LIVE TRw/pics-UPDATE #24-Kidani for our 10th Anniversary, Easter & DDs bdays!!!

[wide receiver]

WOW great TR so far! Sorry about your rental car, and if it helps that is soooo something I would do! Hope DD4 is doing ok with the disney transportation. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[photobob]

I'm reminded of a credit card company's former slogan, "Don't leave home with out it!!"

The more photos I see of Kidani, the more I like it! Have a wonderful time!

 

[dopeygirl76]

WOW great TR so far! Sorry about your rental car, and if it helps that is soooo something I would do! Hope DD4 is doing ok with the disney transportation. Can't wait to hear more!

It does help to know that others have lost their minds a time or two! So far she has been a real trouper. The biggest issue is with the crowds I need to hold her and she is "not a baby" and she is tiny so standing is a concern for me.

I'm reminded of a credit card company's former slogan, "Don't leave home with out it!!"

The more photos I see of Kidani, the more I like it! Have a wonderful time!

There are more photos to come. I could walk around and be in heaven just staying here. Thank you!

 

[dopeygirl76]

So our plan was AK today. We got there a little later than planned but didn’t do too bad….a little after 9am. We spent quite a bit of time exploring the Oasis which we normally do not do, but our plan was to do Nemo at 10a and FOTLK at 11am, we had been given FPs for FOTLK as we entered. So we explored a little and then went to get a seat at Nemo. We were about 25mins prior to showtime so we got a great seat and I was able to get some awesome photos of the show.

After we had to RUN to FOTLK because we didn’t get out of Nemo until 1040am. This show is a family favorite and must do. It did not disappoint. I LOVE those monkeys! After the show we head to Africia, the girls and I stop at a picnic bench for lunch while DH continues on to get FPs for the Safari. One of the many reasons this park is my favorite is all the quiet places- even in these crowds to just sit and relax. I had packed our lunch so we ate and then decided to do the Pangani Trail – we have never done this.

I will say I think it could have been amazing, however the crowds were getting pretty crazy. It was difficult at times to move let alone see. We sort of hung back and let the kids explore but what I got to see seemed pretty amazing – we will definitely do this again. We were exiting the trail in time for our FP return to the safari but we were shocked to see that the FP line was wrapped clear around to the Pangani entrance – I have never seen a FP line like this…..there were many CMs as well as a gentleman in more formal attire (who I assume was a boss) discussing how this problem arose. The CM told boss they were only loading FPs at that time…..we decided to move along to the Dino dig site…..WOW!!!

The girls LOVE this place and we basically did nothing for a while but let them dig. As we headed back to Africia the line for the FPs was down so we got in (about 2 hours later) we saw a great deal of animals which I had not expected in the heat of the day.

After the safari we went to see Flights of Wonder, another first and again were not disappointed. The girls LOVED the birds flying! As we exited everyone was getting a seat for the parade so we pulled up some shade and waited.

Now it was time for dinner – we had ADRs at Yak & Yeti – we had never eaten here before but had looked at the menu online and already knew what we wanted to eat. DH and I ordered a Yak Attack to start – some fruity mango, berry, rum frozen deliciousness that we drank before any food came! DH order the Thai Chili Chicken Wings, Wonton Soup and the Baby Back Ribs, I had the Crispy Honey Chicken, DDs had kids chicken strips DD4 w/fries and DD6 w/chicken fried rice. DD6 and I shared the wings because they were awesome! The flavor was great and although I usually only like crispy wings and these were not I would definitely order them again. DD6 said next time she wants those for her meal! DH said the soup was fabulous. I usually take food photos but I was too busy shoveling the food in my mouth! My honey chicken was amazing! I would definitely eat that again! DH was also very happy with his ribs but especially loved his chicken fried rice. Overall it was a very successful meal, by this time we were all exhausted and DDs were ready for a movie. So we headed back to the room and after baths put Tangled in for them to watch.

