Our Rockin' Trip to the World~February TR! UPDATE 5/15 ~ LINK TO PTR!!!!!!

[tinacaplan]

Great Jiko review! I knew you would like it - the atmosphere is so nice there and we had such nice servers too. I actually DID put it on my ADR list for summer again!

Now the question remains ........... will you have fun with us during EMH????????

Hm, somehow I have a feeling I already know!

I'm working on that update right now. My only regret is that I didn't take more pictures. Oh well.

Jiko sounds amazing! Sounds like Max did just fine.

I have never even been to AKL... I can only imagine all the theming is beautiful!

You have to visit, just to check it out! Its one of the most beautiful places on property, IMO. Like I said, there's just something about that place and I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Maybe because its so many things. I keep thinking someone should come and pinch me because there is no way we're actually staying in a savanna view room at AKL!

The song is Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran. Very appropriate for a post about Jiko which looks fabulous. I was wondering if Jiko would be a toddler friendly place, and it sounds like it is. I agree- crackers and bread are much appreciated, but not the boys' actual meal. Then, they're just ready to go by the time we get our food.

Point for you, matey! Sorry for the corniness...sometimes, I can't resist. Would have been even more appropriate had we drunk any wine, but hey... close enough. Hungry. Animals. Duran Duran. Need I say more?

It was toddler friendly insofar as we went early, Max was in super charming mode, and Mark did take him out for little "walks" at least twice. Its nice that its at AKL because there are plenty of places to go for those walks.

That dinner looked really good Tina! Big cup of coffee with cheesecake. Mmmmm.

When my kids were little I always hated it when servers would bring the kids' food before ours too. They needed something right away, crackers or some salad, but not the whole meal. Then, what on earth are we going to do with them when our food comes?

So what questions was Max asking about the Chairman of the Board?

It was good! And about the kid's food...I agree completely! Which is why I have resolved to not go anywhere on my upcoming trip without being properly armed with Cheerios and goldfish crackers.

As far as Max's line of questioning, its one of those things I wish I remembered. Mark and the cab driver were paying much more attention, I think, than I was. But Max was just quite interested in the songs themselves and their lyrics, as though he had a genuine affinity for Sinatra.

 

[tinacaplan]

Apparently, I can't drop the song lyrics as titles theme, here, even when I need to post a query for all of you more experienced Disney folk:

As you know, we are booked for July at AKL! While I've had plenty of experience handling large crowds, as we go over Pres. Week, I haven't been to Disney in July heat since I was a youngster.

Thus:

what tips/tricks/need to knows should I be aware ahead of time?​

I have to admit, I'm bit nervous about the heat, especially as it will effect Max.

Oh, and in other good news...Max measured at 39" at the doctor's office the morning of his procedure! Do I dare to dream he might hit 40" before our trip? Could we be soarin' into EPCOT and taking the Test Track to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Oh, please, please, please! Time will tell, I suppose.

 

[glennbo123]

The Police..."Message in a Bottle".

Tips for the heat; here's what we do:
Freeze some water bottles each night, take them into the parks the next day.
Be there for rope drop, come back to your resort after lunch to nap and hit the pool.
Stop in shops or rides where you can get a moment of coolness!

 

[All7OfUs]

You gave a stellar review of Jiko! Great details on the meal, and yes, you're right- bringing out a kid's meal too early can really play havoc on the whole experience! YUM! That cheese plate looked divine! It was really nicely presented!

 

[tinacaplan]

The Police..."Message in a Bottle".

Tips for the heat; here's what we do:
Freeze some water bottles each night, take them into the parks the next day.
Be there for rope drop, come back to your resort after lunch to nap and hit the pool.
Stop in shops or rides where you can get a moment of coolness!

And you're still in the lead, Glenn. And you might be the only one playing, but hey... Freezing the water bottles is definitely a good idea and one I hadn't thought of. One of the side benefits of travelling with a three year old is that he's an early riser, so hitting rope drop works well for us. Now, day after day of 8 a.m. character breakfasts, that's a story for another TR chapter.

You gave a stellar review of Jiko! Great details on the meal, and yes, you're right- bringing out a kid's meal too early can really play havoc on the whole experience! YUM! That cheese plate looked divine! It was really nicely presented!

