Trip Report Hurricanes, Foot Pains and “What The Crocs Just Happened?” Anniversary Tale – A Sept/Irma 2017 TR (COMPLETED)

So here we are again… Another amazing trip is over.

My original title for the is report was:

The Best-Laid Plans Of The Mouse & Men… because so many of our carefully thought out schedules & plans were completely turned upside down by Irma and other “forces” along the way.

However, Ross and Julia who do not share my love for Robert Burns or John Steinbeck vetoed that and came up with their own title.

Before I begin our tale, I want to express and offer our thoughts and prayers to all who suffered in Hurricane Irma as well as Harvey & Maria. There are times when I joke about the fact that we were in Florida during the hurricane, but in no way do I not realize the devastation that was caused to so many.

That being said... Let the Trip Report begin! Who’s in?

 

[MeeskaMooska0714]

The wave pool at TL is insane! I was standing toward the front on our honeymoon and got sat on by someone that was thrown by a wave! NEVER AGAIN!

It is some awesome to see how much Hope has grown over the years through reading your trip reports! Keep up the good work!

 

[Figment Forever]

The wave pool at TL is insane! I was standing toward the front on our honeymoon and got sat on by someone that was thrown by a wave! NEVER AGAIN!

It is some awesome to see how much Hope has grown over the years through reading your trip reports! Keep up the good work!

Oh my gosh - that's crazy! It definitely makes the 6 Flags wave pools look like a gentle ripple in the water! Even the wave pool at BB is tame compared to TL.

Thank you! and thanks so much for following along with us!

 

[need2go2wdw]

I’ve enjoyed reading your report so far! It was very interesting to see how the resort handled the hurricane. It looked like they did a phenomenal job! Now I’m even more excited for my upcoming trips in April and then in May! I’ve been inspired by all the reports I’ve read to really take good notes and not to forget food pictures so I can write a great report when I get back!

 

[Gurt]

All caught up I am glad you enjoyed TL I prefer it over BB I love the wave pool but I never go in past my hips, my other half got a bit brave on our last trip (2016) he went in to his shoulders, got bowled over did a real number to his knee and still has a scar now, I don't think he will make that mistake again!

 

[Figment Forever]

I’ve enjoyed reading your report so far! It was very interesting to see how the resort handled the hurricane. It looked like they did a phenomenal job! Now I’m even more excited for my upcoming trips in April and then in May! I’ve been inspired by all the reports I’ve read to really take good notes and not to forget food pictures so I can write a great report when I get back!

Thank you so much for following along! I can't say enough for Disney's handling of Irma - they were awesome! I hope you have great trips! I will look for your TR!

 

[Figment Forever]

All caught up I am glad you enjoyed TL I prefer it over BB I love the wave pool but I never go in past my hips, my other half got a bit brave on our last trip (2016) he went in to his shoulders, got bowled over did a real number to his knee and still has a scar now, I don't think he will make that mistake again!

Wow - I hope his knee is better! I definitely enjoyed TL more than BB - as did Julia. The one thing that BB has is the mini golf right outside - but as for the waterpark, TL tops BB in my book. We were very careful in the wave pool - especially with Hope who, since she has no fear, would have bollted right to the front - a true disaster!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

I've been gone... awhile... but so glad to get all caught up!! Hope has come a long way in the past couple years!!! Her being the picture frame was soooo sweet!

 

[dizfan917]

I can't believe that you remembered!! I mean, you only had a HURRICANE to worry about!! Thank you so much for thinking of me.

I'm glad you guys had a blast at Typhoon Lagoon and that you eventually made it to 'Ohana (I figured that was gonna be an adventure...). The Rice Krispie Treat was just as good as a Mickey Ice Cream under the circumstances.

I was very touched by Hope's song in my honor. What a sweet and kind little girl she is!! Please thank her so much for the wonderful birthday wishes!

I love tagging along on your adventures, they are always very entertaining! I can't wait to see how it all wraps up.

You guys ROCK!!

 

[Gurt]

Wow - I hope his knee is better! I definitely enjoyed TL more than BB - as did Julia. The one thing that BB has is the mini golf right outside - but as for the waterpark, TL tops BB in my book. We were very careful in the wave pool - especially with Hope who, since she has no fear, would have bollted right to the front - a true disaster!

he just has a small scar now but at the time he did struggle to walk well for a couple of days, poor Hope would have no chance with those big waves but it's great that you can all enjoy together as a family.

 

[Figment Forever]

I've been gone... awhile... but so glad to get all caught up!! Hope has come a long way in the past couple years!!! Her being the picture frame was soooo sweet!

Welcome back @ScarletBegonias ! Thank you so much for the kind words. Her being that picture frame is a memory I will hold dear to my heart forever. I've been enjoying your PTR - Harper is so adorable and has gotten so big!

 

[Figment Forever]

I can't believe that you remembered!! I mean, you only had a HURRICANE to worry about!! Thank you so much for thinking of me.

I'm glad you guys had a blast at Typhoon Lagoon and that you eventually made it to 'Ohana (I figured that was gonna be an adventure...). The Rice Krispie Treat was just as good as a Mickey Ice Cream under the circumstances.

I was very touched by Hope's song in my honor. What a sweet and kind little girl she is!! Please thank her so much for the wonderful birthday wishes!

