"I no go commando" thread two - "The last hours, final thoughts and it's COMPLETE"- Updated 9/2 About This Page:

[Nala]

On our way out of MGM, we decided our mode of transportation would be that of our feet. Since we had spotted the walking path on our way in, we knew exactly where we were going. And as we made our way down the path, Kiara kept asking if we were taking a bus or a boat. She was not thrilled when Grumpy responded to her questions with “We are taking our feet”. She kept saying her legs were killing her. I can only imagine that it was hard on her after being pushed around the parks in the luxury of a stroller on the past eight trips. Still, it was time for her to get used to walking like a big girl and all of us could use the exercise. And what a lovely walk it turned out to be. It was not as short as the one to Epcot, but by no means one that couldn’t be done. And along the way we got a lovely, up close view of the resorts that surrounded the BC. As we walked past the backside of the BWI, I once again stated to Grumpy that we needed to check it out while we were here for future reference. At that time, I didn’t know how close that future was.

But, more on that in the next TR.

We found our way back to the BC and took a brief stop at the bench by the beach. I decided to hang back for a bit while Grumpy and Kiara headed up to the room to get changed into their swimsuits. Before they left me, I double checked that I had my room key. A few minutes later, I headed into the lobby and towards the elevators. I was able to catch one just as a resort manger and a bellman were loading up. I offered to stay behind, but the manager held the door and told me there was room for one more. And this is where the fun began.

Now, I have to say, that both Grumpy and I noticed that the elevators at the BC were like rockets. You go up and down so fast that you barely had time to blink. And I am certain that this was the cause of me, on more than one occasion, getting out on the wrong floor only to hear Grumpy say “Ummm, honey, we aren’t there yet”. Anyhow, as the door closed, the manager asked what floor the bellman was going to. He said “2” and since he was behind the luggage cart, the manager pushed the button. Before the elevator launched, I heard him say, as he dug around in his jacket pocket, that he had to find his key. I figured that he needed to get to the 5th floor and since I had my key in hand, I offered to do it for him. I inserted my key, the elevator made its move to the second floor and before the doors opened, I realized my key did not work on my first attempt. By this time we had stopped on the second floor, the doors were starting to open and the bellman was making his way out. And this is where I couldn’t hold back my ornery sense of humor and looked at the manager and said “You know, sometimes, our key from our stay in concierge last year just doesn’t work……….”

OMG! The look on that man’s face was priceless. It was so good that I immediately had to say “Just kidding, look (as I showed him the dates on my card) I am really supposed to be here.’ He started laughing, put his hand out to catch the closing door and yelled at the bellman who was making his way down the hall “Hey, did you hear that? She said her card from last year doesn’t always work”. As he was doing this, I inserted my key again and it was accepted, proving that I was a guest of the 5th floor. And as the doors closed, I heard the bellman laughing. It made me wonder if there was an inside joke there and if someone had actually tried that in the past. With both of us still laughing, we made our way to the fifth floor. The manager quickly composed himself and started talking to me about the BC. He asked if it was our first stay there and if we were enjoying it and when I said yes to both, he went into a speech about how the BC was the best resort on property. To the untrained ear, this may have sounded canned, but as I listened to him, I knew that he was speaking from the heart. This was a CM that truly believed in the resort he worked at, as well as all things at WDW. Even in the short, rocket boosted ride of the elevator, I was able to pick up on that. By the time we reached the fifth floor, which was about a second, I found myself wanting to hug this guy because I felt a connection with him due to our common love of all things Disney. But since I had already almost caused his eyes to bug out of his head a moment ago, I refrained. I really didn’t want a “World” wide bulletin put out about watching for future visits from a crazy lady from Peoria.

I made my way to our room, found my pride already changing into their suits and quickly changed into mine. Down to SAB we went and once again we found the only place with enough open seats for all of us was by the bar. Was it coincidence or the fruity drink fairies shinning on me? I agreed to get in with Kiara first, but told Grumpy I wanted to check out the drink offerings before I did. Normally, I am not a big fan of fruity drinks but being at SAB just seemed to put me in the mood. I checked out the menu and spotted my libation of choice, a Mai Tai. I mean, who can resist a Mai Tai? I told Grumpy what to order for me and headed into the waters of SAB with Kiara, who at this point was more than ready. I was happy to see that Kiara’s earlier water aversion was no longer an issue. Kiara was happy to stick to the same area we had been in the day before and I noticed Grumpy at the table with the camera in hand. Bad Grumpy! But at least this day, I was sporting the closest thing to a scuba suit that would be accepted as fashion!


