TR: Thingamabobs, Zebra & Giraffes, Oh My! Completed 3/25/15 - Page 9 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I'm not a huge fan of the Brown Derby but your food looked so delish!!! Em is so cute taking pics with photopass on her own! And your RnR face is how I look on just about every ride!!! Lol
I'm not a huge fan of the Brown Derby but your food looked so delish!!! Em is so cute taking pics with photopass on her own! And your RnR face is how I look on just about every ride!!! Lol
Thanks! It was good! She made me smile when I looked through the photos and saw that she had done that
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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Today we had to finish packing up from AoA, which really didn’t take us long as we did not unpack all of our stuff like we normally do. It was mostly our toiletries and some snack items we had packed. We had a “snack” of dry cereal (we had a late breakfast ADR) and brought our bags to bell services for transfer to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
We then hopped on a bus to Animal Kingdom as our first fastpass was at 9:05 a.m. for Kilimanjaro Safari!
We headed straight back to Africa after entering the park. We caught our first glimpse of the new Festival of the Lion King theater area –it looked gorgeous!
Also, the Harambe Village Street party band was already getting started!
We made it to Kilimanjaro Safari and scanned our Magic Bands. I truly LOVE this attraction and love to try to be one of the first guests in the morning. The animals seem to be more active earlier as they are just coming out, and it’s not as hot. So off we went for our “2 week trek”!
We had a late breakfast ADR at Tusker House. This is our FAVORITE character meal at Disney! Not sure if it’s the food, the characters, or the fact that we have gotten to know the BEST server on property and ask for him each and every visit!
We checked in and had our photo taken – it was different in the respect that Donald no longer joins you for the photo outside – he is now inside greeting at the tables! Which made us very excited!!! More time with Donald!
We had to wait just a bit for our request to be seated in Neil’s section – but we didn’t mind at all! A few trips back Neil had also convinced us to try coming to breakfast later so that we could be there for the lunch turnover to enjoy both types of food, and we LOVE this! You get the best of both breakfast and lunch items, and it is less busy than breakfast first thing in the morning! Scott and Emily LOVE the salmon, and I LOVE the watermelon, feta, couscous type salad dish!!!
So we were visited by Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Daisy:
And of course we got caught up with Neil and took our photo with him as well. We really look forward to seeing Neil each trip – and is like an old family friend!!
After stuffing ourselves it was time for our next fastpass at Expedition Everest! We stopped for a few photopass photos along the way!
We finally got to EE!!!
We had gotten to EE towards the end of our FP time, so our next FP was ripe when we exited – so we headed straight over to Dinosaur!
There was a Photopass photographer in front of Dinosaur, and had us take a silly photo!
After Dinosaur, Scott and Emily wanted to see if we could get back on to EE again, so we headed back that way again – and found a photopass photographer on the bridge for a few photos!
We rode EE again, and then Scott and Emily rode AGAIN and AGAIN through the single rider line! I opted to grab a cold diet coke and sit on the wall and people watch!
When they finally were done riding, Emily was ready for a snack, so we stopped for her to purchase some apple slices, a frozen coke, and we all got water.
While we were just wandering around, Emily noticed that a Flights of Wonder show was about to start, so she twisted my arm to go in to watch. I REALLY do NOT like birds at all ~ especially really BIG ones that will fly towards me or even near me!!! I could be that guy on stage (and not acting!!!)!
We were able to get another FP for Kilimanjaro Safari, so we headed over there to visit our animal friends once again!
After our safari, Scott decided he wanted to head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge to check to see if our room was ready yet – we still had not received a text message, but he was ready for a break. So he left while Emily and I stuck around in AK.
We went for a walk through Pangani trail to see if we could find some gorilla action, but unfortunately they were no where to be seen , and as a matter of fact, some of the area was blocked off with the construction type boards. We asked a CM about it, and they shared that their cleaning their areas so the gorillas for offstage.
