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

[SimmerBaggins]

We noticed that the parade was about to start, and there we were, behind the castle. Not a really good starting place for it, so we wandered around to the right, behind the castle. We could see the bridge that the floats were about to come across, and there wasn't really anyone around us -- when suddenly, we spotted the unbelievable: benches.

They weren't really facing the bridge, but they were movable! It almost seemed like it was against the law, here in Magic Kingdom, to MOVE BENCHES around, but we did it!!

They were right by the water, and we turned them to face the bridge:

We had a pretty good view -- obviously not close up, but when you have such an awesome place to put your butt, that doesn't matter.

Even though I was catching these floats from almost the back, we did have a good view of them from the front, too. Just chalk it up to my being slow on the uptake.

No one has been able to answer this -- who is this guy with an ice cream cone??

My favorite -- Elliott!!

After the parade, I realized that the mosquitos had been having a great time with my lack of bug spray on my exposed limbs...I had been bitten multiple times. The others had one or two bites, but something about me was really attractive that night.

The park was really crowded -- more crowded than I had expected. The big rides had long wait times, so we looked for "quick kills."

We went over and did Monster's Inc Laugh Floor one more time, and got close to the aisle, which was what I was angling for. Robert didn't take any pictures, but this time -- they picked Natalie to say where she was from! She was suddenly at a loss for words, which, of course, was hilarious when the character made fun of her. But I was embarrassed for her, too! The thrill was short-lived, but I was wishing there was some way to buy that scene...I guess that would let the cat out of the bag on the gags, tho.

We went back over to the other side of the park...recognize this?

We decided to do what we hadn't done -- the Jungle Cruise.

I love that Natalie was such a ham.

Where's that flash coming from...me?

I have a poor camera.

The girl who was doing our tour practically blurred her words together sometimes, but she did an okay job.

That was my last picture to make it through the night, and our last ride at MK. You may be wondering to yourself -- where did they use that amazing FP that they got from dinner? Well, we didn't. I think our enthusiasm was waning -- when we tried to use it at one point, we couldn't because the ride was down. I don't remember what ride it was -- I thought it was BMTRR, but we were able to ride that...my memory has really gone!!

After that ride, on our way out of the park, I spotted the elusive (to me) Dole Whip -- and finally had one! Everyone else had something different. It was okay...not fantastic, I guess. Perhaps I should have had the float? Maybe that would have put it over the top.

That, my friends, was our last FULL day at WDW. We have one morning left before our flight in the late afternoon...where will it be?

 

[jmskinner]

So, how late did you make it that night?

I wonder if you had the same tour guide we had a few weeks ago on the Jungle Cruise. Ours spoke so fast we couldn't understand her.

And I can't believe you moved Mickey's benches. I guess if they weren't to be moved, they would have been bolted down. Too funny.

And I still have not seen that parade. Need to go do that.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

So, how late did you make it that night?

I wonder if you had the same tour guide we had a few weeks ago on the Jungle Cruise. Ours spoke so fast we couldn't understand her.

And I can't believe you moved Mickey's benches. I guess if they weren't to be moved, they would have been bolted down. Too funny.

And I still have not seen that parade. Need to go do that.

I believe we were there until around 1am. And I forgot to say: we did do the right thing and put the benches back from where we got them!!

I like the little music they play at that parade...it makes it seem magical.

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Great last day! I think the Dole whip float is far superior to the plain whip. There is something about that pineapple juice that makes it so heavenly!

Loving that you moved the benches. Looked like it worth it to get a comfy seat while the parade was on!

 

[TinksThree]

Great view of the parade and I love the benches story! I really liked that parade! So sad that your last full day is over but at least you get to go to another park before heading home!!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Great last day! I think the Dole whip float is far superior to the plain whip. There is something about that pineapple juice that makes it so heavenly!

Loving that you moved the benches. Looked like it worth it to get a comfy seat while the parade was on!

When I got in the line for the Dole Whip, I just could not remember which one I was supposed to get -- and since I had never seen the menu, I thought it would be painfully obvious, and it wasn't! So, now I know to try the float.

Those seats would have been perfect had I remembered the bug spray.

Great view of the parade and I love the benches story! I really liked that parade! So sad that your last full day is over but at least you get to go to another park before heading home!!!

We really lucked out on those benches, but I did feel a twinge of guilt when we began (noisily) moving them about!! If we go back later and they are bolted down, I guess I'll know why...

I should have learned the "relax and enjoy" lesson a little more for our last morning...

