CJK
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2001
- Messages
- 7,619
The Cast:
Goofy Gal (me) - Obsessive Disney Planner
Goofy Guy (my husband) - Tolerant of the Obsessive Disney Planner
Dapper Dad (my dad) - A fellow Disney lover!
Fanlover (my mom) - Fan of Disney, not fan of the heat
ToT Sis (my sister ) - Likes Disney, but Tower of Terror? Not so much...
Cocoa Bil (my bro-in-law) Likes Disney, especially their hot chocolate
Splashboy (my nephew) age 6 Never been to Disney, excited and nervous to try the big rides
Boomer (my nephew) age 4 Never been to Disney, age 4 going on 14
Dining Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=901786
Introductory Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=903652
Day 1 Peter Pan PLEASE teach me to fly!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=904193
Day 2 - Part 1 Prison or Disney?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=904890
Day 2 - Part 2 The broom kissed the balloon
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=905052
Day 2 - Part 3 Conquering the Magic Kingdom
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=905863
Day 2 - Part 4 Splash Mountain vs. The Boy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=906053
Day 3 - Part 1 Tower of Terror: Enter With Caution
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=907362
Day 3 - Part 2 Sittin' on Stranger's laps
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=908266
Day 3 - Part 3 Thank goodness for Dinosaurs!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=908703
Day 4 - Part 1 Beware: Crush 'n' Gusher has a 48-inch height restriction
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=910433
Day 4 - Part 2 My heroes: The lifeguards
We finally managed to drag everyone out of the lazy river and head towards Shark Reef. The line was only about 15 minutes so we decided to go for it. I was keeping a watchful eye over the boys. My mission, which I chose to accept, was to keep the boys happy at whatever cost. We picked up some life jackets and got in line. ToT sis tries to put the jacket on Boomer, when he loudly announces to everyone in line that its pointless to put it on since hes not going in the water. After this mornings events, we know enough not to argue. Were on vacation after all. We told him that he didnt have to go in the water, but continue to stay in line so we could at least see the sharks and fish. Thats the funny thing about children. Changing their minds about things is their prerogative. Never mind that at home, Boomer cant get enough of swimming. Maybe hes allergic to Florida water.
We received the snorkeling instructions and proceeded to put on our masks and snorkels. I put my big toe into the COLD water when the whistle blew. I started to panic. Security had finally tracked me down.
Thankfully, it turns out a thunderstorm was blowing in all pools were temporarily closed. Talk about taking candy away from a baby! We were so close! We figured it was going to be a typical 20-minute Florida thunderstorm, so we followed instructions and found shelter. We found delight in seeing the droves of people exiting the park. I had researched enough to know that a good time to be at a water park was immediately following a thunderstorm. The park will be practically deserted. What we didnt realize was that this so called 20-minute thunderstorm would in fact be a LONG 2 hour one instead.
It took a good 45 minutes before the rain even began. During this time the guys decided to go to our lounge chairs and pick up our bags and shoes and bring them to us. They came back and asked ToT sis if she had her sandals with her. She didnt. Either Donald Duck was playing tricks on us, or her sandals were stolen. Stolen? Doesnt everyone know that bad things should never happen in Disney? Didnt they get the memo? Everyone elses sandals were still there. I doubt it was coincidental that the most attractive, newest pair of sandals were the ones that were missing. If anyone was at Typhoon Lagoon on Aug. 24, 2006 and found a size 8 pair of Nike sandals, please send me a PM. J
ToT sis was understandably upset but refused to let it ruin the day. We were going to wait out the storm and recapture the magic. Little did we know, a lot of the magic returned while we waited under the shelter. Some nearby lifeguards decided to entertain us hostages, er, guests while we waited out the storm. The first game was called bury the unlucky lifeguard. With how happy the boys were piling sand on a stranger, who needs shark reef! They were positively giddy!
Meanwhile, the men were hungry and decided to brave the weather and get us all some lunch. The goal was to get back to the shelter before the rain arrived. Unfortunately, they were not the only ones with the same goal. In fact, everyone who wasnt involved in the sand throwing was also in line for food. The competition was on. Ready, get set, go.
First the good news: Cocoa bil made it back before the rain. The boys were happy and munching on hotdogs. The semi good news is that Goofy Guy made it back just as the rain was starting to sprinkle. My cookie was a little damp, but still edible. The bad news is that Dapper Dad made it back just as the heavens open up and showed him, and his food, no mercy. The drinks had no lids so the regular cokes were now diet cokes with all the extra water. The French fries became mashed potatoes. The wonder of Mother Nature.
