Poor Allison!! That must have been horrible. Ouch!! She's a trooper. Getting right back onto the rides! Looks like you had a wonderful time at AK. Looking forward to the next post!
Yah - I was pretty proud of her for being able to shake it off... We did end up having a great day.
Your flights really make me thankful we have a few different directs right to MCO from here!
Shades of Green looks like a beautiful resort! My cousins husband is active military, I told her she will have to come with us one of these times to Disney and we can all stay there. It really is some prime real estate for a great price compared to the deluxes all around it.
Poor Allison!! That girl just can not catch a break lately! I hope her pinky didn't bother her too much the rest of the trip. I know how painful ripping your nail off can be!
She seems like a trooper, not letting it rain on her parade
Im looking forward to some more updates!
Yah - we have several direct flights - but since I was doing 3 trips in a year, I had a very set budget I had to stick to - I had been watching flights several times per day for months and this was the first one that even came remotely close to fitting in my budget - so I took it. It worked out in the end - but sometimes I wish I would have held out for something better.
Yes - if you get the opportunity - I highly recommend staying there... It is prime real estate, and even though it's not Disney - it's the next best thing.
She has definitely had a rough month... I keep forgetting to write about her pinky in the TR.... but it does come up again a few times.
You did an update while I was writing my reply lol
You really are selling me on The Wave. I've never eaten there but that food looks delicious!
That abandoned area looks so cool I'll definitely have to take DH by it next trip!
Wilderness Lodge is still on my to do list one of these trips. It's the only deluxe we haven't had the chance to really check out. It looks quite spectacular. I feel like it would make me feel like I'm waking up in Alaska everyday... If Alaska was ever hot and humid
I did - sorry - LOL
Yes - everyone must try The Wave at least once... The food is to die for!
It's fun to look at - but not much to see... I think Allison was a little disappointed at how little of it there was to see.
You should - it's beautiful!
Tell me again, What room you requested at SOG? Is there one you would recommend?
Sooo.... My request was this: 2nd floor, pool view, close to lobby. In my head - I was thinking any of the parts highlighted in yellow - but particularily - I really wanted the Magnolia pool view - if there was nothing available, I would have taken the Mill Pond Pool view - but that would have been a much longer walk.
When I first checked in - they gave me a room in the location indicated by the blue arrow... While it was 2nd floor, pool view and close to the lobby - I didn't think I'd see much of the pool in that area - so I asked if he had anything else available - which is when he found room #206...
(photobucket is undergoing maintenance - I will come back and insert my photo when it comes back online)
The location and the view of this room was perfect. But like I said - the bathroom set up was really inconvenient for us, because the set up was different... If my memory serves me correctly - all rooms that were a part of the original 1973 resort are set up this way - the bigger vanities are in all of the subsequent resort additions... Essentially - if you want a view of the magnolia pool, you'll have to deal with an inconvenient bathroom set up. For us "inconvenient" means - the tub and toilet are not separated - so our room, the bathroom was all one room - where other areas of the resort, the sink and vanity are in a separate room from the tub/toilet. Make sense?
We made it work - but it was inconvenient.
Love your Steamboat Willie outfit! I also have a "thing" for River Country. We started taking our boys to Disney in 1988 and stayed in Ft. Wilderness cabins a couple times. We took them to River Country while staying there - it was a great little water park! I don't get why it was closed? Maybe when they opened Typhoon Lagoon and BB. You could also take a boat to the island across the way. I don't remember what it was called (Discovery Island?) but you could walk trails and look at the birds and other wildlife. I always get nostalgic when we are going by those areas - great memories!
Thank you - I wore it twice in November, so I only wore it once on this trip.
That is awesome - it closed the year before our first trip - at that time, there were still rumors that it was just a temporary closure. Then I think people forgot about it for a while. I believe it was closed because it used the lake water - I've also heard that alligators may have been an issue? Not sure about that though? It sound like it was a wonderful park!
I'm glad you had such a great time despite it being a little cold. That was usually our week to go until our grandson started high school, now we go during spring break. I would have been disappointed if it was cold the whole week. We usually had 1 or 2 cooler days. One year it had been cold for 3 weeks and people were buying winter coats down there, but it warmed up the week we got there. I just wanted to say I love your hair a little longer. It looks great!
