Biscuit's Grand Adventure 2 - Adventures in Opposite - 12/3 Another Update!

[HarkiQuinn]

Holy moly. 10 year olds order from the adult menu?? Really?

Oh and I'm in!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Woo hoo, you started!!!! I'm so excited to hear about your trip!

Thanks for stopping by! AND for being first!

Signing on! I'll have to come back to read, but can't wait!

Okay, I came back. Nice intro. You packed a lot of info. into your keynotes, nice quick summary. GREAT group picture in front of the castle. I'll bet all of those cousins had an insanely fun time together, that they'll never forget.

Hey Glenn! Good to see you again! They had a fun time indeed.

Fair warning, this is probably the only time I'll comment on the trip report. However I will read it all! Your last report was awesome!! Can't wait to read all of the adventures.

Thanks for checking in. I really appreciate it! Feel free to drop a line anytime.

I am looking forward to the TR. I will be at "The Lodge" in a less than 3 weeks, so I am curious to the current state of "The Lodge"

WELLL the rehab they said over the phone was to be completed was not so very completed. Lobby and courtyard were both impacted.

OOOOhhhh the whole vacation home thing sounds pretty sticky...

It was an adventure…

 

[TheMaxRebo]

joining! Great intro - definitely got a lot of info packed in there

Love the idea of surprising the whole family - even your wife .... looking forward to reading about it!

BTW - Great group photo in front of the Castle in your intro

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Drum roll...been waiting for this.

Hey Top Dog! Thanks for dropping by!

YAY, finally! Reading your report reminded me just why I love your reports so much. I'm just disappointed not to hear about the surprise tonight, darn it!

I am certainly looking forward to reading all about your vacation.

Howdy BSG! Thanks so much! I kept an eye out for your name tag but alas I saw none.

I'm here! Going back to read now.

Wonderful start! Can't wait to hear all about it - the good and the bad, and what's changed for the better or worse.

Thanks! The good was great, the bad was terrible and the changes were many.

I am here!

Hey Cynthia!

I WOULD have been here yesterday but....the link was in your siggie. Siggies do not show up on a phone. Or at least not within the sometimes nifty but oft slow and frustrating DISboard app.

Doh!

I love suprises!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someday, someday....the men in my life will buy a clue and there will be one.

In the meantime, I'll enjoy every one elses! Can't wait to see the First lady's reaction!

Good luck with that! I hope to post an update in the next day or two.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Joining in.

Thanks for joining along!

I am so torn, I would love to have a high post count,
And follow along and wait for updates and comment,
Since you do keep track,
Yet I love reading TR's like a good book-wait till you are finished.
but that might take another year.

Hey OhMari! Thanks for checking in! Sorry to cause you a dilemma.

Wisconsin Dells is in my back yard. The owners of Kalahari is a family owned resort, so thanks for supporting the little guy.

That was such a cool place! We plan to go back the next time we are up there.

YAY...Can't wait to read your TR!!!

Thanks! I appreciate you stopping by and joining in!

I read the last one, so I had sure better read this one.

Thank you for putting up with me some more!

Bonus, I get the view of the world opposite mine. You have your wife and two girls. I have my husband and two boys. Many more cars/pirates/superheroes than princesses!

Ahhh I have often dreamed of such things...

This is going to be wonderful!!

Thanks so much! It'll be something anyway.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Is the one in the Canadian Outpost still closed for "renovations?"

Hey ZZUB! All we could find in that area was a brass marker on the ground bearing a Z with a line through it.

I didn't see any mention of Alabama football or flatulence in these opening paragraphs. No reference to Seinfeld or West Wing either. So I'm not sure how much I'll follow along. Limited attention span you understand.

I'll do my best to remedy that.

But if anyone can spin a yarn, it's you. So I'll be following along. Doing my best to get your Trip Report locked up.

Well if anyone can lock up a TR it's you. So I'll be see you on the CB.

OMG, ZZUB !!! How I miss your reports!

I would love to see another ZZUB TR. LOVE IT I SAY!