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We began our morning, of course, packing up and getting organized -- between what we needed for the park, and what we could do without at the park because we wouldn't want to carry it onto the plane. Then, realizing that we would have access to our bags one last time before we got on the ME bus, that alleviated some stress.

Nevertheless, we weren't in a great mood.

Natalie was ready to go home...she really missed her family.

Managed to get a sort-of-smile for this harried morning:

Not so much for DD:

I was really going to miss Jambo House, but we had a great time. It just FELT like we were ready to leave...maybe there wasn't so much excitement for where we were going, even? I think everyone was tired.

DH in the front of the line in the orange shirt. He always does the "business" side of things...I love him for that. He had all our paperwork and the bags with him to give to the bell hop for hold until we came back from the park.

And where did we go for our last day? Animal Kingdom!

I immediately went into commando mode again...what is it about this park?? I think because it's so huge, I feel like we have to rush to get to things. Our first mission was to get to see Finding Nemo, the Musical...and guess what? We had about 15 minutes before it started!!

Well, of course that made me go into commando mode -- and it's no small trip to get over there in 15 minutes. We made it just before they closed the line, with the CM seeing me running ahead of my group, who said, "Hurry!" -- like she needed to say that.

So, we made it in...and made it to the back row right before the exit door -- you know, the one row they hold for handicapped folks? It's nice & roomy, and since it's close to the door, guess who gets out first?

Not a great pic, but:

Obviously, they were already tired and hot...and I had made them rush.

As predicted, we got out quickly and were free to roam around...where would we go?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Why, what a silly question to ask, Vickie!! You know you went to Expedition Everest!

And so we happily did. This time, unlike the times before, we got to see the Yeti! Woo-hoo!! That was awesome...and it seriously was scary, although they move that thing around so that every time I've seen him, he's doing something else.

We didn't get any pictures; this time around, it wasn't for the vacation-memories, it was for the thrill!

We also wanted to see FOTLK, but it wasn't due to show for a while, so we needed to kill some time. Since we'd done the bird show and the safari, that was off the table, so we decided to take a trail. It was really hot.

What's that thing back there?

Oh, yeah...

Ewww...these things kill you with their slobber.

I've seen much better pics of the bats than these...some people even got bats AND balls.

The girls were grumpy.

Which made me want to get out of that hot room with them and try to cool off...but it wasn't any cooler outside. They came out, looking for me and seemingly somewhat angrier that I had left them.

My only pictures of the tiger:

Not sure why I took this picture...but you can see how crowded it was this day.

This is one of my most favorite sites in the park. I love the colorful flags and the distinctive foreign flavor it signifies...really puts you in that world.

I love birds, but am a horrible photographer of them. This yellow bird was very vocal, causing me to look up and see him. Hear him?

We are almost done...next up, our trip to FOTLK, where we ate after, and what happened after that...and after that: home.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We made it over to the FOTLK and waited outside the auditorium. It was so hot that the crowd was formed based on the shadows of the trees, and as the crowd inched forward, we lost our shade for a significant portion of our wait. No one was worried enough about us to crowd together a little more so that we could share the shade, and we forgot our umbrella --

The heat always acerbates my daughter's mood, so the family became snappish. Fortunately, all bad things come to an end, so we went up into the auditorium and ended up where we always end up: in the elephant section.

There was a little 5 year old girl behind me who kept kicking me, which didn't much improve my mood -- but I was more angry at the mother who didn't seem to remember that she had a daughter.

But, I digress. The important part was that Natalie enjoyed the show, since we had seen it and pretty much knew what to expect.

Look! I have a picture in a picture!!

He had a really good camera.

I got Natalie to cheese at me.

Now, on our way out, I always try something, based upon our first experience at FOTLK. But, it never works anymore. After the show, you'll notice that the huge characters stick around...well, the first time we saw the show, we went up to take a picture of Simba.

And...he responded to us!! We would talk to him (say hello), and he would nod and respond...you might think I am a little off, but this did happen. But, it hasn't happened since, and I feel like I might be making a fool of myself trying to talk to Simba after the show... yeah, don't tell me.

So, we leave.

I think about talking to Pumba, but my spirit is crushed. Rejection.

And out, into the hot, sub-African - er, sub-Floridian sun we go.

We were hungry...it would be our last hurrah at the park...

 

[TinksThree]

Even with the heat the the sour moods it sounds like a productive day so far! The heat was so oppressive! And then at Animal Kingdom at that! But that is one of my favorite parks (I think I am in the minority in that opinion!) I love FOTLK...glad Natalie got to enjoy it!

