Coffee on the Verandah -The Last Slide, Recap & Souvies 5/29 - Link to Aulani TR 5/31

[eandesmom]

thats one big fish, i wonder how they taste?

yucky I'd imagine

he was huge

Great Updates Cynthia !!!Pix on E.E. are something I will never get cuz I am NOT ever as EVVVVAAAAHHHH!!We are trying FTB again this October , I was not overly imopressed with the ribs there, BUT I loved the Lime dessert!! I have to say Kendals sandwich looked goodI saw someone with it last tiem and thought I wish I had gotten that!!!

It did look good, I would maybe try that sandwich next time too

NO EE for Rosie....but...are you going to Aquaduck?

I really think it is pretty simple to find. Just follow the smell...

Hmmmnnnn. Are you saying Tigers are more smelly than...gorillas?

That's a shame. Hopefully you just caught a bad day. I always love it there, both for the quality of the food and the quantity.

Totally agree with you about the dessert though. I can overlook it for the ribs and chicken.

The quantity was huge. The Chicken was good just not earth shattering and I do think we have probably too much to compare it to with a couple of places around here and...my ribs. LOL!

I'm glad it worked out. WOuld have been awful if she had to miss it at that point.

Especially as it was paid for an non refundable, I was freaking out.

Did they actually say that or are you putting words in their mouths?

They said it. Seriously.

2 rounds with the Yeti makes for a great afternoon!

And 2 very happy boys

I can't either... but I do have some Crocs flip flops. They're actually the most comfortable flip flops I've ever had. I wore one pair until there was no tread left on the bottom.

A lot of folks swear by them that's for sure

Good call to stop in there. We've only used a Disney first aid station once, but they are definitely great about getting you what you need and sending you off with extras.

I expected bandaids, nice big ones but actual moleskin? That was a bonus for sure.

Definitely a productive afternoon so far. I'm glad you got to investigate some of the carvings and the shopping trip was a success.

It was a lovely afternoon with my boys, just lovely

You do Rock!!!


You remembered a picture of Kendall's BC so she could do the tour.

You were able to ride EE twice using the elusive Single Rider line.

You used first Aid and had great success

You found the path around the tree of life and explored as much as you could.

I hope Jeff and Kendall had a great tour.

Those are all good things and one would hope that it balances out the days when I am the meanest mom in the world

Great Tree of Life shots!

I generally dislike Crocs also, I have a pair I got from Costco (cheap) that I use for gardening (I think that's originally what they were intended?) because they're so easy to hose off! My son also preferred Crocs over flip-flops for a long time, now he's OK with flip-flops - plus they pack smaller than Crocs!

I had a pair of gardening clogs at one point (and now wonder whatever happened to them) and yes, they do remind me of that. Though with crocs I'd think a lot of dirt would get inside the shoe

They are nice at the lake as we can rinse of the sand so easily, I do like that part. But yes they do take up an awful lot of room!

We seem to end up at a first-aid station every trip, no matter how broken-in your shoes are, WDW is a LOT of walking! Even the best shoes can rub. But, I like the air-con in there on a hot day!!

Oh I agree, it really doesn't matter how broken in they are, especially at the beginning of a trip when you are adjusting to the humidity. I always joke that I have to "break" my feet in each season. They've been babied all winter in socks and have to re-toughen up. I bring a ridiculous amount of shoes for myself and rotate pretty religiously. That helps avoid any issues for me. But....I'm not letting kids bring more than 3 max so they don't have quite as many options.

 

[mickeystoontown]

We've eaten at Flame Tree a couple of times and thought that it was pretty good. Because we go in May when it's hot, we usually eat in the air conditioned Pizzafari.

Whew! Good thing you thought to take a picture of Kendall's ID just in case something came up. Good Mom thinking.

It never ceases to amaze me how you and others can take pictures on Expedition Everest. I'm always hanging on for dear life. I may just suck it up and try taking pictures on our next trip.

 

[afwdwfan]

Hmmmnnnn. Are you saying Tigers are more smelly than...gorillas?

I thought we were talking about Flame Tree.

I can smell that BBQ from halfway across the park.

The quantity was huge. The Chicken was good just not earth shattering and I do think we have probably too much to compare it to with a couple of places around here and...my ribs. LOL!

So you're saying you make some awesome ribs? Maybe you should let Mark and me judge that...

 

[glennbo123]

So you're saying you make some awesome ribs? Maybe you should let Mark and me judge that...

You'll need a 3rd judge to break any potential ties. I volunteer.