It was hot, and Emily and I decided we needed to seek out the Dole Whips here at AK…..and I had heard they had a special “adult” version…………and we found them!!! They have added rum for those who would like it – and let me tell you –this is AMAZINGLY yum!!!
We sat and enjoyed our snack and Scott sent us a text saying that our room was ready – he was heading up there to make sure all was good and request our luggage.
Em & I started heading for the exit, and as we walked by It’s Tough to Be a Bug, we remembered that was closing for refurb during the next day – so we went in. I am the biggest baby in this attraction – I only go in because I like Flik………..and my kid. I really despise creepy crawlies, and needless to say, I sit on that bench criss cross applesauce with my back as far from the seat back as possible!!
Our best bug faces!
We finally headed over to AKL to find our room, and Scott……….who was relaxing on the couch making himself quite comfy. He had requested our luggage, but it was nowhere in sight yet. Shortly after I arrived, our Garden Grocer order arrived – so I unpacked all of that and loaded the fridge and cupboards! I do have to say that I really wish that they (DVC) would add more Rubbermaid type containers to the cupboards. I had ordered fresh fruit and cut it all up so that it was readily available to eat, and quickly realized there were not enough storage type containers – luckily I had brought large Ziploc bags. Other than that, the space in these rooms is great! There is plenty of storage area, and you could seriously put an air mattress in the bathroom floor if you wanted!!! LOL! The bathroom in the master bedroom is HUGE! And it was great that Emily had her own bathroom! That made mornings so much easier for all of us!
I loved the size of the balcony here! It goes the entire length of the living space and the bedroom! Plenty of room for us!
And the view!
We were originally scheduled to go to Narcossee’s tonight, but Scott realized early in the day that we probably would not have enough time for our luggage arrival to get ready and we forgot to put our dress clothes in the day bags (although then they would have been a wrinkled mess) ~ and he was dealing with some significant back issues at this time. I hadn’t mentioned it yet (in this TR, but you may remember from other TR’s) that Scott has significant lower back issues, and really has a hard time being in one position for a length of time – especially standing on hard concrete – the last 7 out of 10 years we have visited Disney since his first back surgery he has been able to obtain a GAC each trip if/when he needs it. This trip when he asked for it, he was denied by the CM. I was very upset by this, because (and I know some may have different opinions, so please don’t beat me up) its people like Scott who have a hidden disability that are now suffering because others have abused the system. He was basically mortified when the CM refused him the GAC and he left it at that and never followed through. But it did affect him in ways that caused us to cancel plans or for him to stay back in the room with Em and I doing some things by ourselves. Just as a follow up to this, when we returned home I wrote a letter to Guest Services expressing my concern over this situation and received a phone call from a very nice CM who listened to my concerns and his history and she has made a note of it in their system so that hopefully this does not occur again ~ this has been one of the biggest reasons we have continued to visit Disney all this time rather than other “amusement” parks, because Disney has always been accommodating when needed. Okay – enough of my rant.
So with our dinner plans cancelled, we decided to eat in the room. Scott had gone down to the hot tub to soak his back, and then he went over to the Mara to grab various items to bring back to the room for us to eat. We had our own little buffet of Chef Salad (which ended up un-touched and going in the fridge – another perk to Villas!), Caesar salad, Oak-Smoked Rotisserie Chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans, and a Chicken Flatbread. Even though he had only ordered one of each item – we had left overs! It was nice to just relax and enjoy our simple dinner (someday I will get to Narcossee’s!).
The luggage finally showed up while Scott was out, so I had started unpacking some of our stuff and we were able to change into different clothes – it had been so hot earlier, we felt gross.
We had plans for later this evening to spend it with Lisa and her family – they had already been at Epcot earlier in the day and were currently at their resort eating their dinner, so we had told them that our dinner plans had changed and they could meet at our room if they would like to see it, and view the savannah ~ of course they were happy to do so – and their resort was literally 5 minutes away, so they were there pretty quickly.
