Dolphins, Rhinos, and Bed Bugs, Oh My!!! 5/19-6/2

[LegoMom3]

..... They have an ostrich egg, a real one that is hollowed out that you can pick up, then a plastic one that is filled to approximate the weight. Some adult woman with no kids goes up and asks the Cast Member "Is that a rhino egg?" I know, I know, it's mean to laugh, but it was just too funny. The CM politely said "No, ma'am, rhinos give live birth, this is an ostrich egg."

OMG!!!....that is hysterical! You already had me going with the "elderly pince" and the Ribbon guy in your mom's thoughts....THIS takes the cake!

You made my day - keep 'em comin'!!!!

 

[missmun52]

great report! I just caught up. I hope we find out about the secret Andre is keeping.

I was in school about 3 years then got married and had a baby. My DH is a little older and has fininshed already. I have been at home but i am going back this september to finish and hopefully after that i can take my mom to disney. You two seem to be having a wonderful time so far, and i would love to have memories like these.

 

[diswedwish]

So we finally have internet again!!! Stupid locally owned cable company... At least this time they didn't have "Pray" on their list of what you're supposed to do when you power cycle the computer. And, no, I'm not kidding, that really was #10 on what to do.

Time to go meet Calvin and Rainier!

So we were up early to give my mom's meds time to kick
in. Not leaving anything to chance today!!!! Then we
forced ourselves to eat breakfast at the food court
before we left to catch the bus to Epcot. Andre was a
bit concerned about my fascination with Calvin during
our morning phone call. "He is a dolphin, right? Not
the ribbon guy?"

So my mom and I showed up and waited outside Guest
Relations in Epcot. Early. Very early. Now only 8
people per day are allowed on the tour. And gradually
about 11 of us were patiently waiting. 11? That's not
right... So when Tabitha (who gave the tour in '04
when I was there!) showed up with the clip board and
called the names, 3 very disgruntled people were
politely but firmly pulled aside. She told them that
they had signed up for yesterday's tour and that she
had waited outside an hour for them and that they
would not be able to reschedule the tour as it was
booked solid for the next month. Could you imagine?

The rest of us were quickly on the tour. We stood in a
circle and we were asked our names, where we were
from, and if we had any prior experience with
dolphins. Once it was known that this was my present
to my mom (and I was given a big kudos) and that I'd
been on the tour before I was teased mercilessly by
our guide who was great and whose name I can't recall.
He was tall and blond and from Oklahoma and that's
all I can remember. Also, I know some parts of the
tour will be out of order since I was bad and didn't
write everything down right away... Sorry about that.
It's mostly there. Sort of.

We were led around back into the Living Seas and
walked onstage and near the manatees. Did you know
that if you walk right up to the glass (on the lower
level) there's an indented part and if you stand
inside of it it's like you're right in there with
them? How many times have I been there and never
noticed that? So that was cool. Then we went
backstage again and were led around the backstage area
for the dolphins. Then we were quickly led away since
they were working with the dolphins and we would be a
distraction to them. "Playtime? You mean it's
playtime?"

Okay, last time, in Nov. of '04, when I did the tour
there were 2 dolphins - Calvin and Rainier. Dolphins
have a matriarchal society. So the mothers and babies
bond together. The males are kind of on their own and
form bachelor herds (or pods or something). This is
what the Living Seas has - just the boys. Now there
are 4. The other 2 are fairly new, the youngest is
Mallamar and the other one who I can't remember. They
were all kind of punchy since there weren't any, hmm,
females around. And there's a constant struggle for
dominance (they are males after all). So they fight.
A lot.


Anyway, as you can imagine, dolphins can be quite
agressive. And they don't have arms, so they use
their teeth. This, we were told, is called raking.
They have rake marks all over their bodies. And some
of them were still fresh - bloody, gory, great.... We
were told that Rainier was considered top dog so he
was pretty unraked. The other new one whose name I
can't remember will probably become the top one, but
not yet. Calvin (who is my favorite) and Mallamar
were at each other's throats and they were both pretty
marked up.

So we were chased away from the one area and went to
the other area at the top of the tank and our guide
explained how they train dolphins. The targets,
rewards, etc. He picked the shyest girl from the
group and held out a target and some Monopoly $.
First he touched the target to her hand and gave her
the $. Then he held the target further away and she
moved her hand to touch it and then she got the $. And
so on until she had to jump to touch the target. Only
dolphins don't get $, they get different types of
fish, so we got to learn about the 3 they use the most
and which they like the best.

I was the one who got to be "Calvin". He told us not
to feel so bad when the dolphins fought. Because the
younger ones (like Mallamar - in this case a stuffed
dolphin) go up to the older ones (like Calvin - in
this case me) and say "what 'cha doin'? what 'cha
doin'? what 'cha doin'?" Each time he said this I got
a jab in the shoulder from the stuffed dolphin. I
teach so I went into my "patient teacher" mode and
didn't do anything. He said "Wow! You're a very
patient dolphin?!" So I failed miserably. I guess I
was supposed to smack him Oh well.

Then we got to see Calvin (did I mention how much I
love Calvin ) in his training session.
They were seeing if he could associate certain toys
with different vocalizations that he can make. He had
a bunch. We got to hear his "dribble" and "Batman"
and a few others. I remember reading about this in
something when we got back - maybe the AP newsletter?
It was pretty neat. The whole time he's probably
thinking "Look at these dumb humans, stupid people, I
make a sound like this, pitifully simple really, they
think I'm a genius and give me a nice juicy fish".

Another interesting tidbit that I think we'd heard
when we were in the Living Seas, not on the tour, and
then heard more about on the tour. You know the white
divider near the dolphins? It's not to protect the
dolphins... They used to have free run of the
aquarium. But they enjoyed sports such as spin the
sea turtle and fish football. So now they're
sectioned off; the fish can get in, but the dolphins
can't get out. I remember a CM saying "See how many
fishy friends they have?" as there are 8 fish
on their side of the divider. We found out on the
tour that they have another game. They wait until the
fish are somewhat close to the divider. Then they
rush up, open their mouth very wide and slam it shut
so it creates a noise like a bomb underwater.
Apparently this terrifies the fish and entertains the
dolphins. It also wears their teeth down, which is
okay since we found out that they don't use them much
- except to rake each other and scare their fishy
friends...