I did my best to hang out with Kiara as long as I could, but as I looked back at the table, that lovely, little Mai Tai kept beckoning to me. Plus, the sun kept peeking in and out of the clouds and when it did, it got a little cool for me. After about twenty minutes, I convinced Kiara to take a little break and let me switch off with Grumpy. She agreed and we headed to the table. Grumpy headed back to the waters with Kiara and I was able to enjoy my Mai Tai in peace. And boy, was it good! It was now my time with the camera. Turn about is fair play. Although, when Grumpy took the pictures of me in the pool, he probably never thought that I would post a picture of him in swim trunks on the internet!



Kiara and Grumpy came back to the table for a short rest and it was my turn again. This time, I decided that we needed to branch out from our usual area of SAB and Kiara and I went exploring for another spot of interest. We passed by the lazy river and since it required a floatation device or two, we walked on by. I then discovered an area with several waterfalls. I checked out the depth markings and saw that one side was only 3” deep. Perfect for Kiara. We made our way down the steps and I had to be the one to venture into the waterfall. I was able to coax Kiara over to it only after she crept along the wall and was certain it was a safe environment for her. She played in the waterfall for a few seconds but then headed back to the steps. She had had her fun and was ready to go back to the area she was comfortable with. So that’s what we did. It made me a bit sad that she wasn’t willing to be a bit more adventurous, as this may be our only chance to experience SAB, but as long as she was happy, none of that really mattered.

After a bit of time at our usual spot, I was able to convince Kiara that it was time for yet another break. If memory serves me correctly, it wasn’t a break, but a time out as I suggested getting out of the pool and she took off from me in the opposite direction. Funny how your kid can run faster in water than you can. Once I caught her, we headed back to the table and it was clear to both Grumpy and I that she was over tired and it was time to head back to the room.

We forced Kiara to take a bit of a rest, even though she didn’t sleep and then we all got ready for our evening plans. It was Extra Magic Hours at the MK and I was all for closing it down at 2 AM! Just think of the fun we could have until the wee hours of the morning!!!

Or maybe not…………..

[mrsmac2001]

Another great installment. I had a Mai Tai myself last trip to the World. Good times!

[disneydani]

Bet that CM retold his encounter more than a few times...although I am sure he didn't describe you as the crazy lady from Peoria!

Glad Kiara enjoyed SAB and you enjoyed your Mai Tai! Impressed you posted Grumpy's pool photo...Paul has no idea I posted his and would probably be less than pleased!

EMH until 2am....I am exhausted just thinking about it!

Hurry back with more!!!

danielle

[DrDolphin]

Wonderful update Nala!! Sounds like the fruity drink were hanging out waiting for you at the bar!!!

[jhoshowski]

I could use a Mai Tai next to SAB right about now. . .

[SleepingBet]

Can't wait to read the next installment. This is great. You're descriptions are so vivid, I feel like I'm there and they always have been

[SHEANA1226]

Sound like a great afternoon at SAB! More please!

[travismom]

Can't wait for more....!!!

[KrisLuvsDisney]

Another great update, Nala

I just love reading your TRs

[mattnkatsmum]

Fabbo update. And I'm glad I seem to have inspired the posting of bathing suit shots - not that you'll get one from me that is less than 20 years old! You look wonderful by the way, as does Grumpy. In fact, my mission for my next trip is to get a photo of Steve in his Speedos .

I loved the exchange in the lift with the CM. I bet without a shadow of a doubt that others have tried it for real.

More. More. More.

[chezp]

Another great installment - isn't Stormalong Bay just the best? I'm glad Kiara was over her water aversion and able to enjoy it!

[Princess_Wantabe]

Another great update
I'm looking forward to reading if you actually make it to 2am (I know I probably couldn't)

[Suzie&Jay]

I'm so glad Kiara is loving SAB! It's so fun Your Mai Tai sounds fabooo!

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Nala Too funny about the elevator ride And we've spent many a year at the shallow sandy pool, only to have the kids discover the rest of the pool last August. Kiara's time and confidence will come.......it just means you'll have to come back to the BC

[Jillybean]

I have always wanted to make that walk from MGM to the Epcot resorts! Good for you for taking it!

And your elevator story is a hoot! I love to chat up people wherever I go and if you can add some good humor, then why not!?! That was a good one!

You are really making me want to be at SAB (and a mai tai thrown in for good measure wouldn't be so bad either ). I really hope that we can spend some time there in December when we're at YC.

Fantastic afternoon!

Jill