view the other exhibits.








So….are you interested in a little animal trivia??? (Only Pop would get a picture of this ) Thought it would be interesting enough to post and a bit humorous, too. I mean really….who makes pictures in the restrooms?!








The answer….








Bet ya didn’t know that! Another useless fact that you can add to your wealth of knowledge.




At different times during the day, the veterinarians bring animals in and perform minor operations. While they examine and operate, the vets will talk to the audience and explain the procedures. Very interesting for little ears…and big ears, too














There is also a character meet n’ greet with Rafiki, but the kids weren’t interested. Thank goodness for that because the line was long. But guess what they did want to do???







You got it! The dang goats again! Oh well…they were having fun, right?







Now it was time for Mount Everest. I wasn’t overly excited about this ride. Not because I’m scared, but because I’m always afraid of feeling ill. Rollercoasters use to be my thing before I had kids.


Bill eagerly said he would sit this one out with Jesse (thanks so much, dear).







They did use their time wisely and get a couple of good father/son shots...










On our way over to Mount Everest, we stopped for a family picture…







Then it was time for the moment of truth…could I handle it????




Check out Stephen??? Do you see him? That’s right. You don’t!! Because he has his head down, for heaven sakes!












It was over, and I was done. Completely done. Pop was done. Completely done. Never again will I ride Mount Everest. These things use to NEVER bother me…NEVER. Motion sickness haunts me now and I hate it. I’m a huge daredevil, but unfortunately these types of rides are now off limits.




Thank goodness it was time for lunch!! I needed food!



I’ve always thought that the theming of AK was quite remarkable…every detail.



And there it is! One of our favorite lunch time spots!







Yak & Yeti was busy as usual.








However, it didn’t take us long to be seated. And we were escorted upstairs to the same location as last time….which was perfect.








Stephen and I shared an appetizer….



Dim Sum basket for two - Pork pot stickers, shrimp siu mai, cha su boo and pork siu mai steamed on a banana leaf, with soy lime dipping sauce. LOVE THIS!!!!











For the main course, Stephen and I shared the Tempura Shrimp….TASTY!!!








Continued to next post…




​

 

[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post...




Day 8

Animal Kingdom - Yak n’ Yeti Lunch
Rain, Rain Go Away!
Part 3




Someone (forget who) had the Sweet and Sour Chicken….good.








I kind of slacked on the pictures at lunch, probably due to the fact that I was green under the gills from that dreadful rollercoaster ride



Mom ordered the dessert…one of her favorites!



Fried Wontons - Skewers of fresh pineapple and cream cheese wontons, vanilla ice cream, and a honey-vanilla drizzle.








And this is how we entertain ourselves throughout a table service meal….








Another view of the restaurant…







It was a good meal...nice waiter. We'll return, I'm sure.





We planned on going back to the resort for a quick snack then a relaxing swim….



When we arrived, the skies were cloudy and gray. I thought it might be wise to grab a table in the lounge just in case the rain let loose. From experience, I knew things might get a bit crowded in CL when there was nothing else to do.







This became my favorite area; First - it has an excellent view, and second – there is an electrical outlet perfectly installed for my laptop!







And guess what….torrential downpours began!!!







So, what does one do at the resort when it rains cats and dogs???



Well, my friends, if you’re lucky enough to be residing at the Wilderness Lodge, you can try the Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt!!! I had no idea this even existed, but one of the fabulous CMs gave us this very useful tidbit of information.



Go to the front desk downstairs and ask for the Scavenger Hunt Instructions.







If and when you complete the activity, you can turn it in to the front desk and you’ll receive a trading pin.



We of course wanted to make this adventure a competition. So we decided to divide up in teams.

Team 1 – Bill and Stephen
Team 2 – Pop, MaHopie, and Faith
Team 3 – Jesse and me


Do you see something wrong with these teams??? A little lopsided, is it??




We had 1 hour to complete the mission then return to the lounge. The losers had to serve dinner and breakfast to the winners.



I’m certainly not going to give you any hints about the locations of the HMs, nor am I going to provide pictures….that would spoil your fun. However I will show you this one because it is way too cute to keep secret.







We all met back in the lounge with our papers….some filled out completely….some not.







Guess who won?? Not me! Pop, MaHopie and Stephen. It really was loads of fun. We even ran into several other families trying to complete the challenge.



After the hunt, the kids hurried back downstairs to collect their rewards! The trading pin was the perfect reward for them!







We had dinner in the lounge and of course we ate our share of cobbler, too. Not gonna miss that! Then we strolled back to the rooms. It was an 'early to bed' evening!



