Operation Big Thunder: the Dole Whip Conspiracy COMPLETE

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Don't think anyone picked this one up from the last page...

I have no responsibilities here whatsoever.

A Few Good Men

 

[marvali]

I laughed out loud at least 12 times on that update- I was incredibly impressed with your daughter's rain gear!

Ok- so I have a dilemma- for the last part of our stay (which starts in just 11 days ) I can't decide between Kouzzina (we are staying at BWV the last 4 nights) and Kona Cafe (EMH hours that night at MK AND it will be the first night we can see the icicles on the castle. We will DEFINITELY be going to MK that night!) Everytime we go to WDW, it seems I make an ADR for KC for dinner....and then I cancel it. But I can't decide!! Help me! Help me! Your family really loves KC that much for dinner???? I do have it booked for my first night with Timmy in March (he and I are staying at VWL for 2 nights and then DCL Dream for 4 nights), so that is why I am thinking I can wait and go then.....

I agree with Mark on this one. I have had breakfast AND dinner at Kona Cafe and I thought the dinner was by far the better meal. Was very pleased with the steak I had, which I think was also a NY Strip.........but I don't remember any pineapple...... Wouldn't hesitate at all to make a return trip to KC in the future for dinner!!!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Had time to read but not to quote…
Work S#@%S (at least right now it does).

Great update though.
If I get a chance tonight I’ll properly address this one.

 

[Mrs. Knowitall]

Is that skirt Julie has on blue with a pattern of Mickey and Minnie in Hawiian wear? If so I have the same one and I love that skirt like Mufassa loved Pride Rock.

Yup! That's the one! I always get compliments when I wear it!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Dave seemed to agree, and made himself comfortable on the deck. At least, I hope he was comfortable. I wasn’t getting up and offering my chair to him, though. Because I’m old. And I’m a jerk.

And you weren’t on a bus so no Man Laws were broken here…

Dinner was going to be at the Kona Café in the Polynesian Resort.

Mightily good breakfast spot, but I’ve not yet had the opportunity to try that one for dinner.

We decided it’s not an official Disney trip unless you ride the monorail, so we decided to leave the van behind and use Disney transportation this time.

(Ominous music—your choices here include Jaws, Twilight Zone, It’s A Small World, and polka. Go ahead and cue up whatever suits your mood.)

How about… Yakety Sax!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg

For some reason, the giraffes always stayed down the opposite end of the savannah from our room. The fact that Dave kept pulling my finger had nothing to do with it.

You sure about that?

The zebras made sure to show us their best side.

“I'm a sensitive soul though I seem thick-skinned…
And it hurt that my friends never stood downwind”

Darth Vader was busy eating.

I find this lack of enticing vegetation disturbing…

We saw the Avengers monorail doing the express loop, and immediately the boys declared that we HAD to ride that one.

In 2010, Dave had said we HAD to ride the Tron-o-rail, and naturally we were foiled in our attempts to do so.

Hummmm…

Scotty tried to see if he could do a Vulcan mind-meld with our pager and make it buzz for our reservation.

“Live long and prosper”

I thought the kids weren’t supposed to eat like this until they became teenagers.

Or spend a whole day working up an apatite at a water park.

Julie went with the coconut-almond-crusted chicken, which she’d loved on our last trip.

Didn’t try something new?
Must have been very good the first time.

I went with the Teriyaki-style NY Strip steak, (swapping in mashed potatoes for the rice) which featured steak covered in a pineapple-teriyaki glaze (and more pineapple on top of the steak).

Again with the shunning of burgers?

But this really is a place where something more substantial should be tried.
And that sounds like something I may need to order up sometime.

I’m sure you’re all aware of the Pantheon of Foods—that is, the short list of foods that make everything better. Typically, this list includes bacon, cheese and chocolate.

You forgot garlic. “’Cause garlic don’t need no reason”.
In our house… bacon, cheese and garlic are referred to as the “Unholy Trinity” and they pretty much go into everything.

I am convinced that pineapple belongs in the Pantheon as well.

