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[shnewell]

Oh boy, a 90 minute wait!?! But they sure did make it up to you. Yay for Disney magic!

Otherwise, sounds like a great day at AK!


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[Cam22]

Absolutely terrific day at AK! I loved the pictures of Lily and family! The Ohana manager really did make amends! That is an excellent example of Disney customer service!

[ilovedisney247]

Wow! What a fantastic thing for the manager to do--however the wait was still unreasonable!
I love my new Sharonism--which I am going to use whenever I have the change, "When life gives you lemons, make Italian Margaritas."

[Ciavobella]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

I love Lipoa, she is so sweet. Your brothers look like they had a blast.

[goofyboysmama]

Wow! 90 minute wait - just the thing I'm nervous about on our upcoming trip... But congrats on your "lemonade"! (I could almost feel the heat coming off of my monitor when you talked about how hot it was out there )

[OneLittleSpark]

WOW! A 90 minute wait. They did some great stuff to make up for it though. I can't see as well bc there are no close ups...but from the distance it looks like your brother Eric, looks just like your dad!!?

I can't believe how quick this trip has seemed, at least with the whole family.

[shazza]

Nothing like catching up on a Princess TR to get one in the mood for Disney! Wonderful photos of everyone - it looks like an awesome time was had by all.

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

There’s that face again! And both DSIL and I forgot to bring eye makeup remover, so we couldn't get Isaiah’s face paint totally off. A little more would come off each time we wiped his eyes, so he didn’t look like Nestor Carbonell for too long! Not that there’s anything wrong with looking like Nestor Carbonell.

Squeeeeeeee! You can say THAT again, sistah!

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

The funny thing is we all started loudly talking to each other about how it’s unhealthy for the animals to feed them, and showing the boys the cards they put on every stinkin’ tray “your yummies are not good for our tummies.” After a few minutes of this, one of the other kids in their group picked up the card and showed it to the dad and he finally stopped feeding the dang birds!

Wow! That's like... TOTALLY... something I would do. (The telling other people to follow the danged rules!)

And a big WOOOHOOOOO! to the manager at 'Ohana. After that terrible wait, he really did his best to make it up to you!

But...now I want me an Italian margarita.

[mommapants]

All caught up. Sounds like you are all having a wonderful time. I can't believe you had to wait 90 minutes at Ohana. Sounds like someone messed up with the booking. If they don't have a lot of large tables and had to wait for one to be vacated...90 minutes is an entire meal. I can't imagine a group would occupy a table for 90 minutes more than the restaurant would have estimated. Therefore I think they screwed up. Glad the manager made up for it.

[PrincessSharon]

Thanks for all your great replies, everyone!

Originally Posted by ilovedisney0_0

I will never EVER get my DD to go to WDW in August. Just reading your TR assures me of that - she would die from the humidity. But none of you even look like you are sweating! Isaiah makes the best scary faces ever! Definitely pirate-worthy! (the little cutie pie )

Oh my, is it ever humid in August. I wouldn't go myself, but that's really the only time the family can go.

Originally Posted by lauriep

A great MK day! The boys look very scary as pirates. I can't even imagine how uncomfortable that face paint must have been in the heat. I love that peaceful morning view off your balcony.

I wouldn't want my face painted in that weather! And Daniel and Isi chose one with full coverage. Yuck! Just thinking about it makes me uncomfortable!

Originally Posted by MayraLR

What a great day at MK! I laughed at the photo from Splash Mountain because the kid behind your brother is peaking around him to see what's coming up. So funny! Anyways, Isaiah is really rocking that pirate look, but I have to say Daniel's pose is really model material. Maybe Tyra should have a look at it.

So you're saying Daniel was smiling with his eyes?

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Caught up again. You are all having such a great trip! I noticed right away that Noah seemed taller than Aunt Sharon! Even Isaiah is getting bigger - what is with that?!
Great meals, too!
And really?! You're heading back next week? F&WF I presume. Enjoy!

