Wet, Sweat, Fun & Sun But You Have HOW Many Snack Credits Left?

[kelmac284]

Oh and I forgot to say that is another reason I hate being onsite is having to rely on the buses. They can be so packed and people are so rude like you said. One of our first trips we were waiting in line for the bus and we just got cut off from one so we were first in line for the next one. The kids were babies and sleeping in the stroller and we didn't want to collapse it till the next bus got there. Well when it did this obnoxious guy practically pushed us over eventhough we were before him and then sat in the seats right behind the driver which it says in a giant sign reserved for disabled and elderly. An older lady got on and the bus driver asked him to move and he said NO. I would have kicked his butt off. I said really loudly MUST BE FROM NY. LOL. No offense to anyone who is and honestly when we went to NY many of the people were very kind but sadly like everything else in the world they have gotten a rep just like a lot of other groups. I also think that if a parent has a small child they should put the child on their lap so someone can sit down. We also had an incident where the bus driver stopped by our resort and then wouldn't let us off for some reason. We were all standing up and then a little kid in front of us said he was going to baurf and they STILL wouldn't let him off eventhough we were stopped RIGHT in front of our resort for like 20 mins. So then the kid pukes ON the bus right at the exit. I don't know what his reason was for not letting people off but it really ticked us off and I bet the poor parents with the sick kid. I have to say it bums me out that they practically force you to stay onsite to get the dinning and magic bands etc but staying off can be so much nicer if you have a rental car as well and can come and go as you please. I wish it wasn't that way!

 

[DizNee Luver]

The food looks good

It was pretty good. The strawberry soup was tasty!

Dang it once again I got NO notice that you did an update. I don't know why this stupid site does this but glad I went looking just in case LOL. I am following you and another one on the DL side and it seems I never get an update. Oh well anyway loved the pics and that is so sad about Shy. That must have been so frustrating for her and you guys. We have done 1900 park faire in the past and enjoyed it. And I do like the Grand Floridian and I would stay at any of the resorts if I could afford it. I actually prefer this one with the old world style than something like the Contemporary because I don't like that new modern look. But again I would stay at any of them LOL. The only ones I really haven't liked is the cheaper ones like Allstar and Pop only because the rooms are so small and double beds. We stayed at Pop and it was really uncomfortable. If I was on a major budget though I would deal but it is def nicer to be able to spread out. Eventhough I love the benefits of staying onsite I do love having the timeshare for that reason. Having a living room and kitchen and esp a washer/dryer is so nice.

Hope the day got better at AK!

Well we're even......I didn't get notification of you posting.......lol

The trip was hard for Shy and we would never plan a summer trip there again. We really didn't want to go that time of year, but had to coordinate it with Derek leaving the program.

The Grand is too fancy for me.....I'd feel out of place all the time I was there. I'd also be afraid of touching stuff......lol Poly is definitely my 1st pick in Deluxe Resorts....then Animal Kingdom......not interested in the others.

I was comfy in the double beds at Pop.....wasn't sure I would be for that many nights......but they were fine and we survived. (with my fibro, beds are always something we look at and pray is going to work for me). 11 nights and no complaints!

Oh and I forgot to say that is another reason I hate being onsite is having to rely on the buses. They can be so packed and people are so rude like you said. One of our first trips we were waiting in line for the bus and we just got cut off from one so we were first in line for the next one. The kids were babies and sleeping in the stroller and we didn't want to collapse it till the next bus got there. Well when it did this obnoxious guy practically pushed us over eventhough we were before him and then sat in the seats right behind the driver which it says in a giant sign reserved for disabled and elderly. An older lady got on and the bus driver asked him to move and he said NO. I would have kicked his butt off. I said really loudly MUST BE FROM NY. LOL. No offense to anyone who is and honestly when we went to NY many of the people were very kind but sadly like everything else in the world they have gotten a rep just like a lot of other groups. I also think that if a parent has a small child they should put the child on their lap so someone can sit down. We also had an incident where the bus driver stopped by our resort and then wouldn't let us off for some reason. We were all standing up and then a little kid in front of us said he was going to baurf and they STILL wouldn't let him off eventhough we were stopped RIGHT in front of our resort for like 20 mins. So then the kid pukes ON the bus right at the exit. I don't know what his reason was for not letting people off but it really ticked us off and I bet the poor parents with the sick kid. I have to say it bums me out that they practically force you to stay onsite to get the dinning and magic bands etc but staying off can be so much nicer if you have a rental car as well and can come and go as you please. I wish it wasn't that way!

