Sue's May 2024 Jambo House Club Level Trip

DAY 2 – Thursday 5/23/24
Who: Sue (65), DVC Member
Holli (59), friend
Plan: OKW Pool, Concierge Lounge

Actual: I slept pretty well but woke up thirsty around 1am. Too much sparkling wine, no doubt. I drank some water & went back to bed. For some reason I thought I’d set the alarm for 5 so kept laying there waiting for it to go off later. When I realized it was getting light outside, I checked the phone and discovered I had not set it last night and it was now just after 6! It’s no big deal since I don’t have to be anywhere at any set time – that’s the beauty of my trips these days!

I had my cappuccino and then after 7:30 dressed in a swimsuit & coverup to go out to the lounge for breakfast. Today they have turkey bobotie, sausage links and the hot sticky buns in addition to the oatmeal and all the cold stuff. Spotting a half sausage link in the pan I grabbed that and a little turkey bobotie, then added some honeydew slices and a small cheese Danish. I don’t believe I’ve seen those before. It was very good! I took everything back to the room and ate there while updating the report.

It's a bright sunny day but they’re expecting record-breaking heat (near 100 degrees) all of the holiday weekend. Thank goodness this isn’t a parks trip for me! By 8 I was ready to go, so I grabbed my bag for the pool, stopped at the lounge for water & ice to fill my insulated water bottle, and chatted with the many cast members who remembered me from the past. It’s nice to see a number of familiar faces, and they’re all so nice here. I also got a whole grain croissant for later, putting butter in the fridge and the croissant in a ziplock bag.

Once that was done, I went down to the car and drove over to Old Key West to meet Darla at the Southpoint pool. It’s been so long since I’ve stayed at OKW I only vaguely knew where this pool is located. I ended up going too far and saw a sign saying “village pool” but it wasn’t familiar at all and didn’t look right. I parked and got out, but soon returned to the car and drove towards the bus stop, remembering the pool was near that. I parked once again, and this time found the pool.

I spotted Deb standing up by their chairs, talking on her phone and then heard Darla greeting me from in the pool. We had a nice visit – I joined Darla in the pool and was surprised when a short time later Deb said it was after 10 already. There was another couple there, and we talked with them for a while – nice couple from Jacksonville. He’s the 400th dvc member, having bought in 2001 before the resort even opened. She mentioned having made a gallon of rum runners before leaving home, so they go across to their room to “refill” their insulated mugs as needed, lol.

The only thing I didn’t like is he had a boom box on their table. One thing we like about the quiet pool is the QUIET. And who even has a boom box these days? Once everyone was out of the pool they sat at their table (next to us) and were playing country music (oh please – not country). This was twangy country, not country pop that would be more tolerable. I knew Deb & Darla & their friend Kelly would be leaving soon to go out to lunch somewhere, so I decided to escape the country music and return to my resort. It was great spending time with them.

Back at Jambo House I took a chair in my usual spot across from the flamingos. This should work for SB as well, because there’s a gate to the pool right here, a big hot tub nearby, and plenty of shade across the way. Unfortunately, it wasn’t completely relaxing, as I ended up either on the phone or texting – suddenly popular. I didn’t want to be rude, and the texter doesn’t get my trip reports so I can say that here <g>.

I moved to the shade for a while and then headed up to the room somewhere after noon. A couple ankole cattle were down below munching grass or hay. I took my shower and got dressed, then at half the croissant from this morning. The multi grain ones are really good – I like them better than the traditional.

By now it was 1:30 so I went out to the lounge with the laptop for a half-hour. They had turkey pinwheels, so I tried one but wasn’t a big fan. I got a few slices of cucumber and some of the dipping sauce for my “lunch”. I’ll hold off on any alcohol until Holli gets here.

At 2 I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie and went back to the room to watch General Hospital. I imagine the others will arrive by 2:30, but it depends on whatever construction delays they might experience. SB called right at 2:30, from the lobby. Holli was checking in, so I told him to wait & see if her room is ready. If not, he can bring her up here and she can stash her stuff in our room. Turns out her room was ready, so that was good. I saw SB walking around on the 5th floor and called out to him. His magic band didn’t work in the elevator, so we’ll get that reset later. I brought him up via the stairs and took him to the room. Holli texted to say she was at the stairs, so I grabbed her “Holly” key and met her there. We all spent some time in the lounge.

