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

[ScotsMinnie]

Good for you on your holiday! Yes, I would love to be sitting right there again, eating that sandwich...

The pics are coming up...but you went to Africa? That would be AMAZING!

My Mum's sister emigrated to South Africa before I was born so we traveled there quite a bit when I was young. I have been very fortunate to have visited some of the large game reserves in South Africa and seen so many animals in the wild. Amazing experience.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I'm still here... or rather, I'm back! I think our room at Kidani last summer was about where yours was on this trip... thats a LONG walk! Did you have a one-bedroom? We almost always stay in a studio (we're always borrowing next year's points, LOL), but I'm thinking after our spring break trip which is already booked, we'll probably move up to 1-bedrooms pretty consistently... I knew the 1-bedrooms at BLT had 2 bathrooms, didn't realize the same was true in Kidani....

Yes, I forgot to mention that we did have a 1 Bdrm at Kadani (and also our next room) -- after being in that little studio at BCV with 4 people, it was like a breath of fresh air!

We've never borrowed points, as yet -- only bought 200, and we've used them sparingly. I would feel guilty, like I'm using too many and will run out when I need them! But we are thinking since we don't intend to go back to WDW next year, that we'll bank those...then the following year, use those, that year's, and borrow from the following year to do a Disney cruise! An extravagant waste? Yes...but if we weren't going to use them, otherwise...

My Mum's sister emigrated to South Africa before I was born so we traveled there quite a bit when I was young. I have been very fortunate to have visited some of the large game reserves in South Africa and seen so many animals in the wild. Amazing experience.

How fortunate you are to live on that side of the world! So many rich, diverse things to see are only a flight away. Although, Africa's got to be a long trip for anyone. My DH did get to go to S.Africa years ago, and made a small trip to (i think it's called) Kruger Park. Simply breathtaking, what he saw, and this was before we ever got to go to AK.

ScotsMinnie -- so glad to have you on this thread.

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Y


How fortunate you are to live on that side of the world! So many rich, diverse things to see are only a flight away. Although, Africa's got to be a long trip for anyone. My DH did get to go to S.Africa years ago, and made a small trip to (i think it's called) Kruger Park. Simply breathtaking, what he saw, and this was before we ever got to go to AK.

ScotsMinnie -- so glad to have you on this thread.

aww thanks! Really enjoy the two of you doing your reports! So unusual to have 2 perspectives!

I have also visited the Kruger Park a few times. Its a fabulous place and so amazing to drive round in your car looking for animals. Very exciting. I remember clearly one day we had not spotted anything for ages and suddenly I yell STOP! in such a way which would indictae that i had spotted lions or maybe some elephants. When excitement had died down and I could show the rest of the family my amazing discovery they were all greatly disappointed to see a small tortoise by the side of the road. Well i was impressed!

You know I never thought about the fact that where we live means that seeing the world is a lot easier. My previous job also took my to some amazing places and although I love visiting the US I do want to show my children some of the incredible places I have seen.

The problem is we love WDW so much and it is hard to bring ourselves to visit other places when there is just so much for the children at WDW (and us too!).

One of our previous visits we spoke to a DVC representative and were thinking about it as it looked tremendous but it is the cost of actually getting there that stops us visiting so often. Turned out it wasn't viable for us to do. Such a shame as your pics of the rooms and resorts look amazing.

Can't wait to see more!!!! x

 

[SimmerBaggins]

aww thanks! Really enjoy the two of you doing your reports! So unusual to have 2 perspectives!

I have also visited the Kruger Park a few times. Its a fabulous place and so amazing to drive round in your car looking for animals. Very exciting. I remember clearly one day we had not spotted anything for ages and suddenly I yell STOP! in such a way which would indictae that i had spotted lions or maybe some elephants. When excitement had died down and I could show the rest of the family my amazing discovery they were all greatly disappointed to see a small tortoise by the side of the road. Well i was impressed!

You know I never thought about the fact that where we live means that seeing the world is a lot easier. My previous job also took my to some amazing places and although I love visiting the US I do want to show my children some of the incredible places I have seen.

The problem is we love WDW so much and it is hard to bring ourselves to visit other places when there is just so much for the children at WDW (and us too!).

One of our previous visits we spoke to a DVC representative and were thinking about it as it looked tremendous but it is the cost of actually getting there that stops us visiting so often. Turned out it wasn't viable for us to do. Such a shame as your pics of the rooms and resorts look amazing.