 

[afwdwfan]

You'll need a 3rd judge to break any potential ties. I volunteer.

Good idea!

 

[KatMark]

What a fun update, Cynthia.

I'm not sure I'd be trying to take pictures on EE. Oh wait, I don't even ride EE!

Sorry you didn't get very far in the Tree of Life path. Was that after the accident they had with the tree?

Great pictures of the kids by the tree.

And I love the photopass pic of you and your boys.

I'm glad Jeff got everything worked out with K and her ID.

My youngest son used to wear that exact kind of "male bling" when he was that age.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So you're saying you make some awesome ribs? Maybe you should let Mark and me judge that...

You'll need a 3rd judge to break any potential ties. I volunteer.

Good thinking, guys. Maybe this can be a regular gig?

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Good thinking, guys. Maybe this can be a regular gig?

dont all official contests have 5 judges?

 

[afwdwfan]

dont all official contests have 5 judges?

Why stop there?? The more the merrier!

 

[CarolynK]

I had a pair of gardening clogs at one point (and now wonder whatever happened to them) and yes, they do remind me of that. Though with crocs I'd think a lot of dirt would get inside the shoe

OK, yeah, dirt DOES get in (and the occasional rock!) but I wear them with socks and they're just so easy to slip on!

Oh I agree, it really doesn't matter how broken in they are, especially at the beginning of a trip when you are adjusting to the humidity. I always joke that I have to "break" my feet in each season. They've been babied all winter in socks and have to re-toughen up. I bring a ridiculous amount of shoes for myself and rotate pretty religiously. That helps avoid any issues for me. But....I'm not letting kids bring more than 3 max so they don't have quite as many options.

Just curious, what's a "ridiculous" amount??

 

[emmysmommy]

Speaking as a Flame Tree BBQ fan, I'm glad I saw Kendall's turkey sandwich because my DD does not want to go back there since she doesn't like BBQ. That sandwich gives me the ammo I need to return. That or I'll just bribe her! Nice to know there are other options.

I hope I'm not the only one around here that must admit that I have never thought to drop by the First Aid Station for blisters. Doh! Makes perfect sense now that you've shared.

I love the view from EE. Seeing the surrounding hotels and parks is pretty surreal from that perspective.

I'm looking forward to hearing how Kendall and Jeff liked their excursion. (And good looking out and having a photo of her BC! )

 

[eandesmom]

Great picture!

Thanks! It was wierd, it is the ONE photopass picture of the entire trip. Very odd to order just one online, no CD or anything. Which meant if I wanted a border, just ordering that version or paying too much overall.

Woo hoo to the single rider line! You got some great pictures.

Yeah, I wish I could have zoomed more but overall it was fun to even try to take them on the ride.

I'm so glad that Kendall was able to take the tour without her ID. I can't imagine them not letting take the tour for that. Seriously? What kid carries around their license at WDW?

Not to mention the fact that she doesn't have a license, this is just a permit that was obtained specifically for the trip and ultimately not really needed. BUT we had no way of knowing for sure so better to be safe. I just can't believe after all the drama of having her get it in the first place, none of us thought of it for the tour.

Yeah - lunch just looks kind of "eh" and I think the QS desserts keep getting worse and worse.

Great mega update.

That fish is HUGE!

I would rather pay less overall for the DDP and not have dessert included period.

He was a big sucker huh!

You are a brave woman!

It would take everything I have in me just to go on EE, never mind actually hold my arms up and take pictures. SCARY!

Actually...not so much scary, as motion sickness.

Well that is a very good reason not to go on it if you ask me!

So, here I am, delurking again! Have I commented already? I can't remember. Anyway, I'm loving your trip report! It's a pleasure to read. I can't believe how big the boys are! That photopass picture of them standing next to you, oh my goodness, how they've grown!

I am not sure if you have so if not, I'm always thrilled to have you here.

Yes, dirty rats keep getting taller. It hit home when Evan's shoe size finally passed mine. Officially, mostly, into mens sizes. Which sucks financially

I love Crocs and have like a million pairs but some are better than others and have ones i've worn once and then never again because of them rubbing.

Must remember about going to first aid for blister plasters I would never have thought of that.

Lots of folks are huge fans that is for sure. I assumed they'd have bandaids but was really impressed with the supplies available.

Glad they accepted K's ID via phone, on our first WDW trip I took a scan of my passport laminated as ID to the Comedy club but they wouldn't fully accept it, they said they'd let me in but I couldn't drink alcohol.

I'm sure it wouldn't have flown for a 21 and over event but was very grateful it did work!

Hi Cynthia!