I ordered sparkling wine for Holli & me and a Mich Ultra for SB. When I went up to get a few goldfish Francisco walked by and asked if I wanted sparkling wine, lol! I told him I’d just ordered some and it was my first of the day. He looked at his watch and asked what’s wrong, lol. One is my limit today!

Eventually SB went back to the room, leaving Holli & I in the lounge. Francisco came over with the bottle of sparkling wine and offered more. I declined but Holli got a refill. Once they had the signs all laid out for tonight’s food, we walked around to check it out and many favorites will be here! Tonight is the buttered chicken, the Sanaa tomato soup with paneer cheese, the mealie dogs (corn dog nuggets) and the Teahive cheese. That’s too many great things all on the same night, but it is what it is. We’ll enjoy!

I stopped by the room to let SB know about the food and told him we’d moved to a different table, then rejoined Holli in the lounge. We had a lovely evening in the lounge. SB joined us at some point and was able to be satisfied with the offerings without needing to pig out on a meal from Mara. I had checked the app, and the dinner menu was the same as the lunch menu, which probably was not accurate. Similar to our experience at Beach Club at dinner there was also a chicken dinner than wouldn’t show up in the app but could be ordered in person. I believe the same is true at Mara. He could have gone down to check that out in person but thankfully it didn’t come to that tonight.

Everything in the lounge was exceptional – I cannot express how much I love it here! It was never really busy either, and tables were always empty. I’m sure it will be completely different by the weekend. Knowing the butter chicken was one of Amanda’s favorites, once it got closer to 7pm I asked Francisco for one of the carryout containers. He came back with 2 of them (there are no lids) plus a beverage container with 4 bottled waters. That led Holli to restate that he’s “sweet” on me. I laughed it off because I don’t believe that’s the case at all – he’s been here for years, so have I, and never have I received this special treatment. It’s just him, and this time I’m the random recipient of his exceptional service.

I went up to the food station with one of the containers and the cast member scooped several scoops of rice and butter chicken for me (for Amanda). Most likely they will have it again during her stay, but just in case it will be available to her. My fridge is getting full with her butter chicken and Jodi’s lamb stew <g>.

At 7 the food shut down, after cast members came around with the containers asking if we wanted to get anything before, they shut down (we did not). Eventually around 7:30 I asked if we were going to check out the animals! SB was ready to head back to the room and lay down like a slug, but Holli wanted to see the animals. She made a quick restroom stop while I went with SB to the room and grabbed my camera, then Holli & I headed downstairs. Not much was going on at the Arusha rock savanna, so we headed out to the savannah by the pool.

Once there we initially just saw a couple Addax laying around but the giraffe were moving in. At one point we had 4 of them, feeding from one of the trees nearby. They’re my favorite so it was nice seeing so many so close. This resort is so awesome in that respect! I love Beach Club for many trips, but for a resort stay you cannot beat this. When the giraffe wandered away, we headed back inside and went up to the lounge. The 8-10 dessert offerings had already started, and once again the lounge was not busy.

The special desserts tonight were the Kenyan coffee tarts, orange sesame cake, a caramel nut tart and a chocolate cupcake thing. I got one of each for SB and all but the chocolate cupcake for me. I’m not sure what Holli got. She & I each got a cordial – amarula for me and possibly kahlua & amarula for her. She headed down to her room after I gave her 2 of the waters from Franciso, and I went to our toom.

SB was watching a basketball game and was happy to receive the unneeded desserts. When we’d left the lounge earlier, he’d grabbed a Mickey bar and an ice cream sandwich. The Mickey Bar is in the freezer section of the fridge along with another I had gotten the night before. Tonight, he ate the ice cream sandwich.

