Two Weeks until Two Weeks! - Update 3/22 - NEW TR LINK!

[disneyfan61]

We love eating at Flame Tree. The covered area down behind the building where you get your food is such a nice place to eat. It is on the water looking at EE. The birds are there though looking for food.

We also love Flights of Wonder. It is a great show. I think Henry would like it.

Last year I enjoyed a wonderful drink from the Dawna Bar called "Lost On Safari". Let's just say that if you have too many you will feel like you are lost.. I only had one (good thing) & it was very good!! I am looking forward to another one on those HOT May days.

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

The rapids ride is VERY fun but chances are high that you will get VERY wet. So my advice is bring ponchos and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet (Keens H2). We loved doing the rapids when they had EMH at night. It was kind of spooky in the dark They even let us stay on and we went around a few times since the park was clearing out.

The Bugs Life attraction was the first "attraction" Gabriel did at a Disney Park. He was turning 6. The sensory stuff sent him trying climbing me like I was the Tree of Life. Of course that is a downfall of his Autism but I would think it could be overwhelming for others too. I would either check it out first alone or sit him on your lap near an exit. I have never seen Gabriel so freaked out. Ever. I felt horrible.

Of course that made him leary of anything and would not go into the Lion King show....so we did do the Character Trails during the show and went through like a breeze.

We did eat at Flame Tree during our 2009 trip. It was okay but I had a sour stomach most of the trip I think the only snacks we had there were soft pretzels and soft ice cream.

 

[All7OfUs]

oddly, many of your must-dos are things on my never dones list. Funny how having little ones can shape a trip sometimes!!! Great plans, Brook!

I have to say, I'm in the dark (no pun intended) about the EE news...

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Oooh, your game plan for AK looks fab! Sounds very doable to me. I'd try to do the safari first thing if you can, we saw many more animals that way last trip. It's really awesome, the views are gorgeous!

We've never done Kali River, we actually stood in front of out it debating just how wet we might get. People coming off looked pretty drenched so we bypassed it. But if it was hotter, I think we'd have done it.

The Maharajah trek is so cool! We did this for the first time and I was impressed by the theming. We spent a nice leisurely time in there.

Ugh, online check drove me crazy! I tried everyday right up until we left and it wouldn't let me do it. I don't know why, the front desk at the Grand Floridian said they saw I'd started it but wasn't able to finish. Weird. I'd keep trying though!

Our tops things at AK are:

Expedition Everest (at least for you and Joe)
Nemo
Festival of the Lion King
Safari
Jungle Trek
Dinosaur
Playing the midway games in Dinoland

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

*Sigh* I almost need to stop looking at pictures of Henry because it makes me want kids after I get married soooo bad! But I guess id have to wait 2 or 3 years before they'd appreciate disney right? We bought DVC our last trip in preparation for babies and stuff haha. Your last TR made me realize how much fun DVC stuff there is!

 

[Crazy for Eeyore]

Hey! I love your trip reports! Can't wait to see how your next trip goes. In my opinion, Kali River Rapids isn't very good. The ride is short and you get soking wet for about an hour or twos wait. Have fun!

 

[that's nice]

Your AK day looks good! I skipped Flame Tree the last few times we were in AK. The pulled pork sandwich was sooooo guuud!

 

[Poolrat]

We only did Nemo last trip. Flights of Wonder is #1 on the list, but if we are looking to do another show, FOTLK will be #2!

You need to say hi to my tumble monkey. I had to watch the video at least until the tummble monkeys were done. Yes my monkey was there.

Joe suggested one afternoon, while Henry naps in his stroller, he and I grab a tasty beverage and go find a nice spot to relax and people watch. Does anyone know if that old boat dock is open for people to just sit on and soak in the scenery? That would be the perfect spot! Otherwise, any other suggestions for good scenery/people watching that is semi-relaxing and quiet? We've explored the Tree of Life Trails and those are very nice - a possibility for this...hmmm...

And for people spotting: I like the Dawa Bar area outside Tusker House. There are plenty of options for drinks and snacks around and you can sit and watch people entering Africa. Also further towards the Safari is a small outdoor school room. In this area are a few tables as well. And then of course there are plenty of benches around Discovery Island.

Dawa bar is great location. If you need more quiet go around back and there are tables and chairs back there too.

Down by Flame tree is another place or back behind Yak and Yeti is another hidden gem of an area I found. You can get a Yak attack there.



The trails are great to relax and go at your own pace. Joe will like those.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Your AK plans sound a lot like ours...minus the Kali ride.

