We Shared a SWW...and more! Done...At Home! (10/17)

[SimmerBaggins]

We headed out to the left, following the signs to the bus stop, and came across a wonderful wooden bridge...just fairy-tale like!! I had to snap a picture of the view from the middle...

Isn't it (the bridge) amazing? I was practically skipping across it...my DD was still not feeling very chipper...but she'll get happier, or else...!!

Or else, what, mom?? Or else, I'll force you and Natalie to play the bean-bag game while there are no little kids around...(there were very few people at the bus stop). What? "No, mom," was the answer. Oh, yes.

Mandatory fun. I'm so mean. They only did one round, apiece. I think the CMs felt sorry for them!!

Natalie didn't have much luck with her round, altho it seems like she did get one.

My DH gets comfortable.

We are now ostracized.

Yay, the AK bus came!!

Here we are, outside of AK. I really don't remember what she's digging around for in the backpack, but my DD has the policy of not holding anything for long.

Sorry, I ran out of time...will do more tomorrow...at least we made it TO the park!!!

 

[jmskinner]

Funny, if this was last years TR, the end of this chapter would be the spot we met up.

Actually, I think this is a good spot to introduce me and my family. Here we are with Vickie, Robert, Jordan, and Emily last year at 1900 Park Faire:

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I'm Melissa, 40 year old Disney freak. We moved to FL two years ago because the military made us. Like I put up a fight. Sadly, we only have one more year here, so I have to make the most of it. The weekend we met up with Vickie was my 9th weekend in a row to be at WDW. Does that make me a freak?

My DH is Jonas, also now 40. Yes, I am 8 months older than him and he never lets me forget it. He likes WDW, but not a big fan like me. And sadly, AK is not his favorite park.

And then my boy, Jacob. He is 11 and now officially a middle schooler. He likes WDW, but not like I do. Transformers, Lego's, and of course Star Wars are his things. Oh, and his DS, so you will probably see lots of pictures of him playing his DS while in the park. Hopefully this trip won't go like last year. After the first day with Vickie and her crew, he left his DS on the bus to the resort.

So, while Vickie and them were making their way to the park, we were loading up our truck, taking the dogs to the kennel and heading to Orlando. It's right about an hour in good traffic, which was good this day. Love I4 on most Saturday mornings.

We were on our way!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Funny, if this was last years TR, the end of this chapter would be the spot we met up.

Actually, I think this is a good spot to introduce me and my family. Here we are with Vickie, Robert, Jordan, and Emily last year at 1900 Park Faire:

[/url][/IMG]

I'm Melissa, 40 year old Disney freak. We moved to FL two years ago because the military made us. Like I put up a fight. Sadly, we only have one more year here, so I have to make the most of it. The weekend we met up with Vickie was my 9th weekend in a row to be at WDW. Does that make me a freak?

My DH is Jonas, also now 40. Yes, I am 8 months older than him and he never lets me forget it. He likes WDW, but not a big fan like me. And sadly, AK is not his favorite park.

And then my boy, Jacob. He is 11 and now officially a middle schooler. He likes WDW, but not like I do. Transformers, Lego's, and of course Star Wars are his things. Oh, and his DS, so you will probably see lots of pictures of him playing his DS while in the park. Hopefully this trip won't go like last year. After the first day with Vickie and her crew, he left his DS on the bus to the resort.

So, while Vickie and them were making their way to the park, we were loading up our truck, taking the dogs to the kennel and heading to Orlando. It's right about an hour in good traffic, which was good this day. Love I4 on most Saturday mornings.

We were on our way!

I just LOVE dual reports!! Will this be our last one? Maybe we can get together on a Disney cruise, sometime?? The cruise bug is biting me...

And, yes. According to my standards, 9 weekends in a row is either freakish, or so lucky that it is unimaginable!! I guess if I couldn't get a whole week in, it might be almost as much fun to throw some back-to-back weekends together. But the one thing I like is that you don't have to drive back home when you stay on property...(sigh)...

 

[jmskinner]

But the one thing I like is that you don't have to drive back home when you stay on property...(sigh)...

Exactly why we still have overnight trips, its just not the same unless you stay onsite.

