When in doubt, feed the bear....but not that!!!Day 6- Last day blues

[MEK]

Yup that's right the twighlight Zone theme. It sort of yanks me back to reality because it does not fit.

It is then I realize it is my phone.

Let me explain. I have the high School phone number set up so the ring tone is twilight zone, even better the ToT picture comes up as well. You see I have a love hate relationship with the school. While I actually love the school most of the time, I really hate the auto call system. They will call over the stupidest things. The auto call should only be used for an emergency, not a sole form of communication.

Now this time they were calling me at 7pm to tell me my son was absent. Yup knew that

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets those type of stupid phone calls from school. 7pm at night? Hey - that's helpful. Pretty funny about the ToT picture.

Glad you got to ride EE at night. You know I'm a sucker for that. I will have to come back later to see your pictures.

 

[Poolrat]

I have never been in AK after dark. Love, love, love your pictures of EE!

At your ring tone for the school!

In the wintertime after 5 is dark so try to stay. The place look beautiful at night.

The ring tone for the school is so appropriate in so mnay ways. Now that Chris has graduated, I guess it will be a real shock if I do hear it.
As soon as the first football game rolls around I will find out if I was taken off the autocall list.

I really liked that I was able to put the ToT picture with it. There were days that both my kids thought that was appropriate.

What great pictures at AK at night. We have yet to get there at night (and I don't see it happening in December, so maybe we'll change some things around in September). EE looks so cool all lit up (too bad I won't ride it anymore ).

In December the days are short. Much easier to find the park open than in the summer when sunset is late and the park still closes at 7.

There are still so many details. I m ay need a AKL resort only trip to allow myself time to explore.

I think I spent the next week going to bed early. Those peas really did it to me.
Ragweed is the problem around here now.

The High School deserved that ring tone.

Ugh. Law of Disney buses: whatever park you're looking for, you will see at least 2 buses for each of the other theme parks first.

Always, it seems. I think I even saw 2 DTD busses go by.

I was going to say--it does look awfully dark!

Too dark for Simba it seemed.

Uh...

The first sign if Disney influenza is hallucinating HM's.

Probably- I may have wondered if it was one and took a close up with the camera to actually see it better. 8 months later hard to know...

No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

Over 7 years of dealing with the high school and 16 years in the district, the things I could tell you.

What was your first clue?

By 7pm I would at least hope I knew where he was.

I think we even did a pre-emptive stike and told them he would be out. But nobody told Judy the stupid autocall sytem. Stupid Judy.


They used to just call the house. During the day. They didn't get an answer then either.

We have a winner! Great shot!

Thanks

 

[Poolrat]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets those type of stupid phone calls from school. 7pm at night? Hey - that's helpful. Pretty funny about the ToT picture.

I couldn't resist. I like to entertain myself with the ringtones. Most signficant callers have their own ringtone. ToT just fit for the school, this way I knew at 7pm I could really just ignore it.

I am curious if I will naturally fall off the list this year or will I still be annoyed with " Hey its Friday night, we have a football game tonight" calls.

Glad you got to ride EE at night. You know I'm a sucker for that. I will have to come back later to see your pictures.

EE at night is great. You can see everyone bundled up. It was COLD.
Put it on the to do list for OCT.

 

[marvali]

I will admit Marv is Cor.... rig... well he is not wrong.

Wow, I knew that was an admission that would probably be tough for you, but sheesh!!!!

Not like it's the first time........or second............

AKL is beautiful. I need more time there.
Go to Mara and get them in the refrigerated case.

Love Mara! And don't forget Kidani!!!

I am a sucker for the magical PP.

Somehow Disney Sucker just doesn't have the same ring to it............

And water is wet.

There you go! Showing off that professional knowledge..........

You always need a buddy in the bathroom.

TMI!!!

I would have not let those go to waste. That is what the fridge in the room is for.

It was getting cold out. I headed to the busstop.

I am only going to AK so it should be quick right???

I wait , and wait, and wait. It was getting windy and people were huddled next to the building to keep themselves out of the wind. The news had a freeze warning issued. That how cold it was going to get

Sounds like you could use a buddy at the bus stop too!!!

