March 2012: The Year I Almost Survived Spring Break

[Lidian]

I havent played in a year, but I my mains were on Bleeding Hollow, I was a BE Mage , JC and Mining.
I had Alts that i played with my friends who was on the Alliance side on Azuremyst.

You should come back! I just got my MoP beta invite -- but no time to play. My guild is pretty fun, so if you decide to come back, send me a PM and I'll tell you how to find us! Granted ... we are Alliance ... but my heart belongs to Horde. (I very much miss my priest being a B-Elf, my mage being Undead....)

Wow Liddy! Well at least your stomach let you have a good day at IoA before it went haywire Glad you made it through

Thank you! I guess out of all the days to get sick, I did time it well.

I completely understand about what you said about "needing" to stay angry at DH for a little while!

It seems as if y'all got a lot of thing done at IoA despite the crowds. Looks like fun!

I never get mad at DH ... so I guess I kind of needed to. Plus, he should have known better.

We got SO MUCH DONE! I was honestly shocked. The only priority I had was HP:FJ and visiting WWoHP, so everything else was icing on the cake ... and then to even have time to wander around looking for characters!

Granted, had the day been nicer, the crowds would have been higher and we wouldn't have had time for as much -- and we would have wanted to ride the water rides.

My goodness, like D I had totally forgot that you got sick while you were there. Between sun sickness, bug flying in your eyes, and now this. . . do you get scared when you are there? You love being there but wonder what is going to happen this time.

Hmm... trying to think if anything bad happened in 2010. I had forgotten about the bug episode ... Maybe I should be worried each visit.

I was going to tell you that looks like broccolini, but I guess someone already answered that (yea I watch a lot of cooking shows). As for them throwing out the blood, here is my best guess. There is a vacum in the tubes that helps such up the blood when it is drawn. If they do not get enough blood with the blood draw they are unable to use that tube again since the seal has been broken and the vacum is no longer working. The tests need a certain amount of blood to run, so they probably didn't have enough blood to run the test they need to run.

Well at least I know you felt better on the last day of your trip since I met you there.

Whatever it was ... it was amazing and I wanted more! Granted, I love broccoli, but only if it's still crisp (prefer raw).

The tubes the guy collected were all full. It was the last one when the he said the vein collapsed and there wasn't much in the tube. I know they can't reuse materials -- that would be gross. But I couldn't understand why the full tubes were "no good". When it collapsed he said, "Ugh, your vein just collapsed. (He pulled out the vial with just a little blood after digging around for what seemed like days trying to get blood.) None of this blood is any good now." Then he chucked all the vials (I think there was 3 or 4 of them) into the Sharps box. I didn't understand why he couldn't use the full ones. The partially empty one, I understand why it would go in the Sharps box -- just not the full one.

And yes, I am not bedridden all week. That should be a given.

Finally here and just read it all!! What a great report so far!

I really love seeing the IoA pictures since we've never been

Thank you!!

I'm sooooo sorry you were so sick. How awful!! The medicine you were given was Zofran. I know all about it because I had to take it through both my pregnancies. At that time it was fairly new and mostly used by Chemo patients. After trying several other medications with no luck, and being hospitalized (this was at 13 weeks pregnant with DS), they tried the Zofran. INSTANT relief. OMG, I love that drug. I had it in the IV, then they prescribed it for me in a dissolve-on-your-tongue pill. (They also have a regular swallowable, but swallowing didn't work for me..if I swallowed any water, I was vomitting). I took it 2x/day (at $8/pill) for a couple months and then was able to go to once per day until I delivered DS. When I had DD, we saw where my "morning" (yeah right) was headed, and the doc got me on it before it got so bad. Also took it the whole time. Turns out I had abnormally high levels of the pregnancy hormone (like someone having triplets or more!) and that's why I was so sick. Anyways, Zofran is my friend. I actually JUST had it for the first time in almost 8 years this past December. I had strep that wasn't going away and then I started vomiting badly and, well, can't get antibiotics in. When I went back to the doc, I got a SHOT of Zofran (and one of antibiotics), and again it worked right away. There's just so many ways to get that good drug, LOL!!!!

I am so sorry that you had to go to the ER, that just plain sucks, no ifs, ands or buts about it!!

Looking forward to the next update

I was close on the spelling then! I knew my son had it when he was a baby, and they told me it was usually prescribed for cancer patients (especially children). I kind of prefer Phenergen -- because it knocks me out. You can't feel icky if you're unconcious!

Sorry that you had a rough pregnancy. I can kind of relate to the morning sickness with DD (it was very minor with DS). I couldn't keep any meds down, so it was pointless trying to take anything for nausea. It came right back up. But I survived, and once morning sickness passed, I was fine. So sorry that you had such a rough time! Definitely not fun!!

Hoping for an update soon!

