Pocahontas1
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2002
- Messages
- 362
Part 4 (Day 2 Part 2): Ill take obscure African hoofed mammals for $200 please Alex
If you are looking for Lawnmower Crossing Signs, it is coming up later in the trip.
Cast of Characters:
Me: 35 year old major Disney fan. DH bought into DVC in 2002, so I now get to go at least once a year.
Omi: My mom. She is 59 and enjoys Disney (but not nearly as much as I do), but she was willing to go to spend time with the grandkids.
Tater: DS Almost 5 years old (to be exact he is 59 months old this became important later on in the trip). Has been to Disney about 6 times. Knows exactly what he wants to do.
Princess Squidgy: DD 13 months old. This is her second Disney trip. Walks everywhere, but not independently. Has just begun to have major temper tantrums.
Well, after an exhausting morning at MGM, Tater and I have walked from one of PO-R to the other to return to our room. Omi and Squidgy apparently had a good morning as well. Id hoped for a nap before our 6pm PS at Boma, but since it is 3pm, that is obviously not going to happen.
Once again, Omi and I perform the shower tag-team. We take turns watching the kids while the other one gets ready. Im able to get ready a lot faster since Omi insists on drying and straightening her hair. Im hoping by the end of the trip, shell realize no one cares that her hair frizzes when the humidity his high. Im in full vacation mode. Ive stopped wearing make-up and I just pull my hair back. Im here for fun. I dont need to impress anyone.
Tater tells Omi all about his day and informs her we were just getting ready to meet Darth Vader when it started to rain. Now, I was there and I know that is not what happened. No way, no how he was going to meet Darth Vader. He was too scared, but she is impressed and Im not going to call his bluff. Hes selectively adjusting his Disney memories.
Were finally ready and head to AKL about 5:15pm or so. I know well be early, but we are all hungry (especially Tater since I forgot to feed him at MGM). Maybe well be seated early. Boma is one of my favorite restaurants and I cant wait to go back. Ive never had anything I didnt like and am excited about trying even more new dishes. Omi went for the first time last July and thought it was wonderful, too. Tater well, as long as they have chicken fingers, he will be happy.
We spend a few minutes wandering through the lodge before heading downstairs. Its really hard for me to decide if I like AKL or WL better. They are very similar in design, but I think I like the theme of AKL better. Yup, Ive decided. Next visit, were staying at AKL. Im going to save the money and were going to have a savannah view. By then Squidgy will be old enough to appreciate the animals.
When we head downstairs, the line to check in is kind of long, so Omi takes Tater, Squidge and the gigantic double stroller for a walk by the pool. As soon as I get my blinking, vibrating square, I head outside to try and find them. I had no idea the pool area was so big and there is a savannah outlook by the pool area. That is the first place I try, not there. Next, the arcade not their either. Lets check Mara nope, no sign. Well, I guess I can hike around the pool. How hard can it be to find a woman pushing a baby stroller with another kid beside her? Pretty darn hard, let me tell you. There are all these rocks that obstruct your view. Id finally catch sight of them only to lose them behind a rock. It doesnt do me any good to call out because Omi doesnt hear mom if I call her. She usually doesnt respond to Omi either. I flat out refuse to call her by her given name, because I will not stand in a crowd and call out Gay. Anyway, I finally catch up with them and we decide to go to the savannah upstairs.
As we walk by the bar, Im thinking I deserve an adult beverage. My goal was to have one frozen something a day, and I missed yesterday. I must be entitled to two today. Unfortunately, the buzzer/blinker goes off and its time to eat. Maybe when we get back to the hotel.
Now, normally, Squidgy is pretty good at sit down meals. She will sit quietly in her high chair, play with toys and eat crackers. I have no idea what possessed her during this meal. She was awful. She was content for the first five minutes or so, but then she wanted down. Our server, she was a very nice lady with good intentions, tried to entertain her and I think the actually picked Squidge up or touched her. Squidge likes new people, but does not like to be touched by new people. Instead of making it better that made it worse. Now she is really yelling. Omi and Tater have plates, but I havent made it to the buffet yet. Omi did bring me a bowl of soup, though not that I can enjoy it through the screeching of my youngest child, though.