I’ll buy that as well. Open flame grilled slabs of the stuff basted in ghee is a meal unto itself.

Sadly, this was as close as we got to riding the Avengers monorail.

Double hummm…
Y’all weren’t in that much of a hurry and the boys did miss out the last time.

As we walked to the bus, I saw a great opportunity for a photo. Ever take a picture that you thought was fantastic based on the viewscreen, and then when you get home and see it full-size, it’s out of focus?

I’ll generally post ‘em anyway and just leave the awesomeness of the moment to your imagination

Anyway, here’s an almost-great picture.

Just like that…

If you'd watched me in Little League, you could have see some almost-great at-bats, too.

If you had watched me in Little League, you’d have been in an alternate universe and I’d be asking you what all else was different over there compared to over here.

I also may or may not have stopped in the gift shop to do some Christmas shopping that she wasn’t supposed to know about.

You may or may not spend a lot of time Christmas shopping at Disney.
I may or may not be starting to think that y’all are just might or might not be somewhat obsessed with the place.





Lord knows I am…

Coming Up Next: You know what stinks about short trips to Disney World?

That they’re short?

They’re really short.

Ooops… left out the “really”




Great update.
Can’t imagine which park y’all chose to spend the last day in.

 

[Mrs. Knowitall]

Dave seemed to agree, and made himself comfortable on the deck. At least, I hope he was comfortable. I wasn’t getting up and offering my chair to him, though. Because I’m old. And I’m a jerk.

You're right. We're not giving him a seat. There were only two out there. Those yutes just need to stand. Or lay down. Whatever. The chairs are ours.

The zebras made sure to show us their best side. Darth Vader was busy eating.

Guess what?



















Zebra butt!!!!

We’re extremely lazy people.

Truth.

Is this heaven?

No. It's Disney World. A close second. <watches for lightning strike>



OH! And I didn't quote it BUT the pineapple bread was AWESOME!!!!! AND I got the recipe from the disboards here. I haven't tried making it yet, but it's SO good!!!

 

[jedijill]

You're right. We're not giving him a seat. There were only two out there. Those yutes just need to stand. Or lay down. Whatever. The chairs are ours.




!

Yutes: My Cousin Vinny

Jill in CO

 

[eandesmom]

Dave seemed to agree, and made himself comfortable on the deck. At least, I hope he was comfortable. I wasn’t getting up and offering my chair to him, though. Because I’m old. And I’m a jerk.

I have 2 beefs with AKV. One being 2 chairs. Hello...room sleeps 5 in a 1 B....why only one TINY side table and 2 chairs on a balcony that could easily fit twice that much? Me no likey.

Lie. Dave could not possibly have been comfortable. It is possible though that he lied to you and you guys bought it.

I wouldn't, I mean didn't, give up those chairs either.

We went to the bus stop to catch a Magic Kingdom bus. A man and his son joined us on the bench, and we started the usual game of Disney Bus Roulette. Every once in a while, you’ll hit on a lucky time and get the bus you want immediately. But typically, the rules of the game state that you will see at least 2 buses for every other theme park (and 3 for Downtown Disney) before the one you want shows up. If you're going to play, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky?

Lie. You had unheard of AKV bus karma, saw an MK bus as you walked up, someone ran and you were all able to get on. Leaving plenty of time for loops, waiting for specific themed monorails and photo shoots.

We are the anti karma folks at AKV...it has been unbelievably bad there more than anywhere else so I figure everyone else must catch the bus they want right away.

And a Peeky Tiki hunt.

Found him! Book 'em, Dan-o.

The guys, as usual, got all the quotes I spotted (though in my defense I was at DISNEY WORLD) but I have to say... I didn't know about Peeky Tiki!

It's a Hawaiian Mr. Potato Head with a loin cloth!

Technically I guess that'd make him a Taro Root Head.

As we walked to the bus, I saw a great opportunity for a photo. Ever take a picture that you thought was fantastic based on the viewscreen, and then when you get home and see it full-size, it’s out of focus? This happens to me all the time. You’d think I would learn to zoom in and check it after taking the picture. Anyway, here’s an almost-great picture.