The Mousekeepers left a sweet little towel animal for the kids.







In no time flat, my two precious angels were out!! What a great day despite the rain! Love my family!!!








Up next ….Typhoon Lagoon!!




​

 

[Sue M]

Great update!! I wonder if that non Drowsy Gravol (may be called something else in US, Dramamine? would help with the rides? We don't have the non drowsy formula here, but plan in looking for it when we fly down!! Those coasters at Universal have me worried!

Last time we went on Kali we got drenched good thing in August you dry quick!! I think my plan will be to wear quick dry clothes!

Y&Y is wonderful. Ashley's fav is the sweet & sour chicken too. Your appie looked yummy!

Your pics are making me want to make another trip to the Conservation Station! Haven't been in years! I like the train in, getting a peek at some back stage areas. Never saw the hidden Mickeys!!

More please

 

[Wood Nymph]

We did Kali twice. The first time I got lucky and didn't get very wet. The second time I got totally drenched and since this was January, I don't think I ever dried out. That was the last time for that ride.

I get motion sickness, too, and have to skip the the big roller coasters like Everest and Space Mtn.

It looks like you had a nice and relaxing afternoon and evening at the WL. We did the free lodge tour one freezing cold morning and really enjoyed it. But it is really for older kids and adults. The Hidden Mickey Hunt looks perfect for kids.

 

[kastoney]

Well despite the sickness and rain looks like you all made the most of the day. We haven't done kali in a fee years largely because I was so freaking wet last time. But my daughter is now big enough and with the lack of rides at AK I think we will have to give it a go next time. Motion sickness is no fun. Strangely I used to get it on circle rides, but it seems to have gotten better since I has my daughter. Not sure if it's true or imagination, but I've been able to do dumbo and the teacups with her with no consequences. Fingers crossed it continues.

BTW completely love the top u r wearing.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Someone was very busy last night - wow - love it! Could that someone's school be officially starting tomorrow? Does this now mean we won't get another fab update till…Thanksgiving break?

So you were in a hurry to get to AK for RD? You know you can make those FP+s for just about any time. Love that your dad got such a great shot of the elusive lion. That's a great pose and being that you were there for RD, you increased your chances of catching him. The shot of the zebras makes it look like the zebra who's standing bagged the zebra who's lying down - if only they were that active and exciting.

If you wouldn't have mentioned you were all soaked from KRR, I wouldn't have known. Did you really think you could avoid getting soaked on that?! How long did it take you to completely dry or did you go into one of those mega-dryers?

You captured our favorite part of AK - the goats! I literally have to drag DH and DD away from there so we can move on with our day. I have so many goat and pig photos that you'd think there was nothing else at DAK - except bats, which DD just loves to pieces.

Did you get to see the new show called "It All Started with a Mouse"? It just started in June and may have been brand new when you were there because they were still working out some wrinkles when we saw it the last week of June. It's only shown once a day at 11:30. If I hadn't read about it before we left, I probably would have missed it because it wasn't really being advertised at Rafikis or DAK and it's only performed once a day. It was fun and included the cutest porcupine, pig, some rats and even a skunk.









I know your question, "Who takes pictures in the bathroom?" was rhetorical, right? And, isn't that the bathroom that has all the crazy animal noises piped in? Y&Y needs to take TiW. You only get 10% off food with the AP discount. Your pictures make everything look so tasty - yum.

I'm glad you guys found the HMH at WL. I do happen to have a link to it on the first page of the thread. You could have printed out the sheets before you left home! Why does Jesse look so sad about his certificate? Was it the lopsided teams? So cute that Faith sleeps with her MB on. Did you have nicknames on the back or your real names?

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like it was a fun day (overall) in Animal Kingdom!

Poor MaHopie getting soaked. I love water rides but never ride them b/c most of the time I don't feel like walking around soaking wet for hours.

Sorry you got on Everest. That is never fun while you're at a park.

Lunch looks delicious! I would love to try Yak & Yeti but my family is just not big on AK & I don't know that we'll even go back there any time soon. Maybe when the Avatar stuff opens, just to see something new.

Glad y'all made it back to WL before the rain started. And what a fun activity!

Off topic: I was perusing You Tube the other night & I came across these "Disney dance videos". It's families at WDW, dancing around the park singing a song of their choice. Some were ok. But, there was 1 family that had awesome videos. Anyway, as I was watching these videos, laughing the whole time I totally thought of your family. I could so see y'all doing something so creative and fun like that!

 

[Sue M]

it's Sunday, plenty of time to post more report while I pack
It's getting awfully close to vacay time for moi

 

[Pinkocto]

What an absolutely fabulous day! You got such good photos on the safari, wow.

