highlander447
<font color=green>It's a dirty job but someones go
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2003
- Messages
- 3,389
Highlander
Main planner, grouchy at times Me : Steve (aka God "honest")
Slothful Trio
Peacemaker, maid, and chief: Jacquie (aka Wife puts up with me)
Chief spender, shopper, moody: Stephanie (15 aka Daughter & first born)
Chief pain, wind up merchant: Danny (13 aka the "boy" my heir)
Day 14 last full day 12th July Wednesday weather warm/sunny/rain what else
Everyone was up at 7am this morning, shock horror, today I have arranged for *********** to pick us up and transfer us to BG, we also have the guided adventure booked for today at BG it starts at 10:30am another reason for a private transfer as the bus might or might not get you there in time for tour also on our first visit we found the bus journey pretty tiring, we decide to grab something to eat in BG before tour starts, now as some know we used *********** last year and had a minor problem with them for a trip we had planned, although we had no complaints at all on their airport service, which was reason I was prepared to try them again and I'm glad we did the driver was there 7:45am 15mins early and he was actually more chatty than previous drivers, the journey to BG was great we arrived about 8:55am just as park was opening, our driver advised us to check in later to ensure pick up time. Using our DC passes we gained access to the park painlessly, checked in for our tour and we where told to report back about 10am,
So off we headed for Montu, plus we took in the sites,
We rode Montu twice within 10mins although DW passed on second time due to corkscrews, then we had a breakfast of coffee, juice, muffins & croissants at the bakery, we had a guest of a squirrel who rather liked the choc chip muffin he was pretty cute and very bold actually took food from hand without grabbing, once we where suitably refreshed we said good bye to our friend
and went to see if tour was ready to depart. Our tour guide was Mike a young guy in his early twenties and at first thought he really was not going to be a good guide, glad to report totally wrong, there where two other families with us both fathers one with his daughter the other with his son, after introductions where made and they had got over fact we had travelled from Scotland to here, funny how some people react to us Brits, first question Mike asked where we up for the coasters we all replied yes, he actually was pretty pleased as he said some guests on this tour preferred not too so we had just made his job a whole lot easier, our first stop was Gwazi and I have to say this coaster we knew from experience was a bone shaker so DW passed but we all rode it and boy you can get used to the VIP treatment as others are stopped boarding until we select our seats including front of row although I suspect we where lucky as Mike seemed quite popular with the lady employees
next up was the big one Sheikra, Mike made us all watch it first so we appreciated the view as we wouldn't be waiting to board, when we got in line for ride he said u want front row we all said yes so he came back and after a confab with attendants we where on front of row and DW was crapping herself she begged me and kids to let her off with this ride or at least ride another row, but it was not to be and what can I say about the ride superb, over far too quickly but thats a thrill ride and trust me folks even DW has said she will ride it again its that smooth and fast and if you want a soaking stand underneath ride its like the Shamu splash zone there we also bought the photo as DW's face was a picture, after that Mike wanted to know if we where up for getting wet we all said yes, he asked wet or soaked we said soaked or rather the 4 kids said soaked and me, so next ride was tidal wave pretty slow loading on this ride but we did get soaked, then it was Kumba, Cheetah chase more a kiddie ride but had us adults screaming I can tell you, then it was Rhino rally which was really great fun trust me its similar to the safari ride at AK but more fun, our tour guide got a bit of stick from the driver who by the way was female, she really made a lot of jokes at his expense, also during all of this we strolled through park with Mike imparting pearls of wisdom, after the rally ride it was nearly time for the Serengeti safari but we still had 30 mins to kill as we where well ahead of schedule, Mike gave out bottles of cold water for us and gave DW a discount card worth 20% off merchandise for use during day she was buying a bottle of juice at time which was why he gave her the card just now as he normally gives them at end of tour so people don't get distracted by shopping, so during the next 30 mins Mike showed us the lion, hippo's etc telling us there names etc made for a more interesting viewing, when it was time for the safari we where joined by more guests who had just paid for the safari tour, so after Mike introduced himself to the newcomers we all boarded the truck for the tour and for anyone reading this we had a gentleman in a wheelchair on this tour as the tour does accommodate for everyone which is really good, now for those who think this tour is similar to AK safari I'm sorry but the AK one doesn't even compare, our first stop was the giraffes and they are just like big dogs wanting fed and wow at the size of their tongues, Mike also informed us that one of the giraffes had managed to work out how to unlock the cool boxes the keep the food in and had showed the other giraffes how to do it as well and that this giraffe was reason the trucks didn't have any wipers and that no one was allowed to wear ponchos, we met this giraffe near end of tour and she was a total minx she stole the food and generally made a nuisance of herself, we saw the rhinos up close but not too close, the zebras and many others I probably should remember the names but one thing I can say if you can do this tour its a great experience.