I really hate it when that happens

We got home and I ran around Kidani and Jambo House with the camera while Julie got the kids in bed. I also may or may not have stopped in the gift shop to do some Christmas shopping that she wasn’t supposed to know about. We called it a night soon after, and I think I’ll call it a chapter right here. I’ll leave you with some of our best photos of AKL.

You did. Shop that is. Apparently she knows now!

 

[KatMark]

Have you ever noticed how Marv seems to show up just when certain people are posting for the contests? Am I the ONLY one who sees this?

Great update, Mark. You guys clean up real good. We've fallen in love with Kona for breakfast and it is now a must do; now you are telling me I need to try it for dinner?

Your pictures of the AKL are great. It truly is a stunning resort.

 

[Poolrat]

Catching up but I could not resist some of these comments so just humor me.

I want to take the high road here, but you're making it difficult!

Oh I had some fun but... I can't post any of the pictures.

Yeah, the camera thing is tough in the waterpark. You don't want it to get stolen, but you want to be able to take pictures. And then there's the threat of rain or other water dangers. The smaller waterproof camera seemed to be a good compromise.

I can justify having my waterproof camera. It does come in handy for waterparks, rainy or just maybe it might get wet shots.

Awesome ride. After that, Sarah and I had no desire to go on the other raft rides anymore. I'd like to seek out other water coasters now, actually.

Maybe you will eventually seek out some dry coasters too!!!!

You ok there Glen?

Okay that had me seriously laughing out loud for way too long. Just gave me the giggles.

Dang smart phone. I had my text all entered and went back to the beginning to insert a quote mark, and that's all that got sent.

Here I go again - just laughing and can't stop.

Sarah and I got as far as picking up our raft from the exit pool when the lightning struck, and the announcement closing the park was made. They wouldn't even let me climb the tower to take pictures, let alone take one more ride. So, alas, we didn't get to ride the Coconut Crusher and complete the trifecta.

I thought someone out there would figure in our Age of Litigation and Liability, there's no way Disney would ever have let us slide after lightning was spotted. And I was right!...sort of. Andy submitted a vague guess about "the waterslide and the lightning." But, having no other correct responses, I'm giving him credit for this one. Congrats Andy!

Yup if I had been caught up that would have been mine. However walking back down the tower with lightning in the area is only slightly less dangerous than riding down. Glad you got stopped onthe way up. Steps get slippery on the way down.


Crush N gusher was a blast. Now with the premium Ap I have WP passes so may need to make that happen more.

Glad your dinner at Kona was good. I have had that steak.

I also think you DID ride the avenger monorail, having learned your lesson from the tron-o-rail.

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, we can always watch the animals. If you’re going to stay at AKL, you’d better spend some time just enjoying the place, don’t you think?

Why else did you pay for that room?

I wasn’t getting up and offering my chair to him, though. Because I’m old. And I’m a jerk.

Kids can make themselves comfortable anywhere. Good call.

You just have to be careful that they don't lock you out on the deck as payback though.

We decided it’s not an official Disney trip unless you ride the monorail

We’re extremely lazy people, so we went for the resort monorail instead.

What kind of a father are you???

All in all, the Kona Café remains one of our favorite restaurants on property. I know its reputation is for breakfast, but try it for dinner sometime. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

I've got to try it sometime. I just can't get my family interested in the menus for either Poly restaurant. And you think you're not an adventurous eater...

It started drizzling as we walked around the MK entrance. Fortunately, Sarah had been prepared for this contingency at dinner.

She's very creative.

Anyway, here’s an almost-great picture.

I see a few potential lies in this update, but I think I'll pick this one out. I think you'll post a second version of this picture (most likely taken by Julie) that looks like it was taken by a professional.

If you'd watched me in Little League, you could have see some almost-great at-bats, too.

Well, the kid has great bat speed...

I’ll leave you with some of our best photos of AKL.

Great shots.

Coming Up Next: You know what stinks about short trips to Disney World? They’re really short. We’ll begin our last full day.

