Trip Report SURPRISE SEPTEMBER TRIP REVEALED.... BUT WAS IT A SURPRISE?

This is my first trip report and I hope I can compare to the high standards of some of the trip reports I read before our trip, during my research period. Thank you by the way to all who indirectly made this a magically and memorable trip.

We did manage to make it to WDW and back home safely. Been home for about 6 days now and still working at cleaning/organizing everything after the trip. Especially all the photos taken. I had a personal count of about 2200 pictures/videos of my own. Now mind you most of those were similar. By that I mean, my cameras have the option of taking up to 3 photos in a row. I thought best to use this feature in order to acquire the perfect shot, instead of being stuck with only the 'one' picture of someone looking elsewhere or with their eyes closed. And of course there were those few shots taken of the ground that always appear to happen. Not to mention just over another 1000 photos in my Memory Maker account. I think this was a very good investment on my part.

I guess I should start by back tracking a little.

Why? Besides the answer of why not, this trip started to flourish by the kids last year asking if we could go to WDW. I promised we could in two or three years but we would have to cut back on some of our spending and start saving for it. So, true answer, promise made.

How? Things just ended up falling into place to go this September, about a year in advance. I was able to receive some severance from a project I was helping with and thought our WDW trip would be a good way of using it.

When? I was originally thinking of going around March 2017, near to DD's birthday, but further research provided information September provided some of the lowest crowd levels. This would be an extra benefit for someone who has not been to WDW in about 40 years to be able to get around. September provided some extra benefits besides the lower crowds, lower costs and free dining. I would happen to have the children for a 3 week period in September and would allow flexibility to when we would fly. (Only later to decide we would be driving instead, but still allow us to be at WDW longer than the normal 7 days I have the children.) It would also be DS's birthday during this 3 week period and who won't want to celebrate their birthday at WDW.

I decided we would drive down (more due to trying to keep it a secret longer), departing Canada on Monday, September 12th taking the scenic route to WDW. We would arrive at WDW on Thursday, September 15th and depart on Friday, September 23rd. This would give us newbies 7 full days in the parks to explore.

I should add that while I was organizing the above, the children were planning a trip for the three of us to go to WDW July 2017 for my birthday. I know I am mean in being so deceitful, but I actually did give them the option to help plan 'a trip I was planning' but they wanted it to be a surprise. So, really it is their own fault. :p:D:rolleyes:;):joyfull:

Who?

Me- Paul

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DS - Daniel

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DD - Christina

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I think I will end it here for now. I will be back soon to report our departure and our first leg of our drive.
 

MomofPrincessGrace

Well-Known Member
There were also two gentlemen in the back. It would appear there was not enough room in the cab for them. DS did notice this as well and asked if it was allowed. I told him I was not sure as different states/provinces had different laws.

I hope the guys were able to get somewhere dry before the sky opened up. I couldnt imagine being stuck in the bed of a pick-up during a rainstorm.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I hope the guys were able to get somewhere dry before the sky opened up. I couldnt imagine being stuck in the bed of a pick-up during a rainstorm.

I hope so as well. I hadn't even thought of that part. I think we saw them earlier in our drive so they should have been okay in that aspect. And it wasn't just the rain. It was very windy as well.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH, THIRD LEG - TAMPA, FLORIDA

Okay let's see how much I can get down before I need to get back to work.

So, today started almost as it did the day before. I got up about 6:00 am and got all prepared for the day while the children slept a little longer. I started to woke them about 8:00 am so we could go downstairs for breakfast, before it ended at 9:00 am. Again we arrived before it was over. DS didn't want a waffle this time. Both DD and DS had a bagel, some muffins/cinnamon buns and juice/milk. I decided to help myself to another waffle. the down side to coming down near the end of the session is the selection is not as plentiful. I did have to ask for some milk as the jug was empty. Once we completed our breakfast, we went back upstairs to get ready for our third traveling leg.

This should not be a difficult leg as we were only heading to Tampa and should be only about a 5 hour drive. Much better than our previous two legs.

