Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[shan23877]

After the last trip Maddie had told us several times that she wished she’d had the chance to meet Pocahontas. And, thanks to some intrepid trip reporting here on the DIS, I knew that we might be able to meet Russell and Dug as well. I found a great CM working the ride photo counter for EE who let me take a peek at her character schedule.

I passed one of the thirty two kiosks selling stuffed Yetis on the way back to meet Bryan, and impulsively bought Maddie the smallest one. I figured she deserved a little treat for being brave enough to try, and since our favorite bed time story features a Yeti I thought she’d get a kick out of it. Incidentally, since we’ve been living at the hotel, the Yeti has slept with me every night. Maddie decided that I need a ‘guy’ (what she calls her stuffed animals) since Daddy wasn’t here. Probably best that she selected a stuffed ‘guy’ to keep mommy company.

I met back up with Bryan who was still a little grumpy and distracted, so I busied myself taking more photos until the ladies returned.

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Maddie and MiL had found Kali to be a walk on as well. They enjoyed their ride but returned to us bone dry. They were the only two in their raft, and our best guess is that there simply wasn’t enough weight to make any splashes. Maddie was very pleased with herself for scoring a bonus stuffed animal, and peace was restored in our group. After DD changed back into her first outfit, we set off to meet some characters.

Based on the schedule I saw, I knew we’d need to meet both Pocahontas and the Up guys before lunch unless we wanted to stick around AK for much longer than planned. Pocahontas was scheduled to be out near the entrance to FOLK right then so we quickly made our way there. She wasn’t there, but Meeko was, so we got in line. Meeko’s handler said that Pocahontas would be returning in an hour. We decided to come back to meet her after lunch.

After Meeko, we walked over to Russell and Dug. The CM manning their line was super fun and cracked jokes the whole time we waited. The wait was about 20 minutes but there’s so much to look at in Animal Kingdom, the time went quickly.

From the queue for Russell and Dug

Bryan has a special love for Dug, so I made him get his photo taken too. I felt a little sorry for Dug because every person who approached him shouted “Squirrel!” (my family included)and he reacted appropriately every time. I bet Dug gets tired really quickly.

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Our lunch ADR was approaching so we made our way back across the park. Since we’d had such a great breakfast none of us was really hungry yet, but we weren’t about to start cancelling reservations so early in the DxDP odyssey, so away we went.

 

[katt789]

I'm not sure what the time difference is, but you always seem to have posted something right around when I'm on the disboards after getting home from work (close to midnight, well, closer to 1 right now haha) It works out well!

That sucks that Maddie "didn't measure up" for EE, but one of these days she'll do it! I havent done KRR, (dont want to risk getting that wet!) it sounds like a fun day at AK so far. I hope that MiL doesn't throw to big of a kink in your plans (or those slightly drunk hooligans shouting across the poly lobby for you ) *le sigh*

 

[shan23877]

I'm not sure what the time difference is, but you always seem to have posted something right around when I'm on the disboards after getting home from work (close to midnight, well, closer to 1 right now haha) It works out well!

I think I was posting on your TR at the same time you were posting here!
It's 2 am here. I'm a night owl by nature, but tonight I wanted to make sure I got these up before the move.

That sucks that Maddie "didn't measure up" for EE, but one of these days she'll do it! I havent done KRR, (dont want to risk getting that wet!) it sounds like a fun day at AK so far. I hope that MiL doesn't throw to big of a kink in your plans (or those slightly drunk hooligans shouting across the poly lobby for you ) *le sigh*

She'll definitely be tall enough next time, I just hope that she doesn't chicken out. KRR is ok once, but won't be a Must Do for me. I don't really like getting soaked in the morning. Last time I was literally wringing my dress out.

MiL did become a problem. Trust me-it was her not you guys that had me react so strangely at the Poly. I still feel horrible about it! I'm so sorry!!!

 

[kmedina]

It makes sense that Bryan is not posting yet, because I kept looking for a user and could not find one.

