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

[jmskinner]

Love the pics of the resort! Sorry no one else enjoyed the meal. The foods are a lot different there.

As far as Sanaa in Feb, we could just wait and see how we feel each day. Sort of play the ADR lottery. If all else fails, ESPN! Or I have the Rainforest Cafe card that bypasses the line.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh, I love Boma!! I am sorry the others didn't care for it but I would go with you!!

AKL is a fun resort to roam!

Okay -- I'll keep you in mind for my next Boma trip!!

I really find this resort very peaceful, even when there are a lot of people roaming around. There are so many places to go, to see the animals and see something new -- even though Kadani is smaller than Jambo House, it seems even more quiet and peaceful, with a lot to see, too.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Love the pics of the resort! Sorry no one else enjoyed the meal. The foods are a lot different there.

As far as Sanaa in Feb, we could just wait and see how we feel each day. Sort of play the ADR lottery. If all else fails, ESPN! Or I have the Rainforest Cafe card that bypasses the line.

I don't think Jordan and Robert were unhappy with the food -- but there was nothing that made them say, "I am going back for more of THAT!!"

I got my reservation for Feb in the mail today!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We hadn't really taken advantage of much of the resort activities or amenities since we'd been there, but since there was plenty of time, I suggested we go check out the Nightvision Goggle viewing!

As usual, the girls were lively!

I believe it started at 9pm...we got there and were the first in line. The line, actually, was taped out away from the fence, so that the guides could come get guests one-by-one and bring them to the fence to show them how to use the goggles.

Right at 9pm, there were a lot of people that showed up. The guides began showing Jordan and Natalie how to use the goggles, and the girls were amazed -- this is a poor picture, but you can see how there were lights around the resort, but not a lot to illuminate the animals.

I got to look in the goggles, too, and it was very eerie. There were a couple of giraffes off in the distance, and their eyes looked like they had lights coming out of them. Everything was a light green.

I'm not sure why I took this picture, after we had our viewing, but I noticed afterward the guy in the background with the Air Force physical training t-shirt on!

Afterward, we retired back to our 6th floor entertainment area -- you can see the girls watching the tv.

My Kahlua and cream:

Tomorrow: Magic Kingdom!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We didn't get up especially early this day -- got our continental breakfast from concierge and stocked our water fan and the girls got their pin lanyards.

Every time I see this horse, I think of the time I got in trouble for petting one at MK...

Note the camouflage at Casey's.

We did get pictures of the girls in front of the castle-- but maybe I lost them on DH's camera....

I think Natalie's camera was getting full.

Not a cloud in the sky...it was nice to take it easy.

There's a teeny tiny bird in this bush. Can you see him?

We caught a glimpse of Ariel & Eric!

Against my wishes, the family decided to climb a tree.

Afterward, we cooled off by going to the Tiki Room -- that song gets stuck in my head... ...but I still like the show.

Guess what's next? Wait...What am I thinking? Everyone's having a real weekend...not reading Dis board stories, right?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We went immediately -- did not stop and take ANY pertinent pictures -- but this one -- and rode Pirates of the Caribbean. It was a walk-on ride...we should have done it twice!!

The girls, in the boat, feigning freaky faces.

I really don't remember why we decided to do IASW -- but we did. I think I found myself doing things I probably wouldn't have done again, but for the fact that we had someone new who hadn't seen these things!!

However, for some reason, the mood of the girls had gone foul. Feeling the stress, I took this picture. Jordan likes to point out the woman behind me, who is watching.

I FINALLY noticed the windows of the restaurant, looking out over us!

The mood improved...

We had the long line at the end, with boats bumping us, one after the other. Afterward, we went for Snow White...

I had to get the prince...

I always get a picture of Jordan by the wishing well.

This was last year:

When we came out, I noticed the Sword in the Stone -- how does this really work, to come out? Because my girls tried...not sure if it ever comes out when they are not having the "ceremony..."

And now, it was lunchtime. We are going to go to a place we've never been before, and experience something we've never experienced before -- to the point that we may never go back again...or...wish that it would happen again. I'm not sure. But, you'll see when I come back.

If I come back...perhaps this is just getting too boring?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oops -- dual post.