The adults enjoyed an adult beverage while the kids were watching the animals on the savannah, and then we all headed out to MK together – they rode the bus with us (I know this was probably a no-no, but they are Annual pass holders (Paul & Lisa) so they were “legally” parked at the resort and it was just so much easier this way). The kids got a kick out of being able to enter the park this way as they were off property – it is much different arriving in a car vs. Disney transportation!
Up Next: What a Cast!
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Love all the AK photos! Sorry the gorilla area was blocked off that day. I feel for Scott with his back issues and I agree the new system isn't perfect, either. I have yet to find anyplace, at Disney or in the real world, that deals in a comprehensive way with disabilities and it can be very frustrating, as, technically, they are within the parameters of the laws. Your room at Kidani looks fantastic, as does your nice, relaxing Mara meal.
That's too bad about Scott being denied the GAC. I know you said it was noted in the system, but by any chance did he have a previous card? My DH also has an unseen disability, and we were a little worried about getting a card in November. We didn't have an issue, but the CM also asked if we had his previous card. She said they can just update them once you have one.
Breakfast looked yummy - we need to try Tusker House again sometime.
I loved your face on RnRC. TH is my favorite character meal too! The villa is huge! We've got to try that sometime. So sorry about Scott's back and the denial of GAC. I agree that the misuse by others have caused problems for people that really need it.
Thanks for sharing what happened to Scott with the GAC. I was thinking of not bothering with the note from my doctor this trip, but maybe I will. I know Disney say they don't need to see it, but somehow, when they do see it, they do seem to respect it, as it sets out that I can't stand for long periods.
It sounds like you had a great time at Animal Kingdom - and you certainly got your money's worth from the Photopass photos!
Great day at AK! Love all the pictures! Your room at AKLV is beautiful! Sorry about Scott's back and not being able to get the pass! Sounds like a relaxing afternoon at the villa!
Love all the AK photos! Sorry the gorilla area was blocked off that day. I feel for Scott with his back issues and I agree the new system isn't perfect, either. I have yet to find anyplace, at Disney or in the real world, that deals in a comprehensive way with disabilities and it can be very frustrating, as, technically, they are within the parameters of the laws. Your room at Kidani looks fantastic, as does your nice, relaxing Mara meal.
Thanks Laurie! Spoiler alert..........we do get a real treat with the gorillas later in the trip!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
That's too bad about Scott being denied the GAC. I know you said it was noted in the system, but by any chance did he have a previous card? My DH also has an unseen disability, and we were a little worried about getting a card in November. We didn't have an issue, but the CM also asked if we had his previous card. She said they can just update them once you have one.
Breakfast looked yummy - we need to try Tusker House again sometime.
Thanks! He does usually bring his previous GAC card with him - and of course this particular trip he did not And he also usually carries a note from his doctor, which he did not have. Lessons learned. He will bring both in April - in addition to it being noted in their system.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
I loved your face on RnRC. TH is my favorite character meal too! The villa is huge! We've got to try that sometime. So sorry about Scott's back and the denial of GAC. I agree that the misuse by others have caused problems for people that really need it.
Thanks! No matter how hard I try to keep a straight face - !
Quote:
Originally Posted by tcmary
Love Emily's MM photos. Don't you enjoy when you get those sweet surprises from your kids?
Thanks! I do
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Thanks for sharing what happened to Scott with the GAC. I was thinking of not bothering with the note from my doctor this trip, but maybe I will. I know Disney say they don't need to see it, but somehow, when they do see it, they do seem to respect it, as it sets out that I can't stand for long periods.
It sounds like you had a great time at Animal Kingdom - and you certainly got your money's worth from the Photopass photos!
Thanks Cheryl! I would bring the note just in case. Hopefully you will not have any issues - and honestly we made it work with the fastpass system, but that did cause for more jumping from one section to another. And it looks like you are visiting at a low crowd time?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great day at AK! Love all the pictures! Your room at AKLV is beautiful! Sorry about Scott's back and not being able to get the pass! Sounds like a relaxing afternoon at the villa!
Thanks! We did enjoy our relaxing time!
