Trip Report There's Something About Mary...and it's called DRAMA!

I think it's time to get this thing started...hoping it will help my mood and sanity levels. For those that missed the PTR (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/lawdy-lawdy-look-whos-turning-40-ptr.867181/) - the early pages should help you catch up on the bulk of the big details, and for those that missed our problems from day 1 of our trip (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/how-not-to-start-your-wdw-vacay.873853/ )...well, it kind of speaks for itself. I am going to try and keep this as upbeat as possible, but we have a very long road ahead to fix things...so, please bear with me as I vent in between some of the magic.

September 18th

I left work early on the 18th so I could pick up the girls at school and have them with us when we took our dog to get boarded. This is our Daisy Doggy...

What's really funny, the pic above was taken with Sammie's Fisher Price plastic kiddie camera!

After getting the dog situated at boarding, we went home, had some dinner, and the heavy duty packing started. I'd actually started packing my things on the 17th, but now it was time to really focus on the girls. I let them sleep in the guest bedroom that night so I could pack all of their stuff without keeping them up...i.e. so I could pack all of the surprise outfits without spoiling anything. It was A TON of packing, but I finished up around 1am. I had thought about setting up the outfits and bags in the guest room for the reveal, but Sammie got up to use the bathroom right around that time- soooooo, I decided to wait until just before the big reveal.

September 19

I guess I got close to 4.5 hours of sleep (good for the night before a travel day)...and at 6am, it was finally time to set up and reveal the big secret. I got everything set up and then DH came in to help me. The video I took is pretty awful and sleepy girls don't make for really good surprises, but this is the vid I took and I swear...they were REALLY happy.



You can all now probably appreciate what it's like getting these two up for school each morning.

Actually, the girls were super quick to get dressed once it really sunk in what was going on. They were even good with posing for pictures before hitting the road...

We loaded up my SUV and hit the road...sadly, we wouldn't get far. The accident took place about 2.5 miles from our house. I really don't want to rehash all of the scary details, but when we realized we'd all be able to walk away from this horror - we had to decide if we'd continue with this WDW trip. While the girls' initial screams and cries were from the accident itself, they morphed into cries that they wouldn't get to see their grandma and grandpa. We usually try and visit every 3 months, but we pushed it a bit longer b/c of this trip. It was for this reason DH and I decided to push forward with the trip even if the odds weren't in our favor. I guess I just figured getting everyone to "the most magical place on earth" could be therapeutic. Don't get me wrong...I love that the EMTs and lead sheriff on the scene were super lovey with the girls - they really needed something super positive...so, Disney it was!

So, after I took care of the most important initial phone calls, I got Southwest on the line (at the scene of the wreck) and started working with them to rebook the outbound flight. We were yelling over ambulance sirens and traffic, but after about 20 min, we were rebooked from our 9:15am departure to a 3:55pm departure. They also said DH could ask for a blue card for pre-board (we were now in group C after paying to be in group A on the original flight)...while it's gotten better, he had some leg pain that day and was limping from the aches. The timing also worked well since it gave me time to go to the collision center, talk to the various insurance companies, etc. My wonderful MIL was also kind enough to pick up DH and the girls from the scene. This enabled him to get his car and she was able to love on the girls for a while until we were ready to regroup and get travel plans rolling again.

While our flight out of Houston was delayed close to 3 hours due to weather and mechanical issues (not helping Kendall, who was now terrified that the plane would crash), but we got off the ground a little after 6pm and we were on our way...

Sammie sat with DH on the way to FL-- with Pooh, of course...

I had Kendall...

...and we spent the entire flight doing this big word search on her tablet.

We flew into terminal A and DME is in terminal B. It was after the girls' bed time, so we opted to just get our baggage. Soooooo, we went down to terminal A baggage and then lugged it over to DME in terminal B. Thankfully, Kendall has overcome her fear of escalators, so minus losing her shoe for a while on one of them we were in good shape.