We did... It continued to get colder as the days wore on - I really should have had heavier clothes with me. I was very disappointed that it was so cold - but I wasn't going to complain too much - since it was -20 or so at home, so it was really cold here. LOL
Thank you - I am trying to grow it out -but I have no idea how long I want to go? I'll just keep going until I am sick of it, probably - then I'll chop it all off.
So, I am really going to have to dig through old photos this weekend. I have some pictures of my second trip ever to WDW...I think it was in 1987. We have some from our visit to River Country. Great pics again! And oh heck, now I have even more places to try to eat at! But the Wave looks yummy! I love the feel of Wilderness Lodge. You all need to try Whispering Canyon Café!
And to answer the question about why it closed...it used lake water for everything, and because of the water bacteria found in lakes in the area (and other fresh water lakes?), they don't allow swimming in them.
Fun!!! I'd love to see them!
Yes - Allison was very intrigued by WCC when we were there, and it's somewhere I've always wanted to eat at - but never actually gotten there. One day. LOL
That's what I was thinking - but I heard someone mention alligators at one time too...
I'm glad to know other people have the same River Country obsession that I do. I've always wanted to sneak in but I don't want to get caught and be banned from Disney property forever. I love watching the YouTube videos from people who have dared to sneak in though.
Yah - it's pretty cool... It kind of freaks me out in a way though. I agree, I would never try to get in there- I would never want to be banned from Disney.
The Wave became a family must do for us too! The sweet potato pancakes or amazing!!!!
Every time I see your Steamboat Wille bag I'm reminded how pretty it is! I just LOVE the fabric you used for it.
All of the food is amazing IMO... I wish my stomach was bigger for this restaurant. LOL
Thanks - I do love that bag and that outfit... I love that it's so easy to coordinate with.
Sounds like you had a good first day at Disney. I'm so sorry to hear that the start of Day 2 wasn't good with the accident on EE and all the CM not knowing where first aid was.
It looks like you had a good end to day 2. And a good start on day 3. I can't wait to hear more about your trip.
We did! It was perfect and relaxing - I hope every arrival day is this way from here forward.
I am glad to see you here Lillian - I was starting to get worried... When ever you go missing for a few days - I always wonder where you are.
If I hadn't heard from you yesterday - I was going to see you out.
Your wave breakfast looks amazing.
Looks like you had a fun busy off day so far.
It was amazing!!! I guarantee we will be eating there a few times for V's trip. LOL Every day - if I had my way. LOL
We did have a good day - it was an interesting day off for sure.
Subbing in!! Your bags and head bands are awesome!!
Your poor daughter! I know how much that must have hurt her finger, I've done the same thing.
Loving your TR so far, can't wait to read more!
Thanks!!! I love dressing up at Disney... And i love coming up with new outfits, ideas and themes. Since we are going at Halloween next - I am anxious for a Halloween theme!
She was in a lot of pain, but she was a trooper for sure!
Thanks! I am glad you are enjoying it!
The wedding chapel is gorgeous! I've never eaten at the Wave, but I've now added it to my list of places to try. I've never heard of the Teddy Bear Lady - do tell!!
It is truly marvelous! I was quite shocked at how beautiful it was.
I recommend that everyone tries it - seriously... Suzi started a trend. LOL
You should be able to search her here on The Dis - I know there was a thread about her a while back.
Loved this update!
We are staying at CR for the first time in May, and I've been thinking about booking breakfast at The Wave. Your food pictures look yummy!
Love the wedding pavilion pics and the dream planning.
Can't wait to hear about the Boardwalk. It's pretty much my favorite resort.
Yes - you must, especially if you are staying there.
It was fun to plan out Allison's wedding - even if she knew we were just joking with her.
Oooh - that's coming up next - it was wonderful! And I am not scared of clowns, but I LOVE the whole amusement park theme - I think if I ever stay at a Disney resort again, and I could afford a deluxe - this would be my resort of choice.
Gotcha. I have been to WDW once during January and at night especially it got chilly. At least there's no snow there!