Now earlier I had tried to get a Simba pose.
#1- by the tree- She could not do Simba because she had a tripod
#2 – the camera was broken ans they could not do one.
When I arrived back at AK
#3- after 5pm no Simba

Hopefully you will eventually get that Simba pose........

Now I am literally rushing to get one last ride on EE. I knew I could stroll out of the park later.

Sunset was long gone so that will have to wait for another time.

I snap this on the way – I know I could not resist.

Then I noticed the water and the reflection. I was not head on but I tried.

I finally HAD to get to EE. But that last shot was still bugging me.

And hopefully not going to make you TWO MINUTES late to EE!!!!

Suddenly mixed in with the wonderful African drums I hear the music to ToT.

Yup that's right the twightlight Zone theme. It sort of yanks me back to reality because it does not fit.

It is then I realize it is my phone.

Let me explain. I have the high School phone number set up so the ring tone is twilight zone, even better the ToT picture comes up as well. You see I have a love hate relationship with the school. While I actually love the school most of the time, I really hate the auto call system. They will call over the stupidest things. The auto call should only be used for an emergency, not a sole form of communication.

Now this time they were calling me at 7pm to tell me my son was absent. Yup knew that

Don't you hate when the phone interrupts your attempts to enjoy life. It is either something like that or work snapping you away from relaxing, whether you are out eating, enjoying a quiet day at the park, or visiting Disney!!!

I was pretty happy with that

VERY NICE!!!

Back at the room I change out the battery and do my final mission –

MMMM

Cool.........4 HMs!!!!

HM

ONE??? One is all you could find???

In bed shortly after 9pm. Another early night.

Next time: - Final morning... BRRRRR and what is a trip to the airport without drama!!

You and these early nights turning in! Thought you were dedicated and a night owl.............

And drama headed to the airport??? Okay Rosie Junior!!!

I love AKL....I really hope you bought those Zebra Domes from The Mara and didn't just pick them up out of the hall.......

I did see where Cynthia replied but I did not find a "ghost" respomse from you. I really think the DIS eats some.

I know some of mine have been eaten.................or when I do a reply preview and make sure it is what I want, I think it is the actual post and move on without every choosing to submit............... You know us old guys......something has to be the first thing to go............

I know you will be back, as will I. I really need a do over at AKL.

Yes, I need a do-over at Kidani myself!!!

 

[jenseib]

Nice EE shots! You did good.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Yay, I love riding EE at night. The view is so amazing up there at night.

What a yummy way to end your vacation.

Oh no, airport drama. Can't wait to hear about it.

Don't you just hate those calls from school. I get aggravated because we get them all the time for high school activities when we don't have a child in that school. They call for everything---ridiculous!!

 

[eandesmom]

Good Lord. She's sick, she's run down, she's beset by peas...and she is still after that elusive shot.

Which is GORGEOUS I have to say. Bummer about Simba though. I worry about the price your health paid for it though and hope that zebra domes have magic healing properties.

20 minutes to get to AK from AKV. Why does that not surprise me? It never fails if you expect it to be fast...it's not.

I have to tell you, at least you get robo calls from school at an identifiable number! I get them from 2 schools and they change up the numbers all the time so I can't assign an evil ring tone...or I would. VERY frustrating.

 

[MeMom]

I must have missed the call where you were asking me to come over and share the zebra domes.

Nice Everest pictures!

Cold? It doesn't get cold in Florida!

Tinkgurl and her new husband were in Animal Kingdom today. She sent a picture, and it made me smile.

 

[Poolrat]

Wow, I knew that was an admission that would probably be tough for you, but sheesh!!!!

Not like it's the first time........or second............

I guess I can allow you to be right once in a while.

Love Mara! And don't forget Kidani!!!

I really need some resort time there.

Somehow Disney Sucker just doesn't have the same ring to it............

Yeah it doesn't ..

There you go! Showing off that professional knowledge..........

Yup I have many talents...

TMI!!!

Get your mind outta there.

I may have to remember that I may have to fight you for them.

Sounds like you could use a buddy at the bus stop too!!!
Hopefully you will eventually get that Simba pose........

The wind was whipping. I was OK in my fluffy sweatshirt but it was probably low 40s if not high 30s.