Those boys are just growing like weeds! I'm just hoping Daniel doesn't outgrow me before next summer! Don't tell Heather, but I was hoping she'd come hang out with us, because I'm sure the only person she would've been taller than is Isaiah! And yes, DM and I are headed back in just 3 days to enjoy the F&WF!

Originally Posted by chezp

Oh wow, what a wonderful day! I seem to say that about every day, but you really are having an absolute ball with your family.

We had the best time every day! The only time we really had unhappy campers was waiting for our table at 'Ohana (and really, I was the only one who really got upset).

Originally Posted by goofyboysmama

Awesome pirate dudes! (Noah got the same shirt as my Max!) I should show Dh these pics - they are so cool, they may convince him to let the boys get it done...

It's definitely worth the money! And we have as much fun watching them as they boys do getting it done! With the face painting and all the extras you get (sash, pirate sword, cursed treasure necklace, bandana, etc.) it's really a good value.

Originally Posted by shnewell

Getting caught up again. You got lots of great family photos over these last few days. How cool about the CM on the bus!

I am cracking up about the weapons. My boys always come home from Disney with an arsenal of weapons, all of which are somehow totally different than any of the weapons in their stash at home. Sheesh, boys!!


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Yeah, I never understood boy toys! Isaiah is always making me fight with him. And when I shoot him, he says my gun is smaller (he always gives me the smaller gun) and they don't kill him. I can't win no matter what I do!

Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace

Your nephews look very fierce as pirates.

I have to say that I really love this picture, Sharon:


And it obviously worked because you lived to tell the tale!

[We both know that dead folks "tell no tales", don't we? Really, REALLY well. ]

Originally Posted by mcneal

OK Sharon! When did you find the Fountain of Youth!! I swear you look like a teenager in the photos! Must just be all the fun you are having.

Why do you think I visit Disney so often?

Originally Posted by lindawdw

Loved all your updates The boys looked so adorable in their pirate faces! I've never seen a PP at PP before but it's a great idea to have someone there. I've tried to get a picture of whoever I'm riding with either before or right after we're getting off but it's a difficult shot to take!

It was so cool to see the PP photographer there! I've never seen one in that spot before. I love that they're sticking PP photographers in different ride locations!

Originally Posted by taylan1

Wow! What a day! The character M&G were just so much fun! So sorry about the 90 minute wait at O'hana, but glad they more than made up for it. All of you have so much fun together, it is a joy to read about and see pictures of. All that family love is a blessing! Sorry it has to end so soon though.

We are definitely blessed! The best part is we get along so well and actually enjoy being together!

Originally Posted by lauriep

I LOVE that EE ride photo! Those two boys just couldn't look happier. Glad the boys got to Affection Section. The piglets are getting so big! Sill VERY cute. That wait at 'Ohana was ridiculous, but you ended up making out just fine!

This was the boys' first visit to RPW, but definitely won't be the last! They had lots of fun there.

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

That was quite a wait! I'm so glad that the manager was so kind and did his best to make up for it. It looks like a great time and I'm really, really hungry now. Mmmmm, I need some sticky wings!!!

The manager made it up to us in a big way. I guess it's true that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar! I always hated that expression - who wants to catch flies? And I wish I had some sticky wings right now, too!

Originally Posted by ilovedisney0_0

WOW! I canNOT believe you had to wait for 90 minutes, WITH an ADR! The manager definitely made up for it - but all of that could have been avoided if they just did not overbook their tables! Otherwise, though, what a fantastic day! I am so glad your brother got to come, and participate in the festivities!

Yes, it was definitely a case where they overbooked, not that people were lingering over their meals.

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

Yikes a 90 minute wait for an ADR? I'd have definitely been grumpy, too, but I suspect the New Yawk may have come out JUST a little in my voice, even if I wasn't at all rude... lol. I'm glad that the experience more than made up for it, though!

I have to say, I'm not at all surprised that Isaiah love the Hulk. So does Meri. When we watch The Avengers, she pretty much tunes out except the Hulk parts, lol.