After the safari was finished, by the way it lasted about 40 mins, Mike commented on fact he didn't like the look of those clouds and he would prefer to do Montu now then lunch we all agreed although DW declined this ride as she had done it earlier, we all enjoyed it and then it was time for lunch, we where all given vouchers for our parties at the Crown Colony, the voucher entitled us to a starter or desert, any entrée and a medium soft drink, both the kids had pizza and fries, DW had chicken strips and fries and I had the roast beef sandwich with mash and gravy I dumped the roll there was a lot of beef and we all agreed the lunch offered was excellent, both the kids had pudding cups and DW had a slab of carrot cake and I had cherry cheesecake plus 4 cokes total cost was $58 so pretty good value for a tour that cost $95 each plus I got $6 discount off each person with voucher from net,
we had 45 mins to enjoy a very relaxed lunch, during lunch I called *********** to confirm our pick up and that was ok they said if we wanted earlier just to call as driver was in area waiting also during this call I booked them for a DTD transfer I couldn't be bothered with the rip off taxis any more and we got upgraded to an SUV for $60 incl tip one way to DTD, after lunch Mike gave us a choice as we had an hour to kill before our show effectively we had done all the rides so it was up to us where to go, the clouds hadn't come to anything yet but the wind had closed the sky ride which Mike was going to take us on, so the kids chose Montu to re-ride so DW had another seat while we rode front of row this time, then kids chose Sheikra although this was a trek as it was over other side of park so off we trekked, now here's a funny story just as we where boarding the heavens opened and we had to evacuate area so that was that, we waited nearly 20mins for rain to subside, Mike called in to get permission to take us through staff areas to get to our show via quickest route and it was given so we arrived at Katonga with 15mins to spare we had great seats 3rd row from front centre stage and I must say what a great show very similar to Lion King without Elton John,
Mike said his goodbyes at the show as that was the tour over and I must admit it was a great tour. After the show we headed to the hospitality centre for a free beer, everyone agreed I deserved it for organizing today,
After a couple of Amberbock's we then shopped and made good use of our 20% discount card, I got a NASCAR stein, plus a shot glass, DD got a plush baby giraffe, DS just got loads of sweets, DW never got anything her choice though. We left BG a little before 6pm and our driver was waiting, the drive back was great as the car was pretty comfy I typed up my notes on my pda, we arrived back at QII just before 7pm and thats when last day blues hit me, I really can't be bothered with eating out and I let the kids play in pool while I have a vodka and DW tries to cheer me up about going back to work
DW gets the kids and takes them to McD's for carryout they get me a Chimichanga to try and cheer me up but to no avail, tomorrow our plans where SW but as we are doing DTD check-in we decide to upgrade kids passes from last year at DTD then do a Disney water park, I try for an hour to get online 
to message Rob so he knows but there's a problem with connection so I can't tell him, I have a few night caps to help me sleep as you do, DW finishes the packing my god we really bought a lot, by 1am I'm ready for bed.
Main planner, grouchy at times Me : Steve (aka God "honest")
Slothful Trio
Peacemaker, maid, and chief: Jacquie (aka Wife puts up with me)
Chief spender, shopper, moody: Stephanie (15 aka Daughter & first born)
Chief pain, wind up merchant: Danny (13 aka the "boy" my heir)
Day 14 last full day 12th July Wednesday weather warm/sunny/rain what else
Everyone was up at 7am this morning, shock horror, today I have arranged for *********** to pick us up and transfer us to BG, we also have the guided adventure booked for today at BG it starts at 10:30am another reason for a private transfer as the bus might or might not get you there in time for tour also on our first visit we found the bus journey pretty tiring, we decide to grab something to eat in BG before tour starts, now as some know we used *********** last year and had a minor problem with them for a trip we had planned, although we had no complaints at all on their airport service, which was reason I was prepared to try them again and I'm glad we did the driver was there 7:45am 15mins early and he was actually more chatty than previous drivers, the journey to BG was great we arrived about 8:55am just as park was opening, our driver advised us to check in later to ensure pick up time. Using our DC passes we gained access to the park painlessly, checked in for our tour and we where told to report back about 10am,
So off we headed for Montu, plus we took in the sites,
We rode Montu twice within 10mins although DW passed on second time due to corkscrews, then we had a breakfast of coffee, juice, muffins & croissants at the bakery, we had a guest of a squirrel who rather liked the choc chip muffin he was pretty cute and very bold actually took food from hand without grabbing, once we where suitably refreshed we said good bye to our friend
and went to see if tour was ready to depart. Our tour guide was Mike a young guy in his early twenties and at first thought he really was not going to be a good guide, glad to report totally wrong, there where two other families with us both fathers one with his daughter the other with his son, after introductions where made and they had got over fact we had travelled from Scotland to here, funny how some people react to us Brits, first question Mike asked where we up for the coasters we all replied yes, he actually was pretty pleased as he said some guests on this tour preferred not too so we had just made his job a whole lot easier, our first stop was Gwazi and I have to say this coaster we knew from experience was a bone shaker so DW passed but we all rode it and boy you can get used to the VIP treatment as others are stopped boarding until we select our seats including front of row although I suspect we where lucky as Mike seemed quite popular with the lady employees