I think the CMs manning the DME entrance could read all of the stress and worry on my face, because they promised me pixie dust and magic from that point on. We had our Magic Bands on at this point, but I had my vouchers out so in the interest of time and sanity, they just used those. They directed us to the line for AKL and while we were let on the bus right away...we were so late that the bus was accommodating a number of resorts from various lines. Still...Kendall and I wound up with this prime spot!

I swear, I got choked up when I looked up and saw the screen...like that "we're really on our way" moment.

It took a while for them to load up the bus since they were waiting on people to come in from all of these late or delayed flights, but it wasn't long before we were off.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

While I really appreciated the attention to detail inside, it did confuse Kendall a little bit. i.e. she's at that age where she's starting to question things, but has a hard time separating fact from fiction. So, something that kind of falls in between like the legend of the yeti, was a new concept for her. Still, I took pics and she had fun reading...

Looks like we're heading back out...

So close...

The wait really wasn’t too bad…I’d say it was closer to 20-25 min to the front of the line.


Kendall was excited, but nervous…especially after her experience on Space Mountain. The CM standing with us before we loaded into the car also warned Kendall that the Yetti hadn’t been fed yet today and that he might find mommy tasty since he loves birthday cake. She was more confused than scared.

And we're loaded and off...

I think this is the first time I've ever been with my camera on Everest. I was hoping Kendall would like it so I could take pics and we could both have fun (vs. having to soothe her fears mid-ride...which I'd do if need be, just not the preferred outcome).

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Kendall was pretty excited and doing well…lots of happy giggles- but we also hadn't really done anything yet. Then we got to this lift and she started doing a positive pep talk for herself. All I could hear was a very convincing…”you can do this. You CAN do this.”

She actually did really well during the ride and the drop out of the mountain was the only time she sounded a little more freaked out. In the end…she loved it and wished there were time we could ride again. This works well for me as I could use a coaster buddy. At some point – like in her teenage years – she’s going to be tall
enough to ride the more extreme coasters with me.


She did well enough that I could take pics most of the ride.


I am embarrassed to say that the first time I looked at this pic, I wondered what kind of tree that was that was so much taller, greener and fuller than all of the others. Oooops.

More pics...

K was kind of funny here...she was all like, "so what happens now? the track's gone!" cute.

And we're done...

yeah- this is the part that freaked out Kendall...although, truth be told, she really enjoyed it in the end.

Ultimately, I think it was a big win over Space Mountain because she could see the bulk of the time. She also noted that she didn’t see the Yeti. I tried to describe the “disco” moment and I got kind of a –that’s it?- reaction. Yeah- the Yeti really needs to be fixed. I think if Imagineering can figure out how to make floating mountains for Avatarland (one of the challenges I heard being debated)…they can figure out how to restore the Yeti. Stepping down from my little soap box…


I tried texting DH, but no answer. So, we decided to head his way. Yes…more pics as we walk.
I was partly tempted to jump into the line loading into Nemo. I knew we didn’t have the time and DH and Sammie would never make the show, but I’ve never seen it and unlike “some people”- I do like shows. Oh well…still walking.

Hmmmmm....starting to go from dreary to potentially threatening skies.

OK...coming up- the rest of our time at AK, back to AKL, and dinner at 'Ohana.

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Kendall was pretty excited and doing well…lots of happy giggles- but we also hadn't really done anything yet. Then we got to this lift and she started doing a positive pep talk for herself. All I could hear was a very convincing…”you can do this. You CAN do this.”

She actually did really well during the ride and the drop out of the mountain was the only time she sounded a little more freaked out. In the end…she loved it and wished there were time we could ride again. This works well for me as I could use a coaster buddy. At some point – like in her teenage years – she’s going to be tall
enough to ride the more extreme coasters with me.

K was kind of funny here...she was all like, "so what happens now? the track's gone!" cute.

Yea!!!! How adorable she is!

I am embarrassed to say that the first time I looked at this pic, I wondered what kind of tree that was that was so much taller, greener and fuller than all of the others. Oooops.

D'oh!

And we're done...

NOOOO! The worst part.

OK...coming up- the rest of our time at AK, back to AKL, and dinner at 'Ohana.

Yea, again!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Yea!!!! How adorable she is!