Wowsers...that story pretty much left me speechless. Unreal...

Hope you are able to bounce back quickly, but I'm sure this next day will be interesting...

Interesting. Perhaps.

 

[pharmjenn]

I can guess why they had to toss them all. And as an aside, often the ER doesn't use the blood drawn in the ambulance anyway, atleast in my area of the country. Too many factors to assess. Anyway, each vial has different "ingredients" in it, and are used to test for different things. Some have chemicals to keep the blood liquid, others have preservatives etc. So if the medic couldn't get a full set, then the studies that are ordered from that blood wouldn't be complete, and the doctors couldn't get a full picture of what is going on. It is not my field, but I have personally been amazed at how many tubes the need for a simple annual physical blood test.

 

[DMGeurts]

I just wanted to stop by and say hi! That's all - I know you are busy n' all, but I don't get to see that much of you anymore... Kind of miss ya... Kind of.

D~

 

[Lidian]

I can guess why they had to toss them all. And as an aside, often the ER doesn't use the blood drawn in the ambulance anyway, atleast in my area of the country. Too many factors to assess. Anyway, each vial has different "ingredients" in it, and are used to test for different things. Some have chemicals to keep the blood liquid, others have preservatives etc. So if the medic couldn't get a full set, then the studies that are ordered from that blood wouldn't be complete, and the doctors couldn't get a full picture of what is going on. It is not my field, but I have personally been amazed at how many tubes the need for a simple annual physical blood test.

Good point! I knew each vial had different chemicals in it, but never really considered that if one vial was MIA then the others would almost be worthless. He just kind of made me feel like my blood was bad and therefore had to toss it. But what you say does make perfect sense.

I just wanted to stop by and say hi! That's all - I know you are busy n' all, but I don't get to see that much of you anymore... Kind of miss ya... Kind of.

D~

I kind of miss you, too, D! Think you can manage a May 2013 trip?

Update coming today, too!

 

[DMGeurts]

I kind of miss you, too, D! Think you can manage a May 2013 trip?

As much as I would love to - I don't think I could swing a May trip. Financially, I probably could. But last year, when we pulled the girls out of school in May to go to The Netherlands - it was a horrible experience, and the teachers were awful about getting the make-up work for the girls. I vowed that I would never take the girls out in May again - it was just too hard on them. Sorry, because you know I WANT to.

Update coming today, too!

I will be on and off all day, stalking you for updates.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

However - I just told Allison about your suggestion, and she is all for it. LOL But she says you have to take her alone... ROFL. She said the homework is nothing compared to the fun she'd have on the trip... Hmpf...

D~

 

[Lidian]

As much as I would love to - I don't think I could swing a May trip. Financially, I probably could. But last year, when we pulled the girls out of school in May to go to The Netherlands - it was a horrible experience, and the teachers were awful about getting the make-up work for the girls. I vowed that I would never take the girls out in May again - it was just too hard on them. Sorry, because you know I WANT to.

I will be on and off all day, stalking you for updates.

D~

I'm worried about May ... as my kids would be pulled out as well. I didn't have an issue with them missing a day or two, but it would be for a full week. Granted, it's after all the state testing ... and will be more review and transitional stuff in May ... but still.

My finals are the 6-9, so can't miss those. If we take my neice, I can't go the following week either (my sister would not allow her to be gone for her birthday - which is the 13th!). SO if my neice goes, it would be the week of the 19-25. If my neice does not go, it will be either that week or the 12-18.

The kids last day is the 24th, so it would be one of their last two weeks of school.

I'm worried to go in March ... but if we considered March, it would be 10-16, as that is MY Spring Break (the kids would miss two days of school, unless we get snow, then they'd miss the snow makeup days).

I really can't consider any other months or weeks ... as missing one day of lecture could mean getting a MUCH lower score on a test. And many professors build attendance into final grades. I've had at least three professors that build attendance and participation into final grades. It doesn't weigh heavy, but that's essentially free points if you show up and have your assignments completed.

And I could always plan a summer trip ... but heat + crowds doesn't sound very fun.

Oh... I think I need more coffee. I'm rambling.

However - I just told Allison about your suggestion, and she is all for it. LOL But she says you have to take her alone... ROFL. She said the homework is nothing compared to the fun she'd have on the trip... Hmpf...

D~

I couldn't take one adopted daughter and not the other D. What kind of "other mom" would I be if I did? But if your girls could finish up their homework, I'd be willing to bring both of my new daughters.

 

[DMGeurts]

I'm worried about May ... as my kids would be pulled out as well. I didn't have an issue with them missing a day or two, but it would be for a full week. Granted, it's after all the state testing ... and will be more review and transitional stuff in May ... but still.

My finals are the 6-9, so can't miss those. If we take my neice, I can't go the following week either (my sister would not allow her to be gone for her birthday - which is the 13th!). SO if my neice goes, it would be the week of the 19-25. If my neice does not go, it will be either that week or the 12-18.