We enjoyed our treats, and he was asleep by 9, lol. I finished updating the report and hope to finish the puzzles I didn’t complete earlier before turning in. Today was a wonderful day – great to spend time with longtime DVC friends, so happy to be here at Jambo House with club level access and it was great spending time in the lounge with SB and Holli.

Tomorrow will be a leisurely/lazy day – pool time, lounge time – anything more would be a distraction. Chris, Amanda & Ari will arrive during the “dinner” time in the lounge, so that’s a big plus!

DAY 4 – Saturday 5/25/24
Who: Sue (65), DVC Member
Chris (37), my son
Amanda (35), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7), my grandson

Plan: Pool, Concierge Lounge

Actual: I was up at 5:30, with SB getting up an hour or so later. I enjoyed my cappuccino while he slept. Not sure how he can sleep through the noisy coffee maker, though. Just after 7 I went out to the lounge to check the breakfast offerings. Today the turkey bobotie was back, along with bacon. The regular oatmeal was back and the warm sticky buns. The cheese Danish were back as well.

I fixed a plate of bobotie & bacon for SB, along with a small bowl of oatmeal. I went back for my breakfast and ran into Amanda, so I decided to eat out there with them. I had a small piece of bobotie, some bacon, and then added a sticky bun. That thing is so sweet – I really didn’t enjoy it as much as I have in the past, but it’s still very good. They’re headed to Magic Kingdom but only plan to stay perhaps an hour.

I went back to our room and brought some stuff for Chris & Amanda (including the butter chicken) and a couple pool towels for me to use after my shower Monday down to their room. Around 8:30 SB & I headed out. He had seen Ari looking at a keychain in the shop last night and wanted to get it for him. When we got to the shop we found it wasn’t a keychain at all, but a small bottle of hand sanitizer, lol! We agreed he didn’t need that but SB wanted to get him something. I searched around and found a few options – there really wasn’t much to pick from beyond t-shirts and stuffed animals. SB looked at the options I found and decided on the WDW keychain – it has a cube with the icon from each park on one of the 4 side and looks pretty nice. We made the purchase and then went down to the pool.

It’s so frustrating that doesn’t open until 10am, especially when it’s so hot outside AND it’s a holiday weekend. I sat in my usual chair and SB left to go sit in the lobby (in air conditioning). Holli came down around 9:30 again, and SB was back out around 9:45. Yesterday a cast member came by and unlocked the gate near my chair, but that did not happen today. Shortly before 10 I happened to look into the pool area and hordes of people were in there grabbing up all the chaise lounges! Our gate was still locked, but people had come in and set up their towels by walking in from another gate. We got up and did the same, having to settle for a crowded spot in a less than ideal location. I sit out there 90 minutes and people who show up 15 minutes early beat me to the punch.

In the end it didn’t matter too much because it was too hot to spend time on the chaise lounges. Holli and SB immediately went into the pool and pretty quickly I joined them, sitting on the top ledge and dangling my legs in the water. We were out there talking for an hour or so, then Holli & I returned to our chairs. When SB got out of the pool, he went next door to the pool bar and came back with 2 pina coladas and a frozen strawberry margarita. They were good, but I gave him most of mine – it was very sweet and heavy. The paper straw didn’t help, lol!

He & I went up to the room around 11:45 and Holli followed about 30 minutes later. I took a quick shower and decided to sit in the lounge with SB and ran into Holli as she was coming back. SB got some turkey roll ups and veggies, while I ate a few of the spicy nuts. Holli got changed and joined us, getting some veggies and a bag of chips. They got up to hit the road about 12:30, figuring they should beat any holiday traffic.

I got my laptop and returned to the lounge, setting up in the corner by the electrical outlet. Amanda texted just before 1 saying they were back at the resort and heading to their room. One of the cast members stopped by and asked if she could bring me anything to drink so I ordered the sparkling wine. She thought I was working, being on the computer, and said I needed a reward for that, lol!

Chris texted asking if we could sit by an outlet. I replied back that there were 7 to my left and 2 to my right, so yes. He, Amanda & Ari joined me in the lounge, and I moved over to the 4-top table to my left. Chris had forgotten to charge his phone last night, so he did that here. We had a nice time sitting around in the lounge. Ari was restless but watched Coco on the big tv. I brought him to my room and gave him the keychain SB had bought him – he loved it and knew exactly what each side of the cube meant.

