TeresaNJ
Magic Begins With Me
- Joined
- Sep 13, 1999
- Messages
- 5,784
Cast of Characters:
Teresa, 44, DW and mother, long-time loyal Disney fan.
Harry, 29, Teresa's DH.
Mike, 20, Teresa's DS.
Dan, 21, family friend.
After a blissful few hours of sleep and Mickey calling to tell us "Up and at em", I jumped out of bed and ran to the balcony to check out the scenery. It was a beautiful morning. The sun was just rising and the Ankole cattle and zebra were quietly grazing the savannah. I really, really just wanted to sit on my balcony and watch the sun come up, but I knew I had to get ready, as we wanted to get to AK by 7:30am to see the Animal Ceremony I had read so much about. I called Mike and Dan's room to make sure they were awake, and after about ten rings Mike groggily answers the phone. I tell him we are leaving for the bus by 7:10, so make sure they are ready or we're leaving without them. Harry sweetly took our refillable mugs and took a jaunt down to Mara's to get us some coffee while I jumped in the shower. I have to tell you, if you have a schedule to keep, staying at this resort and being on time for things is a very hard thing to do if you're not disciplined to stay focused. The lure of watching the animals, and just being caught up in the exoticness (is this a word?
) of this resort can play havoc with your well thought-out itinerary. As I emerged from the bathroom, with a towel wrapped around me, I noticed there were people out on the savannah. I had pulled the gauze curtain as there are notices stating that cameras are constantly roaming the premises, so please pull your curtain if you don't want to star in the AKL version of "Flash Mountain", but I wanted to see what was going on, so I stood behind the curtain and peeked. Apparently breakfast was being served!
Harry arrived with our coffe, and while I beautified myself, he ironed my clothes for me. I love the fact that an iron and ironing board is provided. I remember the days when I spent a whole day and night ironing everyone's clothes before we left for vacation, only to have them wrinkle in the suitcase. Anyway, back on track. After finishing getting dressed I was back on the balcony watching the animals gather for their treats. Apparently, whatever types of leaves it is that the giraffes eat are provided and stuck in some kind of holder on the trees so that everyone gets their fill. I don't know if they do this to provide the trees with more time to grow, or just to get the animals out in the viewing areas. The only thing I didn't like about our room location is that we were right next to a public viewing area, so when we were on our balcony, you could see people standing out on the public balcony and also hear everything they were saying. It was sort of weird. I felt like I always had an audience. I finally pulled myself away as it was about 6:45. I called the boys again and told them to meet us in the lobby at 7:00. They still sounded like they were half asleep
There was no way I was going to miss the "waking up the animals" ceremony at AK, so I again reminded the boys that we would leave without them if they weren't ready 
Down in the lobby, Harry and I strolled out to Arusha Rock while waiting for the boys. The animals there were also being fed, and this savannah had lots of different kinds of wildlife such as pelicans, storks, flamingo, and crowned crane. There were also giraffe and I think gazelle in this area also, but I didn't see any of the cattle here. The Arusha Rock area is really cool, as even if you aren't staying at this resort, you can still see a ton of animals as you stroll the bamboo-fenced paths. Uh-oh, it's 7:05, time to go. Back in the lobby we finally spot the boys. Surprisingly, they look somewhat awake, and very nicely groomed, I might add. The smells coming from Boma's was making our stomachs growl. We thought we might try the Rainforest Cafe at AK for breakfast, as I heard they make Tonga Toast, which I've been dying to have again since the last time I stayed at the Poly, which was about 11 years ago. I was so looking forward to it until I read the RFC version is not the same at the Kona Cafe version. After reading that, I had mixed feelings about it. That's about the only thing that's bad about discussion boards. It's so easy to change your mind about something you've been looking forward to if you read something negative about it. I really try not to let other people's opinions affect me, but isn't that what we're all here for?