Ohhh...I wonder where you eat!?!?!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Even with the heat the the sour moods it sounds like a productive day so far! The heat was so oppressive! And then at Animal Kingdom at that! But that is one of my favorite parks (I think I am in the minority in that opinion!) I love FOTLK...glad Natalie got to enjoy it!

Ohhh...I wonder where you eat!?!?!

Hi, Tink! You have been so awesome to keep up with us, and it's almost over! I'll admit that AK has always been kind of an "afterthought" -- with the exception of EE! That really is my favorite ride...I think in all of WDW.

Okay, lunch is coming...

 

[SimmerBaggins]

As we left that part of the park, it was lunchtime...and we weren't going to go far to find it!

Yes, we did just have something like this, yesterday...but we weren't picky, and I've heard good things about this place.

We had never eaten here before. The colors of this building were really striking.

I wonder where they got the ideas for this architecture and details...

Do they serve bugs and lizards here, too?

I didn't go for anything really fancy, this time -- pizza and salad sounded GREAT!! We did go for dessert, too.

DH had a sammich.

The murals on the wall kept my attention, trying to figure out what they were saying. The skunk seems to be chasing away the owl... But wait! Who's that, sitting at a table all by himself?

Why, it's KERMIEEEEEE!!!! What is he doing here at AK...?? I guess they have him working the tables, and in this case, reserving one...very interesting to see him here in some traditional garb...

We ended the trip with...

one more visit to Expedition Everest!! It was an awesome way to end the day...and for me, an awesome way to end our WDW park time.

Poor Jordan...Natalie's arm took her outta the pic!

We went back to the hotel, to leave....

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We went back to grab a bite from the concierge bar before we left, to say goodbye to the hotel and check out. Here's a final shot of the view from the elevator hall...

There's an inexplicable feeling that comes...almost like a gravitational vortex that sucks you away from the World -- there's no denying it, no arguing that it's time to go...you just wearily pick up your belongings and load onto the bus.

Well, we went out to the bellhop and ordered our luggage...there was a native beat in the air, that seemed to say, "it's time to go...don't you wish you were arriving, instead? But, you've had your time, and it's over, now..."

Oh, wait...that's the drummer over there in the corner.

It's kind of nice that it's not an impersonal beat that you're hearing (like at Kadani Village, where it's being pumped out of the speakers)...it's an actual welcoming/good-byeing person, who varies his/her beat according to whim.

Our bellhop was young, vibrant, and extremely talkative.

In fact, he decided to launch off on talking about his favorite reading material, which we all wearied of, quickly. I thought, because he was somewhat cute, that the girls would hang in there and listen to him, but they lost interest and pulled away from his window soon after DH and I did.

They finally brought out our luggage...we counted it...and walked over to where we were to wait on our bus.

This was interesting...I wondered what it was, and then when I got home, read a little bit about it.

While we were standing there, the drummer came to join us. It was a "she," now, as the shift had changed. She told us, "I came over to give you guys a little farewell music!" It was really nice...wasn't annoying at all, like you might think it would be, to have someone constantly drumming around you. It just added to the ambiance of Jambo House, like the house itself was speaking to you, telling you now that it would miss you...too bad you were leaving...but take this nice memory with you. Funny how human interaction can change your perspective.

Our bus finally came...we loaded up, and I sat down and took a picture. You can see our drummer, who is still drumming. The older couple there were grandparents, who were staying longer than their children/grandchildren, and they were saying good-bye to them.

The girls got settled in...(that's a cruise line bus next to us!)

When I took this picture, I think I was just saying to myself (in explanation of the expression), "we're leaving, and you just better get on with it!" All good things must come to an end, but in the end, so must ALL things!

Buh-bye, Jambo House.

(trying not to be jealous of those who are just starting their vacations...)

...and, we are off.

We had a LONG stop at (I think) Pop Century. There were three folks (it looked like in one family) who were handicapped, and the bus driver had to load them in at the back of the bus.

I couldn't help but take this picture...I wondered if the bus driver saw that he was going to get this paperwork...? (woman in the center holding the 2 kids -- obviously didn't have another hand for the paperwork)

Then, from one extreme to another, I saw this driver pull up in this nice SUV and pick up some folks...who must have been important...

And we were finally on our way, after a good 30 minutes. No, no exaggeration.

There's really not much to tell after that...we made it to the airport, and I took 2 more pictures.

We were in a hurry, otherwise I might have noticed they were blurry.

When we arrived at our home airport in San Antonio around 10pm, Natalie's family was all there, to greet her with flowers. It was so sweet!!! My sister had some trouble getting to the airport, but finally made it and picked us up.