D'oh!





NOOOO! The worst part.



Yea, again!

I recall giggling a bit when I heard her little self talk...she called me out on it, but I just said it was cute. I wish we could have ridden again, but we would have had major issues getting to dinner. She at least got a real sense of accomplishment getting past this and also really enjoying it...so, very positive.

Yay for Kendall conquering the Yeti! Now I have no excuse - if Kendall can do it, I can do it!

Have you ridden other coasters? I have this theory that some people will love them if they can get over that initial fear, while others have such a strong aversion that it can be really painful to even try. i.e. some people are coaster peeps and some aren't...some people just don't know which side of that coin they're on until they try.

It may also help that I really like roller coasters. I've shown her pics and video of some of my first coasters, coasters I've worked up to, and coasters I'd like to ride if given the chance. I told her that there was no Expedition Everest on my first trip to WDW, but that conquering Space Mountain helped pave the way for trying bigger and eventually more extreme rides. It also helped hearing that her grandma was often my ride companion for these things as my dad and brother aren't fans. Funny- I had a high school trip to Williamsburg, VA...my mom met us down there ...she was my coaster companion for the bulk of the day at Busch Gardens.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Before I even vent tonight, I wanted to share a pic of Kendall after a bday party the other day. It was Hawaiian themed and this is what I got in return when I picked her up. It's been my "pick me up pic" all day as I struggle through this next round of insurance stuff.

She's like my very own little hula girl from the IASW South Seas room!

OK, so now some venting...

I'm now having to start over from square 1 and run everything through my insurance co since the at fault driver's policy limits aren't enough to cover my loss. They're all at least very aware of how long this has dragged on and we're all trying to do our best to expedite as much as possible. The at fault driver's insurance co is going to be covering my deductible on the front end, and I negotiated (fought tooth and nail) to get them to cover my rental for the last month out of their pocket (vs settlement #$) since they dropped the ball a good 10x with the auto. The at fault driver's insurance co's damage adjustor insisted my company did an equivalent assessment of my vehicle, but I didn't believe him. It's a good thing I went with my gut on this b/c they hadn't...it's significant b/c they'd green lighted my vehicle for salvage, but I wouldn't give the OK to take it off the lot until I knew they'd be covering everything or knew for certain my insurer had seen it and fully assessed it. I'm in my 3rd rental vehicle of this process since we're not 100% on the at fault driver's co covering everything at this point. They put in a request to expedite my vehicle assessment- said maybe even by EOB today. They also gave me the adjustor's supervisor's name so I could add the personal plea. He was shocked at my story and called the local guy out right away. They said we should see a settlement check within 7-10 business days of that assessment being uploaded and I could be issued a check for new car seat costs as early as tomorrow. I'm still looking at as much as 2 weeks, but I feel like there's now light. It bites b/c if this had just been an uninsured motorist claim, I would have been past this at least 3 weeks ago. Hopeful that this is the start of REAL progress.

END VENT

So, we walked towards Dinosaur...

Looks like a lot of this walk was very blurry. Oh well...we got there, but no sign of Sammie and DH. I even texted- nothing.

We stood around and waited. It was a good 5-10 min before they came out. We talked about all of us riding a 2nd time, but DH didn’t think we could afford to wait that long…since it wound up being more like 40 min for them.

I asked Sammie if she liked it and if she was scared. She didn’t really seem to care either way about the ride…aside from noting it was bumpy. I doubled back and asked again if she was scared, to which she said “no.” And I’m thinking- how??? I know adults who are terrified of this one. Sure, she’s the kiddo I figured would be less frightened by it…but no fear? Yeah- turns out she had the perfect solution…she kept her eyes closed the whole time. Smart kid.

So, we headed out of AK. Probably for the best since the skies were looking threatening and we really didn't have a ton of time to waste.

I think the girls really wanted to stop and listen to these guys performing over by Flame Tree...

...but we just didn't have time. And we're walking...

Making our way to the buses...the clouds are rolling in.

Honestly, if we didn't have to go back to the room for a couple of things and didn't have dinner plans...I would have taken out the ponchos, but there's just no point when you're planning on leaving anyway.