Can't wait to see more!!!! x

I love the tortoise story!! So cute!

Believe me, I can understand about DVC; if we hadn't bought before the economy crashed, we wouldn't be owners. Everything really went down for us, and sometimes it's hard to make those decisions to put money away for a special treat, like airfare to Florida! But I'm still grateful we have the points, even if it's a little painful to pay for them, sometimes. Someday, they'll all be paid off!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Now, maybe, just maybe, if you've read my PTR or if for some reason I've let it slip as to where we're going -- you might know where our ADR is. However, I've not mentioned it lately...so let's see if I can get some guessers! (hopefully Melissa will catch up to me soon)

Well, it probably doesn't take too much guessing to figure out that we'll need to get on a bus...and so, we do.

Hmmm...do the clothes give it away? I don't THINK so...

Huh. This place might be familiar to some of you. Perhaps this narrows it down?

Ahhh...but wait!!

I don't know how my DH has embarrassed Natalie...but this is her first experience with this mode of transportation!

And, my DD seems to be telling him to "cut it out."

Squashed together...

Oh, look at that!! But, where are we going??

If I remember correctly, Jonas was being mean to Melissa.

Can you see the arm? Look at Melissa's face.

Oh, no...does she take a picture of us? I can't remember. I know, this isn't terribly exciting...but it gives you an idea of how long this is...

I guess we are about to disembark. (Sorry, cruise term.)

And the verdict is...? (darn it, huge clue, here...)

....?

 

[TinksThree]

Without cheating...I remember an ADR at Ohana at some point...so that is where I think you are headed!!

 

[jmskinner]

I have so many pictures of my DH on his I-Phone during our trip! I honestly think that may have kept him sane at times!!

I get a lot of stares when Jacob has his DS in lines, but most of the time, those same people are playing with their phones. Electronics do help to keep you from getting bored.

My Mum's sister emigrated to South Africa before I was born so we traveled there quite a bit when I was young. I have been very fortunate to have visited some of the large game reserves in South Africa and seen so many animals in the wild. Amazing experience.

aww thanks! Really enjoy the two of you doing your reports! So unusual to have 2 perspectives!

I have also visited the Kruger Park a few times. Its a fabulous place and so amazing to drive round in your car looking for animals. Very exciting. I remember clearly one day we had not spotted anything for ages and suddenly I yell STOP! in such a way which would indictae that i had spotted lions or maybe some elephants. When excitement had died down and I could show the rest of the family my amazing discovery they were all greatly disappointed to see a small tortoise by the side of the road. Well i was impressed!

You know I never thought about the fact that where we live means that seeing the world is a lot easier. My previous job also took my to some amazing places and although I love visiting the US I do want to show my children some of the incredible places I have seen.

The problem is we love WDW so much and it is hard to bring ourselves to visit other places when there is just so much for the children at WDW (and us too!).

One of our previous visits we spoke to a DVC representative and were thinking about it as it looked tremendous but it is the cost of actually getting there that stops us visiting so often. Turned out it wasn't viable for us to do. Such a shame as your pics of the rooms and resorts look amazing.

Can't wait to see more!!!! x

Wow, you have been able to do a lot of amazing things in your life Scotsminnie. And too funny about the tortoise, sounds like something I would do.


Vickie, loved your room. One day maybe we will get to stay there.

 

[jmskinner]

Since Vickie has already shown pics of her room, I will do the same.












I loved the colors in the room and the view was great. Thanks again Vickie!

Lobby:








One thing Vickie forgot to mention, is that once we were ready to head to dinner, it was raining. I decided to go ahead and skip carrying my bag with the ponchos, which the rain had stopped by the time we got to the bus stop to head to MK for our switch to the Monorail.

On the monorail, on the way to dinner.


Ok, Vickie's turn again.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Without cheating...I remember an ADR at Ohana at some point...so that is where I think you are headed!!

I waited until later in the afternoon to see if there were any other guesses, but I did make it kind of easy -- YES, O'hana it is! Thanks, Tink.

I had heard some good and not-so-good reviews about the restaurant, but isn't it true that just about everyone has different experiences? I was excited to try this...and I did think about my friend, Keala, while we were there!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Every time we go into these doors, I think of our first time coming to WDW -- we stayed here for our first half of our Land/Sea trip, when Jordan was in Kindergarten!

