The Real Housewives of WDW - 11/15: In Closing

[Disneyland_Mama]

But wait… was there rain??? I don’t remember. But know this: we didn’t take the boat AGAIN from the hotel to EP. Was it due to rain? Did we just plain miss it? Who knows. All I know is that of the three nights spent at the Yacht Club, we only managed a boat to EP ONCE.

Nope, no rain that night.

Oh my heck, was it good! LL, thanks again for convincing me to dig in! Marinated mushrooms and artichokes, a variety of meats and cheeses, roasted veggies… it was a scrumptious start.

Why have I never known about a Tutto appy? Must remember to order THAT next time. Yum.

THEY DID! They actually had Leo’s phone. I was stunned. Numb. Bedazed. Awed. And fifteen other ways of saying “Holy shizzle, I can’t believe nobody stole it!”

I can't believe no one stole it, either! Whew!

Two, when we arrived, T, Kate and their families were ready to go into Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Both Leo and Michael balked at that idea, so I offered to take them on the Peoplemover instead.

And I must throw in that it was a great MI:LF. Andy was chosen to be Sully and Maddie's infectious laughter was in full force.

But first, we needed to shoot aliens with Buzz. Heh heh.

Shoot aliens. Ha!




Isn't this a cute picture?

Oh and this one is hilarious! What were you both doing? You both have the iZombie look!

I have no idea what else we rode, because pictures don’t exist. I know we rode Aladdin’s Rugs, though, lol! See?

We rode the Jungle Cruise. All I have is a picture of a tarantula in a box and a really bad picture of the kids.

We, Leo and I, weren’t all that impressed. I believe Leo may have called it “lame.” We’d like our Spectromagic back, please.

Must be a territorial thing. We don't like Spectro and would prefer if WDW would return our MSEP.

Until Maddie schooled us.

Are you speaking of the incident we swore we'd NEVER speak about?

“Yes, and that one time, when so-and-so rode in the trunk?!”

Yup - that's when Maddie let the cat out of the bag and spoke about the incident we made her promise to NEVER speak about. It was the night we stuffed my nephew in the "not trunk" aka the cargo area of our SUV.

I’ll wrap this up by saying it was a super-duper fun day and night. We got to spend time with all of friends, experienced a lot, and laughed till it hurt. What more could we ask for in a vacation?!

 

[MagicShell]

Great update. You all sure seem to have a great time together.

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

They actually had Leo’s phone. I was stunned. Numb. Bedazed. Awed. And fifteen other ways of saying “Holy shizzle, I can’t believe nobody stole it!”

Leo, he was sitting on a bench, gazing forlornly out the window. He hadn’t been himself all day. I could tell he was worrying about having lost the phone again. So I really, really wish I could have a picture of his face when I turned around, phone in hand, and said “Leo? Look!” I watched his face alight, his shoulders toss away a world of stress, and a deep sigh escape his chest. That was one happy, relieved little boy.

He was a different Leo by the time he got to MK that night. It was so good to see him happy!

She also let us all know that her little dog was stressed and peeing itself over and over because she had to get so angry about the whole thing. Also, she was pretty sure she was being discriminated against and thought she’d maybe file a lawsuit before leaving Florida.

Back up...HOW did I miss the part about the peeing dog??? She had brought her DOG into WDW????

when we arrived, T, Kate and their families were ready to go into Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Both Leo and Michael balked at that idea, so I offered to take them on the Peoplemover instead.

That was fun! The boys and I had a good time zooming around Tomorrowland. And then I bought them popcorn. I’m a pushover when I’m tired and happy and the sun is down.

See Tracy's post....MI:LF (only she left out the colon...confused me to no end!) was really funny with Andy as the scary monster. But I'm glad you and the boys got some down time

Bite 1 and Leo partnered up for this one. Apparently Bite 1 shared some tips with Leo, too. Wasn’t that nice? I rode with Kate. I didn’t share any tips with her; I beat her silly. BWAHAHAHA!!!