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
So sorry you didn't get gorilla time I'm not a huge fan of It's Tough To Be a Bug either - but my mom loves it! So I ride for her So sorry about Scott and not getting accommodated, I'm so surprised they did that! Love the easy dinner in the room though, sometimes it's such a nice break between all the intense Disney meals!
That sounds like such a fun day at AK, and your room is beautiful! Contemplating is we can score a 2 room villa next year. Hmmmm...
So sorry that happened with Scott's GAC. It's sad that abusers of the system make it so difficult for people who really need it. Also, to just be told "nope" like he was would have been embarrassing to me as well. To make someone feel uncomfortable for asking is just not very Disney. I'm glad you called and spoke with someone who had more empathy. I was wondering about this for our trip next year as my momma and her husband are joining us. She has Parkinson's and somedays you cannot tell, other days people stare at the tremors in her hand wondering if she is crazy. That doesn't bother her as she is light hearted about it. But... somedays when it's bad or she is stressed she has troubles getting her legs to move. I suppose she can just show them her medication since she'll have it with her, but man - who likes to play 20 questions about something they already feel bad about? Sorry for me rambling!!
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~ Jenn **Disney is REAL LIFE Magic, so much more than optical illusions **
Sounds like a fun day with some great photos. Sorry about Scott's back issues and not being able to get a GAC. Hopefully Disney will note your concerns and adjust the program. Too bad you missed out on your dinner at Narcoossee's, but what you ate looked pretty tasty, too.
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this attraction and love to try to be one of the first guests in the morning. The animals seem to be more active earlier as they are just coming out, and it’s not as hot. So off we went for our “2 week trek”! 
through the single rider line! I opted to grab a cold diet coke and sit on the wall and people watch! 
like birds at all ~ especially really BIG ones that will fly towards me or even near me!!! 
I could be that guy on stage (and not acting!!!)!
, and as a matter of fact, some of the area was blocked off with the construction type boards. We asked a CM about it, and they shared that their cleaning their areas so the gorillas for offstage. 
He had requested our luggage, but it was nowhere in sight yet. Shortly after I arrived, our Garden Grocer order arrived – so I unpacked all of that and loaded the fridge and cupboards! I do have to say that I really wish that they (DVC) would add more Rubbermaid type containers to the cupboards. I had ordered fresh fruit and cut it all up so that it was readily available to eat, and quickly realized there were not enough storage type containers – luckily I had brought large Ziploc bags. Other than that, the space in these rooms is great! There is plenty of storage area, and you could seriously put an air mattress in the bathroom floor if you wanted!!! LOL! The bathroom in the master bedroom is HUGE! And it was great that Emily had her own bathroom! That made mornings so much easier for all of us! 
I was very upset by this, because (and I know some may have different opinions, so please don’t beat me up) its people like Scott who have a hidden disability that are now suffering because others have abused the system. He was basically mortified when the CM refused him the GAC and he left it at that and never followed through. But it did affect him in ways that caused us to cancel plans or for him to stay back in the room with Em and I doing some things by ourselves. Just as a follow up to this, when we returned home I wrote a letter to Guest Services expressing my concern over this situation and received a phone call from a very nice CM who listened to my concerns and his history and she has made a note of it in their system so that hopefully this does not occur again ~ this has been one of the biggest reasons we have continued to visit Disney all this time rather than other “amusement” parks, because Disney has always been accommodating when needed. Okay – enough of my rant. 
while the kids were watching the animals on the savannah, and then we all headed out to MK together – they rode the bus with us (I know this was probably a no-no, but they are Annual pass holders (Paul & Lisa) so they were “legally” parked at the resort and it was just so much easier this way). The kids got a kick out of being able to enter the park this way as they were off property – it is much different arriving in a car vs. Disney transportation!
TH is my favorite character meal too! The villa is huge! We've got to try that sometime. So sorry about Scott's back and the denial of GAC. I agree that the misuse by others have caused problems for people that really need it.
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
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Sounds like a relaxing afternoon at the villa! 
~ Jenn 
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