I love tagging along on your adventures, they are always very entertaining! I can't wait to see how it all wraps up.

You guys ROCK!!

Haha - Nope we were not going to forget! Thanks for always following along with us!!

 

[morgan22]

All caught up - Loving your observations x I was very interested in your views of Pandora. Having never seen the film (tbh it has just never enticed me) .... I'm worried I won't 'get' it and therefore be underwhelmed.... if I can't get fast passes then do I want to spend hours of precious park time queueing??? I intend to spend a full day at AK this time - we don't feel we've ever given it enough time in the past.... and want to enjoy ROL ... I am a huge fan of Fantasmic and I'm hoping it will be on a par ..

 

[Figment Forever]

All caught up - Loving your observations x I was very interested in your views of Pandora. Having never seen the film (tbh it has just never enticed me) .... I'm worried I won't 'get' it and therefore be underwhelmed.... if I can't get fast passes then do I want to spend hours of precious park time queueing??? I intend to spend a full day at AK this time - we don't feel we've ever given it enough time in the past.... and want to enjoy ROL ... I am a huge fan of Fantasmic and I'm hoping it will be on a par ..

I think for me, not having seen the film - or any desire to see it, had an effect of my perception of Pandora. But that's just me. I wouldn't worry about it - and I would definitely try to get on FOP. Even with no knowledge of the movie - it was an AWESOME ride. Not saying I wold wait 3 hours for it, but I would try to rope drop it if you can't get a FP. I wouldn't wait more than 20 mins for the boat ride - but again, that's just my opinion. Have an awesome trip and thanks for reading along!!

 

[Figment Forever]

Day 11: Monday, September 18th

Originally, I had no ADR plans for today. I wanted to be able to decide what park we wanted to visit and not be committed by a reservation. However, with all of our “Irma” commotion and having to cancel some of our ADR;s – I realized I needed another Table Service meal. We decided on a breakfast and Tusker House had an opening this morning, so I booked it. Since we didn’t get to see FOTLK, and everyone wanted to ride FOP again, back to AK we were going.

So as we hopped on a bus, we decided we would have breakfast at Tusker House, see FOTLK, ride FOP, Dinosaur & EE and watch It’s Tough To Be a Bug – since we missed that too. Then we would hop to Studios.

Once we got to AK, we split up. The girls and I headed to Tusker House, while Ross went to Pandora to get a return time for FOP. When he returned, we were still waiting to be seated. He seemed pleased to announce to me that he found a “secret” path from Africa to Pandora. It’s the little things that amuse my hubby.

 

[Figment Forever]

I always enjoyed Tusker House, but I must say it was disappointing today. The food was okay – they were between breakfast & lunch so Ross got to have a taste of both meals. The service was lackluster at best. The waitress seemed very confused. I had asked for GF waffles and it took forever for her to bring them. I had also asked for a GF doughnut – it was listed as an option on the allergy menu/brochure they gave me – and she was clueless to what I was asking for. I showed her the menu and she said she would have to ask someone. Needless to say, I never got any.

 

[Figment Forever]

The characters were great, and honestly, they are the reason we go to buffets.

 

[Figment Forever]

After we feasted, we walked right over to FOTLK.

I LOVE this show! It’s funny because The Lion King is not even on my top 10 Disney movies, but for some reason I think this show is the best show on property! It always brings me to tears! I was a little concerned that we wouldn’t see the tumble monkeys since I had read many reports that said they were not performing, so I was ecstatic when they made their entrance.

Hope has gotten spoiled because the last couple of years, she was chosen to dance around at the end. I warned her that she may not be chosen and not to be disappointed because other children needed to get a turn too. Her answer to me was, “Hope WILL do the finale!” I thought to myself, Oh boy – were we going to have a Disney meltdown? I didn’t have to worry though – because a lovely giraffe came over and asked her to join in. (I really think it’s the Pocahontas outfit!) She was happy to oblige. Before Ross released her to the jungle, he quickly told our “giraffe” that Hope is Autistic. Again, they were awesome with her. Hope had the need to hop her way around the stage– but she absolutely loved it.

And of course, she reminded me as we were leaving… “Hope did the finale!” I laughed at her, “Yes you did.”

 

[Figment Forever]

Then we embarked to Ross’ secret path that would take us into Pandora.

We walked around a little, but once again, it was crazy packed. So we walked over to FOP. I was able to get a FP – so we saved our return time for later.

It is an awesome ride. I liked it better this time. I forgot to mention the first time we rode, the glasses I was wearing were really loose on me. I mean they were loose to the point that I had to hold them to keep them from falling off. This time, my glasses fit perfectly. So it made the ride that more enjoyable.

Once again, Julia wanted to look around the gift shop, but it was so busy, it was unbearable. So I told her we would try to get back. She wasn’t too disappointed, as she also hates crowds.

 

[Figment Forever]

We did find a Photopass CM – but no Magic Shot.

 

[Figment Forever]

We walked over to It’s Tough To Be A Bug. I like this show – it’s so cute. I always feel bad because every time we go, there is usually a small child who gets so scared, their parents have to exit ASAP. Today would be no different.

Then we went over to visit Pocahontas again because we still didn’t have any of her pictures on MDE. We decided to get some frozen treats while we waited.