Final Update 1/18! Latest Roving Reporter Trip Jan 8 - 17 GKTW Alternative Break

[Mouse Skywalker]

We returned to the Villa after lunch, and had a break until our evening shift at GKTW. Todd took 3 studios to Hollywood Studios, and the rest of the students decided to hang out at the pool. I stuck around with the students at the pool. I figured it would be a good chance to chat with them and talk about their experience.

However, by the time I got out to the pool I found all 8 students in lounge chairs bundled up and sleeping. Oh well, so much for having a heart to heart with the students.

Our shift in the evening was the Pirate and Princess Processional. We were all looking forward to this party, and arranged for all 14 of us to help out with the party together as a group.

Carousel in the Evening.

I wasn't able to take pictures at the party, so this was the only shot I got before the party started.

At 7:30pm families started to arrive. We had students doing face painting, tattoos, making treasure maps, getting princess makeovers, goody bags, etc. We were having such a good time. I was assigned to give boys certificates who signed up to be Pirates. I hammed it up for the boys. I talked in my Pirate voice, made the boys raise their hands, cover their eyes, and take a Pirate oat. There were lots of Arrrrrrrrrrrs, and Ahoy Mateys, and other fun Pirate talk. We had lots of little kids laughing all night.

Todd brought his Pirate costume. Our one male student was dressed up as a Knight, and had to dance for the whole party in front of the Castle. At the end of the Party, someone from GKTW challenged our group to a dance off – where we had 11 girls in the center of the dance floor line dancing to “Cotton-Eyed Joe”.

After the Party was over, GKTW complemented our group, and said it was one of the best Pirate and Princess Parties they had had in months. He said we were welcome to come back anytime.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

We got back to the Villa around 10:00p, did a quick rinse off, and took the students to see “Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans Riverside. The students grabbed some dinner in the food court and brought it back to the show. The students questioned Yehaa Bob at first, and it seemed like they might be too cool for Bob.

However, Bob asked our group where we were from (Todd yelled New York!), and Bob was calling out to our group all night. The students were singing along to Queen, Billy Joel, and Bon Jovi. Todd, Eric, and I rolled around on the floor to Crocodile Rock. The students did the hand jive, a Rockettes kick line, and led a conga line around the dance floor. We took a group picture with Bob, and left when the show was over at midnight.

Leanne leading the "hand jive"

Rockettes kick line

Marissa leads the Conga Line

After the show the students said they loved Yehaa Bob, and thought he did such a great show.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Saturday, Jan 16

Last Day, had to take students to the airport.
3am – my alarm rings; Eric’s cab is supposed to arrive in 30 min. I call the cab company to double check that the cab is still coming (they say yes). 3:20am, I go out to the living room to see Eric still sound asleep on the couch. I give him a shake, and tell him his cab is arriving in 10 min. He jumps up, rushes around, and gets himself ready to go. Cab arrives at 3:30am, no problem. He texts me to let me know he got to the airport for his 6am flight with no problem.

First airport run: 7:30am – I take Sam, Marissa, Leanne, and Sarah to the airport for the 10:00am-ish flights. We say our good byes, and Sam says, “Yeah, it was a little awkward getting into a van at the airport with two strangers, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Second airport run: 12:00p – Second group of students head to the airport. We say our good-byes, and they are on their way. Only one student (Anna) and Todd are left, Anna leaves on Sunday so the two of them head off to Epcot.

I head to Animal Kingdom for the afternoon - arrive about 2pm. It's a cloudy, grey, and windy day.

B'rer Rabbit and B'rer Bear at AK entrance

Ride Expedition Everest - only a 5 min wait in the single rider line.

Head over to Africa to ride the Safari. Stop to get a picture with Flik on the way.

There was less than a 20 min wait for the Safari in the stand-by line. I ride, and there was lots of animal activity – I think because it was a cool day, and it might have been around feeding time. The lions were sleeping as always.

I find out that Teresa is in the park too, and I'm able to meet up with her after I ride the safari. She was there with Kelvin, Grace, and Stella.

On this visit to AK I really wanted to soak in some of the atmosphere and details. I wasn't so concerned with riding attractions, but I wanted to take some time to enjoy the walking trails and see animals. The Echols and I all decided to take a walk on the Maharajah Jungle Trail to see the tigers.

We see bats, birds, and tigers. The tigers were very active with one playing with the other near the water. After the trek we go over to Africa to watch the parade.

The parade was cute - very short though - it only lasted 10 min. It started at 4:45p, and I was shocked that we could walk right up and get a spot in front 5 min before it started. I like the floats that had animals that looked like they were from "The Lion King" musical.

We watch the parade, it’s about 5:00p, and I’m getting hungry. I say good-bye to the Echols, and go to Tusker House for dinner. Yummy! The prime rib with horseradish sauce was delicious. The park closes at 6pm, after dinner I do some souvenir shopping, and head out. I make my way to Epcot to meet Anna and Todd to watch Illuminations. I get to Epcot at 7pm. We watch Illuminations. It’s nice, but WISHes at MK is still my favorite. Anna and I head back to the Villa, I finish packing and say good-bye to Anna. I need to get up at 4:00am for my flight home the next morning, and I'm predicting the college student will not be up then.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Sunday, Jan 17

4:00am – alarm rings and it’s time to head to the airport. Shower, quick bite to eat, throw luggage in car, and drive to airport. On my flight at 7am, and can’t wait to see Dana, Maggie, and Evie again. It was a great trip!

 

[dpuck1998]

Thanks Dave! What a great trip. I hope to follow in your footsteps some day.

 

[mla1977]

Thanks for the report Dave! Sorry I missed you over marathon weekend, but it looks like you had your hands full.

 

[AnneR]

Dave - Great trip report. Thanks for taking the time throughout the week to share your experience with us. There are many of us who wish we too could have spent the week volunteering at GKTW.

 

[wildfan1473]

Not sure how I've missed this (well, maybe it's because I just haven't been on the boards lately ), but I just finally got a chance to read through it - what a great report! What an experience for your students, and, more importantly, for the children and their families. I have to admit, I am jealous Spending time there in December was wonderful, and I cannot wait to get the opportunity to do it again.

 

[A.Mickey]

Thanks for filling all of us in on what you, Todd and your students did through the course of the week. It was sure fun to read! Great Job!