Then it was time to change into our half wet suit
thingys. Here I was of great help since I knew the
drill. Where to go, what to do, what would happen,
what to leave where, etc. So everything was quickly
accomplished and we headed back to the lounge where we
were offered a can of soda and watched a video about
the stupidity of interacting with wild dolphins - see,
they have teeth, see if you try to pet them they think
it's food and will bite you. It also had a
conservation message - feed dolphins bad, dorsal fins
(keeps 'em balanced) get shredded by boats, baby
dolphins look to boats for food. Basically, interact
with dolphins at Disney, where your $ goes for
Conservation and stay away from them anywhere else
because bad things will happen. Works for me.

Then, dolphin time But wait, what's this?!
We approach the water and the head trainer tells us
that they're trying to get Mallamar segmented off and
if they can't Calvin might get pissed (okay they
didn't say that exactly) and that would be very very
bad and we might not get in the water No, this
never happens! They just say this happens, it doesn't
actually happen!!! So we back up the ramp and my mom
asks me "They always say that right? Just in case they
don't want to play with us." "Uh, hmm, how to put
this? No."

Thankfully, Calvin was entranced by my presence since
he remembered my beauty and acquiesed to Mallamar's
presence. They pair you off into 4 and 4 - 4
to a dolphin and a trainer. You interact, get a
picture and switch off to interact with the other
dolphin. As with last time, the dolphins up were
Calvin and Rainier. We got.... Drum roll
please......... Calvin We gave him hand
signals (he only watched me of course) and rubbed him
down and got our picture with him. I think my mom was
afraid to touch him. She said it was because of the
fresh bleeding gashes on his side and she didn't want
to hurt him. Yep. I was thinking "sure if it were
the ribbon guy you wouldn't be thinking this"
But the second time around she was fine.
The picture went well. Then we got soaked, of course.
Because they tell you to give Calvin the signal that
you don't know will get you wet (unless you've done
the tour before) but it does get you wet. And then
you get very very very wet. And the shy girl was very
very upset because I think she almost lost her
contact. Oops.

Then it was Rainier's turn. Bye Calvin
Rainier's fine, but my heart belongs to Calvin.
Sorry, Andre. Then we were in luck, because
who did we get to meet but little Mallamar
Yay!!!!! My mom was in heaven. And even I had to
admit that little Mallamar gave Calvin a run for his
money. Sadly our 30 min. was at an end, no more
dolphin time Time to shower and change and get
our "free" t-shirts and pictures and sodas for the
road. *sigh*

My mother loved and it and I was ecstatic. I felt
extremely lame on Mother's Day giving her a card that
read "Your present is really cool and you'll get it in
Disney". But now she had it and loved it and all was
right with the world

Up next: The rest of our Dolphin Day - Coral Reef,
sort of heatstroke, my solo excursion to MK, Andre's
further jealousy of Calvin (j/k about that last one

 

[MommyPoppins]

Well, I am not competely done reading what you've got so far. I printed it out and haven't finished it. But, I'm loving it! Very entertaining and more importantly, long. Thanks!

I'm anxious to hear about the bed bugs. But. Then, not really.

 

[missmun52]

But, I'm loving it! Very entertaining and more importantly, long. Thanks!

I'm anxious to hear about the bed bugs. But. Then, not really.

Ditto

 

[brandt79]

Loving it! I would love to take a trip with my mom to the World someday - this may be my inspiration!

 

[diswedwish]

We emerged at the front of Epcot at Guest Relations. My mom grabbed a much needed cigarette. We must do the whole dolphin thing more often, I think she went about 4 1/2 hours without one ! Our lunch at Coral Reef wasn't scheduled until 2:50 so we had some time yet. I had the lunch scheduled originally, then tried to get the tour scheduled the same day as the lunch because wouldn't it be cool to see where we just did the tour? Aren't I smooth

Anyway, we headed over towards another ride I had been hoping to force, er, nicely talk, my mother into doing - Mission Space. Especially since they had the new Green Team or whatever they call the chicken side now. The non spinning side. The easy way out. Whatever, just so long as she'd ride it. So after talking extensively to the CM at the entrance and being assured that yes, it did not in fact spin on that side, she was good to go. She thought it was very cool and almost agreed to try the spinning side. Almost. The dolphin high was pretty good, but not that good. I also enjoyed the non-spinning side better. I've done the spinny side and it's been fine, but sometimes I'm a little woozy for a few minutes after. This side, no sweat, easy.

We still had time, so we decided to walk through Innoventions. Did I mention before how hot it was when we were there? And Innoventions was air conditioned. I drug my mom through the house of tomorrow which she liked. We had some kickers with us (you know the type, 2 steps kick kick kick, 2 more steps push push push) but we managed to avoid them for the most part. Then we found a very hot smoking area outside the Living Seas and I called my friend again to tell her how I pulled (or failed to pull) off the dolphin surprise with my mom and called Andre to tell him that Calvin hadn't seduced me into living at the Living Seas for the rest of my life. Yet

Then it was time for Coral Reef. I love Coral Reef. I know the seafood isn't top notch. I know it isn't always a favorite on the boards. But everytime I've been here (at least 3-5 times I think) I've always enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the friendly servers. Maybe it's been luck, maybe not. But today was no different. We had a great time. We both had the diver's special combo meal which for $20 was a good deal (especially at Disney!). You got soup (lobster bisque), entree (shrimp on a baked potato), and cheesecake. Good deal, good food. We both had wine. My mom had her normal zinfindel, I had red wine of some sort. And I got the chocolate wave because I could and I am a pig and it is my favorite dessert. We got to see Crush and all the other fish and our buddies the dolphins from afar. It was quiet and cool and our server was very friendly and efficient. Very good times.

Then we re-entered the heat. Very very very bad idea to have wine and a heavy lunch and expect to tour the rest of the park in the heat! Bad, bad daughter. See I thought that because I was such a good daughter and took my mom on such a cool tour that it gave me license to drag my mom around WS for the rest of the afternoon in the unrelenting heat. Um, sadly no. Being 28 and a non-smoker who works out for 2 hours a day 5 days a week puts you in a vastly different mind frame from someone who is 58, works out 15 min. a day and smokes. Sadly. I thought maybe the dolphins would negate all of that.