We checked out just before 10:00 am and started our journey. I know it was before 10:00 am as we stopped at the Quick Stop, just around the corner, for gas to top up the tank before heading out. I went inside to prepay when I noticed they had a souvenir section. We didn't have an opportunity to purchase anything the night before so I went back to the van to get the kids in order to have them pick something out. They pick out something similar as they did the night before, a small bottle with sand/shells in it with Savannah written on the bottle. We were on the road again before 10:30 am.

I don't remember much from this leg. Which can be a good thing. We didn't get caught in any rain storms, no accidents and no one traveling in the back of pick ups.

Actually, I should add we really didn't run into any major difficulties on our drive. Yes, roads were busy but never caused a problem. Traffic was able to move. We were also able to avoid most rush hour traffic as well. I guess not heading out until 10:00 am also helps with this as well. Yes, there was construction, but again no major issues and traffic was able to flow without causing us to stop. Once I did see a sign stating the highway was going to be closed the day after we were there. So that was good timing. The State Trooper which opened up the fire hall so DD could use the restroom, mentioned it was good we weren't there the day before as the highway was closed. We never had to stop for hours due to accident/rush hour or construction. Yes, there was the heavy rain the night before, but we used that time to get fuel for both the van and us.

Our first stop was Starke, Florida at 12:55 pm. I usually announced whenever we crossed a state line, but I didn't this morning. If only for the obvious reason of keeping our location a secret. I can't remember the original reason for the stop; gas or restroom. But both were completed. I do remember DD mentioning something about all of the bugs which were flying around. I wasn't sure what they were. I should mention it was also very warm, okay hot. Just a taste of what was to come. We also had the discussion about stopping to have something to eat as it was almost 1:00 pm.

We got back onto the highway and debated where to stop. A few options were suggested until we saw the MacDonald's sign. We all got our usual and the kids were able to get another tom cat. Or was it super heroes now. I'm not sure, but we made these stops a couple of times.

I am not sure what time we actually got into Tampa, but it was somewhere around 5:00 pm. We had to circle around to get back to the hotel as I missed its street. The kids were asking which hotel we were staying in this time. We were staying at the Hyatt this time, as they had the vacation package with Busch Gardens. The kids were very impressed with the Hyatt as we pulled in. Especially, after I pulled into the wrong entrance just before. We pulled up front and went in to check in. The kids were even more impressed when they saw the lobby. The first question they asked was where was the pool. They went to check out the pool, which was outside, while I continued with our check in. I asked the front desk if they were aware of when Busch Gardens opened, as I wanted to verify while the children were not near. She mentioned they opened at 10:00 am. I wasn't happy with the response as I was certain the last time I checked the times it was open at 9:00 am. If this was true it would cause some difficulties as I had my agenda starting with a 'rope' drop of 9:00 am and not 10:00 am. My agenda was already going to be difficult to maintain with a 9:00 am opening let alone a 10:00 am in order to leave before 4:00 pm in order to avoid Tampa afternoon traffic to get to WDW. A suggestion made by someone on this forum. But what could I do, but go with the flow. I think I heard that phrase somewhere within this forum. And this would not be the first time I would have to go with the flow.

The front desk also gave me a package for Busch Gardens. It was not our tickets, which I thought would be there or at the gate. They informed me I should have received another email with the attached needed documents. (I later had to use their computer and printer in order to ensure I had received this email, which apparently I had missed to print, and print said documents.) Within the package they gave me, included a badge which allowed me 10% discount off food and merchandise.

The kids came back and after I finished our check in, we grabbed a luggage cart and brought what we needed up to our room. Which as again on the 4th floor. DD mentioned this was our third time in a row we were on the 4th floor. Did I mention, the kids were impressed with the hotel at this point. Well, they were about to be more impressed. At check in, they informed us our room was upgraded to a double room, if that was okay. Needless to say, I didn't argue. The kids open our room door and were automatically impressed. We had a living room with couch and a mini kitchen area (fridge/coffee maker/microwave and sink). DS quickly called the couch to sleep on. This would give each of us our own sleeping area tonight. We quickly sorted everything, as the kids asked if they could go swimming. I told them they could get changed into their swimsuits as I took the luggage cart back downstairs and move the van.

