WHAT A DIFFERENCE 6 MOS. MAKES (or how I learned to love MK) COMPLETE-WRAP-UP 12/29

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Joining in!!!

I'm really enjoying your TR - boo about the not-so-great AK morning so far! Hopefully things looked up soon!

 

[eandesmom]

I think this may be my favorite update of yours ever. Absolutely laugh out loud at times. Wonderful writing Tina!

Looking forward to seeing if there was Pixie dust around the corner....

btw...I keep my KTTW card in my pocket on a regular basis, if a purse in the park can be avoided I'm all for it. Bagless is a wonderful thing!

 

[annmarieda]

We were up and out the door early for our 8 a.m. ADR at Tusker House. It was an auspicious start.

First off, I left my sunglasses in the room. My PRESCRIPTION sunglasses, so I had to go back and grab them, which I did. Bonus on the room change; we were super close to the lobby.

I get to AK, arguably the most photogenic park of them all and pull out my camera, only to discover that I had left my SD in the computer. Ooops. I knew I’d be able to get one somewhere in AK, except that NOTHING is open that early, except Tusker House, of course.

Needless to say, it wasn’t even eight a.m. and I was already a bit rattled. Max wasn’t having any of it, either. For the second day in a row, we had woken him up early (6:30 to make this reservation, because I always allow too much travel time and we’re always early) after going to bed later than he ever had in his whole short life. He was already squirmy and cranky. I was also beginning to wonder if he isn’t outgrowing his stroller, too. And when Max gets cranky, he quickly becomes an irrational little tyrant. So, did I notice the gentle mist gathered around the trunk of the Tree of Life? Did I stop to, figuratively, at least, smell the flowers? Oh, no. No, I didn’t.

Sounds like not the greatest start to your day. I am sorry to hear that...

Then there was the Brazilian tour group. Bless their hearts. But can someone explain this phenomenon to me? Why are they all from Brazil? Why must they travel en masse? Why must they walk so slowly? Why do they spontaneously break into cheers in their native language? Why do I feel as though I have been overtaken by an incredibly large wave, leaving me gasping for air on the beach, whenever I see one coming?

yes, this phenomenon seems to trouble my dd too. I read her what you wrote and she said you should add..."and why do they all have to go to the bathroom at the same time or go on the same ride and the same time" The are a bit overwhelming to venture near, that is for sure!!

As I’ve said, Tusker House was the best character breakfast we had during the last trip. I had such fond recollections of the yummy food, delectable juice, and almost drinkable coffee. I raved for months like a lunatic about the bread pudding (dessert…for breakfast!).

And this time I was left wondering why I had been so excited for some tater tots (still good, but come on, they’re tater tots of the same type and flavor profile I can procure either at my local Sonic or, heck, here’s an idea…my own oven from a bag with an Ore Ida label!) and bread pudding. I’m not even a huge bread pudding fan. What the heck?

I had mealie pap, which I found oddly yummy. Of course, if you top just about anything with cheddar cheese, I’ll probably eat it. I had a biscuit with sausage gravy, something I enjoy sampling anytime I find myself south of the Mason-Dixon. Virtually unheard of in the northeast, so they’re exotic to me. I had a roommate in college who would get up every Sunday morning and roll out a batch of fresh biscuits like it was nothing. But I digress.

I had a slice of what was labeled as a leek and potato frittata. It was fine, but pretty bland for something that supposedly contained a member of the onion family. Max, predictably, had a Mickey waffles, some sausage, and some watermelon. We later returned to the buffet for dounts, which he took, but didn’t eat.

The character interaction was good.we actually remembered to bust out the autograph book Max had gotten as part of his Cars birthday gift. The characters were all cute in recognizing Mark and I for our anniversary. For something that had felt so special and magical in February, it didn’t quite stack up in July.

I wonder about our breakfast ADR. I really hope we are hungry enough for ours to be good. I suspect hunger plays a role in how "good" the meal seems.

We exited Tusker House and waited by the rope they set up in front of the safari. I looked in vain for something to be open where I might purchase an SD card, but no luck.

