Who/When/Where:
Who: Sue (57), DVC Member
SB (59), my husband
Chris (29), my son
Amanda (26), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7 weeks), my grandson
Martha, Amandas mom
Matthew (23), Amandas (adult) brother
Carla (19-20), Matthews girlfriend
Dates: September 1 6, 2016
Resort: Disneys Animal Kingdom Villas Resort Jambo House
Experience: Very Experienced 25th stay at this resort
INTRODUCTION:
After a long hot summer hiatus from trips, its time to get back in the swing of things! Sadly, it is still miserably hot & humid, and although this was booked as a concierge lounge and resort stay, the addition of so many people Ill spend a little time in the parks. SB has been really missing being at Disney, and he insists the hot weather doesnt bother him (HA!), but well see.
In a break with tradition I wont be starting this trip with a dental appointment. Instead, well make a detour to Lakeland to pick up my new car. Im not quite doing a Darla, since I didnt buy the car while on a Disney trip, but its close! We bought the car last week, but due to our work schedules and both of us not being off work on the same day, by the time we drove 2.5 hours to Lakeland and took care of the details it was too late for me to drive home safely. Were not trading anything in, so we would have had to drive down in one car but drive two back, and once it gets dark I simply cant see well enough to drive especially on long undivided 2-lane roads with no streetlights and when I wasnt wearing contacts & left my glasses at home! So, we left the car at the dealership and said wed be back next week. Now with the tropical storm out there, we will see what the weather is like. If its awful, well drive straight to WDW and go pick up my car Saturday afternoon. Lakeland isnt that far from WDW.
This trip will also be grandson Aris first trip, and what better way to start out than at Jambo House and spending time in the concierge lounge? His next trip will be during Food & Wine Festival, so hell become an official Crescent Lake Snob at that point. No value resorts for this lucky boy, unless his parents take a trip without me <g>. I later learned Amandas mom, brother and girlfriend booked a concierge room at the same resort, but on the 4th floor (non-dvc). They dont have the same fastpasses as us, so Im not sure how much time well actually spend together in the parks.
SB was going to come for the first night, but since hes been missing Disney he now says hes staying the first 2 nights. We dont have a lot of plans, but do have some key fastpasses here and there. Unfortunately, since I didnt expect SB to be here Saturday I didnt book anything for him, and by the time he announced he was staying it wasnt possible to get anything for the safari before noon. I dont expect to be in a park that late, and most likely hed be hitting the road by then anyway.
Thursday is arrival day for most of us. Chris & Amanda plan to head up as soon as they wake up & get ready, and her mom will ride up with them. Matthew and Carla have school (college) on Friday, so I guess theyll come up after classes that day. With the detour to get my car, well be pushing it to get to the resort and over to Epcot to use the fastpasses I booked for SB and myself. I only booked 2, starting with Spaceship Earth, which wont be a big deal if we miss that. The main purpose of going over is to see the new Soarin, and we will definitely make it in time for that then return to the air conditioned concierge lounge. This all assumes the weather is decent enough.
Friday we have plans for Magic Kingdom with Chris & Amanda, including a photo op for Ari with Mickey Mouse. We also have fastpasses for Little Mermaid, and I think they all have Buzz Lightyear while I have Space Mountain. Theres enough time in the hour to switch off so someone stays with Ari. We have lunch that day at Be Our Guest first time for SB. I almost forgot we had to pre-order to avoid a horrendous long line in the blazing sun, but took care of that this past Monday!
Saturday Animal Kingdom opens at 8, so we will probably head over early to do the safari standby. Maybe well get some pool time. Chris & Amanda have AK fastpasses at night, including the Jungle Book show thats ending this weekend. Amanda is nursing Ari, but they started introducing bottles this week, so while theyre out I will babysit Ari. They might also want to see the Main Street Electrical Parade some night, since that leaves before their next trip.
Sunday is Carlas birthday, so Chris & Amanda will probably do something with her family. I planned to spend the morning at the pool and catch up with them all later, but I see fastpasses at the Studios were made on my behalf <g>. Monday I move to a value studio, while the others check out. Chris, Amanda & I have fastpasses at Magic Kingdom again, with Mine Train this time, and lunch at the Wave.
The plans so far are:
Thursday 9/1: Get new car in Lakeland, drive to WDW, Epcot/Soarin, Concierge Lounge
Friday 9/2: Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest lunch, Concierge Lounge
Saturday 9/3: Animal Kingdom early, maybe pool, Concierge Lounge
Sunday 9/4: Pool, Maybe Hollywood Studios, Concierge Lounge
Monday 9/5: Magic Kingdom, Wave lunch, Pool?, Concierge Lounge
Tuesday 9/6: Drive to Gainesville
DAY 1 Thursday 9/1/16
Who: Sue (57), DVC Member
SB (59), my husband
Chris (29), my son
Amanda (26), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7 weeks), my grandson
Martha, Amandas mom
Plan: Get new car in Lakeland, drive to WDW, Epcot/Soarin, Concierge Lounge
Actual: Today Id planned to leave at 11, but then with the new car thing I decided to take the day off but forgot I had a meeting 8:30-10:30 that was scheduled then because I was leaving at 11. Sigh. So, I went in really early to do a couple things and attended the 8:30 meeting but left at 10. We live at work, so after a quick stop to change clothes we were on the road at 10:05. The tropical storm continued to be delayed, which worked perfectly for us we had no rain at all while driving! We made a quick stop for lunch at a Circle K outside Lakeland couple sausages for SB and a tornado for me, all for a whopping $4.37. Its obviously not Disney, lol!
We got to the Volkswagen dealership at 12:30 and Id texted to let them know we were on the way. They had the car all cleaned, gassed and parked out front waiting for us. Our salesman went over some of the basics and set up my phone its so cool to be able to just say Call xx and the car automatically calls the person & I can talk without having to hold anything. I received an incoming call (from the old coot with the 9pm bedtime, lol) and was able to talk to him without using my phone. I liked the color of the car much better today its charcoal gray and today it was brighter outside so it was really pretty.