Things are finally slowing down for me. We are going to push off reorganizing the house and garage for the garage sale until after Disneyland, since we cannot find time to get it done. I want to sale at least 60% of our stuff. Our house is too small for all of this stuff. I already told everyone not to bring gifts for Connor to Disneyland and am trying to discourage gifts all together. He like the rest of us has way too many things, already. I see that you are about to move. Maddie’s dance recital must have been awesome. My brother’s daughters did two days in a row well before Xander was born. I went to the first one and loved it so much that I had to go back and watch the second one. You must be excited about her preschool graduation too. I finally remembered to ask Xander’s school. They said preschoolers do not graduate.

I am so happy that you are getting your house on Monday. Do not worry about the updates. We will be here when you’re ready. Everyone is excited for you, I bet. That just means you are going to be really busy for a while before it gets any slower for you. It’s a good busy though.

Xander refused to stand straight up on one of the rides last trip too. It was one he just got off with my husband, but I cannot remember anymore which one (maybe Test Track). He finally did on the fourth try and we rode. He was right on the cusp of the 44” rides himself. Poor Maddie thinking she would not get Stitch for being too short to ride. Unless I am really hot, I have the same water ride policy Bryan has. I hate wet tennis shoes and am not blessed enough to wear sandals (they blister my feet). Good thing your MIL wanted to ride with Maddie. How lucky to come off Kali dry!! We got absolutely soaked last time. All three of us happily skipped it on our last trip.

Maddie letting you sleep with her Yeti is so adorable. You need a guy. I love it. Nice character photos. I have never even seen photos of two of them, so I did not know they had stops.

 

[CandleontheWater]

First of all, congrats for breaking out of the hotel and getting into your house! I'm sure you are really relieved! Take all the time you need to get set up and organized, we'll all be here!

I'm sorry Maddie didn't get on EE, and even sorrier about the meltdown. I know that my DH has a much lower melt down tolerance than I do, probably because since I'm at home, I've gotten desensitized! He tends to get really frustrated when Everett acts out, which certainly doesn't help the situation. We've all been there!

I'm also with your DH about Kali, I've ridden exactly twice, and don't intend to ride again in the future without a full change of clothing. I hate being wet, and even with a poncho, there is usually no getting out of that ride dry!

We saw Russel and Dug in April, but since Everett doesn't know who they are, we didn't stop. They look really cute though!

I hope you guys meet up with Pocahontas! She is pretty elusive!

 

[hardingk]

Congrats on moving out of the hotel and into your house! I hope you survive the 1 night at your MIL's...not so sure I would....LOL.

Is it just me or does Russell's shorts look a litlle short??

 

[RachVH]

Ok I am caught up again! Great updates, I continue to love living vicariously through you and your family while I (not so) patiently wait for our trip in October. And congrats on getting out of the hotel and into your new house!

I also have to saw I am impressed with your patience with your Mil. I consider myself to be a relatively patient, understanding person and there have already been a couple of moments when I would have said something to her!

 

[nilla]

Tusker House looks great! We don't do breakfasts in WDW, but it may be worth a visit at another meal.

Two ride bribes in two days? I feel better about myself already Too bad she didn't get on EE. Emily rode it at age 5 and LOVED it. I think Dylan actually did it at 4. As wild as it is, for some reason, kids seem to be ok with it. Oh well...next time!

So I take it your MiL is NOT reading this Trip Report, right?

 

[katt789]

She'll definitely be tall enough next time, I just hope that she doesn't chicken out. KRR is ok once, but won't be a Must Do for me. I don't really like getting soaked in the morning. Last time I was literally wringing my dress out.

MiL did become a problem. Trust me-it was her not you guys that had me react so strangely at the Poly. I still feel horrible about it! I'm so sorry!!!

Baha! I used to be the biggest night owl ever, but disney has made me appreciate mornings (as has this amazing weather!) so I tend to get up earlier nowadays, I dunno...