But that didn't happen yet. We made it to a few countries! We went to Canada and saw Kenai and Koda. I didn't have Koda's autograph yet!!! And the CM/handler was great. He made sure everyone had their cameras and books/pens ready. He was the handler nazi in a nice way. Which is good when it's 99 degrees and they're dying in their costumes. Very efficient. Except I told Kenai thank you, but I only needed Koda's autograph. So that picture is very cute because Kenai basically tried to stand in front of me and block me. At least Koda liked me...

We trudged through UK. And I got my first annoying phone call of the trip. In Jan. when we made the plane reservations I told all of my piano kiddies in writing and verbally that I would be away for these dates. My college kiddies were done, so no worries there. Since I am anal I pre-made up 95% of their lessons. For the month before the trip I told them verbally at every lesson and reminded them that they would not have lessons. Did this mean that they understood? No, of course not! I get a call asking if one of them had a lesson. From a nanny (some of my kiddies are from very wealthy families); she can't remember if there will be a lesson today, and hopes it will be made up. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!! So I call, and politely re-explain for the 100th time that the lessons on x and y dates were make-up lessons for today and next week; as explained on the form I handed her in January. Remember this, because something happens later with this same family. Blech. I suppose I should either not care or not carry my phone or not return those calls.

During this exchange my mom is fading fast. She's flushed and looks bad. But insists we continue. So we head to France and Impressions de France. This is one of those things I always promise to do and then never do. So this time by all that's holy, I'm doing it. And it's air conditioned and we get to sit down. We both enjoyed it. But my mom still looked awful. But she's one of those people that refuses to admit that something's wrong. Like her heart attack - she waited and waited to go to the ER because she couldn't have something like that wrong with her She made it and had the actual heart attack during the angioplaste but was reprimanded not to do that again (insisting that nothing was wrong that is).

So we go to Japan. What's air conditioned there? The stores, but no place to sit. The museum!! So we sit down in there for several minutes. Then this woman with a weapon (stroller) plops down next to us, opens up a large bag of Doritos and begins chomping very loudly. Of all the things that could have happened... My mom dislikes crinkly bags, dislikes chewing with your mouth open, and felt nauseous. So at that point she'd had it and said that she felt sick and wanted to go back to the room.

I felt glad in a way because otherwise she would've stuck it out and been miserable the rest of the day. So we trudged slowly back to the bus stop. Did you ever notice that when you look like death warmed over, people kind of avoid you and politely step aside? Otherwise you're fair game for weapon knocking over and the like. But I was very grateful that no one knocked into her. When we reached the bus stop one was just about to pull away. I ran up to it and said "I think my mom has heat stroke, could you wait a minute?". He did and some nice man offered up his seat for her. I must not have looked too well either because some other man gave up his seat for me.

So after a miserable bus ride "home" we trudged back to our room and plopped down onto the beds. My mom told me that if I wanted to, I should go out. She didn't mind being alone and intended to nap anyway. She would feel bad if I hung around all day. Translation: "I know you're going to hover and pace and be a nuisance. Please go away and let me die in peace." After a token "Are you sure you're okay?" Followed by a "Yes, now GO!!!!!" I left. Oh, I was supposed to call the elder Prince around 7:45 (it was now after 5:30) with the room # so he could call her.

My first time in a park alone, a little scary!!!!! I've been through some tough times (again see the Community Boards for details) and I keep thinking that when I have a lot of time to think that I will go to pieces or something and I was going to be going near some memory inducing places. But I'm a big girl so I figured it was now or never.

And you know what? I had a blast! I would definitely go to WDW by myself. It's very different, but also very fun. You're surrounded by people all the time, so if you want to interact with families you can, but you don't have to. I talked with different people most of the way there, and around the park. It was very cool to walk down Main Street and see the Castle by myself. First stop was Space Mtn. for a FP. Also cool to just run back and forth all over the park to get to do the rides I like without ditching anyone in either a smoking area or dumping ground while I ride. Then I did Philharmagic and Small World. I called my dad while in line for Small World and "So Mommy's in the ER, she had heatstroke today, what should I do?" He said in a very worried tone of voice "You'd better be kidding". "Yes, I am can't you hear the music, guess where I am?" I am a very cruel child

I got stuck in the last room of IASW for 20 min. so I think God was punishing me. He didn't think I was very funny either... Then I rode SM and got another FP for later. On the way across the park to Frontierland I decided it was time to do something Andre had asked me to do. He'd asked me, very politely, maybe if I thought about it (since I was very busy having fun you see) if I could make a wish about us. And he's not even been introduced (um forced) to watch every Disney movie yet; he's princely without any training isn't he? So I decided to make a wish at Cinderella's well. And I can't tell you the wish, because then it wouldn't come true

Then it was time for BTMRR! Last car! God forgave me. And HM!!! Yay, fun I was hungry, so I decided to eat at Pinocchio's because the plan was to eat on the balcony overlooking Fantasy Land. That way I wouldn't look like I was eating alone since nobody could see me. Again, very smooth Until I got my food and realized that the stairs were closed. So I chose to eat very publicly alone outside looking at the Carrousel. As the clock struck 9 it did stuff it was an actual cuckoo clock - I didn't know about that?! Who knew! Now I did. And my turkey panini was filling if not that great.


When I ran back to SM it was closed (boo!) But wait, I'd never seen it with the lights on! So I rode the TTA. That was very amusing. Then my prince called, so I settled in for a good spot to watch Wishes. I'd never seen it from the Rose Garden, so that seemed like a good spot. He asked if he could "listen" to the fireworks with me. I told him that I wouldn't talk but he was welcome to "listen" with me. So he did. I have no idea what he was actually able to hear, but I thought it was incredibly sweet gesture Then we "walked" up Main St. together and before I knew it I was back in the room and my mom was bright-eyed and bushytailed. Well, not ready to go out, but she looked 100% better than earlier. She'd eaten and rested and was ready to go back to sleep.