And we've found our bus stop.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I’m guessing we just missed a bus, because we waited a LONG time. Thankfully, it doesn’t take a lot to entertain the girls…at least a this moment. The little lizard also helps (hint- look next to the plant in the plant shot).

OK- I blew it up a bit...

Not sure what the excitement was...we have these at home too. The dog chases them, the kids try and make them pets, they end up in the kitchen and I accidentally step on part of their tails (ooops)...but I guess because this was a baby one, it was more special?

Other than that, there was just a lot of silliness as we waited.

Why so serious?

The rain had started and thankfully, our bus has arrived.

Kendall is obviously in a goofy mood, and you can see the rain coming down in the background. Hey, I at least convinced them to skip the back of the bus so we could get out more quickly.

And we’ve arrived at our temporary home.

We headed back to the room and I checked out all of the animals gracing us with their presence. Ultimately, it was an ankole cattle party around ye olde watering hole.

The girls still claimed to have tons of energy, but I insisted they both rest for a little while since we had a long night ahead of us. Sammie protested, but she was out pretty quickly. I think Kendall just played on her tablet.

I'm also realizing that I pretty much took no pics of our room this time. Normally I'd say- what the heck is wrong with me- but it just wasn't a normal trip. Maybe it's also because the view outside the room was more important.

I guess at least with us heading back to the room, I was able to pick up our glow sticks and glow in the dark leis. I also got to change clothes…not that I needed to, but I bought a tropical shirt that just said “I’m going to the Poly.” Well, not literally, but you get the idea.

I was worried about the time. We had a 5:20p ADR at ‘Ohana and making it in time from AKL was proving to be a challenge. We didn’t have to wait long for a bus, but again- that extra 5-10 min of travel time kind of threw off my normal Disney timing. I think we left AKL around 4:30p and it was still raining…so definitely a time crunch.

(waiting on the bus)

YAY BUS!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We arrived at MK and were left with the decision…boat or monorail? The kids screamed monorail, but one just left the station and was stopped maybe a thousand feet from the station + a boat was right there, so we picked the boat. There's was still light rain in the area, but no lightning + I don't think most people were willing to ride the boat in the rain.

They waited a bit longer to see if anyone else would be joining us. We had one family board, but that was about it...and we took off on our dreary ride.

Monorails still in holding positions...

Yeah- we were watching them - ya know- just to see if we'd selected the right mode of transportation.

Looks like we're arriving at the GF...

Trying to see if we can spot the monorail we would have been on...

Yeah- I think it's inside the Contemporary.

Funny...looking back at the Contemporary reminded me of the whole dinner decision for this evening. Before day 180, I'd sent my parents menus for Citrico's, Narcoosee's, Artist Point, and 'Ohana...I also sent an old menu for Cali Grill and told them I 'might' be able to get us all in if it opens back up in time. This was my mom's meal and 'Ohana was the only one that said festive to her- so, we went with 'Ohana.

Time to leave the GF.

Aloha Poly!

I texted my dad in all of this to let him know we were on our way, but may be about 2 min late. I asked him to check in- or at least let them know they were there and 4 more were on an approaching boat. I got a text back saying, "I checked in- I told them you're all slackers." Thanks dad. Oy!

I took a few other random pics as we approached...

Could those be blue skies I see????

DVC construction...

 

[HouCuseChickie]

It was at this time that I spotted the monorail we would have been on. It was just arriving at the TTC and we were pulling up to the Poly.

Again....ALOOOOOOOOHAAAAAA!!!

Our ADR time was 5:20p and my phone was saying 5:18, so we're technically not late - yet. Regardless, we picked up our pace as soon as we got off the boat (which was probably a tad faster than the monorail).

Bye Bye Boat

We were a couple of minutes late by the time we got upstairs, but all was good. As usual, Tambu Lounge and the areas around were quite crowded with people waiting to get into 'Ohana...although, at this early hour, I'm guessing most were walk ups. In light of this, I thought we'd still have ample time to take the kids to the restroom before having our buzzer go off. yeah- I was wrong. So, we booked to the table, I took a quick shot of one of our views from our table, and ran to the bathroom with both girls.