Oops, sorry about that. LY Kate! I just might get a teensy-weensy competitive on Buzz.

My buzzer was busted. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

DUDES!!!

Summer Nightastic rocked my world. It was like the phenomenal Princess & Pirate Party fireworks of years past… only BETTER! Even my non-fireworks-loving Leo was pretty impressed.

I agree! FANTASTIC show.

Parade!

Errmmm…. About that…

We, Leo and I, weren’t all that impressed. I believe Leo may have called it “lame.” We’d like our Spectromagic back, please.

I agree, again! One parade with light up creepy stuff looks just like the other parade with light up creepy stuff.

I’ll wrap this up by saying it was a super-duper fun day and night. We got to spend time with all of friends, experienced a lot, and laughed till it hurt. What more could we ask for in a vacation?!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

See Tracy's post....MI:LF (only she left out the colon...confused me to no end!) was really funny with Andy as the scary monster. But I'm glad you and the boys got some down time

That was the BEST back & forth texting ever!

 

[Tracy161]

Yay! So excited that Leo's cell phone turned up - what luck! Also, I absolutely LOVED the panoramic picture of MK, simply gorgeous!!! It's pictures like those that make me the most homesick for Disney!!!

 

[PrincessAlways]

Great update!!! Friends, family & fun!!! That's what Disney is all about! There's nothing better!!!

Cannot believe they found Leo's phone!!! Awesome!!

 

[PrincessV]

Nope, no rain that night.

I didn't think so. We must've just plain missed the ding-dang boat, then. Again.

Why have I never known about a Tutto appy? Must remember to order THAT next time. Yum.

It was delish! I never even look at the apps there, knowing that I'll have dessert. Yay for LL suggesting it!

I can't believe no one stole it, either!

Apparently it's an even crappier phone than I thought - NO ONE wanted it, lol!

And I must throw in that it was a great MI:LF. Andy was chosen to be Sully and Maddie's infectious laughter was in full force.

Yeah, well, well... I had two goofy boys and a boatload of popcorn! Okay, you definitely had the better entertainment.

Shoot aliens. Ha!

Yes, yes, I know - our Buzz sucks.

Isn't this a cute picture?

Yes! How come that wasn't shared earlier?! Snagging it now...

Oh and this one is hilarious! What were you both doing? You both have the iZombie look!

I'm guessing camera for me - who knows what Leo was up to!

We rode the Jungle Cruise.

Oh we did, didn't we?!

Must be a territorial thing. We don't like Spectro and would prefer if WDW would return our MSEP.

Perfect, we have an accord then. I'll just contact Disney to make arrangements.

Are you speaking of the incident we swore we'd NEVER speak about?

What incident?

Great update. You all sure seem to have a great time together.

We really, really do! Thanks!

He was a different Leo by the time he got to MK that night. It was so good to see him happy!

Back up...HOW did I miss the part about the peeing dog??? She had brought her DOG into WDW????

I was so over it by the time we all caught up, I didn't want to rehash it; I just wanted to have fun! And it was her therapy dog. I think she needs more therapy.

My buzzer was busted. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Yeah, right.

I agree, again! One parade with light up creepy stuff looks just like the other parade with light up creepy stuff.

Also, I absolutely LOVED the panoramic picture of MK, simply gorgeous!!! It's pictures like those that make me the most homesick for Disney!!!

Thank you! And sorry - I know what you mean, though. Leo's urging me to go back for a day trip before school starts. We'll see...

Great update!!! Friends, family & fun!!! That's what Disney is all about!

Soooo true!

Cannot believe they found Leo's phone!!!

Me too - who'd have thunk it?!

 

[Parla]

I did not, however, partake of the salmon that night. Instead I went with the Penne Caprese. LL and Tony ordered the giant antipasto for us all to share, so I had an appetizer – highly unusual for me.

