This continues previous post.
May 31, Day Four
We awoke to another beautiful day full of Florida sunshine and our morning ritual of stepping out onto the balcony to say hello to the animals outside our room. Zoe would say "Wake up aunteemules. Wake up raff." which translates to wake up animals, wake up giraffe.
Today, we needed to finish Animal Kingdom and try to get to MGM. We stupidly skipped our usual big breakfast which meant we had to stop and take a food break around1030am instead of later, but it helped get around late when everyone else was eating lunch.
I thought Zoe was tall enough to ride the Kali River Rapid ride because it said 38" was the height requirement and that is her height measurement at the doctor's office. I found out later that Mickey's ruler is a little off and more like the old 40" requirement which made me think that they changed the measurement in the brochures, but never adjusted the measuring device. Does anyone know about that?
We returned to Animal Kingdom to grab a fast pass for the river rapids, but first walked right into the first Lion King show of the day. That was a fabulous show, but I wonder if they could figure out how to get the audience out of the theatre before they move the stage and equipment. That waiting for them to move everything didn't fly too well when there are fast passes to be had and prizes to be won at Dinoland. We ended up going to Dinoland immediately after our quick stop at Pizzafari for that much needed nourishment.
We rode the Triceratop spin and then played all the games winning a couple of stuffed dinosaurs and a snake. I actually got a basketball in! Me, miss non athletic. Then we made a vain attempt to ride Dinosaur, but Zoe was definitely too short for that one. We caught Tarzan Rocks which was a great high energy show. I would highly recommend it even though I couldn't figure out what the tarzan storyline had to do with in-line skating. Maybe I am just out of the loop--like I said, I'm not an athlete.
We walked over to the Kali River Rapids to get our fast pass then walked through the Maharajah Jungle Trek. This was close to seeing the animals at a zoo, but the way the Asian theme was carried out in the architecture and other decor was wonderful. Plus it is a great way to kill time before you fast pass time is up.
I prepared Zoe for the ride by getting her down to a diaper so she could get drenched and have dry clothes to change into. We were prepared to go on the river rapids then return to the hotel for an afternoon swim but, once we got up to the fast pass line, we found out that she was too short. I tried to give my fast pass ticket away, but no one could use just one. In a few minutes another woman who changed her mind and had another ticket to give so we finally found two young guys to take our tickets and go on the ride right then and there without a wait. I hope they had fun.
At that point we decided to try to go right over to MGM instead of going back to the hotel. We had 6pm reservations at the Sci-Fi Dine in and figured we could get over to MGM by 2pm and see the Little Mermaid show, Bear in the Blue House and the Muppets. There aren't many rides for a tiny tot there, but lots of great shows and we could see Fantasmic to celebrate our last night.
We walked over to the bus stop that would take us over to MGM and we waited and waited for about 30 minutes while 4-5 Epcot and Magic Kingdom buses came by. By this time, Zoe had fallen asleep so it was back to AKL. People were still waiting for that MGM bus when I boarded my AKL bus. Not sure what happened there.
Zoe had a great nap and I got to rest my feet alittle. We left the hotel with plenty of time to get to the MGM for our dinner reservations. Again we waited and waited for that MGM bus, but this time at the hotel. And there was no one else waiting with us at first. I was starting to think that something had happened and the park was closed and that I was out of the loop. Finally more people showed up and then a bus.
We made it to MGM about 5 minutes before our priority seating time and we moved quickly to get in and find our way over to the restaurant. We got there a few minutes late, but they seated us within 5 minutes. We got to sit in one of the cars that faces the movie screen. Zoe and I loved it. I especially loved all the corny old horror flicks and the intermission ads from the 50s and 60s. One note though, if you have trouble reading menus in very dim light, bring a small flashlight. I know that my mother would have had trouble with that. I actually packed a small flashlight, but forgot I brought it.
