The plan was for the 3 of us to drive over to AK, meet DH’s family for breakfast and then do Finding Nemo and maybe ITTBAB before we had to go try to check in to AKL. And I wanted my mom to come with us when we checked in so she could experience our favorite resort as she hadn’t before by only being in the lobby and Jiko. (That’s why we’re staying in a 2BR villa this upcoming stay at AKV with my mom for 3 nights before we resort hop over to BLT for 2). After that, we’d bring her back to BW to meet up with the rest of my family so they can all leave for the airport via DME.
Before we leave BWI, I just have this picture...
Our mousekeeper was just awesome at BWI!!! I think her name was Nancy and I kind of wanted to write a letter about her to management, but I wasn't sure how to do so and I wasn't even 100% sure of her name! Anyway, we had seen her either the day we arrived or the day after and she knew we were there for our wedding and she was just sooo sweet and helpful and friendly! She left these swans for us at some point during our 5 nights at BWI, so I just wanted to get them on film before we left..
Anyway...
So, we end up leaving a little late. I think it was like 15 mins or so. I didn’t think it would be too much of a problem but I had no idea we’d run into the morning celebration thingy on our way to Tusker House!
There were others also that had ressies, but by the time I made it up to the rope, we were like a good 20 mins late for our ADR time and we still had to get to Tusker House!
DH’s mom kept texting us and we kept texting back. I was begging the rope lady to let us through. She kept saying no but then finally let us through when I explained that half of our party was already there and we were already late. She let us go under the rope but then we got caught behind another rope further up. I think officially we probably lost our ressie, but they seated us anyway.
Whew!
Anyway, breakfast was fun and everyone seemed to really enjoy this one. I love the food there and the atmosphere plus my mom hadn’t eaten there since back when it was a CS.
We took some good photos...
The only problem came when it was time for the check, the waitress screwed up and took the meals (just mine and DH’s) from the wrong card (maybe my mom’s?) I can’t even remember now, but I knew it was going to screw up our meal credits for the rest of the trip (as we had just enough, I had planned it very precisely). So I had her add the credit back on which she said she couldn’t do so we had to get a manager, then there was a problem with the computer, it was a nightmare!
If finally got sorted out! We made our way over to the Finding Nemo show. We were like the first on line and it was HOT out already. I felt kind of bad
but I really wanted my mom to see it before she left to go home because I knew she would enjoy it. Finally it was time to go in and we got great seats. The men weren’t that excited by the show (except DH), but the ladies all liked it. My mom seemed to enjoy it but not as much as I thought she would.
I for one, LOVE this show!
I hope they eventually rewrite it and give it better songs (Except for maybe “We Swim Together”) and bring it to Broadway.
So, after that we had to go check in to AKL and then bring my mom back to BW to meet up with the rest of the family for DME back to the airport.
I made sure DH’s family had a few maps and suggested a few things to do. I knew DBIL wanted to ride EE so told him how to get there. The things I suggested they definitely try to do were ITTBAB and see the Lion King show if they could time it right among other things. I think I suggested about 4 things total. I had a sinking feeling they wouldn’t do anything though. And I don’t know why it was/would bother me, I mean, it’s their $ to be wasted, you know? Anyway, I couldn’t worry about them too much as I was sad to be saying good-bye to my family.
So, we brought my mom with us to AKL as we wanted to show her (if we could) the view from our room, hoping some animals could be seen at that moment. She has only ever seen Jiko and the lobby but has never stayed there. (We are bringing her with us on our trip in Sept though so she can really get the feel for AKL because I know she’d LOVE staying there). But since it was so early and we couldn't get into our room, we could only take her upstairs to look out the windows from the hallway overlooking the Arusha savannah. (Ok, to tell the truth, I had TOTALLY forgotten about this part, but my mom reminded me when I was telling her we’d be staying at AKL in Sept!) LOL
So, she seemed semi-impressed (I think it will be more so when she can see them from our room) and we took her into the shop because it’s one of my favorite shops on the entire property.
From there it was back to BW to drop her off so my family could head back to the airport.
I didn’t think we’d really be hanging out for any length of time, but we ended up spending like almost 45 mins. or something with them I think it was before DME arrived.
I actually had no pull to leave to go back to AK and just enjoyed spending some quiet time with my family in the lobby of BW (it’s very relaxing there!)
So, after we said our good-byes, it was back to AK to meet up with DH’s family. We had texted them and somehow (I don’t remember this part to clearly) we found them near the main gate (but inside the park I think). I asked them what they had done and seen etc. and their reply was (wait for it…..)
Oh, nothing, we just walked around.
DBIL didn’t even go on EE. I’m sure he would have if we were there, but really, why wouldn’t they at least check out ITTBAB? Holy moly.
Anyway, (“whatever”) I felt. It was their choice. I asked them if they wanted to do anything now that we were there and I can’t remember I am thinking we didn’t have much time since we took so much time with my family. (which wasn’t the plan).
I’m sure if we had been able to meet them a bit earlier, we would have had time to do something and we would have taken them on either EE or ITTTBAB or the Kali River Rapids or something. (I’m pretty sure not all would even want to try ITTBAB or anything else though-except for DBIL). I was starting to really give up on trying to make sure they had a good time and got their $’s worth and realized I was now on my honeymoon and wanted to be happy and not frustrated or annoyed, so I really tried to not let it bother me at all anymore.
Ok, so we head over to AKL for our dinner ressie at BOMA. We drove but before we left them, we walked them over to the bus to AKL and told them we’d meet them in the lobby. That worked out and into BOMA we went!
Everyone really enjoyed the meal here which I was happy about. And I have to say, it was a really nice, no-stress meal. I was more relaxed than I had been before the wedding at our first meal together at Artist Point for sure.
It was definitely one of the most enjoyable meals of the trip actually (everything; food, service etc.).
They took cabs back to POR and we settled in for the evening.
Next up: Our last day with DH's family - an entire day spent in EPCOT and the bride finally has a meltdown!