I take pity on the other diners and take Squidge and go walk through the lobby. This was not one of my better moments on vacation. I was really upset and disappointed. I think I said something to Omi in a not so nice tone of voice (Omi, I know you read these and Im sorry). So Squidge and I walk and walk and walk while Omi and Tater eat. The other people in the restaurant (who were seated away from the screaming banshee) smile and tell me how cute Squidgy is little do they know. Eventually Omi relieves me and I get a chance to hit the buffet.
As usual, Boma is excellent. I think I tried four different kinds of soup, but the squash had to be the best. The chicken corn chowder was pretty good too. They had some type of steak they were serving that was also very good. I went back for seconds on the salmon wrapped in banana leaves. The potato salad also stands out. Everyone raves about the desserts at Boma, which are good, but to me, they just miss being excellent. The zebra domes are good, but they Kaluha in them, and I dont like Kaluha. The chocolate mousse things are really good, but they have a hazelnut crust and I dont like hazelnuts. Even though they just miss being my favorites, I still have them every time I go.
After dinner, we roll ourselves upstairs to check out the animals. It was kind of cool and misty, so I hoped we would see some. We saw a bunch zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, cattle, birds, and several species of antelope. I must preface this next story with an example from my past. Omi collects the most useless bits of trivia and then imparts her wisdom on the unsuspecting. Once, when we were playing Trivial Pursuit, she not only knew that Buckminster Fuller invented the geodesic dome, but that he predeceased his wife and they did not tell her about his demise since she was very ill. Why anyone needs that knowledge is beyond me.
So, we head out to the overlook and Omi tells me that the large antelope in front of us was an Eland. I said I dont think so, its a Kudu. So we go check the guide, guess what, no Eland, but the Kudu is there. I knew she was wrong. This is settled the discussion until we meet one of the guides on the savannah. We tell him Omi and I are disagreeing about the type of antelope and he confirms that it is indeed an Eland. Not only that, but he then goes on to tell her that she is one of the only people hes met who have identified that animal because it isnt even on the guide. Score another one for Omi in the column of useless information. I dont even know why I bother. After 35 years, I should have known she would be right.
As we head back in, we take time to look for the hidden Mickey in the vines on the stairwell covers. The guide informs us it is the only one that is in profile. Tater pipes up and says he found it. Huh, not even five years old and the found the hidden Mickey go boy! We turn around and he says the profire, it is right here and points to the campfire surrounded by chairs. Ummmm, good job Tater, but were looking for a profile, not a profire. Omi and I find it for real and are quite proud of ourselves. Hidden Mickey located, we head inside just in time to catch the storytelling. Normally it is outside by the profire (heehee), but since it is rainy theyve moved inside. Tater and Omi catch a story, while Squidge and I walk and walk and walk. Next stop, shopping
Im always able to find a couple things at the store in AKL and this time I pick up a couple of statues for my new office. Ive always found the store to be loud since the kids seem to really enjoy playing with the rhythmic instruments its about to get worse. As were leaving, there is a line of kids in the front of the store and everyone is holding and instrument. Tater joins right in and the CM gives him rattle. The whole group heads for the lobby and parades around making the most awful racket you could imagine. But, the smiles on their faces make it all worthwhile. As a parent, Im proud to see him participate, but I feel sorry for the poor unsuspecting people checking in. At the end of the parade, he gets a special certificate with his name on it. Another bit of unexpected Disney Magic.
As we hike back to the van, Im thinking that when I stay here, I need to use valet parking, because the self-parking sure is a long way from the hotel. After we get to the van, Tater puts a special 50th celebration Mickey head on the antenna of the van. Tater says the van is happy now that it is dressed. Im hoping it will be easier to find in the parking lots. I had no idea how many silver Dodge Caravans existed until I bought one.
We head to Goodings to pick up the stuff I left at home Taters toothbrush and toothpaste, Squidges diaper cream and my contact solution. Its raining when we get there so I run in while Omi and the kids wait in the car. As Im in line at Goodings, I wonder if any real people ever shop there or if it is just folks on their vacations, like me, who forget things.
By the time we get back to the hotel its after 9pm and time for bed. We have a date with the princesses tomorrow for breakfast.