 

[hugApug]

Joining in! I love all of your resort photos!! Can't wait til your next update!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Joining in! I love all of your resort photos!! Can't wait til your next update!

Yay!! No pugs on this thread (I think they are adorable, but I have a Jack Russell terrier), but my BFF has a Boston Terrier! Thanks for joining!

 

[TinksThree]

I just LOVE dual reports!! Will this be our last one? Maybe we can get together on a Disney cruise, sometime?? The cruise bug is biting me...

And, yes. According to my standards, 9 weekends in a row is either freakish, or so lucky that it is unimaginable!! I guess if I couldn't get a whole week in, it might be almost as much fun to throw some back-to-back weekends together. But the one thing I like is that you don't have to drive back home when you stay on property...(sigh)...

I love dual reports too! I have read several so looking forward to the updates!

I think I could handle weekend trips to Disney! Even if I had to drive home sometimes...I vote for so lucky that it is unimaginable over freakish!!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We did get an official photo for the front of AK, but I don't have it, as yet. My DH had his camera out for the first part of the park as we went in, so he got the majority of pictures. I had my tour plan out, grabbing everyone's KTTW cards as they came in...traffic was really light, as we had arrived inside the EHM for that morning, around 8:45.

The plan: I was to go directly through the park to EE to grab FPs, while the rest of the family went to DinoLand to ride Primeval Whirl. I didn't mind if they rode it while I was away.

Okay, from the audience: do I sound relaxed, or commando?

Yes, that's right. I gave everyone the choice to be relaxed, but while they walked with me through the Oasis, I was too wound tight to let them truly be relaxed. DH had to tell me to slow down...enjoy the first part of the park. I tried.

I tried to be interested in the obscure animals. I pointed out this monstrosity.

I never saw this one, myself:

This is a terrible picture, but it's the only one we have. I think DH's camera was still on "nighttime" mode.

I had no trouble getting the FPs after I left the group -- it was actually therapeutic to walk that quickly all by myself, and then get back. It turns out that they had made it to Dinoland, and then popped into a store to shop around. They had a nice, leisurely time of it.

In this picture, you can see my DD and her friend about to get in line for the ride -- I am just to the left, outside of the picture, about to converge with them!

WE MADE IT TO OUR FIRST RIDE!! I thought this was a good one to start with -- we all enjoy it, and it was a nice "warm-up" for Natalie!

Do you think my DH was excited? He was taking pictures of the CMs, talking to them as we rode out!!

Okay...he actually filmed this ride, the only one he filmed. I'm wondering if I should post it??

 

[jmskinner]

This audience member says "Commando". It is therapeutic to walk alone to get FP's, now you know why I always volunteer to get them. So much easier to go it alone and not worry about if you are losing your party. Hmmm, so why don't I go solo.

Can't believe Robert didn't notice the setting on the camera. I do this all the time, but usually catch it after a pic or two. Jonas is really bad because he doens't know the settings and doesn't review the pics once he takes the shot. He'd be happy with the old 35mm film camera.

And I vote yes for the video of Primevil Whirl. Love that ride...wait a minute, I don't remember you telling me that you had ridden that before we got there.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

This audience member says "Commando". It is therapeutic to walk alone to get FP's, now you know why I always volunteer to get them. So much easier to go it alone and not worry about if you are losing your party. Hmmm, so why don't I go solo.

And I vote yes for the video of Primevil Whirl. Love that ride...wait a minute, I don't remember you telling me that you had ridden that before we got there.

I wish I could think of a way for just YOU and ME -- like the old days at Six Flags -- going for a few days of craziness, staying onsite!! I could use a few DVC points, etc...it would be a blast.

I did upload that video -- it was 36MB!! It's on Shutterfly right now...I'll have to see if I can see it tonight. Robert took the shot straight on, except for the beginning and end, so it's like you're staring out...and hearing us girls squeal.

 

[hugApug]

Yay!! No pugs on this thread (I think they are adorable, but I have a Jack Russell terrier), but my BFF has a Boston Terrier! Thanks for joining!

Jack Russell's are cute too! They have such spunk and character!

Looks like you guys had fun at Animal Kingdom so far! That was a good idea for you to head off to EE first, and I'm glad you still got to ride the Primeval whirl!

 

[Leucky]

love the dualing report!