Love all of the photos - and the character interactions! And especially the hippo part. OMG I'm just cracking up imagining the stench. Meri always tells me that her friends dog farts are the WORST EVER! I may have to share your story with her, so she knows that no, hippo farts are actually the worst ever.

I was proud of myself for being so nice! I just put a disappointed, head-shaking tone in my voice - I shamed him into taking good care of us! OMG, I think Meri and Isaiah are the same person! They need to get together!

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

What a great time you had at AK! Love the pictures! Sorry about the unexcusable wait at 'Ohana! Ridiculous! Glad they made up for it in the end, but geesh!

It was definitely out of hand. I think my family members are used to waiting for tables at like Applebees or whatever, so they didn't realize how egregious the wait was. I knew y'all would understand!

Originally Posted by Jillybean

That make up by the 'Ohana manager was tremendous, but I'm having an awfully hard time imagining you getting anywhere remotely near angry!

Jill

That's because Karen's usually around to do the dirty work!

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

I have never had good luck at Ohanas. I think our shortest wait was 45 minutes and they were never polite about it. The food is wonderful though and so is the atmosphere and it is so hard to skip.
Everything else sounded like a lot of family fun. Lots of great pics and rides on EE.

That's part of the reason I got mad - you routinely have to wait for a table at 'Ohana, so they definitely overbook on a regular basis.

Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace

I'm with Jill. Nice save!

Maybe I'll get mad at someone in December so you guys can see it!

Originally Posted by DisneyLuv

Great update! You guys really had a terrific day at AK! I love AK too and glad you posted about RPW. In all our trips we have yet to make it over to there, but it's definitely must-do for December. I am hoping this will be one of the less crowded areas of the park. BTW, I have to admit, everytime I saw a pic of Isaiah with the eye paint, I had to chuckle... that boy is such a ham, he is absolutely adorable. Great pics of him (and his brothers!) with the characters! Must remember to tell my little one to say "squirrel" to Doug. Too funny!

RPW is definitely worth a visit! And I absolutely recommend saying fun stuff to the characters. I often do and always get fun results.

Originally Posted by Cam22

Absolutely terrific day at AK! I loved the pictures of Lily and family! The Ohana manager really did make amends! That is an excellent example of Disney customer service!

We had so much fun watching the gorillas that day! They were certainly in playful moods, and right near the glass so we had good viewing! Fun!

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Wow! What a fantastic thing for the manager to do--however the wait was still unreasonable!
I love my new Sharonism--which I am going to use whenever I have the change, "When life gives you lemons, make Italian Margaritas."

The wait was definitely unreasonable! I wrote an email commending the manager, but I did make sure to mention that they should book fewer tables! And if only I could have an Italian Margarita every time life gave me lemons!

Originally Posted by Ciavobella

I love Lipoa, she is so sweet. Your brothers look like they had a blast.

That's her name! She was great! And we all had a blast!

Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark

WOW! A 90 minute wait. They did some great stuff to make up for it though. I can't see as well bc there are no close ups...but from the distance it looks like your brother Eric, looks just like your dad!!?

I can't believe how quick this trip has seemed, at least with the whole family.

I don't know if Eric looks like my dad. Personally I don't see any strong resemblance between any of us (except of course Eddie and his 3 mini-me's), but people used to tell me all the time that I looked like Eric.

Originally Posted by Caldercup

But...now I want me an Italian margarita.

Me too! I'll be having one soon, though. How about you?

Originally Posted by mommapants

All caught up. Sounds like you are all having a wonderful time. I can't believe you had to wait 90 minutes at Ohana. Sounds like someone messed up with the booking. If they don't have a lot of large tables and had to wait for one to be vacated...90 minutes is an entire meal. I can't imagine a group would occupy a table for 90 minutes more than the restaurant would have estimated. Therefore I think they screwed up. Glad the manager made up for it.

It seems like some restaurants routinely overbook and 'Ohana is the worst of the offenders. I made sure to mention that in my email.

