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Old 07-22-2015, 10:00 PM   #16
Jambo
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Last full day! What? Already? Oh well, even though this was a quick trip, it wasn't too painful knowing that we would be back two weeks later.

Saturday was AK day. We arrived at the park and quickly made our way to KS for our first FP+. I love KS, but this was probably the least exciting version I've ever been on. Two exceptions were the male lion was standing on his rock and the baby giraffe was standing right beside the road on dd's side of the truck! This is the trip I decided to leave my camera at home. Our driver was difficult to understand and her improv needs practice. She was energetic and enjoying herself, but didn't quite pull off a professional presentation. I might be in the minority, but I miss Wilson and Little Red. I like for the guides to follow a storyline. Providing information about the animals is great, but there seems to be too much time between animal sightings. This lends more time for awkward silence or too much non-guide talk. Does that make sense?

After the safari, we were able to walk on Primeval Whirl with practically no wait. My kids think this ride is awesome. Dh and I like it, but once is enough for us. Ouch!

Our second FP was for Dinosaur. The FP line moved very quickly, but the stand by looked a little long. After delivering our dinosaur to present day, we headed over to EE for our third FP.

Dd has ridden EE several times and has always enjoyed it. For some reason, she acted a little unsure of it this time. She kept asking me questions, like she had forgotten what it was like. Well, that uneasiness lasted about two seconds into the ride. She had her arms in the air and was screaming with excitement almost as soon as we took off!

Our usual snack/lunch at AKL is egg rolls and fries from Yak and Yeti CS and we continued with that tradition. Dh got the food while I went over to Drinkwalla for frozen Cokes. There is a gazebo behind Drinkwalla that overlooks the water and that is where Dh was waiting for us with the food. After Dh finished eating, he walked behind us on the bridge to take a picture of the kids and I in the gazebo. As we were smiling for the camera, Baloo came up behind Dh and just stood there. Dh had no clue and couldn't figure out why we were laughing. He was startled when he realized what was going on. Again, I had no camera and my phone was stashed away in my backpack.

We watched ITTBAB. Great as always. We didn't go to any shows or walk the trails this day. There was a period of an afternoon downpour, so we hung out in a gift shop for awhile. We were already in there, so we didn't get wet. We were able to get a fourth FP. We chose to revisit EE!

Now here is where I should tell you that the name of this TR should be " I Really Love my Son!". Why? DS desperately wishes that the whole family would like to ride Kali River Rapids. We don't. I told him that I would ride it this time provided it is the last ride of the day and the wait isn't too long. We were able to get a fifth FP to use on KRR. All four of us made our way through the line and then lightening is spotted. The ride is shut down and we have no idea when it might reopen. DS wanted to wait it out for a bit. We stood in line playing Heads Up on my phone and reading the fables on the ceiling. Just as our FP time is about to end ( and I have hopes of freebie FPs to another attraction ), the ride opens. Great. I guess you can tell where this is going... Yes, I got SOAKED! Completely soaked! Oh the laughter. I wouldn't have minded so much, except the earlier rains had reduced the temperature and the clouds kept the sun blocked. It was slow drying and I was wearing performance wear materials (quick drying). All of us got wet, but I caught most of it. Dh told me my mascara ran, so I got a napkin and tried to wipe it away. More laughter... I was walking around with mascara down my cheeks, not smudges under the eyes. Ugh. DS had a blast, so that's all that matters.

We got some ice cream and headed out of the park. Back at POR, we changed into swimsuits and cover ups and headed to the food court for dinner. It wasn't very crowded and we were able to get our food in a short amount of time. The kids were ready for the pool after finishing dinner. We walked over and found a couple of available lounge chairs. The kids swam for over two hours while Dh and I lounged and explored Ol' Man Island. It was a relaxing end to a full day.
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Old 07-22-2015, 11:18 PM   #17
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Wow sounds like you had a blast at AK. I have to believe the wet clothes & running mascara will be an image forever burned into your son's memory bc his mom helped make one of his wishes come true in the most magical place on Earth. And that is what it is all about - making our children happy, their wishes & dreams coming true at least those within our grasp.
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Old 07-22-2015, 11:45 PM   #18
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A fun day at AK. I've only ridden Kali twice and both times I was the one who got soaked to the skin. Never again! You really do love your son!
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Old 07-23-2015, 12:29 AM   #19
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It is funny you mentioned having to wait for an Epcot bus while a few AK busses went by. When we have stayed at POR we always had trouble getting a timely AK bus! This is a great weekend trip. You got a lot done and had a lot of fun in a short amount of time.
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Old 07-23-2015, 01:52 AM   #20
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Sounds like a fun day at Animal Kingdom. I'm another who's previously been soaked to the skin on Kali and I've also said never again!
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Old 07-23-2015, 10:03 AM   #21
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Another great day! I love, love the Animal Kingdom! Its by far my fav. park! I am glad yall got to ride KRR, I bet your son was very happy!
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Old 07-23-2015, 10:20 AM   #22
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Wonderful day at AK. I too love KRR, my husband doesn't, but my son has come to love it too, so we have a great time whilst Daddy bag watches
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Old 07-23-2015, 12:44 PM   #23
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I've never been on Kali because I don't like walking around wet! I'm not really even into the pool at the hotel!!! I told my DD I would go on Kali with her this upcoming trip & im really regretting it. The things we do for our kids!
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Old 07-23-2015, 01:01 PM   #24
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Sounds like a great day! And I love how you aren't sad to be leaving because you will be back in 2 weeks!!! I have that SAME thing coming up next weekend!!! DH & i are going for the weekend, then when we leave, we will return 13 days later!!!
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Old 07-23-2015, 03:08 PM   #25
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Another great day! I have never NOT gotten soaked on KRR Why is it that our kids seem to find it so funny when we are the ones who get soaking wet?

Looking forward to hearing more....
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Old 07-23-2015, 04:47 PM   #26
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What a fun day at AK! I am always the person most soaked on KRR, but I will ride it every now and then as it is a favorite for Luke. We laugh that I'm a magnet for water.
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Old 07-23-2015, 07:39 PM   #27
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Originally Posted by cattailmarsh View Post
Wow sounds like you had a blast at AK. I have to believe the wet clothes & running mascara will be an image forever burned into your son's memory bc his mom helped make one of his wishes come true in the most magical place on Earth. And that is what it is all about - making our children happy, their wishes & dreams coming true at least those within our grasp.
Oh, it will be a memory for sure. Actually, it was pretty fun.
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Old 07-23-2015, 07:40 PM   #28
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A fun day at AK. I've only ridden Kali twice and both times I was the one who got soaked to the skin. Never again! You really do love your son!
I have ridden it twice and the first time I was the driest person in the raft! This time I sat beside Dh and I swear he is a water magnet.
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Old 07-23-2015, 07:42 PM   #29
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It is funny you mentioned having to wait for an Epcot bus while a few AK busses went by. When we have stayed at POR we always had trouble getting a timely AK bus! This is a great weekend trip. You got a lot done and had a lot of fun in a short amount of time.
You never know what to expect with those busses. It was a full, fun weekend.
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Old 07-23-2015, 07:42 PM   #30
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Sounds like a fun day at Animal Kingdom. I'm another who's previously been soaked to the skin on Kali and I've also said never again!
This was probably my never again!
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