Monorail!, Mermaids, Mishaps and Magic: May 2012 Family Vacation ***Day 3. . .7/31**

[MHTeacher]

Sorry you didn't get your room requests, but I'm sure that Tahiti worked out for you. It really is convenient for walking out to the beach to watch Wishes. The CM who checked me in told me that Tahiti was actually her favorite because it was so quiet and peaceful.

Sounds like a good first night at the Poly! Just had this thought---Was this Sunday, the 27th? Because if it was-We were watching Wishes from the beach in front of Hawaii longhouse that very night too!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Ooh that Hawaiian pizza looks yummy!!

One of the things I am most excited about at Poly is watching Wishes from the beach! It looks wonderful!

 

[mindystar]

Sorry you didn't get your room requests, but I'm sure that Tahiti worked out for you. It really is convenient for walking out to the beach to watch Wishes. The CM who checked me in told me that Tahiti was actually her favorite because it was so quiet and peaceful.

Sounds like a good first night at the Poly! Just had this thought---Was this Sunday, the 27th? Because if it was-We were watching Wishes from the beach in front of Hawaii longhouse that very night too!

It actually was extremely quiet. . . Even between floors. We knew people were in the room above us when water was flushed , otherwise though, nothing!!!
Yep, it was that night!!! Snow might have been closer down to where you were, but we were way on the other end

Ooh that Hawaiian pizza looks yummy!!

One of the things I am most excited about at Poly is watching Wishes from the beach! It looks wonderful!

It is yummy! I know it's nothing super special, but it's Cap'n Cooks to me
It's just so peaceful and pretty to watch.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Yay! You've arrived! I know that you were initially disappointed that your requests weren't met but it sounds like you were in a quiet location which is always a .

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!

 

[mindystar]

Yay! You've arrived! I know that you were initially disappointed that your requests weren't met but it sounds like you were in a quiet location which is always a .

It really was very nice. I guess I was hoping for more "color" outside the window, but then again it was kind of like we were secluded. Plus later in the trip there is something really pretty outside one of our rooms

Count me in!!

Hopefully my looooong time in between posts has not scared you back out

Getting ready to write up the next post right now. Sorry about the long wait, but I was covering the mid shift at work for three weeks and then trying to convert back over to my day shift this week. . .makes for one tired girl Sorry!!!!

 

[mindystar]

Up and at ‘em for Animal Kingdom today! Once everyone is dressed and in their stroller we can roll out I think most everyone else had breakfast in our rooms, except for me. I had been planning to snag a breakfast at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery, even had the money in my “Breakfasts at WDW” envelope ready to go.

We hit the path outside our building (closest to the ttc) and have some discussions about where we think the buses are. Minnie didn’t want to sit in the double stroller quite yet so I ran/followed her down the paths. Some of our party thought the buses were down one way, and usually I’ll just follow because my sense of direction is absolutely shot. This time however I could swear they were closer to the GCH than the TTC, so Minnie and I just kept heading in that direction. I noticed the rest of our pack was starting to follow and not wanting to overshoot where the bus depot was I asked some CMs who were driving past in their cart. Guess where it was, that’s right just on the other side of the bushes—whoo who!!!

As we all start coming around the bend to the depot a bus shows up and ¾ of the people waiting hopped in. I don’t remember where it was going, but not to AK. So we grabbed some benches to wait for who knows how long, for our bus. Next to arrive. . .OUR bus!!! That never seems to happen when I’m along for the vacation So PC folds up the stroller while they load up an ECV, and next we are all loaded in. Well it’s a tight fit and those with a little take a seat and a little in their lap. Snow and I are standing up, and oh what craziness ensues.

I really do not care for the bus transportation, as I get motion sickness. So if I’m not facing forward—which usually you are not—not good. They whip around and that’s not so good for me. The only time I ride public transportation is, believe it or not, in Disney World. So I am not so awesome at the standing up and holding on dealie ma bob. I also lack some coordination skills so trying to keep upright on the bus at times is difficult, but funny later So when we were being “whipped” around it was all Snow and I could do to stay standing and in the same place we started, let alone not being knocked into the poor lady’s ECV! I was just so happy that we were staying on the monorail—hallelujah!!!—and knew my time on the buses would be limited that I was able to laugh at us as it was happening.