Up next: Crystal Palace, Paintbrushes, Fort Wilderness, Behind the Seeds, and Marrakesh (get me out of here before she gets me up on stage!!)

 

[Deluzy]

Really enjoying your report!!!

 

[missmun52]

Another great installment!

 

[Dolce27]

Great report!
I'm taking the Dolphin Tour in September. It was great to read about what it is like.

 

[diswedwish]

This morning was slightly less exciting. Instead of dolphins, we were off to my mom's very first character breakfast I was excited anyway. And Andre was much less concerned about the possibilities of Tigger running away with me as opposed to Calvin... My mother was feeling much better this morning so we were ready to go.

My mom was amused to walk down an almost empty Main Street (see, I told her it would be neat ) and then we checked in. We were quickly seated and were told the drill about how the characters would approach. We didn't need any autographs here, just pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Of my mother of course We were settled in with our OJ, tea and coffee and pretty soon Eeyore arrived. Happy times. And my mother quickly realized that yes, it is stressful trying to eat, get pictures, get to the buffet, get back, etc, and imagine all that with a child?! We had fun watching all the little kiddies. We enjoyed the French toast. It is my reason to exist. Okay, well maybe not quite, but it is scrumptious. Definitely my reason to go to the gym for 2 hours a day for the next 500 years... I asked if they no longer did the napkin dance and our server told us that one too many kiddies had used them as weapons. Oops... Overall it was a successful, quiet (did I really just use that and character in the same phrase?), yummy character meal. My mother enjoyed it. I was happy. All was well.

We waddled out and decided to waddle up into the Swiss Family Treehouse which I'd hated when I was 5. Those steps are not fun when you're tired and crabby. At least Hall of the Presidents you can sleep through... Until your dad wakes you up anyway - this you're expected to climb through - much, much better when you're an adult and aware of your surroundings.

Then it was my idea to attempt to try another of my mom's "to-do" things - the paintbrushes on Tom Sawyer's island. But it still wasn't 10, so I figured I had time to sneak a ride in on Splash. I'd mentioned my migraines before. I usually get one with an aura once a week, sometimes more. Wed. had been my day usually; but nothing this past week. Apparently now was the day - on my way over I got one. My meds work as long as I take them asap, so I wasn't too concerned. Rarely the aura even stops (maybe 4 times my whole life this has happened). I got on Splash and it stopped And I haven't had one since!!! See, I just need to go to Disney. Or not work. Or both.

Anyway, I was ecstatic that it had stopped. Even though I had already drugged up so I knew I would feel slightly cotton-ball headed for a few hours. I'd take cotton-ball head over headache any day. And it was almost 10, time to go stand in line for Tom Sawyer's Island. We were 2nd in line behind a grandma and her 3 grandchildren. We told her about the paintbrushes. She was very happy since she didn't know. Then we helped out these teenage boys behind us. They were on a scavenger hunt for someone's birthday and needed to know who Aurora's Prince's name was. Philip of course. Then we went over to the island and went to the Fort. We thought the brushes would be difficult to find. I went into the bathroom. I came out and my mom had one in her hand. I made her put it on top of the barrel and act surprised so I could take a posed picture. On the way back we found another and snatched it for the grandma and her family. When we had found them they had found the other 2. Oops. We didn't tell them about the one per family rule. But our raft captain hadn't said anything either. So we kind of spread them out among other families. Once we got back to the other side they took all 4 families aside and gave us the special FP. They overheard my mom say that we intended to scrapbook ours so they gave us another one good only for Splash or BTMRR. We silently thought "goody, now we have *2* special ones to scrap" .

Our work here was done and it was getting HOT again. I didn't want a repeat of yesterday, so I suggested we go to Fort Wilderness because everyone knows it is cool there. Okay, no, really we just wanted to get away from the crowds and I wanted to show my mom the horsies. On the way out I showed her the penny thingys at the top of the train station - the music box thingy (like my terminology here?) that is very very loud, and the movie thingy. That was mildly amusing even if it did cost all of 5 cents or whatever it was.

Then we caught the boat to FW and enjoyed the boat ride. I pointed out the CR and told my mom that parasailing was her next surprise. Then told her I was just kidding. Then I pointed out the WL where we were supposed to dine at AP Sun. night (more on that later). Then finally we were at FW. Yay! Quiet! Trees! My mom goes "It's hot, how far are the horses?" Me thinking madly, "Not far". Thinking inside "Well, not far at all in Nov. when it's not 900 degrees...". So we walk quickly through the petting zoo and into the horse barn. My mom and I love horses. I wanted a horse, so did she. One of her friends had horses and we rode every Sunday when I was little. We even learned how to drive a buggy. We rode at every National Park we went to (practically every one in the US) that had riding available. It was lots of fun. We didn't ride here because I did it last time and it was not too fun if you've had previous riding experience. But the horse barn is cool. You can see the draft horses that pull the trolleys on Main Street and the little ponies that pull Cinderella's coach. There's a tiny horse museum with lots of pictures. It's a neat place to visit if you have about 30 min. to spend and you like horses.

But again, it was HOT. So we decided to step into the air conditioned comfort of the store. We spent a long time there. Do you know they sell condoms at Disney? I was highly amused by this, I don't know why I was surprised or thought this was funny, but there you have it. I wanted to see if there were ones with Mickey on them, but sadly no. We purchased our lunch there - we split Chip and Dale cookies and a diet coke. Yum. Very exciting.

From there it was back to the MK, monorail to Epcot and some of the countries. We decided to try the Behind the Seeds tour, so we headed to the Land to get FP for Soarin' and sign up for the tour. That was quickly accomplished, and then we headed for Norway. We did Maelstrom again (I think I mistakenly believed that I could try to convince my mother that she could do Splash if she could do this) and had a rice cream from Kringla.

We wandered through WS - oh, the other time we did the Butterfly Garden, I think I forgot to mention that (bad me). That was neat. 3 years ago I got my mom a bunch of plants that butterflies like to plant right by her back patio for Mother's Day. By last year the butterflies and hummingbirds finally learned where it was, so we have them all over - including the monarchs. So last summer we got to see the whole life cycle of the monarch from the tatacapillars (as my mom's first grader's called them) to chrysallis to butterfly. Very cool. So we enjoyed the butterfly garden. Even if there were some dead ones in the corners...

