Back from Wonderland:wAlice,Madhatter,ChesCat&White Rabbit 11/11Thank You

[PracPerfPatricia]

Great update! Sanaa looks awesome & I love the portraits you had done at AKL.
I am SO scared of dentists, too. I hope your appointment went well.

Thanks April......have to get back over to your TR to see if you felt any better during your trip.......

Yeah...I probably have a dental phobia of some sort...but this dentist was so nice...there was even a message on my machine she left to see if I was ok the next day...I though that was pretty nice of her...

Hope the dentist went well!!
Love the photo shoot pics. My favorite out of the ones you posted is the family tiered up the stairs, with Rabbit at the bottom barely peaking up over the railing. Too cute. You should deffinitely consider sharing more of those photoshoot pics with us, though I agree that three was just too much of a teaser.
I have not spent very much time around AKL or, obviously, the new DVC locations. It looks like such a lovely area, though. I love the idea of being able to watch the animals as you dine. How nice. And the food looked very yummy. The bread sampler especially caught my eye with the chutneys. I'm such a bread addict, though.

I survived my dental procedure and they were quite lovely to me...-still don't like it...

I will share more photos at the end when I wrap up...

AKL is lovely-really all the resorts are...when you go back...you have to do a little resort hopping...

Ahhh bread...yes bread is just so yummy and pretty much every culture makes one...and I have yet to discover one that I don't like...

I love the pics from your photo shoot, and your lunch looked really good!

Hope you made out OK at your dental appointment.

Denise

I wish I had that lunch later today...

Thanks for the good wishes at the dentist...

I hope you made to out of the dentist's office in one piece. I don't like going either and used to have nightmares about my old dental hygienist, I changed and now go to a much gentler person...
Still not my favorite thing to do.

It's kind of funny-I met Eric in college but it turned out that we had both used the same dentist for a while growing up...

Well we both remembered this one hygienist from when we were kids who we both had been traumatized by...

it seems that if you were even a month late for your cleaning...she decided to take it out on your teeth...

Apparently Eric's family used to call her Attila after Attila the Hun because her dental treaments (usually cleaning) were so barbaric......(it's funny now-but it wasn't then...)

I think a lot of people have slight or not so slight hang ups with the dentist...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hope things went well at the dentist!

All good for now...

What a lovely description Great update! Looking forward to more of your photoshoot. Hope everything went well at your dentist.



We didn't buy anything, but she loved looking at everything and Santa has definately been given some wonderful ideas!

We've compromised that she no longer gets pulled from her classroom.... when her EA is away, her teacher takes over. The best scenario for her actually, she gets valuable one-on-one time.

Can't wait to hear about the pirate's cruise.

I'm so glad that Ariana has her one on one back......dragging her out of the room so the assistant could be handling something else while Ariana just had to stand around...--I'm glad they fixed that...

Great Disney Store photos......I thought is was cool that they are giving Snow White some equal time......did they have the Dwarf Cottage with all the movable parts...? It comes with the Dwarfs and Snow...I think it was about $100 dollars...it saw it on line...and I sort of wanted it...but I don't think I can really justify it...it's just that I wanted to live in that cottage...

I'm hoping to update later today/tonight...I want to catch up on everyone's reports first...

How did the dentist go? I hope everything is alright! I'm a dental wimp too. I didn't go for a very long time, and when I finally did again they were making small chat with me-they asked Henry's middle name and I completely BLANKED! I was shaking. Since then I have been very diligent about my appointments, so far no cavities-I want to keep it that way!!

Oh I blanked on my birthdate... and I kept telling the dentist that I was normally a really competent intelligent person who doesn't ramble......oh it was sad...

I didn't shake though......good for you-no cavities...


Onto the TR...what a lovely afternoon around the lodges! I completely fell in love with Kidani when we visited. It truly does feel cozy and homey there! I think my in-laws are going to love it just as much. And now I'm wishing for a Saana lunch, yum!!!

It really is cozy......i could see really just handing out there by the pool with a beverage and book...except you'd be chasing Henry...2 words...swimming lessons...(you'll have to wait a couple of years...) you always have to watch but it does buy you time...




I can't hardly keep up with my PTR. It's bad. I have updates, I just haven't gotten over there! This is my first attempt at doing both, and I'm failing.

Keep us updated on what the decision is for the anniversary weekend! I like your idea!!

I have almost bought that caffeine mug several times...I should stick it on my Christmas list for this year!!

I think you're doing a pretty good job at keeping up both......I'm still on the learning curve and I know my limits...maybe someday I'll be able to do both...

Once I have the whole anniversary weekend replanned-I'd love to share...

I think I'm going to get that caffeine mug myself...I belive in embracing my inner geek...

Ok I have read through page 23 - still trying to catch up but had to reply.