We arrived at the AKL bus stop at 7:10 and the bus arrived at 7:15, after a MK and Epcot bus. How's that for timing! We arrived at AK at approximately 7:25, and were the first in line at 7:30. I wasn't sure how this awakening thing worked, but I did read you have to get in line, so that is what we did. After a few minutes lots of other folks starting pouring in the area. Every turnstile area had a line of people with some castmembers roaming about. After about 15 minutes I could see the boys were getting restless just standing in line. Oh well, too bad, I really wanted to see this. I kept thinking to myself though, "When in the heck is this thing going to start". Then I thought, maybe there really isn't any such a thing as an animal awakening. After all, you don't see anything official about it anywhere in the AK literature. At about 7:45, they started letting people in who had PS ressies at Donald's Breakfast. Finally at 8am, after almost giving up hope, we hear music playing and out come Safari Minnie and Mickey, Rafiki, Pluto, Goofy, Balooh, Terk and several other characters. For the life of me I can't remember what song they were playing, but I'm pretty sure it was from the "Lion King". At each turnstile a cast member was standing holding a glass enclosed box with some type of little creature in it. Our cast member's box had several huge bugs in it that looked like roaches. I cringe now as I sit here writing about it. She didn't seem too thrilled with her little friends either when my DH asked her about them. I didn't hang around to find out more about them, thanks anyway
The boys didn't seem too impressed with the "Awakening Ceremony", but I thought it was cute. Cute enough to get up early enough to see it again? Not unless I was bringing some little tykes with me, as after the gates were opened, you were able to get in line to get autographs if you so chose. I have to say I'm happy my kids are past that stage, as you waste so much time standing in lines for autographs. Then again, if you're going to Disney with children, or even adults who love character autographs, you have to accomodate everyone. That's the great thing about WDW, every trip you take is different from the last, depending on who is in your party, or the ages in your party.
Usually I spend lots of time in the Oasis at AK, but having been there several times, I decided today to head for the Safari, as I have never ridden it first thing in the morning, and I wanted to see if it was true about more animals being out then. It's true. Although I've always seen plenty of animals whenever I've been on the safari, and I've gone at all times of the day, this is the first time I've ever seen the lion awake. He and his missus both were lounging on their rocks, surveying their surroundings, heads held majestically high. It was truly amazing. We saw elephant at their watering hole, and I got a really great picture of an elephant's shadow reflected in the water. You can barely see the elephant in the picture, but the light shining on the water illuminated his shadow. I also got some nice close-up shots of the lion and lioness. After the safari we took the Pagani Forest Exploration Trail path, and had fun watching the meerkats and the gorilla family. I think one of the gorillas was pregnant. That or she's been eating way too many treats
This was the most active we've ever seen the gorilla family also. The little ones were adorable climbing up trees and playing with each other, just like human kids do! At that point I was getting hungry, so we went to Tusker House to grab a bite to eat. I didn't want to be too piggy this morning, as we were doing the Fantasmic Dinner Package tonight at Hollywood & Vine. Knowing it was a buffet, I wanted to pace myself. I had lost 13 pounds prior to this trip and didn't want to come back weighing 15 more. Harry and I split a bacon and egg biscuit, cinnamon roll (delicious) and orange juice. We took our breakfast outside and sat at the Dawa Bar patio. It was a lovely morning. The boys strolled over to the smoking area near the bar to have a cigarette. I wish they would quit!! Both of them quit smoking for several months last year, but then started again. Neither one wanted breakfast as they said their stomachs' felt a little queasy. Could it have been a little too much beer and fried chicken strips before bed, perhaps? Of course I didn't say it, but I did think it. After immensely enjoying our breakfast, we decided to do Dinosaur and then ITTBAB. There was no line for Dinosaur, and we also walked right on ITTBAB. For the first time we sat in the middle, pretty close to the front, and the effects seemed much more intense here, such as when you get sprayed by the stink bomb, and squirted with the bug spray. Harry and the boys thought so too. So, word of advice, adjust your seating accordingly if you can. We always enjoy the area surrounding the Tree of Life. It is just so amazing to imagine how the animal figures were carved into the tree. Words just cannot describe it. To those of you who do not like this park, I just can't understand it. To me AK is what Walt Disney was all about. You are truly transported to another land and time. I think it is a very magical park if you just give yourself time to enjoy it and appreciate the scenery and foliage. Everyone says how hot and crowded it is, and yes, that is true, but if you spend some time relaxing and taking breaks and don't rush, it can be a wonderful experience.
In all the times I've been to this park, I've never seen the show "Tarzan Rocks". When AK first opened, the "Jungle Book" was there, which I did see, but then the next year we never seemed to be at the right place at the right time, and then last year Rosie's show took over the theater. So this year I was determined to see it. At about that time, Mike comes up to me and tells me he is going back to the room. "But you're gonna miss the show", I say. Mike says he's really tired, plus he has to go to the bathroom. I'm assuming he didn't mean "number one". You've gotta know Mike to appreciate this. This is the kid who actually would cut school and drive home because he had to go to the bathroom and wouldn't use the school facilities. I don't know if he has a phobia or is just embarrassed, but he was adamant he wasn't going there. Fine, I say. Fortunately for him our resort was only a 5-10 minute bus ride away, assuming a bus was waiting. I was disappointed but didn't show it. I told him that we would call him when we got back to the lodge and let him know what time to be ready to go to MGM. Dan decided to go back with Mike also. So now Harry and I were on our own.