Y & Y is great, those wontons are so tasty.

Bummer about EE. It's done that to me the last few times, I'm going to give it one more time and that's it.

Love that teeny tiny mouse at WL, too cute!

 

[pas130]

Maddie is LOVING the goats...and here's a sticker for you from her. Tomorrow

From Maddie....

 

[pollyanna30]

EE did me in too the first (which was also the last) time that I rode it! I wasn't doing well before it went backwards, but that was the final straw! I rode with my brother-in-law and he was okay until he leaned forward at the end when he thought it was over and then they hit the brakes again and his head hit the headrest! We both staggered off and had to sit down on a ledge right outside the entrance. I finally got myself together and we made my way over to meet the rest of our family in the Boneyard. I planted myself in front of one of the fans with my head in my hands on my lap for a little while. I definitely couldn't have headed to a restaurant in that moment. In fact, my mom went to go get me some ice water and had to stand in line for a while. While she was in line, she saw some EMTs go by heading to respond to someone and she was afraid it was me! It wasn't and I did get myself together after I had a few sips of the water. Needless to say, I have had to swear off roller coasters too. I also love them and it is so frustrating not to be able to ride them, but it is worth it not to feel so bad! I'm really enjoying your trip report and hope the beginning of your school year goes well.

 

[hstrickland]

noooooooo "it" hasn't started already

Unfortunately the answer is YES!

7 shorts, 4-5 capris, 1 dress. not bad so far. Haven't gotten to the tops yet. need to go thru thrm and do some here comes the tricky part. Shirts '& shoes. I hope to keep it at 10 jeeze, I can't even say it with a straight face. Ok, well maybe 15. Last Aug it was 19

Right!! I don't believe you.... that count will never happen!

If you don't mind me asking, what do you teach? I've taught special needs students since 1995. Here in Northwest Indiana (less than an hour from Chicago), the corporation I work in starts on August 12th and finish before Memorial Day. Do you have the "balanced calendar" where you have more time off in the Fall and Spring?

8th grade language arts Believe it or not, I really enjoy that age...crazy as they can sometimes be. We always start in August and get out before Memorial Day - which is nice. We do have lots of time off in the Fall and a week during Spring.

Kudos to you for teaching the special needs. It takes a lot of patience and a big heart....very rewarding for you, I know.

I completely understand having less time for DisBoards now. Boooo......

Enjoying the trip report! You've captured some great photos!

Thanks! So glad you're enjoying our pictures

Heather, are you back at work (school)

YES! Kids start Wednesday... and so another year begins!

Great update!! I wonder if that non Drowsy Gravol (may be called something else in US, Dramamine? would help with the rides? We don't have the non drowsy formula here, but plan in looking for it when we fly down!! Those coasters at Universal have me worried!

I definitely need to take something! And they do have the non drowsy stuff here. Weird they don't sell it in Canada.

Last time we went on Kali we got drenched good thing in August you dry quick!! I think my plan will be to wear quick dry clothes!

Y&Y is wonderful. Ashley's fav is the sweet & sour chicken too. Your appie looked yummy!

Your pics are making me want to make another trip to the Conservation Station! Haven't been in years! I like the train in, getting a peek at some back stage areas. Never saw the hidden Mickeys!!

Definitely wear the "quick dry" clothes! Will make for a more enjoyable day for sure. Do you have those packed, yet????

If you go up to the Conservation Area, look for the HMs...very cool how they incorporated them into the art work.

We did Kali twice. The first time I got lucky and didn't get very wet. The second time I got totally drenched and since this was January, I don't think I ever dried out. That was the last time for that ride.

Never say never

I get motion sickness, too, and have to skip the the big roller coasters like Everest and Space Mtn.

It looks like you had a nice and relaxing afternoon and evening at the WL. We did the free lodge tour one freezing cold morning and really enjoyed it. But it is really for older kids and adults. The Hidden Mickey Hunt looks perfect for kids.

I really wanted to do that guided Lodge tour, but just never got around to it. Plus I didn't figure the little ones would really enjoy it.

Well despite the sickness and rain looks like you all made the most of the day. We haven't done kali in a fee years largely because I was so freaking wet last time. But my daughter is now big enough and with the lack of rides at AK I think we will have to give it a go next time. Motion sickness is no fun. Strangely I used to get it on circle rides, but it seems to have gotten better since I has my daughter. Not sure if it's true or imagination, but I've been able to do dumbo and the teacups with her with no consequences. Fingers crossed it continues.