Sounds like your having fun, I love San Antonio by the way!
Great city, Lots of fun. I lived there in the early 90's

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Jack Russell's are cute too! They have such spunk and character!

Looks like you guys had fun at Animal Kingdom so far! That was a good idea for you to head off to EE first, and I'm glad you still got to ride the Primeval whirl!

You are DEFINITELY right about Jack Russells...and I could go on & on about her and how smart she is!

I got the touring plan and tried to stick w/it...and you don't know how glad I was to see I made it in time for Primeval Whirl!!

love the dualing report!

Sounds like your having fun, I love San Antonio by the way!
Great city, Lots of fun. I lived there in the early 90's

Thanks for joining us!!!

We had a GREAT time last year doing the dual report!! This one will be much shorter.

And we love San Antonio...it has a lot to offer! I think the only thing we are missing: an Ikea!!

 

[Oscee]

Just Found your trip report and loving it, especially all the pictures!! Hate the travel delays for you but the first full day is shaping up nicely!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

And, just what do you think we're going to do after Primeval Whirl? Do you think it's Dinosaur?

I asked my DD if she wanted to ride Dinosaur -- we hadn't ridden it since our first time coming to WDW, when she was in Kindergarten. She did not, really. I turned to Natalie, who had listened to us describe it -- and told her that we would, if she'd like to...but the talk had obviously swayed her. We had been so jostled, and it was so loud, that we had a hard time deciding whether to try to hold on, or hold our ears!! I didn't enjoy it as an adult, but I thought teenagers would want to experience it at least once!! So, next up:

EE!

Our fastpass time was still in the distant future, so we decided to go in the stand-by line, which was only 5 minutes. WHO could resist THAT??

We went by everything so fast, we didn't take ANY pictures in the line...and jumped on the train in much less than 5 minutes. Blood pumping...I LOVE this RIDE!! Plus, I got to ride with my DH!!

However, WDW took a picture for us.

I love Natalie's face!! Her first coaster at WDW!!

Unfortunately, we were puzzled at the end...no Yeti. We questioned each other: did you see it? Did you? It was pitch black, and there was nothing to be seen. We shrugged our shoulders -- we'd see it later.

My DH took a couple of pics in the shop while I bought the picture.

We made our way to KS -- it was hot, and the park was beginning to fill up. We stopped at a pin station across from the African bridge. My DD reminds me that we don't have a water fan, so I allow her to get one -- they are essential!

The girls got pins, and then, suddenly, this fellow shows up with a little whistle and some music!

On KS, the water fan was broken in.

The rhinos were sleeping. It was hot.

The hippos, along with peripheral birds.

The crocs were even in the shade.

The last time I saw this upside down tree, the grass was much shorter. I'm thinking they need to mow...it's getting lost.

Giraffes are amazing.

This one was licking the TREE?

The baby elephant was digging a HUMONGOUS hole!! I wondered how he was going to hop out of it.

Ok. I swear to you, and I've even heard other people say: these ostrich eggs were here last time. C'mon...really?

And, lastly, to end with the best of all possible...the king.

It was sometime around this time we heard that my BFF and her family were at the park!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Just Found your trip report and loving it, especially all the pictures!! Hate the travel delays for you but the first full day is shaping up nicely!!

Aww, thanks!! And

I must have just missed your post! The first day really made up for the arrival day...we were really blessed! And my BFF is coming up soon!!

Thanks for reading, and welcome to posting on the Dis. Exciting for you -- less than 3 months to go!!

 

[jmskinner]

You got a great pic of the Lion, are you kidding me. You didn't tell me that. I don't have that pic you dawg! Never even seen him except for the a little piece of fur sticking up. Still love ya, but....ok, while Vickie was getting her pic of the Lion we were arriving.


Well, I was going to do an update, but Smugmug is doing an upgrade and I can't get to my pics.

I got so preoccupied by the Lion pic, that I forgot to mention how great the shot on EE was. Love the look on everyone's faces. Robert looks he is going "weeeeeeeee". Just a big ol smile on his face. And Natalie's is just priceless.

And I have never seen the musician you guys ran in to. Any video of him?

 

[jmskinner]

Smugmug is now up and running. As you can see by the time of my previous post, I didn't get any sleep last night, so hopefully this makes sense.