This was one of the best meals I've had at Disney. Maybe it was t
he perfect dish at the perfect time, but it was delicious and a good value. I ordered the steak and baked potato and sub the vegie medley for their roasted corn on the cob. yum. And for dessert, strawberry shortcake. Zoe insisted on having a birthday candle to blow out so I requested just a scooop of ice cream with a candle and got the full treatment. Marsha, our waitress, brought out this huge sundae and made a very loud announcement to entire room that it was Zoe's birthday. It was great. We ended up taking most of the ice cream in a go container to try to catch the last Little Mermaid show of the night. We ran and arrived at the theater with a few minutes to spare, but they were already full. We were disappointed. By the time we got our bearings, most of the other shows were over for the day and the only rides open were the roller coasters that we could not go on. The Great Movie Ride was closed for refurbishment. We ended up seeing the Muppets in 3-D, Sounds Dangerous and did some shopping. We went to see the 10pm showing of Fantasmic and enjoyed a nice sparse crowd there. The only thing that is hard with a toddler or baby is the distance that you have to walk to get down to your seat after you leave your stroller in the designated place. I understand that the strollers would be a terrible hazard in the event of a fire, but try carrying an extra 30 pounds to that amphitheater and down those steps. Yes, she could've walked, but Zoe was also going through that "terrible two tantrum stage" where they throw themselves onto the ground and refuse to move. Yes, we should've called it a day, but we were there. She loved the show, especially the part where all the princesses float by.
We returned to the hotel and while Zoe settled down to sleep, I packed and managed to fit everything back in the suitcase including our souvenirs. I came up with a great idea for next time we go. I will make little coupons for Zoe that read "Good for one t-shirt", "Good for one stuffed animal", "Good for one toy", "Good for one optional souvenir." Something like that. She didn't want much this time, but you never know when she is older what she will feel like she has to have.
We also had a message from the front desk saying that they would slip the bill under the door and we could participate in express check-out.
June 1, Day 5
We planned on sleeping late, checking out, storing out luggage and catching Little Mermaid at MGM.
I woke up around 7am and looked for that bill under the door. I wanted to know what exactly was the amount I had charged to the room. There was no bill under the door, but I remembered how dark the room was at night which meant that there was no light slipping in from the hall which meant a tight door seal. No way could anything pass under that door. I figured the bill was outside on the floor, but it was hanging in an envelope on the door knob. I grabbed it and opened it. That is when the "Hakuna Matata" of the moment was taken away. The amount I charged to the room was what I thought, but the room charge was almost 4 times what I had been quoted by Disney Travel. That was when I started to freak out. I opened my suitcase and frantically searched for my confirmation showing that my room was paid in full and the amount. Thank goodness, I had it. I called the desk who said come down at my convenience and they'll see what they could do. What do you mean see what you can do. Obviously, there is a huge error.
I hurried up and took my shower and got dressed then woke up sleeping beauty and got her ready as well. Now, I figured we would just go down and get this mess straightened up and then if my stomach was back to normal, get breakfast.
I calmly approached the front desk and got the same CM, Ann, that had checked us in. She was very nice and explained that we had been upgraded and that the computer had not registered our discounted rate. I never realized that we had been upgraded and had figured we were lucky to get such a fantasic view for the price. She took my confirmation (always bring your paperwork with you and never throw away until you get that credit card bill or bank statement) and went into an office and after about 5 minutes said everything was fine and that I would not be charged that amount, just the incidental charges. Whew! I got her manager's name who assured me that this was so.
I felt alot better now so Zoe and I headed to the Mara for breakfast, but it was crowded so we headed to the Boma for their great breakfast buffet.
After breakfast, we passed by the bell desk and requested the luggage be stored. They must have had a lot of people checking out because there were a dozen bell personnel waiting to help. I never had to wait, they sent someone with me who took my luggage to store until later when Mears shuttle would pick us up. We said goodby to our home for the last 5 days and headed over to MGM.
We were able to catch one of the first Little Mermaid shows of the day and headed over to the Back Lot tour, Bear in the Blue House and Who wants to be a Milllionaire. Then we went to Prime Time for lunch. Another great meal. I highly recommend the pot roast and Elizabeth the waitress. I loved the lounge that is attached. It is decorated just like a living room from a 1950s suburban home.
Our day was winding down to an end so we headed back to the hotel after one last stroll past the stores. We picked up the photo of Zoe and Mickey taken earlier and picked up some diapers for the plane ride home. I had never been in the Baby Care Center before. They are wonderful with highchairs for feeding babies as well as great nursing retreats. They also sell anything you would need for little ones. The CM there said that the one at Animal Kingdom has a play room area. I wish I would've checked that one out. Next time.
Zoe and I got back to the hotel with 2 hrs to wait before Mears came to get us. We watched Toon Disney on the lobby tv and walked around for one last look at the great African Art at AKL. Then we wandered outside so Zoe could play in the wading pool. Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye ...
Thanks, Charlie Kaufmann from Mears for an enjoyable and fun ride to the airport. I loved playing Disney trivia with you and listening to your wonderful music selections.
Some observances: Could they move stroller parking at each attraction so you can get your stroller right where you exit? Could they add some restroom sinks at toddler height which is not wheel chair height?
