Day Three at the Lodge
New Jersey's Fab Four's First Trip to the World!
Participants: Myself (age 32)
DH (age 36)
DisTwins (age 5)
Week of Aug. 24th to 31st
Well, yesterday I could justify pointing the finger of blame at the WL for our trials and tribulations. This morning, I had to turn the finger of blame directly at myself! We arrive at Animal Kingdom in time for the 9:00 opening (though missed "The Awakening" that I had hoped to see!). As we prepare to pass through the gates, I realize that I do not have the passes! Figuring they fell out of my shorts pocket in the passenger seat, I ride the tram back to the car while DH waits with the kids at the entrance. No passes in the car! Now I figure I have left them in the hotel room and quickly head back to the Lodge . . . only to discover a bigger problem when I get there. The passes are no where in sight! I'm in a panic at this point, wondering where the heck I could have dropped them! I speak to Guest Services and they immediately remedy the situation by issuing new passes, thus cancelling the others. It is 10:00 when I return to DH and kids who've been waiting for an hour in the heat!
We do our best to put yet another "incident" behind us and make the most of the day. We're an hour behind, but it's not the end of the world, right?!
While DH heads to Africa to get FP's for the Safari, kids and I enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Oasis (don't miss the rickety bridge that sways back and forth as you pass over!). Then admire Tree of Life where DH joins us and let kids photograph w/ their disposables some of the nearby animal life - flamingos, monkeys, ducks. Then to Dinoland to board Triceratop Spin. VERY happy to see that there still is NO wait for Tric. Spin and we get right on! Decide to come back for the Boneyard later so we could get Safari done before the midday heat.
*This would have been a good park to use strollers! It was a long trek to Africa and kids were not happy campers!
Get right on Safari with our FP's. Kids found it a bit frustrating trying to take photos on a bumpy, moving vehicle! (I actually found it quite funny! Should be some interesting photos on those rolls!
) We really enjoyed strolling along the Forest Trail afterward and saw a few lazy gorillas. The kids loved the interactive stations along the way where CM's showed them rats, lizards, and fish! Look for the big hippo through the glass peeking into one of the water holes! Many beautiful waterfalls to enjoy, too! The trail is definately the highlight of our day at AK!
Lunch break at Tusker House (had PB+J packed in bag for kids). If you're child is a big PB+J fan, consider packing (or buying at grocery when you get there) some and a loaf of bread, along with a small tupperware sandwich container. This worked great for us and saved us the $5-$6 per sandwich in the World! DH and I found the food at Tusker House very good and we really liked their strolling musician (though the kids were a little less sure!).
We head to Rafiki's Animal Planet, which though Tourguide Mike advises to skip, we found to be a lot of fun! They really liked a Mermaid Puppet/Cartoon show and were excited to meet Pocohantas! They had ample opportunity to meet Rafiki, but found him too "ugly" to approach! Poor Rafiki! They also enjoyed the petting farm outside and even the train ride as a nice little break!
Despite my family's objections, I insist we quickly trek through the trail in Asia to see some tigers. They oblige begrudgingly but enjoy it nonetheless! There are some neat water fountains/play areas right outside the Rapids ride - consider bringing spare clothes or swimsuits and letting the kids have fun! (We were too chicken to get on the Rapids ride, fearing we'd get soaked!)
It's over to Dinoland to finish the day in the Boneyard and head back to the Lodge! (Had hoped to see Tarzan and Pocohantas shows, but we're beat!) They enjoyed the Boneyard, though DD was in tears as we left after discovering that she lost a few of her precious pressed pennies! It's been a long day and we all need a nap!
We arrive at the Lodge just before 4:00 and take a quick peek in the Cub's Den (kids are staying there Thurs. evening and want to get them acquainted). They are just finishing the craft but the friendly CM gives them a bumble bee "kit" to take with them. DS is quickly melting down by the time we reach the room so we all take a rest. I can't sleep so enjoy a self-tour of the Lodge and found a nice reading nook on the 5th floor in front of the large front window.
We grab a bite at Roaring Forks and hit the pool before getting ready to head over soon to Ft. Wilderness for the campfire! See next thread for the campfire details!
Glad all are enjoying the reports!