The only big bus problem we had was getting on after breakfast at the Grand. We never had problems catching it at Pop or going back to Pop.

That's weird that he wouldn't let you guys off.......I would have gone into a panic attack just sitting there and not being able to get off.

The drivers down there are the WORSE!!! I would never, EVER even consider driving for ourselves while there......yikes! When Mike & I went alone in 2013 to see Derek, his then girlfriend gave us a ride back to the resort after leaving Epcot. We almost go t-boned before even getting out on the highway.......SCARY STUFF!!!! More power to you if you can handle doing the driving there!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

We arrived at the Animal Kingdom park and headed towards the gates......it started to rain a little. It rained just enough to make the muggy factor off the charts!







We rented a wheelchair for Shyann and let Derek take random pics as we headed towards the First Aid office to see if they had any advice for us to try on Shy.....but first the stuff along the ways.























We stopped to look at the colorful parrots.

 

[DizNee Luver]

The Tree of Life and area.



























The kids got to see Tarzan! (quite the hottie!!)

 

[DizNee Luver]

We continued on to the First Aid.....they weren't much help. They handed me a flyer for an Urgent Care. We found some shade & Derek, Tony & Addy went on a free ice water run. We used cooling rags and misters on Shy & Michayla to keep them cool....or at least try.













When they got back, we drank our water and then headed towards the safari. We had a Fastpass+ ride time. We were early, so we found a bench near the huge fan/mister and fed Michayla as we waited.

 

[kelmac284]

I agree with you about the heat. Our first trip was in May and that was bad enough. Plus I am worried about constant rain when we go. Summer is NOT what I wanted but unfortunately it is the only time we can go because of the kids school. They just can't miss that much time and if we are going to spend the time and money to go we want to have plenty of time. I don't do well in the heat either and it tends to give me bad migraines. But it is what it is so I am just praying it's ok. Plus we have always gone at off season so not looking forward to the crowds either.

As far as the car we have had a car almost every trip and we have never really had a problem with drivers and it is SO nice to be able to come and go and have your stuff and be able to go offsite etc. We always go to Universal so that helps too. The buses are nice but sometimes you are at their whim.

Love the pics of AK. That is one of our favorites. We love it there and how jungly it is. It always seems though with all the vegetation it is always hotter than the other parks. I can't imagine what it must be like in summer.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

How neat for Tarzan!! I have never seen him either

 

[kelmac284]

I agree I have never seen Tarzan either. That is another thing I love about DW is unusual characters. I have seen several back there that I have never seen at DL so that is always fun!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I agree with you about the heat. Our first trip was in May and that was bad enough. Plus I am worried about constant rain when we go. Summer is NOT what I wanted but unfortunately it is the only time we can go because of the kids school. They just can't miss that much time and if we are going to spend the time and money to go we want to have plenty of time. I don't do well in the heat either and it tends to give me bad migraines. But it is what it is so I am just praying it's ok. Plus we have always gone at off season so not looking forward to the crowds either.

As far as the car we have had a car almost every trip and we have never really had a problem with drivers and it is SO nice to be able to come and go and have your stuff and be able to go offsite etc. We always go to Universal so that helps too. The buses are nice but sometimes you are at their whim.

Love the pics of AK. That is one of our favorites. We love it there and how jungly it is. It always seems though with all the vegetation it is always hotter than the other parks. I can't imagine what it must be like in summer.

Darn school time!! lol

AK is definitely the hottest park....well maybe not the hottest but the muggiest!!!!

How neat for Tarzan!! I have never seen him either

He played the part very well!!

I agree I have never seen Tarzan either. That is another thing I love about DW is unusual characters. I have seen several back there that I have never seen at DL so that is always fun!

We saw Tarzan later, heading to a CM area and still was playing the part by following a young woman and interacting with her.....it was funny.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Sounds hilarious. I can't believe the bus problems from the GF-AK

 

[DizNee Luver]

Sounds hilarious. I can't believe the bus problems from the GF-AK

Yeah, it was pretty rude........

 

[happymommy]

Better late to the party than never!
I'm loving your trip report. Sorry that the heat was so hard on your girl! Hope she felt better.
Hope you're healing from your surgery. I had a minor thing done in the spring, and ended up not well from taking the pain medicine for a couple days - they can do a number on my intestines (now I know not to take them ever!).
Thanks for sharing your trip with your beautiful family!
- Amy

 

[DnA2010]

I'm back and kicking around looking forward to more updates! Tarzan! Super cool!