We had about a fifteen minute wait and here’s where I’m just not the greatest parent of a pre-schooler ever. I have a hard time keeping Max entertained in these situations, we both do, and we often let him get bored. Too bored. Bored past the point of no return and now I’m frustrated about it bored. And then he starts to get cranky.

It was at approximately this point when I realized I hadn’t gotten by KTW card back. At first I was worried I had dropped it, as I had been carrying it around in my pocket. Not the brightest idea, but I had broken my lanyard pouch thing the day before, I’d yet to replace it, and I’ll do almost anything to get out of carrying a purse. (Weird…I know. I love purses. I think they’re beautiful. I just often find they aren’t all that functional. Kind of like high heels. But, again, I digress…)

Luckily, I remembered that I had used it to pay for breakfast and went back into Tusker House in a hurry. My server was lovely about it and gave me back my card. Phew!

Phew!! DD lost her card last year and it was so nerve wrecking. I am glad you found it easily enough.

Breakfast done…would our day improve? One of the things I love about coming to Disneyworld is that it can often seem for every moment of frustration, there is a bit pixie dust just around the corner to turn it all around. Wish life were that easy, but alas…

I hope there was pixie dust!!!

Onto the safari. I enjoyed it, although perhaps not as much as the first time I had seen it. The same animals were there, in more or less the same places, and they went through the same routine about saving the baby elephant. Now, Dear Disney, either beef up that whole story line or ditch it entirely, because it doesn’t really lend itself to repeat visits. Its not all that compelling really. Am I alone in this?
We did, however, get a great view of the lions actually…MOVING! I know..shocking. We got great views of the lion and the lioness. Very cool. Not that I got to take pictures of them, or anything, but still…very cool.

This ride was very “meh” for Max. It definitely reinforced my decision to stay at the Beach Club for this trip, over AKL. He isn’t a kid who is hugely interested in animals, to the point that he is sometimes afraid of them. Strange, since he loves dogs and we have our own. I also think that he has a hard time seeing over the sides of the truck and, because he needs to be independent much of the time, didn’t want to sit in either Mark and or my laps.

Was our day finally looking up? Will my next installment include pictures?

ya know... I think some people/kids just like this more than others. My family is totally into this safari just because of the animals. It isn't like we haven't seen them all before at WDW or at local zoos. I do agree with you though....the story line needs help. It really doesn't lend itself to repeat "oooh and aahh" I think that I would like the ride just as much if not more if it were more about what animals were there and how Disney takes care of them. The pseudo "in Africa" mixed with actual triva I find confusing. Ant mounts? Are there really ants there or are we just listening to a story?? The upside down tree? Is it a live tree planted there or just a prop with a story behind?

 

[tinacaplan]

After our safari, we walked back into Harambe village and purchased an SD card, so I was now back in the photo-taking business. Since the last post was without pictures, this post will have fewer words.

Our next stop was Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

We boarded the train, enthusiastic about our impending voyage. Um…yeah…that’s a very nice…um..parking lot. Seriously?

Admittedly, the walk from the train was lovely and we spoke to a very kind CM who was originally from Connecticut. She let us know that Rafiki would indeed be out there, just not for another forty-five minutes or so.

We were pretty much on our own out here...

Rafiki!

We got out there and Max ran pretty much in the opposite direction of the petting zoo, right into the gift area.

He considered a number of stuffed animals, all of which we put down again. Finally, we went inside Conservation Station, where it was, at the very least, air conditioned.

We were waiting for Rafiki to make his appearance, and we still had fifteen minutes to kill. We sat in the two of the rain forest listening booths and used the headphones to listen to the sounds of the rainforest. For the first time ever, I felt like I wasn’t at Disney, but at some sort of local museum. Which was OK, but given that Disney is a mulit-billion dollar, for-profit company, I thought they maybe could do something a bit more with this particular area.

Rafiki finally showed up and the look on Max’s face was certainly one of pure joy. We took our pictures, Rafiki danced for us, and we took pictures with Jiminy Cricket, the other character to come out with him.

Max was satisfied, so we headed back to the train. Luckily, because of Max’s fascination with all modes of transportation, he was quite content with our journey back to Harambe.