Thanks, Liesa. The cheese plate was beautiful and tasty, too! We really had a great night there.

 

[dizneeat]

Lots of good tips for dealing with the heat already ......

here are some more from the Austrian jury!
Use one of the little white wash cloths to wrap around the frozen water bottle to pick up the moisture of the frozen water bottles - you will always have a nice cool cloth for Max to cool down.
Many people use misters.
Bring a change of clothes for Max, so he can jump into the play fountains.
Stay out of the midday heat - head back to the resort and enjoy the view (and an adult beverage) from your balcony.
Use the resort pool!
Make use of Evening EMH - maybe Max can make it if he takes a long nap in the afternoon?

I'll let you know any other tips IF or WHEN I can remember them!

Have a fun day today - it's my day off, I am trying to update my threads!

 

[tinacaplan]

Lots of good tips for dealing with the heat already ......

here are some more from the Austrian jury!
Use one of the little white wash cloths to wrap around the frozen water bottle to pick up the moisture of the frozen water bottles - you will always have a nice cool cloth for Max to cool down.
Many people use misters.
Bring a change of clothes for Max, so he can jump into the play fountains.
Stay out of the midday heat - head back to the resort and enjoy the view (and an adult beverage) from your balcony.
Use the resort pool!
Make use of Evening EMH - maybe Max can make it if he takes a long nap in the afternoon?

I'll let you know any other tips IF or WHEN I can remember them!

Have a fun day today - it's my day off, I am trying to update my threads!

I hope that you are enjoying your day...and getting caught up on all your threads. I don't know how you can possibly keep them all straight!

Thanks for the tips...Its kind of how we tour anyway. I think making rope drop in the morning is about the smartest thing you can do and I saw this proven right time and again over Pres. Week. I might also rearrange some things to coincide with moring EMHs, as well.

I purposely made fewer dinner ADRs, no lunch ADRs, and the dinner ADRs I did make are for much later than they were on the February trip. When Max did nap while we were away, it was usually later in the day, say sometime between three and five. I am hoping that Max will be able to at least see some fireworks this time! OK, so its really me who wants to see the fireworks, but still....

As much as I want to work on this TR and get it finished, I so want to start planning for July! And, as of today, I'm in the double digits!

 

[tinacaplan]

Just wanted to update you all on the status of my updates...because I know you're all waiting! Seriously, though, if you're here and you're reading, say, HI! Knowing I have new readers really brings a smile to my face!

I'm working on my next update...EMHs at MK with Karin and Tom (Dizneeat)!

And, oh, have I mentioned that I'm headed to AKL????? To a savanna view room???? In ninety eight days????

Seriously, I CANNOT contain my excitement. I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to be going to Disneyworld again... nor can I believe that through Disney's magic (or evil marketing schemes...whichever....) we're staying at AKL!

And sometimes I feel that you're the only ones who understand this craziness!

 

[that's nice]

GReat update on Jiko! I didn't know you were a 'foodie'!!! I'm usually like... ummmm it was good or not so good!

We brought Juliana to Jiko when she was 3 too and luckily, she was well behaved like Max.

Marks meal looks fantastic! I had the filet and mac 'n cheese when we went and it was good... but my filet at Le Cellier was better.

I wouldn't worry, if Max is 39'' at the doctor, he is over 40'' with shoes on. PLUS with 3 months to grow.

BTW.... did you see there are some Disney cruises leaving out of NYC this summer??? HUH??? HUH???

 

[MickeyNicki]

Tips for the heat? Drink lots and lots....OF ALCOHOLIC SLUSHIES!

 

[tinacaplan]

GReat update on Jiko! I didn't know you were a 'foodie'!!! I'm usually like... ummmm it was good or not so good!

We brought Juliana to Jiko when she was 3 too and luckily, she was well behaved like Max.

Marks meal looks fantastic! I had the filet and mac 'n cheese when we went and it was good... but my filet at Le Cellier was better.

I wouldn't worry, if Max is 39'' at the doctor, he is over 40'' with shoes on. PLUS with 3 months to grow.

BTW.... did you see there are some Disney cruises leaving out of NYC this summer??? HUH??? HUH???

