Kick'n It at Kidani (aka Am I Becoming a Resort Snob?)Final Update 8/20 p.54

[MEK]

Oh yes -- there were times -- there were even times when I refused to leave the sanctuary of AKL to brave anything remotely resembling heat!

Wait......I thought that was Charles who refused to leave the sanctuary of the AKL?

 

[BigDogHU75]

Wonderful pics of CSR. So, sad to see your TR is almost over. I have enjoyed it.

 

[Minnie]

We are considering DQ for our trip in August - DS is the biggest game nut - airconditioning - and we'll be there on his 16th b-day so maybe I'm definitely keeping it on the list as possibility

Also loved the pics of CSR! We've never even stopped to check out that resort - hope to change that this trip!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wait......I thought that was Charles who refused to leave the sanctuary of the AKL?

Just remember I am only on day four of our trip report!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Hey MEK!!

Wonderful wonderful report! I know it's not 'quite' over yet... but the meat and potatoes is done and it was fabulous

I really want to try DisneyQuest now! never had a huge interest before, but now I do

I love love love all the CSR pics! It does seem like a beautiful resort!

So is LJ planning on joining you for your next trip?? I bet he would!! I wish i had Aunts and Uncles sooo cool!

Paula

 

[SunnieRN]

Wow, that was some airline karma for all the times you've been there early to wait!

I noticed the "no glass containers" sign next to the pool in one of the pictures you took. How bizarre that the bar doesn't just use plastic glasses. Seems it would solve a multitude of problems.

How old would you say kids need to be to enjoy DQ? I know neither of my grandsons ar ready yet, but just curious when it might be good to plan?

Another great update!!

 

[wsushocker]

I didn't think I had nightmares very often either, but apparently I do! And who knew I was so suseptible to suggestions! I suspect a hypnotist would love me!

 

[LMO429]

subscribing to your report looks like you all had a fantastic time looking forward to reading more

 

[mickeysmyboy]

OMG! That really was cutting it close with your flight though! I would had a total fit!!! That emergency xanax would have definitely been needed!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Holy close call, MEK! Yikes. I would have been freaking out for sure.

Sounds like Disney Quest was a good call for the day! I can't believe "we" are already at the airport. Say it isn't so.

But looking forward to final thoughts, Niagra Falls and the Sept food fest!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

DQ looks like a lot of fun. I want to try it when our youngest is big enough to do everything. Talk about a nearly Home Alone moment of having to run to the plane!

 

[MEK]

Wonderful pics of CSR. So, sad to see your TR is almost over. I have enjoyed it.

Thanks BigDog. Glad you liked the pictures and that you enjoyed the TR. Thanks for following along!

We are considering DQ for our trip in August - DS is the biggest game nut - airconditioning - and we'll be there on his 16th b-day so maybe I'm definitely keeping it on the list as possibility

Also loved the pics of CSR! We've never even stopped to check out that resort - hope to change that this trip!

It's so hard to fit everything in during a trip, but DQ is a good indoor diversion from the crowds and heat of the parks. There are definately a few must do rides there like Cyber Space Mtn and the POC ride. They are pretty top notch!

Glad you liked the CSR pics. It's definately a very pretty resort.

Just remember I am only on day four of our trip report!

I keep forgetting because your TR is destined to be the longest running TR ever!

Hey MEK!!

Wonderful wonderful report! I know it's not 'quite' over yet... but the meat and potatoes is done and it was fabulous

I really want to try DisneyQuest now! never had a huge interest before, but now I do

I love love love all the CSR pics! It does seem like a beautiful resort!

So is LJ planning on joining you for your next trip?? I bet he would!! I wish i had Aunts and Uncles sooo cool!

Paula

Thanks Paula. So glad you enjoyed the TR.

I think eveyone should try DQ at least once. You may not love it, but it is worth on visit. Must see - POC, but insist on being the captain. That was a blast! Blowing up other boats was pretty fun, too. It looks so real when you put your virtual reality head gear on.

I'm not sure when we will take our next family trip to WDW. Next summer we are almost certain we are going to rent a beach house with a couple other families at the Outer Banks. I think both of my boys have been to Disney too many times over the last 7 years. They don't appreciate it enough right now. They need a break.

I would like to take LJ and his younger brother, who will be entering 2nd grade. But then he has an even younger brother who be entering 1st grade. I don't know how I could just take LJ in the future without taking all three boys. What I really think is that my brother and SIL should plan a Disney trip and I should go during the same time so I can help them with the kids.

Definately consider CSR for any pre-DVC needs you have.

Wow, that was some airline karma for all the times you've been there early to wait!

I noticed the "no glass containers" sign next to the pool in one of the pictures you took. How bizarre that the bar doesn't just use plastic glasses. Seems it would solve a multitude of problems.

How old would you say kids need to be to enjoy DQ? I know neither of my grandsons ar ready yet, but just curious when it might be good to plan?

Another great update!!

Actually, they served in plastic, but they did not want any beverages anywhere near the water's edge. They were quite strict about that.

As far as enjoying DQ....hmmmmm.....I'm so bad at that now that my kids are teens. I would say 5-6 would be the youngest I would take in there. Full enjoyment probably comes at 7 - 8, but I could be wrong.

Great shocker....Just Great. You know I didn't see this post until I got to work this morning (I overslept), so I have no idea what crazy picture you posted. I hope everyone enjoys this picture while I suffer!

Can someone give me a hint???? Please?????

subscribing to your report looks like you all had a fantastic time looking forward to reading more

Welcome LMO. Glad you are enjoying the TR and happy to have you following along!

OMG! That really was cutting it close with your flight though! I would had a total fit!!! That emergency xanax would have definitely been needed!!!

