My Solo Adventure Part 2- AK and leaving early

[preshi]

Day 2 9-11
Wake up at 6:15 surprisingly adjusted to the 3 hour time difference but still a bit tired so I snoozed for another hour. Get ready to go. Wait 15 minutes for AK bus (one of only 3 long waits). Arrived at AK and got goose bumps. Checked out the Oasis and headed to TTBAB. I couldn’t believe how wonderful the Tree of Life was. While walking over to Asia heard someone say, “Come on we are going to miss everything!” Sheesh it was only 8:30 am. Got to Asia went straight to Kali River Rapids…. no wait. Went on it twice in a row and could have gone three times. I didn’t want to press my luck I didn’t get that wet and was planning on keeping it that way. Went through Maharajah Jungle Trek and headed over to Africa. I can see why some people don’t find the hidden passage! There are two smoking areas on your way from Asia to Africa it happened to be in the one closest to Africa…I found it walked in and walked out…kind of neat but some people were looking at me kind of funny! LOL Went through Panjani Forest Trail and went back to Asia to see Flights Of Wonder. That’s when I started to cry. ( I intend on working with large birds as a career) Head back towards Dinoland and eat at Flame Tree BBQ. I had a Chicken sandwich and it was fantastic! Went on to Tarzan Rocks and sat down in a prime seat. A lady with a yellow shirt came on stage and said “Due to event’s that are happening around the world today we are closing all Disney Parks for your safety.” Everyone looked a bit confused but complied and exited the park. It was very calm, no pushing or shoving. I didn’t know what was happening until I started to hear other people talking. By the time I got back to the hotel I was sort of in a panic since I had only heard bit’s and pieces of what had occurred. I turned on my TV and saw I had messages. I had 5 messages. 2 from Tony, 2 from my Mom and 1 from Dan. I flipped out when I called my husband…. he had no clue what had happened either. All I wanted to do was go home. I called Tony back and he met me in the lobby. Went over to the S/D and met Side Show Bob. I am so glad that there were wonderful people thinking of me. It was nice to have contact with people I “knew”.
Went back to my hotel bought some magazines, donuts and water, laid down on my bed and watched TV the rest of the night.

 

[DonnaS]

I can't even imagine having a solo trip at WDW with this happening too. How did the bus service handle everyone exiting at once? Were they all waiting? I know the parks handle everyone exiting at once when parks close at normal hours but normally those aren't in a situation like this.

I wonder if they staggered the closing of the parks.

 

[preshi]

They might have. Everyone was really patient. The busses weren't waiting for us when we got there. but then there weren't a ton of people at the park. I have a picture of our exit that I'll have to scan and put up next week.

 

[minniecarousel]

Gosh, Meagan, I don't know if you know how many people here were worried about you! We were so relieved when Tony posted that he was able to contact you. We didn't want you alone at a time like this. BTW - looking forward to reading the rest of your trip reports!

 

[Kallison]

I can't imagine how you felt, I was home and couldn't get a hold of my DH on the phone at work and I was freaking out! I just kept leaving voice mail messages - come home! I thought that was unbelievably wonderful how Tony came to get you and Dan calling. Even my DH who is miffed at my attractions to these boards had to admit that was special.

 

[luvmy2sams]

I can only imagine the feeling you must have had when the CM gave that announcement at the AK. Thank goodness for the wonderful DISer's out there so that you didn't have to be alone.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I cannot even imagine what that announcement felt like that.. It was great that Tony got in touch and let you know that you had Dis friends very close by.. Off to the read the next..

 

[shrimp0]

I was also at Animal Kingdom when the parks closed. I first heard the announcement while in the bathroom.... "Due to circumstances beyond our control the park is now closed" what did that mean to me?? Well, being in AK, I thought there must be some kind of security breech with an animal. What else could it be??!! There is no other world besides Disney World when you are there. I soon found that I was quite wrong. We got bits of info from others waiting for the busses. people who had cell phones with them. ( we left ours back in the room that day.... we are on vacation... we dont need to talk to anyone) It took us about an hour and a half to get form the deepest part of AK to our bus to take us to All Star Sports. People were calm, and helpful. Little ones were entertained by all around. Young and old were eased into shaded areas. There was no chaos. There was no shoving to get on the busses. We would all get to where we had to go and we would all get there safely.
Wendy

 

[nativetxn]

Such a scary day. We were all thinking about you, Meagan. I'm so glad that there were people there that you "knew" who could spend time with you.

Shrimp0, it's good to know that it was calm leaving AK on 9/11.

Katholyn

 

[swankybeth]

Glad to hear that you had friends in FL. who were able to be with you at this scary time. I'm sure it would have been very difficult if you were all alone...