Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!)
About This Page: This is a discussion on Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) within the Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports, part of the PassPorter Community - Message Boards and Forums; I love your trip report! Are you from Philly? I'm from 10 minutes from Philly in Deptford, NJ [img]...

HokieCassie · 12-11-2002, 11:58 PM

I love your trip report! Are you from Philly? I'm from 10 minutes from Philly in Deptford, NJ [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Lori in PA · 12-12-2002, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Are you from Philly?

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Hi Cassie -- we are in Lansdale, north and west of Philly, about 45 minutes from Center City.

Lori in PA · 12-12-2002, 07:56 AM

Day 9: Saturday, November 30 (Animal Kingdom and trip home)

We had left this last day blank on our itinerary figuring we would either go do things we missed, or go back and do some favorites. We decided that we hadn’t seen enough of Animal Kingdom, and we really hadn’t done much of anything in World Showcase. Since AK was a new park for us this trip and we thought the kids would like it better, we decided to spend our last day there. We’ll just have to make another trip and spend more time in World Showcase. As if I needed a reason to go back…

We took our time getting up this morning since it would be a late night. My DF and DB had a very early flight, so they snuck out long before we woke up. We slept in and had a leisurely breakfast at Roaring Forks. Another round on the mouseboats was requested, so the ladies headed back to finish the packing and send the luggage off with bell services, while my DH and DBIL took the kids to the boats. They went out for about a half hour.

With the luggage all stored, since we were getting such a late start we decided it was better to try the bus this time. We didn’t have to wait long at all, and after a stop for a few passengers at the Grand Floridian, we were at AK fairly quickly. The main items on our agenda were to see the shows we hadn’t seen in our first visit. Tarzan was starting in a few minutes, so we headed there quickly. Not too many seats left, and we had to split into two rows, but at least we got in. This show was pretty good. DS would have liked to see more of the rollerbladers, and DSIL and I would have liked to see more of Tarzan. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

When we left Tarzan, DS spotted Triceratops Spin, so we took the time for one last kiddie ride. No one was interested in doing Primeval Whirl or Dinosaur again, so everyone else just waited. Fortunately crowds were pretty light and the wait was only about 20 minutes.

It was time for lunch and DBIL and DSIL had lunch passes from a DVC tour they had taken that they wanted to use up. We picked Pizzafari simply because it was on the way to the Lion King show, which was where we were headed next. I didn’t expect the inside of a pizza joint to be so cool looking. The kids liked the wooden bats hanging from the ceiling. We got to the Lion King show in plenty of time and were seated in the lion section. I’m really glad we got to see this show as it was fantastic. The monkeys were a big hit with the kids.

We still hadn’t made it to Asia, but no one had the energy to make it all the way across the park, so we decided to grab a bench for the parade instead. We found a bench on the inside of the circle near one of the little trails. We took turns doing a bit of shopping and taking the kids to visit Stitch in front of the store across the street.

Here is where we have a very un-Disney moment (not that it was Disney’s fault). DH and DBIL were off doing something – I forget where they went. DSIL and I were sitting on the bench with the kids having ice cream, when a women parks her stroller containing a sleeping child in front of the line (which was fine) and plops her self down on the end of our bench (which had about all of 8 inches left) and proceeds to blow cigarette smoke on us. DSIL who was next to her gets up and remarks that she can’t sit next to her smoking as she’s allergic to smoke. Cigarette woman remarks that she can’t sit next to her eating ice cream (???). I let her know (as if she didn’t know) that this is a non-smoking park and she’d need to move. At this point she proceeds to curse out my DSIL and us holy-than-thou non-smokers in general [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] . I don’t know why she blew up at my DSIL instead of me, but my DSIL says it’s typical. Anyway she storms off with her stroller and her cigarette, still cursing and sits on the other side of the road. DSIL goes into the store to talk with a manager, who calls security. Last we saw her, the woman was being escorted out of the park. Yeah, for Disney security. The kids don’t seem to have picked up any new words from the encounter, thank goodness, and the other people around us were happy to see her go too. She could have just put out the darn cigarette. I have a feeling we weren’t the first people to tell her she couldn’t smoke somewhere that day.

So back to our Disney day…the Jammin Jungle Parade was probably my favorite parade of the week. Very colorful. We were caught by surprise when Donald came around on his float and kicked water at us. I barely managed to protect the camera. Who would have thought you’d get wet at a parade? We needed to head for the airport at this point, so we took our time and explored a few of the Discovery Island trails before heading for the car.