Let's see if a can remember my comments....lol

Flame Tree: If you don't want the sides (beans and cole slaw) 0.that come with the chicken or ribs you can just order the meat (and it's cheaper). There is a ton of seating and the ketchup/napkins stuff is down in each little seating area. I like the section down by the water with a great view of EE.

Speaking of EE.....I bet I know what you are going to tell us!

Snacks: If you love cupcakes you have to try one of them from the bakery next to Tusker House. I had the white elephant one...OMG. Go to the Disney Food blog to see them.

Yes you should be able to sit at the old River ride platforms.

Tough to be a Bug: Don't sit on the lower right hand section....that's where Hopper POPS out from and can really scare the kids.

Good to know about Flame Tree. I believe it was one of your reports where I saw those amazing looking onion rings - so I planned on buying those and not eating the sides. Now I'll just ask for the meat only.

I bet you are right on the EE thing! I know you keep up very well on Disney news! I registered all our APs earlier today in anticipation of signing up.

I didn't know about the cupcakes! Those are going down in the list, Joe will be THRILLED, he doesn't often meet a baked good he doesn't like.

Thanks too for the tip on the river ride platform and Hopper! You never cease to amaze me with your tips and organization!!!

That helps me out... don't know about Brook

It helped me too!

If you're going to FW from WL, take the ferry, its a very nice ride (unless the temps are 40 or below!). ESP at night its pretty. We once were boarding the ferry as the EWP was going by. it was a great view and we followed it back to the WL.

Ah, yes! This would be a good option too. I love Disney boat rides, they are so relaxing and beautiful.

I can't wait to Rafiki's Planet Watch...we have missed it twice and since I can only drag DH to AK once on our trip, I told him we are doing what I WANT TO DO there!

I have not seen Flights of Wonder, also on my list. I'll be hoping you can give a TR before my trip in May.

at 3 1/2 and 5 1/2, Katie LOVED Bugs Life. its somewhat 4-d if you don't know alot about it. Don't want to give up secrets if you don't know The only "bad" part of the program, for us, was the waiting before the show started. I remember being in a cave, and hearing the buzzing of ... bees? or maybe ants? ...and the cave was getting crowded. Noises like that make the voices in my head scream for silence so I was getting a bit edgy. I think I minded it more than DH & DD. I was glad when they opened the theater doors & let us in.

As for people watching, I have to say that this was the one park that Katie did not fall asleep. there was just so many great things to see, and the AK doesn't have very long hours, so she was awake for the whole day here.

I have a dining secret ,.... aside from CS meals we have never eaten inside AK. DD loves the Rainforest Cafe, and so everytime I try to change our dining spot at this park, she BEGS to eat there. what can I say? wins!

about AK and your DH. Rafiki's is pretty cute, and the train ride is fun. I hope to go back there around 10 am and see a doctor appointment with one of the animals this time.

We saw the show way back in 2006 and I remember bits about it, but I look forward to it almost being new to me again and all the secrets to happen. I wonder if the sound you heard in the cave was the soundtrack? I think the song is bees buzzing to a tune if I remember correctly! I can see how that could wig someone out though!

We haven't ever eaten at the Rainforest Cafe at WDW, when we lived in Minnesota we did go to the one at the Mall of America a couple times. It's a very fun place to eat, and pretty good food! I can see us booking here in the future, or at T-Rex too.

 

[brookelizabeth]

WAIT!!! did I miss the announcement that this is a GAME to try to guess what you're going to tell us before you tell us?

and if it IS a game..is there a prize for the winner and might we have a clue as to what this prize might be??



I love a good guessing game and I love a prize even better...

Not a game! I just don't want to share until I get to the day we will be doing this "event". But...I bet a Google search would turn something up if you had the right words. Just a couple more days and I'll be sharing!

I'm a couple of updates behind.

MK-Henry will love Tom Sawyer Island. Make sure to pay close attention to the map. The first time we went we missed going to the Fort because we couldn't find it. The fort has the guns! I'm also shocked that you haven't ridden HM. It really isn't scary but the special effects are so great. The only thing that really jumps out at you is at the end in the graveyard.

DHS. I haven't done the drawing thing but really want to try it now that eveyone else keeps talking about it. If Henry likes art sounds like he'll love it. Also if you do make it to POFQ they have a table set up for coloring in the eating area. He can color while you eat beignets.