Hi Angie!!!

I was so behind but I'm all caught up!

Beautiful pictures at AKL and Yay for the surprise!!

The kids posing in front of Dinosaur....too cute!!

Love the safari pics...especially of the giraffes! They are my favorite!

It was such a fun morning, I really really love AK and am so happy we spent our one full power day there.

It's been a while since we've walked the trails at AK. We'll have to make it a priority next time! Great pics!!

We had never done the jungle trail and am so happy we did, just beautiful.

I've always wanted to try Flame Tree, but we always seem to take food in at AK. After your review, I'm not as sorry that I've missed it. But I'd still like to try it.

It is a great value that is for sure. But staying in a villa at AKV makes it easy to pack lunch

Each? Oh boy, I hope you're hungry. I know, it's so hard to split -- half a meal doesn't sound like much. It'd be better if you could order 4 (or maybe even 3) meals for 5 people, but we can never all agree on what to get so that idea goes right out the window!

We had the credits so it just wasn't worth arguing but I knew I didn't want a full half chicken, nor was it likely Eric could eat the whole thing. Though they really do eat the full adult meal 90+% of the time. My kids are NOT a fan of splitting anything.

Whew! Thank goodness for smartphones with dropbox or whatever app you were using. I'm glad they took it, that would've been a huge disappointment.

That I just had on my camera roll but I did have some other docs in dropbox.

I know there've been pictures of the boys all throughout this TR, but for some reason when I looked at this picture I realized how much taller they've gotten since I've been following your TRs.

I had the same reaction! Probably as it's the only one I think with just the 3 of us, standing on level ground.

Sheesh, those prayer flags have given their all! Time to replace 'em Disney.

Very ratty, and faded too

He looks scared, but he's got his hands off the lap bar. I'm impressed!

His expression cracked me up

I like the expression of that girl in the front/left of the picture.

Wet shoes from Kali could've contributed.

Most likely

Cool! He's a big 'un. I've never seen one of those.

I'm glad that you got to see at least some of the Tree up close.

He was huge! Yes, at least we got a small section of free and to view a freakishly large weird fish....that's something I think the boys were relieved that's all we could do though

 

[eandesmom]

I've never heard of Picnic in the Park. You learn something everyday on these boards! But I do love me some Flame Tree.

Well, it may not still be there

September 2012 Update: Picnic in the Park in its original format stopped being offered in 2010. After, a grab-and-go option was offered from Beastly Bazaar in Discovery Island. The Grab and Go meal came with a reusable bag. Meal choices for two ($17.99), three ($24.99) or four ($32.99) persons. Meals included: choice of sandwiches, chips, desserts, plus a bottled water. Guests with the Disney Dining Plan could use quick-service credits.

Beastly Bazaar closed in August 2012. Therefore, we are unsure if the grab and go picnic option was moved to another merchandise location. Stay tuned for more information.

Wow, that's my favorite CS place. I guess it wasn't their best day.

It was ok, and portion wise a great value.

Now that is world-class Mom work.

I try. Makes up for the times I am mean

Torture!

it was the least they could do

I've lost count of the Bonus Mom points earned in this chapter.

I need all I can get

Photopass!

I wish!

Lost zebra?
LOL. It was way in the back instead of being in the new area.

They weren't there yet on our trip but now I kind of wish I'd gone on the safari in Oct as then I'd have seen them before they were gone.

Nice Komodo Dragon pics. He always hides when we go.

He was fun

Hey! I love my Crocs. LOL. Really your feet do not sweat. I guess because it is ventilated. I only wear them at Disney as they are the only shoes my feet do not hurt from after walking all day.
They are ugly though. LOL

I believe your feet don't sweat in them I can tell you Eric's do. Stinky!

Lots of folks swear by them and I'm all for not having hurting feet....if they work for you that's wonderful!

Awww. What a cute turtle.
All caught up again.

Flame Tree used to be our favorite AK counter service, but after a few times of tough ribs, we have not been there too much lately. I've found the turkey sandwich and the BBQ sandwich to be good. Totally agree on those desserts. I've tasted some of those that Jill has had when they've been on the dining plan before. I certainly would not pay out of pocket for them!

I can't imagine anyone would pay OOP for those desserts. I really wish dessert wasn't included and the plan cost less.

Those boys are lucky to have a rockin' Disney mom - and not one that is leading them around Animal Kingdom with a map in hand looking lost and overwhelmed.

I don't know if we looked at a map hardly at all this trip, that is kind of fun.

