The Moist Exhausting Free Trip Ever - Link to Part II Thread pg. 244

[glennbo123]

Aw bummer! Sorry to hear about the work and James being sick. Poor dude.

Judy stayed home with him today and he's doing much better.

I want that lens!! I completely forgot about it...I gotta talk to Joe-perhaps it can be our gift to each other.

You have a Canon also? I guess I'd forgotten that. Gifts to each other can be good...almost as good as those expensive surprise gifts.

Not stalking you Magdalene, really I'm not!!! Okay, maybe a little......

Okay, now who's the stalker?

Actually, I usually do the User CP thing early in the morning when I get on, and see which threads have new posts since I last checked. Since you are up in the middle of the night (well, our night anyway) posting, those are the threads that typically pop up in the list.

Yes, usually in the mornings I see lots of posts by Magdalene and Liesa (late at night) and you (early in the morning).

Oh I know!! We are nervous about it but when/if it happens we are going to make it CLEAR that we DON'T have to stick together the entire trip. I think that would help some. ....I hope. That is mostly for the parents and/or friends.

Sometime next year our brother in law will hopefully be coming home from Afghanistan. This is DH's sister and her hubby. Neither have ever been to WDW. They are both in their 20's and have no kids yet. DH and I are taking them on an all expenses paid trip to WDW. We aren't too worried about that trip going bad. They are both very excited and I'm sure it will be a good stress release for them by that time.

That's really nice of you to do that. It will be a great trip for them (and you)! I think you'll be fine...they can do their own thing some of the time and you can reconvene when you want to, do some dinners, shows, etc. Like Tanya pointed out, I think it gets tough when you have different age groups and park-abilities. Then, you have different interests in what to see and do, and different speeds.

Some of the horrors mentioned on the DVC boards though, are people backing out and leaving you with a 2 bedroom unit and no time to downscale, and you feel like you've wasted a lot of points.

We took my parents with us when the kids were little. My 17 year old was only 3. This was before we owned DVC, so we had our own rooms. We spent the first 3 days together - 1 day per park (no Animal Kingdom yet) so we could kind of show them around. And after that they did their own thing and we did ours. We bumped into each other a few times, and we may have gotten together for supper, but other than that we were separate.

A few years later we took my younger step-son and his (then) wife and kids and they stayed in our DVC rooms with us. Their youngest was just 6 months old. We tried to stay together the whole time and it was miserable for everyone. My kids were old enough to ride rides, but theirs weren't so every move we made was "who's going, who's staying...is Nick tall enough, can we take Ben on......" And his wife asked a million and one questions (never waiting for the answers). I didn't go on the trip that was with the older step-son and his wife and family, but it sounds like it was worse. They are both smokers so there were frequent smoke breaks and a lot of bathroom breaks. I understand that my oldest gave up on them and went off on his own.

The trip with your BIL sounds exiting. Thank him for his service - my oldest step-son is Navy, and I know how rough it is on his wife and kids when he is deployed.

Those stories do sound rather frightful. With people who are that different in terms of interests and kids' ages and everything, I'd think you'd be well advised to make a plan to separate and meet back up at a designated time. It's no fun to feel like you're waiting for other people all the time when you're in the parks. It's hard enough to get things done as it is.

 

[englishrose47]

Rosie only posts when she is not working and that is all over the place time wise so I am hard to predict

 

[All7OfUs]

Judy stayed home with him today and he's doing much better.




Yes, usually in the mornings I see lots of posts by Magdalene and Liesa (late at night) and you (early in the morning).

Funny, how we all start to learn each other's patterns of posting. You'd think we were all stalking each other- or at least good friends.

 

[Rozz]

It's time for an update if you're able! You know, the Safari so good

Hope James is better and work is not too far behind. Been there and done that but so glad I had the flexibility with work to do it!

 

[glennbo123]

Rosie only posts when she is not working and that is all over the place time wise so I am hard to predict

That's true! Your posts are all over the place, time-wise. Keep 'em guessing Rosie!

Funny, how we all start to learn each other's patterns of posting. You'd think we were all stalking each other- or at least good friends.

We're mutual stalkers, which is really weird.

It's time for an update if you're able! You know, the Safari so good

I know, I know. Maybe over the weekend sometime, but I can't promise. We have a lot going on so it's a question of when I can fit it in.

