Day 10 “Last day blues and the good & bad list!”

[yepod]

Fri Nov 1st
Cast of characters: DD-Emily, 3 ½ yo, ‘tired but happy princess’
DW-Jody, 40, ‘Where are we going to pack it all?’
Me-John, 50, ‘Will they let me take my pins on the plane?’

We got up with the plan not to rush to the airport. We didn’t need to be there until Noon & I had packing to do (just my carry on with the cameras, film, & my pin bag! Jody had finished the rest of the packing the day before, while I skipped carefree through all the parks! I know what you’re thinking, Jody will want to be there early, but you’re wrong! I was just as surprised as you! She actually wasn’t as nervous as usual. We then went down to Mora for breakfast. This was my first visit & I enjoyed it. In Jody’s words “It is better than the POR & CBR food courts combined!” It’s more personalized & the food seems fresher. Like one poster said, they practically cook it fresh to order. We then went to Zawadi for our last minute bits & pins. Now for the sad task of calling bell service to pick up the bags for the final trip to the car & valet service to have the car waiting out front. We bid ado to the AKL & headed for the airport. We checked the car in & proceeded to the Northwest check-in counter. It was easier to get through security at MCO than at GRR! We were soon on our flight home.

As we landed in Michigan, Jody asked me what they were spraying on the wings. That’s not spray Darlin, that’s SNOW!

The HORROR! Oh well until next trip………………

GOOD LIST (All major pluses)

 Meeting & enjoying the company of Ron (Trekker) & Katie, and making new friends!
 Family Magic Tour (a must do for littlies!)
 MNSSHP (a lot of fun, especially in costume!)
 Animal Kingdom Lodge (WOW!)
 BOMA (Ditto!)
 Pin trading (addictive, but good interaction for the most part!)
 Nice CMs (always a pleasure!)
 Nice CM managers (a newer pleasure!)
 Talking & joking with everyone on the ‘Hell’oween pin crusade (also a newer pleasure!)
 Fantasmic (our first time & we loved it!)
 3 new restaurants Boma, Jiko & Tempura Kiku (all great!)
 Emily’s interaction with the characters (better each year!)
 Emily enjoying swimming this trip (she’s getting so grown up!)
 Return of Figment (glad you’re back!)
 Festival of the Lion King show (our first time & we enjoyed it!)
 The great weather!

(Only a bit of rain)
 Valet service (a nice perk!)

BAD LIST (All minor problems)

 We found the bus stops for the moderates the last 2 years a joke because they are farther away than the All Stars. The AKL’s was just as bad. I’m not saying the people at the *** should be abused but to pay a premium for the resort & then to walk farther to get to your bus is unacceptable IOHO!
 We found the food mediocre at best at the breakfasts at the Castle, Akershus & Tony’s. (We didn’t eat at Tony’s for breakfast, but did ask a CM who confided it’s the same fare as the other character meals.) We do go primarily for the characters but let the buyer beware.
 It’s tough to be a bug (Jody & Emily did not enjoy this show. Oh well I don’t really enjoy It’s a Small World either but I don’t ask to have that put on the Bad List either LOL)
 Jody didn’t like the pool at the AKL as well as the quiet pools at the POR (or the CBR for that matter) It would be a nice compromise if they could add a couple at the deluxe resorts without removing savannah real estate. Maybe put them in a couple of the big rooms LOL
 The 2 instances of poor service; Aaron at Cindy’s & Pia at Akershus.

 

[Poohshoney]

Oh not, they're over..

Great reports John - are you sure they have to end? When you going back? I hope it's soon!

 

[pumba]

I think I am sooooooo excited now for our weekend jaunt.....December 13th is coming up fast.......I am glad that you and your family had such a great time.......thanks again

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I am so ready to leave Sat morning - thanks for the list John - glad you all had a great time

 

[Muffy]

It's sad on departure day! I enjoyed reading your trip report!

 

[vald1977]

Thanks so much for posting your trip report! It has been such fun to read. Hope you are able to get back to WDW soon!

 

[Alice28]

Great trip report! Thanks for sharing! I loved all of your smilies and such interspersed throughout your postings- cute!

 

[Fire14]

And yes the GRR secrity is way ahead of feds schedules. I had my experience with them day before my WEDDING!!!!. Can I hide in laugage next time you go to WDW?

 

[nativetxn]

There's nothing worse than going back home and finding snow

I read every installment of your trip report and enjoyed each one. Thanks for taking the time to post these-writing trip reports is a lot of work.

Katholyn

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

OMG! After finally reading all your reports, I realize that the awful waitress we had at our favorite dining spot, Akershus, was also the waitress you had a problem with! And I can't believe she's still there!

 

[scarlett873]

wonderful trip report!!!!

i'm glad the emily's "strops" didn't damper your families' fun!!!

 

[jennymouse]

yepod, I read & enjoyed all your reports! Your DD & her strops remind me of my DD's strops except she's 29! I'd love to do the Family Magic? Tour at MK one day...sounds like fun! I got a laugh out of your DD pulling her pants down at Donald's Breakfast too...thank God, my DD didn't do that!

I wish I could've met up with you & Trekker while we were there! Thanks for posting!

 

[TimNDansMom]

Very enjoyable reading, John! Thank you for taking the time to write such fun trip reports!

 

[oldkicker]

Great reports, John.

I really enjoyed reading them

THANK YOU!

 

[kathymc]

great reports John - thanks for sharing your fun filled trip with us!