I am very much a Croc person. I have huge feet - terrible feet - so Crocs give me plenty of room for bones to stick out and toes to wiggle, and they still fit after the swelling starts. Sounds fun, huh? Anyway, for abnormal feet people like me, they are the best.

I am glad they work for you! Part of the reason they have been decent for Eric is he does have wider feet so things like Teva's etc don't fit him quite right. But they have given both kids blisters before and that's more my issue. If they are going to be ugly, they should be like clouds.

We've eaten at Flame Tree a couple of times and thought that it was pretty good. Because we go in May when it's hot, we usually eat in the air conditioned Pizzafari.

I have never been to Pizzafari, there is something about the concept of ordering Disney Pizza (Via Napoli being a rather large exception to this) that we have studiously avoided so far. But I can see the appeal of the AC!

Whew! Good thing you thought to take a picture of Kendall's ID just in case something came up. Good Mom thinking.

Well I took the pic as at the time we didn't have an original, just a copy of a copy so that's what the picture was off. We did get an original and brought it...but didn't have it with us. She actually had a drivers permit which would have been much better but didn't bring it. Realistically I should have just put it in my wallet at the start of the trip but wasn't thinking. I was so focused on Jeff remembering his DVC member card to prove our discount that I spaced on the more important thing.

It never ceases to amaze me how you and others can take pictures on Expedition Everest. I'm always hanging on for dear life. I may just suck it up and try taking pictures on our next trip.

Once you start doing it, it's not that bad. I couldn't fathom it before but then got into the challenge of it.

 

[eandesmom]

I thought we were talking about Flame Tree.

I can smell that BBQ from halfway across the park.

DOH. Clearly it was I that was confused

So you're saying you make some awesome ribs? Maybe you should let Mark and me judge that...

I do, if I do say so myself and I do in fact believe I have multiple folks that would back me up on that.

You'll need a 3rd judge to break any potential ties. I volunteer.

It's a party!

Good idea!

Everyone buy a ticket to Seattle...

Good thinking, guys. Maybe this can be a regular gig?

Sure! Party at the lake. Ribs, homemade potato salad, corn on the cob...

dont all official contests have 5 judges?

At least

Why stop there?? The more the merrier!

Exactly!

I can post pictures...that's all I got Hard to judge from a picture though, it could look fabu and be dry as a bone.

But they aren't.

Trust me.

 

[TarzansKat]

I can't even begin to describe how quickly Nemo grows. Like a WEED.

I just am thinking of how "little" they were when I first met you on the DIS and it's amazing to my...I think we can sort of let slide in our minds how long we've known each other, but our children are the tell tale sign!

 

[DisMomAmy]

All caught up! I love how you surprised the kids with your stay at AKV! And then Animal Kingdom! So much fun!!

 

[eandesmom]

What a fun update, Cynthia.

I'm not sure I'd be trying to take pictures on EE. Oh wait, I don't even ride EE!

Well that would make it hard to take pictures on it

Sorry you didn't get very far in the Tree of Life path. Was that after the accident they had with the tree?

I honestly have no idea, maybe?

Great pictures of the kids by the tree.

And I love the photopass pic of you and your boys.

Thanks! I was so happy to have one with just me and the boys, we've done it every trip and this is the only one from this particular trip. I have one from each in my kitchen and like to see how they've grown in comparison.

I'm glad Jeff got everything worked out with K and her ID.

My youngest son used to wear that exact kind of "male bling" when he was that age.

Taylor wore that kind of bling at that age too. Actually till about 18 I think...

OK, yeah, dirt DOES get in (and the occasional rock!) but I wear them with socks and they're just so easy to slip on!


Just curious, what's a "ridiculous" amount??

Ok for gardening I'll let the socks and crocs go.

Even though it might be a PEMCO personality.

No matter what shoe I wear gardening... dirt and rocks get in.

Ummmm ridiculous.

I think I took 10 on this trip? 6 on my October trip with Mary Ellen?

In my defense this trip had some unique needs. I needed park shoes, workout shoes, pool shoes, casual shoes/sandals and then heels for dressing up on the cruise.

And of course I needed multiple options for all of that I will say that for the Oct trip I could have done 5 but needed (wanted) shoes for my costume and also had wintery ones I'd worn on the plane there and back that weren't worn otherwise. And I am fairly sure that Mary Ellen will back me up on the fact that I did not have a large bag, it was carry on sized. (It is however, magical, in how much it will hold). In both cases...I did wear them all mind you...though in August I'm quite sure I could have gotten by with say...

8.