We ended up back in the Land Pavilion ready for our tour. Yeah, so, the tour guide can make or break your tour. Ours, well, she kind of sucked. No nice way to put it. I know it was the end of the day and it was hot. She just seemed so disinterested. She tended to lose her train of thought in the middle and when people would ask questions she rarely would know the answer. On the Backstage Safari tour our guide would actually call or radio in and ask someone else the question and he would have the answer in minutes. She didn't really seem to care. But this tour cost much much less, so that could be a factor too. Anyway, it wasn't exactly what we'd hoped for. It was pretty boring.

We started out with the buggies. She explained how they use the good bugs to control the bad bugs (and no bed bugs yet). The younger kid on the tour got to release the lady bugs (good bugs) later. Bugs are interesting. She made them boring. We walked through the greenhouses and she explained how you could grow your own hydroponic stuff at home and we got a brochure. Snore... We got to eat cucumbers. That was fun. We got to see the fishies and alligators. Except the alligators go back to the farm and get turned into meat and shoes when they grow too large Neither my mom or I know much about plants, so we didn't ask many questions - other people did - she didn't know the answers. But she did say one supremely stupid thing in my opinion. She said she was going to be a teacher. My mom wished her luck as she had been a teacher. She said "Well, that's okay, I don't really want to teach, I'm just doing it for a few years as a fall back plan". I was thinking, but didn't say, "I really hope you don't tell your potential employer that one". So I think it could be a good tour, we just got stuck with a crummy tour guide. At least it didn't cost what Dolphins cost! Then we'd have been upset. As it was, it was kind of like "eh, it only lasted an hour and a half, we learned something, let's go on Soarin'".

So we did and that was fun We were behind a family from Germany. They were very very afraid. We got to calm them down. After the ride they thanked us. So that was fun. Then we approached the exit to the Land. When we were on the tour we noticed that the sky was looking rather grim. It was pouring, thunder, lightning. My mom had very thriftily purchased 2 ponchos at the Dollar Store before the trip - Snow White for her, Tink for me. Where were they? That's right, in the room. Because it hadn't rained yet. And today was the first day she'd left them there instead of lugging them in her purse

She needed a cigarette, but all the smoking areas are outside, and she wasn't keeping anything lit anyway. So we sucked it up and sat down and waited. And waited. And called my dad. He had just finished dinner. Soup. Cold. Out of a can. No, just kidding. Actually my aunt felt sorry for him and invited him over for a late lunch. So he actually went out 2 days in a row - Thursday for golf, and today with my aunt. But he didn't feel sorry for us. So we waited some more. We were bored. My mom decided to make a hat out of one of the small gift bags. So we went outside. She wore her hat. People stared. Her hair stayed dry Whatever.

Then we waited under the Imagination Pavilion. Eventually it stopped. She kept wearing her "hat". She liked it. People commented on it. I was embarrassed. She said that was her purpose in life. Her hair remained dry We wandered slowly to Marrakesh and watched CMs squeegie the streets. Finally she took the hat off and threw it away. Thank God!!!!!!

I had never been to Marrakesh and was a little concerned that we would like it. But I was determined to try it and a little excited. I also wanted to get the whole belly dancer paraphenalia kit afterwards if possible. There used to be a belly dancing class at the gym I go to (the instructor has since left). I took the class a few times. I was pretty good. I had the moves. I had the coordination. Sure my belly remained covered so that small children didn't run screaming in fear, but I had the moves. Anyway, we were quickly seated at a table on the outer rim of the dance floor square (does that make any sense?). It was towards the end of her set. I knew she pulled people out to dance with her, but I thought it was kids. She pulled up adults too! "I didn't know, honestly" I told my mom . She's fine with animal interaction. People, not so much (unless it's the ribbon guy).

Shortly after that the belly dancer left, everything became quiet, and my mom heaved a sigh of relief. We both got a glass of wine and ordered our meal. We both had some type of sampler. I had the feast, I forget what my mom had. We both liked our meals. They were different, but nothing too strange. Nothing too outstanding, nothing too bland. In short, not our favorite meal, but we'd definitely try it again.

As we finished dessert, the belly dancer began her second set. My mom began to fidget. There was a direct line of sight between her and us. My mother quickly dragged me away immediately after we paid our bill. No way was she even approaching the stage. So then I took a good look at the $120 belly dancer starter kit. I tried to use the finger cymbal things. I am a musician, that is how I earn my living. Do you think I could figure out how to use the darn things?! Anyway, I quickly decided that I would save my $120 and put it to better use - like the Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale that is going on right now. Yes, that would be good. Then I can be a pretend belly dancer. Not a real one. Yes, much better.

So after being traumatized - my mom by thinking about being on stage, me by being foiled by a simple percussion instrument, we decided to find a good spot to watch Illuminations. We did, it was good, my mom saw the globe better this time. We got back to the room earlier. She had my dad call the room, I called my prince outside and wandered along the Sassagoula River (with the imaginary alligators) and we talked about many things. I enjoyed talking to him and soaking up all the atmosphere on our last night at POR before our switch to AKL!

Up next: Switch to AKL, Jedi Mickey, Fantasia Gardens, Boma, what's that black stuff on my sheets?!?!?!?!

 

[missmun52]

What a great report! I cant wait to find out about the black stuff on your sheets (I think thats what i fear the most about staying in any hotel) I cant wait for the next installment

 

[3NJDisneyDivas]

Thanks for the great trip reports!
I was reading them last night & continued this morning. I am anxiously looking forward to more. We always stay at Port Orleans Riverside, so I feel like I am back there as I read.
Lisa

 

[diswedwish]

This morning we awoke very excited - we were switching to AKL Last trip when I switched to the Poly, I didn't need to be in the room with the luggage, this trip we did. So last night we prearranged a pick-up time and we anxiously awaited bell services arrival.