Chris ordered a Casa beer, but they brought him the wrong one. He kept that one and also the Casa they went back to get. They had some turkey roll-ups and other snacks for “lunch”. When the drums in the lobby took a break, I was able to discuss my estate planning with them. They also need to take care of some basic legal documents, but not the full-blown stuff that’s appropriate for me at my age. We also agreed that when I’m gone, they will “have to” take a HAL cruise and arrange for my burial at sea.

They headed out for Disney Springs around 2:30 (the next bus was arriving at 2:40) to check a couple of specific shops. They said it was really HOT in Magic Kingdom this morning but uncrowded until about 10am. They should arrive there by 3, hit the 2 shops and be back on a bus by 4 to come back to the resort. DVC buddy Jodi had texted asking what time the food was up in the lounge. I replied with the information, and she said they were already here but having lunch (Mara I assume). She had a waitlist come through for tonight and tomorrow night, and it might be their first stay. I have no idea who is with her, and it’s possible she’ll be sleeping at home, being a local.

I stayed a bit longer in the lounge, soaking up the ambience. I absolutely love it here. However, it would be very difficult to stay here without having lounge access, so I never consider it if I can’t get club level. Once I dropped off the laptop, I grabbed the camera and went walking around the resort. Both viewing areas were pretty dead, but I found several animals at a couple of the outside stairwells.

Around 4:15 I went out to the lounge and did some reading on my kindle. There was a lovely family there with a toddler wearing a dress over her diaper. The thought it’s appropriate to have her sitting and crawling on the table – I’m sure her shoes are spotlessly clean and so is her diaper, since people will be eating on this table! It’s really discouraging how trashy some people have become, even at Disney.

Chris & Amanda texted at 4:40 saying they were at the bus stop, so they got out of Disney Springs later than planned. I secured our table for 4 and as I’d feared the lounge was much busier tonight. There was always at least one table available, but I didn’t appreciate occupying a table as a solo. At one point I saw DVC buddy Jodi roll by on her scooter but I didn’t dare get up to go talk with her as I’d have left the table empty.

Tonight’s food was the least impressive so far. The hot foods were a plant-based thing (Amanda explained it to me but my only comment was “why??”) and the chicken corn chowder. On the other side they had peanut butter & jelly sandwich pieces (boring) and the bbq meatballs (very good). Cheeses were the Manchego and barely buzzed – that one had espresso added. Meats were picante chorizo and salami. I got a piece of cheese (buzzed), piece of salami and a couple crackers, basically just killing time until the others arrived. I also had the chenin blanc, which tonight was Fairview rather than Indaba. I think I like Fairview better, so this was a good thing.

Chris, Amanda & Ari arrived around 5:30. They nearly had an accident on the bus when some fool in a minivan pulled a u-turn right in front of the bus. The driver slammed on the brakes, which created some issues for the people standing. Thankfully the people with babies managed to hold onto them.

Ari bought a cute Mickey fanny pack (or belt bag) and his new keychain can hang from it nicely. They got their food and drink, and I stepped back to talk with Jodi. I met her daughter Becca and later the son-in-law Sean. It was nice catching up with her and we were trying to figure out when we first met. It had to be by the last 1990’s. She’s booked into a room here but will be sleeping at home – don’t blame her since who wants to share a room with other people, and I think she only lives 7 minutes away. We had a nice chat, and then I needed to get back to my family.

Amanda was worried not knowing where I had gone and fearing the worst. I didn’t drop dead in the elevator foyer, I was just visiting <g>. Later Jodi rolled by and this was her 2nd time meeting Chris & Amanda but first for Ari. I think Jodi was heading out at this point. The Hollands and I stayed a bit longer, eating and drinking. I got one of the meatballs, which was great. I also got a small cup of the chicken corn chowder and ate it with the skinny sesame flatbread per Amanda’s preference. I didn’t try the plant-based thing. Again, why? If I want something that tastes like meat, let it actually be meat and not some fake processed crap.