May 31, Day Four
We awoke to another beautiful day full of Florida sunshine and our morning ritual of stepping out onto the balcony to say hello to the animals outside our room. Zoe would say "Wake up aunteemules. Wake up raff." which translates to wake up animals, wake up giraffe.
Today, we needed to finish Animal Kingdom and try to get to MGM. We stupidly skipped our usual big breakfast which meant we had to stop and take a food break around1030am instead of later, but it helped get around late when everyone else was eating lunch.
I thought Zoe was tall enough to ride the Kali River Rapid ride because it said 38" was the height requirement and that is her height measurement at the doctor's office. I found out later that Mickey's ruler is a little off and more like the old 40" requirement which made me think that they changed the measurement in the brochures, but never adjusted the measuring device. Does anyone know about that?
We returned to Animal Kingdom to grab a fast pass for the river rapids, but first walked right into the first Lion King show of the day. That was a fabulous show, but I wonder if they could figure out how to get the audience out of the theatre before they move the stage and equipment. That waiting for them to move everything didn't fly too well when there are fast passes to be had and prizes to be won at Dinoland. We ended up going to Dinoland immediately after our quick stop at Pizzafari for that much needed nourishment.
We rode the Triceratop spin and then played all the games winning a couple of stuffed dinosaurs and a snake. I actually got a basketball in! Me, miss non athletic. Then we made a vain attempt to ride Dinosaur, but Zoe was definitely too short for that one. We caught Tarzan Rocks which was a great high energy show. I would highly recommend it even though I couldn't figure out what the tarzan storyline had to do with in-line skating. Maybe I am just out of the loop--like I said, I'm not an athlete.
We walked over to the Kali River Rapids to get our fast pass then walked through the Maharajah Jungle Trek. This was close to seeing the animals at a zoo, but the way the Asian theme was carried out in the architecture and other decor was wonderful. Plus it is a great way to kill time before you fast pass time is up.
I prepared Zoe for the ride by getting her down to a diaper so she could get drenched and have dry clothes to change into. We were prepared to go on the river rapids then return to the hotel for an afternoon swim but, once we got up to the fast pass line, we found out that she was too short. I tried to give my fast pass ticket away, but no one could use just one. In a few minutes another woman who changed her mind and had another ticket to give so we finally found two young guys to take our tickets and go on the ride right then and there without a wait. I hope they had fun.
At that point we decided to try to go right over to MGM instead of going back to the hotel. We had 6pm reservations at the Sci-Fi Dine in and figured we could get over to MGM by 2pm and see the Little Mermaid show, Bear in the Blue House and the Muppets. There aren't many rides for a tiny tot there, but lots of great shows and we could see Fantasmic to celebrate our last night.
We walked over to the bus stop that would take us over to MGM and we waited and waited for about 30 minutes while 4-5 Epcot and Magic Kingdom buses came by. By this time, Zoe had fallen asleep so it was back to AKL. People were still waiting for that MGM bus when I boarded my AKL bus. Not sure what happened there.
Zoe had a great nap and I got to rest my feet alittle. We left the hotel with plenty of time to get to the MGM for our dinner reservations. Again we waited and waited for that MGM bus, but this time at the hotel. And there was no one else waiting with us at first. I was starting to think that something had happened and the park was closed and that I was out of the loop. Finally more people showed up and then a bus.
We made it to MGM about 5 minutes before our priority seating time and we moved quickly to get in and find our way over to the restaurant. We got there a few minutes late, but they seated us within 5 minutes. We got to sit in one of the cars that faces the movie screen. Zoe and I loved it. I especially loved all the corny old horror flicks and the intermission ads from the 50s and 60s. One note though, if you have trouble reading menus in very dim light, bring a small flashlight. I know that my mother would have had trouble with that. I actually packed a small flashlight, but forgot I brought it.