The kids last day is the 24th, so it would be one of their last two weeks of school.

I'm worried to go in March ... but if we considered March, it would be 10-16, as that is MY Spring Break (the kids would miss two days of school, unless we get snow, then they'd miss the snow makeup days).

I really can't consider any other months or weeks ... as missing one day of lecture could mean getting a MUCH lower score on a test. And many professors build attendance into final grades. I've had at least three professors that build attendance and participation into final grades. It doesn't weigh heavy, but that's essentially free points if you show up and have your assignments completed.

I can't believe you are trying to talk me into another SB trip... What is wrong with you????

Because I am a total WDW freak - I looked up the girls' SB for next year... March 7-15th... Easter falls is early next year - it falls on March 31... I'd consider us gluttons for punishment if we even considered another SB trip...

I couldn't take one adopted daughter and not the other D. What kind of "other mom" would I be if I did? But if your girls could finish up their homework, I'd be willing to bring both of my new daughters.

I will let her know that you don't play favorites. LOL Be careful though - they might just show up on your doorstep one day, bags in hand. LOL

D~

 

[Lidian]

Recap: I'm home from the ER and out COLD.

I'm still out, but I can hear quiet voices. Then a small child jumps on me, "Mommy! It's time to get up Mommy!" I force an eye open and see DS on top of me and DD standing over me (looking worried). I smile at DD and told her to go get ready and that I was feeling a bit better. DH comes over and gives me a little kiss on the head and tucks me back in. He sends DD to the bathroom to dress and starts getting DS into his clothes (asking if there was anything special I wanted him to wear). He then asks if I would be joining them, how I was feeling, what he needed to know, etc. I try to answer his questions, but I know I dozed off. He didn't press any issues, he knew where I kept the ADR information, but couldn't find the cameras. He wakes me to ask if I knew where to find them, and I see both kids sad that I was still in bed. My heart sank. I still felt TERRIBLE. I felt hung over, I felt like I was going to be ill, and I was beyond exhausted. I tell him where the cameras are. I know it's a bit later when I wake up again. I check the clock and it's after 8:30. Everyone is heading for the door (I think a protesting child accidentally woke me). I decide to crawl out of bed to use the restroom.

I'm wobbly on my feet, but DH rushes to my side. He asks if I was getting up to join them. I wasn't, but I didn't want to tell the kids that. So I told him I'd try. I also told them to go on. The kids wouldn't have any of that, and DH was worried -- I could see it in his eyes.

So I have DD bring me a bottle of water and I try to dress. DH doesn't have to help me much, but it's cool outside. So pants and my sweater it is. I told DH that I am not sure how long I can stay, but he's to keep the kids busy and let them have an amazing day. He agrees.

Once I'm finally ready, we walk out to the bus stop. It's well after 9AM. I post to FB that I was going to attempt AK, it's cold but supposed to warm up around 9:20. It isn't much longer when my phone rings and mom is on the other end. I reassure her that I'm okay -- well, that I will be okay. I'm still feeling MISERABLE.

The bus ride was rough. Our bus was crowded, but not overly packed. I'm curled up on DH, terrified I'm going to be sick. We arrive.

I take my first picture around 9:45AM.

There it is. The Tree of Life. What a beautiful sight!

This is one of my favorite signs in the park, so I had to get a picture of it (please forgive my photography today):

I love the little touches in the parks! These lamps are adorable!

So where are we headed to?

We had to ride Kilamanjaro Safaris! Granted, I was a bit worried. (Oh, I should mention that the kids did feed me before we left -- a cereal bar in the room. They're such great kids and smart!)

As we're walking to KS, I'm searching for where our lunch ADR will be located. I had never bothered to look for the restaurants in AK, so I wanted to be sure I knew exactly where to go. I see the sign up ahead:

And then .... Oh dear. That line doesn't look very pleasant! We decide to bypass the line and grab FPs instead. I really wished I had angled my body better so you could see HOW far down the line was ... But this was the line for KS:

There were at least thirty more people not pictured above. The posted wait said 20 ... but there's NO WAY. The last time I did a standby of 20 minutes for KS, there was NO visible line.

So we got these instead:

We only had about 40 minutes to wait. No big deal! We decided to do something else in the meantime.

We walked this trail last year for the first time. But I was determined to walk the trail in Asia this year (as a first). But since we only had 40 minutes (well, less than) to kill, we stayed nearby.

I tried to take pictures of the Angolan Colobus Monkey (I had about 10), but you couldn't make out ANYTHING in the pictures. Well, I could, but I knew what I was looking at when I took it. So you will have to settle for a drawing of them.

Then more pictures of animals that were dark, blurry, or the animals were hard to see (hiding behind trees, etc.) So you get another drawing. lol

And .... you guessed it. Another drawing. (I swear we saw animals!!!)