As a matter of fact, this little shop was the only thing open when we arrived (LATE AT NIGHT) to the resort -- and our first shopping experience! Jordan still has the headband with Minnie ears on it that she bought.

Here we are at our first ADR, at O'hana, back then!

(sniff!!) Is that my little girl???

On we go...

(sniff!!) So pretty!!

There seemed to be a lot of men in red shirts hanging around.

Also, over in the corner, there was a virtual golf game going on -- my husband was intrigued, but I kept him by my side.

Yay!! We were in line, waiting to get to the lady at the desk to give our names, to. The line was really long.

We give our names, get our little buzzer, and hang out.

Sooner than expected, someone calls our name, and off we go! First, they take us over to a grill and ask us if we'd like some bread...and of course we would! So, in addition to grabbing some other stuff, the hostess grabs bread and takes us to our table. I thought that was interesting.

The waitress asks us what O'Hana means. I thought this was a joke, but when no one answered, I blurted out, "family!" And wow, what do you know -- I got a cupcake for that answer! Woo-hoo!

My DH got up to take a shot or two of the table.

I don't remember what Melissa is giving him "what for" for, but she is!!

The appetizers come. That was the best dad-gummed appetizer dish I have ever had. I could eat those potstickers and wings until the cows came home.

Then they brought out those noodles. I wanted to eat ALL the noodles. I wish I could be sitting at that table right NOW. Such good, good food!! They gave us veggies, and then brought out chicken on a stick, which they de-poked onto your plate, for you.

Yum, dee-dee yum-yum!

Then the pork, then the steak, then the shrimp. Oh, it's planned. They bring the most expensive meat out last. Unfortunately, they over-cooked the shrimpies. I was disappointed about that.

Then, the entertainment! What would it be?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

You know, I meant to say and forgot: it looks like Jacob really liked the room! Did he enjoy the savanna?

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Loving the pictures at OHanas of your DD then and now!

That food looks delicious. We have only ever gone there for breakfast and I was not that impressed but that dinner looks delicious!!!! That meat looks sooooo good.

 

[TinksThree]

Those rooms look so divine!!

I was right!! It was Ohana...I am so impressed I remembered!! Of course the signage gave a little away! That food looks so good! I like eating breakfast there...I need to check out dinner!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Loving the pictures at OHanas of your DD then and now!

That food looks delicious. We have only ever gone there for breakfast and I was not that impressed but that dinner looks delicious!!!! That meat looks sooooo good.

I couldn't make up how good the food was -- the negative comments I've heard were that the food gets to your table so fast, and the service "around" it isn't so good, but it was done really well, for our part. Although, by the time the shrimp came around, we were really full!

Okay, as for the meat -- I have a special treat! My DH took a video of it cooking, and I'll post it today!

Those rooms look so divine!!

I was right!! It was Ohana...I am so impressed I remembered!! Of course the signage gave a little away! That food looks so good! I like eating breakfast there...I need to check out dinner!

We liked the breakfast, too -- years ago! We haven't been back since, but that was our first ADR, first character dining, and we loved it. I fell in love with Mickey waffles at that breakfast!

It's funny -- I read and read reviews about the dinner, and the reviews were all over the place, but mostly good about the food, itself. So, I decided that everyone was different, every experience has a chance of being great, as long as the food is good; and it was a chance for us to do something Melissa and her family hadn't done. Plus, the view of the castle was GREAT!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

WARNING: Do not click on the following link if you are in danger of becoming REALLY hungry!!

Else, for your viewing pleasure, the grill, at O'Hana:

www.facebook.com/v/1334489365087" ...e" width="400" height="292"></embed></object>

 

[jmskinner]

You know, I meant to say and forgot: it looks like Jacob really liked the room! Did he enjoy the savanna?

Yes he did, but we weren't in the room very long to really enjoy.

[B
If I remember correctly, Jonas was being mean to Melissa.

Can you see the arm? Look at Melissa's face.

[/B]

I forgot to tell you what was going on here. Jonas' new thing is to try to undo my bra. When we took the Grand Yacht Cruise (with a whole boat full of strangers, by the way) he managed to get it undone. Luckily the boat had 3 bedrooms I could sneak into to get it back together.