I read your last TR and loved it! So, I'm here for this one as well. You're a great writer. May not read all the comments or post much but I'll be here.

Thanks for your kind words. It's awesome to see you here and I hope you get chance to check in again.

Okay I madePage 2 which is better than you have done on mineNow going back to read !!!!!

Okay Rosie, that one right there made me laugh out loud.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Loved the intro. Can't wait for the fun to begin !!!

Thanks Rosie!

Holy moly. 10 year olds order from the adult menu?? Really?

Oh and I'm in!

Indeed they do. Much to my chagrin. Particularly at the buffet style meals. Which we skipped.

joining! Great intro - definitely got a lot of info packed in there

Love the idea of surprising the whole family - even your wife .... looking forward to reading about it!

BTW - Great group photo in front of the Castle in your intro

Thanks for joining along! I'm telling you I almost exploded a time or two trying to keep that one bundled inside.

 

[PrncessA]

You snooze you lose, I am glad that I randomly checked the TR page! I did make it on page two, though!

I can't wait to see how the girls and FLB react to the surprise!!!

 

[norybell]

Biscuit! This is so exciting! I'm almost never on the TR board anymore, partly because I can't for the life of me figure out how to squeeze enough computer time in these days (do other 21-month-olds allow their mamas to DIS? I wonder...), and partly because I've developed an unhealthy addiction to the FP+ debate threads on the theme park boards. It's like watching a train wreck, I just can't look away.

So I was super excited to find your report when I randomly checked in the other day! (Granted, it then took me days to actually post, but better late than never, right?)

Can't wait to hear all about your study in opposites. And about The Lodge, where we'll be (sans pool, sob sob) in September. What a wonderful surprise for your family!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

You snooze you lose, I am glad that I randomly checked the TR page! I did make it on page two, though!

I can't wait to see how the girls and FLB react to the surprise!!!

Sorry about that, I meant to send out a mass call via PM and still haven't gotten around to it yet. Thanks for dropping by! Go Page 2!

Biscuit! This is so exciting! I'm almost never on the TR board anymore, partly because I can't for the life of me figure out how to squeeze enough computer time in these days (do other 21-month-olds allow their mamas to DIS? I wonder...), and partly because I've developed an unhealthy addiction to the FP+ debate threads on the theme park boards. It's like watching a train wreck, I just can't look away.

Hey Nory! Glad you stopped by! I thought about you the other day. My daughter mentioned the newest Kingdom Keepers book and I thought about your tale-in-progress. How goes the writing adventures these days? (Oh and no you are not alone, my kids kept met off the boards for a about 4 years straight.)

FP+ will most certainly make an appearance by the end of this tale.

So I was super excited to find your report when I randomly checked in the other day! (Granted, it then took me days to actually post, but better late than never, right?)

Can't wait to hear all about your study in opposites. And about The Lodge, where we'll be (sans pool, sob sob) in September. What a wonderful surprise for your family!

Thanks for dropping by! I hope you have a great trip to The Lodge! We loved the mess out of that place.

 

[Goofy442]

Great start! Can't wait for a update!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Great start! Can't wait for a update!

Thanks for dropping by! Shouldn't have to wait too much longer. I hope to have an update tonight or in the morning.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Biscuit!! Hooray!! I have been waiting on this trip report and am so excited to read. I may not comment often, but I will be reading along faithfully.

 

[Connie96]

Well, dang, Biscuit! I can't say that I expected to find you here when I went trolling for new TRs to waste away my Monday. Aside from the mild heart-attack, that was a pretty nice surprise! Can't wait to read more about it!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Biscuit!! Hooray!! I have been waiting on this trip report and am so excited to read. I may not comment often, but I will be reading along faithfully.

Glad to have you here! Comment anytime!

Well, dang, Biscuit! I can't say that I expected to find you here when I went trolling for new TRs to waste away my Monday. Aside from the mild heart-attack, that was a pretty nice surprise! Can't wait to read more about it!