But as this was another meal on the free dining plan, we really couldnt complain. Essentially, we were getting dinner and a show. While we were eating our soggy food, the wonderful lifeguards came up with another game for the kids. It was here where we discovered yet another hidden talent of Splashboy: jousting! Thats right, jousting. Two of the lifeguards got on their hands and knees (now, now we are in Disney) and asked for any volunteers to sit on their backs. Splashboy quickly raised his hand and climbed aboard. He and another boy on the other lifeguard were given life preservers to use as the jousting match began. The crowd cheered, Splashboy was on cloud nine, Boomer was happily playing in the sand and the sun came out.
The rain had ended. Halleluiah! Im not sure, but I still think the lifeguards put an order in for the return of the sun. They were fabulous and made a rainy afternoon not only bearable, but also enjoyable. Did I mention the lifeguards deserve a raise?
Before the rain started, we were told at Shark Reef to come right back to the beginning of the line when the pool reopened. We had already heard the instructions so we could just cut to the beginning of the line. I volunteered to stay back with Boomer who was now making a very impressive sand castle with another little boy, while everyone else went to Shark Reef. My family said that going right to the front of the line was even better than fast pass! They got to the front of the line, when Splashboy decided he didnt want to go. You know, we really cant blame the kid. Fanlover said that when ToT sis and I were 6, we wouldnt go on big slides let alone swim with sharks! He came back to play with Boomer and me while the others swam. We did a swap when they came back and I went swimming myself. It really is surreal swimming with those beautiful creatures. Had I not had a piece of plastic in my mouth, I would have broken into song The Circle of Life. I tend to do that a lot.
It was now time to divide and conquer. ToT sis didnt want to drag the rest of the family around the park for the next couple of hours. She suggested that we do some of the big water slides, which now had small lines. Meanwhile Cocoa bil, Boomer and Splashboy would go to the kiddie part of the park. Wed meet back at the hotel. This sounded like a great plan.
Fanlover decided to sit and watch for a while. Her feet were starting to bother her. She hadnt been using my body glide. If I wasnt a believer before our trip, I sure am now. It was now day 3 of our trip with miles and miles of walking under our belts and my feet were in terrific shape. Ill never go back to Disney without body glide or tevas. I think I finally convinced Fanlover for future trips. Hobbling in pain from blisters will soon be a distant memory. Why oh why didnt I discover body glide long ago? True that with tortured feet I got some appreciated sympathy from Goofy Guy, but if given the choice, Id rather be pain-free.
Im quite sure Goofy guy agrees.
Dapper dad, Goofy guy and I went on 3 waterslides with pretty small waits. They were pretty fun and as per usual, I screamed all the way down. One of them (forgive me for not remembering the name we were using orange rafts) really surprised me. I was expecting a tame ride, but was almost turned backwards from the force of the water. I was relieved I wasnt wearing a bikini. That wouldnt have been a pretty sight. I wouldve been escorted out of the park for sure. We took a dip in the wave pool and decided to call it a day. We looked around one last time for ToT sis sandals, but came up empty. Cocoa bil did go to the lost and found earlier and filed a report. That was our best hope.
A funny thing happened on the way back to the hotel. You see, I tend to be a bit of a talker (ya dont laugh I know this report is day 4 and installment number 3, 426,227 its a fluke I tell you). My family has all been to Disney many, many times so we basically know how to drive around WDW with little effort. However, today, I was telling a particularly enthralling story (though ironically none of us remember what it was about!), and we missed our turn to the hotel. From that point forward, it was highly recommended I keep the talking in the car to a minimum. Im choosing to consider it a compliment. Who knew I was so fascinating?!
As we showered and changed, we couldnt help but wonder how ToT sis and family were getting along at Typhoon Lagoon on their own. An hour later, we had our answer. Splashboy came running into our room telling us what an amazing day he had. Right after we left them, they went to Ketchakiddee Creek and enjoyed all the slides and games they had to offer. Amazingly, one of the lifeguards there remembered Splashboy from earlier that day. It seems that she was the lifeguard who was guarding the Crush n Gusher slide Splashboy was debating whether to go on. The two became friends and through her gentle encouragement, Splashboy became determined to conquer Crush n Gusher the way he had conquered Splash Mountain.
Not only did he conquer Crush n Gusher, he actually LOVED it. He wanted to do more. He and Boomer went on more waterslides and they were both fearless. They even wanted to go into the wave pool when the big wave came. The turn around from earlier in the day was remarkable. There were so many wonderful lifeguards there today. They truly made a day that had the potential of being completely disastrous, into a miraculous one. I must remember to write a letter. They did so much more than save physical lives. Their eyes were dancing as they told us of their adventures at Typhoon Lagoon. I wish we had time to hear all the details, but we had a show to catch. Tonight wed learn that 38yr old men are too young to drink.