Oh my heck, was it good! LL, thanks again for convincing me to dig in! Marinated mushrooms and artichokes, a variety of meats and cheeses, roasted veggies… it was a scrumptious start.

Oh MY heck! I want some of that! It sounds divine.

That’s still not the Good Camera, by the way. The Good Camera remained locked in the room safe.

Can you remind me again why you continue to drag the good camera along only to leave it in the hotel. Your pictures all seem beautiful to me.

THEY DID! They actually had Leo’s phone. I was stunned. Numb. Bedazed. Awed. And fifteen other ways of saying “Holy shizzle, I can’t believe nobody stole it!”

I did ask if he’d learned anything form the experience… to which he answered, “Yes. I don’t want to carry a phone any more. It’s too much resfonsifility.” LOL! Fair enough. I tucked it away in my bag and it stayed tucked away the rest of our trip. Maybe next time.

So glad they had his phone. I know DS would be more upset if he lost his phone than I would be.

We witnessed a woman in a scooter and her husband storm into GR and go ballistic on the poor cast members on duty that unfortunate night. Apparently, the husband had been in earlier to request a Guest Assistance card for his wife. And, he said, had been told that his wife needed to come in for it instead. The wife was NOT. PLEASED. In fact, she was “****ing pissed!” I know. Because she informed everyone within a five block radius of this fact.

Oh. Goody.

She also let us all know that her little dog was stressed and peeing itself over and over because she had to get so angry about the whole thing. Also, she was pretty sure she was being discriminated against and thought she’d maybe file a lawsuit before leaving Florida.

WTH is wrong with people? I can't believe she blamed her dog peeing on them. That poor dog probably pees all over itself all the time living with that.

Two, when we arrived, T, Kate and their families were ready to go into Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Both Leo and Michael balked at that idea, so I offered to take them on the Peoplemover instead.

I hope my son doesn't balk at Monsters Inc. We loved it last time. Except the not texting his joke in part. Now that he has his own phone I'm sure he's already got a joke typed in and ready to go and as far as he knows we're not coming back until 2013. LOL!

Bite 1 and Leo partnered up for this one. Apparently Bite 1 shared some tips with Leo, too. Wasn’t that nice? I rode with Kate. I didn’t share any tips with her; I beat her silly. BWAHAHAHA!!!

Love it!

By that point, we were more than halfway there. I looked at T. She looked at me. And I believe we made a silent pledge of “I won’t tell if you don’t!” And yes, we crammed three kids and one V into the backseat of a Hyundai Elantra. Two kids in a single seatbelt, no less.

I know – we’re all fired.

Actually, it was pretty freaking funny. At some point, someone (I swear it wasn’t me!) complained of feeling “squished.” Which, of course, could only be handled one way…

“When WE were kids, we’d fit 10 kids in a backseat – 5 on the seat and 5 on the floor!”

“And remember – we’d stuff 20 of us in the back of a station wagon!”

“Yes, and that one time, when so-and-so rode in the trunk?!”

Hahaha! My brother used to beg to ride in the trunk when we went to the drive-in.

And I must throw in that it was a great MI:LF. Andy was chosen to be Sully and Maddie's infectious laughter was in full force.

I'm sorry I missed this post with no colon. Thank goodness sharkb8 was here so I didn't miss out on the laugh!

Isn't this a cute picture?

That's an awesome picture. Did you leave YOUR good camera back in the hotel safe?

 

[AshClan]

Well, I am late to the party, but thrilled that I've actually hit on a V TR early enough to actually catch up and be able to post!! There is so much I want to comment on, and I don't know where to begin....

First, of course, DIS friendships and how wonderful and amazing these bonds can be. In the bits I've seen with the Focker crew, I see so many similarities with our Maelstrommers (...it's a fastpass, y'know). And all those "we've known each other forever" and "didn't we just see each other last week?" and "we don't get to see each other often enough" feelings are sooooo familiar!