A note on the buses: Since we are not typically bus riders I have been very surprised at the limited wait time for buses – oddly the longest we waited was 20 mins at AK to get back to AKV. The buses have been fairly crowded most of the time with people standing.

Crowd level: spending the whole day at AK it is very evident that this is a busy time of year as the lines and crowds are sight to see, however I think in general the crowds have been handled very well with CMs everywhere and obvious plans in place to move things along!

Up next: Day 4 – Teppan Edo & who knows what else?!?!?!?!

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I love Kidani. The pool is the best and the relaxing atmosphere is great. My birthday is April 25 as well. Bday wishes to your daughter.

So sorry about the credit card incident but it seems everything went well. Did you stay around the pool for the pool party around 2pm? You should. Its fun. They also have movie at the pool on some evenings. Check the board or ask CMs at Community Hall.

 

[dopeygirl76]

So today we had no plans. We had 5pm reservations at Teppan Edo – DD6 chose this as her birthday dinner. So when we got up we decided to head over to MK since it was early. The park had 7am EMH but we didn’t make it quite that early. However when we arrived at 830am there was no wait to see the princesses or Mickey – so we hoped in the princess line first to see Cinderella and Aurora and after PULLING the girls out of the awesome new shop we went back to see Mickey and were surprised to find Minnie there as well!

Next we headed over to the Rapunzel area. The line was already quite long and she didn’t begin until 915am. So I got in line and DH took the girls to ride. The wait was not bad….it was in the shade most of the time. The fam fit in 2 rides on the carousel and one on Winnie the Pooh. DH and the girls were both very impressed with the new line occupying stuff for Winnie the Pooh. DH said he had a hard time getting the girls to move forward! Shortly after I got in line a CM came by and told us the wait would be 90 mins but of course said the line would only get worse through the day. In addition he added Flynn wouldn’t be with Rapunzel. After about an hour DH and the girls returned for a snack and a drink and decided to stick around. As you enter the garden area there is a table set up with coloring sheets and crayons for the kids to do while they wait and of course the photopass person is there to snap photos even while coloring. One CM had a stuffed Paschal and we got some cute photos of the girls with him. Rapunzel was beautiful and the girls were so excited to see her!

After that line we were all starving so we used our 25% off coupon and had lunch at Cosmic Rays. I had the cheesesteak & fried, DH had bacon cheeseburger & fries, DD6 had a hotdog & apple slices and DD4 had Chicken & fries ( there is a theme to her food – this child is one of those I eat chicken nuggets, fries and pizza kids). Everything was very good although I will say it was so packed in there the CMs trying to get through with carts were having a great deal of trouble. After lunch we went to see what the wait was for the Haunted Mansion. We had never done this but DD6 wanted to. The wait was 40 mins so she opted to return to the pool.

When we arrived in our room our FedEx package from my mom had arrived and I NOW HAVE PLASTIC!!!! DH hopped online and found a rental at the Doubletree – Ford F150 Crew Cab for $260 from today until Sunday. All the other vehicles available were $550 and up so we booked it. Off we went for a swim. About 230p we returned to the room to get ready for dinner and took a cab to the Doubletree - $26 including tip – still better than renting onsite. DH was soooo thrilled with this truck. I seriously think his vacation could be driving one of these around!

So off we go to EPCOT. We get through security at 430p and have to walk to Japan! We make it to the boat dock and decide to wait for the boat. As we are sitting on the boat a lady sitting next to us begins to talk to me and DD4. She asks about our day and our plans. I said we were heading to Japan for dinner and my 4 year old baby says “people in Japan are sad”. The lady and I both look at each other and I explain her preschool (catholic school) has been praying for Japan. My baby is so amazing!!AHHHHH!!!

Dinner at Teppan Edo was amazing as usual. DH had the filet, I had shrimp, DD6 had shrimp and DD4 had chicken. We didn’t expect DD4 to eat the chicken but DD6 and DH said they would eat whatever she did not. She didn’t eat the chicken although she tried it but she did gobble up the noodles and rice which shocked me!!!After Teppen Edo we decided to call it an early night….the girls had been staying up late and were definitely showing signs of not being able to stand!

