A Croc For All Seasons - It's done! Epilogue, p. 52

[mlill]

Awww... NO FAIR! The Boma food pics look soooooo good! If there was a drool smiley I'd be putting it in RIGHT HERE. Seriously, sounds like a perfect first day to me! Sorry you didn't make it back to Victoria Falls for a nightcap. That sounds so romantic, doesn't it? We've stayed at AKL twice already, and never got there either. There's always next time... sigh...

 

[DisneyJo]

Why oh why didn’t I valet park and/or use bell services?

Free with DVC

One of the bags, (which may or may not have been V’s, TFI), contained an 8lb dumbbell.

What You mad woman

A little non-alcoholic green apple slush to quench his thirst.
Notice, also, that the life-vest is gone. The boy likes his Nemos.

His arm bands are cute

We all left feeling rather like lions stuffed to the ears with wildebeest and set out to check out the wildlife, without looking at them as potential food.

Great animal shots V

And this terror-inducing reptile:

Beautiful just beautiful!!!

The teacher said she heard the expected “Polar bears”, “penguins” and “seals”. But Leo… Leo busted out with “Caribou”. That’s my kid![/I]

You're teaching him well

 

[tinkgurl]

Oh wow V! Those pics of Boma and other places around AKL are beautiful! We've only adventured there to explore the place but never have stayed there!

Leo looks so cute rockin' those Nemo floaties!

Can't wait to read some more!

 

[sorul82?]

Thanks for the help, everyone. I just got back from my all-twin playgroup, and the mom with the girls who went last year did say they were very slow, but wanted to walk. Another mom went last Sept. (I just hadn't remembered to ask her before) and she rented a double for the twins who were 4 and a single for DS2, and said they only used them about half the time, and she was mad that they'd paid that much in the rentals. I think I'll check out BRU and see about one and sharing, or two with the attachment. I still am not excited about having them at the airports, but I'm also kind of cheap!

Thanks again, V, for letting me hijack!

We took our twins for the first time when they were 6. We did not use or need a stroller.

 

[boysmom5150]

Leo is just as cute in person as in photos!!
The food looked great at Boma. I love food pics!!So glad you enjoyed.
Glad to hear you didnt love the pina colova.....neither did I...I much preferred the mai tais this time around.

Well cant wait for the next installment.I wonder if you met anyone I might know?????

 

[cmp1111]

Are ya tryin' to make me crazy with anticipation with those beautiful photos? Using V's FDM, I am only 10 days away, and that seems like way too long. (We are staying at the AKL...) It looks beautiful, and Leo looks like he was having such a good time with his Nemos.

Thanks for the food reviews, too - we are doing Boma at some point late in our week. I can't wait!!

S'late, thanks for the advice. (I'm reading your TR but haven't commented yet 'cause I'm so far behind... I did not realize til I went over that you had twins, too! - DLMama, same problem on yours. I'll catch up one of these days!) I keep waffling. I just would hate to get there and end up having to rent because they need them, but don't want to buy and carry them if they don't. And, who knows??? I thought I'd quit stressing once I had my ADR's made...

 

[meeskamouska]

Ohhh...I wanna stay at the AKL now!!!

Leo...what a smart little guy!!! Once when we were at Rainforest Cafe the balloon animal man came around to ask Genius Girl what she wanted...she said Golden Macaw!!! He look at me crazy and I said well that's what she wants!!!! It is so funny what kids come up with...Caribou....ha....

Glad that the first day was relaxing and fun filled....can't wait to hear more!!

 

[puggymom]

Day One continued


So we took the bus back and went straight to the car for our overnight bags.

Why oh why didn’t I valet park and/or use bell services?

Seriously it's vacay

I’ll say that again: an 8lb dumbbell.

and

Which might have something to do with the 5 pounds I gained this trip. Ulp.

4.5 here

Next: Meetings, meetings and more meetings!

Can't wait to read about the fascinating peeps you meet on day 2


BTW, love the Leo/Stan pics or what ever you are calling him these days, just too cute.

 

[puggymom]

Well cant wait for the next installment.I wonder if you met anyone I might know?????

Yeah, anyone that a couple Jersey girls might know?

 

[lexmelinda]

Loved the AKL episode, V! Just a few comments...

Drinks without alcohol stink.

Your boy is a genius!

I'm afraid my family will hate Boma even though I think the food looks fab!

I love your choice of lite reading! I always buy that garbage on vacation!

8 lb. barbells? VACATION, girl! Repeat after me....VACATION!

Best floation device in the world is right here. Just pull it on like a pair of pants and GO!