That is so cool! A nice touch.
Oh my gosh all that food looks delicious. Just as good as your November trip!
Adorable :
Wow! What a cool idea to do n your off day! I had no idea you could see that much of it on the boat ride to FortW.
I think the place is kind of psooky...in a cool kind of way. I wasn't even born when it closed but I have read a lot about it, and it just amazes me after all these years that Disney kept it there abandoned..
I wonder if they will ever put anything there!
Oh gosh I got to do that a couple years ago! It as so magical. Wow to get married there would be a dream...:
Yes - I was so surprised at how cold it was... And I was so disappointed in my ability to handle it... The cold is definitely different in FL.
Yup - we will be eating at The Wave on every trip from here on out - multiple times. LOL
To me - it is very spooky... I don't think I could ever go there - even though I would love to see it... I would be too creeped out. LOL
I know - if I wasn't already married, I'd be all for having my wedding there. LOL
OMG that nail post had me shuddering. So glad that she was able to get right back into the saddle again. I think I would have been traumatized.
That curry pasta at AKL is TO DIE FOR!!!! Can't wait to get back there to have some. I've tried to duplicate it at home but it just isn't the same.
I know - I am sorry.... It's pretty awful to read about. At least I didn't post pictures. LOL I am very proud of her for pushing on!
YES!!!! I forgot to mention that I purchased an extra one and put it in my fridge back at SoG - so I could have more later in the week... I was so proud of myself for being so thoughtful to do that. LOL I've been wondering about that - I've wanted to duplicate it at home too...
I'm so sorry for Allison and her poor finger. I'm glad you guys had fun showing pinkies in a majority of the PP photos. I'm impressed ---- Allison's makeup is still on point even AFTER crying!! She should do makeup tutorials on You Tube!! I'd be a fan!
LOL Yes - after that day though - Allison said "no more pinky pictures"... Hehehehe...
Yes - we are kind of make up freaks... I think she may have touched it up? I don't remember. I'll tell her that - I know she wants to.... I always look at her make up and I feel like mine is so inferior because her's is always so perfect... Goals - I guess. LOL
Great room! SOG looks awesome-especially for the price. So glad you enjoyed it so much-I'm sure you'll be happy to stay there again.
Great safari ride! So many active animals and how cool to be so close to the giraffes. I've always had my best rides during or just after a rain.
Yikes about Allison's nail. I really can't believe any CM would not know where first aid is at a park.
I put the Wave on my list for my June trip! Your photos of the Grand Floridian are getting me excited about staying there for the 1st time!
It is - for the price... It's definitely NOT a Disney resort in any way... but you can still see some of the Disney in it - structurally. So, that's pretty cool - so many attention to detail items - light fixtures, pathway lights, rock work, ceiling/beam work.... For the price and the location - it just really can't be beat.
Yes - I agree - I always have the best safaris right away in the morning or just after a rain.
I know - I was so disappointed in Disney for this, and to me - it was unbelievable.
You must!!!! The Wave is just the best - I think everyone should eat there! I can't wait to hear about your GF trip!
Breakfast at The Wave looks really good. We might have to give it a try sometime. Where at the CR is that Mickey head where you and Allison were sitting? That looks like a great photo op. I have very fond memories of River Country. We were able to get some pictures on the boat ride, too, on our last trip. It's so sad what it has become. I've heard of the teddy bear lady before, but I've never seen her. There was actually a pretty lengthy thread about her on the DIS awhile ago. You could probably find it if you searched for it.
I wanted to clarify about my toe (and the toenail that become detached from the nailbed). My toe is perfectly fine, but my toenail is gross. It has taken forever for the nail to grow back correctly and what has grown back is lumpy and bumpy. It's just gross.
I think everyone needs to try The Wave - it's wonderful!
The Mickey Head at CR is right out the back doors - on the way to the marina/boat docks.
I agree - it's so sad about what it's become - I wouldn't be surprised if Disney took it down completely in the coming years, because it's become a place for so many to try to sneak into.
Ahhh got it - such a bummer.... Do the Drs think it will ever come in normally?
I'm definitely looking forward to this!