Once they had our stuff, we had a quick food court breakfast and caught a bus to AK and quickly caught a bus to AKL. I think this was the only time during our entire stay at AKL that we had an easy time with the buses Anyway, our check-in went fairly smoothly. I was shocked that there was a room ready since it was still very early. We did have to endure a no smoking lecture by the well-meaning CM at the front-desk. Even though I had specified smoking on our reservation it wasn't on there. So the CM moved our room. But gave us about a 5 min. lecture about how her husband was killing himself smoking. I appreciated her efforts, however I had been trying the same thing for 28 years with no results, I didn't think her 5 minutes would help anything other than cause my mother to desire a cigarette faster...

So we entered our room - 2018, and thought it was the coolest thing. We oohed and aahed and I took pictures of everything. The beds, the walls, the zebra chair, the pool view... We called both princes to inform them of our cool new digs. Our luggage was not there yet so we decided to head over to MGM and Star Wars Weekends. Goal - meet Jedi Mickey.

Good thing that was our only goal! It was very very very crowded! So we stood in line for a very long time, and I got my picture with Jedi Mickey. As my mom had yet another cigarette we watched the morning parade from afar. We also watched some poor child who decided to get his face painted like Darth Maul as sweat poured down his face. Bad choice of face paint on a 100 degree day. We had had enough. Time to go. APs are good to have!

I figured that now would be a good time to drag my mom to Fantasia Gardens. This was a surprise highlight of my last trip. I had thought, eh, mini-golf, but it's Disney, so what the heck. And loved it. I used up a whole role of film just on mini-golf. I was pathetic. I dropped my golf ball in the Pan hole 10 times to hear the different flute songs (since I've played them and am easily amused). It was time to subject my mother to this course. Even though she hates mini-golf with a passion

So we were waiting to board the boat at MGM. There were all of these cute little duckies. Very enjoyable. The boat ride to the Swan was good. Then we got out and of course there was some shoving. I think one of the teenage boys on the boat had Tourrets because he let out this ear piercing shriek when he was pushed. My mom and I looked at each other and we both silently agreed "kid, you have the right idea" and wished that we were able to do that! And I apologize if that is incorrect to say in any way shape or form; he just was able to express exactly what we felt.

Then my mother asks "so how far is it?" Again, "much much closer in November when it's cooler". So eventually we arrived, paid (buy one get one free with the AP!) and began a competative round of championship golf to do my dad proud. Seriously. We even kept score for the first couple of holes. I think. Then my mom got tired, so she just hit the ball once and I picked it up. But we had fun. She also thought it was a cool course and was glad we did it. Even if it was 900 degrees. I almost got her to go under the brooms at the end - the ones that shoot water out at you. Unfortunately, she kind of knew something was up when I said "no, you go first". She's not dumb, she looked down and said "wait! There's water on ther ground! You want me to get wet!!". Well, yes, but then she wouldn't be hot, right?! Oh well.

We sat down for a looooooooooooong time after I purchased some bottled water. No sense getting sick again from the heat. Then we wandered back to the Swan and sensibly took the boat to the Beach Club. Because we were going to have a late lunch at Beaches and Cream. We got a pager and wandered over to sit in the air conditioning. Our pager went off almost immediately and we were in. My mom had her non-kiddie meal choice of soup, I had a cheeseburger and a diet coke. Then we had to get sundaes. I'd split a kitchen sink before. No way could my mom handle one of those! So we both had Mickey Mouse sundaes I had Mickey, she had Minnie (strawberry ice cream). She thought they were very good. And she chose that time to inform me of how the cherries are so red in color. Do you know? Do you really want to know? If not, skip the next sentence. There are some kind of crushed up bugs to give them that bright red color. Good thing I don't like cherries. My mom has a very strange sense of humor. Glad I know that now. I also picked an opportune time to share this when I was out for ice cream with Andre, he appreciated it even more than I did since he likes (or used to like) cherries

So after B&C we headed back to our resort. I think we took the AK bus from the BC and then to AKL. My mom needed a nap. I needed to explore. I need no rest. I am the energizer bunny. So after I called bell services and our luggage was brought up and I unpacked in 5 min. flat, I roamed around and purchased my refillable mug. I also stopped at the front desk to ask if they had extra Star Wars Weekends brochures - the special ones that you can roll up and make light sabres with. My mom liked them. Seriously. And once I found out they had one in every color, and said that my mom liked them, the nice CM gave me 2 of each. I swear they were for my mom She was so excited when I handed them to her, then she tried to roll them up and realized how inadequate they were...

So eventually I decided that I needed to try out the pool and hot tub (even though it was 900 degrees). So I enjoyed both of those things and it was very enjoyable to see flamingos 2 feet from the hot tub. Then I showered and got ready for Boma and grabbed my mother to further wander the resort. We checked out the flamingos and noticed how they had eggs, checked out the huge lobby, checked out some of the necklaces and other things that were framed. Then we went to a stairwell and took a seat and watched the giraffes. My mother made fun of me. I love giraffes. I took many many many giraffe pictures. When we went on vacation when I was little my dad took many many wave pictures and video. Seriously we have about 6 hours of wave footage. And I, of course, made fun of him endlessly for him. So when we got our pictures back, my mother kept saying "ah, yes, *another* picture of a giraffe". Here was when we heard another funny comment. We did not stay in a Savannah room. They are very expensive. We got to admire the view for free and listen to the comments of the paying consumers of the Savannah view. There were zebras and giraffes and even a baby giraffe. Do you know what the little 4-year-old on the nearest balcony was screaming? LOOK MOMMY A BUNNY!!!!! A BUNNY!!!!! Yes, that's what I want to pay the big bucks for, how about you? But it's the memories that count

Then it was time for my next anxiety-provoking dinner (aka a new dining experience) - Boma. Fortunately this was a definite winner We had an excellent server, we loved the food, an all around fabulous time. I was ecstatic that they had a wine flight and between us, the waitress and I talked my mom into it. So she had the white wine flight, I had the red. I tried a teeny-tiny portion of just about each and every salad. I had a tiny bowl of almost every soup. I loved the watermelon rind salad and the carrot ginger soup. The rest of the food was excellent as well. I was too stuffed to fully appreciate the zebra domes and other desserts - oh, trust me, I ate them, but I should've eaten these first. Next time...