Good to know you are editing the title when you update! I've been searching for a new installment for days. The posting just never lets up over here!

Can't wait to hear more.........

 

[Lauralee131]

Day One continued

Yay! Finally - seems like it's been so long! The natives were starting to grow restless!!

Following our oh-so-yummy lunch, we made to depart the MK and check out our home for the night – Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Wooo Hooooo

That’s right. Only half a day at the MK. No, I’m not necessarily “kindler”, nor yet am I “gentler”

Oh no.... Not you too!

Why oh why didn’t I valet park and/or use bell services?

Because I’m cheap. And.
Ihonestly had no idea how much STUFF we’d have to haul. Across the parking lot. Through the portico. Around the lobby. Up the elevator. And ¾ of the way down Giraffe Trail.

Well, you were only going for one night, right? How much stuff could there have been?

Just how much stuff was there?! I don’t really recall. Maybe I blocked it from my memory. But I do know this. One of the bags, (which may or may not have been V’s, TFI), contained an 8lb dumbbell.

Exqueeze me? Baking powder? Did I hear you right?

I’ll say that again: an 8lb dumbbell.

I thought that's what you said....but....it doesn't make SENSE?

For strength training.

At Disney.

Uh-huh.

I strength-trained that baby all the way into and out of the AKL, into CSR the next day, and never touched it again till we left.

Good....I was starting to worry!! My strength training is lifting those Lapu Lapu's!! The Mactan's didn't go light on those!!

Which might have something to do with the 5 pounds I gained this trip. Ulp.

It's muscle from lugging all that stuff...

Remember Leo, the boy who sinks like a stone? He got one of these:

For to keep him afloat.

Michael has one...LOVES it!

He also got one of these:

A little non-alcoholic green apple slush to quench his thirst.
Notice, also, that the life-vest is gone. The boy likes his Nemos.

Cute!! I should have Michael try something like that...some pools you can't wear a vest...

Gramma and Leo got right in and splashed around while Felicia and I settled down with a frosty Pina Colava and some light reading.

Drink Report 1
Do not, I repeat…. DO NOT bother with this lame-o drink! Or, at least ask for some ALCOHOL if you decide to give it a try. ‘Cause mine had none.

What? Wow - my Jack & Coke just had a splash of coke for color - it was STRONG!

So I had TWO!!

Zero. Zip. Nada. Despite the description, which included the word “rum”. And V’s vacation doesn’t really start till I’ve had that first adult beverage.

I'd have been too!

Guess what DLM? It looks the same in person. Yeah, I knew it was some of Orlando’s best, loaded down with additional chemicals to keep us all squeaky-clean. But I felt like a hippo might rise up out of the murky depths at any moment. The large guy in a Speedo next to us may have added to the ambience.

Ok, ewwwwww....it was all light up inside or something at night when we were there so I guess I didn't notice...I'll have to look again...But not for the guy in the Speedo!!

All told, it was a fun pool. Leo did take a turn on the slide. Just once. That was enough for him. And. So did I. Just once. Too slow for moi.

Shows you how much attention I paid...I don't remember seeing a slide!

Sidenote: A long time ago, I was a Deadhead. The real deal; I spent a summer of college following the Grateful Dead around the country on their summer tour. It was during that summer that I became addicted to falafels. See, Deadheads got to the parking lot of a show early in the morning and hung out there all day till the concert started. People had to eat, right? And a lucrative little food-on-the-go industry popped up in each parking lot. Now, there aren’t too many things you can make that fit the criteria of fast & easy preparation; vegetarian; non-perishable ingredients; and cheap. Falafels fit the bill on all accounts! Just add water to the mix, shape the paste into little balls, fry ‘em up on a camp stove, and load ‘em into a pita with lettuce and tomato. And. They’re mighty tasty. Not just in a parking lot, either, TFI. After my first try of the wonder and beauty that is a falafel, I was forever hooked. I’m guessing I ate about 40 pounds’ worth that summer. Give or take an ounce.

I tried one for the first time last week...it was yummy.

Although I can imagine it'd taste better with a drink to wash it down!

Funny, looking at the pics, it doesn’t seem like that much food. But I was approaching full and wanted to save room for everyone’s favorite….

Bread Pudding!!!

What???????????????????????????????

What – were you expecting smething else?

Oh, all right, and ZEBRA DOMES, too. Not my fave, but a very close second.

Ah ha...you got me..

I also took some time – as I’d promised myself – to take some quality resort shots:

Nice!

And Leo settled in for a nice chat with one of the CM animal experts. I’m proud to say he wowed the nice lady with his knowledge of African fauna!

