Steve Russo - June 2012 - Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House

[mxrapu]

Do drunk elephants see pink people??

Good one!

[srusso100]

Good one!

Yes it was.

[srusso100]

First I wanted to say I am sorry for your loss.
Second, I want to thank you for writing another wonderful report. I really enjoy your reports and your writing technique. I find myself laughing at how you describe things and how people are or just the every day things that go on. Again, thank you for taking time to write your report, can't wait for the next installment.
(You should take all of your trip reports and create another book for your avid readers! Just a thought!)

Thanks. A book? really? Would anyone really pay for something they could find free on the internet?

[Pammer]

Steve, just starting to read your report but wanted to say how sorry I was to read about Pop's passing; between losing both him and Gunnar, you have had a tough year. My condolences to you and your family.

[srusso100]

Steve, just starting to read your report but wanted to say how sorry I was to read about Pop's passing; between losing both him and Gunnar, you have had a tough year. My condolences to you and your family.

Thanks, Pam.

[pmilesdisneyfan]

Hi Steve,

I too am sorry for the loss of your dad. Your trip report was great fun to read, and I really enjoyed hearing some non-typical experiences at Disney! Ahhhh to be wealthy, or at least a MousePlanet reporter. LOL!

My husband and I have been planning the same kind of thing that you mentioned.....longer, less frequent trips. I think the days of long weekends to jet on down to our favorite place is gone at least for now. Airfare from the Baltimore-Washington area is hit and miss, but hovers around the $300 per ticket range unless you want to fly in the opposite direction and change planes twice and refuel the plane yourself to save some money. Regardless, I will always take direct flights and will continue join the throngs of people who debate the whole - how many bags to check? are there baggage fees with this airline? does the airline use Magical Express? decision making process as we try to trim down the budget. It's become so complicated anymore.

Anyhow, my point....for our 10 year anniversary next year we were discussing a trip without the kids, maybe a long weekend away, maybe a cruise....but it boils down to one or the other: a trip for us, or our every-other-year Disney trip with our two small children. The solution? An extended Disney trip next summer (a two weeker maybe?) and utilize the Neverland Club a night or two for a special date night for our anniversary. I think we'll enjoy ourselves immensely on our "longer trip" as we try to find yet another way to get the most out of our expensive plane ride.

Pam
pmilesdisneyfan

[MRSMOLE]

You always write a great report, so much detail and fun. Sorry for your families loss.

[baylakebeliever]

Hi Steve! Loved your trip report, so much in fact I had to go back and read the prior two. After working a 12 hour shift you had me laughing sometimes and crying at others ( so sorry to hear about your Dad and Gunnar). Glad I read them as you helped finalize a few decisions we were on the fence about for our upcoming trip. We will try Sci Fi and TIW will definitely help our budget and more than pay for itself with all the character meals we have booked.You had us laughing with the chorus about getting out of the chair as DH sings his own tune! Oklahoma and Red Rover were too funny . Now when I pass these people in a few weeks I'll be grinning ear to ear, they'll think I'm crazy. Hey maybe they will move over then! Your are right having that extra bathroom is great especially with 3 teenagers. Always wondered what a trip in January would be like as DD birthday is then. We live right outside of Boston and this would be a great winter escape! These are the Things I Think I Think... the always tardy couple, if after showing up a second time late what would happen if Disney left without them? Bet they wouldn't be late the next time. When I win Mega Millions I'm going to buy one of the Golden Oak homes. Lastly I'll be looking forward to your next trip report. Say 'hello' to Barb for me and as always thank you for the bit of Disney Magic!

Gail

[mickeymom5]

Steve,
Thanks for the trip report. I am so sorry to hear about your dad.

I am glad you had a nice trip. Looks like they really spoiled you at the start.

I also wanted to let you know. I finally did it...I booked a two night stay for just DH and me. We have never been to WDW without the kids before so this is a first. We aren't going to do the parks. We are just going to enjoy the resort...AKL! Any tips or advice on this resort will be appreciated!