If I had known we were going to be THAT late, I would have popped on in the car.

Holy close call, MEK! Yikes. I would have been freaking out for sure.

Sounds like Disney Quest was a good call for the day! I can't believe "we" are already at the airport. Say it isn't so.

But looking forward to final thoughts, Niagra Falls and the Sept food fest!

I will definately plan my departure time a little more carefully next time. Now you see one of the reasons I don't like taking ME back to the airport - they leave so early! They probably would have left at 1pm. What fun would that have been!

DQ looks like a lot of fun. I want to try it when our youngest is big enough to do everything. Talk about a nearly Home Alone moment of having to run to the plane!

Yeah - the only thing worse would have been if we forgot someone in the bathroom!

 

[MEK]

As you know, our flight departed RIGHT on time! It was a pretty uneventful flight until we reached the Baltimore area. Then our captain informed us that there were thunderstorms over the Philly airport, so we would have to circle for awhile.....over Baltimore. Oh Joy.....It was one of the moments where I almost wished we had flown out of Baltimore. I swear, you spend just as much time circling when you fly out of Philly, as you do when you just drive to Baltimore. But it was all good, because LJ lives north of Philly, so we really needed to use that airport. We knew his folks would be waiting, but I felt reassured knowing that they would be soon alerted to our flight delay. I just hoped they didn't bring the whole clan with them. Finally after 45 minutes or so, our pilot told us we would move on to Philadelphia. So instead of doing the incessant circling over Philly, we circled over Baltimore, high above the clouds, and then went straight to our landing pattern in PHL.

Of course, the teens were in the back, so they were the last to deplane. By the time we got to the luggage carousel, our luggage was arriving. And LJ's parents were right there to greet him. They left the bro's at home. So with all our baggage in hand, we said good-bye. And then what happened next just broke my heart. LJ burried his head in his mom's chest and just started to cry....big fat tears. Poor little LJ. He was disappointed to come to this end of his journey. I gave him a big hug and told him he was the best travel companion ever and he was always welcome to go anywhere with me. He gave the other boys a hug, said good-bye, and was on his way.

To this day....LJ still talks about his fabulous trip to the world. Hopefully I converted another soul to the magic for live!

Up next.....final thoughts!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Awwww. Sniff Sniff. Little LJ! What a sweet little guy. I was teary eyed as I read about his goodbye.

I really hope you can take him with his brothers, what a fabulous trip that would be!

 

[dawnbu40]

Aww! LJ is a sweetheart and you are a great aunt! I hope you are able to talk his parents into taking a family vacation to WDW. IMO it's a place EVERY family NEEDS to visit and I'm sure the boys would all love it!

 

[jenjolt]

Whew talk about close calls...at least I wouldn't have had to be thinking about flying in all the rush so I probably would have been way more relaxed on the plane LOL!!!

What a great way to spend your last day...in the nice AC playing some fun games and just having a great time at DQ!! I have never been but I have to be honest the idea of the place really intrigues me!!

Love your pictures of the resorts!! Thank you for sharing them!!!!!

I too am sad this is coming close to an end...you have done an amazing job MEK!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hang on, just grabbing a couple of kleenex How adorable, so nice that you made wonderful memories that young man will never forget. I love the time I get to spend with my nieces, and I count my lucky stars everyday they only live 15 minutes from us.

Ok, hate the circling. I hate to fly with a passion, hate it!! Ok, I think you get my point....last year as we were decending into Orlando we went through a cloud burst and had to abort landing....almost through me over the edge

 

[pediatric-rnp]

I was getting my daily fix on the new CSR thread, having just come off of a 12 hr shift, when I found a link to your thread, with the enticement of some great CSR pics! Of course I'm a sucker now (since our stay there last spring) for anything CSR-related, so I innocently click on the link..........and here I am a few hrs later, having read all of your threads and reports!!! Gotta tell you - I don't give up sleep for much, but you are too funny!

Your pics are fantastic - it is SUCH a photogenic resort, isn't it? Sounds like your family trip was great (despite the meltdown, but I know - I've "been there, done that", so fully understand how the words just fall out! I think everyone does.)

We've also spent many years on countless soccer fields, both indoor and outside - unfortunately those years are behind us. DS (23) grad from college last year, and DS (almost 22) will be entering his senior year at college in Sept - and aren't we the lucky parents - we get to pay tuition for not just one senior year, but two senior years for him! He will be a "5th yr senior" next year due to a change of heart in majors!

DH & I just made our first trip without the kids this past spring, and enjoyed ourselves so much we're doing it again end of Sept to celebrate our anniv, his b'day, and to try the Food & Wine festival (emphasis on the wine!). (When we told the kids last spring that we were going, younger DS said "but that's not my spring break week, you know" and older DS said "I haven't earned enough vacation time in my job yet" -to which we replied to each of them "we know"!! )

I also teared up in the video you did for your friend who lost their son in the car acident. So beautiful, but so heartbreaking.....such a tragic loss. That touched close to home. Three summers ago, four of DS's friends were in a MVA, and the parents of one had to make the wrenching decision to discontinue life support for their only child. As a parent you always think....there but for the Grace of God go I.

Enjoy your up-coming trip - looking forward to your next trip report!

 

[TravelBug86]

What a wonderful ending Disney Quest sounds like sooo much fun! I've always wanted to try it, but never seem to find the time. I would totally build a level 4 coaster!! Is there a level up from that or is that the most intense? Anyway, I am totally intrigued now and will have to make it on a future trip! Looking forward to your highlights

 

[Charleston Princess]

Awww, poor little LJ -- I am so glad he had such a blast on his trip, but I know how he feels -- I never want Disney trips to end either!!! What a great experience you were able to give him!!!