I love the Okapis! They are so interesting. There was a CM here who was talking about them, comparing them to the giraffe, etc. These are the animals that look kind of like the zebras (striped legs).

We kept walking and then it was into the indoor exhibit area. One of my favorites! I always think of Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable when I'm in here, and really wish they would bring the cartoons back. Why do I think of those two? Well, because of these!

Look at how adorable they are!!! Someone said this was the nursery, but not sure how accurate they were (it was another guest).

Then we saw an adorable Spiny Mice!

After the indoor exhibit, it was on to bird spotting!

I took lots more pictures here, but since I can't sit next to you and say "Here's the bird", I'll spare you the pictures of foliage. lol

Perhaps you can see this one!

After we found lots of birds (the kids were GREAT at finding birds -- much better than their slow-moving mommy!!), we moved on to look at a hippo!

There was a CM talking about the hippos, but there was so many people in here, I couldn't even hear her.

What was next? My all-time FAVORITE exhibit!

Oh no! Look how crowded it is! I was a bit sad, but hoping I could get a good look at the MEERKATS!!!!

We came in and I found an available spot to stand. It wasn't in view of the meerkats, but I did spy another creature!

(Can you see it back behind the logs, near the bush?) I'm not sure what it was.... the neck looked awful long and skinny to be a standard deer.

And then ... I was finally able to scoot up enough to see ...

I could stand here and watch them all day ... but we needed to keep moving.

(Cut here due to picture limit.) Up next ... AK has taken my DH and my DS! What will I do?

 

[Lidian]

I can't believe you are trying to talk me into another SB trip... What is wrong with you????

I'm not trying to talk you into a SB trip, I'm trying to talk you into a May trip. I was just stating, that was really my only alternative to May.

Because I am a total WDW freak - I looked up the girls' SB for next year... March 7-15th... Easter falls is early next year - it falls on March 31... I'd consider us gluttons for punishment if we even considered another SB trip...

Oh, I agree. I checked the CC and it's 8-10 all month. No low days. I think I'd prefer to battle 8s in May than March since the weather is too unpredictable.

I will let her know that you don't play favorites. LOL Be careful though - they might just show up on your doorstep one day, bags in hand. LOL

D~

Of course I can't play favorites! It's hard to play favorites when ALL of my kids (new and old) are my favorite!

And if anyone shows up on my doorstep, they would be welcomed and treated like family and their mom would be notified of their whereabouts -- where she would be forced to let them stay.

 

[Lidian]

We have left the Meerkat exhibit (sadly) and we continue walking.

OH NO! They've captured my DH and my DS!

Oh, please don't tell DH that I did that. lol

Anyway, I thought it was adorable they had a baby gorilla. I'm sure that's a mommy gorilla, and I don't know if the baby was male or female. But so precious!

A gorilla drawing sign:

We walk a bit more and encounter a CM who stops the kids and talks to them about gorillas. The kids ask some questions, and even I ask some questions. He's quite funny, even joking around and teasing the kids. We all enjoyed talking to him, so we lingered. I was glad we did. I noticed a bird ... so I pointed it out to the CM (who had his back to the bird as he was watching the gorillas to my right).

I don't recall what kind of bird he said it was ... but I do know I asked what it was doing. It was behaving VERY peculiar. He said it was stalking it's prey. We watched this bird for about 5 minutes (and I took a couple of pictures, but not much since they all looked the same). He was moving SO slow as he was stalking whatever was in the bush. We wanted to see if he caught his lunch ... but after 5 minutes we were bored because he hadn't moved much. lol

The gorilla we had been trying to see had his back to us, behind a tree. The CM said earlier he was out here putting on a show, but then got shy and was hiding.

We bid farewell to the CM and thanked him for all the knowledge he bestowed upon us (and we have since forgotten) and kept walking. I was able to snap a picture of the hiding gorilla a few steps down the path:

DD snapped a picture of something she found interesting. Not sure what it is or why ...

Time stamps appear to be close to the gorilla exhibit, but not sure how accurate the "minutes" were on her camera, as I know the hour was off.

By now we were nearing the end of the trail and our FPs were ready for us.

We exit the trail and hand our FPs to the CM. We decide to walk quickly so we can be sure we're on time for our lunch ADR. We round the corner ... and stop.

Seriously? THIS is the FP line? We're barely IN the line. I could literally reach my hand through the bush and touch the CM.

I suppose the line moves decent ... as about 10 minutes later we're boarding.

And then we enter the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for our two week adventure!

I play with the settings on the camera until I find one I like. So I have lots of blurry pictures. But then I notice these guys. Must be a new exhibit. I've never seen people on the reserve before! They must be so dangerous, as they're all tethered to a pole!