They decided to go meet with my cousin Karen’s daughter Kimberly’s family at Pop Century and probably wouldn’t make it back for desserts until around 9. I told them that’s fine – I’ll get what I want at 8 and call it a night. They headed out and I went up for another glass of chenin blanc, this time being poured the Indaba. It’s fine because I like that one too, and the Fairview bottle was almost empty. I put it in my fridge, along with a cup of ice, and then headed out to check out the savannahs.

Both were pretty active. The addax were running around by the pool viewpoint, and several giraffe were munching from the boxes. Out by Arusha Rock there was a herd of white bearded wildebeest and some zebra in the distance. Lots of people were toasting marshmallows or making s’mores at the campfire and overall, it was much busier than the previous nights. It was very nice, as this is a gorgeous resort and it’s so nice to be in such a beautiful setting surrounded by other people who seem to appreciate and enjoy the setting.

I went back inside and settled into bed to update the report while watching Wheel of Fortune and sipping the chenin blanc. I checked out the signage for tonight’s dessert offerings, and it’s just ok. They’ve got the Kenyan coffee tart, the caramel thing, some cupcake and the orange sesame cake. Of the 4, the orange sesame cake is my favorite – it’s light and very tasty. The cookies are chocolate chip and sugar cookies. I prefer the oatmeal raisin, which I haven’t seen since the first night.

Chris called to say they were hopping the skyliner from Pop over to Epcot to get the passholder magnet. From there they’d exit the front of the park and take a bus back to Jambo House. I’ll most likely be in bed by then, but I said to text me later – his phone charger cord and some goldfish belonging to them are in my room. Clearly the goldfish can wait, but he might need his phone cord.

My room faces west, which was a nice surprise. Not sure why it took me 4 nights to realize this, but evidently, I wasn’t in the room at sunset. Tonight, I was, and it was really pretty. I decided to wrap up the report at this point – whatever happens later I’ll include tomorrow.

Today was a wonderfully relaxing Disney day. Without DVC I would never be doing this, and I’m so thankful I had the sense to become a member back when I did. Sharing it with friends and family is the icing on the cake. I wish it wasn’t as hot as it’s been, but we made it work. SB enjoyed his time here and I enjoyed having him here. It worked out well. Holli as always was very appreciative – she says staying here makes her feel like a princess, lol.

Tomorrow, I have to check out of this room and move to a regular dvc room on the 5th floor but I’ll have lounge access that evening. I’ll spend some time at the pool and then shower/dress in Chris & Amanda’s room before spending the afternoon in the lounge until my new room is ready. We’ll all have one last evening together, and hopefully I’ll get to see Kimberly & her family at some point.

DAY 5 – Sunday 5/26/24
Who: Sue (65), DVC Member
Chris (37), my son
Amanda (35), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7), my grandson

Plan: Pool, Concierge Lounge

Actual: Last night I went out to the lounge somewhere after 8:30 and got all but the Kenyan coffee tart. The chocolate cupcake thing was actually very good – better than the salted caramel brownie. The caramel nut tart was good, but as usual the caramel is a very strong flavor. I do like it though. The caramel is pretty loose/runny, and the nuts are plentiful – I really wouldn’t change it at all. The orange sesame cake as expected was light and delicious.

Chris texted around 8:45 to say they were headed to the bus. I think I was already in bed by the and was asleep before his next text around 9:30 saying they were in the lounge (saw it this morning). I slept well once again and was up a little after 5:30 to make my cappuccino.

Once that was gone, I packed up what I could and when Chris texted to say they were in the lounge I went out to join them for breakfast. They were at the table in the corner by the kid’s tv, saying when they arrived that’s the only one that was available. It worked out well for Ari, as he had a view of the cartoon playing while he ate.

Breakfast today was mildly disappointing because they had turkey bobotie AGAIN. I was hoping the scramble eggs with tomato, feta and spinach would reappear, and not have turkey bobotie 3 out of 4 mornings! The sausage links were back, along with the ordinary oatmeal and the warm sticky nut buns. On the cold side the muffin was banana, and the pastry was guava – Holli loves that, but it didn’t fall on one of her days.