Leo is adorable, as are you. And the two of you together

Mad skillz on the photography! Wow, you've got some amazing pictures there...both of the great WDW scenery and of all those adorable kids!

Yacht Club. After next February's Maelstrom meet stay at the GF, the YC will be the only deluxe I haven't stayed in. I always thought...I've stayed at the Beach Club several times. Same diff, right? I think you've changed my mind and I may have to give it a try! Of course, DVC makes it tricky, but I usually save my points for family, so maybe I can stay at YC for a Maelstrom meet one of these days!

EMH. Yep, I avoid 'em like a plague. You may have me wavering a bit on that idea, too.

I am loving your report so far, V. Can't wait to hear more!!!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Another FANTABULOUS update V.
I have now added Tutto to the must do list for our next long Disney trip.
Loved the pics of you guys in the "magical light."!!!!
Your pic from the ferry to MK is gorgeous!
I have heard great things about the Night-tastic fireworks....wish they were holding those over in addition to the MSEP for us to see when we are there next week.
So glad you all had such a wonderful night in MK!!!! These are the kind of times that you want to tell the non-converted about when they ask......you are going to Disney again-right?

 

[PrincessV]

Can you remind me again why you continue to drag the good camera along only to leave it in the hotel. Your pictures all seem beautiful to me.

Thank you! And lol - you'll totally see why The Good Camera came on the trip, if only to be let out of the safe twice, in a few more chapters.

That poor dog probably pees all over itself all the time living with that.

I had the same thought!

That's an awesome picture. Did you leave YOUR good camera back in the hotel safe?

Indeed, T had her Good Camera with her most of the trip! Of course, she also had a stroller in which to carry it. Just sayin'.

Well, I am late to the party, but thrilled that I've actually hit on a V TR early enough to actually catch up and be able to post!!

ASH! Thanks for joining in!

In the bits I've seen with the Focker crew, I see so many similarities with our Maelstrommers (...it's a fastpass, y'know). And all those "we've known each other forever" and "didn't we just see each other last week?" and "we don't get to see each other often enough" feelings are sooooo familiar!

You know - we have the Maelstromers to thank for ever meeting up in the first place. It was your infamous Poly beach meet years ago that gave us the idea - and maybe the courage - to try meeting in person some DIS peeps with whom we'd been chatting a long time. So thanks Maelstromers!

Yacht Club. After next February's Maelstrom meet stay at the GF, the YC will be the only deluxe I haven't stayed in. I always thought...I've stayed at the Beach Club several times. Same diff, right?

That's a tough one - I love the BC, too, and for a lot of the same reasons as the YC. But they definitely have a different feel and I'd for sure add the YC to your list!

EMH. Yep, I avoid 'em like a plague. You may have me wavering a bit on that idea, too.

I'll be honest, I'm still not 100% sold, lol! I still keep thinking maybe we just got lucky.

I have now added Tutto to the must do list for our next long Disney trip.

Do it - you won't regret it!

I have heard great things about the Night-tastic fireworks....wish they were holding those over in addition to the MSEP for us to see when we are there next week.

I wish they'd keep them forever. I don't understand why they're going but MSEP is staying.

These are the kind of times that you want to tell the non-converted about when they ask......you are going to Disney again-right?

Sooooo true! In fact, that's very nearly what I just used to convince Gramma, lol!

 

[askelton]

So did not realize you started your TR. Glad my life is somewhat back to normal again so I can read about yours.

 

[PrincessV]

So did not realize you started your TR. Glad my life is somewhat back to normal again so I can read about yours.

No worries - I knew you had a lot going on, but I'd have come to get you in time for your arrival in the story!

 

[PrincessV]

Ah, Day Four. I’d been looking forward to Day Four of our trip for a long, long time. Why Day Four, specifically? Because the Plan for Day Four encompassed five of my favorite vacation activities:

Long spans of time spent poolside.
Laundry.
Grocery shopping away from home.
A nap.
And a delicious, adults-only dinner in a fabulous restaurant.