(Okay, so they're on a tour. But I couldn't help but have some fun. Remember, I'm sick and probably a tad bit delirious.)

They were checking out this bad boy.

A bit later into the tour, we see gators... or crocs. I never can remember the difference. I know it has something to do with their mouths ... but I can't recall which is which.

We saw LOTS of giraffes today. Probably all of them.

There's at least two in the above picture. Can you spot them both?

Then ... another baby animal!!!

And since it's hard to judge size in a picture like that ... here's one with mom.

We hung around this rhino, as the tour guide was hoping he'd roll over. He started to a time or two and then would be all ... Nope, not gonna happen and flop back down to his original position. lol

CHEETAHS! (Yes, there are two pictured.)

At this point, I'm watching the time and getting nervous. I was terrified we'd be late for our ADR.

It was just a few minutes after 11 when we got off the ride. Our ADR was for 11:15. We would make it. OR NOT....

SO MANY PEOPLE! We had a VERY hard time navigating through this. It was unbelieveable! I had never seen AK this crowded before, and I'm used to AK being high attendance. I can even see the TH sign! How will we ever get there??

We push through the people, gently and apologizing the entire time. I said "excuse me" only a million times in the few minutes that follow.

It's 11:10 and we arrive ...

 

[Lidian]

It's 11:10, we have arrived, our ADR is for 11:15. Huzzah you say? No.

We encountered a MONSTEROUS line. And it's not moving. Those of you who have been here know where the check-in counter is. It's not pictured above. There's a ton of families in front of us. A CM comes out and states that this line is for ADR people ONLY. No ADR, NO service. She asks every family if they're here for an ADR, and every family says yes. She's not checking anyone in, just verifying people aren't wasting their time in line.

A few minutes later, and we move a little bit. I snap a picture of the menu.

About ten minutes later, we're checked in and sent to get our pictures made with Donald. I asked if they could take one with our camera (I honestly expected them to say "no" since they want to sell their pictures).

They were happy to take our picture! (For the record, I DID buy the package as well, but forgot to add it to our PP card.)

It's hard to see in the picture, but I am a mess and I am feeling MISERABLE. I was tempted to get the gang checked in and head back to the resort. I'm so scared to eat ANYTHING. What little of that cereal bar I ate that morning has stayed with me, but I was terrified to add anything on top of it.

We sit on a ledge and wait for our names to be called. Our name was called around 11:25. That wasn't bad at all! I snapped a picture of the buffet area, but it was so blurry ...

We were sat against the back wall of a room. The server said she'd bring out a chef to go over DD's milk allergy. He comes and walks us to the buffet to go over all the dishes. He said they're transitioning from breakfast to lunch, so there will be a mix of foods up there. He covers the items currently on the buffet, and then covers the items that will soon replace those. He was very thorough and I enjoyed chatting with him. He asked DD if there was anything on the "can't eat list" that she wanted and he would attempt to make it for her. She really wanted some scrambled eggs and he said he'd bring her a plate of eggs.

We went back to the table (the boys were enjoying the buffet) as I saw some characters circulating.

Perhaps you can tell I'm having it rough in some of these pictures.

Daisy comes by, and we have NEVER met her before. So as she's signing the books, I'm talking to her (and the boys arrive). I compliment her appearance and let her know we've tried to meet her every year and we got lucky this year! She was tickled pink over all the compliments we were throwing her way. She loved DD's Marie pen (and DD was wearing a Marie shirt). I ask Daisy if we could get a picture of her and the kids, but she insisted I join. So I hand DH the camera. I let her know, again, how happy I was to finally meet her and she gives me a BIG hug.

Honestly, I'm a bit confused on when DD and I venture to the buffet ... but I know we got plates. I think it was after Mickey came by.

Mickey started to pick up the pens to sign the books, but I "reminded" Mickey that we just saw him the other night at CM's -- but we'd love another picture! I think he was grateful to not have to sign all the books, but he acted a bit offended at the same time. DD asked for another signature anyway -- and I didn't care if he signed or not, but I since I already had his autograph, why add to his writer's cramp he'll have?

Oh yes, this was when DD and I made our way to the buffet. It was around 11:58 when we made it back to our table. I took very small helpings of items that sounded yummy. I'll be honest, I don't recall what most of this stuff was called. Here's a picture of my plate, and I'll try to describe which items I LOVED.

Starting at the top, next to the meat (it blends with the rice, but it's just above the rice, the tiny balls of heaven) ... that item was OMG YUM. I'm guessing it's couscous or something? I don't know what couscous is, but it was tiny balls of deliciousness. The carved meat was good. The green beans were yummy! The larger pearls of food were "okay". I took a few bites, but it there was better items on the plate. Below that is salmon. It was very good. To the right of the salmon is rice (and below that is rice). The yellow rice was very good. The white rice was better (I think it had almonds in it, IIRC). To the left of the white rice (those tiny balls again) was my favorite item on the plate. Going back for that one dish would be worth it to me. It did have mixed veggies in it (I see corn and carrots, but there was more). At the bottom was a fried plantain. Ick. I tried it, but it wasn't my thing. I don't recall what was to the left of the amazing item and the right of the mashed potatoes. I remember eating it. I remember eating it all. But I don't recall my thoughts on it. The mashed potatoes were good. Then to the left is more rice. It was good.