We were on the road just after 1, with SB trailing me in the old Saturn. It was an easy drive the rest of the way, and we pulled into the Jambo House parking lot before 2. Once inside we were taken up to the lounge to check in, but I had to hunt someone down. There were no cast members standing outside to greet people arriving. Up in the lounge all the faces were familiar and it was nice to be welcomed back. Just as we sat down I got a text from Chris with a photo of the back of my car, lol they had just arrived.
Our room was not quite ready, so SB & I sat on the sofa. Soon I saw Martha checking in so I went over to her and she joined us. Chris & Amanda had to check in at the front desk like peasants <g>, although I did tell the concierge staff theyd be in the lounge but werent listed as the other 2 people in my room because they would be sleeping in their room. Amanda took Ari to their room to feed him, while Chris played pack mule moving their stuff in from the car. SB & I went to our studio to unpack & relax a bit. The big news on tv is the weather (no General Hospital) and theyre encouraging people to stay off the roads tonight, and especially stay away from I-75 (due to the storm). I did notice they have Disney characters in the lobby a concierge cast member told me when its rainy they bring them over to the resorts, and theyve been here the last couple days. I saw Tigger, Mickey, Donald, Pooh, Pluto, Stitch, Goofy & some bear.
Eventually Chris, Amanda, Ari & Martha went up to the lounge, and Chris called to see what room we were in. He came to see us, and I went out to the lounge with him to join the others. It was only around 4pm, and SB decided hed join us later. Ari was asleep but soon he woke up, so I got to hold him most of the time. He had 2 diaper changes and ate at least 3 more times by 6:30! Hes gotten so much bigger since late July, and they think hes around 15 pounds now. He holds his head up on his own and tries to stand pretty strong little 7-week old baby. SB joined us around 4:30 or so, and we visited while waiting for the 5-7 food offerings to start.
The concierge staff were a bit late opening up, by at least 5 minutes or so. To me thats really inexcusable its not like 5pm arrives at different times each day. The cooked foods were the chicken corn chowder (excellent) and some type of little African pork chops weve had before (also very good). The cheese selections were not exactly wonderful for Amanda or me, and neither were the crispy bread choices. It was a bit of a dud night for us, but the others loved the food. SB must have eaten a crockpot full of the pork chops, to the point he said he didnt need to go to Mara for a burger <g>. The lounge was busy but never overcrowded, but that may change by the weekend.
SB went back to our room around 6 and the others left around 6:30 to head to Hollywood Studios for the 8:45 star tours themed fireworks. Ari had burped a whole bunch down the front of Amandas shirt, so she needed to change before they headed out! Thankfully he didnt have any messes for Grandma! I stayed in the lounge and read my kindle until 7, when I returned to the room to see if SB wanted to go down and see the animals. Its aggravating, but he preferred to lay in the room rather than get up and go see giraffe, zebra, etc. This is a big part of the reason I dont mind that he stays home when I come here! If Im going to do stuff solo, then I dont need to deal with the negatives of having someone else here!
I went out to the Arusha Rock viewing area, and lots of animals were out there (as they aways are after 7pm). Unfortunately it was so humid my camera lens fogged up immediately and even though I kept wiping it the fog kept returning. I ended up deleting most of the pictures I took, but I have 4 more nights and its not like the animals look any different than they did on all my previous trips ;-) I was back in the room not too long after 7:30, and found the US Open channel for SB (I swear men are clueless) since he wasnt able to find it. I think it may have taken a second and a half <g>. Any women out there who completely understand this I empathize with you, lol!
I worked on updating the report, and around 8:10 SB asked about the desserts. I told him they were out there <g>. Chris texted a few minutes later to say they were headed back, because it was raining. So, theyll miss the fireworks. SB & I decided to wait for them before we got dessert.
SB, the man who earlier said he was so full he was not getting anything at Mara, decided he wanted to get something at Mara. Being the good wife, I said Id go down there with him even though he couldnt be bothered to go see the animals with me <g>. We went down there and were shocked to find no line at all! He ordered his half chicken and by the time he got to the register his beeper had gone off. We planned to bring it up to the lounge and when we opened the door it was POURING outside! Luckily its all under cover so we didnt have to get wet. There were people swimming in the pool, so there must not have been any lightning in the area.
We went upstairs to the concierge lounge and found Chris, Amanda, Ari & Martha up there. Amanda was feeding Ari (again) and afterwards he was fussy so his parents took him downstairs to their studio. At no time did we have a crying infant disturbing other guests. SB went back to our room after he finished eating, and I sat talking with Martha until SB called with a problem. Hed tried to open the sleep sofa, figuring hed sleep over there and somehow it got stuck. I told him Id be back soon.
When I returned, the sleep sofa was jammed. I was a bit beyond aggravated at this point the last thing I want or need is room problems late at night. Since he seems to be helpless, I called maintenance to explain the problem and they said theyd send someone right up. True to their word, Johnny arrived very quickly, and he said these sleep sofas are notorious for falling off the track. He flipped it over and worked on it until he had it fixed. By then it was 9:45, so I missed getting the report out in time for Grandpas bedtime hell have to take it up with SB if he has a problem!
Today was a much better day than expected, in terms of the storm not being a problem! Im glad to have my new car, and look forward to learning about the different features. Its great seeing Chris & Amanda again, and Ari has gotten so big in just a month! Its also nice spending time here with Martha. Tomorrow were all heading to Magic Kingdom for the morning, hopefully without rain. Lady Llewellyn, a Royal Magic Maker, emailed me the other night to give me her schedule so we hope to catch up with her in the park tomorrow. Beyond that, Matthew & Carla should arrive around noon, and I plan to enjoy another evening in the concierge lounge.
DAY 2 Friday 9/2/16
Who: Sue (57), DVC Member
SB (59), my husband
Chris (29), my son
Amanda (26), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7 weeks), my grandson
Martha, Amandas mom
Matthew (23), Amandas (adult) brother
Carla (19), Matthews girlfriend
Plan: Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest lunch, Concierge Lounge
Actual: We both slept really well, and were awake around 5:30 (we get up early for work). It was pouring outside, with lots of thunder and big flashes of lightning. The tv said it was remnants of the tropical storm, which by now was in Georgia somewhere! Theyd also had a wreck on I-4 and westbound was completely shut down (full of cars trapped there), so today is a messy day for people who live around here. I dont think I mentioned that last night in the concierge lounge we learned they will give concierge guests a Disney poncho (the ones sold in the parks). None of us normally wear them, but we all thankfully accepted one and if the rain gets heavy and blows sideways they might actually get worn today. The heavy rain didnt last too long, but it looks like most of the day today will be off and on thunderstorms. Hopefully our time at the Magic Kingdom will be ok, and Im glad our Mine Train fastpass is for Monday rather than today!
