May 2011 Yo Ho Ho! Let Down Your Hair! (New 10/9 Lessons Learned #550)

[Marshay]

Today is Tuesday, May 17th and after breakfast in our room, we are off to Animal Kingdom. Rachel said she would like to do Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest.

What??!!???

This is wonderful!! As you may recall, in July and November 2010, she chickened out of both of these. So a part of me is not quite ready to believe it.

We arrive at AK and we split up. Jerry and my parents go to get FP for the Safari and then watch Flights of Wonder.

Here is Elie meeting Divine

Rachel and I go to ride Expedition Everest ... and she it!!

Yippee yippee yay yay

The line is still really short (10 minutes), so we ride it again ... and again! I am so thrilled that she loves it. I should have bought the photo of us on the ride but I hate spending that much money. So we just had Rachel pose later for her Everest photo.

This was taken from Flame Tree BBQ -- a place we love to eat at, esp down by the water.

After Everest, we met up with everyone and went on the safari. This is always a fun ride. I love this pic of Elizabeth and me.

After a great lunch at Flame Tree, my parents went to go on some rides and we went to Camp Minnie/Mickey. I hadn't been here in years and we are on a QUEST to find Brer Rabbit. If you remember, Rachel got hooked on Brer Rabbit from the Splash Mountain ride a couple of years ago but he had been elusive thus far. We were told he hangs out at CMM, so off we go.

We found Miss Bunny

And Brer Bear, who was just hilarious

Another new one was Rafriki -- notice the "simba pose" he is doing?

We missed Thumper as he had to go and we were hoping Brer Rabbit would take his place ....

Love this birdhouse.

By now it's getting really hot so it's perfect to use our FPs for Kali River Rapids. Rachel and I go on it first while Jerry stays with Elie. Rachel said she was only going to ride it ONE time. OK, I can do that.

Here we are

Well, she loved it! So Jerry and Rachel went again.

You can see her smile. I did make a mistake on this ride and had Rachel take off her shoes. I forgot that you were not supposed to. Ooops, lesson learned.

Fortunately, she did not get completely soaked (she said she was scared of getting water on her face before and that's why she didn't want to ride). I'm so glad she will ride this (although our next trip in January won't be seeing Kali or Splash, I'm afraid...)

After Kali, I wanted to ride some more rides or shows but I had promised the girls they could play in the Boneyard "as long as they wish" and I was still trying to just go with the flow and relax more.

Both girls absolutely loved this area -- again. It really is a great playground. Then they dug in the 'sand'. I swear that cast member has the greatest job -- she just digs in the sand and plays with the kids all the time.

You can see Rachel in brown and Elie standing up, plus the CM just digging away.

Then it was time to leave AK. We didn't do a lot (EE, Kali, Safari, Boneyard) but it was perfect! Everyone was happy and we enjoyed what we did. Hmmm, this new way of touring may just work out!

On the way, we stopped for some photos
Jerry and Rachel

Elizabeth and Me

And we explored the area at the very front of the park. We never explore here as we are always rushing by. We were lucky to find a Photopass photographer who was so VERY kind to take some photos for us, even though he wasn't officially at that spot.

Rachel and I trying to be Amazon women

Jerry modeling

Then Jerry stole a kiss

Rachel insists on these "goofy photos" hehe

Animal Kingdom Friends

My parents did the same on there exit. I really like this photo as they look like they are having fun!

Then we left AK for a quick ride back to Kidani, before our dinner ressies at Cape May Cafe.

 

[Marshay]

you WILL make it on Mom's Panel this year!!

I'm so sorry about your cat

Thanks! I'm just glad Butterscotch is no longer in pain and I'm choosing to believe he is running around and jumping like he hasn't done in years!

re: Mom's panel...hmmm, honestly, I believe I won't ever make it. There is just too much great competition and I really don't know what they are looking for. Answering two questions in 100 words is just hard -- for both me as the writer and for the judges.

But I'm ok with it. I really do enjoy dreaming about it and answering the questions.

 

[Trentmom]

Sorry for the delay again.

The good news is that I completed my Picaboo album of our WDW May trip and OCNJ July trip. Just waiting for it to be shipped.

Girl Scouts starts tomorrow and I'm excited for that.

And I applied again for the disney mom's panel. I do it every year...never made it past round 1 but there's always next time, right?

The bad news is that my wonderful friend and cat of 15 years was put to sleep last week. It definitely still gets to me.

Ok, on with our TR!!

It's okay

Glad you got your album done

Yay for Girl Scouts

Trent is joining my friend's Cub Scout pack this Thur. She runs it and just 4 other kids so should be fun

Sorry about your cat

 

[kaoden39]

Sorry for the delay again.