Goofy Gal (me) - Obsessive Disney Planner
Goofy Guy (my husband) - Tolerant of the Obsessive Disney Planner
Dapper Dad (my dad) - A fellow Disney lover!
Fanlover (my mom) - Fan of Disney, not fan of the heat
ToT Sis (my sister ) - Likes Disney, but Tower of Terror? Not so much...
Cocoa Bil (my bro-in-law) Likes Disney, especially their hot chocolate
Splashboy (my nephew) age 6 Never been to Disney, excited and nervous to try the big rides
Boomer (my nephew) age 4 Never been to Disney, age 4 going on 14
Dining Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=901786
Introductory Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=903652
Day 1 Peter Pan PLEASE teach me to fly!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=904193
Day 2 - Part 1 Prison or Disney?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=904890
Day 2 - Part 2 The broom kissed the balloon
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=905052
Day 2 - Part 3 Conquering the Magic Kingdom
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=905863
Day 2 - Part 4 Splash Mountain vs. The Boy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=906053
Day 3 - Part 1 Tower of Terror: Enter With Caution
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=907362
Day 3 - Part 2 Sittin' on Stranger's laps
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=908266
Day 3 - Part 3 Thank goodness for Dinosaurs!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=908703
Day 4 - Part 1 Beware: Crush 'n' Gusher has a 48-inch height restriction
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=910433
Day 4 - Part 2 My heroes: The lifeguards
We finally managed to drag everyone out of the lazy river and head towards Shark Reef. The line was only about 15 minutes so we decided to go for it. I was keeping a watchful eye over the boys. My mission, which I chose to accept, was to keep the boys happy at whatever cost. We picked up some life jackets and got in line. ToT sis tries to put the jacket on Boomer, when he loudly announces to everyone in line that its pointless to put it on since hes not going in the water. After this mornings events, we know enough not to argue. Were on vacation after all. We told him that he didnt have to go in the water, but continue to stay in line so we could at least see the sharks and fish. Thats the funny thing about children. Changing their minds about things is their prerogative. Never mind that at home, Boomer cant get enough of swimming. Maybe hes allergic to Florida water.
We received the snorkeling instructions and proceeded to put on our masks and snorkels. I put my big toe into the COLD water when the whistle blew. I started to panic. Security had finally tracked me down.
Thankfully, it turns out a thunderstorm was blowing in all pools were temporarily closed. Talk about taking candy away from a baby! We were so close! We figured it was going to be a typical 20-minute Florida thunderstorm, so we followed instructions and found shelter. We found delight in seeing the droves of people exiting the park. I had researched enough to know that a good time to be at a water park was immediately following a thunderstorm. The park will be practically deserted. What we didnt realize was that this so called 20-minute thunderstorm would in fact be a LONG 2 hour one instead.
It took a good 45 minutes before the rain even began. During this time the guys decided to go to our lounge chairs and pick up our bags and shoes and bring them to us. They came back and asked ToT sis if she had her sandals with her. She didnt. Either Donald Duck was playing tricks on us, or her sandals were stolen. Stolen? Doesnt everyone know that bad things should never happen in Disney? Didnt they get the memo? Everyone elses sandals were still there. I doubt it was coincidental that the most attractive, newest pair of sandals were the ones that were missing. If anyone was at Typhoon Lagoon on Aug. 24, 2006 and found a size 8 pair of Nike sandals, please send me a PM. J
ToT sis was understandably upset but refused to let it ruin the day. We were going to wait out the storm and recapture the magic. Little did we know, a lot of the magic returned while we waited under the shelter. Some nearby lifeguards decided to entertain us hostages, er, guests while we waited out the storm. The first game was called bury the unlucky lifeguard. With how happy the boys were piling sand on a stranger, who needs shark reef! They were positively giddy!
Meanwhile, the men were hungry and decided to brave the weather and get us all some lunch. The goal was to get back to the shelter before the rain arrived. Unfortunately, they were not the only ones with the same goal. In fact, everyone who wasnt involved in the sand throwing was also in line for food. The competition was on. Ready, get set, go.
First the good news: Cocoa bil made it back before the rain. The boys were happy and munching on hotdogs. The semi good news is that Goofy Guy made it back just as the rain was starting to sprinkle. My cookie was a little damp, but still edible. The bad news is that Dapper Dad made it back just as the heavens open up and showed him, and his food, no mercy. The drinks had no lids so the regular cokes were now diet cokes with all the extra water. The French fries became mashed potatoes. The wonder of Mother Nature.