Sadly, only two and half of those items came to fruition.


Here’s what happened…

First, we got evicted from the Yacht Club. Okay, maybe not evicted (NO OC Housewife Lynn) – but it was, indeed, moving day. Which meant the Envelope of Doom was tucked under our door, saying in no uncertain terms, “GET OUT!” Only, the Yacht Club is a Deluxe resort, so I’m pretty sure it said “GET OUT! Please. And have a magical day!”

The point is, we needed to get out. And over to our next home-away-from-home, the Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani. We’d slept-in some, eaten breakfast and packed up our eight gazillion belongings. Called bell services, brought the car around, and loaded up. Yes indeedy, I was allowed to park under the porte corchere to pack my car and leave the Yacht Club, just not to arrive at the Yacht Club. Interesting.


I considered stopping at the grocery store on our way to Kidani, but the car was stuffed and we actually had a sunny morning; I opted instead to check in and then get straight to the pool before any rain came.

Now, I’d toured Kidani on a previous trip so as to get a feel for the place. V doesn’t like surprises. Neither does Leo. So I was already aware that Kidani looks alarmingly like a penitentiary as you drive up to the entrance. Why, Disney, why?! The landscaping is lovely, but even it can’t fix the giant, drab green concrete wall with teeny little windows. Fortunately, things look a lot better once you pull into the entrance. Especially the under-building parking.

Oh, how I wish I’d have taken pictures of the parking! There are some floating around the ‘Net, but none of the area in which we routinely parked. I was in love. I’d specifically asked for a room in the Rafiki section, having scouted the place out previously. Rafiki is just off the lobby and its elevator and parking area are right across from the pool entrance.


But I’m getting ahead of myself.

I initially parked in the lobby check-in parking lot until I found out exactly where we’d be located. I’d done the online check-in, so I got in line behind one other person at the designated “Online Check-In” window. To be clear, three other windows were open for non-online check-ins.

The lady ahead of me and I waited while a Cast Member (CM) assisted a couple at the window. We waited. And waited. And waited. While the couple asked a million questions about dining, DVC, African wildlife, the cost of pork bellies and anything else you can imagine. At the Online Check-In window.

Maybe I’m just over-reactive. But this situation annoyed me to the point where I wrote to WDW about it. Online check-in is billed as a time saver. Rather like the express line at the bank or grocery store. You don’t do online check-in if you need a lot of assistance. As an online-check-er-inner, I expect that I’ll walk up with my driver’s license, be presented with a map and room key, and be on my way. So, in my opinion, one of two things should have happened that day:

1. The Online Check-In-Window-hogging couple should have been asked to speak with a non-Online-Check-In CM the moment they required more assistance than key and map delivery.

OR…

2. A non-Online-Check-In CM should have beckoned the lady in front of me down to his empty window for assistance.

Neither of these things happened and it irked me. Luckily, Lauralee (LL) was also moving to Kidani that day, and happened to be in the lobby while I was waiting. Leo went to hang with Micheal while I finally got up to the window for my keys and map. And room number! Okay, the wait irk was tempered some by the fact that our room was not only ready, but in the Rafiki section as requested. Yay!



I believe LL and family headed out to the grocery store, but Leo and I went to check out our new digs and get swimming.

I was a little nervous about our first Kidani stay… mostly because I blew nearly a year’s worth of my DVC points on a one bedroom. I’d gone back and forth on the subject of a one bedroom vs. a studio for quite a while. It seemed silly to have so much space for just the two of us, but 10 nights is a long time and we’re used to having a great deal of personal space. Ultimately I decided to go for broke and it was into a one bedroom villa that we stepped.

WOW! It was gorgeous! Really, it was love at first sight for both Leo and I. What a beautiful décor!