The good news is that I completed my Picaboo album of our WDW May trip and OCNJ July trip. Just waiting for it to be shipped.

Girl Scouts starts tomorrow and I'm excited for that.

And I applied again for the disney mom's panel. I do it every year...never made it past round 1 but there's always next time, right?

The bad news is that my wonderful friend and cat of 15 years was put to sleep last week. It definitely still gets to me.

Ok, on with our TR!!

I hope you make the moms panel. You really should.


Sorry about your cat.

 

[Trentmom]

Sounds like a great day

I am so glad to hear that Rachel loved EE and Rapids

Trent loved the rapids and him and steve rode it 3 times.

I watched

He still says no to Everest since it goes backwards

Great photopass pics


Boneyard Dig yard looks like a blast

 

[kaoden39]

Great update.


Anytime you are judged on anything written it is subjective. I don't think that is a fair way to judge someone.

 

[Marshay]

Once back at the room, we didn't have a lot of time, but I definitely wanted to take another shower (this is a theme) in this luxurious shower. While I showered, Jerry and the girls watched the savannah

These animals were right outside our room

For anyone who has stayed at AKV, you know there are signs posted that you are under surveillance -- from the ground and from the roofs. Only my DH would take a photo of the cameras.

Time to feed the Watusi

This was a lucky family. I assume this is one of the tours that you can do at AKV if you stay on Concierge level and pay $$$.

Then we went to Beach Club to eat dinner (clam bake) at Cape May Cafe. We always have really good seafood here, for a buffet. My parents joined us as they like this too. I don't like to go too often but every 3 years or so, we end up back here. I love the shrimp, mussels, clams and crab legs. Basically I just fill up on those.

One thing that always bugs me here is the desserts. They do have plenty of them, but they aren't that tasty to me. Heavy crust on the tarts (so I just eat the innards). I remember liking one or two options but trying about 6-8 of them. Maybe I was just too full on the seafood.

After dinner, we decided to walk over to Epcot. I was wondering if the topiaries would still be up in Epcot ... and they were. So we got to see a few more that we had missed previously.

It's starting to get late for the girls and Elizabeth is wanting milk (even though we just got done eating), so we head over to Morocco to buy some milk. I swear you can get a whole cow for the price they charge for a child's milk!! (I'm channeling my father there!)

I love this photo of Morocco.

But by now, it's getting really cool outside and Rachel has the sniffles, my throat is getting sore and Elie is just tired. So we call it a night.

Tomorrow is our first Magic Kingdom day. I love MK...it's my favorite park with the girls (although AK is becoming a close 2nd).

Our goals: ride Splash, see Magician Mickey and find that little rascal Brer Rabbit!

 

[kaoden39]

Milk is outrageous, I cannot believe what they charge drinks of any kind at Disney.

 

[Trentmom]

Oh cool,. didnt see there was more to this update

View of animals looks nice. I am sure Steve would have taken the same photo DH did

I remember what a hard time we had finding milk in Epcot when Trent was about 3 and he was super cranky

Never knew Morocco had it. Only place we ever found it at was Sunshine Seasons (think it called that...food court in the land/soarin area)

 

[Marshay]

It's okay

Glad you got your album done

Yay for Girl Scouts

Trent is joining my friend's Cub Scout pack this Thur. She runs it and just 4 other kids so should be fun

Sorry about your cat

Hopefully he has good leaders and will love it! I didn't know much about GS before but now I'm totally hooked on it. Hope Trent loves it too!

I hope you make the moms panel. You really should.

Sorry about your cat.

I feel I am qualified but too bad I'm not the judge!

thanks...he was a great cat!

Sounds like a great day

I am so glad to hear that Rachel loved EE and Rapids

Trent loved the rapids and him and steve rode it 3 times.

I watched

He still says no to Everest since it goes backwards

Great photopass pics

Boneyard Dig yard looks like a blast

So you don't do Kali? I'm curious why not?

I was worried about the going backwards part but Rachel loved it! She said that was the best part.

Next time I want to get photos of the Boneyard -- those slides and such are just great! Jerry and I had fun going down them too. Have you taken Trent? It's a great place to let them run off some steam, jump, climb, slide, dig, etc.

Great update.
Anytime you are judged on anything written it is subjective. I don't think that is a fair way to judge someone.

Yeah, the next round I believe is a video answering more questions. This way they can see what you look like, which I guess is both good and bad. So if they want to choose more men or women or older or younger or more cultural, they can also weed out here, too.