First of all, Tim, its nice to see you again! Though I totally understand why we must be absent at times. Second, I cannot believe how many typos were in that post! Wowza. I need an editor, apparently. I also didn't think I had gotten that detailed, but I guess I kind of did. And I do have an appreciation for good food, but I'm by no means a food snob. It is fun to play restaurant critic, though.

I hope Max can make it. He's very short, poor thing. And he was 39" with his shoes; they were just measuring him before his procedure. But they were an old pair of Crocs that don't give him as much height as say a new pair of sneakers might! I think he would especially love Test Track.

And I cannot believe Disney's going to be sailing out of NY! You mean we're going to be able to get a serious Disney fix without having to board a plane? I think I just figured out how I can make some Disney magic happen for us in 2012!

Tips for the heat? Drink lots and lots....OF ALCOHOLIC SLUSHIES!

Nicki, you do realize I have a child, right? But seriously, those slushies must be delicious on a really hot day. Are you all ready for Kathy? Have a wonderful time with her. There isn't much better than having a friend visit.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Hi Tina, I subbed last night with a route through Liesa's TR, and I'm all caught up and ready to follow the rest of your journey.

What a great trip so far, your son seems to be doing great! and he is so cute, love the character interactions so far

So jealous about your AKL trip in July, how fun, can't wait to hear er um read about that too

 

[tinacaplan]

I just checked out your group TR, too! Thanks for reading!

 

[KatMark]

I'm sorry I've not sent CONGRATULATIONS on the July trip and staying at the AKL!!!!

A secret for July (we've been there over 4th of July)--drink LOTS of water, take breaks out of the sun (inside attractions), take a washcloth with you and wet it and put it on the back of Max's neck...you'll be amazed how this will help to keep him cool. And be sure ALL of you have some type of hat...it really is a lifesaver.

 

[tinacaplan]

I'm sorry I've not sent CONGRATULATIONS on the July trip and staying at the AKL!!!!

A secret for July (we've been there over 4th of July)--drink LOTS of water, take breaks out of the sun (inside attractions), take a washcloth with you and wet it and put it on the back of Max's neck...you'll be amazed how this will help to keep him cool. And be sure ALL of you have some type of hat...it really is a lifesaver.

Aww...thanks, Kathy, but no apologies necessary. You're on the road! I can't believe that this opportunity came together like this and AKL was affordable. Now, convincing Max that its going to be as good as CSR is another matter entirely.

And thanks for the tips. I will definitely remember the one about the washcloth.

 

[All7OfUs]

I know your excitement and do get it!! You can share all your squeaks and happy dances right here- you're among friends who definitely get the goosebumps thinking about a trip just like you do.

 

[that's nice]

I know your excitement and do get it!! You can share all your squeaks and happy dances right here- you're among friends who definitely get the goosebumps thinking about a trip just like you do.

Liesa is right.... we are crazy too, just like you!

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa is right.... we are crazy too, just like you!

Well, I wasn't going to be THAT blunt.

 

[tinacaplan]

Well, I wasn't going to be THAT blunt.

Hey, why not? Its true!

 

[tinacaplan]

When we got back to CSR, we put a sleepy Max to bed and I changed quickly to catch my ride to the MK. Karin and Tom and I had plans to meet up for EMHs later that night, but they graciously offered to drive me over to the MK before their late ADR at the Wave.

I met them at their room, only to find Karin on the Dis! We left and were quickly entering the parking lot at my beloved CR.

I was tempted to go in and poke around the Grand Concourse, but decided to head off to the MK for some solo exploring instead. I had never been at Disney solo before, so I had been looking forward to it.

We parked at the edge of the lot and I took this to get to MK:

It was interesting to take a peak at where that road continues past Space Mountain.... Karin and Tom later told me that there’s CM parking back there, as well as some pretty massive storage facilities. Who knew?

I was shocked by how quickly I was making my way through the turnstiles and into the fray at the MK. The MSEP was just getting underway and Main Street was a madhouse, of which I wanted no part. I ducked into some of the stores and made my way down Main Street that way. I have to say that I don’t have a TON of pictures of this night because I quickly discovered (as you can see above) that my camera takes horrible pictures at night (something istelling me that a new camera might be in my future before July!) and, well... I think I just got swept up in enjoying the moment.