Other stuff. I haven't made it to the campfire sing along although it has been on my list since the first time we took Danielle in 2002. Dan posted an update on his trip report recently when he took Parker. His report is here http://http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2493892 I think it's around chapter 30 or so. We haven't been to play mini golf yet but again it is something I want to do someday. Hopefully I'll read about it in your report. Resort hoping is fun too. Henry will love all the huge icons at the Values. They also make great photo opps. And of course taking the boat to DTD is a must. We did this for the first time our last trip. So it was so nice.

AK-Kali should be fun! Henry will have to seat in a special seat due to his height. I hope it's warm enough for you to enjoy it. We love Flights of Wonder. We missed it our first trip and now try to see it each trip. I love the corny story that goes with the show. Hopefully you don't have FOB (fear of birds). As far as a nice place to people watch, DH and I sat in an area on the water between Asia and Africa and enjoyed an cool treat. It was very relaxing.

So exicited for your 2 week adventure and jealous too.

Henry is going to LOVE TSI, and the guns! Like I told Michelle I might have to take residency up there because pulling him away might pose a challenge.

I had no idea about the coloring area at POFQ! Nice tip! Thank you!

I checked out Dan's posts about the camp fire - love the pics with Chip & Dale, so, so cute! It's MUCH bigger than I expected, looks like a lot of fun!

No FOB here. My only concern is Henry getting bored and/or Joe not being able to really see the birds due to his low eye sight...but he's gonna have his binoculars, so that will help.

I cannot believe as of tomorrow we are single digit dancing on this 2 week adventure!

I love ITTBAB, not sure what to tell you about whether or not Henry will though. My boys were 9 & 4 the first time they saw it, 4 year old loved it and it totally freaked out the 9 year old If you've watched it with him on youtube and he seems okay with it, I say let him try it

My favorite people watching spot in AK is the Dawa Bar, I like to grab a jalapeno cheese pretzel & a Lost on Safari and take a load off. It's not a quiet, relaxing spot, but it is shaded and if you time it right you can catch the African drummers while you enjoy your treat.

The Dawa Bar spot sounds wonderful. I would love to take in the atmosphere of it all and hopefully catch the drummers. We saw a bit of their show last time and it seemed great!

So glad you're going to try out Flights of Wonder! We went for the first time in December and really enjoyed it! Make sure you have your camera (with you, that's sort of a "duh!" comment isn't it?!) When they ask for 2 volunteers to come up on stage, make yourself known! There's the opportunity to get a really cool shot! Dave got chosen and it was pretty neat!

We're big Flame Tree fans, especially Dave. He likes the ribs! I like the pulled pork sandwich (I'm not a fan of bones in my meat). They used to have awesome cornbread muffins that came with the meals, but those went away

And FOTLK... favorite! I always get teary eyed...

ITTBAB - I'd recommend having Henry sit on your lap. Then that way he can avoid some of the sensations that happen in the seats.

All this talk of all these awesome things is making me all anxious to get back... saw that signing up for the Southwest credit card gets you 2 free tickets, plus N and I have our APs that are good until the beginning of June... Hmmmmm... Another Mom and Son trip might be in order... Our only costs would be food and hotel (we're out of DVC points... happens easily when you only own 40 pts!)... and I'd only eat PBJs to save even more money if it means we could go! Okay, PBJ and one (or two) Dole Whip Floats. And maybe a Mickey Bar. Oh, what the heck... I'll take Deluxe Dining please!

I've never volunteered for anything at Disney - in any of those shows, but I'm tempted to! Maybe I will be brave during Flights of Wonder. What a unique experience that would be to be that close to the birds too!

I am not a fan of bones in my meat either, totally freaks me out. I can sometimes get past it, but not easily. The pulled pork is high on my list of possibilities, glad to hear it's a good one! What is up with the cornbread muffins? I remember seeing those in pics, I would have looooooooooved them. Bummer!

Excellent tip on ITTBAB! I hadn't thought of that. I will try to get him to do that. He's in the "I'm a big boy" stage, so we might demand on having his own seat.

I am tempted to get that SWA CC! 2 free trips?! I do smell another Mom and Son trip. (with Deluxe Dining! )

 

[that's nice]

You need to say hi to my tumble monkey. I had to watch the video at least until the tummble monkeys were done. Yes my monkey was there.

Hummm... you have your own tumble monkey?

 

[brookelizabeth]

We love eating at Flame Tree. The covered area down behind the building where you get your food is such a nice place to eat. It is on the water looking at EE. The birds are there though looking for food.

We also love Flights of Wonder. It is a great show. I think Henry would like it.