If I get picked for the next round, I'll be scrambling to get it all together.

 

[Marshay]

Milk is outrageous, I cannot believe what they charge drinks of any kind at Disney.

I know! I hate how the stuff that is actually good/better for you is more expensive than the junk food.

We normally don't buy drinks at all, unless we are on the dining plan. And I am really good about carrying milk for Elie in the parks. I just didn't think she'd want some less than an hour after eating.

oh well...lesson learned!

Oh cool,. didnt see there was more to this update

View of animals looks nice. I am sure Steve would have taken the same photo DH did

I remember what a hard time we had finding milk in Epcot when Trent was about 3 and he was super cranky

Never knew Morocco had it. Only place we ever found it at was Sunshine Seasons (think it called that...food court in the land/soarin area)

Yep, we can relate about cranky kids and milk!

The cameras must be a guy thing. I mean I glanced at them and never gave them another thought.

Jerry -- he sees them, photographs them, predicts whrere they are aiming and then tries to find the "blind spots" (Oooh, Marsha, if we stand right here on the balcony and twist our backs around this pole, they'll never see us!)

 

[Marshay]

Today is Wednesday, May 18th and we woke up at 7:05am for our day at Magic Kingdom.

I know we met up with my parents at some point but don't remember all the details.

We went straight to Splash Mountain and rode it 2x. Here is our photo (my dad is in front in the hat).

Hands in the air

I think this photo is from my disboard friend Carrie's DH. Great shot!

We were going to ride BTMR but the line was too long, so we grabbed FPS and rode Buzz Lightyear. Then we went back and saw Country Bears. Elizabeth loved it!

I'm sad to say that Rachel was bored. She only liked the ending...

Afterwards, I said I'd go over to Columbia Harbor House for lunch and reserve a table while Jerry and Rachel look at some of the shops and then come join me. Well, I'm waiting and waiting and waiting for them to come. I call Jerry like 10 times and he's not answering. I'm getting really angry as I don't know where they are, Elie is hungry. I'm hungry. We can't get a table until we have our food and going through the line with a sleepy yet hungry 2 yo isn't going to work. UGH!

Well, it turns out that right after I left, they had the Frontier Hoedown (not sure of the exact name) and Rachel wanted to watch. That's fine and all but I just wished Jerry would have called to let me know that they weren't coming right away (and so I could have gone back to watch, too).

Once it's over, Jerry joins us and I'm none too pleased. Then he tells me what they did and I'm thrilled for Rachel (but still angry that Jerry didn't call!)

Yes, Rachel finally got to meet Brer Rabbit!!

We couldn't do autographs or posed pics since it was a dance, but she was thrilled to be with him.

Then we had a mess up (my fault) on dining credits. I had totally forgotten that we had used all of our CS credits and my parents still had 2 left. So when I went to order my 3 CS, it was rejected at first, then we ended up using my parents credits (since all the credits for our 2BR are all compiled together). So when they went to order their CS, they used our remaining TS credits instead.

It took a while to figure it all out, but finally we got it back to normal.

Then we met up with my parents again and rode Big Thunder Mtn twice

Rachel and I then rode Space Mountain and she did NOT like this at all. Said it was too fast. Which is funny bc EE and TT go faster than Space Mtg, but I think b/c it's all dark inside she felt like it was going too fast.

A cool picture of Rachel in Tomorrowland

We decide to get a snack and I get my first Dole Whip. I've gotten the Dole Whip Floats (with pineapple juice) before and love them but decided to just do the whip this time. It was delicious.

Any guesses where we ate the Dole Whips? In front of this beautiful door!

For those who guessed the Tiki Room -- you are right! Since this was closed for renovations, they had benches up in front of the exit doors. This was a great place to get out of the sun and sit! I saw my parents wander by to get a Citris Swirl and called them over, too.

Then it was time to leave the park so we head toward the exit. The line for Magician Mickey was non-existant so Rachel and I went in while Jerry stayed out with sleeping Elie (they wouldn't let us bring in a stroller).

I'll post a few pics since this is new. Some signs that caught my eye

I like the Hippo/Gater ballet ... hmm, sounds familiar...

Rachel had fun with Mickey. He did this magic trick (disappering bird) for her and she was totally amazed! It was the same as the disappearing butterfly in the Imagination pavilion. You have to ask for it.

Rachel and Mickey

I joined in too!

We got back to the room and rested until dinner. Then we drove over to Jambo House for dinner at Boma. We had a good meal but this time I just wasn't in the mood for all the variety. So I filled up on desserts. They have great desserts -- esp those Zebra Domes!

then we wandered the resort and let the girls play on the playground. Once it was getting dark we went back to the room and went to bed. We were all tired!

