gtrist4life
Choose wisely
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2003
- Messages
- 787
This last minute trip was enjoyed by all. We booked the Recipe Club deal through swandolphin.com and paid $139 a night (b4 taxes and charges ) and got a heavenly bed, and $50 meal credit for staying at least two nights. We're going again in December with alot of folks, so this was a trip for us. Plus other reasons, the rest of the summer is super busy and I start my MBA in the fall which will take up more time than I have.
Cast
Me 38
Wife 39
DD 15
DS 8
Day 2 Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom
6:30 a.m Up and atem shower, shave, do the pop tart slam, then at the bus stop at 7:15. Waited about 10 minutes for the bus, then with stops at Dolphin and Yacht/Beach club arrive with the throngs at the gate about 7:50. This is our first (probably last) trip in the Summer. Definitely notice lots more folks than when weve visited in the fall. We expected this, but at least most were cordial and civilized.
Once inside, head back to Killamanjaro Safaris. Walked at a reasonable pace, and chuckled at a particular family ( one of many ) passing us by. The mom and stroller whizzed by, and as the dad and daughter passed by trying to keep up, he said Moms in high gear today
. Wait for KS was about 12 minutes, enjoyed the animals, though I dont think our driver was awake yet, her dialog seemed pretty flat.
After KS did the Paganini trail. Loved the naked mole rats! they were funny to watch. Also tried to take our time and see some of the small details/magic. Gorillas were out but not very active. After the trail, headed over to Kali River Rapids. Surprised that DW agreed to ride as shes not one that enjoys getting wet, but it was about 9:30 and the sun was starting to heat up and that, along with wearing a barely fitting kids poncho softened her concern. Very cool, but short, attraction. I was very impressed with the details and décor, on the way to boarding the rafts. Also enjoyed the scent of jasmine, before the logging fires area. DW and I got the brunt of the soaking, but with the heat it felt good, and we mostly dried off by the time we left. After the rapids, we went to see Flights of Wonder. Very impressive show and loved all the demonstrations and birds featured.
After the bird show we went winging
back towards the Maharajah Jungle trek. Again, the detail and décor were spectacular. By this time it was about 11:00 and the crowds were getting bad and with the heat we decided to head over to Dinoland before getting something to eat. We did Primeval Whirl, more fun than I thought it would be. In line we were debating on eating at Flame Tree BBQ or heading back to the Swan to use our $50 meal credit, we agreed to let the lines at Flame Tree decide. After whirl, the line to the Triceratops spin ride was fairly short so we hopped in and did a quick spin. Heading out of Dinoland it was now noon and the lines at Flame Tree kept us walking towards the exit.
Got back to the Swan about 12:45 and had a nice lunch at the Garden Grill Café. The meal was quite tasty, not sure if this was due to the quality or our hunger, probably a bit of both. We then headed up for a timed ( 20 minute ) power nap before heading down to the pool. Sit down and watch the kids swim for about 10 minutes before the skies let loose Back up to the room to shower and freshen up before heading out to Magic Kingdom, showers lasted about 30 minutes.
Arrive at MK about 4:30 p.m. Browse through the Main Street shops before settling in front of the castle to wait for the 5:35 showing of Cinderellas Surprise Celebration. Sun was baking and humidity was high. Sent DD out for a couple drinks while we soaked up the Florida Sun.
This was the first time seeing this show and we all enjoyed seeing the many characters featured. Afterwards, we headed to Tommorowland and got Fastpasses for Buzz, had about 30-45 minutes before our FP time so we hopped on Carosel of Progress ( the song from this would be stuck in all our heads for the rest of the trip and even after we retrurned home ) and the Transit Authority. Tried to use our FP after this, but we were 10 minutes early so we browsed some of the shopping in TL. Sprkinles started so we wer glad to be indoors. Turned in our FP and got in line for the Z zapping ride. This is one of our favorite rides in MK and like always, I ruled with a whopping score, with DS coming in a distant second. I think next time I ride, Ill let him win ..maybe
We then were starting to get a bit hungry and DD wanted a Turkey leg, so off to Frontierland we went. Saw that the Country Bears were getting ready to start so hopped in the theater. This was the first time Id seen this since I was a little boy and though very corny, it was funny and we all enjoyed it.