And that, my friends, is that. I think I'm just 'way too detailed at some points, dragging out my TR, but in the end, it is what it is. Thanks to those of you who've hung in there with me...maybe I'll let Melissa tell our "girl's weekend" TR for February!

...(oh, this is) The End.

 

[jmskinner]

I finally catch up and its over. Been a crazy time and I haven't Dis'ed all week.

Sometimes I feel there should be a separate places for the buses, those arriving and those departing. It's so hard seeing those well rested people ready to go. Ever noticed those leaving never look relaxed. Barely dragging the suitcases. WDW is not a relaxing vacation.

Well, I am certainly looking forward to February and I thought you would do the TR.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I finally catch up and its over. Been a crazy time and I haven't Dis'ed all week.

Sometimes I feel there should be a separate places for the buses, those arriving and those departing. It's so hard seeing those well rested people ready to go. Ever noticed those leaving never look relaxed. Barely dragging the suitcases. WDW is not a relaxing vacation.

Well, I am certainly looking forward to February and I thought you would do the TR.

You've had a lot going on! It's all good...there are so many folks who started out doing their TR right along with me, and have finished long ago...I feel like an old-fogey-stogey, trying to finish telling my story with all the people who just got back from WDW! I'm an old-timer, with lots of pages that no one wants to rummage through -- they'd rather start on a brand new story and jump in!

I think it's rather bitter-sweet to see those people coming in...while you don't want to go back to reality, it's also like you've been to an all-you-can-eat buffet, and you're walking (rolling) out the door, while other hungry people are coming in! ("yeah, you go right ahead, lady -- I'm stuffed, just let me by...")

But you're right -- it's not a relaxing vacation. In that way, I kind of like cruises, because you can work in your relaxation when you see there's nothing you want to do on the itinerary...and sitting on the deck, reading a book is a little piece of heaven. I miss it.

I keep wondering how I want to start out preparing for our February trip. I hope you aren't too stuffed by the time I get there, tho...

 

[cjnix29]

Great to read your adventure!. I really liked reading about all your resort changes. While in the midst of your TR, we actually did our first split stay. Worked great! (read all about it in my trip report! ) I am not sure I would have had the courage to do it if I hadn't read on the DIS from all those that had good experiences. And I enjoyed your details!

 

[TinksThree]

Say it isn't over!! I really loved following along! I would have drug mine out if my joob didn't suddenly take a turn to pure craziness requiring a mad dash to the finish on my TR!

What a great way to end your trip...on EE!! I also love Pizzafari! The Italian sandwich is so good.

That was really sweet of Natalie's family and I bet she was so happy to see them!

It is so bittersweet leaving. You are exhausted and ready to get home but, for me, there is a sadness about leaving!

I can't wait to hear your and Melissa's plans so please begin a PTR now!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Great to read your adventure!. I really liked reading about all your resort changes. While in the midst of your TR, we actually did our first split stay. Worked great! (read all about it in my trip report! ) I am not sure I would have had the courage to do it if I hadn't read on the DIS from all those that had good experiences. And I enjoyed your details!

Thanks for reading! We've never stayed at Concierge level at any other resort, and your TR really makes me want to try Contemporary!! I think we're almost addicted to switching out and making things more interesting!

For our girl's weekend, though, we're trying to snag BLT...we are currently booked at SSR, and I would prefer some of that balcony magic!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Say it isn't over!! I really loved following along! I would have drug mine out if my joob didn't suddenly take a turn to pure craziness requiring a mad dash to the finish on my TR!

What a great way to end your trip...on EE!! I also love Pizzafari! The Italian sandwich is so good.

That was really sweet of Natalie's family and I bet she was so happy to see them!

It is so bittersweet leaving. You are exhausted and ready to get home but, for me, there is a sadness about leaving!

I can't wait to hear your and Melissa's plans so please begin a PTR now!

I felt guilty for dragging my TR out so much for so long...especially as time went by, I started forgetting stuff!

That last ride on EE made our park ending SWEET. I don't know if there's a better way to do it, especially from AK.

I'm thinking about a PTR, but I want to do it justice. And, how do you prep for it without the kids' aspect?? This is going to be truly a DIFFERENT PTR, if I do it...I would want to make it fun. Maybe starting early November? (Melissa...have to get together on this!!)

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Oh no! So sad its over! I have loved reading about your adventure!

Must say thought I know exactly what you mean about those well rested people arriving. So jealous! I always think that when you get to MCO near the monorail and you see people arriving on it. They look so excited and raring to go. I always look at them and want to cry!

Can't wait to hear your plans for your next trip!!!!