Tomorrow: Shopping!!

 

[Marshay]

Today is Thursday, May 19th and we had a non-park day. We ate a leisurely eggs/toast/fruit breakfast in our room and then headed to DTD around 10;30am.

I shopped in World of Disney, Once Upon a Toy, Lego and my new favorite -- Tren-D.

Lego had some cool new displays

I missed the Snow White one which was on the other side of the building. But I've seen it in others TR and it's great!

We bought books, a Duffy Bear for Elie for Christmas with a Buzz lightyear outfit, pins for Rachel of Splash Mtn and EE), pencils and another set of skirts. I also bought 4 t-shirts (2 for me, 2 for Jerry).

by then we were hungry and there was a hugemongous line for Earl of Sandwich, so we ate at Capn Jack's that had no line. We've always had a good, basic meal here.

Then we went back to our room and rested. I took another shower -- just because I could!

Now it was time for some Girls Only Time.

I wanted to take my mom out to the Grand Floridian Tea for a belated Mother's day. So Rachel, Mom and I left. Jerry, Elie and my dad ate at Kona. Then we'd all meet up again at MK.

Photobucket is acting up so I'll stop here.

 

[Trentmom]

I know! I hate how the stuff that is actually good/better for you is more expensive than the junk food.

We normally don't buy drinks at all, unless we are on the dining plan. And I am really good about carrying milk for Elie in the parks. I just didn't think she'd want some less than an hour after eating.

oh well...lesson learned!



Yep, we can relate about cranky kids and milk!

The cameras must be a guy thing. I mean I glanced at them and never gave them another thought.

Jerry -- he sees them, photographs them, predicts whrere they are aiming and then tries to find the "blind spots" (Oooh, Marsha, if we stand right here on the balcony and twist our backs around this pole, they'll never see us!)

I can picture steve doing the same

as far as Kail, People were coming off of there drenched. I just hate being soaking wet

 

[Trentmom]

You are on a roll

Boo to photobucket acting up

Looks like a great day at MK for the most part

So happy Rachel got to meet Brer Rabbit, but bummer Jerry did not call ya

You need to send the picture of Rachel with her hair shooting up in the air to all ears.....awesome

Shopping day sounds great and sounds like u got some good stuff

I love the lego displays. Trent will love seeing them

 

[Marshay]

I can picture steve doing the same

as far as Kail, People were coming off of there drenched. I just hate being soaking wet

Yeah, I can understand that. I always try to wear crocs and lightweight (easily dried) clothes when I go to AK and will do Kali.

You are on a roll

Boo to photobucket acting up

Looks like a great day at MK for the most part

So happy Rachel got to meet Brer Rabbit, but bummer Jerry did not call ya

You need to send the picture of Rachel with her hair shooting up in the air to all ears.....awesome

Shopping day sounds great and sounds like u got some good stuff

I love the lego displays. Trent will love seeing them

MK was fun! Rachel was so excited about meeting Brer Rabbit. Now she wants to ride Splash with him! I told her I didn't think he did that...

You're right -- I'll send it in to All Ears...it is quite funny!

Trent will love the Legos...and they expanded the play area to include build your own car and race them, too. Rachel had a blast playing in the Lego store!

 

[cherbear]

You need to send the picture of Rachel with her hair shooting up in the air to all ears.....awesome

I totally TOTALLY agree!!!!

 

[cherbear]

Marsha, did you have to pay OOP for your meal at Boma since your parents ended up using your last TS credits at lunch??

I looove this picture!

I definitely enjoyed Tren-D as well! I got the cutest little summery dress there for only 15 bucks! I wore it to the Grand Floridian for our dinner that night at the Grand Floridian Cafe and got a couple of compliments.


I am looking forward to seeing pics of you three at the tea! That was a great idea.

Like Kelly said, you are sure on a roll!

 

[Marshay]

I totally TOTALLY agree!!!!

Will try to send this in today -- great idea! I wouldn't have thought of it.

Marsha, did you have to pay OOP for your meal at Boma since your parents ended up using your last TS credits at lunch??

I looove this picture!

I definitely enjoyed Tren-D as well! I got the cutest little summery dress there for only 15 bucks! I wore it to the Grand Floridian for our dinner that night at the Grand Floridian Cafe and got a couple of compliments.

I am looking forward to seeing pics of you three at the tea! That was a great idea.

Like Kelly said, you are sure on a roll!