The only dining reservations I made were a dinner at California Grill and breakfast at Boma.

Thanks again for sharing the details of your trip!

[relaaxedwheniamthere]

As for the people who were late all the time . Just leave them behind . As for me on time you betcha i am usually 15 min early for everything . My dad passed away one year ago & i still miss him . Now down to bussiness everyman has his price .hopefully yours is just a beverage of your choice @ rose & crown next time disney offers you something like this well lets just say i will fill in for you & a
package will arrive at your swiss bank with the agreed to sum $$$$$ just saying dont count the teeth of a gift wraped horse as a "famous man" once wrote

[srusso100]

Hi Steve,

I too am sorry for the loss of your dad. Your trip report was great fun to read, and I really enjoyed hearing some non-typical experiences at Disney! Ahhhh to be wealthy, or at least a MousePlanet reporter. LOL!

My husband and I have been planning the same kind of thing that you mentioned.....longer, less frequent trips. I think the days of long weekends to jet on down to our favorite place is gone at least for now. Airfare from the Baltimore-Washington area is hit and miss, but hovers around the $300 per ticket range unless you want to fly in the opposite direction and change planes twice and refuel the plane yourself to save some money. Regardless, I will always take direct flights and will continue join the throngs of people who debate the whole - how many bags to check? are there baggage fees with this airline? does the airline use Magical Express? decision making process as we try to trim down the budget. It's become so complicated anymore.

Anyhow, my point....for our 10 year anniversary next year we were discussing a trip without the kids, maybe a long weekend away, maybe a cruise....but it boils down to one or the other: a trip for us, or our every-other-year Disney trip with our two small children. The solution? An extended Disney trip next summer (a two weeker maybe?) and utilize the Neverland Club a night or two for a special date night for our anniversary. I think we'll enjoy ourselves immensely on our "longer trip" as we try to find yet another way to get the most out of our expensive plane ride.

Pam
pmilesdisneyfan

Thanks, Pam. I like the sound of your plan for a longer trip. Good luck with it.

[srusso100]

You always write a great report, so much detail and fun. Sorry for your families loss.

Thanks.

[srusso100]

Hi Steve! Loved your trip report, so much in fact I had to go back and read the prior two. After working a 12 hour shift you had me laughing sometimes and crying at others ( so sorry to hear about your Dad and Gunnar). Glad I read them as you helped finalize a few decisions we were on the fence about for our upcoming trip. We will try Sci Fi and TIW will definitely help our budget and more than pay for itself with all the character meals we have booked.You had us laughing with the chorus about getting out of the chair as DH sings his own tune! Oklahoma and Red Rover were too funny . Now when I pass these people in a few weeks I'll be grinning ear to ear, they'll think I'm crazy. Hey maybe they will move over then! Your are right having that extra bathroom is great especially with 3 teenagers. Always wondered what a trip in January would be like as DD birthday is then. We live right outside of Boston and this would be a great winter escape! These are the Things I Think I Think... the always tardy couple, if after showing up a second time late what would happen if Disney left without them? Bet they wouldn't be late the next time. When I win Mega Millions I'm going to buy one of the Golden Oak homes. Lastly I'll be looking forward to your next trip report. Say 'hello' to Barb for me and as always thank you for the bit of Disney Magic!

Gail

Thanks, Gail. I'm always looking forward to my next trip report as well... mainly because it follows another trip. Hopefully soon.

[srusso100]

Steve,
Thanks for the trip report. I am so sorry to hear about your dad.

I am glad you had a nice trip. Looks like they really spoiled you at the start.

I also wanted to let you know. I finally did it...I booked a two night stay for just DH and me. We have never been to WDW without the kids before so this is a first. We aren't going to do the parks. We are just going to enjoy the resort...AKL! Any tips or advice on this resort will be appreciated!

The only dining reservations I made were a dinner at California Grill and breakfast at Boma.

Thanks again for sharing the details of your trip!

Our "solo" trips have become something we really look forward to - we don't enjoy them any more or less than the "full family" trips but they are different and appreciated. I bet you'll enjoy yours.

