AKL 20th Anniversary Trip, Very GAY, NOW COMPLETE!!!

[wallyb]

No, remember we met up with them earlier in the week for dinner at Jiko and fun times at the AC because they had to fly out Wed for Joe to get back in time for the beginning of the school year.

Oh yeah ...that's right ... I forgot.
Must have been memory lapse from all the booze.

 

[M4travels]

....Still, you are going to have join us in Mexico one of these days? Any plans to join us the week after Thanksgiving next year?

Any time in Mexico is a GREAT time in Mexico... just back from one of our favorite Mexican spots out here in So. Cal. and a margarita (or was it 2???). Thanksgiving next year, huh??? I'm hearing the faint hello of Laphroaig.....
Time to start the subtle hints so that Marc will fall into line.....

Michael

 

[Viki]

DAY EIGHT

FRIDAY
“THE MOON LIGHTENS WELL BUT LEAVES CERTAIN AREAS IN THE DARK” AFRICAN PROVERB


My DS, BIL, and DNiece are widely traveled; in fact my DS travels the world as an interior designer/architect (as a further aside, let me boast a bit more: she was the intellect who designed DD’s Candy Cauldron, scary witch and all!), but there is one small area in which they have failed to fully immerse their wonderful daughter, a teeny weenie oversight, if all the more puzzling because the arena of neglect is none other than WDW, which, as denizens of Orlando, sits in their very own backyard!

Ah, well, that’s what clever aunties and willing grandparents are for. By now the extended family is pretty hip to the fact that we northern birds travel down at least once a year, so we always have, at the very least, a standing date for dinner the Friday evening of the week we’re in town. This trip was no different, except that DM and DD, who live up and down the east coast, additionally agreed to not only be in town, but to scoop up DN and join us for a festive day at MK.

Having totally stressed out my mother the night before – “we must,” I said, “meet at the rope drop at exactly 9 AM, and not one second later, so that we are best positioned to storm Fantasyland and therefore avoid the 30-45 minute waits for all things Pooh, Small Ones, and Peter,” only to have DM inform that they couldn’t because of several stops they had to make along the way – to the extent that the dear woman couldn’t sleep (someone should smack me!) – we waited anxiously at Exposition Hall, dreading a late arrival that I just knew would guarantee length of lines that I could not stand (yes, think PTSD, from years of touring flocks of family and friends through 100 temps and 2-hour lines when I lived in FLA as a teen)!!!

As a mild distraction from my mounting anxiety, I did notice that Guest Relations – in order, I think, to assist hapless “free” DDP folk searching for a lunch option – had posted available dining times at various restaurants and what was open but one of my favorites, the Crystal Palace! Wow, I thought, that would be a sweet treat for the DN, and went off to secure an ADR.

Back on the stoop of Exposition Hall (one of our favorite haunts this trip) we were suddenly surprised when who should we spy but DM and DN at barely 9:30 AM, and who should be securing up behind both, as DP was snapping this photo:

but Chip (or was it Dale?), and suddenly I wasn’t so sure the ADR at CP was the brightest idea I ever had because DN, spying the wooly wonder, exploded into frantic, panicked screams. “Oh, Jeez,” I thought as we all rushed into protective action – including the poor chipmunk who ducked and ran for cover – “she’s one of them!”

Apparently, she is one of “them” DM explained later. She’s so one of them that she’s been known to wake up and scream in the middle of the night at the mere sight of her own right-sized stuffed animals.

“OK,” we all thought, “this could be fun!” Because, you know, this is WDW and there are more than a few CHARACTERS, which some of the children even like!”

Ah, well, we thought, this is the first trip to MK and it may be a brief one, but let’s make the best of it, so off we trooped to Fantasyland, filled with a few dreads, only to find that one, there were NO LINES in Fantasyland and two, DN might be a bit squeamish about WDW’s characters, but she is good to go on the rides!

In fact, in fast order, in no time at all, we had knocked off It’s a Small World, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh and the Tea Cups and by the time we exited WTP, DN had a new mantra: “need more rides.” Oh, my, music to our ears!

Soon enough we made our way over to ToonTown, where we enjoyed Minnie’s house and the Train. DN did balk at the roller coaster, but, hey, you gotta leave something for when she turns four!

In a flash, a new Disney addict was born, and our morning at MK was winding down, but we still had lunch at CP in front of us and I was counting on a little Disney magic to help us enjoy the experience, even in the face of the small character phobia.