Notice that I did not take these pictures. Credit goes to Jack Spence at allears.net for them. And the reason why I didn’t take my own pictures is one of three major problems I had with our Kidani villa.

Guys, forgive me for the stereotype, but the lighting in these rooms had to have been designed by men. No woman would accept the complete lack of adequate lighting in Kidani. The light fixtures themselves are absolutely gorgeous. But they are sadly not up to their task. You know – the task of emitting light?! I kid you not – I had to use a freaking flashlight to find a white sock in the bedroom… with every light in the room on. Putting on make-up in the master bath was a joke; I couldn’t see a darn thing. I actually used my Itty Bitty Booklite.

So Kidani gets an F from me on lighting, though an A+ for ambiance.

Kidani also gets an F of epic proportions for this stupid move: the hoses on the washing machine were switched. So when you set the washer on Cold, you actually got Hot. No problem, right? Just select Hot if what you really want is a Cold wash. Only… the washer is set to rinse all cycles on Cold. Which is actually Hot. So you can’t win. Whatever selection you make, your clothes will at some point be bathed in hot water.

I knew about this problem going in, having read complaints of the same shortly after Kidani opened. But I sure assumed it would have been taken care of by summer 2010! And didn’t check first before loading most of our clothing into the washer. And selecting Cold. Only later, when I took them out to go into the dryer, did I find out. Because everything in the washer was scorching hot to the touch. And yes, every single item shrank. I wrote to Disney about that, too. I admit, I didn’t call maintenance and I should have. But you’ll understand why it was the last thing on my mind in a bit. Plus, the damage had already been done; most of my clothes have some stretch and I was able to stretch them back to size, and Leo’s T-shirts all had plenty of room, anyway.


Since I’m on a roll, let me address problem number three. The AC system. Who’s the genius who thought putting the thermostat in the living room and the only vent in the bedroom was a good idea? In the living room, a single vent exists, just inside the entrance. Guests have no control over it; it seems to be part of the building’s HVAC system. It continuously blows out ice-cold air. The bedroom vent is controlled by the guest, but by the thermostat outside of it, in the living room. Do you see where this is going? When the living room felt a tad too chilly, I turned the thermostat up a few degrees. This, of course, did nothing to stop the ice-cold air coming in at the entrance vent. Instead, it turned the HEAT on in the bedroom, which was already plenty warm. It took a few tries before I figured out that if we wanted the room a touch warmer, I needed to shut the whole thing OFF. And then turn it back on to cool down. And to tuck my child into three – yes THREE – blankets to sleep in the arctic wonderland that was our living room.

I wrote in about that, too. In terms that may or may note have referred to their HVAC people as “idiots.”

Phew. With that off my chest, let me say this: I’d go back to Kidani in a heartbeat. Everything else was of such nice quality and so beautifully appointed that it overshadows the negatives. And the parking is a huge part of that.

Our room was but a few doors down from an elevator, which led straight down to the pool entrance. And we were able to park within 5-10 spaces of that elevator the entire week. Better than that even … I was parked in the shade! Trust me – for a Floridian in summer, this is HUGE. To be able to shower and dress for dinner, and then get into a car that wasn’t 200 degrees was absolutely wonderful.



So, back to our arrival at the Kidani room. It only took three trips to unload the car, I threw a load of laundry into the washer (RIP cute, cotton, gauzy top), and Leo and I changed into swimsuits for our first taste of the Kidani pool.

It’s not a great picture, but that was the view from my chair. And it’s the only picture I have from that pool day. Because not 20 minutes after arriving, we were departing. One of us in tears. And limping.

Leo likes to thoroughly inspect a pool area before diving in, so to speak. He wants to be aware of all options and potential pitfalls. And so he’d walked around the pool deck, dipped into water in several spots, inspected the slide. He then wanted to take a look at the splash zone, where a maze of interesting things squirt water. He liked it in there. He was having a good time, running between a couple spraying thingies, when all of a sudden he went down. Looked at me horrified, but silent, for a moment. And then screamed bloody murder.