I need to be part of the 'never been to LeCellier' club.

wigdout recommended this tr to me. I have a 9 yr old with asp and ADHD. It does make life interesting,

Can't wait to read more!

We will happily add you to the "never been to Le Cellier club"...although the goal of our club is unlike other clubs- we hope to get everyone out of it eventually by getting them into Le Cellier...

I'm so glad you came over...

Well thank you Anita......

Well-Asp and ADHD-you must be kept on your toes...

I try to keep a good sense of humor about things as much as possible...a lot of what Rabbit says can actually be quite funny and he has have such an interesting way of looking at the world...He is an awesome kid...

I try to let the little stuff roll when I can but if it's important...I can and will be a fierce advocate for him...

I don't know how far along in your diagnosis process you are but if you ever need anything or have any questions...please ask...you can pm me if you want...I've learned a lot from some great people and love to be able to pay it forward when I come...I'd love to hear about your son...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

ok up to page 31

my son loves the water too. At dw whenever it got to be too much for him we headed to a water area - Kali Rapids, Water fountains at Epcot, splash areas and always an hour or 2 in the pool.

We use Upward sports for our son. He can't do indoor sports due to noise sensitivities but the soccer and flag football are great. Not overly competitive, much more a learning environment and everyone plays equally. You can look up leagues in your area at Upward.org

Also I would love to have any book titles that have been helpful in working with asp/aut spectrum. One DVD I would recommend is F.A.T. City. Our library and school district has it - eye opening!

Goin back to read more!

Water is just such a theraputic medium...I think most kids get a lot out it...and its extra good for kids anywhere on the spectrum...

I will look up Upward org. and I will pm you a list of books I've found really helpful...

Ok just one more post since I am completely up to date now
I just have to say I love the photopass cd and so know how you felt when it arrived. I was just waiting for this picture

This photographer sure knew how to grab a momma's heart

and this one

yes mine too is very into Star Wars and the DISgner shirt and sign got him picked to be in jedi training as well - I still tear up when I see these pics. He really thinks he battled DV LOL I am not telling him anything different.

Wow-what awesome photos! I'm sure your heart was full to bursting when you got those...

and actually did Battle Darth Vader...maybe not James Earl Jones... but Darth Vader nonetheless...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I just started reading your TR yesterday. I've seen you over at LL's and CP's TRs. I read all the way through day 1 and I am really enjoying it. I love how each installment is so full of life! I could easily read your whole TR, and never have to look at a picture, because you writing describes things so perfectly.

Your family is lovely and your daughter is beautiful. I bet she DID get a lot of boy attention at the pool. I really enjoyed your description of Jiko, since I am thinking about it as a possible ADR for May. I can't wait to read about Sanaa, because that is another possibility for me. I'm curious how they compare.

Anyway - excellent TR. I will be back to catch up soon!

...Thanks for dropping in... and reading along...

Thanks about the writing compliment...I love to write and thankfully my writing can help leverage my mediocre photography...but I'm working on the photos as well...(it's all a learning experience...

Thanks about the Family...(I think they're keepers myself...) AS far as Alice goes...yeah she's becoming a bit of an attractive nuisance when the boys are around...but she is also such a nice kid and easy to talk to...she hates all that mean stuff that teenage girls can get involved in... _I'm really proud of her...I think its extra tough to be a teenager...and she is smart as a whip too...ok, sorry brag moment over...-i could brag about both of them on a dime-I am very, very lucky-they are both awesome kids...

Jiko is really good but so is Sanaa......that's actually a tough choice...

Thanks for reading along...

Great update Patricia!! Sorry I'm a few days late!!!

I LOVE your photo shoot pictures!! I want to see more!! I love our pictures from our photo shoot in January! I keep having this thought to do it again in January and see if I can have add my sisters family in! But they probably wouldn't let me do that. I'd probably have to pay twice!!

Your day sounds so lovely and relaxing!! Your Sanaa review was wonderful! We'll definitely have try it at some point!

BTW, I love that you described your Chai as "Christmas in a glass!'

It really was like Christmas in a glass......you know that gently spicy sweet smell...

With the photos-I think you can add your sister's family in-what that would probably do is slow down the shoot...so in the end you'd have less photos to choose from...but if you don't mind that...I'd definitely check that out...I think they'll let you do it though...

Late...smate...I have to go catch up on your and everyone else's TRs...maybe everyone could just take a day off of writing.....not likey huh?

Patricia once again you provided such a treat in your trip report update!!! I loved being able to spend the afternoon with your family at AKL and then Sanaa. I have to agree with you Sanaa was amazing and I would absolutely return!!

Loved the family pictures at WL!! Those are some keepers...your whole family just relaxed and happy!!!