I went back for seconds (no picture) and got more of those two ball dishes and more of the white rice. I was worried that I'd end up with spicy dishes (as I have associated spicy with African). Nothing on my plates were spicy. So if there are spicy items up there, I passed them up. There could have been more items buried under foods. I honestly don't remember. My head was cloudy. I didn't take pictures of anyone else's plates ... everyone was digging in.

After we ate (before dessert), DH commented that he'd be willing to suffer through a character meal to come back. WHAT?? DH wants to book a character meal willingly??? I'm totally in! I didn't mention that dinner was character-free. lol We agreed that TH was a MUST DO from here on out.

DH went up for desserts and I was trying to decide if I made the mistake of eating lunch. DH said that if eat nothing else, I should try a particular dessert. He showed it to me. DD wanted dessert, too. So I took her up to see what they had. I don't recall what was up there. I was feeling ROUGH. I let DD pick out what she wanted and tossed the dessert DH mentioned on the plate and stumbled back to the table. I took a picture of this dessert:

After I nibbled down this amazing treat (and considered going back for a plate full), we paid our bill (we were OOP here) and then checked our picture that we paid for.

Only ... it wasn't us. I recognized the family, they were just a couple of tables over. They were packing up to leave as well. So I approached them and showed them the picture and asked if they could check theirs (I saw them pay for one as well). It was a picture of us. So we swapped! Thank goodness!!!

It was then that I started to think that Minnie was supposed to be here ... but we hadn't seen Minnie. Does Minnie visit TH? If so, she must have been out sick ... but I swore I saw her in the dining room. Maybe she came by the table while no one was there? I dunno.

Overall:
AMAZING place! We highly recommend and we look forward to going back! The food was amazing! The service wasn't spot on, but it wasn't bad. We had some issues with refills and empty glasses (and sometimes getting plates taken off the table), but service was friendly. The chef was super nice and did come back once to check on DD and ask if she needed anything.

OH.... The chef was supposed to make a special treat for DD, and I requested it from the server, twice. I finally gave up on getting it. So whatever it was, she never got it (and I'm almost certain it was the server's fault, not the chef's). She kept asking us to wait and she'd go get it, but she'd come back and it was evident she forgot. She stopped us on the way out and gave DD a couple of packs of cookies that were good for allergies (no nuts and other high allergy ingredients). DD stuffed them in her bag.

Service could have been better, but it wasn't so bad we'd avoid the place. We'd even take the same server and give her a second chance on a return visit.

Food was amazing, characters were good, chef was wonderful. The lines at the buffet were a bit long (DH was gone forever once), but he said it was for the carved meats. I guess some people didn't want to be adventurous eaters. The flavors were amazing! Food was flavorful, but not overpowering! Definitely check it out -- don't be scared of the menu like I was!!!!

Do I survive the rest of the day? Stay tuned to see ...

 

[Lidian]

We depart Tusker House around 12:30ish.

I'm mulling around the idea of heading back to the resort. I'm sort of wishing I had skipped lunch, but was grateful I ate at the same time. (I didn't over eat, as I just nibbled off that plate and only finished a few of the items that was on it.)

DH puts his arm around me and stops me. He points out something I have failed to see since I was watching the ground.

Divine was making her way through the guests. At first, I didn't see her, as she was wrapped up in the bushes, but then she moved over to the fence.

We watched for only a minute, as DD was wanting to ride EE so we needed to see if FPs were available and what time they were for. I had been trying to check the official app, but it kept crashing. I rebooted my phone, and was continuously rebooting the app trying to get it to work. No luck. At this point, I didn't consider checking Lines.

I caught a picture of the ToL.

Then I look over to my left. Wait a minute. Is that ... IT IS! I make a beeline for it, and DH follows.

It was Baloo and King Louie!!!! The kids didn't know who they were, but were excited nonetheless. Well, I think DD recognized them, but wasn't sure of their names. The line was short, only one family in front of us.

As we approached, I handed DH the camera, and then a CM took it from him. I handed our PP card to the photographer.

King Louie insisted that DS wear the glasses. He played with DS's glasses a bit before wrapping his arms around him. DS had a blast. When Baloo signed the books, he was puzzled with DD's pen. He played with it a bit (popping Marie in and out -- I really should post a picture of this pen, but DD isn't home and not sure where it is). If you look closely, DH is holding the Marie pen .... It has Marie's head at the top. You slide the pen down with a button on the back. Once the pen comes out, Marie's body pops out. The body is tiny in comparison to the head. SO adorable!