Thank goodness, we were not disappointed. Upon being seated we identified the closest CM who was obviously responsible for “character management,” shared our concern, and asked for her assistance. Let me tell you, she was a trooper!!! She warned every incoming character way in advance and smoothed over every single close call. She was so unbelievably thoughtful that I am only ashamed we didn’t think to tip her. We thanked her profusely, but in retrospect that hardly seems to match her extraordinary efforts. What a magical, magical morning, filled with memories we have created and will carry forever!

(As a small aside: the food was as awesome as we had enjoyed at dinner the December before and DD described it as the best buffet he ever enjoyed!)

 

[tiggrbaby]

What a cutie your niece is! And those family photos are just beautiful, too. I am impressed with your photography. I hope I can do half as well on my upcoming AKL trip.

Even though my boys are big and really don't like the characters anymore, they always want to go to the CP for breakfast.

 

[Viki]

What a cutie your niece is! And those family photos are just beautiful, too. I am impressed with your photography. I hope I can do half as well on my upcoming AKL trip.

Even though my boys are big and really don't like the characters anymore, they always want to go to the CP for breakfast.

Thank you! The photos are a result of many cameras (see TR!!!) and both DP and I doing our best. Frankly, she's more gifted than I am, but I like to take more shots, so it evens out - I guess.

My niece is gorgeous - and so fun. It will be a delight to watch her grow, even if from a distance, with as many trips to Orlando as we can manage.

CP is a new love for us - we've been twice so far, dinner in December and lunch this last trip - we're generally not big on buffets (except Boma, which we love, but we love all things AKL), but as my Dad said, this one is REALLY good.

 

[disneytraveler]

Now thats what i call Disney Magic!

 

[lillygator]

great report and great photos....


what I want to know, did you actually find a comy chair at Victoria Falls? I mean they are all comfortable after a few but before???

 

[Redbudlover]

Great pictures! Your neice is lovely! Waiting to hear more...

 

[UtahMama]

VIKI!!!! Sorry I'm late, my "sophisticated" friend!!

You have such a way with words! I am really loving this!!!!!!!!

You are just a little ray of Sunshine, that's all! I love this TR even more than your last one! Last time I said I'd look like such a dork at your table with my diet coke in a hollowed out large piece of fruit with an umbrella...but I would LOVE the conversation!!!

You ROCK!


UtahMama

 

[Viki]

VIKI!!!! Sorry I'm late, my "sophisticated" friend!!

You have such a way with words! I am really loving this!!!!!!!!

You are just a little ray of Sunshine, that's all! I love this TR even more than your last one! Last time I said I'd look like such a dork at your table with my diet coke in a hollowed out large piece of fruit with an umbrella...but I would LOVE the conversation!!!

You ROCK!


UtahMama

Hey, friend, you can park your pepsi next to my midtown manhattan any ole time!!!

Great to see you - I was wondering where you might be!

 

[Viki]

great report and great photos....


what I want to know, did you actually find a comy chair at Victoria Falls? I mean they are all comfortable after a few but before???

LOL!!!

But, really, the very first thing I did that first night, upon entering VF, was to go around and, like goldilocks, sit in all the chairs and sofas to find out which was going to feel most like "home."

My result: not the chairs and tables along the rail, with the best view of Boma, but the sofas and chairs tucked on the inside, closer to the bar!

 

[Viki]

Great pictures! Your neice is lovely! Waiting to hear more...

Thank you!

I'm certainly going to finish off day eight later today and our last day (day nine) by tomorrow.

 

[mousiemom]

I enjoyed your report. Ya'll had a great trip and the food looked sooooo good!!! I would love to meet some fellow dissers on my trip. I will be on the look out for the lime green! My dh and I are very fond also of our cocktails. He is a huge martini fan and I'm the one that likes all the pretty drinks. We make litttle drinks in our mugs and have a big time on RNR and TOT!!! Shhhhh, don't tell. AKL was so pretty. I've never stayed there but we try on our next trips in 2007. Have ya'll done the legacy? We did it and I love going back to look every yr.
Have a magical day!
Pam

 

[Viki]

I enjoyed your report. Ya'll had a great trip and the food looked sooooo good!!! I would love to meet some fellow dissers on my trip. I will be on the look out for the lime green! My dh and I are very fond also of our cocktails. He is a huge martini fan and I'm the one that likes all the pretty drinks. We make litttle drinks in our mugs and have a big time on RNR and TOT!!! Shhhhh, don't tell. AKL was so pretty. I've never stayed there but we try on our next trips in 2007. Have ya'll done the legacy? We did it and I love going back to look every yr.
Have a magical day!
Pam

No, haven't done Legacy, but, as you've noticed, we love doing drinks!