[PrincessSharon]

Day Seven – Friday, August 31
The saddest goodbye ever

I was up around 7, but we didn’t have anywhere we needed to be, so I took my time. I packed up for the move to AOA, which I was very excited about. At the same time I was a bit worried. I hadn’t stayed in a value resort in like 5 years and I was worried I may have become a resort snob.

When it was time for Daniel to get moving, I had a hard time waking him up. I threatened to go get Isaiah, but he didn’t budge, so I went over and got him. Isaiah was happy to help me out!

Once Daniel was awake, we had a last look at the savanna.





My camera lens was fogged up, but I wanted to post the pictures anyway. Pretend it was a foggy morning, mmm-kay? The three of us headed back over to the other room for a birthday breakfast. It was Eric’s birthday the next day but we didn’t have a special meal or anything. It was mostly just eating whatever food was left. It was okay though, there were pancakes, eggs, bacon, and cereal to choose from.

I was happy to see that the boarding passes for those going home that day had been delivered to the room. Once everyone was packed up and ready, I walked them down to RAC and got them all checked in for their flight home. At the same time, I had my bags and Noah and Daniel’s bags transferred over to AOA.

We also checked out how many DDP credits we still had. I hadn’t been using all of mine, but I didn’t think we’d have as many left over as we did. We had 8 counter service meals and 2 table service. I decided that the boys and I would eat table service for lunch somewhere, and then we’d use the counter service credits to get stuff at the food court at AOA and keep it in our fridge there. I know we don’t make the best use of the DDP so it doesn’t make sense for us to get it (particularly when we can use the TIW discount instead) but this way, DB doesn’t complain about how much the food costs, which makes everyone happier.

Then it was time to say goodbye. For the past couple of days, Isaiah had been assuring us he wouldn’t cry, but I figured he’d still cry a little. You have to know that Isaiah rarely cries. I think the last time I saw him cry was last year, when he wasn’t allowed to buy something at the resort gift shop before our day at Universal. Anyway, this is why I didn’t think he’d be very upset.

After everything was done, Isaiah started to cry. I mean really cry. It was heartbreaking. If I could’ve, I would’ve just let him stay with us a few more days. The poor thing was trying so hard to be brave, too, which just made it worse. He couldn’t even look at any of us, he buried his face in his Mom’s tummy and cried. It was so bad that we decided to just leave without really saying goodbye to him. I did promise him we’d buy him something special and told him he’d get to go when he’s 9 instead of 10 (I hope he forgets this, but if he doesn’t, well, it’ll save me money anyway ).

We later learned that he didn’t stop crying until they got to the next bus stop on DME. I guess he loved watching the video, though, because the first thing he said when I dropped the boys off is “There’s a Halloween parade! And a Christmas parade!” I was surprised he knew this – I asked him how and he told me he saw it on the bus.

He also campaigned pretty hard to join DM and me on our upcoming trip. DSIL hinted that it would be okay for him to miss a day or two of school and DM and I both almost caved. Then we thought about how we’re planning to spend this vacation, and that was the end of it! We want to spend our days strolling around Epcot, not riding EE a hundred times!

Anyway, back to the TR. The three of us walked down to the bus stop in a somewhat somber mood. I think even the boys would’ve let Isaiah stay, as annoying as he can be sometimes (kids are almost always annoyed by their siblings – particularly ones as energetic as Isi).

I told the boys that now that the family was heading home, they could call the shots for what park we visited. They decided to head to AK, and a bus to the park arrived after a few minutes at the bus stop. It was crowded, so we had to stand, but the ride is so short you barely notice. When we got there, I walked over to RFC and made us a 5:00 dinner reservation. I didn’t think we’d really need it, but better safe than sorry, right? Then we headed for EE.