Anyway ... Baloo played with the pen for a minute, then showed it to King Louie ... who was TERRIFIED. Baloo chased King Louie around with the pen, clicking it in and our, so Marie's body kept appearing and reappearing under her head.

The PP photographer said King Louie is scared of cats. I was sad that photographer just stood there and watched instead of taking pictures! The kids were laughing up a storm. They had an amazing time with them!

Here's the PP pictures:

After we enjoyed our visit with Baloo and King Louie, we made our way to Asia for EE FPs (for DD only).

Lots of people ... but not 'packed'.

I love the prayer flags.

We grabbed a FP for DD, and I don't recall the time or anything. It was around 1pm. We made our way to ....

I'm not sure why, but I couldn't find this trail last year. This was a first for us. DH asks if I'm sure, as he could tell I was still pretty weak. I nod, as I really wanted to walk the trail. So in we went!

DS grabs an animal map and guide:

Oh no! Tigers are ahead! This was the main reason I wanted to walk the trail. I LOVE cats. My favorite "big" cat is the panther, but tigers are a close second!

Then ... the bat cave. ((hums the Batman theme song)) Oh ... sorry. A bit off track. Then it was off to the bat room!

They seriously have to post a sign? That's sad. I lose more hope in mankind.

(It reads: Visitor Advisement: While inside viewing bats please act in a quiet and respectful manner.)

Oh ... this was nice of them! You can bypass the bats if you're not fond of them!

However, I want to see some bats!

You stand in a room to view them, but I want to say that bats could potentially get into the room through some open windows. They did have glass windows (or mesh, maybe?) to view from. But I want to say they had two "open" windows. I could be mistaken, and if I am, please correct me.

More bats with the prayer flags!

 

[Lidian]

Okay, this is my last update for now. I've given you plenty to read today. lol

After we saw the bats, we continued our trek. FINALLY!

Oh, at least we're safe, right?

I loved all the little touches they did in the ruins ... I took a TON of pictures, but will only force you to view some of them. lol

Then into another bird area. But this one had adorable bird houses!!

They had a TON of birdhouses, various sizes and colors. All gorgeous!

Then it was time for DD to ride EE.

It was around 1:30 at this point. I took DD's belongings, handed the FP to the CM and sent her on her way. This was the first time DD had ever ridden anything alone, and I was a nervous mommy. I had debated telling her no, but I felt bad. It wasn't her fault I was ill and couldn't ride. I was ready to go back to the room. But I knew how much it meant to her, and I knew she'd be okay.

We made ourselves comfy at the exit and waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. I was beginning to worry and was afraid we had missed her through the waves of people.

Finally she came off the ride. She showed me her picture and then we departed. (DS entertained himself by trying on hats, but I failed to take pictures -- I was feeling real rough.)

I told DH I wanted to go back to the room and he said that he wanted to ride Kali and he'd be ready go to. I offer to wait while they rode Kali (it was still too cold for me) since DH wanted to go back to the room, too. That way, I didn't have to go back alone. We found the exit for Kali and the three went off to ride.

There was a lady sitting alone on a bench. She insisted her bags needed to be on the bench, too, and wouldn't allow anyone else to sit down. I called her a few choice words in my head and sat on the ground next to the bench.

I'm really feeling bad, and I considered laying down -- but there were bugs. So I just leaned forward and put my face in my lap (sitting "indian style"). I know I'm being stared at and I'm really angry with that rude lady who refuses to move her bags so SOMEONE could sit down. I pull my legs up to my chest and bury my face in them. The wait isn't too bad. I waited about 15 minutes for them to drip water all over me.

They're SOAKED. And MISERABLE.

They said they had fun! I was kind of shocked DS enjoyed the ride. The last time we rode it, he was TERRIFIED and cried the whole time.

DH asked if I was ready. We head to the gates to catch a bus back to the resort.

On our way out, I realized I never took a picture of the AK sign.

It was around 2:20 and we're waiting for our bus.

I don't remember getting back to the resort. And I don't remember crawling in bed ... but I remember waking up and the kids are sitting at the foot of my bed watching TV ... and then I wake up a bit later and no one is in the room.

DH said that I nodded off on the bus, and as soon as I walked in the room, I kicked off my shoes and curled up under the covers.

I recall waking up at one point, alone, and seeing my phone, KTTW card, and my mug on the nightstand. I pick up my mug and it is full of ice and Sprite. I take a few sips and then snuggle back into the covers and sleep more.

I don't know how long I sleep for, but I do recall waking up and everyone's back in the room.