All in all, we enjoyed our picturesque little walk and train ride. It was wonderful to meet Rafiki, too! Could this have turned our whole day around?

We were now headed toward Max’s very first thrill ride...or were we?

 

[annmarieda]

Love the pics! I am so glad you got an sd card.

BTW, Max's lime green (I assume) crocs are adorable!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Oh boy, once your day starts going into a nosedive, it can be hard to pull out of it. I hope you get some pixie dust, and soon!

I agree with you on the safari ride....I wonder if there was some way they could mix it up a little?

And we were in free fall! Oh, at least I can laugh about it now.

I have read your whole trip report to this point and think Max is adorable. I saw that you fly out of Hartford... Are you flying out of Bradley? I am considering flying out of Bradley on my next trip as I am getting really good flight prices.

I just stayed at the CR for the first time in May after wanting to stay there for a long time. i booked a TPV as a surprise for my mom and we absolutely loved it.

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

We do fly out of Hartford, out of Bradley. I love it. Very small airport, very convenient.

Glad to hear that you loved the CR. I'm hoping it lives up to my expectations, but it pretty much just needs to keep being beautiful and I'll be happy.

Tina - you sure made up for your lack of pictures with your wonderful writing. I do believe you were experiencing the Day 3 meltdown. Apparently it is a well known phenomenon among CM's. Somewhere around day 3 the lack of sleep and "hurry, hurry, hurry" combine to make a trying moment or two. Bummer about leaving your card in the room. You missed my Sept 2010 TR where I actually left my battery in the room. Or so I thought - only to go back and find it in my case. Yup - and I'm not even sure that was Day 3.

I hope your day gets better and Max starts to have some fun!

Thanks! Interesting day three theory...I think there's probably something to that. I wish I had thought about it before I laid out the plans for this trip, as I did make a few planning errors. Oh well. It was still a blast!

Joining in!!!

I'm really enjoying your TR - boo about the not-so-great AK morning so far! Hopefully things looked up soon!

Glad you're here!

I think this may be my favorite update of yours ever. Absolutely laugh out loud at times. Wonderful writing Tina!

Looking forward to seeing if there was Pixie dust around the corner....

btw...I keep my KTTW card in my pocket on a regular basis, if a purse in the park can be avoided I'm all for it. Bagless is a wonderful thing!

Thank you! This particular chapter I wrote almost entirely while we were in Florida this past July, which explains the detail and immediacy.

Ah yes, bagless is the ideal, isn't it?

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like the day was definitely turning around for y'all! So glad you were able to get an SD card to get some pics. That's so cool that y'all were able to meet Rafiki. I don't think I knew that Rafiki did a meet & greet there. We usually don't spend too much time at AK. Can't wait to hear how the rest of the day went!

 

[dizneeat]

It seems like your day got better and you had lots of fun riding the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Love your pics of Max, he is just too cute! Did I mention that before?

More please .........

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I've never been to Rafiki's, but it does look a bit...under-pixie dusted? Idk...AK is also far from my favorite park, so I may be a bit biased here! If this was an area in Epcot, I'd probably be defending its awesomeness!

Of course Max beelined for the gift shop, that's the fun part!

 

[jordanyosh]

I'm glad your day improved....hmmm....sounds forboding.....

I am doing well.....not on much since we don't have wi-fi at the apt...have to come to Starbucks to get wi-fi (don't mind though...gives me an excuse to get a cup of java).

we are thinking june 2013.....

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Sorry your day started out stressful. Maybe your lack of enthusiasm for breakfast had to do with the just the way your day was going? I have found a few things to be sort of anticlimactic the 2nd time around, too. I've been thinking we should eat somewhere new every time?

As for Rafiki's whatever - I maintain that it is just a way to get a train-full of people off the streets and trap them back in nowhere land for awhile...

 

[tinacaplan]

Sounds like the day was definitely turning around for y'all! So glad you were able to get an SD card to get some pics. That's so cool that y'all were able to meet Rafiki. I don't think I knew that Rafiki did a meet & greet there. We usually don't spend too much time at AK. Can't wait to hear how the rest of the day went!