You're living up to your screen-name, always watching Rozz.

Hope James is better and work is not too far behind. Been there and done that but so glad I had the flexibility with work to do it!

James is better today. We'll be going to a bowling party this afternoon, with the same group of guys he was with just before the projectile vomiting started.

I'm glad I can do that too. I can be pretty productive from home for a day or two, but after that it gets tough.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Those stories do sound rather frightful. With people who are that different in terms of interests and kids' ages and everything, I'd think you'd be well advised to make a plan to separate and meet back up at a designated time. It's no fun to feel like you're waiting for other people all the time when you're in the parks. It's hard enough to get things done as it is.

I have a general rule to not travel with more than 6 people. I have had terrible experiences of going to theme parks as a "big group", but it almost ALWAYS splits up according to people's preferences, and trying to wait for people to make up their minds or agree to an activity is just too hard.

My mom has organized a 21 people outlet mall shopping trip to Grove City, PA that involves lots of children and adults, 4 hotel rooms, and gawd knows how many cars. I have no idea how we'll actually stay together, especially since we won't want to use cell phones due to roaming charges.

Wow, a bowling party for James! I haven't played real bowling since my aunt's family got a Wii.

 

[englishrose47]

Funny, how we all start to learn each other's patterns of posting. You'd think we were all stalking each other- or at least good friends.

I like the 'at least" best !!!

 

[glennbo123]

I have a general rule to not travel with more than 6 people. I have had terrible experiences of going to theme parks as a "big group", but it almost ALWAYS splits up according to people's preferences, and trying to wait for people to make up their minds or agree to an activity is just too hard.

It's definitely hard traveling with a big group. If you take charge and make a plan, you can be seen as "pushy" or just trying to get your way. If you don't, you'll probably all stand around looking at each other, waiting for someone to decide on what to do...wasting valuable time! I guess anything that can be worked-out in advance would be a major plus.

My mom has organized a 21 people outlet mall shopping trip to Grove City, PA that involves lots of children and adults, 4 hotel rooms, and gawd knows how many cars. I have no idea how we'll actually stay together, especially since we won't want to use cell phones due to roaming charges.

All I can say is "bless her heart". Maybe have periodic check-ins at designated locations when you're shopping? When driving, back before cell phones we used to use walkie-talkies when we traveled with 2 or 3 cars. They never worked very well, but it was better than nothing. At least we could communicate when people needed to stop for a bathroom break.

Wow, a bowling party for James! I haven't played real bowling since my aunt's family got a Wii.

It's a lot harder than Wii bowling. Maybe they should make a 10 lb. Wii remote in order to make it comparable. I got a 104 and a 104, (for a 104 average). James got a 97 and a 101.

 

[glennbo123]

I like the 'at least" best !!!

I'd say so!

 

[glennbo123]

So....I was able to work on an update last night, and had early church this morning, which has given me time to spruce it up a little now. So, with this post the new chapter should be prominently featured at the top of a new page.

 

[glennbo123]

Day 6 - Part 5

Where would our adventure at Animal Kingdom take us next?

We left the Nemo show and were surprised to see that the ground was wet from a storm that had passed while we were in the theater. How’s that for luck? We were in there for less than an hour and had missed a rainstorm that we didn’t even know had occurred until afterwards. Rain mojo!

I’m not really sure what we did for lunch on this day. We were planning on Boma for dinner, so I’m sure we tried to eat light. I mentioned in the previous chapter that we ate some chex mix and carrot sticks in the Nemo theater before the show. If we had anything else, it was probably just some sandwiches that we’d made in the suite before we left, and ate on the run, literally.

We walked toward Asia, and made a plan that Judy would get Kali fastpasses for us (since she didn’t want to risk any more rides on Everest) while the rest of us used the Expedition Everest fastpasses that we’d gotten earlier in the day. Judy left us and James and the girls and I started into the queue for the ride. As we went in, others were coming out saying, “the ride’s stuck”. We walked back out and sure enough, the people in the picture below were having a memorable experience, stranded while approaching the summit of Everest.

Here’s another shot where they were being checked on, or being assisted down or something.

Then we went into the gift shop since we told Judy that we’d meet her there when she got back with the Kali fastpasses. After I’d spent enough time looking at the merchandise, I noticed that there were a lot of neat details and artifacts. I really liked these figurines which are along the back wall, I believe.