No problems at the airport, and a quick flight home. DD’s ears still hurt a bit, but it was much better this flight. We even landed a half hour ahead of schedule, which makes us nearly even for the long flight down…well almost. We debark the plane, and uh-oh, where’s the stroller? We wait for a while (me and all the other people waiting for their strollers), until someone from the airline informs us they are having a problem with the doors to the luggage compartment and our strollers would likely just be sent to baggage claim. So we head down there, all of us with visions of our suitcases having burst open and our dirty clothes having jammed the doors [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] . It takes about an hour from the time we land until they manage to break into the plane and retrieve our stuff. It does all come out in one piece, and we pile our tired bodies and our overstuffed suitcases in the van for the ride home.

Lori in PA · 12-12-2002, 07:58 AM

Summary and few final thoughts...

I can’t believe with 7 days in the parks we still didn’t see everything! Next trip we’ll be sure to spend some time catching the entertainment in World Showcase. But those midday breaks were essential to our sanity and the happiness of our 4-year-old. Definitely plan breaks with young kids. It also gives you a chance to use the pool, which always ends up being a favorite of our kids. There’s just something about being able to swim in November when it’s cold at home that’s a real treat.

The Wilderness Lodge was beautiful, especially at this time of year with the Christmas decorations up. The staff was great, especially mousekeeping. Transportation was spotty – there were a few times when we were at a park in 15 minutes and others when it took us over an hour to get home. I would still get a car if I were staying here to get to other resorts and possibly Animal Kingdom. That said, we will probably go back to the Beach Club next trip, as that is still my favorite and the access to Epcot and MGM is just so easy from there.

Post EE crowds were terrible. If you’re going to do EE, plan to go somewhere else when it’s over.

I can’t believe how many people don’t use Fastpass. Their loss…shorter return times for us.

Our best meal, hands down, was Ohana's. Great food, great service, relaxing pace, and stuff for the kids. We'll definitely be back. If you've never eaten there, you definitely need to try it. As for our other meals, they will probably fall into the been-there-done-that category and we will try out some different places.

Overall, we had a wonderful trip! This was our first trip with a digital camera and we took over 800 pictures! I’m just glad I don’t have to pay to have 800 photos developed. I’m working on burning them into a slideshow on DVD for the family that was with us for Christmas. Time to start planning the next trip, probably for 2004! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 12-12-2002, 10:37 AM: Message edited by: Lori in PA ]

DVC_Don · 12-12-2002, 02:38 PM

Thanks for the TR Lori. [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] The one problem I have with these reports though, is I get depressed at the end as if I was leaving WDW too. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

2Princesses · 12-12-2002, 11:44 PM

Lori -

Your report was wonderful!! It was great that you posted your vacation photos to correspond with the events in your report. You really captured some great memories.

Sounds like you accomplished so much in those 7 days! I have to agree with you about 'Ohana - we really enjoyed it there last month and we want to make sure we make a point to go there on future Disney vacations.

Thanks so much for sharing! Here's to 2004!!!

- Tracy

tikibird · 12-16-2002, 05:35 PM

Great report - thanks so much for sharing it with us - loved the pictures, too - esp. the one with Stitch! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Glad to hear Disney took care of the rude smoker, as well as that you had such a great trip!

AKLRULZ · 12-17-2002, 01:12 PM

OUTSTANDING & PHENOMENAL report!!! The pictures are super - I especially love the family one and the one of the kiddos with Stitch! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

TINKN · 12-17-2002, 03:21 PM

Loved your report and the pics. Sounds like you had a great time with the exception of the smoker lady. I'm glad you stuck up for your rights and kudos to Disney for taking care of it.

Wondcat · 12-26-2002, 10:18 PM

Great report, beautiful family. What a nice mousekeeper you had!

Teddysmom · 12-27-2002, 09:30 AM

Lori,

Great trip report. I love the pictures. I have also been reading TR's to get ready for our Jan/Feb trip and yours was wonderful. You have a beautiful family.

I will post picture of me asleep on bed w/cracker in each hand when we return.(How cute is that picture. Imagine the bribery possibilities when he is older w/girlfriends [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] )

Thanks too for the tips on transportation. We arrive at WL on the 1st of Feb. and wondered if the launches were faster than the busses. Thanks for all the info. Awesome writing.

Dsnymom · 12-27-2002, 01:36 PM

What a GREAT trip report! And the pictures were awesome!

joyjoy · 12-27-2002, 11:09 PM

What a great report. I loved it, and I was also sad when you had to leave AK to go to the airport. [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img]
Btw, I may have to use that "he woke up on the wrong side of the stroller" line sometime. Too funny. Even though I don't have a stroller rider anymore, I'll find a way to use it. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**Shell_of_the_South** · 12-29-2002, 11:18 PM

Enjoyable report to read!! And your pictures are great! I was tickled to hear you guys enjoyed 'Ohana as much as we did!!! It's our favorite!!