And I love the pics of everyone sitting at the table. We all look so tried.

Instead of double posting, I will do my update here:

My picture of the grill from our table:





And those fantastic appetizers:


They really were delicious.

And the delivery of some of the meat:


And I will have to remember to not eat so much of the pork and chicken next time, so I have more room for the steak.

Raspberry Pina Colada (can't remember the official name at the moment) but it was delicious.



Entertainment:


She was great and was even able to get Jacob involved.


And me:


They had a coconut race, but I didn't get any pics. It was on the other side of the restaurant and I thought they would go all the way around, but they didn't.

And just some randoms photos:




Our waitress:




And one of my favorite photos of the evening:


Just a little side story. When we got back on the monorail, it was crowded. The CM's were telling us to not take out time looking for a place to sit, standing room only. Well, when we stopped at GF on the way back to MK, I mentioned how we should block the door and make it look like we were full. Next thing I know, this man jumped on the idea, jumped out of his seat and blocked the door along with Jonas. This man was over 6 feet tall and really blocked anyone's view of our car. Needless to say, it was a very nice ride back to MK without being crowded.

 

[TinksThree]

I forgot to tell you what was going on here. Jonas' new thing is to try to undo my bra. When we took the Grand Yacht Cruise (with a whole boat full of strangers, by the way) he managed to get it undone. Luckily the boat had 3 bedrooms I could sneak into to get it back together.

That sounds like my DH...he is always pulling stuff like that!!


Raspberry Pina Colada (can't remember the official name at the moment) but it was delicious.

Pina Colava...at least that is what it is called at POR's poolside bar. And it is very yummy!!
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Great updates!!! This looks like so much fun!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Melissa!!! I wasn't going to tell them WHAT Jonas was doing!!

You got some great shots -- and not so great shots of me, but what can I say. That shot of Jacob looking into the camera -- GIRL, that is YOUR look!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

The entertainment lady (don't remember her name) had a very high, sing-songy voice. It kind of annoyed me, but apparently she was popular! A bunch of kids, including Jacob, came out with her when she called them, and did the "shaka!" with their hands! I laughed when I saw this, and thought of Keala and her DBF -- doing their "shakas" on the rides!

Then, the lady asked the kids to call their moms & dads to come dance with them! I really expected Jacob to refuse, but he didn't -- so cool!!

They did have fun with it!

At some point, the lady came around and handed out leis to some folks, including our 2 girls (who felt the previous activities beneath them).

Our dessert came!! I was so excited for this, and it was really good.

I got my cupcake, and my DH, who was having a birthday the following week, got his!

The REAL dessert -- the bread pudding stuff with ice cream. Then, they had this vanilla sauce to pour over....uh...so good...

After dessert, the girls decided to participate in the coconut race. I was surprised!!

As Melissa said, they went on the other side to do it.

I didn't get any pictures of our trip back, and I didn't even remember the story of the "full" cab! But we agreed we would meet back at the Uzima pool later on.

There was still daylight to be had!!

This crow bothered my DD, so I went out and snapped a picture of the noisy beasty.

We arrived at the pool first, and secured a table in the back, close to the bar and hot tub. The girls took a dip (middle of the pic).

Unfortunately for them, there were VERY few kids their age at the pool.

Hee-!

Jacob didn't waste any time getting into the pool and going down the slide! I expected he would get into the play area, but he seemed to prefer the pool.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I don't remember what they are going to ask me...

The day was really ending on a beautiful note...so much better than the previous day!!

There's our table!!

Then, something amazing happened! Jordan and Natalie were playing ping-pong by the pool, when 2 boys asked if they could play the game with them!

Both teams kept hitting the ball 'WAY too far away!

The boys were a "little" younger than our girls, but for girls, age is pretty important...older seems to be okay, but younger definitely isn't. So, the girls, while happy for the diversion, weren't really interested.

What's funny, is one of the boys' dads was in the hot tub behind us, and I could hear him being incredulous and laughing about it!

Before long, the kids broke up, and the girls went for the hot tub. See? Older boys would have followed suit!

We thought the girls had a good idea...

After a little while, hot water and alcohol and the long day combined to make me ready to call it a day. The girls were done, too. We said good-bye & good-night to my BFF & her family, and agreed to meet at the bus stop in the morning. The next day: DHS, and SSW!!