Speaking of rain, when I packed I remembered on a previous trip Id packed SBs flip flops and told him to wear his sneakers. He then showed up wearing another pair of flip flops, so then he complained that his feet hurt when we were in the parks. This trip I decided to outsmart him by packing his sneakers and telling him to wear flip flops. So, what does he show up in yesterday? Black dress shoes! So today if theres torrential rain Ill wear flip flops and hell get his sneakers soaking wet. Itll probably be too rainy for the pool, so he wont have to walk around in swim trunks and black dress shoes out there <g>.
I got us breakfast from the lounge at 7 raisin bran, boiled egg & half a bagel for him. I had my cappuccino and the rest of the bagel. We met the others in the lounge around 8, where they were finishing up breakfast. Ari absolutely hates a wet or poopy diaper, and as soon as he goes he starts screaming until hes changed. I guess this could be a good thing in the future, as maybe hell potty train early, but for now it means theyre blowing through diapers at a rapid rate. They may need to make a trip to buy more, at non-Disney prices! So, after another feeding and diaper change, we headed down to the bus stops in the rain.
The day started out horribly humid (is greater than 100% possible??) and it rained most of the time we were in the Magic Kingdom. We must have just missed the bus, as we had quite a wait, and of course by the time it arrived there were lots of other people (who came after us) standing there waiting. SB & I walked up and boarded near the beginning, and were able to hold a couple seats so Amanda & Martha could sit with me while Chris & SB stood with the stroller.
Once we got to Magic Kingdom, SB and Martha put on their ponchos and Amanda & I opened our umbrellas. She wore Ari in a pouch thing, keeping him under the umbrella since he hates rain too. We were within our fastpass window to meet Mickey, so we went there first (next to Tonys). None of us had ever done this before. SB decided to stay with the stroller, as Chris didnt want to leave it outside in the rain. Amanda wanted a picture with that included both grandmas, so SB was the logical one to stay out. However, as we went through we noticed Martha turning back. We knew she needed to take off her poncho (cast member instructions) but didnt understand why she was walking away. In less than a minute we were in the room with Mickey, with just parties ahead of us. I went back to find Martha, and then learned she didnt have a fastpass for this. The cast member told her to come on in anyway, which was very nice.
When it was our turn Mickey (talking Mickey) approached Amanda & Ari, and then we had poses with different combinations of people. It didnt take too long, but we got several shots, and then we were on our way to find SB engrossed in a cartoon on the tv in the waiting area, lol! After another quick meal and diaper change for Ari, we hustled down Main Street and into Fantasyland to catch the end of Lady Llewellyns Sword & the Stone show behind the carousel. She looks amazingly like my good friend Mary perhaps theyre long lost twins or something!
After the show Mary (its shorter to type than Lady Llewellyn) came over to see us. At first I thought she was kidding when she asked me if Chris was here (she was standing right next to him) but she laughed and told him she still thinks of him as being a much shorter young boy, lol! We visited while strolling through Fantasyland until the rain picked up enough she had to get indoors to protect the Disney costume.
Amanda & Martha had taken Ari to the Tangled bathrooms for another change, so the guys & I headed that way and met them when they came back outside. We decided to do the Hounted Mansion, but again the stroller parking area was all out in the rain. SB doesnt care about this attraction & said hed wait with the stroller under a covered area nearby. The standby wait was posted as 15 minutes, but the only wait was waiting for the doors to open. After this we walked back into Fantasyland in the rain and spent time standing inside Gastons Tavern (out of the rain) for a few minutes until we could use our Mermaid fastpass. This time Chris decided to stay with the stroller, right there inside Gastons.
The rest of us walked over to Mermaid and rode that, and when we came outside the rain had almost stopped. We had time to kill before lunch, so Chris & SB walked onto Barnstormer while the rest of us waited inside the circus merchandise shop. They were on & off in no time at all! While we were in the shop Amanda bought a headband with Sorcerer Mickey mouse ears.
By now it was time to check in for lunch, and still raining slightly. This time we had to leave the stroller outside in the rain. Martha was no included on the reservation since she was a later addition to the trip. She went back to the resort to wait for Mathew and Carla, and planned to have lunch with them. Since wed pre-ordered our food we had no wait, and once inside I pointed out the huge mob of people who had not pre-ordered standing in a long queue to use a monitor to order their food. Amanda couldnt figure why anyone would NOT pre-order.
I paid for lunch while Chris & Amanda found a table along the back wall in the small room off to the right (with the statue of Belle & Beast dancing). Ari ate again. Im pretty sure he ate several times I didnt mention <g>. When our food came things started to turn bad. Chris roast beef sandwich was fine and my onion soup was great. Amanda & SB each had the carved turkey sandwich. Amanda preferred hers plain, which wasnt an option when I ordered. It also contained 2 small pieces of turkey. SBs contained ONE piece of turkey, that wasnt even the size of the baquette it was served in! He was getting mad - $15.99 for a turkey sandwich and you get one slice??? We questioned the server and told him we were not satisified with this. He asked Amanda if shed like a new plain sandwich, and she said yes. He left her current sandwich, so I took those 2 slices of turkey and added them to SBs slice to make him a better sandwich. His fries were cold, which didnt help.
Soon Ari needed his diaper changed again, so Amanda took care of that. While she was gone her new sandwich came and it looked great. They also brought a plate with a couple slices of turkey for SB. I got up and got him some mayo, since he loves that and then took part of the baguette from Amandas old sandwich to make him a thick turkey & mayo sandwich, which he loved! He also finished my onion soup. When Amanda came back Ari was still fussy, and started to cry, so Chris took him outside to walk around. She ate half her sandwich and I wrapped up the other half for Chris to eat.