And hopefully not going to make you TWO MINUTES late to EE!!!!

Oh I squeaked it in. But it was close.

Don't you hate when the phone interrupts your attempts to enjoy life. It is either something like that or work snapping you away from relaxing, whether you are out eating, enjoying a quiet day at the park, or visiting Disney!!!

It seems like sometimes my phone never stops. I have a work phone but most people have my personal cell, even work since it gets better recetption and if I have to carry one it will be that one instead of the work phone.

I hate when it is nonsense but usually it is something important and something only I can take care of.

Now when it is the kids calling about one thing or another that can be either scary, or silly.

VERY NICE!!!

Thank you vera much.

Cool.........4 HMs!!!!

Just 4 ?

ONE??? One is all you could find???

Okay 3.

You and these early nights turning in! Thought you were dedicated and a night owl.............

Not really a night owl. More of an EMH Queen. Going to bed that early is just a testament as to how bad I felt.

And drama headed to the airport??? Okay Rosie Junior!!!

Remember what items my Dear Son needed to get home.

I almost rescued thos e Zebra domes.

I know some of mine have been eaten.................or when I do a reply preview and make sure it is what I want, I think it is the actual post and move on without every choosing to submit............... You know us old guys......something has to be the first thing to go............

I have done that. I guess I shouldn't admit that.

Yes, I need a do-over at Kidani myself!!!

Let me know when and we can coordinate trips.

Nice EE shots! You did good.

Thank you.

 

[Poolrat]

Yay, I love riding EE at night. The view is so amazing up there at night.

The view is great. A sunset picture from EE is still on my list.

What a yummy way to end your vacation.

Oh no, airport drama. Can't wait to hear about it.

Travelling with the boy, there is always something.

Don't you just hate those calls from school. I get aggravated because we get them all the time for high school activities when we don't have a child in that school. They call for everything---ridiculous!!

I used to get calls on my work phone from another school. I finally called the school and told them to take me off the list. that actually worked.

Good Lord. She's sick, she's run down, she's beset by peas...and she is still after that elusive shot.

Just HAD to, like I wouldn't be back. Well I knew a night shot usually can only happen during the winter and knew it might be a couple of years before I was back during Dec/Jan

Which is GORGEOUS I have to say. Bummer about Simba though. I worry about the price your health paid for it though and hope that zebra domes have magic healing properties.

Thank you. My body is sort of used to feeling like that unfortunately. Now that I have been extra vigilant I can feel all the subtle things I never noticed before.

20 minutes to get to AK from AKV. Why does that not surprise me? It never fails if you expect it to be fast...it's not.

Always the way.

I have to tell you, at least you get robo calls from school at an identifiable number! I get them from 2 schools and they change up the numbers all the time so I can't assign an evil ring tone...or I would. VERY frustrating.

I think they used to use the restricted number but somehow I was able to tag it. Now if I hear it, I laugh after I get annoyed that I know the school is calling. So far so good, No call tonight, I must finally be off the list.

I must have missed the call where you were asking me to come over and share the zebra domes.

I would have loved the company to finsh them off. Chris was not even going to try one.

Nice Everest pictures!

I really lucked out on that one.

Cold? It doesn't get cold in Florida!

Not Tennessee cold but darn breezy to be running around outside.

Tinkgurl and her new husband were in Animal Kingdom today. She sent a picture, and it made me smile.

I bet they are having a blast!!!

 

[glennbo123]

I looked at this chapter via my phone a couple of days ago and I think I neglected to comment...sorry about that.

I was pretty happy with that.

This picture is awesome, you should be happy! Now I'm going to have to find that spot, at night, to get my own version of that.

 

[Millie12591]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets those type of stupid phone calls from school. 7pm at night? Hey - that's helpful. Pretty funny about the ToT picture.

Me too! I hate getting those calls, but not as much as I use to. Now that Ty is out of the dreaded high school we hardly get them. Mackie's new school uses the same system but we don't really hear too much from them. I actually like her school, so maybe I just don't notice it as much.

In the wintertime after 5 is dark so try to stay. The place look beautiful at night.