I hope your trip to the dentist went well!!! I can't wait to hear more from ya!!!

Hey Jen! I'm glad you loved Sanaa too...I'l love to be having lunch there this after...with the giraffes too...

That was my imposed relaxation day and I was glad because we really had a fun, full evening...

Going to work on getting Pirates League up...after I catch up on everyone's TRs and PTRs....

 

[MEK]

...I love AK...I think it might just be the most evocative of all the parks...and the detailing is absolutely amazing...I was also thinking how cool it would be if they had finished the alternative transportation of boat rides from the AKL to the AK...how cool would it be to take a ferry down an African or Asian "river" to the park. Also it would be nice, if they "finished" and added the land of the "fantasy" animals..

I just finished your first two AK updates and I have to agree with everything you said here about AK. I think it would be awesome to be able to take a boat from AKL to AK park. That would be amazing theming and such an immersive experience. And I agree that the attention to detail in that parks is unsurpassed.

Good for you for conquering the Yeti. I have to go read whether you went back for round 2.

And you should brag and have have proud momma moments about your daughter. It's lovely when you child is beautiful both inside and out. And its obvious she loves her awesome little brother. Cute pics of them together.

 

[MEK]

OK....now I am officially drooling over your dinner at Yak and Yeti. What a nice meal. The pics are great! I really think I may have to eat there in May. I couldn't get an ADR in September to save my life, so we ate at Tusker House Instead, which was still quite good.

Sounds like youse "guys" had a wonderful day at AK. That is a long day in the heat. Loved the jungle trek pictures. Love the AK parade - so cute.

Looking forward to ready about Epcot, but I'll catch up on that tomorrow.

 

[Flossbolna]

I hope everything is ok with you?? I am mising your updates... I think I did not really have the time to comment much on what you wrote, but I loved reading them! I always feel like you enjoy very much the same things as I do and therefore your updates are always full of lovely little stories, observations and so on!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I've been without my laptop for several days-it's been horrible......I'm so used to having it now and I've felt bereft without it...

Going to update tonight-how did these sweet children...

...turn into Pirates......poor Rabbit...wasn't too sure he liked the face paint...

Story coming up...

I just finished your first two AK updates and I have to agree with everything you said here about AK. I think it would be awesome to be able to take a boat from AKL to AK park. That would be amazing theming and such an immersive experience. And I agree that the attention to detail in that parks is unsurpassed.

Good for you for conquering the Yeti. I have to go read whether you went back for round 2.

And you should brag and have have proud momma moments about your daughter. It's lovely when you child is beautiful both inside and out. And its obvious she loves her awesome little brother. Cute pics of them together.

I truly love AK and the Lodge-I think it is really a special place and were it anywhere besides WDW-it would be an attraction people would come to see on its own...I think sometimes it gets overlooked...like a younger sibling...lol-because the other parks are "flashier" and I love them too...but there really is something special about it...

Aww. Thank you...I love that my kids have such a lovely relationship...He thinks that she is the sun and that everything revolves around her orbit and she thinks that he is the most awesome little brother and would stand in front of a moving train for him...I'm very proud of both of them and hope they always stay close...

OK....now I am officially drooling over your dinner at Yak and Yeti. What a nice meal. The pics are great! I really think I may have to eat there in May. I couldn't get an ADR in September to save my life, so we ate at Tusker House Instead, which was still quite good.

Sounds like youse "guys" had a wonderful day at AK. That is a long day in the heat. Loved the jungle trek pictures. Love the AK parade - so cute.

Looking forward to ready about Epcot, but I'll catch up on that tomorrow.

Y & Y was really a lot of fun...I had read such mixed reviews but we had an awesome experience......Tusker House was really fun for breakfast and I'd bet the food at lunch would be really good too...

It was a long but fun day in the heat...and that's what we get for going in August...but I'd still do it again...(except if I had a choice-I'd pick a cooler month...)

I hope everything is ok with you?? I am mising your updates... I think I did not really have the time to comment much on what you wrote, but I loved reading them! I always feel like you enjoy very much the same things as I do and therefore your updates are always full of lovely little stories, observations and so on!

Hey Floss......I'm fine but my computer was being difficult......but everything is good again...

Thanks for asking...I feel the same way about your reports...I'm going to have to hop on over to see if you've updated on your family history with Disney...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh my goodness!!! Rabbit and Alice look so awesome as pirates! (We are so doing that next summer!)

 

[tiggrbaby]

Ooh! Love the pirate pic!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Rabbit looks a bit doubtful in that picture but I think they both look awesome!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

PIRATE'S LEAGUE

All relaxed (relatively-at least for us...) we made our way to the MK and the Pirates League...