Of course the bus stopped by Blizzard Beach first to drop off/pick up no one Next drop off was AK!!! Once we were off and had the stroller popped back open and kiddos inside we were off the gates. It was EMH that morning, but we were arriving about half hour or so after the regular opening time. So still plenty of people coming in, but not too crowded at the start. I had already bought the PhotoPass CD ahead of time, and before PhotoPass Plus was announced. So it kind of stunk that even though I got a steal of $99 cd, that we still had to pay the difference in order to upgrade to Plus We, Tink and Cindy and myself, had already talked about the cost of the meal pics and ride pics we could get and decided to upgrade (they each paid half for the upgrade) and then we would all have access to the cd (which is on its way to us!!!) I knew we would have to upgrade once inside the park and before we go do anything, like rides, so we could get it all on there!

So first Cindy and I hit guest services, because I had read at some point that’s where we needed to go to do said upgrade. We wait about ten minutes there to be told to go to the camera place across the way. So back into another line, where the couple in front of us were picking up their ECV. Poor things, they had thought that when they rented the day before at EPCOT that was the price they paid for their entire trip, not understanding that when the CM had told them they could park hop and get one at each park it was only for that day. They weren’t too keen on forking over the 70+ dollars again, but she really needed it. Soon the photopass CM was ready to assist us. It took her a couple of calls to get through to someone who could look up my reservation of the cd so she could do the upgrade. During this time Cindy had to step out to get Marie all set up with a bottle and check on the other Littles. I felt bad that it was taking so long to get on with our morning, but was hoping all the pics later would be worth it. Honestly I think the whole transaction took 20-25 min chunk out of the day, but I really think the pics of my Littles are all worth it!!!

Next we head onwards, with a sweaty little group, to the Safari. We had planned on picking up some fast passes, but the standby time read 20 minutes. PP was a little hesitant as it could be much longer than that by now, but the CM standing guard said she had just did a time check and it was indeed 20 minutes. So we decide to jump in line. We did very little standing in line as most of it was just walking through the queue. Soon it was time to drop off the stroller and keep marching on to our trek. Once we were up to the ride line we were assigned the last two rows of the vehicle. I cringed a bit at the thought of the bumpiness, but once we were actually out there I was excited to take pictures without the vehicle blocking the shots and no one else in them—whoo who! So I was in the last row on the edge with Tink on the other edge and Snow with Ariel in the middle. The rest of the clan was in the row in front of us.

So of course next up is the actual safari--with more pics!!! Promise it won't be so long between. . .here's a pic for my good faith deposit that I'll be back

"Back" get it. . .

Okay, he has to make up for that bad joke

 

[Moodyzblu]

Joining in !! Great start.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Ahhhh. . .an Animal Kingdom update!! Yay! So much love for that park!!

That upgrading to PhotoPass Plus is a mess! I know eventually it'll become routine and they'll get it ironed out (and there will be fewer people "upgrading"), but ay yi yi!

I hear you on the standing up on buses thing. I can't do it! My balance is way too yucky! I am always afraid I will end up on the lap of some stranger!

Cute, cute pic of the Littles!!

Can't wait to read more!!

 

[MHTeacher]

I laughed at your bad joke pic! I thought it was pretty funny!

Enjoyed the update!

 

[reyasmommy]

I love DISNEY Road Trips... If you've read any of my ptrs or trs I guess you'd know that.

Wow, those are some super cute kids.

I love the Florida visitor center. We always stop by on our way into florida.

I look forward to reading more. LOVE your pictures!

 

[CatNipRules]

Loving your trip report so far! Can't wait to read more!!

 

[mindystar]

Joining in !! Great start.

and thanks

Ahhhh. . .an Animal Kingdom update!! Yay! So much love for that park!!

That upgrading to PhotoPass Plus is a mess! I know eventually it'll become routine and they'll get it ironed out (and there will be fewer people "upgrading"), but ay yi yi!

I hear you on the standing up on buses thing. I can't do it! My balance is way too yucky! I am always afraid I will end up on the lap of some stranger!

Cute, cute pic of the Littles!!

Can't wait to read more!!