Already???

 

[MissLiz]

I've decided that the lie in this chapter is that you did, in fact, ride the express monorail to the TTC so that you would be able to fulfill Dave's wish to ride the Avenger-ail.

You already had one stressful dad moment that day, I don't think you'd let this one pass.

 

[ALFranklin]

I just had to let you know that I am really enjoying your trip report. I'm glad that you have done others, so that I can go back and read those while you're still working on this one. I also really enjoy the movie quotes scattered throughout. My husband and I took a short trip a month ago without our kids and I'm still debating on doing a TR. You've givien me some inspiration.

The way you surprised your kids is so great! They're adorable!

Isn't it interesting how a park like Epcot can make you hurt all over from walking mile after mile, but you can't help adoring it anyway?

Also, please don't feel bad about the Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon. I had the EXACT same reaction when I did it for the first time many years ago. I was 16 years-old. The water was so cold which takes your breath away anyway. And I had never used a snorkel. It was all very overwhelming. My sister took off while I was getting instruction and when she got to the other side, I was already there. She still makes fun of me for how fast I swam through. However, now my husband and I want to take our kids, but I haven't been there in years. It's interesting to know that it is still the same, so we will have to prep them beforehand.

I look forward to reading more!

 

[Wherem I Now]

I’d say Typhoon Lagoon was a hit with our family, wouldn’t you?

If you’re going to stay at AKL, you’d better spend some time just enjoying the place, don’t you think?

Dave seemed to agree, and made himself comfortable on the deck. At least, I hope he was comfortable. I wasn’t getting up and offering my chair to him, though. Because I’m old. And I’m a jerk.

Oops... I mean... Uh... Well, I'm still trying to get past that whole leaving your kid in a pool full of live sharks thing. <JK>

We decided it’s not an official Disney trip unless you ride the monorail

(Ominous music—your choices here include Jaws, Twilight Zone, It’s A Small World, and polka. Go ahead and cue up whatever suits your mood.)

I was trying to remember the theme song from Planes Trains and Automobiles but that Small World song kept creeping in...

For some reason, the giraffes always stayed down the opposite end of the savannah from our room. The fact that Dave kept pulling my finger had nothing to do with it.

(In my Bill Cosby voice) Riiight

In 2010, Dave had said we HAD to ride the Tron-o-rail, and naturally we were foiled in our attempts to do so. The smart thing here would have been to take the Avengers monorail to the TTC and then walk to the Poly. But that's just what they'll be expecting us to do. We’re extremely lazy people, so we went for the resort monorail instead.

Good plan! It was the execution that was flawed.

We arrived in plenty of time for our reservation, so we put in our names and then wandered the lobby. We’d dressed up in our closest approximation of Hawaiian finery, so we lined up for a photo shoot.

It's just like being at Aulani! Or so I've heard. Maybe not.

And a Peeky Tiki hunt.

Found him! Book 'em, Dan-o.

Just found something I'm going to have to look for next time we visit the Poly. I've never seen this. Where is it?

We had a nice view of the dessert kitchen.

Seems that the restaurants are taking a cue from the parks in the same way that they have the ride exits empty into a store.

I’m sure you’re all aware of the Pantheon of Foods—that is, the short list of foods that make everything better. Typically, this list includes bacon, cheese and chocolate. I am convinced that pineapple belongs in the Pantheon as well. I’ve personally witnessed it improving side dishes, desserts, and even hamburgers. And now, I had the unholy combination of pineapple + steak. Absolutely wonderful.

I will agree! Let's add Pineapple to the list!

Is this heaven?

No, It's Disney. But I can see how you could be confused.

Sadly, this was as close as we got to riding the Avengers monorail.

Missed it by that much!

It started drizzling as we walked around the MK entrance. Fortunately, Sarah had been prepared for this contingency at dinner.

Smart kid. That should keep her fingers dry

I’ll leave you with some of our best photos of AKL.

Given your previous photo fail (and that I think I've seen these photos somewhere else), I'm gonna say that this is the lie. You didn't take those last few pictures. But if you did, you have redeemed yourself.

