Hello all,
We are now onto Father's Day! Sunday June 21.
I'm not sure that I posted about this because it didn't really affect the trip, however, it becomes important now. All week I had been fighting a sore throat.
I kept taking Tylenol and staying hydrated. The family said that my snoring had been getting worse. Saturday night was a tough night for me. I did not sleep well. I am pretty sure I had a fever at one point. I tossed and turned. It was not pleasant.
However, when it was time to go, I was not stopping. Today was our second trip to AK. The weatherman said that it would be the hottest day of the week but no rain. I figured since everyone thougt AK was the hottest, it wouldn't be as crowded. I don't think that AK is the hottest park. More on that later!!! We got to AK with time to spare. We found a line in the shade and all was fine. I talked DH into riding KS first because I had never ridden it first. We always went to EE first. He agreed. So, after the opening show, off we headed for our "2 week" safari. We had a great guide and the animals were all out for us to see. Here is a giraffe that we had to wait for.
I loved this ride.
We then headed to EE. Dh was going to get FP while the girls and I found a restroom. As we were completing our trip into the coldest restroom in history, (Not that we were complaining) DH called and said ,"Hurry up the line for EE is 20 minutes!" So the girls and I took off to meet up with DH to ride EE. We didn't even wait 10 minutes to get on.
It was great. We had FP for a little while later. I was in a fine mood, but in a lot of pain. I asked if we could go to Rafiki's. Everyone thought that was a good idea. On the way to the train, we stopped at Tamu Tamu for shakes. I really like these, and it made my throat feel better for a little while. I was afraid that they wouldn't let us on the train with them, but the CM said it wasn't a problem.
The train ride was nice. I really like the conservation area. We saw a Spoonbill get a check up because he was being transferred to another zoo. They had to make sure he was healthy. It was so interesting. My daughters found a CM to talk to. She took them around the many displays and talked about all of the animals. DD 16 left there wanting to work with birds someday. DD13 actually traded a pin with another guest. She was the only one brave enough to ask. It was a women probably 19-20 years old. She had the "baby Piglet" that we were looking for.
We then rode back to Africa. We had about 10 minutes until the next Flights of Wonder show. We decided to try to make it. We did and got great seats. We really like this show. It makes us laugh every time. This is the first time that we had a female host. She was great. Here's a pic.
After the show, we used our FP for EE. It was so neat. We were behind 3 kids that had never ridden before. They had no idea what to expect. The were scared. I love to hear the reactions from others about this ride. My DH made sure that they looked up to see the Yeti. Now that she doesn't move, you really have to look or you will miss her.
From here we decided to see what the wait for Dinosaur was. It was like 50 minutes. No WAY!!! I had wanted to eat at Flame Tree but there was no way I was eating outside in the heat. We headed into Restarauntosaurus to eat. I had to sit down FAST!!! I found the table and waited for the others. It was very crowded. I had the Hot dog. It amazes me how hard it is to find a hot dog on the adult's menu at WDW. What with the sore throat, heat, and lack of sleep, I was really starting to feel horrible. The only thing that we hadn't done in the 2 days that we were there that we wanted to do was FOTLK. We don't like Kali River and did not feel the need to do the walking tours. We had just missed the FOTLK show and had to wait 2 hours for the next one. I told everyone that if it was OK with them, we could miss it this trip. As DH said, "We've seen it several times, and we would be back." Very true. So, through my disappointment, we headed back to the lodge. On the way out, DH took this pic.
We all showered and took naps before heading to Chef Mickey's. I was really looking forward to this meal. We headed down to the Contemporary Boat. It was crowded when we got on, but everyone was nice enough to squeeze together for us. Once we arrived at Fort Wilderness everyone got off and noone else got on. Our pilot Paul decided to award us a Magical Moment. He first asked us who wanted to be Princesses and who wanted to be Pirates?? I'm sure he expected the girls to say,"Princesses" but not my girls, they love pirates. First he gave us cards that had pics of the 3 kinds of boats on the 7 seas lagoon. Then the Pirates all got bandanas (You'll see one in a pic a little later). I, as the only Princess, got a set of beads and a "ring". It was huge and plastic. Then Paul decided to that the girls were Pirate Pricesses. So, they each got a ring too. On the way to the Contemporary, he talked about Bay Lake and asked questions about where we were from. It was not the most amazing Magical Moment, but it was nice to be treated special.
We got to Chef Mickey's right on time. We checked in, got our pic taken, and were seated right away. Yes, I bought the pics. I really liked them because we weren't sweating and no sunglasses.
Now, I know that some people don't like the food here, but we did. There was a huge variety. We ate until we couldn't eat any more. The best part were the interactions with the characters.
I like the way DD 16 is standing like Minnie.
Let me explain why the girls are laughing so hard. Right before this pic was taken, Donald was taking a pic with the family next to us. Mickey walked up to the table, looked at the camera, looked at Donald, and walked right in front of the camera. Everyone laughed. As Mickey was taking our pic, Donald walked up and stomped his feet and "glared" at Mickey. So, this is all happening as my girls are trying to hold their pose. All the people at the surrounding tables were laughing.
THere was a few tense seconds as Mickey and Donald had a stare down. So funny
Then Mickey threw up his hands and headed to the next table. We still talk about it. I hope I did the story justice.
Pluto liked DH's Steeler's shirt. Here is a pic of DH with Goofy.
At one point, we were supposed to be twirling our napkins. Well, we weren't quite participating, so we got whacked by Donald. He was a little aggressive that night. SO FUNNY!!!!!
We did some shopping. I really like the gift shop at the CR. We then decided to take the monorail to the GF to look around. I had never been there. I'm not sure I would ever stay there. It just seems too fancy for us. Don't get me wrong. It was gorgeous. We have tons of pics, but I really like the one of the band.
On the way back to the lodge we decided to take this pic. I know everyone does this, but I like it.
DD16 is wearing her Pirate bandana. Once, back at the lodge we went swimming. For a day that started out with a huge question mark, it went well. I didn't get everything done, but we had a great time.
A magical moment and laugh with Mickey and Donald. What more could you ask for?
Up next, Our last day!!!
It must depend on the CM. Smart to let your girls do the missions while you took refuge in the air conditioning. We enjoyed the missions more in the evening than in the mid day sun. Looking forward to more
Here is a pic DH took on the way there.
While in the CoP, a man got a cell phone call. Anyone reading Momofthreeboys TR would know why this is funny. She had a similar experience. 
We sat upstairs and it was very nice and quiet. I would eat here again simply for the atmosphere. From here the family went to the shooting gallery. I shopped. Then we rode POC for the 3rd time. 
I love the fact that people brought you meat on a skewer every few minutes. Sorry, no pics. We were too busy eating. I didn't think I would ever eat again. 
The atmosphere was great. DD 16 and I got leis (spelling?) Guess what DH bought? A ukelali (Spelling?) Now this might surprise some people. Not me. This is exactly what my DH would buy. Now he is learning to play on-line. 
Too Cute. Did I mention how much he loved this place. I'm hoping that he wants to stay at the Poly next time.
We did some more exploring. We walked to the pool, checked out the beach. I'm in love.
That is a great compliment. It still amazes me that anyone would want to read my TR. Have a great trip. I want to go back NOW!!!