 

[jmskinner]

I'm still here! Coughing and hacking but I have removed my butt from the couch.

Great updates! Park seems kind of empty. Glad you were able to do the night vision, that sounds cool. And I forgot to mention, your server at Boma, I'm 99% positive he has been our server before.

I thought the sword only came out in the morning, but was reading a TR where it came out in the late afternoon. I know Jacob always tries really hard.

I love the restaurant where you can watch the boats in IASW, but it is very hard to get a table by those windows.

You'll have to do IASW world next time since they are redoing it.

Hmm, which restaurant did you do? Was the one next door to IASW?

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Sorry - all caught up now but been away for a while. School started here 3 weeks ago and I have my own class for the first time so I have been super busy!

Those night vision goggles sound great. I would love to stay at AKL some time. Just would be wonderful to be surrounded by the animals like that.

Wanted also to update you with some chilli news. Remember we spoke about the Bhut Jolokia chillis that you spotted in the Land. The hottest chillis in the world? Well DHs are ripe and as predicted during a night at friends on Saturday after a few beers the guys decided to taste it. Don't think I have ever laughed so hard at them. Wish I had videoed them doing it. Put it this way - I don't think they will be trying it again!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I'm still here! Coughing and hacking but I have removed my butt from the couch.

Great updates! Park seems kind of empty. Glad you were able to do the night vision, that sounds cool. And I forgot to mention, your server at Boma, I'm 99% positive he has been our server before.

I thought the sword only came out in the morning, but was reading a TR where it came out in the late afternoon. I know Jacob always tries really hard.

I love the restaurant where you can watch the boats in IASW, but it is very hard to get a table by those windows.

You'll have to do IASW world next time since they are redoing it.

Hmm, which restaurant did you do? Was the one next door to IASW?

Well, I'm glad you felt good enough to roll your butt off the couch and onto the floor! (rofl) No, seriously, I've felt bad these last few days -- a cold that my DGD thoughtfully sent my way.

Yeah, I couldn't figure out if the sword only comes out when there's a scheduled event there, or if there's a chance it might randomly come out.

I didn't know they were re-doing IASW!! I'm tempted NOT to do it, and save it for the next time my whole family comes.

And, yes. I should feel happy that you've guessed it, since you've been my only poster in a couple of days.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Why do I keep dual posting?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Sorry - all caught up now but been away for a while. School started here 3 weeks ago and I have my own class for the first time so I have been super busy!

Those night vision goggles sound great. I would love to stay at AKL some time. Just would be wonderful to be surrounded by the animals like that.

Wanted also to update you with some chilli news. Remember we spoke about the Bhut Jolokia chillis that you spotted in the Land. The hottest chillis in the world? Well DHs are ripe and as predicted during a night at friends on Saturday after a few beers the guys decided to taste it. Don't think I have ever laughed so hard at them. Wish I had videoed them doing it. Put it this way - I don't think they will be trying it again!

Oh, Laura -- I would have LOVED to have seen that!!! I get a kick out of my DH every once in a while, but he definitely has respect for the hotter peppers...!!

Now that I think about it, I don't believe that there was anything about that night-vision goggle activity which had you "prove" you were staying there at AKL. People just lined up and did it...which means...probably anybody could go! Granted, you don't get to go out onto the savanna. What animals you get to see would be luck of the draw.

But it was a nice diversion for the end of the night!

Congrats on having your own class!!! That would be SO exciting!!

 

[TinksThree]

Colds must be going around!! I have had one all week!
Which is why I haven't posted....I have read but just posting my final TR post took so much out of me!! I keep double posting also...so I am glad it isn't just me!

It looks like the crowds were okay on the MK day! We did IASW because Keith had never been and at that point I didn't know if I would ever get him back...otherwise we probably would have skipped it this trip! And we skipped the treehouse. Although my favorite view is at the top, the crowds were to much to get that one picture!

The picture of the girl behind you in line was so funny!! She did not look like she was having the best time!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I had always wanted to try this little counter service place -- Pinocchio Village Haus! It always seemed very crowded, though, so in times past, we would just walk by and go to CHH. But seeing as we had already eaten there, now was the time! This lady was standing outside with her mascot...but she wasn't talkative, at all. In fact, seemed kind of "out to lunch." At least she was smiling!