Really weird...I can ride Dumbo with no problem. Tea Cups...NO! And I can even ride those rollercoasters that have huge drops minus the loops and major twists. Who knows?! After I had kids, things started declining in the area of "fun rides". Maybe your trend of "no sickness" will continue

BTW completely love the top u r wearing.

Thanks...it's an oldie but a goodie. If you follow along on our cruise TR next year, you're liable to see it AGAIN!

Someone was very busy last night - wow - love it! Could that someone's school be officially starting tomorrow? Does this now mean we won't get another fab update till…Thanksgiving break?

You're hilarious. Thanksgiving break.... (would you believe I'm going to make another post tonight?) Probably not...

School starts Wednesday for kids....they can hardly wait (can you hear the sarcasm?)

So you were in a hurry to get to AK for RD? You know you can make those FP+s for just about any time. Love that your dad got such a great shot of the elusive lion. That's a great pose and being that you were there for RD, you increased your chances of catching him. The shot of the zebras makes it look like the zebra who's standing bagged the zebra who's lying down - if only they were that active and exciting.

I know, I know....the FP thing really stumped me. Wish I had read a bit more before leaving for our trip We finally had it down by day 10...

If you wouldn't have mentioned you were all soaked from KRR, I wouldn't have known. Did you really think you could avoid getting soaked on that?! How long did it take you to completely dry or did you go into one of those mega-dryers?

Mom really never dried out, bless her heart. Nor did Faith...jeans shorts aren't the best material for a water ride. Next time, we'll go prepared!

You captured our favorite part of AK - the goats! I literally have to drag DH and DD away from there so we can move on with our day. I have so many goat and pig photos that you'd think there was nothing else at DAK - except bats, which DD just loves to pieces.

Seriously?! I would have never guessed that...really. If you ever make it down to the Savannah area, I can provide PLENTY of "goat" opportunities. My uncle has a passel of them!! Billies, nannies, kids...you name it, we got it!

Did you get to see the new show called "It All Started with a Mouse"? It just started in June and may have been brand new when you were there because they were still working out some wrinkles when we saw it the last week of June. It's only shown once a day at 11:30. If I hadn't read about it before we left, I probably would have missed it because it wasn't really being advertised at Rafikis or DAK and it's only performed once a day. It was fun and included the cutest porcupine, pig, some rats and even a skunk.

Never even heard of it! Sorry I missed seeing that cute little guy in your picture. I'm all about Disney shows....would have definitely seen it if we had known.

I know your question, "Who takes pictures in the bathroom?" was rhetorical, right? And, isn't that the bathroom that has all the crazy animal noises piped in? Y&Y needs to take TiW. You only get 10% off food with the AP discount. Your pictures make everything look so tasty - yum.

Rhetorical?? Why would you say that?? Maybe because I'm the one that got pictures in the restroom at Vicky & Al's And don't I recall a picture you made in the restroom...was it at AKL???

I'm glad you guys found the HMH at WL. I do happen to have a link to it on the first page of the thread. You could have printed out the sheets before you left home! Why does Jesse look so sad about his certificate? Was it the lopsided teams? So cute that Faith sleeps with her MB on. Did you have nicknames on the back or your real names?

Of course you have a link! You have a link to everything Disney...I still think you have inside sources...spies

Jesse hates losing! And we definitely lost...wasn't even close.

Names on the inside, but I think the nicknames would be much better for next time! Thanks for the idea!!!

Sounds like it was a fun day (overall) in Animal Kingdom!

Poor MaHopie getting soaked. I love water rides but never ride them b/c most of the time I don't feel like walking around soaking wet for hours.

Sorry you got on Everest. That is never fun while you're at a park.

Lunch looks delicious! I would love to try Yak & Yeti but my family is just not big on AK & I don't know that we'll even go back there any time soon. Maybe when the Avatar stuff opens, just to see something new.

Oh yes! When the Avatar thing opens, we'll definitely be there! Love that movie!!! And you're right...there aren't lots of exciting rides there. The Nemo musical is worth a visit over there (more on that later!)

Off topic: I was perusing You Tube the other night & I came across these "Disney dance videos". It's families at WDW, dancing around the park singing a song of their choice. Some were ok. But, there was 1 family that had awesome videos. Anyway, as I was watching these videos, laughing the whole time I totally thought of your family. I could so see y'all doing something so creative and fun like that!

Ok...now you've piqued my interest! I've got to find this on YouTube. Sounds like loads of fun!! Maybe we can do this on the cruise.... or not

it's Sunday, plenty of time to post more report while I pack
It's getting awfully close to vacay time for moi

Ok, ok....post coming. Tonight. I hope. And yes....just go ahead and rub it in. You'll be on vacation for weeks while I'm working!