 

[kelmac284]

Just had to share that our 180 days is FINALLY coming up this Sunday. Our first day is June 3rd but I can't start calling till the 6th so there must be some extra days in there somewhere. I know that there is 29 in Feb this year so that is part of it. But anyway I am nervous yet excited and hope we get everything! I know you know the excitement so wanted to share with someone who gets it.

 

[kelmac284]

I know you haven't been on but when you do I wanted to let you know I had my first experience today with MDE. It actually went fairly well and eventhough it seemed like there were a ton of screens I did get my first ressie which was for Fultons at DTD. That is the seafood restaurant that is the big paddle wheel boat. We ate there on our last trip and loved it. I made it for 8 on our day of arrival and hoping we don't have any issues. We are hoping to get a flight in around 4 or 5 and then we have to get a rental car and get over to our timeshare and get checked in and hopefully get to DTD (Springs) by 7:30 or earlier hopefully to get parking and then get to our ressie. That day is also my birthday so excited to have a nice dinner. Anyway just wanted to share and I don't have any to make tomorrow since that day is an open day for us but then on Tuesday is Chefs de France which I think I will get no problem and then wed is finally the first day for BOG. I am going to try for lunch but will also try for breakfast or dinner if I don't get lunch and then if we DO get other than dinner then doing CA Grill for Dinner. Getting excited!!

Oh and eventhough we don't get magic bands I decided to get them for us as a souvenier. I don't want the plain ones I got the girls I ones from the Disney store. Shelby got Jack Skellington Katy got the villians and I got HM. Then after the trip they can keep them and wear them as bracelets or whatever and then if we ever DO go back hopefully we can re-use them. Mom and dad will get them but prob after we get there.

Anyway getting excited and wanted to share and the next huge thing is airfare which we are desparetly waiting for southwest to open our days. Our departure day is open just not our return. Depending on what the fare is we prob will go with them because they have a lot of options on times and good layover spots plus if you add the luggage fees on the other airlines that makes up the difference in price. We will probably buy 4 rts for mom the girls and I and a 1 way for my dad and then once we KNOW for sure he isn't going to back out (which will probably have to be when we purchase the tickets in April) then we will buy him a return. He is not going to stay the entire time and will leave the day we check out and move to universal.

Hope all is well with you guys and when is your next trip? Diva trip??

 

[Steppesister]

I hope you are doing well; sorry for my extended self-induced hiatus from DISLand while I finished up my Term. I'm still in, so that's good.

I gotta say, I LOVE all your pictures of the ToL and the AK in general. Anara and I just spent quite some time picking out all of the animals in your photos. Seeing other people's TRs is really helping her get excited for our trip now.

 

[DnA2010]

Just checking back in, enjoying your life updates on FB

 

[kelmac284]

Know you have been busy but just wanted to let you know I got all our ADRS including BOG!!! Super excited. I am hoping to get a lunch for the new Skipper Canteen but not sure when they are opening it up for ADRS but watching closely every day. Hoping to buy our airfare either this Friday or next week sometime. As long as they don't jack up the price cuz it's a friday I will buy them then but will be glad once we have that. Am supposed to get the magic bands I ordered the next day or so and then we have nothing again until April when we have to buy our park tickets and then beginning of may I can start making our FP. Can't wait!!!

 

[Smbmoyers]

Have read your report this far and it just made my heart bubble over with Joy. I'm sorry Shy got sick and hope she was able to enjoy the trip. I'm afraid of taking my one child to disney and here you are, wonderwoman, with 5!!!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Better late to the party than never!
I'm loving your trip report. Sorry that the heat was so hard on your girl! Hope she felt better.
Hope you're healing from your surgery. I had a minor thing done in the spring, and ended up not well from taking the pain medicine for a couple days - they can do a number on my intestines (now I know not to take them ever!).
Thanks for sharing your trip with your beautiful family!
- Amy

Thank you for stopping in!! Sorry for not responding back quicker.....life's been a bit hectic! My hubby has issues with some of the pain meds as well.

I'm back and kicking around looking forward to more updates! Tarzan! Super cool!

I'll get back to this I promise.....just need to string an hour or two of quiet time so I can do this.