And the TR isn't done yet - still have to wrap up day eight and then quickly summarize day nine - more animals, food, and fun drinks to come!

Thank you for reading and responding! You should us on our post-Thanksgiving Trip next year! Big doings going on!

 

[wallyb]

Yeah Viki!

Day 8 is the best so far.
Great job on your whole trip report.

 

[John's Mom]

Thank you!

I'm certainly going to finish off day eight later today and our last day (day nine) by tomorrow.

Well, what's keeping you? We're patiently waiting.

 

[Viki]

Well, what's keeping you? We're patiently waiting.

LOL!!! Yes, you're on to me. Sorry.

Friday evening a tooth I recently had capped went ballistic and I had to have in extracted, a complicated procedure that took over 90 minutes.

So, no sleep to speak of, the pain meds make me sick, and I couldn't even work today so I am taking it way easy.

But, I promise, I shall return!!!

Sigh ... and at least the Phillies are finally out of it - no more nail biting on that one!

 

[UtahMama]

Viki!!!!

Your poor tooth! Sounds painful!

Hope your feeling better!

Get a different Rx....that's the best part (if you look at it my way!)

A drugged TR installment just may be INTERESTING!

"see" ya later!!!!

 

[Viki]

Viki!!!!

Your poor tooth! Sounds painful!

Hope your feeling better!

Get a different Rx....that's the best part (if you look at it my way!)

A drugged TR installment just may be INTERESTING!

"see" ya later!!!!

Sorry, friend, as gifted as I am at enjoying a cocktail now and then , I am equally bad at drugs, so this latest installment isn't nearly as fun as it might be!!!

DAY 8 CONTINUED

Just as we exited our wonderful meal at CP, the heavens opened and we, with hundreds of others, called it a day, making our way back to the MK gates and eventually all the way to AKL.

Neither DPs nor DN had visited the lodge so we took a brief tour, with all the accompanying and well-deserved “oohs and ahhhs.”

While large, overstuffed animals had not been a big hit that day, we had also promised DN “REAL” animals, right from our balcony, and we were about to deliver on that promise. As we entered our room, she ran right through the room and, sure enough, she spied the animals,

after which her new mantra was, “more animals!” More rides! More animals! I like this kid! More is never enough! A Mae West truism, which DN went on to prove because while DP and DM did their best to lay down with her, attempting to encourage a nice little nap after an energetic morning and before that evening’s festivities, the only person who snoozed was DP (there was a missed shot!)

Soon enough we were all cleaned up and rested so we made our way down to the ground floor and met up with DN’s parents, my DS and DBIL, both of whom had been so gracious to lend their terrific daughter to us so that we could treat her to her very first visit to the MK (we learned that night that DN has visited the AK a couple times, when much younger.)

I’m losing track, but I’m pretty sure this was our 3rd dining experience that week at Jiko and none of us were disappointed. As I mentioned previously, my family has a delightful tradition of gathering for a fine meal at WDW on each of our weeklong annual visits. So far, we have conquered: Wolfgang Puck’s, Spoodles, ‘Ohana, Flying Fish, Cape May Café, and now Jiko (we have also visited a Mexican restaurant right off property – very, very good and 10 years ago DS and DBIL invited DP’s entire family to their home dinner, after I presided at the wedding of DP’s sister and husband and ten of us, spanning four generations, hopped a plane and went to WDW for the honeymoon!)

Once again, we all enjoyed a really fine meal and wonderful family times. An added treat was that DS and DBIL, being architects and interior designers, both very much admired the look of Jiko, which they agreed does resemble an Africanized version of Flying Fish (a beautiful restaurant to which they first introduces us), an observation I had made earlier in the week! Thank you!!!

After dinner, we retired back to the room and in the glow of all things Disney, warm family feelings, and a few bottles of wine (not to mention my Dad’s new favorite drink: the notorious MidTown Manhattan!!!), we decided that some day, when DN is of age, we should all go on a real Safari! Friends, let me tell you that would be one TR that would be too fun to post!!!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I spent the morning catching up on you TR.

Your pictures amaze me, as always.

Love the photo of family dinner! What a wonderful family! Your DN is a cutie pie!

Looking foward to more!