Hey Connie! Thanks for dropping by! I was just logging in to post an update and was equally surprised to see a reply!

 

[Millie12591]

Is the one in the Canadian Outpost still closed for "renovations?"

I didn't see any mention of Alabama football or flatulence in these opening paragraphs. No reference to Seinfeld or West Wing either. So I'm not sure how much I'll follow along. Limited attention span you understand.

But if anyone can spin a yarn, it's you. So I'll be following along. Doing my best to get your Trip Report locked up.

ZZUB!!

It's so good to see you here!

GB, I'm so glad you've started this report, especially after today.

We've lost a great one today.
Today, Genie was set free.
Robin Williams passing is truly a loss, such a genius, comedic mind.

No one will ever be able to take his place.


We need a little sunshine, thank you for being that for us, GB. Can't wait to follow along.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Previously on Biscuits Grand Adventure, intros were made, photos displayed, and a secret was about to be revealed. When last I left you, we were approaching property and I was about to see just how far I could go before the girls found out we were staying at the Wilderness Lodge. My daughters thought we were off property that night, while First Lady Biscuit thought we were at the Pop Century for one night. In reality, we were about to check into The Wilderness Lodge for three nights.

Before leaving my cousin's house, I programmed my GPS with the address of The Lodge. The excitement was nearing uncontainable proportions by the time we drove through Orlando and started seeing signs for Disney.

We took the Epcot exit, and were soon crossing under those famous arches.

(Video Frame Capture)

After connecting up to World Drive and heading north, my mind was racing over all of the different scenarios which might play out. I stayed to the right as we approached the Magic Kingdom toll plaza, knowing I would have to take an immediate right after passing through.

(Is anyone surprised that I "drove" this route on Google street view a couple of times at home?)

I wasn't sure what information the Toll Plaza cast members were going to want. That was one thing I hadn't really deciphered in my research. (Not that I really thought to look for it prior to that moment.) As I started slowing and lining up for a booth, I realized it had been nearly 30 years since I had driven to the Magic Kingdom. And even then, it was my dad at the wheel. Every time I've visited since, I have left the vehicular entrance negotiations up to the bus driver.

This was going to be interesting.

In the door pocket of the driver's side of our van is a handy little compartment. They call it a map holder, but seriously, when was the last time anyone used a paper map? Anyway, it was in this out of the way compartment that I had a printout stashed with our resort info, ready to be pulled out and shown if needed. (I also wrote and highlighted at the top "The girls think we are going for lunch. Checking in is a surprise!) I reached down with my left hand and verified my confirmation documents were still there.

Approaching the toll plaza, I pulled up to the booth and rolled down the window. I said "Hi! We are heading to the Wilderness Lodge!" I wavered on whether I should pull out my confirmation to give credibility to my claim, but it wasn't necessary. The CM waved me through and pointed out the road to take.

We were IN!

To help sell the cover story, I rolled up the window and told the girls to get their shoes on so we could go in and eat with their cousins. So far, so good. No one suspected anything.

Pulling forward and to the right, I headed down a block or two to the next light and hung a right onto Timberline drive.

(Video Frame Capture)

We soon passed under another arch and approached the security booth. A happy looking fellow who bore a striking resemblance to Ranger Smith stepped out and waved. This one was going to be much more tricky. I wasn't quite sure if I could get past him without alerting my crew what was going down.

As those of you who followed our trip on Instagram already know, I had put my Magic Band on that morning. When the guard stepped out of his security shack, he was holding a scanner which looked like an old school palm pilot. He asked to scan my Magic Band and I complied. Tapping his screen, he said "Just a moment," and headed back into the mysterious void of his office. I wasn't sure what he was doing in there, and started wondering if I was going to make it through without tipping my hand.