We found Chris outside and Ari was happily laying in the stroller, and best of all the rain had stopped!! There was a really nice breeze, too so it was very comfortable. We started walking towards Peter Pans Flight and ran into Mary again. She remembered we hadnt taken a picture earlier, so she found a guest who was willing to do it. Unfortunately Ari was getting fussy again, so its probably not a happy baby picture, lol! Amanda put him back in the pouch thing and he fell asleep, so after saying goodbye to Mary we were able to use our fastpasses for Peter Pan.
At this point we were ready to head out of the park, but first stopped at the Confectionary for a caramel & peanut apple. The line where they could cut it was a little long, so we just bought it whole and Ill get a knife from the concierge lounge. Back at the resort, Martha, Mathew & Carla were waiting for us at the bus stop. Im not sure why, but they were. Chris asked if they were going to a park, and they said no. Chris & I went out to my car so he could show me more of the stuff it can do Ill never remember it all. Nowadays cars are like smartphones they have more features than anyone really needs, lol!
We went back inside and found everyone except SB (he was in our studio) and Amanda up in the concierge lounge. I think shed gone to get more diapers from their room. Ari was fussing a bit, so I took him and walked around with him facing out (his back against my chest). He likes looking at things, especially lights. So, wed walk slowly along the hallway to see what caught his eye. Once Amanda came back and changed his diaper (in our room) I stayed in to watch General Hospital. Well all be meeting up again before 5, and then theyll be going to Epcot. They all were able to make fastpasses for Test Track for around 6:45 (good until 7:45) and theyll stay for Illuminations.
After General Hospital I worked on the photos and started uploading some to an album on Shutterfly. I went out to the lounge just after 4 and sat at a table with my laptop. SB was in the room watching the US Open (tennis). Just before 4:30 it pretty much cleared out since tea was ending and the evening food wouldnt start until 5. I asked a cast member if they had a preference on how I dragged tables together for our party, and they were fine with whatever I wanted to do. I ended up pulling a 2-top table to the end of my 4-top and we had plenty of room for 7 chairs with the stroller off to the side. That way we didnt pull a 4-top out of service.
Chris called about 4:30 and needed me to meet him at the elevator since hed left the magic band with Amanda to come up later. I was alone with my laptop, but I left it on the table when he got to the elevators and it was still there when I returned. The elevator was a pain, as for the 2nd time this trip I had to top my magic band repeatedly for the reader to select the 6th floor. Chris said this happened with Marthas band as well. In fact, last night when SB & I were headed somewhere it didnt work right either, and we had a longer ride as a result. Pretty soon Chris & I saw Amanda walking across the 5th floor bridge, and she used the magic band to access the gate at the stairs to come up and join us.
Martha arrived next, followed by Mathew and Carla. The hot food tonight was the lamb stew with carrot mashed potatoes, and my favorite buttered turkey over rice. They also had 2 of the really good cheeses tonight, AND they had the ham & cheese pinwheels that Amanda loves. We were overloaded with great food, all in one night!
Id asked Chris for more information about Mathew and Carla and learned Carla is only 19 years old. Evidently she likes to drink, and he warned them to NOT try to drink any wine or beer in the lounge. Mathew is 23, so hes ok. They respected Chris warning, and Carla stuck with Jungle Juice. Amanda fed Ari and then I pretty much kept him the rest of the time, since I dont get to see him very often. Martha has been great saying that this is my time to have Ari, so she will hold him when Im not around.
Everyone loved the food the buttered turkey, the stew, the great cheeses, the fresh veggies w/ranch dressing, the different hummus. Nobody needed dinner, since it was so good (even SB, lol). Just after 6 SB returned to our room to watch the news and the US Open, and the others left around 6:30 for Epcot. Those who are up will meet us around 7:30 for early morning hours at Animal Kingdom.
I stayed for another hour, reading on my kindle. Around 7:30 I went back to the studio briefly, then went outside to look at the animals. It was getting dark, so it was past the prime viewing time. I went out past the pool, then out to Arusha Rock, but was back inside just before 8. A bit later SB announced that it was 8:14 and I told him when he went to the lounge to call me to let me know what the desserts were. He was totally befuddled, since in his mind hed done some great deed by coming to the lounge earlier (to eat) and if he got up now hed have to put his pants one. I continued updating the trip report, and as expected, he never moved. Ive been to Costa Rica a few times and have seen sloths in person, and there really is a striking resemblance, lol!
Around 8:30 I went out to the lounge to bring back some desserts. Besides the usual stuff (brownies w/peanut butter icing, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, rice krispie treats) they had the orange cake and something in a little glass. I put one of the things in the glass on SBs plate and he liked it but it was too tart for me. The orange cake is always good nice flavor, and fairly light.
Except for the really crappy weather, today was a great day. I was concerned when the single slice of turkey for $15.99 arrived, but SB kept his cool and we were able to fix it. It was great seeing Mary/Lady Llewellyn and getting some good news from her. For the most part Ari was a little trooper, although hes the hungriest baby Ive known, and it was nice being there for his first meeting with the big cheese. I think his mom was more impressed than he was, lol! I really enjoy being here on the concierge level its just what I need to escape everyday life!
Tomorrow Animal Kingdom opens at 8 for resort guests, so were planning to head over to do the safari before the line gets too long. SB will most likely be on the road home by around 10, with plans to pick up a slab of ribs at a BBQ place in Wildwood on the way home to watch football the rest of the day (and US Open since Serena will be playing). If its sunny I hope to get out to the pool to lessen my polar bear look.
DAY 3 Saturday 9/3/16
Who: Sue (57), DVC Member
SB (59), my husband
Chris (29), my son
Amanda (26), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7 weeks), my grandson
Martha, Amandas mom
Matthew (23), Amandas (adult) brother
Carla (19), Matthews girlfriend
Plan: Animal Kingdom early, maybe pool, Concierge Lounge
Actual: It was lights out for us at 10 last night, and I think SB was already asleep at that point. He slept really well, and I did to until around 2 am. I decided to get up just before 4, and moved over to the sleep sofa to try to not disturb him while getting online. I also made my cappuccino and brought that over. He ended up waking around 6. I showered and was starving by 6:30 but the food doesnt come out until 7. When 7 finally rolled around I went out to the lounge and brought back breakfast bagels & fruit mainly. Its easier to eat in the room, and we can toast the bagels here rather than standing around the lounge toaster.