I guess at least all you have to worry about at 'Ohana is drinks.

I took another pic of the glorious fire and meat (which wound up being at my back) once I arrived back at the table.

We were a party of 9 for this meal, so it's always a challenge with who gets to sit where and with whom and if we can last that way the whole meal. As you can see below, Kendall chose to sit near my parents and sit across from Jake so she could help entertain him.

Something else you should notice in that pic...BREAD!

The bread is significant as we haven't been allowed to have it before. It does have a cross contamination risk, but it's not like putting the peanut sauce on the table (like they accidentally did last visit). They warned us of the risk this time, said they've yet to hear of any issues but it's all a matter of our comfort level with such things. Thank you- I wanted bread!

I know lots of people want window seats at 'Ohana, even at non-fireworks times, but for me...I was just happy we weren't put in that side area again...hated sitting there.

Jake looks a bit sleepy...

And Kendall is clearly making it her mission to try and get him to perk up.

I think I'm going to call it a night. Coming up...more 'Ohana dinner and then back to MK.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I actually have the opposite problem as Kendall - I hate being able to see the track. I'm determined to ride everything in WDW the next time I'm down though - no chicken exits for me.

Have you thought about trying an inverted coaster? Obviously, you wouldn't be in the dark, but you can't really see the track right in front of you. i.e. you can't anticipate and fear the next move as much as you would on a more traditional design. Another thing to consider- Disney hides most of their coasters inside or within heavily themed spots- so even something like Everest- which is more visible- you're just not going to see as much as you would on a traditional steel theme park coaster like you might find at Uni or Six Flags. So, that could work to your advantage as well.

 

[disneygirl1]

Great updates!!! I am so glad that kendell liked Everest much better then Space!!!! I have to say I am a roller coaster junkie! I just LOVE them, but I can only take Everest once, 2x a day tops! I think its the backwards part of the ride that kills me!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Kendall and Sammie are my heros!! I am TOO cheeeeekin to do Space Mountain (nope, not this chickie) or EE (gotta give ya a big fat NO on that one) never did Dinosaur and don't see me doing it any time soon! I LOVE the pic of Kendall in her hula outfit!!! Adorable!!! Sammie has super expressive eyes!! Gorgeous!! Ohana.... sigh, I LOVE Ohana!!!!!! Alllllllllllooooooooha! LOL

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Great updates!!! I am so glad that kendell liked Everest much better then Space!!!! I have to say I am a roller coaster junkie! I just LOVE them, but I can only take Everest once, 2x a day tops! I think its the backwards part of the ride that kills me!

Thanks! I'm really happy that she enjoyed Everest. We've got some time before she's tall enough to ride the 54" min. ht. rides in other parks, but the fundamentals of Everest mean I've got a good shot of her liking those too. I have a feeling Sammie is going to be good company for these things as well. I'm usually good on any of these coasters as long as my head doesn't get banged around too much--I hate those ear bleeder rides.

 

[Tigger19]

I recall giggling a bit when I heard her little self talk...she called me out on it, but I just said it was cute. I wish we could have ridden again, but we would have had major issues getting to dinner. She at least got a real sense of accomplishment getting past this and also really enjoying it...so, very positive.

Have you ridden other coasters? I have this theory that some people will love them if they can get over that initial fear, while others have such a strong aversion that it can be really painful to even try. i.e. some people are coaster peeps and some aren't...some people just don't know which side of that coin they're on until they try.

It may also help that I really like roller coasters. I've shown her pics and video of some of my first coasters, coasters I've worked up to, and coasters I'd like to ride if given the chance. I told her that there was no Expedition Everest on my first trip to WDW, but that conquering Space Mountain helped pave the way for trying bigger and eventually more extreme rides. It also helped hearing that her grandma was often my ride companion for these things as my dad and brother aren't fans. Funny- I had a high school trip to Williamsburg, VA...my mom met us down there ...she was my coaster companion for the bulk of the day at Busch Gardens.