My brother had given the boys each $20 to spend on souvenirs. They at first said they were getting something for Isaiah, but the minute we got into the park, they decided they wanted to spend it on themselves. They both saw towels (two different beach towels) that they wanted. I told them they could get the towels and I’d add the difference in price (they were $20 + tax) and I’d still get something from them for Isaiah. They didn’t want to carry them, so we decided to get them after riding KRR.

We rode EE twice in a row, and I was sure I put at least one of our ride photos on the Photopass+, but they’re not on it, so maybe there is a limit of photos you can get at any attraction? We checked the gift shop for something for Isaiah, but he’s already got every stinkin’ thing in there! I told the boys we should get him something at the TOT gift shop. That’s his second favorite and he doesn’t have much from there.

After that, we went over and did Dinosaur. This is one of Noah’s favorites. We tried to do a funny ride photo with all of us posing the same way, but it just looked like we’re all three sitting there looking normal, so I didn’t bother saving that one.

We were a little hungry now, so we got snacks. Chips and frozen lemonades. After that, we went over and used our FP to ride KRR. This is not my favorite ride. I don’t even ride it often, but the boys wanted to go and it was plenty hot enough to get wet, so we did it. It’s just short and a little boring. I was wearing a white t-shirt this day, so I put my little string bag on in front of me to keep my shirt dry. It worked, but really because I didn’t get a super soaking. Also, I had my electronic stuff in Ziploc bags inside of it, so there was no worry of it getting wet.

The boys got their towels, though neither of them had gotten very wet either. They were very excited to have them and I know it’s something my brother would never let them buy (he is so weird – if he doesn’t like whatever they want to get, he won’t buy it ). I asked the boys what else they wanted to do. They wanted to ride KS and then they were ready to go eat. This isn’t because they don’t love AK – they both call it their favorite park. They were excited to see AOA and were ready for some serious pool time. It was hot! We hadn’t had any rain at all since a very brief (say 5 minutes) shower on Wednesday, and I’ve learned that this makes the heat index go up a little each rain-free day.

We went on a safari at the time they always tell you not to go. The hottest part of the day. But while I prefer to go at the peak animal-viewing times, I’ve learned that animals are unpredictable (on this trip, even) so I just ride when I want to. This was the first time we barely saw any animals. I didn’t even bother to take pictures! Well, that’s not true. I took one, because it was such a rare sight…



A hippo out of the water! We tried heading out of the park but unfortunately we got caught behind the parade. We took a detour to the other side of the park, so we saw the porcupines and the big tortoise.



Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

We were about an hour early for our ADR at RFC, but I figured it wouldn’t be an issue because it was 4:00. I doubt they’re busy at that time. And of course, I was right.



The boys enjoyed watching the fish swim around the tanks while we waited for our meals. I would have to pay for one of the meals out of pocket, but considering I’d budgeted for three counter service meals this night, it was actually going to be cheaper for me. When we got drinks, Daniel got a root beer. It was served in a dark brown glass bottle and looked like beer. His Dad is a beer drinker, so I joked that we should send his Dad a photo of him drinking beer! Too bad I don’t have a Facebook page – it would’ve been a hoot to post this…


The things I let them do to be the “cool” aunt!

I looked over the menu briefly, but I was in the mood for a cheeseburger. That is, until the server pointed out something on their seasonal menu – bacon wrapped shrimp. I figured I could get a cheeseburger any old time, so I ordered that and the boys both got cheeseburgers.



The bacon-wrapped shrimp was totally yummy! I’m glad our server pointed it out! We could get two desserts on the dining plan, which was fine because Daniel never wants dessert. Our server said we could get the volcano with that and Noah loves chocolate more than anything, so we ordered it.



We barely made a dent in it, but Noah asked if we could wrap up the two brownies that we didn’t eat. I figured I was already letting Daniel drink beer, might as well completely let them go to heck with themselves.

After our early dinner, we got the bus to AOA. We were all really excited to see this brand-new resort. A bus soon arrived and we were there in short order. I checked in with a CM who walked me over to her little pod-station. They had to use terms dealing with animation, like when we left she told us to enjoy the rest of our story. It was cute, but I think it’s kinda hokey and don’t know if I’d want to hear that over a long stay.