At this point ( about 7:15-7:30 ) we need to eat, so we procure the fine shared meal of: Turkey Leg, coke, water, soft pretzel, and a hot dog with fries from Pecos Bills. The turkey leg looked better than it tasted (too salty ) and my DD accidently dropped it and we watched it roll down the pond dock and almost in before we retrieved it and placed it in the trash. Birds were a bit aggressive around the pond doc too.
Its now about 8:00 and we decide to head back for a front row parade spot. Were too late, as all have been taken. At 8:30, we head out and experience our only loss of Disney Magic the whole trip. As were heading out we decide to go see Grand Floridian, then catch a bus to Downtown Disney. I made an error in deciding that we can take the boat to the Trans Ticket Center and then a monorail to GF, Wife askes the boat attendent if this can be done, he says no we need to take the boat directly to GF. Wife was tired and grumped at me for trying to steer us the wrong/long way. We then get to the GF, its a beautiful walk through the resort, and out to the bus stop. Wait our longest time for a bus(full 20-25 minutes), and get feasted on by mosquitoes. Bus finally arrives and on the bus is a little girl who really has to go potty. From GF to DTD is one of the longer rides, were all hoping the little girl makes it. The driver goes a back way? through the Fort Wilderness Campground and were confused that hes going to make another stop. The little girls parents are starting to voice their anxiety, but we end up at DTD just in time to see the girl and mom sprint toward the restrooms by the splash fountain. as we passed her father we all clapped when he says she made it.
Its about 9:45 now and we decide to be back at the bus stop in an hour. No time for Ghiardellis ( maybe next time ). Go through pin traders, Once upon a toy Store, and World of Disney. Buy DW a Tink T-Shirt, her favorite character, before heading back to the bus. Get to the Swan room about 11:30 and crash in our heavenly beds, with plans to sleep in.
Cast
Me 38
Wife 39
DD 15
DS 8
Day 2 Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom
6:30 a.m Up and atem shower, shave, do the pop tart slam, then at the bus stop at 7:15. Waited about 10 minutes for the bus, then with stops at Dolphin and Yacht/Beach club arrive with the throngs at the gate about 7:50. This is our first (probably last) trip in the Summer. Definitely notice lots more folks than when weve visited in the fall. We expected this, but at least most were cordial and civilized.
Once inside, head back to Killamanjaro Safaris. Walked at a reasonable pace, and chuckled at a particular family ( one of many ) passing us by. The mom and stroller whizzed by, and as the dad and daughter passed by trying to keep up, he said Moms in high gear today
. Wait for KS was about 12 minutes, enjoyed the animals, though I dont think our driver was awake yet, her dialog seemed pretty flat. After KS did the Paganini trail. Loved the naked mole rats! they were funny to watch. Also tried to take our time and see some of the small details/magic. Gorillas were out but not very active. After the trail, headed over to Kali River Rapids. Surprised that DW agreed to ride as shes not one that enjoys getting wet, but it was about 9:30 and the sun was starting to heat up and that, along with wearing a barely fitting kids poncho softened her concern. Very cool, but short, attraction. I was very impressed with the details and décor, on the way to boarding the rafts. Also enjoyed the scent of jasmine, before the logging fires area. DW and I got the brunt of the soaking, but with the heat it felt good, and we mostly dried off by the time we left. After the rapids, we went to see Flights of Wonder. Very impressive show and loved all the demonstrations and birds featured.