12-11-2002, 11:58 PM	#31 (permalink)
HokieCassie Community Rank: Sightseer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Blacksburg, Va Posts: 99	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) I love your trip report! Are you from Philly? I'm from 10 minutes from Philly in Deptford, NJ [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

12-12-2002, 07:56 AM	#33 (permalink)
Lori in PA Community Rank: Tourist Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: PA Posts: 15	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Day 9: Saturday, November 30 (Animal Kingdom and trip home) We had left this last day blank on our itinerary figuring we would either go do things we missed, or go back and do some favorites. We decided that we hadn’t seen enough of Animal Kingdom, and we really hadn’t done much of anything in World Showcase. Since AK was a new park for us this trip and we thought the kids would like it better, we decided to spend our last day there. We’ll just have to make another trip and spend more time in World Showcase. As if I needed a reason to go back… We took our time getting up this morning since it would be a late night. My DF and DB had a very early flight, so they snuck out long before we woke up. We slept in and had a leisurely breakfast at Roaring Forks. Another round on the mouseboats was requested, so the ladies headed back to finish the packing and send the luggage off with bell services, while my DH and DBIL took the kids to the boats. They went out for about a half hour. With the luggage all stored, since we were getting such a late start we decided it was better to try the bus this time. We didn’t have to wait long at all, and after a stop for a few passengers at the Grand Floridian, we were at AK fairly quickly. The main items on our agenda were to see the shows we hadn’t seen in our first visit. Tarzan was starting in a few minutes, so we headed there quickly. Not too many seats left, and we had to split into two rows, but at least we got in. This show was pretty good. DS would have liked to see more of the rollerbladers, and DSIL and I would have liked to see more of Tarzan. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] When we left Tarzan, DS spotted Triceratops Spin, so we took the time for one last kiddie ride. No one was interested in doing Primeval Whirl or Dinosaur again, so everyone else just waited. Fortunately crowds were pretty light and the wait was only about 20 minutes. It was time for lunch and DBIL and DSIL had lunch passes from a DVC tour they had taken that they wanted to use up. We picked Pizzafari simply because it was on the way to the Lion King show, which was where we were headed next. I didn’t expect the inside of a pizza joint to be so cool looking. The kids liked the wooden bats hanging from the ceiling. We got to the Lion King show in plenty of time and were seated in the lion section. I’m really glad we got to see this show as it was fantastic. The monkeys were a big hit with the kids. We still hadn’t made it to Asia, but no one had the energy to make it all the way across the park, so we decided to grab a bench for the parade instead. We found a bench on the inside of the circle near one of the little trails. We took turns doing a bit of shopping and taking the kids to visit Stitch in front of the store across the street. Here is where we have a very un-Disney moment (not that it was Disney’s fault). DH and DBIL were off doing something – I forget where they went. DSIL and I were sitting on the bench with the kids having ice cream, when a women parks her stroller containing a sleeping child in front of the line (which was fine) and plops her self down on the end of our bench (which had about all of 8 inches left) and proceeds to blow cigarette smoke on us. DSIL who was next to her gets up and remarks that she can’t sit next to her smoking as she’s allergic to smoke. Cigarette woman remarks that she can’t sit next to her eating ice cream (???). I let her know (as if she didn’t know) that this is a non-smoking park and she’d need to move. At this point she proceeds to curse out my DSIL and us holy-than-thou non-smokers in general [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] . I don’t know why she blew up at my DSIL instead of me, but my DSIL says it’s typical. Anyway she storms off with her stroller and her cigarette, still cursing and sits on the other side of the road. DSIL goes into the store to talk with a manager, who calls security. Last we saw her, the woman was being escorted out of the park. Yeah, for Disney security. The kids don’t seem to have picked up any new words from the encounter, thank goodness, and the other people around us were happy to see her go too. She could have just put out the darn cigarette. I have a feeling we weren’t the first people to tell her she couldn’t smoke somewhere that day. So back to our Disney day…the Jammin Jungle Parade was probably my favorite parade of the week. Very colorful. We were caught by surprise when Donald came around on his float and kicked water at us. I barely managed to protect the camera. Who would have thought you’d get wet at a parade? We needed to head for the airport at this point, so we took our time and explored a few of the Discovery Island trails before heading for the car. No problems at the airport, and a quick flight home. DD’s ears still hurt a bit, but it was much better this flight. We even landed a half hour ahead of schedule, which makes us nearly even for the long flight down…well almost. We debark the plane, and uh-oh, where’s the stroller? We wait for a while (me and all the other people waiting for their strollers), until someone from the airline informs us they are having a problem with the doors to the luggage compartment and our strollers would likely just be sent to baggage claim. So we head down there, all of us with visions of our suitcases having burst open and our dirty clothes having jammed the doors [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] . It takes about an hour from the time we land until they manage to break into the plane and retrieve our stuff. It does all come out in one piece, and we pile our tired bodies and our overstuffed suitcases in the van for the ride home.