We rolled up to the room, glad that we had such a good location - past the gift shop, down the elevator, *poof* there you are. I talked to my prince who said "what option do you want a, b, or c?" "Huh?" "Just pick one". Okay, so maybe he isn't *that* good about keeping secrets. He wouldn't say anything else about it, just that... So we talked for a while about other things and finally it was time for bed.

So I turn down the sheets only to see this black, fuzzy looking stuff all over the one side of the bed. Okay, it's almost 11:30 pm, I was exhausted. I didn't want to either have a complete fit or just roll over and go to sleep. So I touched the housekeeping button on the phone and advised housekeeping as to the problem. They said that someone would be up shortly. My mom looked at it and said it sort of looked like mold. I just sat in a chair and stared at the door, exhausted. In about 10 min. a housekeeper was there and quickly and efficiently changed the sheets and took the old ones with her. I didn't think too much about it to tell you the truth - I figured either it was mold like my mom said or that when the maid changed the bed fuzzies from her sweater got on the sheets. Thoughts of buggies drifted through my mind briefly, but I quickly dismissed them - the black stuff wasn't moving. And it was Disney after all.

Up next: TL, AK, visiting the monorail resorts, my Mickey meltdowns, and our magical finish at Kona Cafe

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Jamie,

Greatly enjoying your report, very entertaining, keep it coming.

I'm with your mom on the smoke breaks. Hi mom

 

[missmun52]

Great report! I am so hooked.

 

[diswedwish]

We got up bright and early (again) and tried breakfast at the Mara. This was okay. We both missed the layout and different selections that POR had. I guess since POR is larger, the food court is larger, has more selection, is more effiecient, all that stuff. Oh well... We survived. At breakfast I noticed that I had several bug bites on my left leg. They looked similar to mosquito bites but they weren't itchy. The thought of the black stuff on my bed crossed my mind but then quickly left it... It's Disney, stuff like that doesn't happen.

Then our first encounter with the concierge CMs And my first Mickey meltdown of the day. So you know how you spend months leading up to your trip on the Dis? This trip I was much more laid back. I scoped the dining forum and the trip report forum and that was about it. I wasn't too worried, I knew the drill. What I never checked was how you go about getting the AP discount for TL tickets. I was waffling back and forth between Premium APs and regular and even whether or not we'd even go to a water park. So this morning we decided to try TL. And waited in line to see if we could get the tickets at the resort. And got the CM from hell. She looked like 10 miles of rough road actually - but thought she was the latest and greatest. And didn't know what she was talking about. So she informed us that yes, we could buy tickets to TL. And no, there was no TL discount for AP holders. But, wait, she thought maybe there was. Shuffles papers behind counter for several minutes. Nope, no discount. My bad, I guess. I decided to try our luck at the park, and sure enough, yes there is a discount, but you must get them at the park. See, bad Disser! Should have researched before the trip and saved the aggravation. So I had a mini-Mickey meltdown. But it was okay, since we had about a 30 min. wait for the TL bus so I had plenty of time to calm down

We arrived at TL to see several long lines. It was EMH here, so one line was regular non-resort people who were really early. One was for resort people waiting for wrist bands. One was for people who had no clue what was going on and were waiting for someone to tell them what to do (and some of these people were very aggravated since things didn't seem to be too well organized). And one was for tickets. Okay, phew, at least that one was obvious. So we did that, got our tickets, then got our wristbands, then entered the park.

I had my suit on under my stuff so I quickly got a locker and 2 towels, threw my stuff in, grabbed my mom (who still hadn't changed) and sprinted for Crush 'n Gusher and the nearest smoking area (surprise)! I got 3 rounds in on that and enjoyed it very much while my mom enjoyed her cigarette almost as much. Then we walked back through the swarm of people entering (EMH was over by now) and my mom changed into her suit. She was a little leery of the whole water park thing.

The big reason I pushed TL on her was Shark Reef. My mom is a big fan of snorkeling. She thinks it's really cool. So the thought of floating over bunches of fish and sharks and not having to go out on a boat first (like on cruises) seemed pretty appealing. So we did that 3 times in a row. You know before (in Nov.) once you'd done it, they let you through without the whole spiel and you were on your merry way. This time you had to listen to the whole thing, then wait. And wait. And wait, while people still kicked you in the head and people decided to stand on the rocks and people went the wrong way. Oh well. I was a tad frustrated. My mom was in heaven. She loved every second of fishy time She said that that alone was worth the admission price. After the 3rd time the line was getting long, so we headed elsewhere.

I got a quick ride in on Humunga Kowabunga while my mom watched from the bottom. "Fun? That's supposed to be fun?" she asked as I got up and she watched from the bleachers at the bottom. Guess I wasn't getting her on that one I did manage to convince her to try the lazy river. Okay, that one didn't take much convincing. We did a full circuit on that. She liked that too - except for the water cannons. She enjoyed the theming.

As we passed the wave pool I said "let's go in there" as I heard the alarm sound. I knew we'd better move quickly before she saw what was coming. I had told her about the really really big waves, but I didn't think she'd go out beyond 1 foot if she remembered. So we went out about 4 feet. The first one was the best because she wasn't expecting it. She didn't get knocked off her feet, but her face was priceless. We stayed in there for a bit. Then it was time to go.

So we waited a very long time for an AKL bus. But it gave my mom a very long time to enjoy a very long smoke so it was good for her. We got our showers and relaxed for a bit. We had lunch at the Mara. I liked the chicken pizza thing even though it seemed to take forever. My mom liked the kiddie chicken thing. She really liked the mickey shaped goldfish crackers.

The game plan was to head to AK and do a few things there, then head over to the monorail resorts before having dinner at Artist Point. I attempted to get FPs for EE but they were all for much later in the evening. I think the only thing we ended up doing was a bit of shopping, then the Pocahontas show. Eh, now I can say I've seen that.

We hopped on a bus to the GF and started our tour of the monorail resorts there. It was nice to be able to just walk around and point out different restaurants and shops and stuff to my mom. Coming up next is my second Mickey meltdown... We were waiting in the monorail station at the GF. 2 different men had just asked the monorail attendant if this was the monorail to Epcot and he patiently explained how you switch monorails, this wasn't the same line, etc. Then a child put his head between the bars, got it stuck and started screaming. Attendant says nothing. Bars open, I'm struggling to find us a place to just stand and attendant snaps at me. It had been a long hot day. I get on the monorail (finally) and the tears start rolling. Most likely I was just over-reacting, but I think by this point it was just getting to me that the rude people seemed to be getting preferential treatment and I (generally very polite) felt like I was being treated pretty rudely.