My tips? Spend time exploring the public areas of AKL - both Jambo House and Kidani Village. There's a lot to see outside of the savannas. Barb and I loved Sanaa so I might suggest a lunch there. The food is great and you can't beat the view.

Have a great trip.

[srusso100]

As for the people who were late all the time . Just leave them behind . As for me on time you betcha i am usually 15 min early for everything . My dad passed away one year ago & i still miss him . Now down to bussiness everyman has his price .hopefully yours is just a beverage of your choice @ rose & crown next time disney offers you something like this well lets just say i will fill in for you & a
package will arrive at your swiss bank with the agreed to sum $$$$$ just saying dont count the teeth of a gift wraped horse as a "famous man" once wrote

"Events" like this one are very rare so don't get your hopes up ;-)

[Payroll Princess]

Thanks, Gail. I'm always looking forward to my next trip report as well... mainly because it follows another trip. Hopefully soon.

This is too funny!

I loved your trip report as always. I too was sorry to hearing about your losses. We lost my mom last year and even when you are expecting it and you know they are in a better place it doesn't make it any easier!

And I can't wait to hear about your next trip report, after your next trip of course. It might be a little bit of a let down after this one though!

[MarlinWDW]

Steve,

I've read your reports for years, and was sorry to hear of Pops passing. I know you had many good times with him. Your writing is the gold standard for trip reportage, and inspired my own. Best wishes to your family.

[magicalmoments]

First, my condolences on your dad's passing.

Second, your trip report is extremely entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[srusso100]

Steve,

I've read your reports for years, and was sorry to hear of Pops passing. I know you had many good times with him. Your writing is the gold standard for trip reportage, and inspired my own. Best wishes to your family.

Those are very kind words. Thank you.

[srusso100]

First, my condolences on your dad's passing.

Second, your trip report is extremely entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thanks.

[wonderfulshana]

Thank you so much for such a great trip report. I actually laughed out loud a couple of times (which my husband did not appreciate, as we were laying in bed while he tried to sleep). I love it when I log on and see a new TR from you! I hope to be sure to post after our September trip, but have decided not to take the laptop, so I will have to see about typing it up on the tablet. It's great that you and the mrs had a few days together and I am so very sorry for all that you have been going through this year, my prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing another wonderful report!

[srusso100]

Thank you so much for such a great trip report. I actually laughed out loud a couple of times (which my husband did not appreciate, as we were laying in bed while he tried to sleep). I love it when I log on and see a new TR from you! I hope to be sure to post after our September trip, but have decided not to take the laptop, so I will have to see about typing it up on the tablet. It's great that you and the mrs had a few days together and I am so very sorry for all that you have been going through this year, my prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing another wonderful report!

Thanks.

[kuchfam]

Thank you for the WONDERFUL trip report!! You always, always make me giggle. Love your writing style and delightful humour! What an experience Steve!!! Oh my goodness, just a little envious here and the luxury and pampering!!! Wow! I feel like I should say "Congratulations!!!!" hee hee. Good for you, you deserve it!
I also would like to extend to you my condolenses. The last report it was Gunner and now your Dad. I'm so very sorry. We will miss reading about your Dad too.
I look forward to your next adventure!!

[srusso100]

Thank you for the WONDERFUL trip report!! You always, always make me giggle. Love your writing style and delightful humour! What an experience Steve!!! Oh my goodness, just a little envious here and the luxury and pampering!!! Wow! I feel like I should say "Congratulations!!!!" hee hee. Good for you, you deserve it!
I also would like to extend to you my condolenses. The last report it was Gunner and now your Dad. I'm so very sorry. We will miss reading about your Dad too.
I look forward to your next adventure!!

Thanks for those kind words.

[TinaMouse]

Another one for the books, but this one is for HISTORY. Wow, Steve. Your amazing VIP status made me absolutely green with envy. You deserved every chocolate and turndown service. Thanks for taking us all along!