These masks are pretty interesting.

Here’s a closeup of the one on the lower right.

Then, right below the mask was this electrician’s nightmare of wiring. I’m sure the imagineers who traveled to the Far East to research the theming for this ride found instances of this kind of thing.

After a little while Judy found us and we told her that we weren’t able to ride. We took a picture of the Kali fastpasses she obtained for us.

I’d recognize my thumb anywhere…and that’s not it.

The next thing Judy wanted to do was the Kilimanjaro Safari, so we set off for Africa. Naturally, I had to pause on the trail between Asia and Africa in order to get a picture of the Tree of Life.

When we rounded the corner at Africa, I was amazed that these scavenger-type birds were circling overhead. It seems very Africa-like. Now how does Disney get the birds to cooperate?!

After only about a 10 minute wait, we were on safari. I’m sure you’ve seen lots of pictures of the animals on the safari…well, here are a few more.

I believe the baboons are new since the last time we were there. I'm sorry that these are the best pictures I could get of them.

As Rafiki says, “Asante sana squash banana”.

You know, I’m surprised that some paint company hasn’t come out with a color name of “Baboon Butt Blue”.

And there were “junior-sized” animals as well. Such as…

and …

And critters for the carnivores to drool over.

Eventually we approached the lion’s hill. “Pride Rock” I suppose. Would I finally be able to get a good picture?

Yes, those are much better than any of the lion pictures I’ve taken before. I’ll accept those. Woo hoo!

I think the warthogs were new too, but this is the only picture I could get as we zipped past. The safari vehicles aren’t the best for taking pictures, have you ever noticed? They kind of jostle you around, and zoom along at a pretty good clip.

When the ride was over, I took a shot of the Warden’s Post as we exited.

Now, as I was writing this chapter I realized that I messed-up a couple of chapters ago. Remember the chapter with all of the Photopass pictures? Yeah, they actually occurred at this point in time, not then. I thought it was odd that I didn’t have anything about them in my notes, but I just hadn’t read far enough. Oops. Oh well. Anyway, here are a couple of pictures that were taken with my camera at that time.

At the Tree of Life.

And at the temple across from Everest.

This sign is in front of the temple. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed it before.

It was now about 1:30 and we still had a couple sets of fastpasses to use, (plus I notice in those last couple of pictures that the stuck train on Everest has been cleared). What to do next?


Up next: Liquid sunshine and a Blueyed DISmeet
Link to next chapter

 

[englishrose47]

4 Judy's counting the Thunb which you said was NOT yours !!Can't believe I beat Marv!!!

 

[glennbo123]

4 Judy's counting the Thunb which you said was NOT yours !!Can't believe I beat Marv!!!

Exactly right! I put that in there so someone perceptive, and who actually read the chapter, could get the right answer. It was you Rosie! Way to go!

Now Marv will give me grief over putting the chapter up before he could get home from church or something. That's what smartphones are for, right?

 

[Poolrat]

Darn it - Late again. Oh well.
4 Judy's including the thumb. Must read faster.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Awesome rain mojo! That happened a couple of times on my trip too, where we completely missed the rain!!

I've always wanted to spend more time in the shops looking at the details. Those wires are really cool detailing. They make it so authentic.

Awww, so many baby animals!

 

[englishrose47]

Exactly right! I put that in there so someone perceptive, and who actually read the chapter, could get the right answer. It was you Rosie! Way to go!

Now Marv will give me grief over putting the chapter up before he could get home from church or something. That's what smartphones are for, right?

Or he'll claim he was scouting Either way GRIEF is coming !!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'll claim that I was still in church! I DO use my phone during church, but not for the DIS! Tsk, tsk Glenn! (I use it for my Bible and note taking actually, so stinkin' handy!)

I have never seen the baboons on the safari! I think those are the first pics on the DIS I have seen of them too.

One of my favorite themeing aspects at AK are the crazy cords for lighting and random light fixtures. I have so many pictures similar to that, but I think that one takes the cake!

I hope you get back to EE!

 

[KatMark]

Sorry I've been MIA, Glen. Work has been crazy and I wanted to finish up my TR which I now have done. I love your Nemo pics; we have not done that yet (finally did Lion King this year) and hope to catch it on the next trip.