Next: We came, we saw, we didnt wear red.
If you are looking for Lawnmower Crossing Signs, it is coming up later in the trip.
Cast of Characters:
Me: 35 year old major Disney fan. DH bought into DVC in 2002, so I now get to go at least once a year.
Omi: My mom. She is 59 and enjoys Disney (but not nearly as much as I do), but she was willing to go to spend time with the grandkids.
Tater: DS Almost 5 years old (to be exact he is 59 months old this became important later on in the trip). Has been to Disney about 6 times. Knows exactly what he wants to do.
Princess Squidgy: DD 13 months old. This is her second Disney trip. Walks everywhere, but not independently. Has just begun to have major temper tantrums.
Well, after an exhausting morning at MGM, Tater and I have walked from one of PO-R to the other to return to our room. Omi and Squidgy apparently had a good morning as well. Id hoped for a nap before our 6pm PS at Boma, but since it is 3pm, that is obviously not going to happen.
Once again, Omi and I perform the shower tag-team. We take turns watching the kids while the other one gets ready. Im able to get ready a lot faster since Omi insists on drying and straightening her hair. Im hoping by the end of the trip, shell realize no one cares that her hair frizzes when the humidity his high. Im in full vacation mode. Ive stopped wearing make-up and I just pull my hair back. Im here for fun. I dont need to impress anyone.
Tater tells Omi all about his day and informs her we were just getting ready to meet Darth Vader when it started to rain. Now, I was there and I know that is not what happened. No way, no how he was going to meet Darth Vader. He was too scared, but she is impressed and Im not going to call his bluff. Hes selectively adjusting his Disney memories.
Were finally ready and head to AKL about 5:15pm or so. I know well be early, but we are all hungry (especially Tater since I forgot to feed him at MGM). Maybe well be seated early. Boma is one of my favorite restaurants and I cant wait to go back. Ive never had anything I didnt like and am excited about trying even more new dishes. Omi went for the first time last July and thought it was wonderful, too. Tater well, as long as they have chicken fingers, he will be happy.
We spend a few minutes wandering through the lodge before heading downstairs. Its really hard for me to decide if I like AKL or WL better. They are very similar in design, but I think I like the theme of AKL better. Yup, Ive decided. Next visit, were staying at AKL. Im going to save the money and were going to have a savannah view. By then Squidgy will be old enough to appreciate the animals.
When we head downstairs, the line to check in is kind of long, so Omi takes Tater, Squidge and the gigantic double stroller for a walk by the pool. As soon as I get my blinking, vibrating square, I head outside to try and find them. I had no idea the pool area was so big and there is a savannah outlook by the pool area. That is the first place I try, not there. Next, the arcade not their either. Lets check Mara nope, no sign. Well, I guess I can hike around the pool. How hard can it be to find a woman pushing a baby stroller with another kid beside her? Pretty darn hard, let me tell you. There are all these rocks that obstruct your view. Id finally catch sight of them only to lose them behind a rock. It doesnt do me any good to call out because Omi doesnt hear mom if I call her. She usually doesnt respond to Omi either. I flat out refuse to call her by her given name, because I will not stand in a crowd and call out Gay. Anyway, I finally catch up with them and we decide to go to the savannah upstairs.
As we walk by the bar, Im thinking I deserve an adult beverage. My goal was to have one frozen something a day, and I missed yesterday. I must be entitled to two today. Unfortunately, the buzzer/blinker goes off and its time to eat. Maybe when we get back to the hotel.
Now, normally, Squidgy is pretty good at sit down meals. She will sit quietly in her high chair, play with toys and eat crackers. I have no idea what possessed her during this meal. She was awful. She was content for the first five minutes or so, but then she wanted down. Our server, she was a very nice lady with good intentions, tried to entertain her and I think the actually picked Squidge up or touched her. Squidge likes new people, but does not like to be touched by new people. Instead of making it better that made it worse. Now she is really yelling. Omi and Tater have plates, but I havent made it to the buffet yet. Omi did bring me a bowl of soup, though not that I can enjoy it through the screeching of my youngest child, though.