I was terrified of roller coasters and I spent so many trips waiting outside for my family to ride them but the last time I went I just decided well why not. I might as well give them a try and if I don't enjoy them, then I don't ride them again, simple as. But I absolutely loved them! I am so excited now to go back and go on them all again. I couldn't believe what I was missing out on! Don't be afraid of them... just try them once and if you don't like them then you don't ride them again

Great update as well! Kendall dressed as a hula dancer is adorable

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Kendall and Sammie are my heros!! I am TOO cheeeeekin to do Space Mountain (nope, not this chickie) or EE (gotta give ya a big fat NO on that one) never did Dinosaur and don't see me doing it any time soon! I LOVE the pic of Kendall in her hula outfit!!! Adorable!!! Sammie has super expressive eyes!! Gorgeous!! Ohana.... sigh, I LOVE Ohana!!!!!! Alllllllllllooooooooha! LOL

I have to say...I'm so happy that they're turning out to be thrill ride lovers. When I was growing up, we had a summer house in the Toms River area and my aunt and uncle live in Jackson, so we had several years of season passes at Great Adventure. While we all know the theming is not on par to Disney, I do love a solid insane roller coaster. I don't love Dinosaur b/c I don't like being startled...i.e. it functions on that same kind of haunted house mentality. Still, I'll ride it. I think I'm just going to need to dress Kendall like a hula girl every single time I need a pick me up. It's quite effective! Sammie's eyes and hair are pretty special...well, they would be no matter what, but the timing is all key. My maternal grandmother died a little over a month before Sammie was born. Her hair color and striking blue eyes are traits she shares with my grandmother- so with the timing, everyone kind of feels like she's got a stronger than normal link to my grandmother.

More 'Ohana to come. It was a really awesome meal! AAAAAALLLLLOOOOOHHHHHAAAA!!!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I have to say...I'm so happy that they're turning out to be thrill ride lovers. When I was growing up, we had a summer house in the Toms River area and my aunt and uncle live in Jackson, so we had several years of season passes at Great Adventure. While we all know the theming is not on par to Disney, I do love a solid insane roller coaster. I don't love Dinosaur b/c I don't like being startled...i.e. it functions on that same kind of haunted house mentality. Still, I'll ride it. I think I'm just going to need to dress Kendall like a hula girl every single time I need a pick me up. It's quite effective! Sammie's eyes and hair are pretty special...well, they would be no matter what, but the timing is all key. My maternal grandmother died a little over a month before Sammie was born. Her hair color and striking blue eyes are traits she shares with my grandmother- so with the timing, everyone kind of feels like she's got a stronger than normal link to my grandmother.

More 'Ohana to come. It was a really awesome meal! AAAAAALLLLLOOOOOHHHHHAAAA!!!

Sandy, you DO realize that when Im at Ohana and when I go on IASW I'll think of Kendall now! LOL

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I was terrified of roller coasters and I spent so many trips waiting outside for my family to ride them but the last time I went I just decided well why not. I might as well give them a try and if I don't enjoy them, then I don't ride them again, simple as. But I absolutely loved them! I am so excited now to go back and go on them all again. I couldn't believe what I was missing out on! Don't be afraid of them... just try them once and if you don't like them then you don't ride them again

Great update as well! Kendall dressed as a hula dancer is adorable

I was one of those kids who was begging to ride the coasters as a 4 yr old. I even went out of my way on our honeymoon to ride a coaster I'd seen on a coaster show on tv. I'm hoping the Disney coasters are good primers for the kids because one day I'd like to get to Cedar Point. Awesome that you were able to conquer your fear and now love them. I know it's not for everyone, but it can be pretty exhilarating to ride a good coaster.

Thanks! I have a feeling she's going to want a Hawaiian party of her own sometime soon.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Sandy, you DO realize that when Im at Ohana and when I go on IASW I'll think of Kendall now! LOL

Kendall the hula girl It just crossed my mind that your trip and my supervisor's trip should overlap. Not that you have any clue who he is or vice versa, but he's staying at the Poly and has at least one or two meals at 'Ohana.