I had been teasing Harry constantly about seeing the Tarzan show, because he always teases me about wanting to eat in Moracco so he can see the belly dancers, and how he wants to get his picture taken with Jasmine or Pocahontas. Well, when Tarzan finally appeared you should have seen the big grin on Harry's face! I was so disappointed!! Tarzan did not look like a Tarzan at all. I almost had more muscles than he did
Harry was in heaven. He didn't stop teasing me for the rest of the day. The show was okay, it was more of a musical than anything, with a trio of two girls and a guy, and a live band singing and playing songs from the movie. Not what I expected. Tarzan had a very minor roll in the production, not that we missed anything! The rollerskating monkeys were fun to watch though.
After the Tarzan show we strolled around for awhile and did a little shopping at the outside pin carts. I bought a "Minnie nurse" pin, a "4park dangle" pin, and an "Animal Kingdom" and "Epcot" pins. I'm not huge pin collector, in fact I just recently started, and only buy pins that I really like or mean something to me.
We decided to see "Flights of Wonder", the exotic bird show in Asia, and it was enjoyable as always. I think kids would really enjoy this show, especially between the ages of 4 and 10. I had read several times about there being a "secret path" in AK, but Harry and I have never been able to find it. We look and look, and think we have stumbled upon it, but never do. So while strolling around Asia and looking for a place to sit and eat our Mickey bars, Harry points out a spot that looks secluded with benches. I see a smoking sign there, and say, "duh, that's a smoking area". He insists that we explore it though, and lo and behold, if you walk a little further, you come upon a stone path that crosses a little stream and comes out the other side. At first I thought we were gonna get yelled at for being somewhere we didn't belong, but then I realized it really was a hidden path. You are very secluded, and it could be quite a romantic spot for a few kisses (nothing more than that though, it's not that secluded!! )
It's now about 12:45 and we decide to head back to the lodge to hit the pool. Stay tuned for part 2. Gotta go pick my daughter up from her dad's. Bye for now.
If you missed the beginning, go here...
Day Two, Part Two, "Fantasmic and MGM"
Teresa, 44, DW and mother, long-time loyal Disney fan.
Harry, 29, Teresa's DH.
Mike, 20, Teresa's DS.
Dan, 21, family friend.
After a blissful few hours of sleep and Mickey calling to tell us "Up and at em", I jumped out of bed and ran to the balcony to check out the scenery. It was a beautiful morning. The sun was just rising and the Ankole cattle and zebra were quietly grazing the savannah. I really, really just wanted to sit on my balcony and watch the sun come up, but I knew I had to get ready, as we wanted to get to AK by 7:30am to see the Animal Ceremony I had read so much about. I called Mike and Dan's room to make sure they were awake, and after about ten rings Mike groggily answers the phone. I tell him we are leaving for the bus by 7:10, so make sure they are ready or we're leaving without them. Harry sweetly took our refillable mugs and took a jaunt down to Mara's to get us some coffee while I jumped in the shower. I have to tell you, if you have a schedule to keep, staying at this resort and being on time for things is a very hard thing to do if you're not disciplined to stay focused. The lure of watching the animals, and just being caught up in the exoticness (is this a word?