I take pity on the other diners and take Squidge and go walk through the lobby. This was not one of my better moments on vacation. I was really upset and disappointed. I think I said something to Omi in a not so nice tone of voice (Omi, I know you read these and Im sorry). So Squidge and I walk and walk and walk while Omi and Tater eat. The other people in the restaurant (who were seated away from the screaming banshee) smile and tell me how cute Squidgy is little do they know. Eventually Omi relieves me and I get a chance to hit the buffet.
As usual, Boma is excellent. I think I tried four different kinds of soup, but the squash had to be the best. The chicken corn chowder was pretty good too. They had some type of steak they were serving that was also very good. I went back for seconds on the salmon wrapped in banana leaves. The potato salad also stands out. Everyone raves about the desserts at Boma, which are good, but to me, they just miss being excellent. The zebra domes are good, but they Kaluha in them, and I dont like Kaluha. The chocolate mousse things are really good, but they have a hazelnut crust and I dont like hazelnuts. Even though they just miss being my favorites, I still have them every time I go.
After dinner, we roll ourselves upstairs to check out the animals. It was kind of cool and misty, so I hoped we would see some. We saw a bunch zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, cattle, birds, and several species of antelope. I must preface this next story with an example from my past. Omi collects the most useless bits of trivia and then imparts her wisdom on the unsuspecting. Once, when we were playing Trivial Pursuit, she not only knew that Buckminster Fuller invented the geodesic dome, but that he predeceased his wife and they did not tell her about his demise since she was very ill. Why anyone needs that knowledge is beyond me.
So, we head out to the overlook and Omi tells me that the large antelope in front of us was an Eland. I said I dont think so, its a Kudu. So we go check the guide, guess what, no Eland, but the Kudu is there. I knew she was wrong. This is settled the discussion until we meet one of the guides on the savannah. We tell him Omi and I are disagreeing about the type of antelope and he confirms that it is indeed an Eland. Not only that, but he then goes on to tell her that she is one of the only people hes met who have identified that animal because it isnt even on the guide. Score another one for Omi in the column of useless information. I dont even know why I bother. After 35 years, I should have known she would be right.
As we head back in, we take time to look for the hidden Mickey in the vines on the stairwell covers. The guide informs us it is the only one that is in profile. Tater pipes up and says he found it. Huh, not even five years old and the found the hidden Mickey go boy! We turn around and he says the profire, it is right here and points to the campfire surrounded by chairs. Ummmm, good job Tater, but were looking for a profile, not a profire. Omi and I find it for real and are quite proud of ourselves. Hidden Mickey located, we head inside just in time to catch the storytelling. Normally it is outside by the profire (heehee), but since it is rainy theyve moved inside. Tater and Omi catch a story, while Squidge and I walk and walk and walk. Next stop, shopping
Im always able to find a couple things at the store in AKL and this time I pick up a couple of statues for my new office. Ive always found the store to be loud since the kids seem to really enjoy playing with the rhythmic instruments its about to get worse. As were leaving, there is a line of kids in the front of the store and everyone is holding and instrument. Tater joins right in and the CM gives him rattle. The whole group heads for the lobby and parades around making the most awful racket you could imagine. But, the smiles on their faces make it all worthwhile. As a parent, Im proud to see him participate, but I feel sorry for the poor unsuspecting people checking in. At the end of the parade, he gets a special certificate with his name on it. Another bit of unexpected Disney Magic.
As we hike back to the van, Im thinking that when I stay here, I need to use valet parking, because the self-parking sure is a long way from the hotel. After we get to the van, Tater puts a special 50th celebration Mickey head on the antenna of the van. Tater says the van is happy now that it is dressed. Im hoping it will be easier to find in the parking lots. I had no idea how many silver Dodge Caravans existed until I bought one.
We head to Goodings to pick up the stuff I left at home Taters toothbrush and toothpaste, Squidges diaper cream and my contact solution. Its raining when we get there so I run in while Omi and the kids wait in the car. As Im in line at Goodings, I wonder if any real people ever shop there or if it is just folks on their vacations, like me, who forget things.
By the time we get back to the hotel its after 9pm and time for bed. We have a date with the princesses tomorrow for breakfast.
Next: We came, we saw, we didnt wear red.