While Vickie and her crew were on their two week Safari , we were arriving at Kadani. We pulled up to the gate, and I was surprised when the cast member guard gave me my parking pass right then, usually I get it when I get my packet. I also noticed as I pulled away that not only did he welcome me "home", but he radioed in that we were coming. Jonas and I were both wondering what was up.

We found a parking spot, didn't want to valet park. Walked up to a cast member standing out front, at this point I realize I forgot my camera. The cast member said "Welcome Home", asked if I was Melissa, and then once I said I was, he handed me our welcome packet and told us where to park and where our room was.

A little side note here, I had checked in online, so not sure if that helped me not have to go in the lobby or not, also, when I checked in online, I forgot to give them a credit card. It prompted me on the website, but I was feeling lazy at the time and didn't want to get up and find my purse. So I just knew I would have to produce my credit card at checkin. Nope, he didn't ask for it. But what about if I decide to call some strange country, steal towels, would they charge Vickie?

I didn't mention it, we were in a hurry to get to AK. So we hopped back in the truck in search of our parking garage. Now if you haven't stayed at Kadani with a vehicle to park, you probably have not seen the parking garade. I had driven into once before for dinner, so I knew what to expect. The garage is under the resort and extends out along the buildings, so you can park right under your area. This is nice and each building within the parking garage is named after a character.

Here is where we were to go:


Now, looking at this, it doesn't look too far. Just a few buildings down. Well, we drove, and we drove, and we drove until I thought "Oh great, we are going to end up with our truck sitting outside." One more thing about the parking garage, each space has two columns next to it, about even with the wheels on my truck. I hate parking next to columns because I am always scared of forgetting and hitting one, like someone I know. Anyway, we finally found a spot, grabbed our stuff and were off to find the room.

I'm pretty sure I was texting Vickie this whole time. Actually, in the truck Jonas starting texting her, but she had no idea who it was since she didn't have his number previously.

We got what we needed to head to the park and off we went. I took lots of pictures of the room, but I want to save them for a little review later.

We headed to the elevator and I took some pics of the walls







Sorry, they are a bit dark/yellow, I have a habit of trying to take pics without the flash so I don't blind everyone around me.

Got down to the first floor (2nd floor or maybe 3rd actually, 1st is the parking garage) and we walked and we walked. Finally found the lobby. If I remember right, we didn't see any signs saying where the bus stop was, but figured we had to go through the lobby and we were correct.

The walk to the bus stop:


And from the bus stop:


That area below the parkway is the parking garage.

Our bus arrived and we were on our way to meet up with Vickie and her crew, but first we had to stop at Jambo house to pick up more people, including two on the motorized scooters. I felt like we were never going to meet up with Vickie....

 

[SimmerBaggins]

You got a great pic of the Lion, are you kidding me. You didn't tell me that. I don't have that pic you dawg! Never even seen him except for the a little piece of fur sticking up. Still love ya, but....ok, while Vickie was getting her pic of the Lion we were arriving.


Well, I was going to do an update, but Smugmug is doing an upgrade and I can't get to my pics.

I got so preoccupied by the Lion pic, that I forgot to mention how great the shot on EE was. Love the look on everyone's faces. Robert looks he is going "weeeeeeeee". Just a big ol smile on his face. And Natalie's is just priceless.

And I have never seen the musician you guys ran in to. Any video of him?

You know, I was so totally excited about the lion, and didn't even mention that -- and one of the MANE reasons was that I knew Melissa would be envious!! You don't know how many I took!! I really meant to say something about it, but it just got left behind in my thoughts, afterward.

I remember now that it was Jonas who had been texting me...I was tempted at first to say, who the heck is this? but I figured that I should know...and clues later clued me in to who it was. At first I thought Melissa had gotten another number/phone!

I'll have to look on Robert's camera to see if he got video -- I think he did. I know I don't have any better pictures of him. He was funny -- he communicated by the whistle, pointing at the girls, and MAKING them come on either side of him for a photo op! It was cool!!

There are so many things I could comment on for the little magical things that happened, but I am tending to forget or skip them...I hope I can do better than this.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Going to try to post this video of the African Music Man:

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