His absence seemed to drag on forever, but in reality it was only a minute. In my mind I thought he was having trouble finding our reservation. I booked it through a third party site, so it seemed possible that I was listed in the system in a strange and funky manner. Unable to contain my consternation, I held the paper out and called into the portal of security "I have this if you need it." He stepped back out, assured me he didn't, handed us a parking pass (which he had stepped inside to print) and a handful of junior security stickers for the girls. He then smiled and said "Welcome home Biscuit family!" (Well...something like that anyway.)

The gate went up and with a grin of joy, I pulled into our dream resort. Now the girls missed most of what was said but First Lady Biscuit knew something was up. She is not a DIS guru by any means, but even she knows they don't welcome you "home" by name and hand you a parking pass just to go eat a burger. Eyeing the paper that was still in my hand, she said "Let me see that!" and made a grab for my secret documents.

I was able to parlay her volley and re-secure the reservation papers in their no-longer secret compartment, putting them out of danger from further incursion. However, the move seemed to confirm her suspicion.

We reached the stop sign where the busses are to the right, the portico is ahead of you and the parking lot is on the left. She turned to me said "We're staying here aren't we? You remembered!" (Referring to her decree on the last trip that she wanted to stay at this resort the next time we came.)

I grinned and didn't answer.

I drove up the hill, parked where instructed, and confirmed with her and the girls that we were INDEED staying here. (I didn't tell them how long yet.) I also told them we were going to the parks that night. (They didn't know that either.)

There was much squealing and grinning at that point as we all jumped out and started getting our stack o' stuff unloaded. A cast member from Bell Services asked if I needed help with our bags. Here was man who had obviously never heard the legend of Biscuit luggage. The pile of bags there were stuffed into that minivan would have outfitted half the resort.

After stacking a luggage cart in a manner seldom seen in the western world, I sent the girls inside and sent myself to the parking lot to secure the blue beast. (I'm pretty sure the luggage porter took a bus to Fort Wilderness to bring back a mule for the cart.) The parking lot was quite full, so I wound up down near the bottom of the hill, and after grabbing my camera, I hiked my happy hiney back to the lobby.

A CM with a tablet met me outside and asked if we were checking in. I assured her we were and we started walking in as she did some official looking finger tapping.

She welcomed me home again.

I could get used to that.

Entering the front doors, we passed through the atrium and then through the second set of doors into the lobby. Though I had seen it before, I still found myself slowing down and staring up, trying to balance taking in the massive lobby with the increasingly difficult task of walking in a straight line while avoiding a collision with the dozens of people scurrying about the place.

As we approached the check-in counter, I was surprised to discover the girls already at the desk, speaking with a cast member. I apologized to the cast member who was with me and pointed out the Biscuit ladies. "I guess they couldn't wait," I offered sheepishly, feeling bad that I'd had her tapping and following me around for nothing. She was gracious and said it happens all the time, and after parting ways, I headed up to join the girls.

As I arrived, Tahlia turned and practically bellowed "THIS IS THE BEST SURPRISE EVER!!!!!!" This was quickly followed up by First Lady Biscuit turning and saying "Three nights?!"

The smile on her face said it all.

The Cast Member checking us in was Cassie from the University of Delaware. (At least I THINK it was...I wrote it down but forgot where I put it.) Since I have to call her something, she's Cassie from here on. Cassie was happy, she was smiling, she was congratulating, she was genuine. In short, she was the type of cast member you want to meet when checking in.

I inquired about upgrading our tickets but she was unable to do it on her system. Because we had made the decision to skip Universal after we had purchased Disney tickets, I needed to add two days. Since I was on a room only reservation, calling Disney had been unsuccessful and they told me to upgrade when checking in. Cassie pointed out the concierge desk and let me know they would be able to take care of it for me. As she clicked away on her keyboard, asked questions, gave information, and clicked some more, one question was burning on my mind.

Where would our three night stay be spent?

We definitely had scored one of the lowest rates per night in the resort, and I was hoping against hope that we wouldn't have a balcony view of a dumpster. As she continued on her spiel, I was lost in thought. Wouldn't it be cool if we would at least get a good woods view, maybe even high enough to see a firework or two? I even said one of those funny prayers we sometimes say, reminding The Lord that I knew my room location wasn't all that important in the grand scheme of the universe, and simply asking to be at peace and grateful just to be staying there.