SB took his shower at 7:15 and we were out the door at 7:30. Chris, Amanda, Ari & Martha were in the lounge finishing breakfast, so I figured Matt & Carla had decided to sleep in. We were ready to head out at 7:45, 15 minutes past the planned time, and they came strolling in. Amanda told them to grab something & put it in a napkin, as we were heading out. Obviously Amanda isnt their boss, lol Carla comes back to the table with a bowl of milk and cereal, and several other things. Matt soon does the same. We left them there, but told them where we were headed in case they were able to catch up to us.
Outside at the bus stop there were several people waiting, which I took as a sign that we hadnt just missed the bus this morning! We still waited, and then 2 Animal Kingdom buses pulled in, one behind the other. Both were empty this time of day they send separate buses to Kidani Village and Jambo House. Most of us had seats, but Chris & SB stood for the short ride to the park.
They had all the bag check lanes open on both sides, which helped because the security cast members were checking bags thoroughly today. There were also several real local law enforcement people present, including a big black dog that was meandering through the crowd sniffing for something that obviously wouldnt be allowed. I was randomly selected for the metal detector as well, but that only took a second. At the park entry we breezed right in. As usually, there were some lines but there were very obvious open stations with nobody entering at all so we chose the empty ones.
We walked back to Harambe and the standby wait for the safari was posted as 10 minutes. We couldnt see any backup in the queue, and ended up walking briskly all the way into the truck loading area (we didnt even have to wait there we walked right onto the truck). It was great! SB & I were alone in our row, and Chris, Amanda & Martha were alone (with Ari) in the row behind us. The driver did a great job, and we had the best ever lion viewing experience. There were 2 females lounging on a rock close to the truck, and the male wide awake on a rock behind them. The sun was in my eyes so I just snapped the camera button and hoped for the best. We also saw some cheetahs walking around, and pretty much every other animal today.
By the time the safari ended, Ari was awake and hungry, so Amanda sat on a bench by the gorillas to feed him while we watched one of the silverbacks hunt for treats. Once Ari was fed I carried him, and he was pretty content for a while since he could see over my shoulder & laugh at SB. We walked towards Asia, and it was getting very warm in the park. By this time Id turned Ari around so he was facing forward, to let his front cool off a bit. Amanda & Martha rode Expedition Everest, while the rest of us waited to watch them come down the hill. Ari was hot & not very happy, probably wet & hungry too, so once they came down the hill we went inside the air conditioned shop where the ride exits. Amanda took Ari to the restroom to change him, and we learned Matt & Carlas safari truck had been sitting still for 20 minutes. Evidently an animal further up the trail had decided to lay down in the road and wasnt moving. They also said when they passed the lion area the male was roaring, which is pretty cool!
It was not even 10 am yet, but SB was soaking wet (sweat) and I could feel the sweat running down the middle of my back. We decided to leave the others and get the hell out of that inferno. Oddly enough, the temperature was only around 84, but it felt awful! I had a fastpass for Primeval Whirl, but it was too hot to detour over there, so SB & I left the park. Our bus came quickly and took us directly to Jambo House. The housekeeper was in our room, but she was almost done. Concierge guests get daily full housekeeping, so were not on the normal dvc housekeeping schedule. We also get nightly turndown service. SB gathered up his stuff and hit the road, planning to pick up a slab of ribs on the way back and spend the rest of the day watching football.
I waited until the housekeeper finished, then changed into a swimsuit and went down to the pool. It was pretty busy, with the sunny chaise lounges mostly taken. I ended up over by the kiddie pool, which turned out to be a great spot. Hardly anyone bothered with it, so other than people walking through the area it was quiet. I did some reading, and then had almost fallen asleep when SB called to tell me he was at the rib place. Just then it started to sprinkle, so when it didnt stop I moved to a table & chairs next to me (with a big umbrella) and sat there until the rain stopped. However, when I looked behind me the sky was black, so I knew much heavier rain was coming! I put my coverup back on, returned my used towels and headed inside to Mara to check the soup of the day since it was lunch time now.
They had the coconut curry chicken soup I like, so I ordered that and stood in line at the cash register to pay. By the time I was ready to exit, it was pouring outside! The rain was coming down in buckets but I didnt see any lightning or hear any thunder. An hour later its still raining, although the sky is lighter.
I stopped by the lounge and picked up some mixed nuts, then went to my studio. Lunch was the soup and nuts, followed by a small cup of cappuccino since it felt so cold. I glanced at the thermostat and the housekeeper must have turned it down to 50! No wonder it seemed cold, lol! I turned it to a warmer temperature and updated the trip report.
At some point I spent an hour watching animals from a few of the outside stairwells, with previous experience telling me which ones would be the best for viewing the most animals. Some cast members were feeding the vultures, and I learned today is International Vulture Day. Theyre certainly interesting looking birds, although I dont feel any desire to get up close & personal with them. I was back inside by 3, and worked on the photos Id taken, then captioned the ones Id uploaded to the Shutterfly album. Shutterfly has recently changed everything, so it took a while to figure out how to add captions. Hopefully people will see them I really dont like to post pictures without them, as I cant look at albums where the person cant be bothered to put at least something in there to tell me what Im looking at.
At 4 I went out to the lounge, and soon Martha, Matt & Carla showed up. Chris & Amanda followed a little before 5, so Matt pulled a 2-top table over to make room for all of us. Tonight the hot food was falafel w/eggplant and yogurt topping, along with the African stew topped with broccoli mashed potatoes. The others liked both, but I didnt bother with either one. Last night was my favorite, with the butter turkey. I ate one of the cheeses with water crackers, and some cucumber slices with ranch dressing. Ari was asleep when they arrived, and Carla used my camera to take some photos of him in the stroller (since it was next to her). A couple are in the album. He woke up, so I held him on my lap for a while and gave Amanda time to get her food before he needed to be fed. We knew he was getting hungry when he started trying to suck on his fists, lol but he let us know for sure when he started to fuss. At that point I handed him off to Chris, who passed him to Amanda, who was ready with his next meal.
It didnt work out for them to leave him behind tonight because she only had 5 ounces of milk pumped and she was pretty certain that wouldnt be enough. She hopes to add more before tomorrow night and may be they can leave him when they go to Magic Kingdom for the Main Street Electrical Parade. We all enjoyed our time together again, and declined the invitation to join them at Animal Kingdom. They all had fastpasses for Everest or Kali, the safari, and the 9pm Jungle Book show. Id seen that show last trip, and was content to stay put.