Rafiki was great, the rest of the day.... We'll see....

It seems like your day got better and you had lots of fun riding the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Love your pics of Max, he is just too cute! Did I mention that before?

More please .........

Thanks, Karin. It was fun, albeit not quite the Disney caliber of fun we're used to.

I've never been to Rafiki's, but it does look a bit...under-pixie dusted? Idk...AK is also far from my favorite park, so I may be a bit biased here! If this was an area in Epcot, I'd probably be defending its awesomeness!

Of course Max beelined for the gift shop, that's the fun part!

Under pixie-dusted...love it! Really, unless you have small children, there isn't much reason to go out there. And I would tend to agree with you about AK. I really do love it and I'd love to go back someday with just myself and a camera. I love EE, but most of the rest of the park is somewhat lacking.

I know what you mean about EPCOT....my favorite park! And there is much to be critical of there, but I still love it!

I'm glad your day improved....hmmm....sounds forboding.....

I am doing well.....not on much since we don't have wi-fi at the apt...have to come to Starbucks to get wi-fi (don't mind though...gives me an excuse to get a cup of java).

we are thinking june 2013.....

Jordan! So nice to see you, my friend. Whether our day improved...well, that's a whole different story.

I'm so happy to hear that you're doing well. I certainly don't need much of an excuse to go to Starbucks as it is. We were without wi-fi during the great hurricane that (thankfully) never really happened and I was almost itchy! Not good.

Hmmm...June 2013, eh?

Sorry your day started out stressful. Maybe your lack of enthusiasm for breakfast had to do with the just the way your day was going? I have found a few things to be sort of anticlimactic the 2nd time around, too. I've been thinking we should eat somewhere new every time?

As for Rafiki's whatever - I maintain that it is just a way to get a train-full of people off the streets and trap them back in nowhere land for awhile...

That day just started badly and it didn't get much better! I think there may be something to be said for mixing up the restaurants you go to. The only place we went to again on this past trip that lived up to, or exceeded, our expectations was Via Napoli.

And your take on Rafiki's Planet Watch... You might be right...

 

[KatMark]

Tina, glad you were able to get the photo card. And so happy that Max got to meet Rafiki and Jiminey.

 

[jordanyosh]

Tina,

Good to be back even on a limited basis. I miss the DIS family and the camaraderie that forms here.

I'm not liking the "tone" to what may happen next...

 

[that's nice]

Hey Tina!!!

After being subbed to your report for months now I finally had a chance to read all your updates and your roller coaster resort and airline ride. (BTW chapter 7 link is broken. Good thing it was- I didn't miss the info on your upcoming trip ) I think you'll love jetblue. We try to fly them if we can... you know what's nice? TVs in the seats and not having to haggle over checked bags.

There is so much to comment on but I will just jump in from here... I have more catching up to do!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hey Tina!!!

After being subbed to your report for months now I finally had a chance to read all your updates and your roller coaster resort and airline ride. (BTW chapter 7 link is broken. Good thing it was- I didn't miss the info on your upcoming trip ) I think you'll love jetblue. We try to fly them if we can... you know what's nice? TVs in the seats and not having to haggle over checked bags.

There is so much to comment on but I will just jump in from here... I have more catching up to do!

maybe now we know how you got your user name?

 

[natebenma]

I was behind a couple of updates.

I agree with the other posters- your writing style is awesome!!! I almost didn't miss the pictures.

Seriously, we all have pre-trip Disney nightmares and mine always involve forgetting my camera, the charger or running out of room on one of half-dozen 4G SD cards I bring! I'm sorry you left the SD card behind! At least Disney has a heart and charges reasonable prices for those essential items people need to buy on vacation!

A bummer that the Tusker House breakfast was not more magical. I'm a little afraid that we haven't seen the last of that breakfast yet...

We have eaten at TH twice- same day- the year of the great Disney Deluxe Dining Debacle.

I LOVE the day 3 meltdown theory! I read on another report that HS is the park that is most likely to induce tantrums. Note to self: No planning a vist to HS on Day 3...

 

[that's nice]

maybe now we know how you got your user name?