Takes me long enough to write anything to read, right?! I have that same fear of standing on the bus, and hang on for dear life and the life of anyone close to me

I laughed at your bad joke pic! I thought it was pretty funny!

Enjoyed the update!

and thanks

I love DISNEY Road Trips... If you've read any of my ptrs or trs I guess you'd know that.

Wow, those are some super cute kids.

I look forward to reading more. LOVE your pictures!

I can only hope the Littles are my saving grace, for taking far too long to do this TR, let alone finish the day Love me some disney road trips too!!!

Loving your trip report so far! Can't wait to read more!!

and my apologies for taking such a long darn time to get in another installment! Thank you

 

[mindystar]

Sorry about no updates! It stinks when real life creeps in Plus typing takes forever when I do get around to it, as you who do TRs (and much better than myself) know. I'm setting a goal to get this thing typed up by the end of August. I love putting it up here, but of course first and foremost it's for my own recollection of this vacation. So I better get it done before more and more little pieces of the story gets lost in the cracks of my brain! Otherwise at the rate I'm going I'll be down to WDW again before I get halfway through this TR!
So up next is the next part of our AK day!
PS also sorry for those TRs that I've been reading, as I've been a major slacker there too!!!

 

[mindystar]

**This Post will contain plenty of safari shots!!**
Now you’ll have to forgive me as I’m not too good at the whole remembering names aspect, whether it’s animals on a safari or people at my job. Needless to say I don’t remember what some of the types of animals we saw (but I tried to look them up). This was also my first safari without Little Red, so at points that I knew we should be hearing from “base” and we didn’t it seemed a little off. But the promise of zebras at the end of the safari in the future made it better I made sure to take some pictures of the scenery throughout our ride,

of the waterfalls

and upside down trees (Baobab),

to use in a future collage of frames in my room for summer time. I got many pictures of active animals too. Seems like there were more up and about this time than any other time I can remember.

We saw vultures hanging around,

Nile crocs out sunning themselves and

the Greater Kudus as well.

We had to stop for a bit to watch the Wildebeests play in front of us and run across the road chasing each other.

That was really cool to see them, not only up and about but actually playing as a family.

Maasai and Reticulated Giraffes were out sharing their food source and letting me catch a pic of two of them together.

The baby elephant was super adorable and mom was not far off.

We caught the flamingos chillin’ on their “Hidden Mickey” island. And lo and behold there was Simba and Nala! Awake and not lying so low or up and tucked away that you couldn’t see them.

I loved taking Simba’s picture, but Nala was tough to get as she was on the other side of the vehicle and I couldn’t get a clear shot of her

Up next were the warthogs and I couldn’t help but have “When I was a young warthog. . .” play in my head as I snapped some pics of them. I caught one poor hippos behind, as he was halfway behind vegetation by the time I could get a picture of him (or her) taken.

Then there were what I think are Oryxs and perhaps these are the Kudus hanging out in the same space together, with the ostrich not far away.

 

[mindystar]

Even though sweat was now racing down my back I really enjoyed this safari, and our timing seemed great to get to see so many out and about. Once we exited the ride PC took off to go get their stroller, and as we were moving out as well I saw a PhotoPass Photographer over by the water fall and asked if we could get a picture together. Everyone said sure, and Cindy took off to get PC so we could get our first PP pic of the trip and as a family to boot. Well we waited a bit and I finally grabbed Ariel and pulled her in line with me. I figured I might as well get a picture with her while we waited for the rest of our clan to get back. Another family appeared as soon as the PPP turned around from her last “session”, and I’m pretty sure they were ready to jump in front of me, as they started to move forward. That’s when the lovely photographer said to them that we were next Once I shed the hipster and she got Ariel and I situated, she began our photo shoot.

Towards the end she started asking Ariel to give mommy a kiss. I’m sure my smile was mistaken for “aww”, which was really me trying to hold back a bit of laughter. With the first two nieces if anyone made the mistake of calling me their mom I’d hurriedly correct them that I’m “just the aunt”. Once number three came along I gave up and took the compliments. I mean they’re going to be cute regardless who their mother is, and most of these people I’ve never met before, nor will probably again. So I just whispered to Ariel to give Aunt Aurora a kiss on the cheek. She was still confused as to what was going on, her mommy wasn’t there and this was Aunt Aurora for heaven’s sake, doesn’t this lady know who’s who? Once our session was done Cindy came around the corner and said that PC had already taken the stroller out of designated area and would not be able to bring it back in. So we left the area to head up to where PC was. I’m so glad I pulled that pic with Ariel though, as it was about to get weathery which meant the PPP go into hiding and therefore no more PP pictures from AK for the trip

(I need to get our PP pictures loaded onto this computer and then I'll add our pic to this post!)


