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

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi Friend! Just checking in and using your awesome trip report for my
1000th POST!


Hope you are having a great day!

 

[hstrickland]

A big hello to everyone!!! Yes....I've been MIA for quite some time. CRAZY with a capital C around these parts...just CRAZY!! But not crazy bad...crazy good. With school starting, cheer back in full swing, football starting, and shooting sports practice I'm all over the place. Just no time left at the end of the day for the Dis. Sad but true. Then my computer decided to go on the fritz! Now I'm back. I've decided to get my installments done on the weekend...can't worry about the weekdays. It will never happen!

By the way....guess where I went 2 weeks ago???!!!! A very quick, last minute trip to DISNEY!!!!! Yep! Stephen and I headed down and met my dear friend Erin (DisneyDoc5) Had such a great time!!!! One night at the POP and one night at AKL CL!!! Crazy, I tell ya! But loved it! Nothing like flying by the seat of your pants (not my usual M.O.) And don't think you won't see pictures I'll be posting them!!! A very, very mini TR right here.

Now to get my replies done....

Maddie smiled when she saw your reply. She used to always pop in with stickers...now she isn't always on my lap, so I was so happy she did that. I am SUCH a sap. Gorgeous early morning WL pics! Hang in there, yes it is a new school year.....but before you know it it's over

Hey there, friend! Hope school has gotten off to a great start for y'all! Miss chatting with everyone over on the RC thread...just no time. Weren't you at Disney very recently??

Absolutely love these pictures!!!

Thanks!! And welcome!!! Sorry for the delay in posting, but now I'm back!! Hope you enjoy the rest!

Gorgeous pictures around the resort!

Thanks, Pam! I finally got caught up on your TR this morning!!!!

Has school started, you ask??? Teachers (me) went back last Wednesday and students start tomorrow. Where does time go???!!

I thought you may be starting back up! My April starts 8/27. We are calling this trip our "End of Summer Getaway". I haven't taken a week off since my January trip so this is overdue

I know I'm so excited!

Hi there!! Hope school is going well!!! We've been back a month...can't believe it's actually been a month. Crazy how time flies. Hope you have a great trip!!

Thanks for the welcome. I haven't been reading much for the past couple of years, because my family only gets to go to Disney about every three years and it is too depressing in the meantime! I now have hope that we will be heading back at the end of May so I am catching up on things. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your report! I can't remember if you have ridden the new Mine Train ride yet. Any insight on motion sickness issues on that ride would be appreciated.

Disney Blues are never good...don't blame you for not wanting to read. But now you can!!!! The Mine Train was fine for me but not good for my dad. We both get motion sickness. I usually try and take something before I ride those things. We were also sitting in the very front car, so the ride wasn't as rough. Dad was further towards the back.

I love seeing your early morning pictures. It's nice to see how the resort looks before all the people start rushing around making their way to the parks.

Hi there!!! Hope all is well with you and your family. Wishing I was at Disney early this morning as I was sipping on my coffee

We arrived last night!! Got rental car, checked in, did a grocery shop at Publix! Have to get my Indian River OJ!! Then had amazing pizza yum!!
Today saw mom, had a couple of meetings with nurse, staff etc. Then went to Walmart for pool noodles . Got to the beach at 3:00. I love the ocean here, so warm, unlike our Pacific Ocean!!
Tomorrow my brother comes down.

Well, Sue...totally missed your sendoff and updates. Sorry! But glad to know (after your PM) that you had a great trip!!! Want to hear more about it!

Another set of truly gorgeous pix. I'd like to say you are helping my countdown but all the beautiful pix are just making the anticipation worse. But keep it coming, I'm a glutton for punishment.

Hopefully more pics will be coming your way! Got to get the ball rolling again!

Love your trip report!! Especially all the info on Fort Wilderness I'm a WL lover but now I might need to check out the campground.

Glad you joined in!!!! Definitely check out the Fort!! A great resort for sure!!

Your early morning pictures are gorgeous, as usual We are so excited to get to WL because of this TR!!

Can't wait to see the TL pictures!!