It was fairly crowded, but not overly much so.

Hmmm...stromboli sounds GOOD...

Well, we get to the counter, and begin ordering. I've noticed that occasionally there will be a special item put forth by the restaurant, that isn't on the menu. Since that turned out to be a good thing to order at other restaurants, I saw no reason not to do that here. The girls went for the pizza, DH went for the meatball sub, and I went for the special: Chicken Parmesan, with the pasta that looks like rice. After placing our order, we went over to the counter to pick it up. It got a little crowded here, so I sent the girls to look for a table.

Some of you may be laughing at this point. What I didn't know was that at this restaurant, they must have trouble with "non-customers" coming in to sit down at the tables, because there were CMs posted at the doorways to keep you from coming in if you didn't have food with you.

And, you'd better stick close to your family who was carrying the food, lest you were denied entry.

You think I'm kidding, those of you who didn't know -- but these guys were huge, hulking bouncer types, who didn't allow sneakers trying to sneak in with other families. Serious business. Deflated, the girls sat down or loitered at the ends of the lines, waiting for us to get the food.

I mention this, because they waited a while.

I had watched the drink-meister behind the counter make our drinks -- I watched him, and knew when he was making our drink order. But our food didn't arrive. So, when the people next to us hollered (it was loud in there) that they didn't get their drinks, someone who had brought THEIR food turned, saw our drinks (which were labeled) on another tray, and promptly scooted them over to those people's tray...even though they were larger than what the people ordered.

The people, who had just been granted a more bountiful set of drinks than they had ordered, hesitated as if to say something...thought better of it, and left. I looked at my DH, who was like, "well, we'll get our stuff"...in a non-verbal kind of way. So, we patiently waited.

We watched pizza after pizza after salad after salad after chicken after chicken and customer after customer, and even those who were behind us went through us to get their order.

My DD and her friend came to check on us. It had been a good 10 minutes. Which, if you REALLY think about it, is a long time to wait on a CS order. We hushed them and sent them back (after hearing their tale of woe, and their hunger pangs).

Finally, someone took note of our plight, and asked us what we ordered. We told the man, who said, "Oh, we're a little behind" -- NOT, because everyone was going around us like furniture -- and tried to reassure us. He left.

Another 5 minutes passed.

Some of you might be thinking -- YGBSM. No, I'm not.

Finally, ANOTHER man came to see us, and he had some paper in his hand. He began by apologizing, saying he knew we had been waiting, but for how long? "15 minutes," we responded. "Well," he said, "We want to compensate you for your time." He then wrote us out -- get this -- a Fast Pass. For any ride.

Humph...how about that?

We finally got our food, and our remade drinks (after the drink-meister scratched his head about how he could have missed us -- I reassured him that he had done his job, as he had made those other people's drinks, too), and made our way past the growling, snarling CMs who were guarding the tables.

We found a table away from most of the masses, and settled down to scarf our food.

My troublesome chicken dish, which I suspect was responsible for the slow service.

Can I say this, though? It was REALLY good!!

This is a bad pic, but it proves my story is true:

And that, my friends, is today's post...back to house chores...(sigh)

Our next adventure is to pay a visit to the House of Mice.

 

[jmskinner]

Sorry - all caught up now but been away for a while. School started here 3 weeks ago and I have my own class for the first time so I have been super busy!

Those night vision goggles sound great. I would love to stay at AKL some time. Just would be wonderful to be surrounded by the animals like that.

Wanted also to update you with some chilli news. Remember we spoke about the Bhut Jolokia chillis that you spotted in the Land. The hottest chillis in the world? Well DHs are ripe and as predicted during a night at friends on Saturday after a few beers the guys decided to taste it. Don't think I have ever laughed so hard at them. Wish I had videoed them doing it. Put it this way - I don't think they will be trying it again!

Oh I wish a video camera had been handy, that would have been great to watch!

Well, I'm glad you felt good enough to roll your butt off the couch and onto the floor! (rofl) No, seriously, I've felt bad these last few days -- a cold that my DGD thoughtfully sent my way.