We looked to see if we could find the instrument teacher Cindy was looking for in some outside merchandising area, but no dice. We continued on so I could stop and get my breakfast. Tink hopped in line with me at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. Now for breakfasts I had an envelope full of cash that I had planned for, so I would not be using any credits (for the most part) for these. I also think it may be just the way I go, save up cash in envelopes and use them as I go. I got a cheese danish and iced coffee—it was yummy! I offered a bite to each niece, but as their lunch hour was approaching I had to ignore the cute faces and enjoy the pastry by myself (darn!) Snow offered to give baby Marie her bottle and sat next to me while doing so. Some people (ahem, PC) were too excited to wait another five minutes for people to finish their breakfast and baby to finish her bottle that they had to head off to Dinoland, USA. So off went PC, Cindy, Ariel and Minnie, as the rest of us planned to leave as soon as we were done and catch up with them.

Within a minute maybe of them leaving we noticed the CMs brining in any outdoor carts they were peddling their wares with inside the nearest store. The outdoor food/drink carts were covering up as well. We turned our heads to the sky and saw that it was starting to really cloud over and get dark. Within seconds of me ditching my tray (well the trash on it, and the tray on top of the receptacle), the heavens opened and the water began to pour. Rain was speeding down to earth and we had to seek some shelter for baby as well as ourselves. Us four adults ran over to Tusker House and huddled under a small overhang to the right of the entrance, opposite where the outdoor seating is. Only enough space for us to form a protective circle around Marie, while she finished drinking her bottle. Eventually Snow had PP get her umbrella out to put behind him, as he was half out in the rain. He would sometimes forget what he was holding as he’d turn around unexpectedly to see how bad it looked and would almost take an eye out [of Tink or I (eye—lol), the other two were a safe enough distance away.] We passed around baby girl while we waited for the rain to die down. A couple of times PP would say, it’s alright now we could start walking. Us ladies would keep reminding him that we had a baby with us and nothing to cover her up. (Let me just say here though that Marie is the happiest little thing I’ve ever seen, especially the long rainy week we were at WDW. It did not matter to her if she was wet from rain or sweat, that little girl would not make a peep and just keep smiling! So as long as her diaper was dry and her tummy had something in it she was the perfect baby! We probably could have walked with her in the rain and she would have been fine, but she’s our baby and we didn’t want our sugar to melt )

When the rain finally decided to taper off to a light sprinkling we decided to take the chance to get moving, even if we ended up under another shelter a few yards away. We took the Frogg Togg and placed it over Marie’s head and back as Tink carried her. We stepped into some of the shops on our way to Discovery Island, but never bought anything. I did find a cute pink WDW ball cap I wanted and the Nerds glasses case I was hoping to find, but figured I could find them most any place and that they weren’t exclusive to AK. So we forged on. Once we finally passed under the Dinoland, USA signage we began scouting out the rest of our family.

All the rides were basically shut down still from the weather. It didn’t take us too long to find them walking around, soaking wet. Ick! A reason that as an adult I understand why some adults choose not to go on Kali River Rapids and get wet and then be trapped in said clothes in the gross hot and humid weather for the rest of the park time. I was so glad to be dry. They had got caught in the down pour as they were making their own way to Dinoland, USA.

 

[CatNipRules]

I'm loving the update and that's a cute story about you and Ariel. I too have noticed how the PPP go into hiding when it rains. LOL!!

Awesome pictures of the safari. It's going to be strange when riding it without the little red story line. I hope that it's just as good though.

 

[MHTeacher]

You got some great safari pictures!

Boo for the rain. It just came in big, heavy spurts didn't it? Then it would quit and be hot!

 

[mindystar]

I'm loving the update and that's a cute story about you and Ariel. I too have noticed how the PPP go into hiding when it rains. LOL!!