Hi there!! Finally back after my hiatus. Glad to hear you got your ressies made. That's always exciting!!!

“That’s so good it’d make a tadpole slap a whale!!” Now that’s good, folks!!! The best quote!

Great updates Doll! LOL literally at the bus stop pictures, hilars! Food pictures are killing me! Didn't know you turned into green gills with the thrill rides, better pack your dramamine girlfriend for the next trip! haha!

Really the photos are top notch, you rock and have a great eye for composition.

I love that you had a great CL experience, I am sick of reading negative posts about CL lately, I'm hoping for a great experience at AKL!

Well, get some sleep....looking forward to the next update when time allows...you are probably too busy this weekend!

Glad you like the quote...a definite oldie...really old! Thanks for the compliments on the pics. Got some great shots on our very recent trip with y'all Can't wait to post them!!!

Hi Heather! I'm finally back!

I sure missed a lot.

I am loving all the pics and info about CL at WL. And all the WL pics too - I love that they have a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt; we would LOVE that!

Looks like y'all are having an absolutely great vacation. You really know how to balance your vacation between downtime and early mornings/late nights. I am trying so hard to learn from you in that regard! I think I'm getting a little better..... Maybe. Or not.

Can't believe you've already been back at school for a while now. Willow has two more weeks of summer vacation before she enters second grade.

Don't apologize for being MIA!!! Look who you're talking to !!! On your "Princess" trip, y'all can make sure you have some downtown. Start planning now!!!

Joining in...just a bit late! Found your TR the other day and have really enjoyed reading it. Your children are adorable!! So fun that you travel with your parents to Disney. Still hoping my parents will come with us one day! We are looking forward to another trip in a few short months! We will be staying at Bay Lake Towers, so I was grateful to see your pics/reviews on Contempo Cafe!

Hi!!! Happy to have you join in ....and please don't worry about being "late". I'm obviously not on time with installments Is this your first trip to BLT/CR?? I love the CR!! I'm kinda a MK resort person...a bit partial to these resorts. And yes...Contempo Café was really good!!!

Just joining in and all caught up. your son, Jesse, sounds a whole lot like my son Hunter. I tell him daily he better be glad he's so cute.

Can't wait to read more

Glad you joined in!!!! And happy to know there are other Jesse's in the world You can totally relate, then. And you're right...if they weren't so cute, you'd want to pinch their heads off!

Hi Friend! Just checking in and using your awesome trip report for my
1000th POST!


Hope you are having a great day!

Well, well, well!!! You finally reached the 1000 mark!!!!! And you saved it for my TR Aren't you sweet!!! Miss you lots!! Give the kids a hug for me!

 

[Sue M]

Aww!! Too bad we couldn't manage a quick hi while you were down for mini trip!! Don't ya love AKL CL! This trip we were in GF CL for first 2 days,up graded to deluxe room in RPC!! It was amazing!

 

[pas130]

Awww we missed you, we were at OKW! First week of school went extremely well. Fingers crossed for a great year for my kiddos, and for all DIS friends

 

[Sue M]

Awww we missed you, we were at OKW! First week of school went extremely well. Fingers crossed for a great year for my kiddos, and for all DIS friends

Our schools are still closed, strike dragging on and seems neither teachers or govt are any closer to settling

 

[pas130]

Our schools are still closed, strike dragging on and seems neither teachers or govt are any closer to settling

Sorry to hear that Sue....frustrating all you can do is wait

 

[Pinkocto]

A mini trip, how cool is that!!!!!! Can't wait to hear about it!

 

[hstrickland]

Aww!! Too bad we couldn't manage a quick hi while you were down for mini trip!! Don't ya love AKL CL! This trip we were in GF CL for first 2 days,up graded to deluxe room in RPC!! It was amazing!

I know. We were so crunched for time. We were at Pop one night, then MK, the AKL, then DHS, then home...crazy!