Last year I enjoyed a wonderful drink from the Dawna Bar called "Lost On Safari". Let's just say that if you have too many you will feel like you are lost.. I only had one (good thing) & it was very good!! I am looking forward to another one on those HOT May days.

All the seating areas at Flame Tree sound so beautiful and relaxing. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm glad to hear you think Henry will enjoy Flights of Wonder! I was nervous he might get bored with it.

I've heard many good reviews of that "Lost on Safari" drink!!!

The rapids ride is VERY fun but chances are high that you will get VERY wet. So my advice is bring ponchos and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet (Keens H2). We loved doing the rapids when they had EMH at night. It was kind of spooky in the dark They even let us stay on and we went around a few times since the park was clearing out.

The Bugs Life attraction was the first "attraction" Gabriel did at a Disney Park. He was turning 6. The sensory stuff sent him trying climbing me like I was the Tree of Life. Of course that is a downfall of his Autism but I would think it could be overwhelming for others too. I would either check it out first alone or sit him on your lap near an exit. I have never seen Gabriel so freaked out. Ever. I felt horrible.

Of course that made him leary of anything and would not go into the Lion King show....so we did do the Character Trails during the show and went through like a breeze.

We did eat at Flame Tree during our 2009 trip. It was okay but I had a sour stomach most of the trip I think the only snacks we had there were soft pretzels and soft ice cream.

I watched a YouTube video of KRR and wow! Ya, there is pretty much NO WAY you don't get wet on that ride! If it's hot, I'll try it for sure though, with my poncho!

I have heard about lots of kids freaking out during ITTBAB, that makes me nervous. Do they let you exit if the child starts to freak out? During our trip when Henry was 14 months old we did a couple 3D films and he would cry and scream the entire time. After a couple tries we just avoided them for a few trips. I felt awful for him and for everyone else! Last trip we had success with the movies. ITTBAB still makes me nervous though just because of how extreme it is.

Sorry to hear about the sour stomach! Yuck!!

oddly, many of your must-dos are things on my never dones list. Funny how having little ones can shape a trip sometimes!!! Great plans, Brook!

I have to say, I'm in the dark (no pun intended) about the EE news...

Oh ya, having a little one changes the trip COMPLETELY. We pretty much let Henry lead - when he's happy, we are happy!! A melting down 3 year old kills any sort of magic real quick.

You'll hear about EE by Saturday....

Oooh, your game plan for AK looks fab! Sounds very doable to me. I'd try to do the safari first thing if you can, we saw many more animals that way last trip. It's really awesome, the views are gorgeous!

We've never done Kali River, we actually stood in front of out it debating just how wet we might get. People coming off looked pretty drenched so we bypassed it. But if it was hotter, I think we'd have done it.

The Maharajah trek is so cool! We did this for the first time and I was impressed by the theming. We spent a nice leisurely time in there.

Ugh, online check drove me crazy! I tried everyday right up until we left and it wouldn't let me do it. I don't know why, the front desk at the Grand Floridian said they saw I'd started it but wasn't able to finish. Weird. I'd keep trying though!

Our tops things at AK are:

Expedition Everest (at least for you and Joe)
Nemo
Festival of the Lion King
Safari
Jungle Trek
Dinosaur
Playing the midway games in Dinoland

I don't think we have ever ridden the safari in the AM, so I'll aim for that! We gotten some great rides on it in the afternoon, but some boring ones too. I know I have read more than once that the animals are more active in the AM.

That is so weird about the online check in! I go through the DVC site, and it still didn't work. It's not the end of the world, but it'd be nice to check that off my list!

We haven't ever played the midway games in Dinoland, so far Henry hasn't been interested. I am sure that will change eventually!!

*Sigh* I almost need to stop looking at pictures of Henry because it makes me want kids after I get married soooo bad! But I guess id have to wait 2 or 3 years before they'd appreciate disney right? We bought DVC our last trip in preparation for babies and stuff haha. Your last TR made me realize how much fun DVC stuff there is!

Aw, that's so cute about you wanting kids! We took Henry when he was 14 months old and he, and we, had a WONDERFUL time. This will be his 6th trip. Sure, he only really remembers this last one (and not fully), but we remember the first one! It's very fun at this age though, he's super excited and into it. Before this age he'd just light up at all the magic around him, it was very sweet.

DVC is fantastic with kids! The 1 bedrooms with the fridge and the washer/dryer are aaaaaaaaaaaamazing! I wish we had enough points to stay in a 1 bed.