12-12-2002, 07:58 AM	#34 (permalink)
Lori in PA Community Rank: Tourist Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: PA Posts: 15	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Summary and few final thoughts... I can’t believe with 7 days in the parks we still didn’t see everything! Next trip we’ll be sure to spend some time catching the entertainment in World Showcase. But those midday breaks were essential to our sanity and the happiness of our 4-year-old. Definitely plan breaks with young kids. It also gives you a chance to use the pool, which always ends up being a favorite of our kids. There’s just something about being able to swim in November when it’s cold at home that’s a real treat. The Wilderness Lodge was beautiful, especially at this time of year with the Christmas decorations up. The staff was great, especially mousekeeping. Transportation was spotty – there were a few times when we were at a park in 15 minutes and others when it took us over an hour to get home. I would still get a car if I were staying here to get to other resorts and possibly Animal Kingdom. That said, we will probably go back to the Beach Club next trip, as that is still my favorite and the access to Epcot and MGM is just so easy from there. Post EE crowds were terrible. If you’re going to do EE, plan to go somewhere else when it’s over. I can’t believe how many people don’t use Fastpass. Their loss…shorter return times for us. Our best meal, hands down, was Ohana's. Great food, great service, relaxing pace, and stuff for the kids. We'll definitely be back. If you've never eaten there, you definitely need to try it. As for our other meals, they will probably fall into the been-there-done-that category and we will try out some different places. Overall, we had a wonderful trip! This was our first trip with a digital camera and we took over 800 pictures! I’m just glad I don’t have to pay to have 800 photos developed. I’m working on burning them into a slideshow on DVD for the family that was with us for Christmas. Time to start planning the next trip, probably for 2004! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [ 12-12-2002, 10:37 AM: Message edited by: Lori in PA ]

12-12-2002, 02:38 PM	#35 (permalink)
DVC_Don Community Rank: Explorer Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Empire State Posts: 9,021	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Thanks for the TR Lori. [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] The one problem I have with these reports though, is I get depressed at the end as if I was leaving WDW too. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

12-12-2002, 11:44 PM	#36 (permalink)
2Princesses Community Rank: Adventurer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: the Jersey Shore Posts: 824	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Lori - Your report was wonderful!! It was great that you posted your vacation photos to correspond with the events in your report. You really captured some great memories. Sounds like you accomplished so much in those 7 days! I have to agree with you about 'Ohana - we really enjoyed it there last month and we want to make sure we make a point to go there on future Disney vacations. Thanks so much for sharing! Here's to 2004!!! - Tracy

12-16-2002, 05:35 PM	#37 (permalink)
tikibird Community Rank: Navigator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Pittsburgh, PA , USA Posts: 6,148	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Great report - thanks so much for sharing it with us - loved the pictures, too - esp. the one with Stitch! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Glad to hear Disney took care of the rude smoker, as well as that you had such a great trip!

12-17-2002, 01:12 PM	#38 (permalink)
AKLRULZ Community Rank: Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 17,599	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) OUTSTANDING & PHENOMENAL report!!! The pictures are super - I especially love the family one and the one of the kiddos with Stitch! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

12-17-2002, 03:21 PM	#39 (permalink)
TINKN Community Rank: Scout Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: VERMONT Posts: 4,281	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Loved your report and the pics. Sounds like you had a great time with the exception of the smoker lady. I'm glad you stuck up for your rights and kudos to Disney for taking care of it.

12-26-2002, 10:18 PM	#40 (permalink)
Wondcat Community Rank: Jetsetter Join Date: May 2000 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 2,375	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Great report, beautiful family. What a nice mousekeeper you had!

12-27-2002, 09:30 AM	#41 (permalink)
Teddysmom Community Rank: Jetsetter Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,109	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) Lori, Great trip report. I love the pictures. I have also been reading TR's to get ready for our Jan/Feb trip and yours was wonderful. You have a beautiful family. I will post picture of me asleep on bed w/cracker in each hand when we return.(How cute is that picture. Imagine the bribery possibilities when he is older w/girlfriends [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ) Thanks too for the tips on transportation. We arrive at WL on the 1st of Feb. and wondered if the launches were faster than the busses. Thanks for all the info. Awesome writing.

12-27-2002, 01:36 PM	#42 (permalink)
Dsnymom Community Rank: Adventurer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: St. Louis Posts: 626	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) What a GREAT trip report! And the pictures were awesome!

12-27-2002, 11:09 PM	#43 (permalink)
joyjoy Community Rank: Trailblazer Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Houston Posts: 5,147	Re: Trip Report -- Wilderness Lodge 11-21-02 to 11-30-02 (The End!) What a great report. I loved it, and I was also sad when you had to leave AK to go to the airport. [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] Btw, I may have to use that "he woke up on the wrong side of the stroller" line sometime. Too funny. Even though I don't have a stroller rider anymore, I'll find a way to use it. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

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