Which reminds me I really need to figure out what I'm bringing to Hawaii. I have been known to bring more shoes than there are days in a trip. Doesn't help that Jeff completely feeds this habit and will make room in his suitcase for more.

Speaking as a Flame Tree BBQ fan, I'm glad I saw Kendall's turkey sandwich because my DD does not want to go back there since she doesn't like BBQ. That sandwich gives me the ammo I need to return. That or I'll just bribe her! Nice to know there are other options.

It was a good looking sandwich and I wills say that those that had fries, thought the fries were good.

I hope I'm not the only one around here that must admit that I have never thought to drop by the First Aid Station for blisters. Doh! Makes perfect sense now that you've shared.

I'd never have thought to before, in fact I don't think I knew they existed until recently and honeslty, were it not for the bizarre Universal incident where I came out of the restroom to find K gone and in their first aid/medical area, I probably wouldn't have thought of it this time either. I do try to have a small supply of stuff in my park bag and did have bandaids but they were small and what they had at the station was SO much better. Seeing the gigantor ones they gave Kendall stuck with me. Had it not I'm sure I'd have used what I had...and it would have slipped right off of the blister being in the location it was...and it would have gotten worse. That moleskin saved the day.

I love the view from EE. Seeing the surrounding hotels and parks is pretty surreal from that perspective.

It is SO pretty, amazing how far you can see. Funny, for some reason it doesn't freak me out in the daytime but it seems REALLY far at night and a wee bit more scary as a result (ok, thrilling). That is the aspect though that keeps K off of it. She can do any of the indoor ones but outside...nope.

I'm looking forward to hearing how Kendall and Jeff liked their excursion. (And good looking out and having a photo of her BC! )

Luck. I really can't remember why I took a picture of it but oh was I glad I had!

I can't even begin to describe how quickly Nemo grows. Like a WEED.

I just am thinking of how "little" they were when I first met you on the DIS and it's amazing to my...I think we can sort of let slide in our minds how long we've known each other, but our children are the tell tale sign!

It is so true! At that age...5 years is a LOT! Maybe I will do a comparison in my intro for the NYE trip, it is fun to see the pics over the years. Only bummer is I don't have a castle pic from this year or it would be a straight comparison so I guess I'll have to mix up the parks.

Actually now that I think about it...I don't think I've ever gotten a SE pic with just the boys and myself...Castle, Tree and Hat. That I have.

Must do SE next Dec! Then I could make a 4 park collage...

Hmnnnn

 

[eandesmom]

All caught up! I love how you surprised the kids with your stay at AKV! And then Animal Kingdom! So much fun!!

Hi Amy!

It was a great surprise and just magical on so many levels.

 

[TarzansKat]

It is so true! At that age...5 years is a LOT! Maybe I will do a comparison in my intro for the NYE trip, it is fun to see the pics over the years. Only bummer is I don't have a castle pic from this year or it would be a straight comparison so I guess I'll have to mix up the parks.

Actually now that I think about it...I don't think I've ever gotten a SE pic with just the boys and myself...Castle, Tree and Hat. That I have.

Must do SE next Dec! Then I could make a 4 park collage...

Hmnnnn

That is such a great idea for your next trip! I try to take the boys pictures in the same spots when we go, so you can do that kind of comparison. It's a lot of fun.

 

[CarolynK]

Ok for gardening I'll let the socks and crocs go.

Even though it might be a PEMCO personality.

What is PEMCO? Is that a DIS acronym?

Ummmm ridiculous.

I think I took 10 on this trip? 6 on my October trip with Mary Ellen?

In my defense this trip had some unique needs. I needed park shoes, workout shoes, pool shoes, casual shoes/sandals and then heels for dressing up on the cruise.

And of course I needed multiple options for all of that I will say that for the Oct trip I could have done 5 but needed (wanted) shoes for my costume and also had wintery ones I'd worn on the plane there and back that weren't worn otherwise. And I am fairly sure that Mary Ellen will back me up on the fact that I did not have a large bag, it was carry on sized. (It is however, magical, in how much it will hold). In both cases...I did wear them all mind you...though in August I'm quite sure I could have gotten by with say...

8.

Which reminds me I really need to figure out what I'm bringing to Hawaii. I have been known to bring more shoes than there are days in a trip. Doesn't help that Jeff completely feeds this habit and will make room in his suitcase for more.

OK, 10 pairs is a lot...not judging, I'm impressed! I used to take a lot more clothes and shoes before we started doing carry-ons, but then I typically ended up not wearing everything anyway...it sounds like you wear what you take. Especially for a cruise, it's hard to pack light! What carry-on do you use??