I would have to say the kids we swimming for an hours, easily. They had the pool all to themselves for most of the time. It was also during this time we encountered our first gecko. They thought they were cute, and won't be the last one we saw during our trip. It had to be at least 7:00 pm when they were done swimming. I had asked them several times if they were hungry before hand. I wanted to head to the Hard Rock for dinner. The Hard Rock (and Planet Hollywood) was a place I made habit of visiting whenever there was one in the city I was in. I didn't always eat there but tried to purchase something from there. The kids were also aware of this due to the number of shirts I had. The kids had never been so I thought it may be interesting for them. The kids had a quick shower after their swim and we got ready to head out for dinner.

I think I will leave it here and continue with our dinner.
 

LeighM

Well-Known Member
I'm from Virginia and went to Virginia Beach every year when I was young. I haven't been in several years so it was great to see it in your trip report. I'm only a couple of hours away in Williamsburg but the idea of having to fight the traffic always makes me change my mind about visiting VA Beach :) And seeing your pictures of the hermit crabs brought back memories. I remember begging my Mom for a hermit crab. She hated it because they smelled. And I kid you not, within a couple of days of bringing them home, one of them died because it decided it needed a larger shell and we didn't have one for it to use. No one told us to have larger shells for them to use in case they outgrow the one they're in. After the sadness of that, I was over the hermit crab phase.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I'm from Virginia and went to Virginia Beach every year when I was young. I haven't been in several years so it was great to see it in your trip report. I'm only a couple of hours away in Williamsburg but the idea of having to fight the traffic always makes me change my mind about visiting VA Beach :) And seeing your pictures of the hermit crabs brought back memories. I remember begging my Mom for a hermit crab. She hated it because they smelled. And I kid you not, within a couple of days of bringing them home, one of them died because it decided it needed a larger shell and we didn't have one for it to use. No one told us to have larger shells for them to use in case they outgrow the one they're in. After the sadness of that, I was over the hermit crab phase.

I never even thought about the extra shells. The kids really enjoyed our stay, even though it was really short. It was a little tough getting them off the beach so we could go to bed and get some rest for our second leg.

Thank you for following.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
WED SEPT 14 CONTINUED...

So off to Hard Rock we go. I had not idea of where we were headed but good thing I have a GPS. Entered the address and we were eventually able to find it. But it wasn't without its own little adventure. This Hard Rock was not just a Cafe/Restaurant but also a casino. I pulled up to the drop off area, noticed no parking drove off to find parking, came to the parking lot and turned around back to the drop off area. My concern where to park so I won't have to go through the casino with two minors. I then noticed a police cruiser parked in the area. I then decided to proceed slowly towards the cruiser so I may be able to inquire about the restaurant and where to park. The officer was helpful, once he understood what I was asking, as I was playing dumb tourist. Well, not actually playing. He got onto his radio to confirm the kids were allowed in the casino as long as we were headed to restaurant and we were to parking in the parking structure, where I was a little earlier. We found a parking spot and proceed to the elevator. there were others in the elevator and I wasn't shy about asking if anyone knew where the restaurant was located and how to get there. One gentleman was nice enough to escort us to the restaurant and I thanked him for his help. I will admit I was a little nervous about walking through the casino with the kids, I was holding their hand tightly. But we made it without incident.

We arrived at the restaurant and were showed to our table after a short conversation with the staff about getting there and us being from out of country. I was a little surprised it was not busier. There was plenty of tables to be had. Sorry, forgot to take pictures of our choices. I will have to admit not the first time during the trip I forgot. Just not use to taking pictures of our meals. DD decided to order the kids pizza. She didn't complete her pizza stating it was hurting her mouth. I will admit the pizza was extra thin and crispy. DS and I decided to split an order of fajitas. We were able to complete the fajitas, okay maybe I ate the majority of it, and helped DD complete her pizza.

DD and I decided to go for a walk while we waited for our food and explore the artifacts throughout the restaurant.