We ended up getting pregnant RIGHT after we got married - like 3 months. It certainly changed us, and it's been harder. I wouldn't change things, obviously, Henry is a total joy and everything to us - but marriage wise...wait for kids if you can! They are HARD work and the first few years of marriage are HARD! I guess it makes ya stronger though...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hey! I love your trip reports! Can't wait to see how your next trip goes. In my opinion, Kali River Rapids isn't very good. The ride is short and you get soking wet for about an hour or twos wait. Have fun!

Thank you!!! I really enjoy sharing it all!

An hour or two wait?! Really?! The lines are that long? Nooooo way would we wait that long - especially with a toddler.

Your AK day looks good! I skipped Flame Tree the last few times we were in AK. The pulled pork sandwich was sooooo guuud!

Another vote for the pulled pork! I think that will be my choice!

Do they have sauce selections like Brother Jimmy's?

You need to say hi to my tumble monkey. I had to watch the video at least until the tummble monkeys were done. Yes my monkey was there.

Dawa bar is great location. If you need more quiet go around back and there are tables and chairs back there too.

Down by Flame tree is another place or back behind Yak and Yeti is another hidden gem of an area I found. You can get a Yak attack there.

The trails are great to relax and go at your own pace. Joe will like those.

I will look for him! Maybe I can shout out a "Pat says hi!!!!!!!"

I told Joe about the Dawa Bar and he seemed interested to relax there as well as the old river boat ride docks. I'm looking forward to them both!

We had a great time exploring the Tree of Life trails a few trips ago. We haven't done it since though.

Hummm... you have your own tumble money?

She does!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm about to head off to bed.

I just looked at the clock.

12:02 AM.


SINGLE DIGIT DANCING BAAAAAAAAAABY!

I can't believe it!!


​

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurrah for single digit dancing!!

I am intrigued by the upcoming EE announcement... I will be staying tuned. And seeing if I can 'trick' google into telling me what it is.

It's Tough to Be a Bug. I did this on my last trip and hadn't done it for years. I will have to admit even I found it a little overwhelming at some points. But if you've been youtubing it sounds like H will be well prepared!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hurrah for single digit dancing!!

I am intrigued by the upcoming EE announcement... I will be staying tuned. And seeing if I can 'trick' google into telling me what it is.

It's Tough to Be a Bug. I did this on my last trip and hadn't done it for years. I will have to admit even I found it a little overwhelming at some points. But if you've been youtubing it sounds like H will be well prepared!

When I saw it in 2006 for the first time, I SCREAMED at some of the effects. I had nooooo idea any of that was going to happen and I do believe it was our first 3D/4D show.

I'm also a tad on the dramatic side.... but still! I will refrain from screaming this time, so I don't scare Henry, even if it is half scream/half laugh.

 

[loritemp]

Morning!! Why oh why haven't I been taking notes?! SO many great ideas you all have!!

We are staying in studios for this trip (taking the grandparents) but for out Dec trip (also with the g-parents) I booked a 2BR with BW view, I can't wait for that!!!

So will you still be able to pack just one suitcase for a 2 week trip?! We are going to try compression bags this trip to pack as much as we can in as few bags as possible!

Single digits, music to the ears

 

[palofeeyore]

Yay for single digits!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'm about to head off to bed.

I just looked at the clock.

12:02 AM.


SINGLE DIGIT DANCING BAAAAAAAAAABY!

I can't believe it!!


​

Woo Hoo!!!
​

 

[brookelizabeth]

Morning!! Why oh why haven't I been taking notes?! SO many great ideas you all have!!

We are staying in studios for this trip (taking the grandparents) but for out Dec trip (also with the g-parents) I booked a 2BR with BW view, I can't wait for that!!!

So will you still be able to pack just one suitcase for a 2 week trip?! We are going to try compression bags this trip to pack as much as we can in as few bags as possible!

Single digits, music to the ears

Oooh, 1 suitcase would be a dream this trip. We will have to pack some cooler weather clothing too-and that always takes up more space. We WILL be doing laundry, but I don't want to have to do it too often. Plus we get 1st bag free on JetBlue, so we will take advantage of that and check 3 bags! I hope to just have a small-ish bag as a carry-on and Joe will have his backpack. It will be more than we are used to, but that's alright! I'm even fine if the smallest suitcase has almost nothing in it...gotta save room for souvies!

I cannot believe we are in single digits already!!!!!

Yay for single digits!

it's hard to believe it's here!!!!