Just had to share that our 180 days is FINALLY coming up this Sunday. Our first day is June 3rd but I can't start calling till the 6th so there must be some extra days in there somewhere. I know that there is 29 in Feb this year so that is part of it. But anyway I am nervous yet excited and hope we get everything! I know you know the excitement so wanted to share with someone who gets it.

YAY!! Been seeing your FB posts about your ADR's!!

I know you haven't been on but when you do I wanted to let you know I had my first experience today with MDE. It actually went fairly well and eventhough it seemed like there were a ton of screens I did get my first ressie which was for Fultons at DTD. That is the seafood restaurant that is the big paddle wheel boat. We ate there on our last trip and loved it. I made it for 8 on our day of arrival and hoping we don't have any issues. We are hoping to get a flight in around 4 or 5 and then we have to get a rental car and get over to our timeshare and get checked in and hopefully get to DTD (Springs) by 7:30 or earlier hopefully to get parking and then get to our ressie. That day is also my birthday so excited to have a nice dinner. Anyway just wanted to share and I don't have any to make tomorrow since that day is an open day for us but then on Tuesday is Chefs de France which I think I will get no problem and then wed is finally the first day for BOG. I am going to try for lunch but will also try for breakfast or dinner if I don't get lunch and then if we DO get other than dinner then doing CA Grill for Dinner. Getting excited!!

Oh and eventhough we don't get magic bands I decided to get them for us as a souvenier. I don't want the plain ones I got the girls I ones from the Disney store. Shelby got Jack Skellington Katy got the villians and I got HM. Then after the trip they can keep them and wear them as bracelets or whatever and then if we ever DO go back hopefully we can re-use them. Mom and dad will get them but prob after we get there.

Anyway getting excited and wanted to share and the next huge thing is airfare which we are desparetly waiting for southwest to open our days. Our departure day is open just not our return. Depending on what the fare is we prob will go with them because they have a lot of options on times and good layover spots plus if you add the luggage fees on the other airlines that makes up the difference in price. We will probably buy 4 rts for mom the girls and I and a 1 way for my dad and then once we KNOW for sure he isn't going to back out (which will probably have to be when we purchase the tickets in April) then we will buy him a return. He is not going to stay the entire time and will leave the day we check out and move to universal.

Hope all is well with you guys and when is your next trip? Diva trip??

The MDE actually works pretty easily when the sight isn't having technical issues. It will walk you through the steps. Yay on the MagicBands....will they be able to activate them so you can use them for your FP+ & park tickets? I'm assuming they can??

Next trip is end of February to DL for the Diva trip. Mike & I are going to celebrate our anniversary and I'm attending the Meet-n-Greet and hopefully group photos & rides. The rest of the time will be relaxing & reconnecting!!

I hope you are doing well; sorry for my extended self-induced hiatus from DISLand while I finished up my Term. I'm still in, so that's good.

I gotta say, I LOVE all your pictures of the ToL and the AK in general. Anara and I just spent quite some time picking out all of the animals in your photos. Seeing other people's TRs is really helping her get excited for our trip now.

I've kinda been on hiatus as well..... How many more terms do you have left??
I'm glad you both are enjoying all the pictures!!

Just checking back in, enjoying your life updates on FB

Thanks for checking back in!

Know you have been busy but just wanted to let you know I got all our ADRS including BOG!!! Super excited. I am hoping to get a lunch for the new Skipper Canteen but not sure when they are opening it up for ADRS but watching closely every day. Hoping to buy our airfare either this Friday or next week sometime. As long as they don't jack up the price cuz it's a friday I will buy them then but will be glad once we have that. Am supposed to get the magic bands I ordered the next day or so and then we have nothing again until April when we have to buy our park tickets and then beginning of may I can start making our FP. Can't wait!!!

I told you you'd be able to get the BOG!! Good luck with the Skipper Canteen one....since that one is BRAND NEW.....could make it more difficult!

Have read your report this far and it just made my heart bubble over with Joy. I'm sorry Shy got sick and hope she was able to enjoy the trip. I'm afraid of taking my one child to disney and here you are, wonderwoman, with 5!!!!

LOL.....well not sure Wonder Woman is right.....but years of experience and patience has helped make these types of trips possible. We'd never go anywhere if we didn't figure out a plan that works for all these different needs & personalities. Maybe selfish on my end, but darn it......I want to go and I'll make it work no matter what...... Please check back as I will be getting another post in soon!!