I am not sure when it happened but the kids are Elvis fans. As you can tell by the pictures below. I am not complaining as I like him as well.

First up, one of his guitars.

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There were a number of pictures high up on one wall of a number of different artist, one being Elvis. But the light shining on it did not allow for a very favourable picture.

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And one last one of one of Elvis many jumpsuits. This one being a pink one.

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Our server, Sarah, was very friendly and helpful. We discussed where we were from and it being DS's birthday soon. DS declined the dessert offered as he was full. However he did ask if he would be able to take him his coaster. She replied he could. She actually came back with some more for him. He asked if there was one of Tampa, as these were of the different casinos/hotels. By nights end, both kids and a set of 8 coasters, stir sticks, hand wipes, and the little hard rock flags the stick in hamburgers. They also had the placemat/kids menu. The kids menu was interesting as we all noticed one of the food items had the name Kingston in it. It was interesting as it is where we are from and had to mention it to Sarah. I believe this was the name of one of their mascots.

I noticed Sarah was rubbing her tummy and had to ask when she was due. She mentioned she was 7 months along and the baby was not being very cooperative this evening.

We finally departed from the restaurant and headed to the gift shop. It was actually time for us to go as I think we were there for a while. The time on the order slip was 20:33 hours and the time on the payment slip was 21:48. Well the first gift shop was an ordeal if I do say so myself. I picked out, maybe with the help of the kids, a shirt and stepped up to the cashier. I asked about also purchasing a pilsner glass but they didn't have any in this gift shop and I would have to go to another shop to purchase one. I ask about the shirt and she stated they may not have the shirt. So, I proceeded to go ahead and purchase the shirt and move to another shop to get the glass. I tried to pay with my credit card and she won't take it without me providing some ID. I asked why and she stated it was policy. Well, I don't carry my ID with me and it was in the van. I still tried to figure out why she needed my ID and really couldn't understand her answer. I need to add that the shop was empty when we arrived but there was a nice line by this time. I mentioned I would have to go to the parking lot in order to get my ID and would be back, but it was at this moment I remembered I had some US cash. I proceeded to complete the transaction with the cash. However, I should have decided to get my ID. Well, on our way back to the parking lot we stopped at another gift shop and asked about the pilsner glass. They did have some. They also had a better selection of shirts as well. I went up to pay for it and offered my credit card. This cashier accepted it no problem. I explain the ordeal I had at the other shop. This cashier was a little surprised and stated they only reason she should have asked for my ID should have been if my credit card was not signed, which it was. So, I walked out of there shaking my head.

So, off back to our hotel. I may have been able to figure out our way back to the hotel, however I was not able to go out the way I came in. It almost appeared I had to drive away before I was able to drive back in the direction of our hotel. We were finally able to find our hotel but we were not ready to head up to our room. I am not sure if I had mentioned earlier, but DD had started not feeling well on our trip including coughing during the night. Luckily for us, there was a CVSpharmacy just steps from our hotel. We purchased some cough medicine and returned to our hotel. DD took her medicine and we all got ready for bed as it was late by now, past 23:00 hours.

So after, 507 kms (315 miles), 2 States (Georgia and Florida) and 6 hours of driving we come to the conclusion of our third day.

Next update, our day at Busch Gardens.
 
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Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I should add, maybe plug, if anyone is thinking about planning a trip to Busch Gardens that maybe using their vacation package would be the way to go. I bulked when I first say the price. Thinking I would do better getting the park tickets and hotel separately. Well was I wrong. The park tickets there are not much cheaper than WDW. In fact, after looking at getting 3 park tickets (1 adult and 2 children) it was only (maybe less) about $50.00 US cheaper than if I had gone the way of the vacation package. So, back to the Busch Gardens web site to confirm the vacation package order, as I didn't think I would be able to reserve a hotel for less. As mentioned above, the hotel was of the higher end. Not to mention, they gave me a VIP pass for 10% discount on food and merchandise. Not sure if I have mentioned it, but I like saving money as much as I can. The hotel was also located only about 10 minutes from the park.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 - BUSCH GARDENS

I am up early again this morning and get ready for the day while the kids are asleep. Start waking the children about 8:00 am and we are downstairs for breakfast for about 8:30 am. The breakfast selection was much better than our previous two stops. Hot items were available. I believe, DD had some pancakes, sausages and muffins. DS had pancakes, sausages, muffins and cinnamon buns. I had scrabbled eggs and pancakes. The pancakes were not favourite items as they were a little dry. As per normal, DD didn't eat much even with a number of reminders from me. But, I'll cut her some slack as she was under the weather.