I left the lounge around 7:15 and went outside to watch the animals for a while by Arusha Rock, then went back inside. It was ridiculously warm/humid out there! When I got back to the room Amanda texted to say it was too hot for Ari so theyd be coming back for dessert. They were doing the safari first, but would join me in the lounge when they returned. Its a shame they missed the show, but having just come in from outside I agreed that Ari would have been miserable. I used the time to update the report and upload a few more photos to Shutterfly.
Around 9 I went out to the lounge and did some reading, bringing 3 of the little chocolate mousse things to the table in case they ran out. Chris & Amanda arrived shortly, with Ari shirtless. They said he was hot & miserable in the park, as there was no breeze at all and really high humidity. Even just before 10pm the feels like temp was still 87 degrees. They said Martha, Matt & Carla were headed to Magic Kingdom after Animal Kingdom, since MK is open until 1am.
Ari was hungry and ate for a long time, then conked out sleeping. We parted ways just before 10, so they could give him a bath, feed him again & put him to bed. I got the report posted and will watch a little HGTV before turning in. Theyve decided if they go to Hollywood Studios tomorrow itll be timed to catch the end of Amandas Tower of Terror and the start of their Toy Story fastpasses. Toy Story isnt until 10:15, so Im not going to bother going in that late its just too hot. Ill hope for some time by the pool, although it may be cloudy tomorrow morning.
DAY 4 Sunday 9/4/16
Who: Sue (57), DVC Member
Chris (29), my son
Amanda (26), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7 weeks), my grandson
Martha, Amandas mom
Matthew (23), Amandas (adult) brother
Carla (20), Matthews girlfriend
Plan: Pool, Maybe Hollywood Studios, Concierge Lounge
Actual: Last night I slept really well amazing what a solo room can do, lol! I woke up around 5:30 but didnt get up until closer to 6. I made my cappuccino and hung out online, watching the sunrise from bed. Today its going to be hot & extremely humid again, but the rain isnt due until this afternoon, so it will be a pool morning for me. I had a half of a bagel for breakfast, and grabbed a greek yogurt for the fridge in my room.
Around 8:30 I went out to the lounge and saw Amanda, Martha, Matt & Carla. Ari was eating, and Chris was down in the room sleeping. Today is Carlas birthday and theyre having lunch at Portobello (Chris also has a birthday credit there since his birthday is 9/19). Matt was saying they should meet here in the lounge noonish to get there by 12:30 and I just laughed to myself. When the 3 of them left for Hollywood Studios (which opened at 8am today & they were planning to just walk on Toy Story with a 10 minute wait right when they got there) I sat with Amanda for a bit. She filled me in on her brother always being late for everything, but her family has accommodated him his whole life so he has no clue. Like me, shes always early when shes supposed to be somewhere.
I left her to finish feeding Ari, and went down to the pool, setting up camp across from the flamingos. Its less busy there, as most people want to be AT the pool, or where they can see their kids. I had one other couple stay a couple chaise lounges away from me, but otherwise the only people were those walking by. It was really hot, but the shower near the hot tub worked well to cool me off from time to time! I stayed out there until 11:30, then moved into the shade to cool down a bit before putting my coverup back on.
I checked out Mara and they have the chicken mulligatawny soup I like, but I didnt feel like waiting in line for it. I knew I still had the yogurt, too. So, I went up to the lounge and got several of the spiced nuts in a bowl and took them back to the studio. Amada texted saying she saw a lady in a scooter, who had a tiny little dog in a basket with his own umbrella! This doesnt sound like a legitimate service dog to me, but Im no expert!
Just after noon I took my shower to wash all the sweat away! Once I was dressed and blow-dried I drove over to the Premium Outlets on Vineland. Traffic was horrific there, with a long line of bumper-to-bumper cars coming in and even worse traffic getting out. I had to wait to get into the garage, and then had to circle around until coming upon a spot that had just emptied. When I saw the traffic I was tempted to just turn back, but couldnt once on the road youre trapped.
Eventually I walked into the shopping center and went to Character Warehouse. It was also busy, but I was able to look around but didnt really see much to buy. I ended up getting a DCL Star Wars at Sea shirt for Amanda its not often you find the extra small. I hope she likes it, but if not it was on sale! I left after buying the shirt, not bothering with any other stores. Sunday must be a big tourist shopping day down here! Fortunately after a recent trip a local friend had shared an easier way to get out of here and Id had the foresight to print her email. I followed her directions, which basically took me out the back, along the uncrowded part of International Drive and then a right onto World Drive, which goes right back into Disney property. It was a longer distance, but much faster.
When I got back to the studio I noticed Id missed a text from Chris about 45 minutes prior. Evidently Martha never got around to making an actual reservation at Portobello, so they were still waiting for lunch at 2pm after planning to be there at 12:30. I have no idea what time theyll make it back here, but its safe to assume they wont be very hungry for the 5pm lounge food, lol!
Since I have to change rooms tomorrow, I spent 30 seconds packing up some of my things, then updated the report and watched a little HGTV. I did wander around the resort a bit, but the animals werent as active in my usual viewing spots. The rain that was forecast between 2 & 6 never came until well after that, so maybe the ridiculous heat had something to do with it.
Chris & Amanda came to the lounge with Ari before 5. The hot foods tonight were the seafood stew and Moroccan beef. Last night it was African stew and a falafel thing. It seems they have a 7-night rotation, as I remember these same items on the same night of the week back in early June. Theyd had their lunch around 2:30-3:00 so they werent terribly hungry, and Chris said he was tired. That didnt sit too well with Amanda, who is the one getting up with the baby while Chris sleeps through it all <g>. Chris went back to their studio to take a nap, leaving us in the lounge. Amanda fed Ari a couple times he seems to eat more at night, but then when he finally goes to bed hes down for about 7 hours.