So you were upgraded to a deluxe room RPC What pixiedust??!!! Awesome, Sue! Of course that will spoil you! Maybe I should have paid you a visit

Awww we missed you, we were at OKW! First week of school went extremely well. Fingers crossed for a great year for my kiddos, and for all DIS friends

Thanks, Pas! Glad school is off to a good start. Funny how time flies. Can't believe we've already been in school 1 month. That means only 8 months until my cruise!!!

A mini trip, how cool is that!!!!!! Can't wait to hear about it!

You will hear about it I have to share my pics I noticed your ticker says 3 weeks. You and Roni are the only people I know who have eternal trips reports

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I just found your report after searching for the Fort Wilderness cabins. I am about half way through, great pictures of River Country. We visited that water park in Oct. 1986 I don't remember much about it other than I fell asleep in a hammock and woke up with a bad sunburn.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 9
Typhoon Lagoon
Part 1




Who wasn’t excited about our Typhoon Lagoon day??!! No one!!!! Bill was especially eager about TL since he didn’t get to experience Blizzard Beach with us.



After a hearty breakfast in the lounge, we were headed towards TL!!








Why the silly pictures???....just because.







Were we early?? What do you think?



For whatever reason, we didn’t get a great shot of the entrance. Just a great shot of MaHopie looking totally bored.












Don’t let the skies fool you. While they look a bit gloomy, it was actually very nice. Not too hot, not too cool.



No photographer was anywhere to be found…maybe it was too early.







This wave pool would prove to be the highlight of the trip!!!











Lots of scenic pictures for ya…



The park was actually open…really. It’s just empty!! Thank heavens!












Try and ignore the water spots on the pictures…next time I’ll remember to wipe the lens of the camera!



So….what to do first??








How about the Gangplank Falls??? A family adventure!









Tell me we weren’t having fun??!! Loads!!








It was super fun…however, I think the family ride at BB is a tad better. If you would like to see for yourself, click on the link below. Bill had the GoPro!! And if it appears that I’m not enjoying the ride, I am. But the water was ridiculously cold and the sun wasn’t shining…so you can imagine.



Gangplank Falls Video





And here’s the end….








Which way do we go????














How about a few more scenic shots???














Continued to next post…




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[hstrickland]

Day 9
Typhoon Lagoon
Part 2




Next up….









This is an AWESOME ride!!! There are 3 different slides…your choice. 2 people or 3!




Here they go…Ma Hopie and Pop! Gotta love their young spirits!!














Wanna check out this fantastic water ride??? Thanks to Bill’s GoPro, you can check it out! Click on the link below.



Crush n' Gusher Video




And what about the Wave Pool??!! This is what Typhoon Lagoon is known for!!









Notice the warning on this buoy…









They ARE NOT kidding, people!!! It’s downright crazy.








Take a look at this video. The waves literally sent Bill tumbling!! Be prepared to get completely soaked.



Wave Pool Video




The Disney Photographer was excellent! He took a series of pictures for us timing the waves perfectly. He’s obviously done this a time or two…


















Not playing here…the water really is strong enough to knock you over!








Be Warned!!!





Off to something else…








Then it was time to literally relax and do nothing….



On Castaway Creek!!

















But don’t get too comfortable… there are waterfalls along the way!








Ok….so quick story - basically long story short. As you know, Bill has a GoPro camera that he carried on a daily basis. While we were relaxing on the lazy river, Bill decided to let the camera rest on his chest. Do you know where I’m going with this??? About halfway through our journey, Bill realized that he no longer had it. Somewhere along the way, it fell into the creek. My initial thought was ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Of course that wouldn’t have been the ideal thing to blurt out; Bill was obviously distraught. We all jumped out at the next exit, and Bill started the search back up stream. Mom and I just knew that little sucker was a goner. I figured someone would pick it up for sure and we'd never see it again. We said many prayers, as this was definitely gonna put a damper on the day for Bill…and me.


Before long, I see Bill doing a sprint towards me with the GoPro in hand!! I could hardly believe it!! Bill was walking along the creek’s edge and saw something sitting on the bottom. When he looked closer, he realized what it was and quickly jumped in! As you know, jumping in from the side is not allowed, so he got some stares and glares from folks AND the life guard hollered at him, too. After he explained the situation, she smiled and said “glad you found it, but use the steps next time.”