He looks like he'd be a darn good Park Ranger! No doubt quoting Wikopedia too!!

Sidenote: When Leo started Pre-K last fall, they were studying about the Arctic. During circle-time, the kids were asked to name Arctic animals. The teacher said she heard the expected “Polar bears”, “penguins” and “seals”. But Leo… Leo busted out with “Caribou”. That’s my kid!

Can't wait till they study Guinea Pigs!! He could tell them they're neither Italian nor Pork!!!

 

[Lauralee131]

Not my fave, either... highly overrated, IMO. I ate like 30 of those things and couldn't catch a buzz!

So...it's not just me that does that then?

 

[scrap4u]

Hi V! So glad you started your TR. So sorry I'm late to the party. We were just at AKL last month to celebrate my birthday and had my birthday dinner at Boma. Yummy!

You should try the breakfast buffet there too. Very yummy!

Love your pictures. They look terrific! Especially the ones of cutie patootie Leo!

Can't wait for more of your report!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

So...it's not just me that does that then?

Who loves ya baybeh????

 

[kona-kraft]

That’s right. Only half a day at the MK. No, I’m not necessarily “kindler”, nor yet am I “gentler” – I just have a keen interest in keeping the peace. And half a day at MK, followed by half a day swimming and looking at animals, keeps Leo and Gramma happy, thereby making V happy. See how nicely that works out?

Yeah, I have those moments in my family too.....he's called GRUMPY (aka Dad)

Why oh why didn’t I valet park and/or use bell services?

Because I’m cheap.

Nah, its just that you have that SHOE budget to worry about

Pool Report 1
A while back, Disneyland_Mama and I had a discussion about the AKL pool. Her husband was nervous about the look of the water and I totally understood where he was coming from.

Guess what DLM? It looks the same in person. Yeah, I knew it was some of Orlando’s best, loaded down with additional chemicals to keep us all squeaky-clean. But I felt like a hippo might rise up out of the murky depths at any moment. The large guy in a Speedo next to us may have added to the ambience.

That pool sounds scary.....you earned a DIS merit badge for braving THAT, my friend !!!

I also took some time – as I’d promised myself – to take some quality resort shots:

Gotta love those "professional" camera results.....we GOTTA get us one of those nifTy contraptions....

Sidenote: When Leo started Pre-K last fall, they were studying about the Arctic. During circle-time, the kids were asked to name Arctic animals. The teacher said she heard the expected “Polar bears”, “penguins” and “seals”. But Leo… Leo busted out with “Caribou”. That’s my kid!

Leo is a GENIUS.....really....I am NOT kidding. Confession is, I was probably in Jr. High before I new the difference between a deer and a Caribou. I guess that means I'm NOT smarter than a 5th grader.....or in Leo's case, a Pre-K'er

 

[sorul82?]

Day One continued

No, I’m not necessarily “kindler”, nor yet am I “gentler”

Are you trying to convince us, or yourself?

Why oh why didn’t I valet park and/or use bell services?

It's a control issue.

I honestly had no idea how much STUFF we’d have to haul.

Yep, we have the same problem.

Across the parking lot. Through the portico. Around the lobby. Up the elevator. And ¾ of the way down Giraffe Trail.

What is it with Disney and those long hallways? They need to install moving sidewalks.

One of the bags, (which may or may not have been V’s, TFI), contained an 8lb dumbbell.

I’ll say that again: an 8lb dumbbell.

For strength training.

At Disney.

Uh-huh..

Yes, about that..... why was this not in your pre-trippie? Of all the times you needed us the most, this has got to be at the top of the list. What were you thinking, woman?

And V’s vacation doesn’t really start till I’ve had that first adult beverage.

Please add a flask to your packing list.

The large guy in a Speedo next to us may have added to the ambience.

See comment above.



Leo is so cute and smart; just like his mama!!

 

[princessjv]

I'm too lazy to do the quotie thingy...

Ohh...drinks with no love in them? Send it back, baby! Tell them to give you double love for the time.

Your lil'l man is a cutie patootie, if I haven't told you before! Watch out mama...give him 10 and your in trouble! Big trouble!

My idea of a good time...hangin by the pool, with a grand drink and a smut-gossie mag! YA!

I MUST STAY AT THE AKL! Now 2 Tripies with great pictures of this place! Wow! Did you want to leave?

What were you thinking? dumb bell!?! Great ambition!

 

[PrincessV]

Great first day, V! Glad Boma was everything you had come to expect it would be! YUM-O as Rachael Ray would say! The food looks delish!

It was, it really was!