The sky was looking pretty interesting...it was like a split screen...one side was really dark with big storm clouds and the other side was clear and sunny...Odd...very odd...but putting a postive foot forward we marched purposefully down Main Street till we reached Adventureland and our pre Pirate's League ride on PoC...

I've always loved the the Pirates of the C-as I mentioned before-it's just so un PC-...that song is so catchy and it seems like the pirates are having so much fun that you sort of forget that they are basically pillaging and plundering a town...(the little touches they added from the movie give it just a nice little tweak of freshness...

So ours mood properly set...we made our way out of the ride and right around the corner and entered the Pirates League...

OK-this I must say- is one of the coolest, most fun ways/ things that Disney has come up with to part you with more of your money...

So much fun...I was almost tempted to do this too...maybe next time...

You have a choice of several packages...but what it basically comes down to is that you can do the whole experience with or without buying a costume...we choose not to purchase the costumes for a variety of reasons...one being that in the middle of August I didn't think Rabbit or Alice would want to wear the costumes...Alice had a little Cpt. Jack kind of t-shirt and Rabbit had a striped red and white tee and a pair of linen drawsting pants that I had "artfully" cut the bottoms to look ragged and piratety-so they were both cooler and more comfortable in the August heat...

To do the experience without the costumes was $49...

All the CMs are in character the entire time...(I'll try to give a rough idea of what happens without spoiling it for anyone going in the future...) This location is kind of the pirates "hangout" where they take their new recruits and make them into proper pirates...

With that in mind...upon check in...you are given a new pirate name-since David and Emily are hardly good pirate names...

After you get your new pirate "identity" you go back into the transformation area-which is so cool-the decor is totally in keeping with PoC...I had the best time looking around...

I sort of hung with Alice and Hatter hung out with Rabbit-but I could overhear them...I knew that Rabbit didn't want to be a "creepy" pirate but more of a Mr. Smee pirate...(I think that's how he wound up with the Captain Hook look...If I'd been over there-I'd have had him give him a very light just scruffy make up look-Hatter not being aware of the various things that you can do with make up...didn't think of this... Alice was definitely going for the Empress look which is basically a sassed up pirate princess kind of effect...

They (the CMs read the kids really well...)...Alice's CM treated her like the "maturer" pirate that she was while I heard Rabbit's CM having a conversation with him about how our dog could become a pirate dog and help him uncover treasure...very cute...

When someone became a pirate there was a round of cheers and much fussing...you also had to take an initial pirate oath...you got a pouch to keep your stuff in including earring, eye patch, bandana, Rabbit had teeth, Alice had make up. You also take one of your official pirate oaths...

You then go into the "official secret pirate room" which I won't say much about-don't want to ruin the surprise other than to say-lots of fun, really cool and you get photos to keep-I will post mine at the end...

Overall I would highly recommend this and it is a must if you are a pirate fan... (Bibbity Bobbity Boo Boutique was special/lovely for Alice when we went there-but I like that this is boy/girl and is so much fun...

Officially pirated out...well we came out into the sunshine...ummm...well no...no sunshine at all...really stormy skies...it was time to make a quick exit out of the park and over to the Contemporary...

UP NEXTINNER AT THE WAVE AND THE PIRATES AND PALS CRUISE...

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Ohhhhh, I love this! I can't wait to show this to Baylor and see if he's interested. A couple of years ago when we went for the P&P party it would have been perfect. Now I'm fear that he may think he's too old.....
Did you make it out of the park without getting rained on?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I this, too! The kids just look great as pirates, and everything just looks so fun and pirate-y! Like I said before, Chelsea and Connor will so be doing this next summer!

 

[MeMom]

Very cool! The room, the make-up, the oaths - all of it.

I was walking from Grand Floridian to Poly this summer and happened to see a boatload of noisy pirate children out in the water. They were having a big old time from the sound of it!

 

[praisehisname]

So cool! And I love how the older kids can do it, too!

Denise

 

[dismagiclover]

So happy to hear such a great review! I'm pretty sure we are going to try this with my boys in June and I think I may even get in on the action too. I love the details you give without giving too much away

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Oh my! Pirate League looks and sounds soooo cool!! I'm glad your kids had a good time!!! They look super cool!

Don't you just love the innovative ways disney comes up with to part you with you hard earned money?! When I took DD to BBB for the first time I spent a fortune!! She got the whole shabang costume and all. Of course, she wanted the deluxe Cinderella dress which cost extra

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh Pirates League looks like so much fun!

I am so excited to hear about the Pirate Cruise!!

 

[jenjolt]

OOOH the Pirates league looks like a lot of fun for kids!!! Your kids looked like great pirates!! YAY!!! I'm very much looking forward to your review of the Pirates and Pals cruise!! I'm really looking forward to this in January and can't wait to hear all about it from you!!