I had a small piece of turkey bobotie and a sausage link. Yesterday I’d brought a multi grain croissant to the room and still had that for later. The Hollands headed off to Hollywood Studios and would be returning for pool time after their 11:05 lunch at Woody’s bbq place in Toy Story Land. I finished packing up my stuff and brought a load down to their room, using the outside stairwell next to my room. I came back to get my rolling suitcase and bag for the pool, stopping on my way out to check out this room and check into the new one. Cast member Angelique gave me a key card just in case my magic band wouldn’t work later and reminded me I still had access to the lounge through the end of the day.

I dropped off the suitcase and headed down to the pool. This time I settled on a chaise lounge (outside the pool area) on the resort side rather than going around to the flamingo side. I figured this way when the gate opens, I’ll get a good seat.

It was pretty warm out there but not unbearable. By 9:45 there were people lined up at the gate, so I got up and joined the back of the line. We waited and waited, hoping they’d open up early to at let us inside. The did, but not our gate first – some gate on the side opened first and the people over there came rushing over to grab the chairs in this area! People in my line were getting agitated, and a cast member came running over with the key to open it, but of course the chairs I’d had my eye on were all taken again. This is frustrating – this pool area needs to be open much earlier than 10am! There is no quiet pool here, or that’s where I’d be.

There was nothing available on an end of a row, so I picked on in the middle that had a small table and shifted some of the empty ones away a bit. I don’t hate people, but I really don’t want to be practically on top of a bunch of strangers either. Soon the whistle blew to signal the pool was open, and I alternated between my chaise lounge and the edge of the pool. The pool water helped keep me comfortable. All of a sudden, I felt something bite the back of my right arm, just above the elbow. I couldn’t feel a bug or anything, but eventually did spot a small biting ant on my chair. Chances are, it was him. I’d had just about enough of getting bitten at this point, so I decided it was time to leave the pool area despite it only being around 10:30 or 10:45.

I sat at a shady table in the outer area and did some reading. A rather heavyset lady must have tripped coming down the few steps and landed on the ground. I only mention her size because someone 250-300 pounds is going to fall “harder” than someone who’s 100 pounds (or a child). She started to get up, but then rolled over and laid on her back, which seemed odd. A lady passing by stopped to help her, made a call, and when I left cast members had placed a bunch of pool towels under her head for comfort and one was holding an ice pack to a bruise on her shin. Hopefully she didn’t really hurt much more than her prided – I’ve certainly been there & done that, thankfully not here at Disney or on a HAL cruise.

Once I was cooled off, I returned my pool towels and went up to Chris & Amanda’s room for my shower. I had stashed a couple pool towels there since they use all of their room towels. I showered, dressed, dried my hair and then took a couple things out the car (after returning the pool towels). From there I headed up to the lounge with the laptop and my phone. I used the table in the front corner due to all the outlets nearby and charged my phone while updating the report and doing online stuff. When I went up to get a couple cucumber slices and some spicy nuts a young girl (elementary school age) asked me “so how is your day going today?” It was so cute – I replied, and asked her the same question – it was like talking with an adult in a child’s body.

Chris & Amanda got back to the resort around 1 and are heading to Kidani Village since that pool has more for kids. Kimberly’s family would be joining them, but I declined going over in favor of staying in air conditioning. Hopefully I’ll get to see everyone if they come by here afterwards (not in the lounge – down in the lobby).

No sooner did the Hollands leave to get changed for the pool when I got the room ready text/email. I’d just finished updating all the drivers on the laptop and updating the phone operating system. My glass of sparkling wine wasn’t empty, so I just took my time and didn’t bother going downstairs to check out the room just yet.

Around 2 I went downstairs and absolutely love my new room! They call it a “partial savannah view” but other than part of a people pen right below, I’d say this is full savannah. I had 2 ankole cattle laying down to the left. A couple ostrich were strutting around. There was one giraffe under a tree to the right, 2 giraffes under a tree directly ahead and another somewhat off to the left just staring at my balcony. I took several pictures and sent them to Amanda since she was wondering what “partial savannah view” meant, then spent a bit more time watching them all from my balcony. The room’s not far down the hall either, so it’s pretty much ideal for this final night.