We actually got the TS/CS credits all straightened out and a Disney CM was kind enough to give my parents an extra CS meal to use, so it didn't cost us anything extra and they even got another meal each out of it. Disney was very nice to us!!

Yeah, I really like the ride photos, too! I'm glad Jerry tried that. He normally has his DLR (sp) with him but last year he bought an upgraded P&S and can take some cool photos with that and it's not as bulky as the other one.

I like the Splash pic you showed and the one with our hands in the air -- tells a story!

Your dress sounds cool! My t-shirts were both Unfortunately, like $30+ but they were cute and I got one for my birthday from my parents and kept the other one. (Purple Minnie Mouse doing a sassy pose and a black shirt with a Mickey Castle key on it).

Tea Party was really cool!

 

[Marshay]

So I last left you on Thursday, May 19th and Rachel, my mom and I left for the Grand Floridian. I actually hadn't told my mom where we were going at all. Just told her we'd have some food and to dress a bit nicer than normal, but still shorts.

My mom figured out where we were going and was pleased. The Garden View Tea Lounge is NOT something my dad would do with her at all. I was hoping we'd have a good time.

Here we are actually at the end of the tea, after they gave us each a rose.

So we entered the Grand FL and went straight to the back of the main lobby to the Tea Garden. We were immediately seated and everyone was really quiet. This wasn't bad as it was very peaceful. We could hear the string quartet in the main lobby and it was quite relaxing. I didn't feel like I was at Disney at all.

We sat down and looked at the menu.

Rachel decided to have "Mrs. Potts" tea service which was 3 little sandwiches and 2 pastries plus her tea. The waitress asked if she would like chocolate milk instead of tea and she said no. I was so proud of her!

Rachel and I are not big hot tea drinkers but we do like it once in a while. My mom drinks hot and cold tea several times a day.

Rachel chose the "Harmony Tea" which was mandarin orange and peppermint. After tasting all the teas, we all agreed that she had the best tasting tea!

I chose the "Princess Kate" tea which was a full-body fruit and berries tea. It was really tasty and a close 2nd for me. For my service, I went with the full "meal" -- shrimp and toast app,

fruit/cheese & cheese bread plate,

scones and cream, strawberry tart, 2 pastries and sparkling wine. For my pastries I chose the chocolate covered strawberry and an eclair.

It was a LOT of food (approx $25) and wonderful!

I forgot to mention that the menu had several different "meals" and you could also order ala carte.

Not the greatest pic of me -- looks like I was REALLY enjoying that wine/tea.

My mom got the "Grand Tea" service and chose sparkling cider instead of the sparkling wine. She had some sandwiches, pate, scones, strawberry tart and 2 pastries. She chose the Strawberry tea and we all thought that would be the best tea. It sounded so good. However, after tasting it we all agreed that it was the 3rd best.

Rachel had never seen sugar cubes before. She enjoyed putting lots of these in her tea!

Here is the Tea Cozy to keep your tea warm. I admit I had never seen this before. Mom and I kept ours on. We left Rachel's off so hers would cool down quicker.

For Rachel's desserts, she chose the Choc cover strawberry and the swan-shaped pastry puff.

We just simply had a wonderful, relaxed, kicked back and be served meal here. It was just sooooo relaxing. I'm not really a "girly-girl" but this was fun to use fine china, silverware and little dainty portions.

Afterwards we rode the monorail over to MK and stopped for some photos.

And with Rachel and a photopass border

Now Jerry, Elizabeth and my dad went to Kona Cafe at the Polynesian (another favorite) and then met us at MK. My dad can work on my DH's nerves at times (and I'm sure Jerry does the same with my dad!) so I was hoping their meal would be good. All was well, until they got to MK and my dad went through the no-bags line leaving Jerry alone to deal with Elie, the stroller, his cameras stuff, etc.

Now it truly wasn't a big deal, but it would have been nice to stick together. So Jerry was a little perturbed that my dad didn't help out and then when Jerry got through the line, he didn't know where to meet up with anyone. People are pressing him onward and well, it sort of gave a bad start to our reunion.

But that's life! I always try to be honest with you, my readers, showing you the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful!

So we wandered down Main Street and I made everyone stop for photos in front of the castle. We have our traditional family photo at Epcot and our full family photo in front of the castle. I'll save those pics for the next post.

While waiting, Rachel found her buddy:

I really like this photo

Then I went to get FP for Space Mtn for Jerry and me and met everyone over at Aladdin's Magic Carpets. Elie calls it the Flying Carpets. Here is a photo while waiting in line.

and another one -- help!! she's choking me!

You can barely see Elie's head in this photo. The kids went with my parents and we got in the car in front to take some pics.