“BEE! BEE!! BEEEEEEE!!!!!”

“Where?! Where is it?!” asked I.

And he showed me the bottom of his foot. To which was attached, yes, a bee. Know what? They really do die when they sting. I know now, because I grabbed a leaf off the ground to shoo the bee away, and it just fell off. Leaving behind its stinger. In my baby’s foot.

FYI, I’m good to have around in an emergency. Because I go into instant paramedic mode and freak out later. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I remembered “never pull the stinger out, scrape with a credit card.” No credit card, but I did have our room keys with me and I quickly scraped the stinger up and out.

That made Leo scream louder.

My next mental sense of alert was this: “I’m allergic to bee stings. I’m also allergic to mosquito and fire ant bites. Leo’s allergic to mosquito and fire ant bites. Could he also be allergic to bee stings? I need to get a lifeguard.”

There are no lifeguards on that side of the pool complex, so I helped Leo hobble over to the other side and grabbed the attention of the wonderful Kevin. I explained quickly and concisely what happened and Kevin asked “Is he allergic?” I told him that I didn’t know.

Kevin rocked my world. First, he started talking to Leo. I mean really talking to him. I later found out that he was trying to keep Leo from going into shock, in case he was allergic. Shock just makes things even worse. While talking, Kevin alerted another lifeguard that he was handling an emergency, cracked open an ice pack, and readied anti-sting swabs and a cell phone, just in case.

~sigh~ Kevin took one look at the bottom of Leo’s foot, which was now five times its normal size, purple-red and hot to the touch, and said “Yep, he’s allergic.” Kevin knows what he’s talking about. See, Kevin just found out that he’s allergic to bee stings. The same way. He stepped on a bee at work a month before our trip, and experienced the same type of reaction. His manager sent him to the Dr., who confirmed that Kevin was having an allergic reaction.

I’m so grateful that Kevin happened to be on duty, in that particular lifeguard chair, that day. He asked if I had antihistamine – I did, but up in the room. Kevin didn’t want Leo going that far yet because Kevin could have an ambulance there in seconds, whereas it would take longer if I called from my room. And we just didn’t know at that time if Leo’s reaction would be localized or systemic. Kevin had an antihistamine in his first aid kit, and the dose would be fine for Leo, but he’d have to swallow the pill, not chew it.

Between Kevin and I, we encouraged and cajoled until Leo somehow managed to get it down. We waited another 5-10 minutes and nothing more seemed to be happening. Kevin went back to his post, asking that we stay put another 15 minutes, right there behind his chair. We did, and nothing more happened, so we got the go ahead from Kevin and headed back to the room.


At that point, we’d still not gone grocery shopping and it was lunch time. Leo was in no condition to go in search of food; all he wanted was to lie down in the room and he couldn’t really walk well. We wound up in Kidani’s gift shop, where I grabbed some kind of Oscar Meyer lunch pack and a Mickey ice cream bar for Leo, and we went back to the villa to eat.

By the time we were done, Leo was nodding off. The antihistamine was hitting him hard. So I tucked him under his three blankets and wondered what to do with myself.



Know what I hadn’t done at all yet on the trip? Work out. And I was feeling it. Yes, we’d had plenty of walking, but my back and shoulders were tight. Made tighter by the whole bee sting situation, too, I’m sure. Some yoga was just what I needed while Leo slept.

So I got out my laptop, popped in my Body by Bethenny DVD and yoga’d it out. At the end, laying in relaxation pose, the tears started. Then the sobs. Like I said, I’m good in an emergency, but I freak out later. It was time to release, apparently. The bee sting scared the crap out of me. Because, as a person with major allergies, I know how it goes; what triggers a localized reaction the first time can easily result in a systemic reaction the next. You just never know. And that’s just plain scary.