) of this resort can play havoc with your well thought-out itinerary. As I emerged from the bathroom, with a towel wrapped around me, I noticed there were people out on the savannah. I had pulled the gauze curtain as there are notices stating that cameras are constantly roaming the premises, so please pull your curtain if you don't want to star in the AKL version of "Flash Mountain", but I wanted to see what was going on, so I stood behind the curtain and peeked. Apparently breakfast was being served! Harry arrived with our coffe, and while I beautified myself, he ironed my clothes for me. I love the fact that an iron and ironing board is provided. I remember the days when I spent a whole day and night ironing everyone's clothes before we left for vacation, only to have them wrinkle in the suitcase. Anyway, back on track. After finishing getting dressed I was back on the balcony watching the animals gather for their treats. Apparently, whatever types of leaves it is that the giraffes eat are provided and stuck in some kind of holder on the trees so that everyone gets their fill. I don't know if they do this to provide the trees with more time to grow, or just to get the animals out in the viewing areas. The only thing I didn't like about our room location is that we were right next to a public viewing area, so when we were on our balcony, you could see people standing out on the public balcony and also hear everything they were saying. It was sort of weird. I felt like I always had an audience. I finally pulled myself away as it was about 6:45. I called the boys again and told them to meet us in the lobby at 7:00. They still sounded like they were half asleep There was no way I was going to miss the "waking up the animals" ceremony at AK, so I again reminded the boys that we would leave without them if they weren't ready Down in the lobby, Harry and I strolled out to Arusha Rock while waiting for the boys. The animals there were also being fed, and this savannah had lots of different kinds of wildlife such as pelicans, storks, flamingo, and crowned crane. There were also giraffe and I think gazelle in this area also, but I didn't see any of the cattle here. The Arusha Rock area is really cool, as even if you aren't staying at this resort, you can still see a ton of animals as you stroll the bamboo-fenced paths. Uh-oh, it's 7:05, time to go. Back in the lobby we finally spot the boys. Surprisingly, they look somewhat awake, and very nicely groomed, I might add. The smells coming from Boma's was making our stomachs growl. We thought we might try the Rainforest Cafe at AK for breakfast, as I heard they make Tonga Toast, which I've been dying to have again since the last time I stayed at the Poly, which was about 11 years ago. I was so looking forward to it until I read the RFC version is not the same at the Kona Cafe version. After reading that, I had mixed feelings about it. That's about the only thing that's bad about discussion boards. It's so easy to change your mind about something you've been looking forward to if you read something negative about it. I really try not to let other people's opinions affect me, but isn't that what we're all here for?
We arrived at the AKL bus stop at 7:10 and the bus arrived at 7:15, after a MK and Epcot bus. How's that for timing! We arrived at AK at approximately 7:25, and were the first in line at 7:30. I wasn't sure how this awakening thing worked, but I did read you have to get in line, so that is what we did. After a few minutes lots of other folks starting pouring in the area. Every turnstile area had a line of people with some castmembers roaming about. After about 15 minutes I could see the boys were getting restless just standing in line. Oh well, too bad, I really wanted to see this. I kept thinking to myself though, "When in the heck is this thing going to start". Then I thought, maybe there really isn't any such a thing as an animal awakening. After all, you don't see anything official about it anywhere in the AK literature. At about 7:45, they started letting people in who had PS ressies at Donald's Breakfast. Finally at 8am, after almost giving up hope, we hear music playing and out come Safari Minnie and Mickey, Rafiki, Pluto, Goofy, Balooh, Terk and several other characters. For the life of me I can't remember what song they were playing, but I'm pretty sure it was from the "Lion King". At each turnstile a cast member was standing holding a glass enclosed box with some type of little creature in it. Our cast member's box had several huge bugs in it that looked like roaches. I cringe now as I sit here writing about it. She didn't seem too thrilled with her little friends either when my DH asked her about them. I didn't hang around to find out more about them, thanks anyway
The boys didn't seem too impressed with the "Awakening Ceremony", but I thought it was cute. Cute enough to get up early enough to see it again? Not unless I was bringing some little tykes with me, as after the gates were opened, you were able to get in line to get autographs if you so chose. I have to say I'm happy my kids are past that stage, as you waste so much time standing in lines for autographs. Then again, if you're going to Disney with children, or even adults who love character autographs, you have to accomodate everyone. That's the great thing about WDW, every trip you take is different from the last, depending on who is in your party, or the ages in your party.Usually I spend lots of time in the Oasis at AK, but having been there several times, I decided today to head for the Safari, as I have never ridden it first thing in the morning, and I wanted to see if it was true about more animals being out then. It's true. Although I've always seen plenty of animals whenever I've been on the safari, and I've gone at all times of the day, this is the first time I've ever seen the lion awake. He and his missus both were lounging on their rocks, surveying their surroundings, heads held majestically high. It was truly amazing. We saw elephant at their watering hole, and I got a really great picture of an elephant's shadow reflected in the water. You can barely see the elephant in the picture, but the light shining on the water illuminated his shadow. I also got some nice close-up shots of the lion and lioness. After the safari we took the Pagani Forest Exploration Trail path, and had fun watching the meerkats and the gorilla family. I think one of the gorillas was pregnant. That or she's been eating way too many treats