What an absolutely fabulous day! You got such good photos on the safari, wow.

Y & Y is great, those wontons are so tasty.

Bummer about EE. It's done that to me the last few times, I'm going to give it one more time and that's it.

Love that teeny tiny mouse at WL, too cute!

Hmmm....one more try, huh?! Good luck! Take some Dramamine...maybe that will help. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn't. Took several when we were at Busch Gardens last Spring and I was good...for the most part.

Maddie is LOVING the goats...and here's a sticker for you from her. Tomorrow

From Maddie....

Isn't she sweet!! Please tell Miss Maddie thank you thank you!

 

[hstrickland]

EE did me in too the first (which was also the last) time that I rode it! I wasn't doing well before it went backwards, but that was the final straw! I rode with my brother-in-law and he was okay until he leaned forward at the end when he thought it was over and then they hit the brakes again and his head hit the headrest! We both staggered off and had to sit down on a ledge right outside the entrance. I finally got myself together and we made my way over to meet the rest of our family in the Boneyard. I planted myself in front of one of the fans with my head in my hands on my lap for a little while. I definitely couldn't have headed to a restaurant in that moment. In fact, my mom went to go get me some ice water and had to stand in line for a while. While she was in line, she saw some EMTs go by heading to respond to someone and she was afraid it was me! It wasn't and I did get myself together after I had a few sips of the water. Needless to say, I have had to swear off roller coasters too. I also love them and it is so frustrating not to be able to ride them, but it is worth it not to feel so bad! I'm really enjoying your trip report and hope the beginning of your school year goes well.

Glad you popped in with a post! Always like 'meeting' fellow Dis'ers


Isn't it the worst... feeling sick at Disney!? Horrible! Glad to know there are others like me Wish there was a cure for motion sickness. I'd certainly invest in a remedy! I can't ride those simulator rides, either. Those are almost worse for me. CRAZY bad.


Thanks for the well wishes for school. Can't believe it's already time for us to start back. Where does time go??!! Maybe the school year will fly by .... I have a cruise waiting next June!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Great update! I agree, I have a harder time with motion sickness the older I get. I can handle Expedition Everest but most of the rides at Universal Studios made me unsure if I would hold my lunch .

Love the hidden mickey!

 

[Sue M]

Yes, well I have quick dry top packed, but I can't seem to locate the skort I JUST bought at Costco a month ago, thinking this would be great for Kali and Universals Popye Bildge Rat river ride . No idea where it could be

Well just think of the end if the year, while I'm cough, still working and you're enjoying yourself!!! How did it get to be August already

Wasn't it you Heather, that posted the pic of the beautiful bathroom near Saana?

 

[amandaw]

Ok...now you've piqued my interest! I've got to find this on YouTube. Sounds like loads of fun!! Maybe we can do this on the cruise.... or not

I'm going to pull them up & see if I can PM you the links. I thought they were cute & fun!

ETA: I pm'd you the links. If you don't get it or they don't work, let me know.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 9
Rise & Shine! Early Morning Pictures of the Lodge!



Are you surprised there’s another Early Morning Post??? You shouldn’t be shocked in the least…as I stated before, these are my most favorite times at Disney.



After grabbing a cup of coffee, I was on the elevator and out the door!







The sun was just popping up…perfect timing.








A great area to sit and relax…at any time of the day.







Then it hit me. I really needed to venture into unfamiliar territory…I already had tons of pictures from this area. To the front I went!



There were a couple of people roaming around besides me.... only a 3 that I could actually see.








Finally out in front of the Wilderness Lodge….not a soul around. Just me and the bison.



















No people, no cars (ok...just 1 off in the distance), no nothing! And that’s the reason I’m standing dead center in the road…it was safe.



















Time to make my way towards the bus stop and the Villas.









Looking back at the Lodge…













Not sure how anyone can say that the WL isn’t a stunning resort???!







Oh look! There’s life at the lodge after all! The bus pulled in….then pulled out. Passenger free.


















I was slowly but surely making my way towards the Villas….








If you haven’t been inside, make sure you take a few minutes and peruse the lobby area….









The time was sneaking up on me…it was getting late (late being subjective, I know). I’m sure my folks were up and ready to hit Typhoon Lagoon! So, I had to cut my early morning walk short and head back to the room. No worries, though. More early morning pictures to come on another day












Up next….Typhoon Lagoon




​

 

[SusieBea]

More great pictures! I love the topiaries at WL.

 

[amandaw]

Love the early morning pictures!

WL is indeed a beautiful resort!

 

[Sue M]

Beautiful pics!