I hadn't thought about an inverted. Hmm, something to think about the next time I go to Uni - which is several years away. I live by Six Flags Great America (well, I used to be an hour, now I'm four), but I hate the place. I just find it so...tacky.

Last time I was in DHS I chickened on RnRC (I was 13). I plan to go on everything on my trip next year, regardless of fear. I will probably sound like Kendall, "You CAN do this. You CAN do this."

Mind you, I've never been to that specific Six Flags park, but Six Flags type parks can be good if you're in it for the thrill portion of the rides. Admission is cheaper, it's not themed like a Disney park, it's not as clean and can attract more questionable crowds, but from a thrill ride enthusiast type standpoint- it can be a lot of fun. We started going to WDW annually around the same time we also started getting annual season passes for our local Six Flags park. I like both...but for different reasons.

I was of the impression that much of RnRC is in the dark (I've never ridden it b/c it just never works out for me on our DHS day...i.e. something always comes up)...so hopefully the dark aspect will help. If it makes you feel any better, these two bad boys below are on my "to do" list. While I will be totally psyched if/when said opportunities present- I too will be doing some self talk since I think 250ft is the highest I've been dropped on a coaster So, in all of that "I think I can" self talk for you...you can also think "at least I'm not doing that."

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Drama of the Day

Not so much drama...just feeling optimistic. As promised, the supervisor with my insurer who was overseeing my damage assessment got back with me today (without me having to reach out to him) to let me know that my vehicle has been officially assessed and the status is fully uploaded in the system. They agree- it's a total loss. He said I should be contacted within the next 2 business days by the total loss dept to get the ball rolling on the settlement. He's also going to keep an eye on it and get them to call me on Thursday if he sees no evidence of contact being made. I'll have to call tomorrow to see how progress is going with the at fault party's insurance co fronting my deductible, but beyond that- we're looking good. Sadly, I've been in a total loss situation before, but from that- I know that it usually goes fairly quickly once total loss gets involved. Obviously, the quicker they get it to salvage, the sooner they can start getting back some $ on the vehicle. So, that's it on that for now.

Ending of the daily drama.

Back to 'Ohana...

So, here we are having this nice big family dinner. When you live a couple of states away, it’s really hard to get together like this…so, make it good when you can!

In addition to celebrating my mom’s birthday, we were also celebrating my dad’s upcoming retirement. They ordered a couple of bottles of wine to celebrate, but since DH and I are not wine people and outside of the World Showcase, we tend to look more to mixed drinks…we ordered drinks. Hey, at least everyone looks pretty happy.

The food parade started…first up was salad.

I had to crack up…we’ve eaten at ‘Ohana before, but you put salad in front of DH and he goes into ranch dressing mode. He had to be reminded that they put their own dressing in the salad.
Next up…my favorite part…the wings and pot stickers. Well, really just the pot stickers. YUM!

The broccoli and noodles…well, I do enjoy it…but it’s no dumplings

Now, just as I was hitting my stride…something rummy and beautiful was put before me.

Tips to anyone ordering the backscratcher…
1. Stir it- there was a heavy layer of rum and it was much better with a good stir. Before the stir, it was like I was sipping a shot…not really a bad thing, but better the other way.
2. Keep the actual backscratcher away from your kids. You don’t need weapons at the table when you’re gorging yourself.


The coconut races were starting up, so I naturally encouraged (insisted) them to participate. So, they went up and got in the long line.

It was a really long line…even our “cousin” was marveling at the huge amount of kids.

Due to the number kids playing along, my children decided that they didn’t need everyone up there. Yeah- they were back at the table in about 3 minutes.

I guess that’s OK because the meat parade was about to begin. First up…BEEF (it’s what’s for dinner).

Now like I said…we’ve eaten at ‘Ohana before…and we liked it, but this- well, this was LOVE. It’s OK, we live in Texas…it’s OK to express love for beef. Last time it was a bit too well done and gristly. This time…the first serving was really great…flavorful- tender- and big pieces too. They also offered to bring us pieces cooked to our liking – so I put in a request for something a little more rare. Yay- double beef!