A few of the sculputres from the F&G festival:

Overall we LOVE having our own vehicle. Disney transportation was more than adequate but still…..The crowds continue to pick up and DH and I both anticipate a crazy weekend!!!

UP NEXT: Day 5 - BBB!!!

 

[dopeygirl76]

I love Kidani. The pool is the best and the relaxing atmosphere is great. My birthday is April 25 as well. Bday wishes to your daughter.

So sorry about the credit card incident but it seems everything went well. Did you stay around the pool for the pool party around 2pm? You should. Its fun. They also have movie at the pool on some evenings. Check the board or ask CMs at Community Hall.

Thanks and happy birthday to you!!You havent done the pool party yet but it did look amazing!

 

[wide receiver]

We stayed at Kidani too.....its my favorite! Thanks for the review of Japan, my DS15 wants to eat there next time! DD9 (almost) has her Bday tomorrow... happy day to your bday girl! Your daughters are adorable! My DH is (was) a red head, it was the first question I asked when I delivered both my babies....but no such luck! I really wanted a red headed baby! Did you know there have been studies that show red heads ARE more sensitive (to pain actually)? I'm sure you needed a scientific study to tell you that!

 

[dopeygirl76]

The girls had appointments at the Boutique at 11am so we headed to DTD. DH took them on pressed penny hunting while I shopped for the gifts for the family. I am so glad we did this first thing in the morning because when we came out of the BBB WofD was a MADHOUSE!!!!

Our girls were transformed into beautiful princesses…DD6 Tiana and DD4 Ariel. After we headed to The Earl for lunch – I LOVE this place. Although the line was long there were plenty of tables outside. DH had the Cannonballs, I had the Ham & Swiss, DD6 had kids Turkey, DD4 had the kids pizza sandwich. Everything was delicious and we were filled up!

We decided to head to Magic Kingdom because we hadn’t been able to have DD6 do the Haunted Mansion and we wanted to do the laugh floor. We had previously decided we would not drive our own vehicle to MK but broke this rule and we were sorry we did. We were in the furthest parking spot from the tram. No matter – we got to ride the monorail which we all view as a ride of its own!!!! We got inside and headed to the Laugh Floor – never have I seen lines like this!!!! But as always this show is definitely worth it!!! It has changed some since we were there in Sept 2010 so that added to the fun! DH took DD6 to the Haunted Mansion while DD4 and I shopped a little and rode the teacups! We decided to head to the Plaza for ice cream and while in line DH called DD6 got scared in the first room and they left….she tried….so we had our ice cream and then headed back to the room for dinner.

We stopped at Publix to replenish some of our groceries and came home and had leftover pasta and meatball sandwiches for dinner. Then off to bed for all – even I needed to go to bed early!

UP NEXT: Day 6 – DH & I celebrate our 10th anniversary!

 

[dopeygirl76]

We stayed at Kidani too.....its my favorite! Thanks for the review of Japan, my DS15 wants to eat there next time! DD9 (almost) has her Bday tomorrow... happy day to your bday girl! Your daughters are adorable! My DH is (was) a red head, it was the first question I asked when I delivered both my babies....but no such luck! I really wanted a red headed baby! Did you know there have been studies that show red heads ARE more sensitive (to pain actually)? I'm sure you needed a scientific study to tell you that!

Happy Birthday to your DD!!!We were actually expecting a dark hair, dark eye baby - both DH and I have very dark brown hair (the bottle creates my current red!!) My mom is Italian and my FIL is slovak- lots of dark hair and dark eyes - DH does have blue eyes. When my DD4 was born we didn't know what to think when she was born with red hair - the blue eyes were explainable! MILs grandmother was a redhead and my great grandmother (born in Italy) was a redhead with green eyes- so it had been that far back! She is unique! We joke that she is our Irish baby with a good Italian name. Her name is Giana which is feminine for John (DH) in Italian!!