Yeah, I couldn't figure out if the sword only comes out when there's a scheduled event there, or if there's a chance it might randomly come out.

I didn't know they were re-doing IASW!! I'm tempted NOT to do it, and save it for the next time my whole family comes.

And, yes. I should feel happy that you've guessed it, since you've been my only poster in a couple of days.

Ok, IASW off the ride list. Hope you are feeling better, just wish I could get rid of the cough now. Jacob seems to have it to.

Can't believe you had to wait for food that long. But about the FP. Wonder what you will use it on. I have never run into those CM's, but read they have started doing the same at Pecos Bills. It can be very frustrating not finding a table and see people just sitting for the ac. Hmm, now that I think about it, we did spend 2 hours at POR food court one time.

 

[gallmcduck]

I have missed loads but all caught up now The birthday gift, the journal of poo poo paper made me I hadn’t realised that WP was counterserivce looks really good, need to keep that in mind. The heat can be v hard at times, getting shade sometimes is difficult. Boma looked good would like to give it a go, not sure if DS would be happy though Hope the FP made up for your wait

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Colds must be going around!! I have had one all week!
Which is why I haven't posted....I have read but just posting my final TR post took so much out of me!! I keep double posting also...so I am glad it isn't just me!

It looks like the crowds were okay on the MK day! We did IASW because Keith had never been and at that point I didn't know if I would ever get him back...otherwise we probably would have skipped it this trip! And we skipped the treehouse. Although my favorite view is at the top, the crowds were to much to get that one picture!

The picture of the girl behind you in line was so funny!! She did not look like she was having the best time!

I know -- that girl really looks shocked, I think -- I would be too, if I saw that face, unprepared!!

In general, I've found that if you get there early in the day, MK is an easy park to enjoy, and you get a lot in.

I'm sorry you're sick, too! Boy, I have been taking vitamin C and echenacea(sp?) -- my daughter has it, too. I hope we all get better soon!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Ok, IASW off the ride list. Hope you are feeling better, just wish I could get rid of the cough now. Jacob seems to have it to.

Can't believe you had to wait for food that long. But about the FP. Wonder what you will use it on. I have never run into those CM's, but read they have started doing the same at Pecos Bills. It can be very frustrating not finding a table and see people just sitting for the ac. Hmm, now that I think about it, we did spend 2 hours at POR food court one time.

We were really excited about the FP -- I never knew they existed like that!

I understand about the need to keep people from getting tables who aren't eating -- but it seemed like they could have let kids, who are waiting on food to get to them, go sit down and wait. But I guess some people might fib... They could at least get a drink.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I have missed loads but all caught up now The birthday gift, the journal of poo poo paper made me I hadn’t realised that WP was counterserivce looks really good, need to keep that in mind. The heat can be v hard at times, getting shade sometimes is difficult. Boma looked good would like to give it a go, not sure if DS would be happy though Hope the FP made up for your wait

Wolfgang Puck Express was really awesome...even if there's a line, keep in mind: it's worth it!

There are so many GOOD things at Boma -- but I was so hoping for the steak that we had last year... (sigh)

 

[SimmerBaggins]

To continue, we wanted to visit Mickey & Minnie's house! It was still pretty darn hot out there...the girls were waiting for me to come back from the restroom in this shot.

I have no idea what my DH was doing.

I wonder if anyone ever decided to count the hearts in this house?

I am always amazed that there are lines to get in these houses.

I guess any house should be properly equipped...and not even with a fake extinguisher!!

I like how this looks like both parents are looking at Baby Minnie!

Talk about having old magazines lying about the house...I thought having magazines from last year was bad!! Looks like this was from the '50's?

This chair looks comfy, thinks Natalie, and takes a seat...

But believe me, this chair was NOT comfortable! You might actually think that the whole chair was hard plastic, but it wasn't!

Why doesn't my DD believe it's uncomfortable? And, why does her mother keep taking pictures of this nonsense?

There are other cuter things to take a picture of.

Jordan wants to turn the lights out. But wait --! They're already off!

Somewhere, I believe I have a picture of Jordan sitting here when she actually fit.

Pumpkins!

Really? Cheese in the basket?

We got out, and my DH was waiting on us.