We used the Shady Shuttle once, we had someone with us who had a TON of blisters.
I'm putting this on my list. My boys were never keen on characters (and now they are adults) but we enjoy breakfast buffets! (We love Boma).
I need to do this! Thanks for the great photos!
I hope I get to it today... Currently Photobucket is under maintenance though....
We took advantage of the Shady Shuttle quite a bit for outbound, but inbound - we chose a different mode of transportation.
I love Boma too - but The Wave - IMO - is much better... I just love it!
Start sewing/saving for Allison's wedding now. Very Pricey... We visited the Wilderness Lodge in December. I really want to stay there.
Hahahaha! I may be hiring out for this...
It looks like a beautiful resort!
We have eaten at Tusker House twice (once breakfast, once lunch) and really didn't care for it either time.... Always found it loud and the characters rushed. The Wave does look quite yummy! May have to give that a try when my girls actually eat more than cereal for breakfast!
I used to love it when the girls were younger and the character interaction was better - characters usually aren't as good the older that they get... For as rushed/loud as it is and the food being less than stellar - I prefer non-character meals these days. Although - I wouldn't mind doing Garden Grill again - as C&D are usually pretty good and the food there is excellent.
That would be annoying for a family of four. We stayed there a couple times in the early 80's, when it was still the Golf Resort, and all I remember is the long driveway that we used to walk to get to and from the Poly.
Is Allison wearing her phone on a lanyard around her neck? That looks like a good idea.
That breakfast looks delicious. I bet it is a lot cheaper than Tusker House, too. I want to try the sweet potato pancakes.
Was the door open or did you have to ask someone to show it to you? It looks like a beautiful place for a wedding.
That was really nice to have Monica drive you to the Boardwalk. It would probably have taken you at least 40 minutes by Disney transportation.
Your visit with the Teddy Bear Lady sounds nice. I've heard the story but haven't seen her yet.
You took some nice pictures of the Wilderness Lodge. Did you enjoy your visit there?
Do you have pictures??? I am dying to see what the rooms looked like - there is NOTHING, absolutely nothing on the internet about the rooms themselves, and very little on the resort... I am so fascinated by it, I would love to see.
She is actually carrying her wallet around her neck... I don't think her phones fit in that? It's a little too small.
It is a lot cheaper - I believe I budgeted $50 for that meal, for the two of us? And TH, I budgeted $80... Both budget amounts include tip.
I know - that was super nice... There were a few times that friends offered to drive us places - and it was wonderful!!!! I am getting to the point where I *could* maybe rent a car on WDW property? I dunno? It would be nice - but then I would have to pay $10/day for parking at SoG (it's not free to park there) plus I think I would have to pay for parking at the parks, since SoG no longer has free parking there either. However - I do think I get free parking with my AP?
Thanks - I did love Wilderness Lodge - the only thing that stops me from staying there, is that I love to stay in places that are new to me - and even though I've never stayed at WL - we have a LOT of that sort of thing here - which I've stayed at numerous times, so to me, it's not very unusual. Make sense? I think if someone lived in the city - and not near anything like that, it would be a lot more fun? Despite that - it is beautiful and Disney did an amazing job with it.
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I am hoping for a few more updates today and throughout the weekend.
D~
Very Pricey... We visited the Wilderness Lodge in December. I really want to stay there.
I love the pictures from the boat of the old River Country. I think it's interesting too. I remember that place even though I was young. I love the picture you took with Allison on the Mickey ears at CR, pure magic. Wilderness Lodge is really neat. We've had breakfast there once and have enjoyed looking around too. I really like the spring in the lobby that heads out to the pool. The GF is beautiful. A wedding there would be amazing. Allison is a lucky girl!
probably something I have screwed up on my PC 
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. That chapel is so beautiful and with the view of the castle would make such lovely wedding photos.....this is on my Disney bucket list (to attend a wedding at Disney) Hint, Hint Allison. Just kidding her college goals should be her priority now, but when you need that Fairy GodMother I am available!
Wow that's cutting it close!
We love Beaches and Cream and eat there almost every trip. We've never tried the Kitchen Sink; our go-to is the No Way Jose. 