It's a long story....

O.K.... maybe not that long.


When I met my future wife, her and her friends would say 'that's nice' to everything i.e.-

• 'I locked my self out of the house' 'That's nice'
• 'I hit my car with a carriage' 'That's nice'
• 'I got a promotion at work' 'That's nice'
• 'Check out that huge house over there' 'That's nice'

After being together with my wife for so long, the saying rubbed off on me. So that's what I used for my screen name. (and my future boat will be named 'that's nice' as well)

 

[tinacaplan]

Tina, glad you were able to get the photo card. And so happy that Max got to meet Rafiki and Jiminey.

That was definitely the highlight of the day!

Tina,

Good to be back even on a limited basis. I miss the DIS family and the camaraderie that forms here.

I'm not liking the "tone" to what may happen next...

We're happy to have you back, as I'm sure you can tell.

And no...this was definitely the not very good day!

Hey Tina!!!

After being subbed to your report for months now I finally had a chance to read all your updates and your roller coaster resort and airline ride. (BTW chapter 7 link is broken. Good thing it was- I didn't miss the info on your upcoming trip ) I think you'll love jetblue. We try to fly them if we can... you know what's nice? TVs in the seats and not having to haggle over checked bags.

There is so much to comment on but I will just jump in from here... I have more catching up to do!

Hey...this has been going since July and I'm barely into my second full day at Disney. You haven't missed much! Keeping one of these going is time consuming. Sheesh.

We're psyched to be flying Jetblue...not so thrilled about what we have to pay in order to travel that week, but what can you do?

maybe now we know how you got your user name?

Always interested in hearing these stories....

I was behind a couple of updates.

I agree with the other posters- your writing style is awesome!!! I almost didn't miss the pictures.

Aw...thanks. That post was written, for the most part, while we were still there, which helps for sure.

Seriously, we all have pre-trip Disney nightmares and mine always involve forgetting my camera, the charger or running out of room on one of half-dozen 4G SD cards I bring! I'm sorry you left the SD card behind! At least Disney has a heart and charges reasonable prices for those essential items people need to buy on vacation!

I was actually quite pleased that I could find one in the nearest open gift shop and that it didn't cost me an obscene amount of money.

A bummer that the Tusker House breakfast was not more magical. I'm a little afraid that we haven't seen the last of that breakfast yet...

We have eaten at TH twice- same day- the year of the great Disney Deluxe Dining Debacle.

I LOVE the day 3 meltdown theory! I read on another report that HS is the park that is most likely to induce tantrums. Note to self: No planning a vist to HS on Day 3...

Yeah...well...you're probably right about this not being the last of that breakfast.

We had quite the debacle using the Deluxe plan when we went last February. Mark and I had done it for our anniversary trip the year before. It was just the two of us and we tried as many signatures as we could fit in. It was totally worth it and in that circumstance, I'd probably do it again.

BUT...with a small child. Absolutely not worth it for so many reasons. We left a lot of credits on the table, so it was a big money waster for us. Live and learn. We're doing the regular plan this time, so we'll see how that goes.

It's a long story....

O.K.... maybe not that long.


When I met my future wife, her and her friends would say 'that's nice' to everything i.e.-

• 'I locked my self out of the house' 'That's nice'
• 'I hit my car with a carriage' 'That's nice'
• 'I got a promotion at work' 'That's nice'
• 'Check out that huge house over there' 'That's nice'

After being together with my wife for so long, the saying rubbed off on me. So that's what I used for my screen name. (and my future boat will be named 'that's nice' as well)

I love hearing these stories!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

It's a long story....

O.K.... maybe not that long.


When I met my future wife, her and her friends would say 'that's nice' to everything i.e.-

• 'I locked my self out of the house' 'That's nice'
• 'I hit my car with a carriage' 'That's nice'
• 'I got a promotion at work' 'That's nice'
• 'Check out that huge house over there' 'That's nice'

After being together with my wife for so long, the saying rubbed off on me. So that's what I used for my screen name. (and my future boat will be named 'that's nice' as well)

Thanks for sharing - what a "nice" story! That will def be a great name for your boat!