Now it was time to go back up to our room and pack up everything for a busy day and a warm up for what was yet to come. One of our rituals we have, is for DS to do a quick once over to ensure we hadn't forgotten anything. We had not. However, it was this stop we realized the plug portion of DS's charger was nowhere to be found. We were hoping it was in the van somewhere, however the van was in no condition to be properly searched for it. This would make it more difficult to charge all three phones and two cameras in order to ensure we were able to get all the pictures, videos and selfies we wanted.

We loaded up the luggage cart and headed down to the lobby to check out. I had brought some zip lock bags to use for various reasons on the trip, one being putting ice in for the cooler. While checking out, I asked where the ice machine was. The clerk mentioned she would get me some. So, I have her the two zip lock bags and the two water bottles. The third was still being utilized by King Triton. I thanked the clerk and then asked for another favour; quarters and pennies to be used at WDW. The clerk apologized for taking so long but she was looking for new/clean pennies for our souvenirs. Again I thanked her for her kindness and consideration.

We packed up the van and were off for our busy day ahead for the third surprise of this trip, Busch Gardens.

We were at Busch Gardens in about 10 minutes and found a parking lot shortly afterwards. We were not there right at 10:00 am but we were awfully close. We made our way to towards the trams, when I remembered we forgot our water bottles. We made our way back to the van and we didn't have much of wait for a tram. DD had some difficulty getting in, and this would be a recurring theme later in our trip, but we were finally in. We made our way to guest services so we could get our safari tickets, find out where to check in for the safari and a park map. Now we were ready to explore the grounds. Off to the left we go. It didn't take long for us to come across some roaming animals.

I hope you like pictures.

Birds were everywhere just roaming around.
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There were a number of these throughout the park.
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The we made our way to Walkabout Way.

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We had a discussion with the staff member at the entrance. The kids mentioned we were from Canada and traveled several days to get here. I asked about being able to feed the kangaroos, surprise number 4 of the trip. She asked me if I wanted 1 or 2 containers. Adding if only one she would put a little extra in the container. I decided 1 would be enough. She was kind enough to bring the container out and position the children in a spot to feed the kangaroos. It wasn't the best of spot as it was just as you entered and people would swing the gate. I had to position myself so DS won't get hit with the gate. I remember one guest making some comment about them being there, but then again they didn't just plop themselves there they were told to sit there. I then proceeded to open the second gate which was beside the first, to a comment of 'oh'.

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I let the children continue to feed the kangaroos as I stepped back to the exhibit front desk. I asked the attendant about being able to bottle feed the joeys, as I heard/read was a possibility. She stated when they normally do it, but would speak with the head naturalist about maybe getting us to feed a joey's afterwards. (It was $10 to bottle feed the joey and I like the option of doing it for free.) She mentioned to return for 11:30.

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This guy was in the exhibit as well, but in a different enclosure. He didn't look the friendliest of fellows, but DD wanted a picture with him. There was a sign not to feed him for fear of being 'bitten'.
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DS noticed a kangaroo who looked to be in some distress, as it was going around in circles. He asked me was wrong with it. I replied I didn't know and if he was concerned he knew who he needed to ask. He walked up to one of the attendees and mentioned his concern. She informed him the kangaroo was blind and only able to see a little out of one eye. Hence the reason she was going in circles.