 

[PrincePluto]

Maybe I'm a sucker for detail, but what did Sarah, Dave and Scott have as their entrees at the Kona Cafe? Surely something more adventurous than chicken fingers?

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Dave seemed to agree, and made himself comfortable on the deck. At least, I hope he was comfortable. I wasn’t getting up and offering my chair to him, though. Because I’m old. And I’m a jerk.

Maybe if he stood on his head he'd get a better view.

(Ominous music—your choices here include Jaws, Twilight Zone, It’s A Small World, and polka. Go ahead and cue up whatever suits your mood.)

The Beer Barrel Polka is usually running on a constant loop in the back of my mind anyway. The Polka is the official state dance of Wisconsin, you know.

The zebras made sure to show us their best side.

Stupid replacement refs.

Darth Vader was busy eating.

We went to the bus stop to catch a Magic Kingdom bus. A man and his son joined us on the bench, and we started the usual game of Disney Bus Roulette. Every once in a while, you’ll hit on a lucky time and get the bus you want immediately. But typically, the rules of the game state that you will see at least 2 buses for every other theme park (and 3 for Downtown Disney) before the one you want shows up.

Not as exciting as Russian Roulette, but with a better risk/reward outcome.

We arrived at the Magic Kingdom and made our way to the monorail station.

Saddest walk ever. Going right past the entrance to Magic Kingdom.

We saw the Avengers monorail doing the express loop, and immediately the boys declared that we HAD to ride that one.

Clearly, "the boys" means "Mark and his sons"

It started drizzling as we walked around the MK entrance. Fortunately, Sarah had been prepared for this contingency at dinner.

And in the case of nuclear war, they work just as good as crawling under your wooden school desk.

Anyway, here’s an almost-great picture.

If I take off my glasses, it gets all fuzzy. But that fuzzy counter acts the fuzzy of the picture and brings it into focus. Nice Job Mark!

If you'd watched me in Little League, you could have seen some almost-great at-bats, too.

I still say you were pointing at the hotdog stand instead of calling your shot.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

What a great way to start a Monday afternoon! Pictures of AKL!!!

I think it helps pretty much any afternoon, but especially Mondays.

Vulcan mind meld.. Star Trek

Book em Dan-o

Hawaii five o

Do you feel lucky? Dirty Harry

+3 We have a Marv sighting!

Is this heaven = Field of Dreams

+1

Is that skirt Julie has on blue with a pattern of Mickey and Minnie in Hawiian wear? If so I have the same one and I love that skirt like Mufassa loved Pride Rock.

It is! I guess Julie already answered that one. But obviously you and she have excellent taste.

That's just what they'll be expecting us to do = Airplane!

+1

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I laughed out loud at least 12 times on that update- I was incredibly impressed with your daughter's rain gear!

Thanks! I have to give her points for resourcefulness.

Ok- so I have a dilemma- for the last part of our stay (which starts in just 11 days ) I can't decide between Kouzzina (we are staying at BWV the last 4 nights) and Kona Cafe (EMH hours that night at MK AND it will be the first night we can see the icicles on the castle. We will DEFINITELY be going to MK that night!) Everytime we go to WDW, it seems I make an ADR for KC for dinner....and then I cancel it. But I can't decide!! Help me! Help me! Your family really loves KC that much for dinner???? I do have it booked for my first night with Timmy in March (he and I are staying at VWL for 2 nights and then DCL Dream for 4 nights), so that is why I am thinking I can wait and go then.....

Pineapple + Steak. That's my argument. It's awesome.

Oh, you want more? Well, food is tricky because it's subjective. So I guess I'd ask how much your tastes line up with ours. We tend not to be overly adventurous in our meals. Kouzzina is probably not a place we would rush to try, just judging from their menu. I'm sure I could find something I like there, but it seems a bit frou-frou-ey (I think that's a word) for us. We're more blue-collar home-cookin'. Kona counts as a fancy, adventurous meal for us.