And then I saw it coming out.

The paper resort map.

That simple illustration that we get ourselves all bent out of shape over. Cassie picked up her pen and I followed it like a hawk following a field mouse. (Do hawks eat field mice? I guess I should look things up before invoking them as a definitive simile.)

She moved past the main building, past the first wing and drew a circle. It was on the end of the outside wings. I knew immediately that meant one thing.

Upgrade.

She told us a few things after that, but if my very life depended on recanting it now, I would become a partaker of glory. My mind was the finale of Wishes and every fiber of my body was eager to run to our room.

After we bid her farewell, I turned and was immediately stopped by a CM asking us to participate in a survey. It involved keeping a trip journal and mailing it back to Disney after the trip was over. They promised a gift for participating so I accepted. This took a few min, during which time, I kept thinking about our room. I soon had the journal and saw there was no wait at the concierge, so I figured now would be a good time to upgrade our tickets. Unfortunately, their computer would not allow him access to them so he referred me to Guest Services in one of the parks. I might have been more agitated at a third strikeout in that area, but nothing could bring down my mood at that point.

A call to Nick and Tammy confirmed they were heading up the driveway of The Lodge, but I could NOT wait any longer. I had to see our room and I had to see it now!

I remembered the way fairly well from our previous stroll through the resort, and soon we were heading down the long descending ramp towards Artists Point & Roaring Fork. After hanging a left and passing the Roaring Fork dining room, we came upon a group of elevators and were soon heading up to the third floor. Hailee pointed out the beaver heads used as end pieces on the elevator rail. Already the theming detail of the resort was impressing my offspring.

We stepped off the elevators, rounded the corner and I gave a fist pump. Not because we were at our room, but because I saw the odd numbered doors were on the right hand side. We were going to have a pool view.

I practically galloped down that hallway. We were all the way down near the end in room 3007. I arrived at the door out of breath and full-on giddy. I waited for the girls to catch up with me and asked them if they were ready to see the room. Then I asked them if there REALLY ready. Then I asked them if the were SURE they were REALLY REALLY ready. And then they threatened my general health. Holding aloft my blue magic band, I waved it with confidence over the Mickey emblem, and in my best CM voice proclaimed "Welcome home Biscuit family!"

Okay, not really, it came out more like "Why isn't this stupid door opening?" After a couple of unnatural wrist contortions, I finally made the proper connection and Mickey turned that beautiful glowing green.

We all barreled through the doorway to get our first peek of the place. As I was putting down the few bags we carried up, First Lady Biscuit headed into the sleeping area, smiled and proclaimed her love of our temporary domicile.

The girls checked out the bathroom, and the beds, and the TV, and the headboards.

Me? I had one place I wanted to see most. Crossing the room, I pulled back the curtain, stepped out on the balcony and stared. I could not believe we were here. I could not believe I was standing on the balcony of my room for the next three nights looking down at the courtyard.

I could not believe just how amazingly blessed I was at that moment. As I said a prayer of thanks, I sat for a moment and smiled.

Welcome home Biscuit family. Welcome home indeed.

Next Time on Biscuit's Grand Adventure 2 - The Band of Despair

Click Here to Read the Next Episode

 

[GreatBiscuit]

ZZUB!!

It's so good to see you here!

GB, I'm so glad you've started this report, especially after today.

We've lost a great one today.
Today, Genie was set free.
Robin Williams passing is truly a loss, such a genius, comedic mind.

No one will ever be able to take his place.


We need a little sunshine, thank you for being that for us, GB. Can't wait to follow along.

Hey Millie! It was truly depressing to hear about Williams. Sad day indeed.

 

[praisehisname]

Woohoo, an update!!! My heart was pounding in anticipation as you ran down the hall to your room! LOL So glad the surprise went so well!

 

[Goofy442]

Wow you got a great view, You are starting off to have a wonderful trip.