next up was the big one Sheikra, Mike made us all watch it first so we appreciated the view as we wouldn't be waiting to board, when we got in line for ride he said u want front row we all said yes so he came back and after a confab with attendants we where on front of row and DW was crapping herself she begged me and kids to let her off with this ride or at least ride another row, but it was not to be and what can I say about the ride superb, over far too quickly but thats a thrill ride and trust me folks even DW has said she will ride it again its that smooth and fast and if you want a soaking stand underneath ride its like the Shamu splash zone there we also bought the photo as DW's face was a picture, after that Mike wanted to know if we where up for getting wet we all said yes, he asked wet or soaked we said soaked or rather the 4 kids said soaked and me, so next ride was tidal wave pretty slow loading on this ride but we did get soaked, then it was Kumba, Cheetah chase more a kiddie ride but had us adults screaming I can tell you, then it was Rhino rally which was really great fun trust me its similar to the safari ride at AK but more fun, our tour guide got a bit of stick from the driver who by the way was female, she really made a lot of jokes at his expense, also during all of this we strolled through park with Mike imparting pearls of wisdom, after the rally ride it was nearly time for the Serengeti safari but we still had 30 mins to kill as we where well ahead of schedule, Mike gave out bottles of cold water for us and gave DW a discount card worth 20% off merchandise for use during day she was buying a bottle of juice at time which was why he gave her the card just now as he normally gives them at end of tour so people don't get distracted by shopping, so during the next 30 mins Mike showed us the lion, hippo's etc telling us there names etc made for a more interesting viewing, when it was time for the safari we where joined by more guests who had just paid for the safari tour, so after Mike introduced himself to the newcomers we all boarded the truck for the tour and for anyone reading this we had a gentleman in a wheelchair on this tour as the tour does accommodate for everyone which is really good, now for those who think this tour is similar to AK safari I'm sorry but the AK one doesn't even compare, our first stop was the giraffes and they are just like big dogs wanting fed and wow at the size of their tongues, Mike also informed us that one of the giraffes had managed to work out how to unlock the cool boxes the keep the food in and had showed the other giraffes how to do it as well and that this giraffe was reason the trucks didn't have any wipers and that no one was allowed to wear ponchos, we met this giraffe near end of tour and she was a total minx she stole the food and generally made a nuisance of herself, we saw the rhinos up close but not too close, the zebras and many others I probably should remember the names but one thing I can say if you can do this tour its a great experience.
After the safari was finished, by the way it lasted about 40 mins, Mike commented on fact he didn't like the look of those clouds and he would prefer to do Montu now then lunch we all agreed although DW declined this ride as she had done it earlier, we all enjoyed it and then it was time for lunch, we where all given vouchers for our parties at the Crown Colony, the voucher entitled us to a starter or desert, any entrée and a medium soft drink, both the kids had pizza and fries, DW had chicken strips and fries and I had the roast beef sandwich with mash and gravy I dumped the roll there was a lot of beef and we all agreed the lunch offered was excellent, both the kids had pudding cups and DW had a slab of carrot cake and I had cherry cheesecake plus 4 cokes total cost was $58 so pretty good value for a tour that cost $95 each plus I got $6 discount off each person with voucher from net,
we had 45 mins to enjoy a very relaxed lunch, during lunch I called *********** to confirm our pick up and that was ok they said if we wanted earlier just to call as driver was in area waiting also during this call I booked them for a DTD transfer I couldn't be bothered with the rip off taxis any more and we got upgraded to an SUV for $60 incl tip one way to DTD, after lunch Mike gave us a choice as we had an hour to kill before our show effectively we had done all the rides so it was up to us where to go, the clouds hadn't come to anything yet but the wind had closed the sky ride which Mike was going to take us on, so the kids chose Montu to re-ride so DW had another seat while we rode front of row this time, then kids chose Sheikra although this was a trek as it was over other side of park so off we trekked, now here's a funny story just as we where boarding the heavens opened and we had to evacuate area so that was that, we waited nearly 20mins for rain to subside, Mike called in to get permission to take us through staff areas to get to our show via quickest route and it was given so we arrived at Katonga with 15mins to spare we had great seats 3rd row from front centre stage and I must say what a great show very similar to Lion King without Elton John,
Mike said his goodbyes at the show as that was the tour over and I must admit it was a great tour. After the show we headed to the hospitality centre for a free beer, everyone agreed I deserved it for organizing today,
After a couple of Amberbock's we then shopped and made good use of our 20% discount card, I got a NASCAR stein, plus a shot glass, DD got a plush baby giraffe, DS just got loads of sweets, DW never got anything her choice though. We left BG a little before 6pm and our driver was waiting, the drive back was great as the car was pretty comfy I typed up my notes on my pda, we arrived back at QII just before 7pm and thats when last day blues hit me, I really can't be bothered with eating out and I let the kids play in pool while I have a vodka and DW tries to cheer me up about going back to work
DW gets the kids and takes them to McD's for carryout they get me a Chimichanga to try and cheer me up but to no avail, tomorrow our plans where SW but as we are doing DTD check-in we decide to upgrade kids passes from last year at DTD then do a Disney water park, I try for an hour to get online to message Rob so he knows but there's a problem with connection so I can't tell him, I have a few night caps to help me sleep as you do, DW finishes the packing my god we really bought a lot, by 1am I'm ready for bed.
The tour makes it a lot easier to enjoy the park