I think this was the chicken…also amazing. DH and I both were like WOW!

I never took pics of the pork and the shrimp, but those were also excellent. Like I said, we liked ‘Ohana, but this was the best experience we’ve had. I don’t remember much feedback from my brother and SIL, but my parents were in food heaven as well. Normally, we wait to rave after the meal, but they were just so happy.

Now, in the middle of the meat extravaganza I start hearing something about a tooth. It went from fairly tame to over the top crazy excited…yes, Kendall lost a tooth in the middle of ‘Ohana dinner.

The next line of questioning- Can the Tooth Fairy find me at Disney? I was about to answer that she’d probably have to wait until we got home…instead, I think it was my mom that said, “Well, she’s probably friends with Tinkerbell.” So yes, the Tooth Fairy apparently can find her at WDW …now, let’s just hope the Tooth Fairy remembers. Funny, but she’d lose the same tooth on the other side about 3 days later. She still has this great toothless look going.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

It was around this time Jake started getting antsy. I wasn’t close enough to him at the other two meals to see how they entertained him at dinner, but I guess I just assumed they brought “entertainment” like we used to do at that age. Every parent is different, but they don’t bring things to entertain him…although, my mom says they’re still pretty nervous about taking him out due to all of his early preemie issues, so didn’t have a lot of experience with this. So, I dug into the backpack and found the glow cube from my drink the other night…yes, I washed it. And we have an entertained baby.

Of course, he’s at the “I drop it-you pick it up” phase, but that’s normal.

I guess I'd just traveled so much with the girls at this stage that I had it down to a science. I'm not saying it was easy and that there weren't times when things didn't work, but let's just say I flew a lot with both girls on my own while they were infants and toddlers- just so I could see family more often. You become pretty resourceful and pack worthwhile entertainment when it's just you with a 2 yr old and 4 month old on a plane.

OK- back on track...

The girls decided to relieve my brother a bit … so he went to sit with my parents so they could entertain Jake. I get the impression that they were a little apprehensive about this, but my SIL was right there, they weren’t picking him up, and he was happy…so it’s kind of hard to complain.

I also had to make sure the back scratcher was far away from them while they entertained Jake.

We also hit that point in the meal for honoring those celebrating. My mom and I went up together- both proudly sporting our birthday buttons. I wasn’t sure if my mom was going to be up for this since it’s not always their kind of thing, but she loved the attention and loved that we got special leis…a lei that Sammie immediately stole from me.

It was now time for the final point in the meal to stuff our faces. That’s right…it’s bread pudding time!

Kendall got ice cream because it’s safer…

and DH hates bread pudding (more for us- SCORE!), so he shared that with her. We were a larger party, so we got two of these bad boys. I shared one with my parents and Sammie. I think there was still a quarter left. My brother really liked it, so he and my SIL polished off the one on the other end of the table.

Our service was also top notch this visit. Our server looked strangely familiar too…although, it was because he reminded me of a designer from Project Runway a few seasons ago. He did tell me he’s been there for quite a while. Either way great meal...my parents even raved about how it's better than their Brazilian steakhouse (they're actually still raving about 'Ohana and want to go back sooner rather than later)…but sadly, it was time to leave.

I had wanted to take the boat back to MK, but I was outvoted, so I snapped a few pics as we headed to the monorail.

And wouldn’t you know it…there was a monorail right there.

Aloha Poly.

But let’s strike a pose before we leave.

Next up…heading back into MK, MSEP, and the rest of the night.

 

[mishel635]

Loving all of your pictures!!!! So glad that you were able to make the best of things and enjoy your trip despite the accident. Your pics of dinner at Ohana's has me very excited that I made an ADR there for our trip! And I think we are going to try to do BOG for lunch on one of our MK days. My daughter is currently obsessed with Beauty and the Beast. (And my son likes it too!)
Kendall as a hula girl is adorable! And I do the same thing- I always keep my favorite pic of my kids as my screensaver on my phone so I can look at their beautiful faces whenever I need a pick me up. Can't wait to read more!