Awesome pictures of the safari. It's going to be strange when riding it without the little red story line. I hope that it's just as good though.

It was different without the story, but still good! It should be awesome though when they get the zebras in as well

You got some great safari pictures!

Boo for the rain. It just came in big, heavy spurts didn't it? Then it would quit and be hot!

Yes! That oppressive heat wave would shove its way back in Just wish I had brought my dang ponchos on some days when I thought, nah I won't need it. Cause apparently it would take up too much space in my hipster, not sure what I was thinking!

 

[mindystar]

OK, so the big rain had come and dumped on us, now for a drier portion of the day

I think it was at this time that Cindy got our FastPasses for Dinosaur! We also found out that poor sweet Ariel would not be able to ride with us. The poor girl had loved watching this ride the most on YouTube before our vacation, and was so excited to go. Now for the rest of rides she wanted to do that were the same height restriction she was able to go on, so it bummed us out even more knowing that she should have been able to ride it. Don’t worry though she’ll sometimes say her favorite ride at WDW this trip was Dinosaur! Silly girl!

While Cindy was getting the tickets, PC and I watched Ariel and Minnie do the dig up some Dinosaur bones in the Boneyard. The slide area was closed off from the weather, but they were able to dig til their hearts’ content.

The little pebbles were so nice to walk on, caught between my Tevas and soles of my feet, but they were easier to wipe away than actual sand would have been. Once Cindy had the FPs she came up and joined in playing with her girls.

Shortly after they reopened the slides portion of the Boneyard and closed off the entrance we had come from meaning we had to leave through the other area. Before that I think PC had switched places with Tink, and so us girls headed through the other area. I ran down the steps in order to watch the Littles come down the slides. I had thought they were going to send down Ariel down one particular slide so I stood near the exit of said slide. Well she didn’t come through, but a poor teenage girl came flying out so fast that I’m sure she had some wind knocked out of her as she landed on her back, lying down. I think she was slightly embarrassed to have had a stranger witness this landing, as I would have been. She said she was ok when I asked her and told her friend to be careful of her landing. The friend came down and ended her journey by hoping off gracefully. Finally saw where the girls were going to come down and watched as they did. Ariel helping Minnie as I had assisted her. I’m sure we could have spent hours in this area, as I would have loved to when I was younger, but tummies were growling and it was time to get some lunch!

We all met back up and decided what time to meet up to go use our Dinosaur! FP, and allow for some time to gulp down our lunches. Tink and PP headed off to Flame Tree Barbeque, they would be back to watch all the girls while the four big kids rode Dinosaur! together. Cindy and I had looked for other eatery options, as I am not a big fan of BBQ. We decided on Restaurantosaurus, it looked like fun and the Littles (well Ariel, since she was on the DP) would get a sand pail with their meal. I usually just wait until we get back near Pizzafari for my lunch option, but that Subosaurus was calling my name. Man was that place packed! We were squeezing by, as the double stroller had to fit in wherever we were going to eat. I just followed excited to eat here.

While Cindy worked at getting her family situated, Snow and I headed to get our chow. I enjoyed the Vegetable Subosaurus, with oh-so-yummy sweet potato fries, and the Chocolate Mousse (taking the advice from the boards not to get the cheesecake.)

Apparently right before us, in line, there had been some kind of scuffle and the CM had to talk to a manager. So we got to wait a few additional minutes, no biggie, but when you think you landed into a primo quick line. . . As we were getting out of line Cinderella and Ariel were getting in. She said that her and Ariel could handle the food so we headed back to the table. And then had to make a few stops back up to get straws, utensils, condiments, and napkins throughout our dining experience. Once Ariel was back to the table and had shared her meal with Minnie, she helped share my mousse with me. That dessert was rich! Even with her helping me, as she did also with her mommy, we could only finish half of mine. Snow had gotten the cheesecake anyways, but said if you take off that top gelatin part it was delicious. But, yeah she did not find that topping charming in any way. Soon we had finish eating and were headed to the bathrooms, before going to find mom and dad.

Up Next. . ."open the door get on the floor, everybody do the Dinosaur!!" (your welcome for that being stuck in your head --if you remember it )