I’ve said it before; MK is not my favorite park. EPCOT will always have that place in my heart, so I’m not as well acquainted with its layout as I am with EPCOT’s. Also, on our last trip, we only went to MK in the dark! So imagine my surprise when I discovered the quick pathway past the Tomorrowland Terrace (or whatever they call it these days) and into Tomorrowland. I love Tomorrowland. It is arguably my favorite of all of the MK lands. Go figure....

I love the space-age by way of the thirties vibe they went with. So cool! Tomorrowland was barely less packed than Main Street, but I remembered that there was something that people had said was fun, yet relaxing, oh...look...no wait! So, I walked onto the Peoplemover and took a seat.

And, yes, I’m THAT short...

I thoroughly enjoyed my ride through the world of tomorrow, that never was. Sigh. Too bad, too. I’ve always loved Walt’s vision for our future. I especially wished that they had stopped the whole thing for awhile in front of the model of the original plans for EPCOT. Ya know... when it was supposed to be a real community? That, along with Walt’s video, would make a pretty cool attraction, if you ask me. But, no one has yet, so I’ll keep that idea to myself, for now!

I exited and considered my next move on this crowded night. Hmm... oh, yes.... there it is! One of my sentimental favorites from my youth.... The Carousel of Progress. Told ya I was a huge nerd! I had a brief wait and then sat right down in the front and took a picture of....

…. um... my feet... on the floor.. Don’t ask me why. And then I waited for the show to begin. And, just as I had remembered it, I LOVED it. As a history teacher, I know that it leaves out any of the not so pleasant things that happened during the twentieth century (WWII in the 40’s anyone?), but it is a fascinating peek into the various technological advancements available to many middle class Americans throughout the twentieth century.

After my little history lesson, I walked back into an incredibly busy Tomorrowland. There was a stage showing involving a D.J. and Chip and Dale and lots of dancing and audience participation. Not what I was after...

I was on a mission, of sorts. I knew that after EMHs started, very few food places would be open, so I wanted a snack. But not a sweet one. Hmm... I also wanted to check out the dump shop for the Hall of Presidents. I teach seventh and eighth graders U.S. history and am always looking for things to make classes more exciting. One of the things I do is throw a small, bouncy ball around to students whose hands are up to answer questions. You’d be amazed at how motivational getting to play catch during class can be to your typical middle school boy. Only problem with the bouncy ball is that it...well..bounces and not every always catches it so well, which creates a lenghtier distraction that you intended.

Thus, I was on a hunt for a stuffed President. Or some other historically significant person, in small stuffed doll form. I am certain that such things exist and I thought Disneyworld just might be the place to find them, but... nothing. The Hall of Presidents dump shop is pretty uninspiring. I didn’t take any pictures, though, as I was deep into my solo reverie at that point. I didn’t take anymore pictures for awhile, actually.

I continued to make my way to Frontierland, where I stopped at the only full service CS place I had seen open for some time: Pecos Bill’s. I strolled in and went to use one of their funky computer kiosks and ordered some fries and a drink, using up a couple of snack credits. I went to the toppings bar and quickly turned them into cheese fries! Not the greatest idea in the world, but there it was. They were pretty delish with ketchup, actually, as gross as I know that must sound.

I parked myself right outside for some salty goodness and people watching.

Once I had finished my snack, I was a bit confused as to what to do with myself. I have to admit that it felt a bit strange to be here all by myself. I was enjoying it, don’t get me wrong, but since EMH’s hadn’t started yet and it was still pretty crowded, I wasn’t sure what to do. I wandered for a bit, through Adventureland and back towards the Castle. I love how it seems that the Castle is so huge, this giant tower looming over everything, yet as you get closer, you realize that it really isn’t that big after all.

I began to worry that Tom and Karin would never find me and for reasons that still elude me, my phone refused to cooperate and wouldn’t let me place an outgoing call. I wondered if I might have missed a call from them and I checked my phone and indeed I had. Drat! Now what? Guess we’ll have to wait until the next update to find out.....