Whenever I try to decide between restaurants, I just look at the menus and pick the meal that most appeals to me. Then we eat at that place.

One thing about Kona is that it's not a quiet or romantic atmosphere. It's right off the lobby in the Poly and tends to be very noisy and busy. So if that bothers you, take it into account.

i have to agree that steak is very good, i enjoyed it there a few years ago as well.

i would have to say the lie is that you guys did indeed take the avengers monorail to the TTC, then either walked or road the express monorail over to your destination.

Lots of people jumping on that bandwagon. Is it an easy answer for the lie this time, or a classic case of misdirection?

Don't think anyone picked this one up from the last page...

A Few Good Men

+1 You're the king of finding those little post padders that jump the chapters to the next page.

I agree with Mark on this one. I have had breakfast AND dinner at Kona Cafe and I thought the dinner was by far the better meal. Was very pleased with the steak I had, which I think was also a NY Strip.........but I don't remember any pineapple...... Wouldn't hesitate at all to make a return trip to KC in the future for dinner!!!

I actually haven't had a breakfast at Kona yet (I'm sure I would love the coffee) but I'm glad you agree about dinner!

Had time to read but not to quote…
Work S#@%S (at least right now it does).

Great update though.
If I get a chance tonight I’ll properly address this one.

Thanks, Rob. Sorry the drudgery continues. And work S#@%$S pretty much anytime as far as I'm concerned.

 

[foodrocksluver]

It is! I guess Julie already answered that one. But obviously you and she have excellent taste.

Yup! That's the one! I always get compliments when I wear it!

It's quite fun to wear it with the matching purse. And my mother has the matching shorts and tank. And my dad has the matching polo.

Oh no We are one of THOSE families.

Oh well

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

And you weren’t on a bus so no Man Laws were broken here…

That's a relief.

Mightily good breakfast spot, but I’ve not yet had the opportunity to try that one for dinner.

I would go for breakfast just to get Kona coffee instead of the Nescrape.

How about… Yakety Sax!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg

Make it stop!

You sure about that?

“I'm a sensitive soul though I seem thick-skinned…
And it hurt that my friends never stood downwind”

And oh, the shame!

I find this lack of enticing vegetation disturbing…

It is part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor. Take it away!

"Live long and prosper”

Why, thank you. Oh, you mean the--never mind.

Or spend a whole day working up an apatite at a water park.

I supposed that may have had something to do with it.

Didn’t try something new?
Must have been very good the first time.

She loved it the first time around. Raved about it for months. Harrassed the servers for the recipe, if I recall.

Again with the shunning of burgers?

But this really is a place where something more substantial should be tried.
And that sounds like something I may need to order up sometime.

I know, right? But usually we go for the burger just because we can't afford the steak.

You forgot garlic. “’Cause garlic don’t need no reason”.
In our house… bacon, cheese and garlic are referred to as the “Unholy Trinity” and they pretty much go into everything.

I don't mind garlic, and we use it quite a bit in our cooking, but you can also overdo it. This cannot usually be said of bacon and cheese.

I’ll buy that as well. Open flame grilled slabs of the stuff basted in ghee is a meal unto itself.

You have to love a fruit that you can grill.

Double hummm…
Y’all weren’t in that much of a hurry and the boys did miss out the last time.

Spent a lot of time building that up, didn't I?

I’ll generally post ‘em anyway and just leave the awesomeness of the moment to your imagination


Just like that…

Hey, you gotta be honest, right? You don't always get the "perfect" shot.

If you had watched me in Little League, you’d have been in an alternate universe and I’d be asking you what all else was different over there compared to over here.

It's a brand new reality!

You may or may not spend a lot of time Christmas shopping at Disney.
I may or may not be starting to think that y’all are just might or might not be somewhat obsessed with the place.

I don't know where you'd get an idea like that. The only problem with Christmas shopping at Disney is that the gifts eat up the budget a lot faster.

That they’re short?

Ooops… left out the “really”

You knew where I was going.

Great update.
Can’t imagine which park y’all chose to spend the last day in.

Or parkS.