This was one of the best meals I've had at Disney. Maybe it was t
he perfect dish at the perfect time, but it was delicious and a good value. I ordered the steak and baked potato and sub the vegie medley for their roasted corn on the cob. yum. And for dessert, strawberry shortcake. Zoe insisted on having a birthday candle to blow out so I requested just a scooop of ice cream with a candle and got the full treatment. Marsha, our waitress, brought out this huge sundae and made a very loud announcement to entire room that it was Zoe's birthday. It was great. We ended up taking most of the ice cream in a go container to try to catch the last Little Mermaid show of the night. We ran and arrived at the theater with a few minutes to spare, but they were already full. We were disappointed. By the time we got our bearings, most of the other shows were over for the day and the only rides open were the roller coasters that we could not go on. The Great Movie Ride was closed for refurbishment. We ended up seeing the Muppets in 3-D, Sounds Dangerous and did some shopping. We went to see the 10pm showing of Fantasmic and enjoyed a nice sparse crowd there. The only thing that is hard with a toddler or baby is the distance that you have to walk to get down to your seat after you leave your stroller in the designated place. I understand that the strollers would be a terrible hazard in the event of a fire, but try carrying an extra 30 pounds to that amphitheater and down those steps. Yes, she could've walked, but Zoe was also going through that "terrible two tantrum stage" where they throw themselves onto the ground and refuse to move. Yes, we should've called it a day, but we were there. She loved the show, especially the part where all the princesses float by.
We returned to the hotel and while Zoe settled down to sleep, I packed and managed to fit everything back in the suitcase including our souvenirs. I came up with a great idea for next time we go. I will make little coupons for Zoe that read "Good for one t-shirt", "Good for one stuffed animal", "Good for one toy", "Good for one optional souvenir." Something like that. She didn't want much this time, but you never know when she is older what she will feel like she has to have.
We also had a message from the front desk saying that they would slip the bill under the door and we could participate in express check-out.
June 1, Day 5
We planned on sleeping late, checking out, storing out luggage and catching Little Mermaid at MGM.
I woke up around 7am and looked for that bill under the door. I wanted to know what exactly was the amount I had charged to the room. There was no bill under the door, but I remembered how dark the room was at night which meant that there was no light slipping in from the hall which meant a tight door seal. No way could anything pass under that door. I figured the bill was outside on the floor, but it was hanging in an envelope on the door knob. I grabbed it and opened it. That is when the "Hakuna Matata" of the moment was taken away. The amount I charged to the room was what I thought, but the room charge was almost 4 times what I had been quoted by Disney Travel. That was when I started to freak out. I opened my suitcase and frantically searched for my confirmation showing that my room was paid in full and the amount. Thank goodness, I had it. I called the desk who said come down at my convenience and they'll see what they could do. What do you mean see what you can do. Obviously, there is a huge error.
I hurried up and took my shower and got dressed then woke up sleeping beauty and got her ready as well. Now, I figured we would just go down and get this mess straightened up and then if my stomach was back to normal, get breakfast.
I calmly approached the front desk and got the same CM, Ann, that had checked us in. She was very nice and explained that we had been upgraded and that the computer had not registered our discounted rate. I never realized that we had been upgraded and had figured we were lucky to get such a fantasic view for the price. She took my confirmation (always bring your paperwork with you and never throw away until you get that credit card bill or bank statement) and went into an office and after about 5 minutes said everything was fine and that I would not be charged that amount, just the incidental charges. Whew! I got her manager's name who assured me that this was so.
I felt alot better now so Zoe and I headed to the Mara for breakfast, but it was crowded so we headed to the Boma for their great breakfast buffet.
After breakfast, we passed by the bell desk and requested the luggage be stored. They must have had a lot of people checking out because there were a dozen bell personnel waiting to help. I never had to wait, they sent someone with me who took my luggage to store until later when Mears shuttle would pick us up. We said goodby to our home for the last 5 days and headed over to MGM.
We were able to catch one of the first Little Mermaid shows of the day and headed over to the Back Lot tour, Bear in the Blue House and Who wants to be a Milllionaire. Then we went to Prime Time for lunch. Another great meal. I highly recommend the pot roast and Elizabeth the waitress. I loved the lounge that is attached. It is decorated just like a living room from a 1950s suburban home.
Our day was winding down to an end so we headed back to the hotel after one last stroll past the stores. We picked up the photo of Zoe and Mickey taken earlier and picked up some diapers for the plane ride home. I had never been in the Baby Care Center before. They are wonderful with highchairs for feeding babies as well as great nursing retreats. They also sell anything you would need for little ones. The CM there said that the one at Animal Kingdom has a play room area. I wish I would've checked that one out. Next time.
Zoe and I got back to the hotel with 2 hrs to wait before Mears came to get us. We watched Toon Disney on the lobby tv and walked around for one last look at the great African Art at AKL. Then we wandered outside so Zoe could play in the wading pool. Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye ...
Thanks, Charlie Kaufmann from Mears for an enjoyable and fun ride to the airport. I loved playing Disney trivia with you and listening to your wonderful music selections.
Some observances: Could they move stroller parking at each attraction so you can get your stroller right where you exit? Could they add some restroom sinks at toddler height which is not wheel chair height?
