TR: Thingamabobs, Zebra & Giraffes, Oh My! Completed 3/25/15 About This Page:

[JKnott17]

We LOVE that late breakfast/brunch at Tusker House too! Can't wait to do it again in June I think maybe I'll have to request Neil's section, since you love him so much.
Sorry that Scott had issues and wasn't able to get a DAS card, I hope that everything works out with it for your next trip. It's really a shame that the misuse of the system by those who didn't really need it ended up hurting those that do.
Your room is HUGE! I love it! One day I will stay at AKL!

[Cam22]

all your pictures from AK, but especially the giraffes. Sorry the gorillas weren't out. We love Tusker House, too. I know it didn't help on this trip, but I'm glad you contacted Guest Services about how poorly Scott was treated. I can't believe he was turned down, but hopefully, that will no happen again.

[PhilsEagles08]

I'm so sorry to hear about Scott being denied. That's really aggravating considering he has gotten the GAC in the past.

The room was beautiful at AKL! I hope you enjoyed your meal in even though it wasn't planned.

[SuperDave]

Looked like a fun time at DHS and got a lot in including a nice dinner at HBD! Your time at the AK was well spent too with lots of great photos from KS and a late breakfast at Tusker House! Seems like you have such a great servers in Neil there! I've never ate here, but looks like a good one! Sorry to hear about Scott's situation there!

[Agent P]

Signing in great start can't wait to read more!!!!!

[KMB733]

Sounds like you had a nice time at AK! Love the safari pictures and pictures of your room!

I'm sorry to hear that you had trouble getting a GAC for Scott. We had a similar problem with my dad on our trip. Many years ago my dad had back surgery and he has all sorts of rods and screws in his back along with a spinal stimulator that helps with pain. But standing for a long time takes its toll. When we first asked at Guest Relations at AK, we were told that we could get FPs so that we won't have to wait in a long line. I was wondering if the CM was aware that it wasn't that simple. The next day I asked again at MK and was given the 3rd degree by the CM. I understand that others have abused the system in the past, but that ruins it for the people who truly need the assistance. The CM at MK finally agreed to give him the pass, but it was quite the ordeal. And we were lucky that the lines weren't too bad and we only had to use it twice.

[SuperDave]

Originally Posted by KMB733

Sounds like you had a nice time at AK! Love the safari pictures and pictures of your room!

I'm sorry to hear that you had trouble getting a GAC for Scott. We had a similar problem with my dad on our trip. Many years ago my dad had back surgery and he has all sorts of rods and screws in his back along with a spinal stimulator that helps with pain. But standing for a long time takes its toll. When we first asked at Guest Relations at AK, we were told that we could get FPs so that we won't have to wait in a long line. I was wondering if the CM was aware that it wasn't that simple. The next day I asked again at MK and was given the 3rd degree by the CM. I understand that others have abused the system in the past, but that ruins it for the people who truly need the assistance. The CM at MK finally agreed to give him the pass, but it was quite the ordeal. And we were lucky that the lines weren't too bad and we only had to use it twice.

Very well said KMB and couldn't agree more with you!

[dj1028]

All caught up on your trip report...love seeing the photos and reading about your adventures!

[Alaskan Mom]

Joining in, all caught up. Love all your photos!

[lfredsbo]

Originally Posted by xwewhisper

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!

Thanks! The dinner was very good - and probably more so just relaxing in our room with it!

Originally Posted by TinkerbellJenn99

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!!

Thanks - I absolutely recommend a villa at AKL!!!

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

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.

Thanks! Some day I will visit Narcoossee's!

Originally Posted by MayraLR

Oh, how I loved that big tub in the master bathroom! Pure heaven.

Thanks! THAT tuB!!! so wish I had it right now!!!

Originally Posted by JKnott17

We LOVE that late breakfast/brunch at Tusker House too! Can't wait to do it again in June I think maybe I'll have to request Neil's section, since you love him so much.
Sorry that Scott had issues and wasn't able to get a DAS card, I hope that everything works out with it for your next trip. It's really a shame that the misuse of the system by those who didn't really need it ended up hurting those that do.
Your room is HUGE! I love it! One day I will stay at AKL!

Thanks! Definitely request Neil! tell him we sent you!

Originally Posted by Cam22

all your pictures from AK, but especially the giraffes. Sorry the gorillas weren't out. We love Tusker House, too. I know it didn't help on this trip, but I'm glad you contacted Guest Services about how poorly Scott was treated. I can't believe he was turned down, but hopefully, that will no happen again.

Thanks! You know how I love our giraffe friends!

Originally Posted by PhilsEagles08

I'm so sorry to hear about Scott being denied. That's really aggravating considering he has gotten the GAC in the past.

The room was beautiful at AKL! I hope you enjoyed your meal in even though it wasn't planned.

Thanks! We did enjoy our relaxing, private dinner!

Originally Posted by SuperDave

Looked like a fun time at DHS and got a lot in including a nice dinner at HBD! Your time at the AK was well spent too with lots of great photos from KS and a late breakfast at Tusker House! Seems like you have such a great servers in Neil there! I've never ate here, but looks like a good one! Sorry to hear about Scott's situation there!

Thanks! We love TH and I highly recommend it! The lunch menu is similar to Boma

Originally Posted by Agent P

Signing in great start can't wait to read more!!!!!

Thanks for joining in! More coming up real soon!

Originally Posted by KMB733

Sounds like you had a nice time at AK! Love the safari pictures and pictures of your room!

