AKV CL PTR/TR - taking practically first timers -TR starts on P. 17 (completed)

[dgbg100106]

This is exactly how I've come to think. It's only been in the last few years that I've been able to treat myself and I'm still getting used to it.

I think that is brilliant and I am happy for you... Enjoy all life has to offer!

 

[Pinkocto]

Back to the morning of Day 2

We met R & M in the CL around 9:30. I was glad to see them there because I thought it would be difficult to get them to take advantage of the breakfast offered since it was only open until 10:30 and they are late risers. Well it seems that it was difficult to get them to take advantage of the breakfast because R decided he wanted a hearty breakfast and bought one at the Mara. UGH! The words written in my journal were ‘Well you can lead a horse to water…’ They had just woken up so mom and I went down to the pool and relaxed for about an hour. I did a little DISing, didn’t want to get too behind while mom probably read a book. When we had left R & M I had asked them to call us when they were ready and we’d meet up downstairs. Around 11:30 I texted them that we were heading down to the shop and would wait for them. I was getting antsy and couldn’t believe what was taking them so long. When we got downstairs we saw them coming towards us. Apparently they had gone down to the bus stop to wait for us and since we had never shown up they came back to look for us. What craziness. THEY were to call US when they were ready to go, not just meet up at the bus stop…. And then M realized she had not put on sunblock so went back to their room to do so. A good twenty minutes went by and mom and R started wondering where she was and maybe they needed to go find her and what if she had missed us and gone down to the bus stop. I felt like I was in a TV show or something. It was just so bizarre. She’s a grown woman and could find us where she left us, why were they panicking. Regardless, mom and R headed down to the bus stop to look for her.

We finally got to AK around 12:00. Thankfully there was hardly anybody there, it was wonderful.

This was a normal occurrence. I got impatient waiting for them and finally just sped ahead. R probably had to stop for yet another smoke break even though he had just had one at the resort. Ok, I won’t harp on this subject any more, but just know that this happened all week. One of the huge reasons I don’t think I’ll be inviting them on any other trips.

No crowds, it was perfect.

I had to stop and look at the spoonbills for a few minutes. After that we headed right to the Safari.

We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the anteater. He’s usually hiding whenever I pass so it was a nice treat to see him.

Just a reminder, this was M’s first time in AK and R’s second. They really enjoyed it.

Yes, she was definitely in a posing mood that day.

I had never seen this bridge before which was pretty cool. I’m constantly finding new things in all of the parks.

I was just loving the lack of people, felt like it was our own personal park.

We took a detour to the FOTLK because it started in less than 7 minutes. I couldn’t have planned better timing if I wanted to.

They absolutely loved the show. I usually don’t catch this one because the seats are so hard but it really was nice.

I think these are just so cute!

A very rare mother/son photo. Might need to get this framed for mom.

Love the Disney details.

I never noticed all the animals on the tree before. I was given a hard time for taking a picture of the trash can…

I find this guy quite impressive.

Harambe was hosting some authentic African tunes.

Some guests were really enjoying themselves.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Wow, I've never seen it so empty! How nice!

 

[Pinkocto]

Starting on page 17. Your pics are fantastic! Can't wait to see it in person very soon.

Welcome! thank you so much I wanted to keep the PTR and TR together, so I could just have the one link.

I couldn't see your ticker on my phone. 7 days, how exciting!!! I hope you love it!

 

[dgbg100106]

the crowd was pretty light, I must say that we took David's Sister and her husband with us, and I am not sure I could handle that again either... We had friends join us last year too and it is just too hard to wait on people when you want to get going. With our friends we just decided to meet up with them after we all go to the parks and it just worked out much better. We let them go on about their way we went ours and meet up for lunch/dinner or special things we wanted to do together.

 

[Pinkocto]

Wow, I've never seen it so empty! How nice!

It was just perfect. Despite the heat I'll definitely go back in September, practically everything the whole week was a walk on.

 

[John's Mom]

As many times as I've been to AK, I have never seen that suspension bridge. Do you remember where it's located?

 

[dolphingirl47]

People in GTY status usually get their rooms assigned between 35 and 45 days prior to sailing. Some people get their assignments earlier and some later.

I love all the photos and the clever detail. It was great that it was so empty even though you got there relatively late.