I got some photos of the lobby area. I’ll say right up front that the resort is extremely well themed and full of fun details! Lots of stuff to photograph!

















The big blue pool had plenty of occupants. More on that later.




Mine! Mine! Mine!

Our room was in the Lion King section. Daniel chose this one because it was the newest at the time. I didn’t mind – I love that movie!









And I can’t tell you how happy I was to have interior hallways! I hate that the values and moderates don’t have them.



The KTTW keys are also equipped with RFID chips, so you just touch it to the door (I’ll be posting a photo of that with the next update). I am excited for this to become standard. It’s so much easier! Especially for me, because I usually keep my KTTW card in my FP holder, and now I don’t even have to take it out.

The room was just fabulous!



There’s a sort of master bedroom – it has its own bathroom and a door.






There was a sort-of closet behind that door – a bar to hang up stuff but no closet door






And the boys have their own bathroom. Yay! They are not so good at remembering to put the seat down.









The dining room area is a nice plus!



And we had a lovely surprise – a gift basket from my TA, Meg! Thanks again, Meg!



The murphy bed was a big hit. This is actually what sold Daniel on a stay at AOA instead of the Poly. Both boys wanted to sleep in it. I told Noah that because it was Daniel’s birthday trip, he got to sleep in it the first night, but they could take turns. Noah decided he’d just take the sofabed. I have to say they loved not having to share a bed! They are getting kind of old for that. And big!



I had to remind them how lucky they are. I am the youngest, so I had to wait for my brothers to leave for college before it was my “turn” to do anything! And I didn’t realize I neglected to take a single photo of the little kitchen area. There is a fridge and microwave as well as a sink, and plastic forks, knives, and spoons and paper bowls and plates are provided. A pretty nice setup.

I called to have our bags delivered and they arrived in like 5 minutes. Excellent. We unpacked so we could get our swimsuits (actually, I unpacked, the boys just pulled their suits out of their suitcases). The boys had declared the Big Blue Pool “too crowded” so we decided to go to the Cars pool. You had to bring your own towels, evidence that this is technically a value resort. And that's a hint that I did indeed discover I'm a resort snob.













It was a little too quiet over there, and the boys decided they wanted to go over to the BBP after all. They were really interested in hearing the characters underwater, which the CMs had really been talking about. In my opinion, they oversold it. You’d have to stay underwater or get lucky to hear characters. Most of the time it’s music. Often it’s bad music. Sometimes it’s awful music. But it was fun listening to see what was on at the moment. And we had plenty of laughs mocking the awfulness of it.

After pool time, we went into the food court to use up our dining credits. I’m really glad that the rooms can fit up to 6 people, so it didn’t look too odd when we walked away with 2 shopping bags full of food. We got a bunch of sandwiches, a couple of fruit platters, bottled drinks, and a range of snacks for the boys. It totally filled up our fridge, but it was nice to always have something to eat right in the room.

Then we headed back to the room and just hung out for the rest of the evening. I offered the boys the chance to go to a park if they wanted, but they were feeling lazy and just wanted to hang out. I honestly think Daniel was kind of excited to sleep in the dumb murphy bed, actually! I’m not sure what time they went to bed because I was in my own room!

Up Next: How much stuff are we going to buy for Isaiah?

[LLaffinPlace]

Excellent update. So sorry Isi was so upset. I completely understand. I'm not sure I will have an excuse to stay at AOA, but I would like to see it. All the pictures have been really great.

My sister Beverly trained me so well, Sharon, that even living by myself in my own home for decades, to this day it takes a conscious effort for me to leave the toilet seat up!

[Jillybean]

I'm pretty sure that I've turned into a resort snob too, but I do love the look of that suite!

Jill

[MayraLR]

Aww, poor Isaiah! I bet it broke your heart seeing him like that.

Great photos around AoA. It looks great. I know my kids would love it. The extra room space is awesome.