Fast-forward several hours.….after we get back to the resort and we’re looking at dad’s pictures, check this out! Pop captured a picture of the lost camera on the concrete creek bed and didn’t even know it! Crazy!






Continued to next post...




​

 

[hstrickland]

Day 9
Typhoon Lagoon
Part 3




We were all mentally exhausted, and needed something to fuel our minds and stomachs….









Nothing outstanding…just your basic park food, but good. After some lunch, we all wanted to see what the fuss was over this Shark Reef.



This is a very unique experience that our kids absolutely loved!!! Grab some fins, mask & snorkel and jump in! Well…almost.








And yep! You’ll look just like this! Silly, I say! Silly!!




Jesse wasn’t sure he wanted to try this, so I sat out with him.













After the rest of the gang finished, we all talked Jesse into giving it a try, and Faith decided to venture out once again.








You have to stand in a short line…nothing lengthy…and then they give you a very brief lesson and let small groups enter the water.









And just know….the water is COLD!!!!













I was a bit concerned that Jesse would freak out in the middle of the pool, but he didn’t…he totally enjoyed it!







Here’s a short video that Bill made ….will kinda give you an idea of what to expect.



Shark Reef Video








We had such a great time on this little exploration!







Unfortunately, the skies were becoming dark and gray. We were thinking it was time to make a mad dash towards the entrance before the rain let loose!









We made it just in the nick of time! The downpour started just as we arrived at the covered bus depot.









And let me add….we were tired. Can ya tell?! We looked like wet rats!











Another fabulous day at Disney!!! And the family said that Typhoon Lagoon has a slight advantage over Blizzard Beach. Why?? The Wave Pool!! Absolutely fantastic!!! Love it!!




Up next….dinner at Artist Point!




​

 

[hstrickland]

I just found your report after searching for the Fort Wilderness cabins. I am about half way through, great pictures of River Country. We visited that water park in Oct. 1986 I don't remember much about it other than I fell asleep in a hammock and woke up with a bad sunburn.

Glad you found us! And you're from Georgia-Hotlanta!

Never a good thing to fall asleep in the sun in Florida Painful!! If you decide to do the cabins, you'll definitely have to take a sneak peek at the dilapidated River Country...such an eyesore. If you have any questions, feel free to fire away

 

[Wood Nymph]

Your day at Typhoon Lagoon looks like it was great fun. We only went one time, and loved the wave pool. The shark reef looks very cool.

 

[Fracfam4]

Hey Heather! Missed you!
What kind of camera did you all use at Typhoon Lagoon? Do you have an underwater camera?

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Love Typhoon Lagoon! The wave pool is crazy but also crazy fun. We needed a bandaid while we were there and went to the nursing station. There were tons of kids that scraped knees and elbows being knocked down by that wave pool. So fun though

 

[Marsheliz]

Hooray for a mini-trip- I am really looking forward to reading about that!

We haven't done a waterpark yet, since our boys are still so young but hopefully in the next few years, we wil be able to change that.

Love all of the pictures- especially of Faith with that big, huge smile in the float. Only Disney brings out those big, beautiful, smiles!

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad Bill found his camera!!!! And the CM wasn't too mean.


Love love love TL! An awesome day. You are rockin that bikini!



No TR for next trip, I'm TRd out for a little while. I'll still be taking pictures though for the memories.

 

[pas130]

Love TL and the wave pool! Your pics are great..as always. Phew, glad he found his GoPro thank goodness! And Only 8 months...not too shabby. Time will fly and school will be over before you know it. That's what I'm hoping at least

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

My family definitely loves Typhoon Lagoon and that awesome wave pool. I could spend all day in there. The first picture you posted of Faith on one of the water rides shows the pure joy on her face. Love it!

Thank goodness Bill found his camera. A little pixie dust for you and we get to see all the great pictures. I love how Ma Hopie and Pop are right there riding all the rides with you.