I downloaded the pictures from the camera and then went to Chris & Amanda’s room to get the rest of my stuff moved over. Once that was done, I took the laptop and went back up to the lounge to work on deleting some of the photos and get an album set up. Cast member Jenny stopped by, having recognized me from Beach Club stays – very nice lady. I had a few more spiced nuts and got another glass of sparkling wine – my last for a long time. There are lots of giraffe pictures, but they’ve always been my favorite!

Chris texted to say they were on the shuttle from Kidani, so I went back to the room to drop off the laptop. Once there I still had some giraffe and ostrich outside, so I texted him to come to my room and I propped the door open (I was on the balcony). They arrived pretty quickly – about 4pm and we all gathered on the balcony. My oldest cousin Karen (I’m the oldest grandchild than either she or my brother are second – they’re very close in age), then there are the rest. Karen had 2 daughters – Kimberly and Krissten. Krissten lives in Los Angeles, loving the single life. Kimberly is married to Joe and they have son Anthony (6) and daughter Emily (turned 5 on this trip). I may have seen Kimberly and Joe once (not counting Kimberly as a baby when Chris was also a baby), but had never met the kids.

I expected the kids to be distant since they don’t know me, but with the animals and talking to them about the various animals they quickly came around. We left my room and went out to Arusha Rock but hardly anything was happening out there. We stopped by the flamingos, which are not common to kids from Massachusetts, and they soaked up the information I gave them. There were 2 tiny baby ducklings swimming there, with Mama duck sitting up above on a rock to supervise. They couldn’t have been more than a few inches long – so cute!

From there we went to the viewing area by the pool and had a few addax moving around. The way a couple were sniffing each other’s butts I thought maybe we’d end up with an addax porno movie but it didn’t progress to that level. By now it was 4:30 so we hurried inside and up to the lounge (since it would be almost empty) and took the table in the kid’s corner. I think maybe one other party was in the lounge since from 4-5 there is no food out. I got the kids each a Mickey bar, with a plate to catch what might fall. They loved them, and sat around the little tv eating their treat. Turns out Kimberly likes white chocolate, so I ran down to the room and got the lounge welcome gift to give to her (which chocolate bar with 3 pictures of animals).

I found out they’re staying at All Star Music, having stayed at All Star Sports on their previous trip, but Joe commented that it’s a whole different vibe over here. For right now they’re in the parks all day so decided to stay at the cheapest place, which makes sense. That may change down the road some.

I went down to get my laptop and when I returned, they were all gone. The Hollands were grabbing a quick shower, so I got us a 4-top table. Tonight, the hot foods are buttered chicken and the tomato soup with paneer cheese. They also have the mealie dogs (corn dog nuggets). The meats are picante chorizo (they must have gotten a deal on that) and prosciutto, and the cheese were Manchego and teahive.

I fixed a plate with a piece of teahive, the chorizo, crispy things and a couple mealie dogs. I also got a glass of chenin blanc which the cast member poured into a champagne flute for some odd reason. I looked puzzled and he asked if he’d poured the wrong wine but I assured him the wine was right – just the glass was not the normal, lol. I add ice to my wine, so with the skinny glass I just had to add smaller pieces.

Surprisingly the lounge wasn’t as busy as I’d thought it would be. At 5:30 there were at least 3-4 empty tables. I was happy about that since I really don’t like holding a table for 4 as a solo when it’s really busy.

The Hollands arrived just after 5:30 and we had a great evening in the lounge. It never got terribly busy, and the food & service was excellent. I was surprised that Ari could eat after the Mickey bar recently, but he did eat some stuff. Once he was full, he just played around, which is fine. We enjoyed the buttered chicken and if I’d thought to bring a decent container would have brought some home but their “to go” container was only a bottom without any lid that snapped on. Lesson learned for next time, because they’re always trying to get rid of the stuff close to 7pm.