Something I know we won't get to see if we're there in May. But would love to see it. Does it get dark early in Oct? I think we miss it by minutes at that time of the year. Oh well.

I think we even did a pre-emptive stike and told them he would be out. But nobody told Judy the stupid autocall sytem. Stupid Judy.

It doesn't make a difference in our school district either, we still get the dang call. I love Stupid Judy!! She brings a lot of laughter when you're texting me.

You're a machine, woman!! Even when your sick you're still hopping buses to get to a park. Bless your heart. Killer EE picture though, I have that same one but in the day time, not as pretty as yours.

Can't wait to hear about your latest trip!!

 

[MEK]

Finally back to see your pictures. Stunning night time shots of EE. I love EE at night. Gorgeous!

 

[cheekypoppins]

Dying to try those zebra domes!!!! I think I will make it my mission to get there n buy them this time.

 

[Poolrat]

Me too! I hate getting those calls, but not as much as I use to. Now that Ty is out of the dreaded high school we hardly get them. Mackie's new school uses the same system but we don't really hear too much from them. I actually like her school, so maybe I just don't notice it as much.

I made through Thursday night without the dreaded Call about the football game Tonight so I think they have removed me from the list. Still waiting on cafeteria money from last year that I discovered sitting in his account and then I can officially have nothing more to do with the school.

I may still volunteer for Senior exit since I get out of work to do that.

It doesn't make a difference in our school district either, we still get the dang call. I love Stupid Judy!! She brings a lot of laughter when you're texting me.

Even the navigator on my phone is Stupid Judy. She earned that name in the mountains this past weekend.

You're a machine, woman!! Even when your sick you're still hopping buses to get to a park. Bless your heart. Killer EE picture though, I have that same one but in the day time, not as pretty as yours.

Can't wait to hear about your latest trip!!

It may have slowed me down a bit but did not stop me.

I HAD to get that picture.

Finally back to see your pictures. Stunning night time shots of EE. I love EE at night. Gorgeous!

Thank you. I really took my time with that one and a little bit of luck never hut either. Of course the battery light blinking was a bit unnerving and the camera does not always react right when the battery is that low but I lucked out.

Dying to try those zebra domes!!!! I think I will make it my mission to get there n buy them this time.

I have heard that from Mara in hte refrigerated case is actually better than Boma since at Boma they are out for serving and get a bit mushy fast.

Put it high on your list. Worth it.

 

[Poolrat]

I looked at this chapter via my phone a couple of days ago and I think I neglected to comment...sorry about that.

the phone app is handy for catching up but not always for commenting or finding Judys.

This picture is awesome, you should be happy! Now I'm going to have to find that spot, at night, to get my own version of that.

Behind flame tree. I will be doing that again. Daytime and nighttime.

 

[Poolrat]

Final Day Jan 3rd

Waking up on what would be departure day- already sad but this time cold and sad. I loved AKL but….

This trip we had a lot of hallway noise. Screaming kids, running down the hall, and a screaming baby. Usually can’t be helped but it seemed awfully loud compared to other resorts.

The bed was also very high. Nice once you are up there but getting in bed could be difficult for fun sized person like me.

The table in the room was also unusual- the table top was sort of slippery and apparently uneven as my notes say. Thing slid right off.

So on our last morning, Housekeeping bangs on the door at 8:30 am!!!! Yikes Then the baby screaming across the hall. Ok OK I am up.
Wiping the glass of condensation due to the frigid temps outside, I made coffee and stepped outside.


BBBRRRRR

Most of the savannah is barren due to cold temp.

A couple of parting shots as we collect our things and head down to wait for unmagical depress.

We were being picked up around 11 am so my original plan was to spend the time on the grounds exploring. Well we did explore but it was so cold we really did not see much. Every CM we encountered was bundled up and we were told that the animals were put inside due to the cold.

A crazy side effect of all my allergy meds is my body had to process all that and the actual allergen. Well all that caught up with me. Let’s just say bathroom trips were frequent and I was a bit worried about unmagical express. I was having a bit of that myself. Unmagical express that is.

The mingos were out.

Back in the lobby area I had taken care of checking our luggage earlier. Remember Chris and his sword??

It did not fit in our luggage and I was told at baggage check to gate check it. I asked again “gate check” he said yes. Alrighty then.