So we didn't get off at the CR and rode around to the Poly. My mom silently handed me tissues. We get off at the Poly and walk into a gift shop and my mom bought water. The very nice CM asked me what was wrong. I sounded completely pathetic as I told her, and she told me that he shouldn't have done that and I should tell one of the desk CMs downstairs. So I did. I didn't know his name or anything, and probably nothing was done. But they both acted like they cared, I only took up about 2 min. of each of their time, and I felt better so it was good all around.

So we looked around and oohed and aahed at the Poly. Then we went to the CR and oohed and aahed there. It was just about time for our ADR at Artist Point so we caught the boat over there. And time for my third and most spectacular Mickey meltdown of the day. Again, I hadn't been paying too much attention to the Dis (too much time with Andre and work I suppose). I never read anything about the dress code change. I had a skirt and a boatneck t-shirt with Bambi and Faline on it. I bounce up to the hostess stand very excited since this is my favorite restaurant and very excited that my mom is with me. The hostess glanced at me then made me wait several minutes as she shifted papers around. I didn't think too much of it until she looked at me again and told me that I wouldn't be allowed inside in what I was wearing. Well, you can just imagine what I did then. Big tears I really started to sob. It was quite embarrassing. But I couldn't stop crying. I made ADRs for this on 2/4 (I checked the phone bill when I got home). It is now 5/28. I had no clue about this. It wasn't a normal t-shirt. I just couldn't believe I couldn't get in. They told me they had a treasure chest of polo shirts for me to choose from to put on over my shirt.

My mom meanwhile is pissed. She knew how much I was planning to spend. I was going to go all out. This was the big $$$ meal of the trip. She is in the background telling me to just leave, it isn't worth it. But I *really* love Artist Point. Should I do this? Shouldn't I? The CM leaves to get the manager as I continue to cry. Manager comes back, reiterates the same thing. Other item that got to me is that they tell me the policy changed a month ago, but insist that I should have been told when I made my ADR - neither of them accepted responsibility, everyone wants to pass the buck. Finally I decide that I've had it, I don't want to eat here, I'm miserable and feel humiliated.

So I sit in the courtyard and sob while my mom tells me she's going to use the bathroom. In reality she's going to talk to the desk CM - I guess she thought since we did that at the Poly that it might work here. The CM told her that he was very sorry and if I was agreeable that they would purchase me a polo in the gift shirt so that I could eat there. By that point I was thinking "okay, take that shirt and ...". Plus I didn't really want to enter WL or Artist Point for that matter in tears yet again...

Meanwhile, I'm in the courtyard, calling both princes, first the younger, leaving my first ever tearful message for him. Then the elder who true to form says "well, what do you want me to do about it?" "I don't know, just listen". I also called my friend who had just been there the week before - of course she and her husband were dressed up since this was their anniversary dinner. I think it was a case of too little sleep, too much heat, and way too many people.

Anyway, sensitivity aside, now the issue remained, what were we going to do about dinner? Once I was over my sniffles and tears and the fact that I looked truly awful I decided that the Poly was a nice place with nice people, maybe we could get into Kona. So that's what we did. When we arrived the hostesses were very very sweet. I looked like crap, so they asked what was wrong. I told them and they were very sympathetic. We got our pager and went over to the Tambu Lounge where I had my very first Lapu Lapu. That helped. I also got a very sweet call from Andre. That helped even more. Then we got seated and had our best server of the trip. See, things were looking up As we were seated the hostesses said "we set you up with a fabulous server, you'll love her". Debi was great!!!!! She came by several times to talk with us, she knew of the situation, she advised us on the menu, she over-topped our wine glasses slightly. My mom had the chicken salad thingy and it was wonderful - that's what I'm getting next time. I had the filet medallions and they were pretty good. At the end, the staff had created a complementary dessert for us There was a piece of the macadamia nut pie and the volcano cake and a little bowl with ice cream and m&m's and on the plate in chocolate there was aloha and hang loose and a chocolate palm tree and flip flops. It was adorable and our experience at Kona overall completely made our night

On our way out, we gave Debi a hug (and we are not huggers, remember?). My mom had a cigarette while I talked to Andre as I overlooked the volcano pool and castle walking on the beach. Perfect ending to a somewhat rocky day. It took us quite a while to reach AKL again, but we were very happy in the end that we were given the chance to try Kona!

When we returned home, I wrote 2 letters. One about Artist Point, expressing my dissatisfaction about the way the situation was handled - and the fact that they would have a lot of unhappy guests especially those of us who make ADRs so far out and didn't know about the policy change. One to Kona Cafe about Debi and how magical everything turned out. I did receive 2 phone calls back this week. The first was from the manager of Artist Point (the head manager, a different one than the one who was on that night) advising me that the dress code is back to what it had originally been, and that we are being treated to dinner there if we would like on our next trip. The second was a general call from someone in Guest Relations thanking me for my letter about Debi and that she and her superiors have received the letter. I was very very surprised and happy to receive both calls!!! I had written complimentary letters in the past and hadn't heard anything back, so this was a very pleasant surprise.

Up next: Backstage Safari, more buggy bites and a room switch (just to be safe), Raglan Road

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I'm really enjoying your report. We stayed at POFQ and AKL last year in Sept./Oct. and really enjoyed it. POFQ is our favorite moderate resort and AKL was awesome. It is so great to see you and your Mom enjoying each others company at our favorite place WDW. Looking forward to reading the next chapter.

 

[TLinden16]

What a wonderful (and long) trip for you and your mom to have together! Some of my best Disney memories are from the trips I took alone with my mom.

What a horrible experience at Artist Point. If they changed the dress code there, they should have been calling everyone who had an ADR to make sure they knew! At least you had a good meal at Kona that night (I love Kona).

Thanks for posting!

 

[Minniespal]

Excellent start ~ Can't wait for more.