But as this was another meal on the free dining plan, we really couldnt complain. Essentially, we were getting dinner and a show. While we were eating our soggy food, the wonderful lifeguards came up with another game for the kids. It was here where we discovered yet another hidden talent of Splashboy: jousting! Thats right, jousting. Two of the lifeguards got on their hands and knees (now, now we are in Disney) and asked for any volunteers to sit on their backs. Splashboy quickly raised his hand and climbed aboard. He and another boy on the other lifeguard were given life preservers to use as the jousting match began. The crowd cheered, Splashboy was on cloud nine, Boomer was happily playing in the sand and the sun came out.
The rain had ended. Halleluiah! Im not sure, but I still think the lifeguards put an order in for the return of the sun. They were fabulous and made a rainy afternoon not only bearable, but also enjoyable. Did I mention the lifeguards deserve a raise?
Before the rain started, we were told at Shark Reef to come right back to the beginning of the line when the pool reopened. We had already heard the instructions so we could just cut to the beginning of the line. I volunteered to stay back with Boomer who was now making a very impressive sand castle with another little boy, while everyone else went to Shark Reef. My family said that going right to the front of the line was even better than fast pass! They got to the front of the line, when Splashboy decided he didnt want to go. You know, we really cant blame the kid. Fanlover said that when ToT sis and I were 6, we wouldnt go on big slides let alone swim with sharks! He came back to play with Boomer and me while the others swam. We did a swap when they came back and I went swimming myself. It really is surreal swimming with those beautiful creatures. Had I not had a piece of plastic in my mouth, I would have broken into song The Circle of Life. I tend to do that a lot.
It was now time to divide and conquer. ToT sis didnt want to drag the rest of the family around the park for the next couple of hours. She suggested that we do some of the big water slides, which now had small lines. Meanwhile Cocoa bil, Boomer and Splashboy would go to the kiddie part of the park. Wed meet back at the hotel. This sounded like a great plan.
Fanlover decided to sit and watch for a while. Her feet were starting to bother her. She hadnt been using my body glide. If I wasnt a believer before our trip, I sure am now. It was now day 3 of our trip with miles and miles of walking under our belts and my feet were in terrific shape. Ill never go back to Disney without body glide or tevas. I think I finally convinced Fanlover for future trips. Hobbling in pain from blisters will soon be a distant memory. Why oh why didnt I discover body glide long ago? True that with tortured feet I got some appreciated sympathy from Goofy Guy, but if given the choice, Id rather be pain-free.
Im quite sure Goofy guy agrees.Dapper dad, Goofy guy and I went on 3 waterslides with pretty small waits. They were pretty fun and as per usual, I screamed all the way down. One of them (forgive me for not remembering the name we were using orange rafts) really surprised me. I was expecting a tame ride, but was almost turned backwards from the force of the water. I was relieved I wasnt wearing a bikini. That wouldnt have been a pretty sight. I wouldve been escorted out of the park for sure. We took a dip in the wave pool and decided to call it a day. We looked around one last time for ToT sis sandals, but came up empty. Cocoa bil did go to the lost and found earlier and filed a report. That was our best hope.
A funny thing happened on the way back to the hotel. You see, I tend to be a bit of a talker (ya dont laugh I know this report is day 4 and installment number 3, 426,227 its a fluke I tell you). My family has all been to Disney many, many times so we basically know how to drive around WDW with little effort. However, today, I was telling a particularly enthralling story (though ironically none of us remember what it was about!), and we missed our turn to the hotel. From that point forward, it was highly recommended I keep the talking in the car to a minimum. Im choosing to consider it a compliment. Who knew I was so fascinating?!
As we showered and changed, we couldnt help but wonder how ToT sis and family were getting along at Typhoon Lagoon on their own. An hour later, we had our answer. Splashboy came running into our room telling us what an amazing day he had. Right after we left them, they went to Ketchakiddee Creek and enjoyed all the slides and games they had to offer. Amazingly, one of the lifeguards there remembered Splashboy from earlier that day. It seems that she was the lifeguard who was guarding the Crush n Gusher slide Splashboy was debating whether to go on. The two became friends and through her gentle encouragement, Splashboy became determined to conquer Crush n Gusher the way he had conquered Splash Mountain.
Not only did he conquer Crush n Gusher, he actually LOVED it. He wanted to do more. He and Boomer went on more waterslides and they were both fearless. They even wanted to go into the wave pool when the big wave came. The turn around from earlier in the day was remarkable. There were so many wonderful lifeguards there today. They truly made a day that had the potential of being completely disastrous, into a miraculous one. I must remember to write a letter. They did so much more than save physical lives. Their eyes were dancing as they told us of their adventures at Typhoon Lagoon. I wish we had time to hear all the details, but we had a show to catch. Tonight wed learn that 38yr old men are too young to drink.