It was now time to head to surprise number 5, Lory Landing.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
THURSDAY, SEPT 15 CONTINUED

But before we get to Lory Landing, I would like to attach a couple of videos of the kids feeding the kangaroos but for some reason not being able to. If someone knows how I would be able to do this it would be greatly appreciated if you could instruct me on to how. This will really come in handy when we come up to the secret reveal.

But until then some pictures taken on our way to Lory Landing.

Flock of flamingos.
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Blurry peacock.
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Butterfly
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Turtles. I think we counted a total of 16 turtles. We even spotted a tiny baby turtle. The kids were disappointed when we were not able to see it again on our way back.
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Toucan Sam?
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Next Lory Landing...
 

LeighM

Well-Known Member
I'm enjoying your report on Busch Gardens Tampa. I haven't been able to visit that park yet although being close by in Virginia, I've visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg quite often. One day, I'll get to visit. But for now, I'll have to experience it through your trip report :)
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
THURSDAY, SEPT 15 CONTINUED...

We finally reach our next destination.and surprise number 2.

There were a number of different parrots before we entered the bird enclosure.
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We first just walked around and tried to get the birds to come to us. We didn't have any luck and it would appear I would have to open up the wallet.

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Close up of the birds who would come and visit for food.
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DS with one, of eventually 4, who would land on him. DD would have two. One of whom jump onto her head from behind. It did startle her, but she was a trouper and didn't drop the nectar. The bird then ended up on DS's head before coming back to DD for a snack.
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I will admit that I came prepared bearing very structured and ambition itineraries for Busch Gardens and each of the parks we were going to be at WDW. My itineraries were all based on my best estimations as I have not been to any of the parks and not aware of wait times, even with FPs, exit times or even time to get from one attraction to another. And this is where I first started using the words/advice from the wise @Tuvalu to just go with the flow.

I will admit I do like to have some control and know what I am doing especially in situations I am not familiar with. But sometimes you just have to go with the flow. I remember doing so when I toured Europe many years ago. I would just put the city map in my back pocket and roam the city. I would only pull the map out when I was ready to return to my hotel. I found many out of the way attractions which were very interesting. But unfortunately, unable to locate sometimes when I wanted to.

So, instead of continuing with my scheduled itinerary, which was already an hour out of sync, we backtracked back to Walkabout Way in order for the kids to bottle feed a joey. Somethings are just worth changing your plans for.
 
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Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I'm enjoying your report on Busch Gardens Tampa. I haven't been able to visit that park yet although being close by in Virginia, I've visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg quite often. One day, I'll get to visit. But for now, I'll have to experience it through your trip report :)
I'm enjoying your report on Busch Gardens Tampa. I haven't been able to visit that park yet although being close by in Virginia, I've visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg quite often. One day, I'll get to visit. But for now, I'll have to experience it through your trip report :)

I am glad you are enjoying the report and pictures. I will have to warn you that there won't be any pictures of the attractions. Except for a few kiddie ones. Our main focus was the animals. There will be more pictures coming for you to enjoy.

Thank you for following.
 

LeighM

Well-Known Member
I am glad you are enjoying the report and pictures. I will have to warn you that there won't be any pictures of the attractions. Except for a few kiddie ones. Our main focus was the animals. There will be more pictures coming for you to enjoy.

Thank you for following.

Hey that works out great for me :) My husband and I both have motion sickness so we don't do many rides anyway LOL.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hey that works out great for me :) My husband and I both have motion sickness so we don't do many rides anyway LOL.

I can relate. I don't get motion sickness, it just affects my head. Kids are the same. Well maybe not DD any more. DS actually passed out on a WDW ride. But more information regarding this will have to wait until the proper WDW park report. :p:eek::D
 

nighttowll

New Member
You're killing me!!! More updates please! I want to know so badly how the surprise turned out.

Just for the record - if it didn't go well, I'm a totally different nighttowll. ;)

But seriously, I'm glad to see it looks like everyone's having a good time so far on the trip. Sorry your daughter wasn't feeling so well earlier on. Someone always gets sick on our trips, so I know what a bummer that can be. Hope she gets better before you get to Disney. Also, I'm very jealous about the joey. We saw one once, but I had no idea you could bottle feed them. That would have been a really cool experience.
 

Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
THURSDAY, SEPT 15th, CONTINUED....

We are now back at Walkabout Way, close to the outer range of time we were suggested to return. I greeted the staff member and she replied as if she didn't know me. So, I proceed to remind her we were there earlier and spoke about bottle feeding a joey. Adding she offered to speak with the head naturalist about being able to feed the joey and to return about this time. She then remembered and mentioned she had forgot, but the head naturalist was standing right there beside her. She turned around and asked if it was possible to feed a joey as we had traveled some distance from Canada. We were soon back in the enclosure and she gave a bottle to DS and called over a Joey. It wasn't a small Joey, about 2 years old. But this one was hand fed from birth and was accustomed to being fed by humans.

First up DS.
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Then DD's turn with a nice picture taken by the Naturalist from inside the enclosure.
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It was now starting to get close to noon and we had to make our way to the Serengeti Outpost to register for our safari and surprise number 4. Since we had already doubled back to Walkabout Way it made sense to continue in the same direction as this path would be shorter. But first we had some time to make a few quick stops.

We came across these guys, but unfortunately we didn't have time to enter Myombe Reserve to see some real chimps and gorillas.
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Cheetahs for DD, as apparently these are her new favourite, which took us by surprise as she has never mentioned it before and has no evidence of such at home.
6 safari.JPG

After seeing the cheetahs, it was getting closer to our time and didn't have any time to waste. I was turned around at this time and had to ensure we went in the correct direction. So, I went in the nearby shop and asked for directions and we were shortly headed in the right direction again. Before we actually got to our destination we came across Penguin Point, (sorry no pictures) home to African Penguins, and a very very large tortoise up a little further.
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We registered. The kids asked some questions regarding the animals. There were some animal cards out and they asked if they could have one. DD asked for a cheetah and DS asked for a sloth. I am not sure where the sloth came from as well. Apparently I don't know my kids at all. They were able to get the cards they asked for plus a few others. We then took refuge from the heat under the white tent and had some cold water they supplied. It was not long before we were escorted for our safari.
 
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Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
You're killing me!!! More updates please! I want to know so badly how the surprise turned out.

Just for the record - if it didn't go well, I'm a totally different nighttowll. ;)

But seriously, I'm glad to see it looks like everyone's having a good time so far on the trip. Sorry your daughter wasn't feeling so well earlier on. Someone always gets sick on our trips, so I know what a bummer that can be. Hope she gets better before you get to Disney. Also, I'm very jealous about the joey. We saw one once, but I had no idea you could bottle feed them. That would have been a really cool experience.

I am working on it. I am really trying to figure out how to download a video as it would be better to watch their reactions than for me to try to describe it . Just not the same. I just hope it is not anti climatic. :p:cool::mad::confused::arghh::banghead: Hey, can't let the cat out of the bag just yet. If I can keep this trip a secret from my own kids for 5 months, I think I can keep this part a secret for a little while from some strangers. :p:p:confused:;)

It was something I read while doing some research for Busch Gardens. We all love animals so I knew they would love to get as close as they could, with feeding a nice bonus. We even had a nice bonus later in the day.

thank you for following. The reveal will be soon. Work just gets in the way of doing things I would rather be doing. But if it wasn't for work, I won't be able to do the things I would rather be doing. :banghead::banghead::banghead:
 
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Scoppin

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
A little something I remembered from earlier in our trip. I announced we had crossed into Georgia. DS asked if we were sleeping in Georgia. I stated yes. He asked if we were going to Atlanta. I stated no, Savannah, and why he was asking about Atlanta. He stated he didn't know why just wanted to go there. I replied if I had known he wanted to go there I could have tried to have included it into one of our stays. I was trying to have our stays in different states to increase their experience.

Now I am just wondering if he just wanted to meet the wise and all WDW knowing @Tuvalu and get some information for our trip 'next' year. I don't think she would have been home, at least not in her first home. I do believe she was residing in her second home, WDW at the time. We may have been able to visit her on our way home. ;):p
 

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