In the lobby, in between bathroom stops.

We get picked up and stop at POP. So far so good. I think I managed to get everything out of my system. And then some.

Leaving property

Reality

So we get in line at security. I am nervous because we were told gate check. That cannot be right but we are standing in line with plenty of time. Hopefully not a big issue.

Of course as it goes through the machine I know. They ask what it is, we tell them. They tell we have to check it. I told them I was told to gate check it. TSA says no it has to be checked back at the counter. Great . DID YOU SEE THOSE LINES???

But first – they want to open it. So I try to guide them into opening the end. They want to totally rip the whole box open. Yeah I know what you are thinking, don’t argue with TSA. But really – once they open it how on earth are we going to check it???

We send Chris back through, so I wait. He is confident he can take care of it. I on the other hand think we are about to miss the plane. Yes I know we have 2 and a half hours left but did you see those lines???

While I wait, I see this.

That is so cool. Wish I had that when the kiddos were little.

Chris comes back about 15 minutes later. Somehow he took care of it and was expedited back through security.

We finish going down to the gate. I love that Southwest has cushy chairs and USB and outlets right be the seats.

There was no further drama and continued to Greenville without incident. Chris was concerned his sword would not survive well but it made it. We made it home without incident and managed to find that gas station I could not find on the way home.

I would so drive to Greenville again for a flight. So easy and 2 free bags now much less than the gas I burn to get there and back.

Final thoughts.

I love every trip to Disney. Each trip I find though I end up with allergy issues. Upon getting home and before my last trip I made a list of every medicine I could possibly need and I MADE SURE I packed plenty of everything.
On top of that I have been pay real close attention to any and allergy cues, not matter how insignificant I think they may be. Heading things off at the pass is far better than chasing it down after the fact.


DVC- I enjoyed my DVC stays. Both being new resorts for me had me a bit lost and by the time I gained comfortable knowledge we were gone.
Studio accommodations were fine for us and I am so glad I made the purchase. Knowing I will have years of trips just makes me smile.


Holiday crowds- Crowds were as expected. There are always ways to avoid some of them so don't not go because you are afraid of them, just plan accordingly. One of the most beautiful times of year.

Weather- Can't control it so just plan for it. I figured animals may be more active when it was cold but it was so cold they had to put them up to protect them.

Life- This last year has been one of some change. Divorce is never easy but I guess I can say this one has been relatively so. We have made it through holidays, graduation and general life pretty easily so I can't ask for anything more.
I am more than ready to move on.

With that please join me on the adventures of my latest trip
Oh what a horrible trip!

 

[KatMark]

Well, certainly NOT the best end to a trip. Still not feeling well, Mousekeeping pounding on the door, a baby and children running up and down the hall (funny, we never heard a thing at Kidani, but had terrible issues at the Contemporary every time we stayed there).

I'm glad the sword made it home in one piece.

I'm already signed up for the new TR.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

This trip we had a lot of hallway noise. Screaming kids, running down the hall, and a screaming baby. Usually can’t be helped but it seemed awfully loud compared to other resorts.

Seeing as this was departure day, I'm surprised you weren't doing this too.

A crazy side effect of all my allergy meds is my body had to process all that and the actual allergen. Well all that caught up with me. Let’s just say bathroom trips were frequent and I was a bit worried about unmagical express. I was having a bit of that myself. Unmagical express that is.

Uh oh.

What a picture!

We get picked up and stop at POP. So far so good. I think I managed to get everything out of my system. And then some.

This reminds me of Dave Barry's article about his prep for a colonoscopy.

"I think my stomach traveled into the future and was digesting food I hadn't eaten yet."

Chris comes back about 15 minutes later. Somehow he took care of it and was expedited back through security.

15 minutes? So not what I was expecting.

Life- This last year has been one of some change. Divorce is never easy but I guess I can say this one has been relatively so. We have made it through holidays, graduation and general life pretty easily so I can't ask for anything more.
I am more than ready to move on.

I hope you have nothing but wonderful times ahead of you. Thanks for taking us along!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I always enjoy reading your trip reports and will never look at a Disney trash can without thinking of you. Thanks for sharing.