 

[marvali]

Rain mojo!

Nice!

We walked back out and sure enough, the people in the picture below were having a memorable experience, stranded while approaching the summit of Everest.

Guess I've been lucky so far....never been ON a ride like this when it broke down, only turned away like you guys were this time!

Then, right below the mask was this electrician’s nightmare of wiring. I’m sure the imagineers who traveled to the Far East to research the theming for this ride found instances of this kind of thing.

As an electrical engineer, I think I've seen that same work before..........

We walked toward Asia, and made a plan that Judy would get Kali fastpasses for us (since she didn’t want to risk any more rides on Everest) while the rest of us used the Expedition Everest fastpasses that we’d gotten earlier in the day. Judy left us....

Then we went into the gift shop since we told Judy that we’d meet her there when she got back with the Kali fastpasses.

After a little while Judy found us and we told her that we weren’t able to ride.

The next thing Judy wanted to do was the Kilimanjaro Safari, so we set off for Africa.

What kinda guy sends his wife off to do his dirty work, makes her hike all the way back to the base of Everest, then immediately take her right back past where she already went on the way to another whole continent??? TGM would be so disappointed in such lack of foresight and planning!!!

When we rounded the corner at Africa, I was amazed that these scavenger-type birds were circling overhead. It seems very Africa-like. Now how does Disney get the birds to cooperate?!

More of that Disney magic!!!

I believe the baboons are new since the last time we were there.

You know, I’m surprised that some paint company hasn’t come out with a color name of “Baboon Butt Blue”.

I don't remember baboons either, so I will have to look for them this trip. BTW, I dated a girl once who had eyes that color.

Eventually we approached the lion’s hill. “Pride Rock” I suppose. Would I finally be able to get a good picture?

Yes, those are much better than any of the lion pictures I’ve taken before. I’ll accept those. Woo hoo!

Nice GET on the lion pics! I think all I've ever gotten was about 1/4 of that much since they are usually sleeping.

The safari vehicles aren’t the best for taking pictures, have you ever noticed? They kind of jostle you around, and zoom along at a pretty good clip.

Agree!

Now, as I was writing this chapter I realized that I messed-up a couple of chapters ago. Remember the chapter with all of the Photopass pictures? Yeah, they actually occurred at this point in time, not then. I thought it was odd that I didn’t have anything about them in my notes, but I just hadn’t read far enough.

ALWAYS trust your notes!!!

4 Judy's counting the Thunb which you said was NOT yours !!Can't believe I beat Marv!!!

Nice job Rosie!!! See, you aren't the biggest loser after all!

I would say something about yesterday being the Sunday our SS Class has its after church party, then we head over to the local nursing home to deliver fresh baked goodies and sing carols for them, but since I'm supposed to give Rosie grief, I'll just say I was reading where she posted that she learned to load her own pictures, passed out from shock, and only woke up when the alarm clock went off to head to work this morning!!! Heading over now to confirm she actually wrote that, or if it was just a very, scary Rosie nightmare!!!

Actually, come to think of it, I think Pat should be declared the winner this round, since Rosie counted a ThuNb, which I don't believe is actually a Judy part!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

As we went in, others were coming out saying, “the ride’s stuck”. We walked back out and sure enough, the people in the picture below were having a memorable experience, stranded while approaching the summit of Everest.

Uh oh. I hope it wasn't during that rain shower.

Here’s a closeup of the one on the lower right.

Hmmm. I'm no good at the Judy game, but it looks like you found one Marv!

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

This looks exactly like my Christmas light display. I'm hoping the county inspectors don't make any surprise visitsl.

You always come up with some great shots. Well done.

When we rounded the corner at Africa, I was amazed that these scavenger-type birds were circling overhead. It seems very Africa-like. Now how does Disney get the birds to cooperate?!

You haven't seen Figment around much lately, have you? I believe they put his carcass at the top of the tree.

You know, I’m surprised that some paint company hasn’t come out with a color name of “Baboon Butt Blue”.

I'm gonna ask for that chip at Home Depot next time.

Eventually we approached the lion’s hill. “Pride Rock” I suppose. Would I finally be able to get a good picture?

Wow! Great work! I'm going to assume that something momentarily jostled him awake, he took a quick look around, and then put his head back down and went to sleep.

Your son did a nice job representing Penn State as well!