Corinna

 

[Pinkocto]

the crowd was pretty light, I must say that we took David's Sister and her husband with us, and I am not sure I could handle that again either... We had friends join us last year too and it is just too hard to wait on people when you want to get going. With our friends we just decided to meet up with them after we all go to the parks and it just worked out much better. We let them go on about their way we went ours and meet up for lunch/dinner or special things we wanted to do together.

The biggest problem was that they didn't want to go off on their own until much later. They weren't comfortable with the idea. It did finally happen and things were a bit smoother. I kept telling myself that it was their vacation too and I couldn't force them to go any faster. I guess I was just trying to make everybody happy but by the end I had a little bit of a breakdown...

 

[Pinkocto]

As many times as I've been to AK, I have never seen that suspension bridge. Do you remember where it's located?

It was in the Oasis, near the parrots. There is a path connecting the two sides of the Oasis that I had always passed right by. Don't think I had ever noticed it was even there. I usually always stop and enjoy the animals, but somehow had never noticed that area.

 

[dgbg100106]

The biggest problem was that they didn't want to go off on their own until much later. They weren't comfortable with the idea. It did finally happen and things were a bit smoother. I kept telling myself that it was their vacation too and I couldn't force them to go any faster. I guess I was just trying to make everybody happy but by the end I had a little bit of a breakdown...

It is very hard being the organizer, that was the hardest part for me too.

 

[Pinkocto]

People in GTY status usually get their rooms assigned between 35 and 45 days prior to sailing. Some people get their assignments earlier and some later.

I love all the photos and the clever detail. It was great that it was so empty even though you got there relatively late.

Corinna

Thanks so much for the info. I booked an 11C which I'm totally content to stay with, but the sailing has so many categories still open I'll be curious if an upgrade is a possibility.

I was thinking it would be packed with us arriving so late but it was a nice surprise.

 

[dolphingirl47]

We stayed in an 11C twice, for our Med cruise and for the Hawaiian cruise. We loved the location on deck 2 forward and both cabins were very quiet.

Corinna

 

[MaryAz]

Thank you, thank you for all the CL pics!!! We are staying there for the first time in about a week and a half for Hubby's bday!! First stay at Jambo-home is Kidani

 

[dgbg100106]

Thank you, thank you for all the CL pics!!! We are staying there for the first time in about a week and a half for Hubby's bday!! First stay at Jambo-home is Kidani

You will have a great time. happy Birthday to your DH.

 

[franandaj]

This is exactly how I've come to think. It's only been in the last few years that I've been able to treat myself and I'm still getting used to it.

I just wish I could get Fran back in that mode of thinking. She uses to enjoy stuff, hopefully when she isn't in pain it will be better.

Nice to have the park to yourself, but that waiting stuff just drives me bonkers. I will not play tour guide for anyone any more. If they come with me like Brandi said, we'll meet up for a few things and di the rest on our own.

 

[dgbg100106]

I just wish I could get Fran back in that mode of thinking. She uses to enjoy stuff, hopefully when she isn't in pain it will be better.

Nice to have the park to yourself, but that waiting stuff just drives me bonkers. I will not play tour guide for anyone any more. If they come with me like Brandi said, we'll meet up for a few things and di the rest on our own.

Now I will say that if we went with other Disney lovers then it might not be too bad... For example you guys, if we were all there together, we would have fun, maybe too much fun...

 

[Pinkocto]

Thank you, thank you for all the CL pics!!! We are staying there for the first time in about a week and a half for Hubby's bday!! First stay at Jambo-home is Kidani

Welcome You're going to love it, CL is fantastic. Lots more pictures to come. I haven't stayed at Kidani yet, just love Jambo House too much.

 

[Pinkocto]

I just wish I could get Fran back in that mode of thinking. She uses to enjoy stuff, hopefully when she isn't in pain it will be better.

Nice to have the park to yourself, but that waiting stuff just drives me bonkers. I will not play tour guide for anyone any more. If they come with me like Brandi said, we'll meet up for a few things and di the rest on our own.

I hope she feels better soon. I really hope you are able to enjoy your cruise

This trip was definitely a learning experience that's for sure. It was undoubtedly good quality time with M, we have never done anything except holidays and day trips together.

 

[MEK]

Pam - your pictures are outstanding. So crisp and clear. Looks like a beautiful day.

OK - I have to say that I am already getting annoyed at your brother and SIL. I bet they decide they have to eat about 30 minutes after you get to the park. And how the heck does it take 20 minutes to get sunscreen. Really?