Eventually Martha came up to the lounge and joined us, and around 6:30 Amanda took Ari down to their room so he could get his bath and they could get things ready for me. She asked me to come down between 7 & 7:30. Theyre planning on seeing the Main Street Electrical Parade since it will be gone by their next trip, but Im not sure how this delayed rain will affect those plans. Matt & Carla showed up around 6:45 and joined Martha and me in the lounge. Carla was trying to set their fastpasses for tomorrow and tonight, to get some as close as possible to what we have tomorrow. Mine Train was an obvious no go at this point.
Shortly after 7 I stopped by my studio to pick up the laptop and then went down to Chris & Amandas. I brought he caramel apple SB bought, since I couldnt keep it protected when changing rooms tomorrow, and SB hadnt eated it when he was here. Ari was all bathed and in a cute baseball sleeping outfit. Amanda was feeding him one last time, and had left a couple bottles.
Ari got the hiccups before they left, which he HATES, but she was able to calm him down. Thankfully they went away after a while. Chris & Amanda headed out in the rain, thunder & lightning for the Magic Kingdom, along with the others. Up to this point there hasnt been much success with Ari taking a bottle, although Martha was able to give him one last week. I gave it to him before he got really hungry, and eventually he latched on and drank some of Amandas milk. He didnt drink it all, which was a little surprising. We sat around a while, and then he was awake again so he drank some more. I tried putting him down for the night, but that didnt exactly work. He was squirming around and woke up, so I picked him back up.
I tried the bottle again and he drank most of the rest of it, then conked out with it still in his mouth. I knew to keep him fairly upright for a while, then laid him down in the porta-crib thing, hoping hed stay sleep. Chris texted to say the parade had been canceled, which sucked for them. Its running again at 11pm but thats so late I dont know if theyll be staying for that. Theyre playing it by ear based on how Ari does.
Its after 9 so Id better get this posted before Grandpa Holland blows a gasket <g>. Today was a nice relaxing day, which is my favorite kind here! It was hotter than hell at the pool I would have liked it to feel about 20 degrees cooler. But, it was still nice being out there. I continue to enjoy my time with little Ari hes such a cute little guy! Im glad he wasnt a holy terror when I babysat him tonight (knock on wood the nights not over, lol). Tomorrow everyone else heads home, but first we have the morning at Magic Kingdom and lunch at the Wave. I also have to change rooms, so Im likely to be homeless for a good portion of the day. But, I have one last night in the concierge lounge before going back to the real world!
DAY 5 Monday 9/5/16
Who: Sue (57), DVC Member
Chris (29), my son
Amanda (26), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7 weeks), my grandson
Plan: Magic Kingdom, Wave lunch, Pool?, Concierge Lounge
Actual: So last night the 9pm Main Street Electrical Parade was canceled after Chris & the others got there. He kept in touch via text, and it was funny to see him asking what time he had to be back, how long could he stay out, etc, lol! Its been a very long time since we had any of those conversations, but this time it wasnt about him needing permission to stay out, it was how long he had childcare for his son <g>. It looked like the 11pm parade would probably happen so I told him they could stay for that but head back right after. This is past my bedtime! In the end they decided to not stay, and were boarding a bus at 10:45. Amanda would still have to pump before going to bed, and getting back at midnight would be really late.
They got back just before 11:30, and I headed back up to my studio. Since theyre heading home after lunch were going to drive and park at the Transportation & Ticket Center so they wont have to travel back to the resort to hit the road. I can walk back to Magic Kingdom to catch a bus back to the resort. I set the alarm for 5, since I wanted to have time to relax in the morning and also didnt want to let myself sleep in since I had to be up early the next day. I made my cappuccino and ate the dessert Chris & Amanda put in my room last night (from the lounge).
I ate the greek yogurt from yesterday and added a croissant. While I was out there I confirmed with the concierge cast that I could check out and check in there in the lounge, and once I did that my magic band would no longer work on my room door but would work on the elevator. I ate my breakfast and finished packing up, then went back to the lounge at 8 to do the checking out and checking back in thing.
Chris, Amanda & Ari arrived around 8:15 and we headed out at 8:45. Since were driving, I put my suitcase in my trunk, put the little laptop under the stroller, and rode with them to the Transportation & Ticket Center. Martha showed up at the lounge before we left, and said they were going to Epcot. They figured theyd ride Soarin, although they couldnt get fastpasses. In fact, last evening they were booking fostpasses for Magic Kingdom, so I dont know why they changed their plans (other than wanting to ride Soarin).
Chris, Amanda & I were parked a long way, but it was easier to walk pushing the stroller than taking Ari out to ride the hot crowded tram. It was very congested getting into the whole TTC area! The line for the express monorail was packed in like sardines and extended almost to the bottom of the ramp. We decided to ride the resort monorail, which had nobody waiting. The cast member did chat us up and learned we were resort guests possibly if we werent we would have been turned away, and I agree completely with that. Let the people paying the $$ for Disney resorts enjoy the non-cattle monorail.
Bag check was a pain, and very thorough. I think he only part of the stroller the guy didnt check was Aris diaper! Once again I was randomly checked for the metal detector. The entry area went much quicker, and we headed down Main Street. It was pretty hot, and very humid, so Chris sat with Ari inside the Sonny Eclipse counter service place while Amanda & I used our fastpasses to ride Mine Train. We asked for and got the back row, and enjoyed the ride! We went back to meet Chris, and Amanda fed Ari. He was pretty hungry, and since we were inside our next fastpass window I left them there and went to Space Mountain.
That was fun, although after the ride NOBODY was walking at all on the moving sidewalk somebody way up ahead evidently thought this was a ride or something, so it took forever to get out of there. Chris & Amanda were waiting for me inside the shop at the exit, so I took the stroller from them while they went over to use their fastpasses at Buzz Lightyear. I thought Ari would go asleep if I walked him around inside the store, but he never did.
From there we went over to PeopleMover and rode that with Ari. At one point he was hungry again so Amanda nursed him, and we stayed on for a second loop to give them time to finish. After that Ari passed out for a while milk coma! We put Ari back in the stroller and left the park, taking the resort monorail over to the Contemporary. With the stroller we had to take the elevator down, but luckily we were the first people so we didnt really have to wait.