After the bird show we went winging
back towards the Maharajah Jungle trek. Again, the detail and décor were spectacular. By this time it was about 11:00 and the crowds were getting bad and with the heat we decided to head over to Dinoland before getting something to eat. We did Primeval Whirl, more fun than I thought it would be. In line we were debating on eating at Flame Tree BBQ or heading back to the Swan to use our $50 meal credit, we agreed to let the lines at Flame Tree decide. After whirl, the line to the Triceratops spin ride was fairly short so we hopped in and did a quick spin. Heading out of Dinoland it was now noon and the lines at Flame Tree kept us walking towards the exit. Got back to the Swan about 12:45 and had a nice lunch at the Garden Grill Café. The meal was quite tasty, not sure if this was due to the quality or our hunger, probably a bit of both. We then headed up for a timed ( 20 minute ) power nap before heading down to the pool. Sit down and watch the kids swim for about 10 minutes before the skies let loose Back up to the room to shower and freshen up before heading out to Magic Kingdom, showers lasted about 30 minutes.
Arrive at MK about 4:30 p.m. Browse through the Main Street shops before settling in front of the castle to wait for the 5:35 showing of Cinderellas Surprise Celebration. Sun was baking and humidity was high. Sent DD out for a couple drinks while we soaked up the Florida Sun.
This was the first time seeing this show and we all enjoyed seeing the many characters featured. Afterwards, we headed to Tommorowland and got Fastpasses for Buzz, had about 30-45 minutes before our FP time so we hopped on Carosel of Progress ( the song from this would be stuck in all our heads for the rest of the trip and even after we retrurned home ) and the Transit Authority. Tried to use our FP after this, but we were 10 minutes early so we browsed some of the shopping in TL. Sprkinles started so we wer glad to be indoors. Turned in our FP and got in line for the Z zapping ride. This is one of our favorite rides in MK and like always, I ruled with a whopping score, with DS coming in a distant second. I think next time I ride, Ill let him win ..maybe
We then were starting to get a bit hungry and DD wanted a Turkey leg, so off to Frontierland we went. Saw that the Country Bears were getting ready to start so hopped in the theater. This was the first time Id seen this since I was a little boy and though very corny, it was funny and we all enjoyed it.
At this point ( about 7:15-7:30 ) we need to eat, so we procure the fine shared meal of: Turkey Leg, coke, water, soft pretzel, and a hot dog with fries from Pecos Bills. The turkey leg looked better than it tasted (too salty ) and my DD accidently dropped it and we watched it roll down the pond dock and almost in before we retrieved it and placed it in the trash. Birds were a bit aggressive around the pond doc too.
Its now about 8:00 and we decide to head back for a front row parade spot. Were too late, as all have been taken. At 8:30, we head out and experience our only loss of Disney Magic the whole trip. As were heading out we decide to go see Grand Floridian, then catch a bus to Downtown Disney. I made an error in deciding that we can take the boat to the Trans Ticket Center and then a monorail to GF, Wife askes the boat attendent if this can be done, he says no we need to take the boat directly to GF. Wife was tired and grumped at me for trying to steer us the wrong/long way. We then get to the GF, its a beautiful walk through the resort, and out to the bus stop. Wait our longest time for a bus(full 20-25 minutes), and get feasted on by mosquitoes. Bus finally arrives and on the bus is a little girl who really has to go potty. From GF to DTD is one of the longer rides, were all hoping the little girl makes it. The driver goes a back way? through the Fort Wilderness Campground and were confused that hes going to make another stop. The little girls parents are starting to voice their anxiety, but we end up at DTD just in time to see the girl and mom sprint toward the restrooms by the splash fountain. as we passed her father we all clapped when he says she made it.
Its about 9:45 now and we decide to be back at the bus stop in an hour. No time for Ghiardellis ( maybe next time ). Go through pin traders, Once upon a toy Store, and World of Disney. Buy DW a Tink T-Shirt, her favorite character, before heading back to the bus. Get to the Swan room about 11:30 and crash in our heavenly beds, with plans to sleep in.