Too bad about the pina colava. It looks really good. I hate it when I get fufu drinks and they don't have any alcohol. I get tipsy on 1 drink so I can tell when the alcohol is missing.

Exactly – if I’m tired and have been in the sun, I feel it right away. And I got nuthin.

Wow...AKL looks sooo bee-u-tiful!
Little Leo is just a doll with his Nemo swimmies!

Aww, thanks! And AKL really is gorgeous!

I did my time as a Dead fan, too. I'm not sure how one goes from the punk scene to a stint with the Dead, but I'm guity, too. It sounds like our musical history is very similar.

Seriously – have we been living parallel lives?! That’s too funny… and all the more reason why we MUST get you back to WDW so we can meet!

The AKL looks beautiful. I can't wait to eat at Boma and explore the AKL in Sept.
I am glad that you have included the food reviews in your TR. Thank you for sharing.

My pleasure!

Thank God you haven't caught "it"!

Ah, but who’s to say I didn’t start “it”???

Hope you didn't lose your lunch!!!

Nope, just a little Pina Colava.

Water looks good. You can see Leo's feet, which is one of the things we wondered about the water.

Yeah, its weird – the water itself is clear, but the whole thing just has this murky look. Disney magic, I guess.

Note to self: Order a Safaritini or an Afripolitan.

You will not be disappointed!

It had to be the butternut squash soup! We still talk about that yummy soup and fear the day we go back to Boma and its a different cycle of food and we don't get it again! LOL! It was almost liek dessert it was so yummy...ok i'll stop salivating now!!!!! I def plan to give Boma another try tho! How was staying at AKL? I think we are going to try and spend 2 nights at the end of our trip there...but thats a trip to plan at a later date. Anywho...great installment.

Yep, I think Butternut Squash, too. And AKL is great! There’s so much to see and do without leaving, it’s like a mini vacation within your vacation!

I loved the pics of your 'tini...I mean food...keep it comin'!

Hee hee – do you have Tini envy?!

Seriously, sounds like a perfect first day to me!

It really was! Almost like we were being set up…

Free with DVC

Why, yes it is!! And. Guess who FINALLY made her first DVC ressie? Woo hooty!

Leo looks so cute rockin' those Nemo floaties!

Aren’t they a riot?! He’ll never learn to swim at this rate – won’t take those things off.

Leo is just as cute in person as in photos!!

Thank you!

Well cant wait for the next installment.I wonder if you met anyone I might know?????

Are ya tryin' to make me crazy with anticipation with those beautiful photos? Using V's FDM, I am only 10 days away, and that seems like way too long. (We are staying at the AKL...)…
Thanks for the food reviews, too - we are doing Boma at some point late in our week. I can't wait!!

Nope, just adding to the anticipation! You’ll love it!

Once when we were at Rainforest Cafe the balloon animal man came around to ask Genius Girl what she wanted...she said Golden Macaw!!!

I love it!

Can't wait to read about the fascinating peeps you meet on day 2

And who could that possibly be????

Drinks without alcohol stink.

Right on!

8 lb. barbells? VACATION, girl! Repeat after me....VACATION!

I know, but it seemed like such a good idea at home!

 

[PrincessV]

Good....I was starting to worry!! My strength training is lifting those Lapu Lapu's!! The Mactan's didn't go light on those!!

Oh, don’t worry – there’ll be some Lapu Lifts in my future!

It's muscle from lugging all that stuff...

OH, I like that theory!

He looks like he'd be a darn good Park Ranger!

Like that buttoned-all-the-way-up shirt?! His choice, not mine.

Love your pictures. They look terrific! Especially the ones of cutie patootie Leo!
Can't wait for more of your report!

Thanks so much!

Nah, its just that you have that SHOE budget to worry about

Okay, you’ve got me there

It's a control issue.

You are so right! I like knowing exactly where my things are and that I can access them without having to wait at any moment.

Yes, about that..... why was this not in your pre-trippie? Of all the times you needed us the most, this has got to be at the top of the list. What were you thinking, woman?

I'm ashamed.

Please add a flask to your packing list.

Now you're talkin'! And. I could use it as a free weight, right?!

Your lil'l man is a cutie patootie, if I haven't told you before! Watch out mama...give him 10 and your in trouble! Big trouble!

Bite your tongue!

 

[Lauralee131]

Quote:
Originally Posted by sorul82?
Please add a flask to your packing list.

Now you're talkin'! And. I could use it as a free weight, right?!

Hmmm...I'd bring a fifth...why bother with the flask? Ahem, but that's just me....

Ahhhh...remind me to tell you about the many uses of 35mm film containers by the way...