I'm sorry to hear that you had trouble getting a GAC for Scott. We had a similar problem with my dad on our trip. Many years ago my dad had back surgery and he has all sorts of rods and screws in his back along with a spinal stimulator that helps with pain. But standing for a long time takes its toll. When we first asked at Guest Relations at AK, we were told that we could get FPs so that we won't have to wait in a long line. I was wondering if the CM was aware that it wasn't that simple. The next day I asked again at MK and was given the 3rd degree by the CM. I understand that others have abused the system in the past, but that ruins it for the people who truly need the assistance. The CM at MK finally agreed to give him the pass, but it was quite the ordeal. And we were lucky that the lines weren't too bad and we only had to use it twice.

Thanks! Sorry to hear that you Dad also had troubles with the GAC

Originally Posted by dj1028

All caught up on your trip report...love seeing the photos and reading about your adventures!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Alaskan Mom

Joining in, all caught up. Love all your photos!

Thanks!




THANK YOU everyone for your understanding about my frustration with the GAC issue for Scott. And THANK YOU for not beating me up about it. It was very difficult to write that letter and then actually have the conversation with the CM, but hopefully by doing so I have made it possible for Scott to continue to enjoy trips to Disney comfortably - as well as bring attention to others needs.

[lfredsbo]

Thursday, July 3, 2014 Continued:

We arrived at MK and immediately stopped at the first Photopass Photographer for a group photo of all of us!






We also got a few of just the kids (we should have done an adult only too…….not sure why I didn’t think of it then ). And you can already tell what kind of night it was going to be with these goofballs!









Then we all went in to meet Mickey – the wait was not that long, maybe 10 minutes? But it was exciting to see him with all of us!






Mr. Matthew looks rather cool with Mickey!




And the girls made Mickey blush!




Then we staked out our spot for the fireworks. Tonight they would be showing the same fireworks show that they also do on the 4th, but we didn’t want to fight the crowds here on the 4th, so we came tonight to see them – and it was still very crowded. But we found a spot on the bridge between the hub and Tomorrowland. The adults took turns running to grab snacks for everyone. We had a good 90 minute wait, but wanted a decent spot to see them, even though we knew we would not see much of the castle during the fireworks, oh well.

If you have never seen these fireworks – they are amazing! They shoot them in “the Round” – meaning there are several times that the fireworks surround all of Magic Kingdom! No matter where you look, there are fireworks!!!
















After the fireworks, we went AWAY from the masses, and entered Tomorrowland and went in for the Laugh Floor. We always enjoy this show, and even more with friends!













After some good laughs the kids (Em, Bethany and Matthew) were ready for a ride, so we headed into Fantasyland, of course the line for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train was over 90 minutes, so they settled for Barn Stormer!

If you look real close, you can see Emily’s head peeking from around the middle car!








All the adults took bio breaks while the kids were riding!

I had suggested that we go see Enchanted Tales with Belle, as I knew Lisa and family had never seen this, and it had been awhile since we had seen it. And lucky for us, when we arrived there, the wait was short!

I love the theming in the que here – and especially when you enter the workshop area. And ESPECIALLY the mirror!!! I will NOT give any spoilers here though!
















When we were let into the “wardrobe” area, I encouraged all of my party to raise their hands when asked for volunteers! Most of them did…………..even a kid who refuses to grow up!





This was going to be quite the cast in Belle’s story!

As you will notice, Bethany played the part of Maurice; Matthew was Chip; and Scott and Chris were knights. Emily did not raise her hand, as she was being shy for some reason!
































They all did great in their new found roles! And even had some very nice photos with Belle after. Lisa #1 was so excited to watch all her kiddos take part in this, especially as she had no idea what it really was. I think I may have even seen a tear or two!











After this, our celebrities had to head out. Paul was starting to feel yucky after the days adventures, and he really wanted to be able to join everyone for the next evening for 4th of July, so we stopped for a few more Photopass photos of the group – and again the kids…….obviously again forgetting about just the adults!!!











We said good night and explained to them how to get back to AKL to get their car.

The 3 of us found a spot to watch the Celebrate the Magic in front of the castle, as Scott had never seen this – and honestly this has got to be one of my favorite new shows in MK!! The special effects of this just amaze me!! And of course, they added some Frozen to it! And yes, this is going to be very photo heavy! I was surprised how well some of my pics came out!





























We then headed toward the front of the park to find a spot to watch the Main Street Electrical parade. The park had really thinned out by now, and we found a great spot.

I think one of my favorite parts of this parade is being able to see Tinker Bell! I still remember the days when the only time you ever saw her on rare occasions.



















































After the parade we called it a night and headed back to AKL to finish unpacking to move in for the next 9 nights!!!

After all the unpacking was complete I made good use of that large jetted tub – my FAVORITE part about a villa!!! Filled that tub, poured a glass of wine, and soaked myself!! Then it was off to la-la land!


Total Miles Walked today: 15.78
Total Spent on Food & Beverages: $161.50
Total Spent on Souvenirs, Activities, Misc.: $0
Total TIW Discount savings: $17.99
Total Annual Pass Discount Savings: $1.30
Garden Grocer Order: $219.14 (includes gratuity, this order also included beer and wine as well as grocery items for 9 days!)

Up next: An easy going day!

[cubfancolleen]

Your shots of the castle show ARE really great! What a great evening. The 4th of July fireworks sound amazing - but I'd never go then as it would be way too hot for me.

[lfredsbo]

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Your shots of the castle show ARE really great! What a great evening. The 4th of July fireworks sound amazing - but I'd never go then as it would be way too hot for me.

Thank you! We really enjoy visiting for the 4th of July - it actually feels very odd to not be planning for that this year

[princetoaprincess]

Great pictures of Belle, the castle, fireworks, everything. We've never been on July 4, but went at Christmas. If it's as good as then, then I bet it's amazing.

[Coop]

Sounds like you had a great day! 15 miles walked and as usual - great pics!