We stayed in the lounge for the period between “dinner” and desserts. Tonight, the desserts were a chocolate bar cake (very good), the blueberry cinnamon bar (excellent), s’mores with passion fruit (what the heck?) and the cheetah spots. Cookies were sugar and oatmeal raisin, SB’s favorite. We haven’t seen oatmeal raisin since the first night. I got a chocolate bar and a blueberry cinnamon bar – both were excellent. I took some oatmeal raisin cookies to bring home to SB and a few blueberry cinnamon things for breakfast in the morning.

We decided to head out to see the animals one last time. Earlier when I’d been in the room an ostrich was sitting in a spot as if she was sitting on a nest. When I went back to take my stuff to the room she was gone but there were 2 eggs left behind! I told Chris & Amanda, and we went down to see them but a jeep was there and there were no eggs. Kids watching at the window confirmed they had taken the eggs.

We went out to Arusha Rock and then over to the area by the pool. Out there we mentioned the eggs to the cast member from Africa and she let us know they only had female ostrich here, so while they laid eggs they were not fertilized. Cast members would pick them up when they were laid. I guess that’s why we’ve never seen a baby ostrich here in all these years.

We headed back inside and said our goodbyes. Amanda reminded me that I invited them to Hoop Dee Doo Revue for SB’s birthday, and since I can book that in 2 days, I’m glad I know not to book it for 2 vs the 5 of us! Assuming I can get it, it’ll be a nice surprise for SB. We headed back to our rooms, and I caught the last half of the trashy 90 Day Fiance episode. I don’t know why I watch this – it’s like a train wreck.

Today was a wonderful day – I loved the pool time even though it was brief. My new room is excellent – couldn’t be better located and the animal activity was excellent. I really enjoyed seeing Kimberly & her family, too.

Tomorrow is getaway day. The Hollands are headed to Animal Kingdom before heading home. I’ll have a leisurely breakfast in my room and then head back to Gainesville. I’m sorry the trip is coming to an end so soon, but it does feel like it lasted a nice time vs flying by too quickly.

DAY 6 – Monday 5/27/24
Who: Sue (65), DVC Member


Plan: Gideons?, Drive to Gainesville

Actual: I slept well again and didn’t get up until just after 6 this morning. By then the sunrise was starting – from this room that’s my view. I made my cappuccino and later toasted the bagel I’d saved from the lounge. I used to always get breakfast at Maro the day I’d be leaving, but their wonderful quiche is no longer on the menu. After 5 days of all the eating up in the lounge Gideon’s was the last thing I was interested in today, so I skipped that as well.

While online I booked Hoop Dee Doo Revue for SB’s birthday – Chris, Amanda & Ari will be there to surprise him. I got the category 1 seating for the 5 of us. I also booked Steakhouse 71 for dinner the following night. He & I will be staying in one of the new Fort Wilderness cabins, so it’ll be convenient for both dinners.

Around 8 I finally got up and packed up my stuff. I checked out via the app and was on the road by 8:15. It was a very easy drive at this time of day on a holiday!

This turned to be a really great trip, other than the bug bites and extreme heat. Everyone had a nice time together, and the resort is as beautiful as ever. They seemed to have more cast members working up in the lounge, which provided for great customer service up there. Except for one evening, it was never overly crowded up there. I will be complaining about the pool opening time on my survey (as usual). There’s no excuse for a 10am opening, and for not opening the main entrance first. I’ve never seen people lined up well before the pool even opens until this trip!

I did take some pictures with the real camera – mostly giraffe but I did take pictures of the food on the first night. They’re in an album on Snapfish at www.snapfish.com/share?via=link&lc=en_US&locale=en_US&token=ucjdG1Px2x6Yk2qTFz5WcQ/SFO/27953931149060/SNAPFISH

The next trips will be happening in July. SB & I will spend 3 nights at Saratoga Springs over the 4th of July holiday to see the new drone show. Then in late July we’ve got a Fort Wilderness Cabin for 3 nights over his birthday. Should be fun!

Such a lovely review. Always enjoy reading them.