We were seated in the Wave, and Chris got a text from Martha or Matt that they were home! Evidently they went to Epcot and the bag check lines were long (they are often miserable here, which is why I hate the Epcot front entrance) so they decided to leave, lol! For lunch I got the tomato & mozzarella salad, which wasnt what I expected but it was good. I wont order it again, though. Amanda got the chicken sandwich on pretzel bread, and Chris had the chicken Caesar. Ari ate again, too but didnt order from the menu. Overall lunch was good but the server was a bit off and I dont feel compelled to return here anytime soon.
Chris left to take the monorail to TTC to get the car, figuring Ari would be much cooler if he picked them up at the Contemporary. I headed out and walked back to Magic Kingdom and walked right onto the waiting Animal Kingdom Lodge bus. The alternative would have been a bus to Animal Kingdom and transfer there, but the Contemporary bus stop has the monitors and the next AK bus wasnt arriving for over 10 minutes.
I decided to get off the bus at Kidani Village and walk over, since Id parked on that side of the parking lot. Another vehicle was getting ready to leave, so I moved my car down to that spot (4th one rather than halfway down the row). I got my suitcase from the trunk and went up to the concierge lounge. I still didnt have a text or email about my room, so I checked with the cast member and he confirmed it was not ready yet. He tried to call to check on it but they didnt answer and he told me they must be at lunch. Really?? The place shuts down for a lunch period??
I set up camp in the far corner of the lounge, since the tv was blaring. This trip its been great a little loud last night, but perfect otherwise. Today a Pirates movie was blaring away, and it was ridiculously loud even to me sitting in the corner. I eventually went up and asked them to turn it down, once the other guests had left. They did, but it was still louder than it needed to be in my opinion. By 2:30 still no room ready which is aggravating, since they know Ive been here since I woke up and checked out at 8am this morning.
Shift change had just happened, so I asked Jeremy if he could check on my room. He found one that just became ready, and called to make the switch for me. I was in the room by 2:50. I booked a value studio for tonight and this one is just fine. Values are bit smaller than regular rooms, but I cant really see the difference. It has all the same furniture, minus the little padded bench. The room overlooks the pool, which is pretty but not really my thing (mainly thanks to the afternoon pool games and use of the microphone out there). By tonight itll be fine though.
There was no need to unpack, so I spent time on the rest of the photos. Shutterfly has changed a lot, so I hope this link works, or copy/pasting. pix.sfly.com/2KEVjk1K Ill also share it to Facebook (or try to). As expected, there are many pictures of Ari, but also the animals, resort & just a little food.
I went back up to the lounge around 4, and took my laptop with me so I could do some jigsaw puzzles while I was up there. I took the seat in the corner, which is like a long sofa with three 2-tops spread along the length (separate). My corner had the big cushioned arm and 2 throw pillows, so it was quite comfortable plus electrical outlets in the wall. At 5 I got some food, and tonight turned out to be a great food night. They had the cheddar cheese I like the best, and the best crispy things. The cold item was a chilled strawberry, almond & goat cheese salad which was very good. The hot foods were a crab stew (didnt touch it) and sweet cream pudding with Durban chicken. This was excellent! The pudding was like polenta, but made with corn. The Durban chicken gave it great spice and made the whole thing delicious.
At one point my back area (the former kids corner) filled up, with a couple with 4 little kids and another with 1 kid. Thankfully, these parents actually parented. The one lady who tried to dump her little girl off to watch tv ended up having to take her elsewhere, as the girl was whiny and didnt want to be left there. The lounge was busiest just before 6, but it never got to the point that people couldnt find anywhere to sit.
By 7 the lounge had almost cleared out, and the tv was BLARING again. People were sitting there watching it. I guess they dont know the difference between a concierge lounge and a cinema?? Chris had called earlier to say theyd left their pack & play sheet behind, so I put the laptop in my studio and stopped by the front desk to fill out a report for lost & found. Assuming their sheet is a different color from Disneys, it will probably get found and returned to them. If not, so be it it was their error in leaving it behind, and it cant have cost very much! I went out to the Arusha Rock viewing area to watch the animals for a while. Several were out there, including a baby giraffe. I came back inside just before 8.
Id originally thought I might take my shower between 7 & 8, and then I wouldnt need to shower in the morning, but I ended up using the time to do other things. Ill just set the alarm for 4am and shower in the morning, then get on the road by 5am. Its not ideal, but you gotta do what you gotta do. The alternative was to check out today, and I wanted to enjoy this one last night in the concierge lounge (with surprisingly great food).
Shortly after 8 I went up to the lounge one last time to get some dessert, then brought it back down to the studio and settled in for the night. Its a shame to have to return to real life, as I really enjoy being here!
This was a great trip, other than the horrific heat & humidity, which is normal for this time of year. Ari was a little trooper for his first Disney trip, although he didnt have a clue what or where he was. At his age, the trip is about us not him. For people who come here often its no big deal to bring an infant. If we were a family who only got here once every several years (or less often) wed be absolute morons for bringing an infant. Having an infant does limit what you do -for us it didnt matter since weve done it all so often. Also, if we could only do a once in a lifetime trip why do it when the baby was too young to realize it?
Having Amandas mom, brother & Carla along worked out fine. I enjoyed spending more time with Martha. Since we live so far apart, Ive only seen her at events the wedding, the baby shower, etc. I know Amanda is frustrated at times by her family (who isnt???), and that frustration makes her really appreciate Chris family, lol! Sad to say, were the normal ones. Scary thought.
I love staying on the concierge level here at Jambo House and hope Im able to get it for next year. I keep checking the availability before then, and of course nothing is out there. Id love to add a weekend to break up the long wait, but its so hard to get.
Our next trip is next week, when we fly to Maryland for 3 nights. Ill get to meet our other grandson Ethan (Floyd met him in late May) and well spend some time at the harbor area in Baltimore and also Washington DC. If I write a report Ill send it out to the list, minus the DVCTALK group since this trip is clearly not Disney or DVC related in any way. If you get my reports to your email address and dont want to read that one, please just delete it.
My next DVC trip begins September 30th, for a Food & Wine Festival weekend. Itll still be hot & humid, but I cant settle for just one F&W trip, and always book the main (longer) one later in the festival when the weather should be better. I expect itll feel miserable this next trip, but hopefully Food & Wine will be worth it!
↧
Sue (Holland) Rayford, Jambo House Club Level, Sept 1-5, 2016
↧