New Jersey's Fab Four's First Trip to the World!
Participants: Myself (age 32)
DH (age 36)
DisTwins (age 5)
Week of Aug. 24th to 31st
Well, yesterday I could justify pointing the finger of blame at the WL for our trials and tribulations. This morning, I had to turn the finger of blame directly at myself! We arrive at Animal Kingdom in time for the 9:00 opening (though missed "The Awakening" that I had hoped to see!). As we prepare to pass through the gates, I realize that I do not have the passes! Figuring they fell out of my shorts pocket in the passenger seat, I ride the tram back to the car while DH waits with the kids at the entrance. No passes in the car! Now I figure I have left them in the hotel room and quickly head back to the Lodge . . . only to discover a bigger problem when I get there. The passes are no where in sight! I'm in a panic at this point, wondering where the heck I could have dropped them! I speak to Guest Services and they immediately remedy the situation by issuing new passes, thus cancelling the others. It is 10:00 when I return to DH and kids who've been waiting for an hour in the heat!
We do our best to put yet another "incident" behind us and make the most of the day. We're an hour behind, but it's not the end of the world, right?!
While DH heads to Africa to get FP's for the Safari, kids and I enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Oasis (don't miss the rickety bridge that sways back and forth as you pass over!). Then admire Tree of Life where DH joins us and let kids photograph w/ their disposables some of the nearby animal life - flamingos, monkeys, ducks. Then to Dinoland to board Triceratop Spin. VERY happy to see that there still is NO wait for Tric. Spin and we get right on! Decide to come back for the Boneyard later so we could get Safari done before the midday heat. *This would have been a good park to use strollers! It was a long trek to Africa and kids were not happy campers!
Get right on Safari with our FP's. Kids found it a bit frustrating trying to take photos on a bumpy, moving vehicle! (I actually found it quite funny! Should be some interesting photos on those rolls!
) We really enjoyed strolling along the Forest Trail afterward and saw a few lazy gorillas. The kids loved the interactive stations along the way where CM's showed them rats, lizards, and fish! Look for the big hippo through the glass peeking into one of the water holes! Many beautiful waterfalls to enjoy, too! The trail is definately the highlight of our day at AK!Lunch break at Tusker House (had PB+J packed in bag for kids). If you're child is a big PB+J fan, consider packing (or buying at grocery when you get there) some and a loaf of bread, along with a small tupperware sandwich container. This worked great for us and saved us the $5-$6 per sandwich in the World! DH and I found the food at Tusker House very good and we really liked their strolling musician (though the kids were a little less sure!).
We head to Rafiki's Animal Planet, which though Tourguide Mike advises to skip, we found to be a lot of fun! They really liked a Mermaid Puppet/Cartoon show and were excited to meet Pocohantas! They had ample opportunity to meet Rafiki, but found him too "ugly" to approach! Poor Rafiki!
They also enjoyed the petting farm outside and even the train ride as a nice little break!Despite my family's objections, I insist we quickly trek through the trail in Asia to see some tigers. They oblige begrudgingly but enjoy it nonetheless! There are some neat water fountains/play areas right outside the Rapids ride - consider bringing spare clothes or swimsuits and letting the kids have fun! (We were too chicken to get on the Rapids ride, fearing we'd get soaked!)
It's over to Dinoland to finish the day in the Boneyard and head back to the Lodge! (Had hoped to see Tarzan and Pocohantas shows, but we're beat!) They enjoyed the Boneyard, though DD was in tears as we left after discovering that she lost a few of her precious pressed pennies! It's been a long day and we all need a nap!
We arrive at the Lodge just before 4:00 and take a quick peek in the Cub's Den (kids are staying there Thurs. evening and want to get them acquainted). They are just finishing the craft but the friendly CM gives them a bumble bee "kit" to take with them. DS is quickly melting down by the time we reach the room so we all take a rest. I can't sleep so enjoy a self-tour of the Lodge and found a nice reading nook on the 5th floor in front of the large front window.
We grab a bite at Roaring Forks and hit the pool before getting ready to head over soon to Ft. Wilderness for the campfire! See next thread for the campfire details!
Glad all are enjoying the reports!