Yay! And hey, even if she does, that's cool too, I was scared of rides like the barnstormer when I was younger, my first disey trip I rode splash mountain and that was IT for thrill rides. Ha!

BAHA! Oh it's totally fine!! It was a hilarious expedition for us that evening, and I had totally forgotten about you guys being at the poly, didn't expect it, and then *bam* I have no worries about it

 

[KatMark]

Great pics on the Safari ride (a favorite of ours). That's too bad that your daughter was too short...although I tend to think she was not. Maybe next time?

Love the photos around AK -- the detail is amazing.

The pic of your husband with Dug and Russell.

And the one of Maddie with Meeko is adorable.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I promise I didn't abandon your TR! We've been at the beach and just got home last night. I read all your updates and am all caught up!

I know I've said it before, but your MIL and mine could be twins. That scenario where she bought your niece and nephew a bunch of stuff but not Maddie? That's textbook MIL! Happens quite often around here. Not only that, but she finds a way to insert my nephews (yes, plural now...the one that was destined to be the "special" grandchild from my TR was born in April) into every conversation, whether it has anything to do with them or not. It's kind of ridiculous. Brandon and I are quite amused to see how she manages to tie them into every conversation. It's like a game!

I really enjoyed your Tusker House review. I always go back and forth on whether or not to book an ADR there, and your beautiful pictures and descriptions have me leaning more towards booking it. Plus, Daisy in all her eyelash and high heel glory is a definite plus in my girls' minds!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

That's too bad that Maddie wasn't tall enough for EE...maybe next time!! Yay for getting to meet Russell and Dug - they're both so cute! Hopefully you got to meet Pocahontas too!

 

[marDgreen88]

Congrats on finally moving into your house! How exciting!

That stinks that you had to change your plans around. And no, you're not the only one who schedules relaxing time in. Sometimes you just know you're gonna need it!

I love the story of how 'you need a guy.' That's just too funny/cute.

MEEKO! He's always been one of my absolute favorites. Pocahontas is such a great movie!

Aww, the Russell and Dug photos are all so cute! So glad you got to meet them!

 

[partyof2]

Eek I'm so behind!

I absolutely LOVE that you are doing detailed dining reviews, we plan to eat a lot of the places you've tried out and it's always great to get some insight.

 

[tinks_1989]

I love that in both your trip reports you have eaten in so many places where we plan to eat next year!

Maddie is precious and I love you TR both of them!

 

[amandaw]

Awww, too bad Maddie was just a little short to ride EE! But, at least she tried!

I love water rides but rarely ride them because I hate being wet all day. That's good that MIL took Maddie.

Great pics of the safari & the characters. I really want to meet Russell & Dug this year.

So happy for y'all that y'all are closing on the house tomorrow! Hope all goes well. And you know I definitely understand lacking in updates due to a move.

 

[catherines_mama]

Loving the TR but I want more! Come on, it's not like you are busy moving or anything

Good luck with the move! but don't forget about us.. .okay!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Poor Maddie not measuring up. I was worried about that with my nephew on our last trip, because he was so stoked to try anything that he could get on.

As you have read some of my TR's, you know that I know that everyone needs a Yeti. The naughtier the better.

Oh, and with naming "the gift debacle"? I name things all the time. And use nerdy phrases like "and heretofore, this shall be known as...."

I do take breaks in the afternoon too. I look forward to them also, so I could understand your trepidation with the threat to your afternoon break.

 

[Caretames1]

Congrats on moving into your home!


You got some really great shots of the safari. Love the artsy one! the Safari is one of our favortie rides in all of Disney.

Everytime we've been to AK, we've missed Dug & Russell, and now they pulled them from AK. Your DH looks very happpy to be with them! JOhn was like that with P&F in DHS.

Princess posing is required for almost all shots!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Is it just me or does Russell's shorts look a litlle short??

I thought the same thing