Still, Leo was okay. And now we know. So I finally pulled myself back up, grabbed a shower and got back in gear. Though I still wasn’t sure what the rest of the day might hold. We had plans for the night, big plans. Plans that involved leaving my allergy-ridden baby in the care of strangers while I lived it up with my grown-up friends.

Would I be able to leave Leo? Would he even want to go? Was my favorite dress destined to stay in the closet until our return home?

Stay tuned.

 

[Wonders10]

Awww man, that stinks about Leo! A positive (I like to see silver linings) is that you found out he's allergic and had a helpful CM instead of the same thing happening at school and no one noticeing. Hopefully no more bee stings in his future.

I'm glad you mentioned the Bethenny DVD. I like to do yoga, when I actually do it. But I've been thinking of getting her DVD - do you like it? I feel like I'd like it just because its her, but does it get the job done? Since I'm single and don't have kids, my dog is my baby and they have a dog daycare/boarding that has DOGA - dog yoga - once a week. I'd love to take him but my work schedule gets in the way.

Can't wait for the next installment - hope you had your grown ups night out!

 

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Poor Leo! I have never been stung by a bee, knock on wood. But, I can only image getting stung on the bottom of your foot is probably the worst place to get stung. Can't wait to read about some happier times.

 

[PittypatBR]

Oh, Man, what a downer! After things going so well, you just don't want the bad stuff to happen at the happiest place on earth. Bees should be outlawed at Disney, along with all other stinging biting annoying creatures! Hope the day got better after that, and thank heavens for Kevin. And for heavens sakes, washer hoses reversed? How long would THAT take to fix - 5 minutes? That is NOT disney-like.

 

[MEK]

Poor Leo - just read your update and, although I don't suffer from systemic allergies, I have a phobia about them because my mother is allergic to everything antibiotic known to man as well as bees. I admire you for staying nice and calm and then getting upset later. I'm glad Leo was fine and I guess he's going to have an epi pen in his future! I got stung recently while out running. The bee literally just flew into my leg. I kept thinking, "thank God I'm not allergic"

I don't know if you have seen it, but there are now commercials on TV regarding allergic reactions in kids. I think its great because it increases awareness.

Thank goodness for your wonderful life guard!

I'm glad you liked Kidani. I absolutely loved it there and can't wait until I return one of these days!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Poor Leo! I'm so glad that lifeguard knew what to do and, as you said, that he happened to be there.

I'm really enjoying your report and can't wait to read more! Plus I gotta tell ya, I'm in love with that little guy's smile! What a cutie!

 

[glennbo123]

More great writing V! I'm glad to read that you liked Kidani, even though you had a few specific areas of concern. I had completely forgotten about the issue with some of the washers having the hoses switched. I think I'd read about that back when it opened, but had completely forgotten about it. Fortunately, I guess we didn't have that issue. I've also never had any trouble with the A/C, I've just notched-it up or down as needed. The lighting, well yeah, we agree. My wife complained about trying to apply make-up, and I learned that the best way to light the bedroom is to open the curtains. But we still love it.

I'm familiar with your Rafiki elevator, that's how we always go to the pool. Rather than going through the lobby, we'd walk to the Rafiki elevator and take it down to the parking area and walk to the back entrance of the pool.

Oh, online check-in. I've never done it (because I suspected that it wasn't really that different from regular check-in), and I would've been peeved too if I was waiting in line and watching what you saw. I'm glad you wrote to Disney about that. After we returned from our trip, I was sent a link by Disney to complete a survey. It was actually very extensive, and several questions related to online check-in. In my case, because I answered that I did not use it, they wanted to know why. I answered that I didn't really see it as a time-saver, and I didn't believe that it would give me a better chance at getting my preferred room choice. Anyway, my point is, I know they're trying to push it so I'm sure they appreciated getting your feedback even though it wasn't positive.

Lastly, kudos to lifeguard Kevin and I'm sorry that Leo has discovered he has a bee allergy. It's good to hear that your crisis was handled so well.