This was the most active we've ever seen the gorilla family also. The little ones were adorable climbing up trees and playing with each other, just like human kids do! At that point I was getting hungry, so we went to Tusker House to grab a bite to eat. I didn't want to be too piggy this morning, as we were doing the Fantasmic Dinner Package tonight at Hollywood & Vine. Knowing it was a buffet, I wanted to pace myself. I had lost 13 pounds prior to this trip and didn't want to come back weighing 15 more. Harry and I split a bacon and egg biscuit, cinnamon roll (delicious) and orange juice. We took our breakfast outside and sat at the Dawa Bar patio. It was a lovely morning. The boys strolled over to the smoking area near the bar to have a cigarette. I wish they would quit!! Both of them quit smoking for several months last year, but then started again. Neither one wanted breakfast as they said their stomachs' felt a little queasy. Could it have been a little too much beer and fried chicken strips before bed, perhaps? Of course I didn't say it, but I did think it. After immensely enjoying our breakfast, we decided to do Dinosaur and then ITTBAB. There was no line for Dinosaur, and we also walked right on ITTBAB. For the first time we sat in the middle, pretty close to the front, and the effects seemed much more intense here, such as when you get sprayed by the stink bomb, and squirted with the bug spray. Harry and the boys thought so too. So, word of advice, adjust your seating accordingly if you can. We always enjoy the area surrounding the Tree of Life. It is just so amazing to imagine how the animal figures were carved into the tree. Words just cannot describe it. To those of you who do not like this park, I just can't understand it. To me AK is what Walt Disney was all about. You are truly transported to another land and time. I think it is a very magical park if you just give yourself time to enjoy it and appreciate the scenery and foliage. Everyone says how hot and crowded it is, and yes, that is true, but if you spend some time relaxing and taking breaks and don't rush, it can be a wonderful experience.In all the times I've been to this park, I've never seen the show "Tarzan Rocks". When AK first opened, the "Jungle Book" was there, which I did see, but then the next year we never seemed to be at the right place at the right time, and then last year Rosie's show took over the theater. So this year I was determined to see it. At about that time, Mike comes up to me and tells me he is going back to the room. "But you're gonna miss the show", I say. Mike says he's really tired, plus he has to go to the bathroom. I'm assuming he didn't mean "number one". You've gotta know Mike to appreciate this. This is the kid who actually would cut school and drive home because he had to go to the bathroom and wouldn't use the school facilities. I don't know if he has a phobia or is just embarrassed, but he was adamant he wasn't going there. Fine, I say. Fortunately for him our resort was only a 5-10 minute bus ride away, assuming a bus was waiting. I was disappointed but didn't show it. I told him that we would call him when we got back to the lodge and let him know what time to be ready to go to MGM. Dan decided to go back with Mike also. So now Harry and I were on our own.
I had been teasing Harry constantly about seeing the Tarzan show, because he always teases me about wanting to eat in Moracco so he can see the belly dancers, and how he wants to get his picture taken with Jasmine or Pocahontas. Well, when Tarzan finally appeared you should have seen the big grin on Harry's face! I was so disappointed!! Tarzan did not look like a Tarzan at all. I almost had more muscles than he did
Harry was in heaven. He didn't stop teasing me for the rest of the day. The show was okay, it was more of a musical than anything, with a trio of two girls and a guy, and a live band singing and playing songs from the movie. Not what I expected. Tarzan had a very minor roll in the production, not that we missed anything! The rollerskating monkeys were fun to watch though. After the Tarzan show we strolled around for awhile and did a little shopping at the outside pin carts. I bought a "Minnie nurse" pin, a "4park dangle" pin, and an "Animal Kingdom" and "Epcot" pins. I'm not huge pin collector, in fact I just recently started, and only buy pins that I really like or mean something to me.
We decided to see "Flights of Wonder", the exotic bird show in Asia, and it was enjoyable as always. I think kids would really enjoy this show, especially between the ages of 4 and 10. I had read several times about there being a "secret path" in AK, but Harry and I have never been able to find it. We look and look, and think we have stumbled upon it, but never do. So while strolling around Asia and looking for a place to sit and eat our Mickey bars, Harry points out a spot that looks secluded with benches. I see a smoking sign there, and say, "duh, that's a smoking area". He insists that we explore it though, and lo and behold, if you walk a little further, you come upon a stone path that crosses a little stream and comes out the other side. At first I thought we were gonna get yelled at for being somewhere we didn't belong, but then I realized it really was a hidden path. You are very secluded, and it could be quite a romantic spot for a few kisses (nothing more than that though, it's not that secluded!!
)It's now about 12:45 and we decide to head back to the lodge to hit the pool. Stay tuned for part 2. Gotta go pick my daughter up from her dad's. Bye for now.
If you missed the beginning, go here...
Day Two, Part Two, "Fantasmic and MGM"