DH said that they walked around the resort, filled all the mugs, came back, hung out, then went swimming for awhile. He didn't want to bother me, but he did want to make sure I had something to drink, so he filled my mug with Sprite (as he felt it was the best option). I was so proud of him for taking care of all of us. The kids had a blast. He said they just went to the village pool (not the main one). I know I had been out for a couple of hours. We had dinner ADRs later that evening, so I did get up and took a shower. DD wanted her hair straigtened, so I did run the iron through her hair.

I wasn't feeling much better, but the nap did make a huge difference. I wasn't as groggy as I was earlier, and it did improve my mood, appearance, and overall being pretty well.

After everyone was dressed and ready ... we piled into the car for dinner! Where were we going? Guess you'll have to be patient and see!

 

[sjs314]

Liddy glad to see you were able to make it to AK the next morning. You got some great pics. lunch at TH looked good, I had to laugh when your DH said he would go there again even with the characters....mine says that about CP.

One of the reasons we skipped AK this trip is because no matter when we have gone it seems hot and crowded.


Word of caution... If you thought it was busy this year I would not go next March mid month with Easter being the 31st since it will be peak season so room rates will be about double what they are earlier in the month plus it will be crazy busy.

In 2009 we went 3/24 to 3/31 Ester was April 12, so 2 weeks prior and it was just awful crowd wise.

I want To go back for F&W this year but can not convince DH to go so I am considering Feb/Mar or fall of 2013.

 

[Lidian]

Liddy glad to see you were able to make it to AK the next morning. You got some great pics. lunch at TH looked good, I had to laugh when your DH said he would go there again even with the characters....mine says that about CP.

Thank you! I was glad I climbed out of bed -- but truthfully, I should have stayed in bed. It would have been the best choice overall. But I don't regret it. I'm glad I got to walk both trails. I missed the shows and I missed EE -- as well as characters. I was really hoping to do Camp Minnie-Mickey this year. But the entire time I was there, I knew I should have been in bed and my body was telling me as such.

Stay tuned for my CP review. We can compare DH notes.

One of the reasons we skipped AK this trip is because no matter when we have gone it seems hot and crowded.

I agree 100% on this. It's always crowded. I think it was supposed to be a 6 or 7 according to TP. I had to look... 7.2 was what TP said. That's about normal for us -- but honestly, when we've been in the past, it wasn't AS bad as it was this year. And its usually 8 or 9 when we go.

Word of caution... If you thought it was busy this year I would not go next March mid month with Easter being the 31st since it will be peak season so room rates will be about double what they are earlier in the month plus it will be crazy busy.

Yep, I already checked the TP CC for next March in case we had to consider Spring Break. However, ALL of my professors but one had assignments to be completed over SB, so it was REALLY rough on me. My books did go with me to WDW -- I HAD to do homework. So I really don't want to do another SB while I'm in school anyway. It was hard to pack and plan. Even doing it after finals will be rough -- but at least I can just schedule things and be done with it. And I should have several days before we leave to get the packing done. Finals are usually over by Wednesday.

In 2009 we went 3/24 to 3/31 Ester was April 12, so 2 weeks prior and it was just awful crowd wise.

I want To go back for F&W this year but can not convince DH to go so I am considering Feb/Mar or fall of 2013.

How about joining me for May?

 

[DMGeurts]

I'll reply to your updates in a bit...

Just wanted to say... As much as I would love to do SB, because the girls will have an awesome SB vacation next year... I don't think I can do those crowds or the peak prices. I still think we might go the 3rd week of Oct 2013 - and pray for FD.

D~

 

[Lidian]

I'll reply to your updates in a bit...

Just wanted to say... As much as I would love to do SB, because the girls will have an awesome SB vacation next year... I don't think I can do those crowds or the peak prices. I still think we might go the 3rd week of Oct 2013 - and pray for FD.

D~

I'm not sure I could handle missing a week of classes. I won't know how intense my classes are until August, and by then, it will really be too late to plan an October trip.

When I saw my Accounting Professor earlier this week, I asked him if taking three Accounting classes would be an issue next semester. I explained my situation (mom, taking four classes, etc) and he said that he thinks I'd be successful, but I will have to work hard (isn't that a given?).

I'm considering moving my fourth class to something "easier"... but not sure if it would be a wise choice. I may need the easier classes over the following two semesters. I'm just not sure.

I vote for May. Let's do May, okay?

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Rarely cope with full trip reports (always switch to see what everyone else is doing LOL) but I've really enjoyed yours and read everything to date.

Sorry you were so ill. Did you ever find out the true cause? DS was ill the last couple of days in 2007 and last year DD had an allergic reaction to some bites - not fun shame you can't bank the illness and have it after you get home

 

[DMGeurts]

Liddy, can't you just do your classes over Skype while you are in WDW in Oct with me? I'll hold the lap top while we are in line for ToT - I think it's a brilliant plan, and one worth exploring. Mkay?

D~