Our FEB break Photo Trip Report updt 10/6 with last 3 updates!!!

[kathleen27]

Hi This is my first trip report ever. We spent our Feb Vacation in Orlando. Since I've been back I've been reading trip reports and really enjoying them. Since I'm also posting replies on some trip reports I thought this would be a good way to introduce myself. Plus I have about 3000 photos and my family, friends and coworkers are just not interested enough in seeing them. :rotfl:
I'm not going to post them all though.

I'll start with the intros:

This trip included Me - Kathy (39)- I love Travel and Love Disney World. I like planning the trips too. I like to find out as much as I can about where I am going.

My two kids -
Jacob (12) Loves to travel too! Wants to travel everywhere all the time. Can't wait to go back to disney. Is a great artist, a great student, and always has a smile. He loves to take photos too, Since he discovered the camera during art class I am so thankful for digital cameras!

Hannah (10) Is super social with her family & friends but shy anywhere else. Misses her friends when away from home. Quick to show her emotions, a great student, and has an incredible imagination. She is a strong believer in magic & wishes.

my Dad who came along to help out. And he was a really big help. Especially when the kids had different interests. could not have done it without him.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs61.jpg


Our Disney history:

Made my first trip to Disney when I was 8. I moved to Miami when I was 9and lived there till I was 17. So I grew up going to Orlando once sometimes twice a year and thought that was normal. (Now I wish it still were):rotfl:
We would go to Magic Kingdom, Sea World, Circus World, Gatorland Zoo, and Six Gun Territory. Then when Epcot opened we started going there too.

Made the first Disney trip with my kids & DH in 2002. We visited my Dad & stepmom in Ft. Lauderdale and we drove up to Orlando for a few days. MK, Chef Mickey's and Sea World.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/wdw2002.jpg

My husband in not a Disney fan:sad2: He does not want to go back. Someday I will drag hilm back.
So I went Feb 2006 with the kids. My Dad volunteered to join us and help out. My stepmom was able to join us for a few days too.:goodvibes

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney34.jpg

During that trip I promised the kids we'd come back in 2008. They get the week of president's day off, and even though its a busy time we chose that week. Gives me a one week break from winter when I need it most!

Links to each update:

Arrival (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24172885&postcount=8)
Sea World (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24197623&postcount=15)
Chef Mickey's (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24198526&postcount=16)
Build Your Own Lightsabre (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24239925&postcount=24)
DHS- Star Tours (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24285732&postcount=27)
DHS- Beauty & the Beast (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24336605&postcount=38)
DHS- HSM, Incredibles, and Indiana Jones (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24452709&postcount=42)
DHS- Stars and Motorcars Parade (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24502273&postcount=48)
DHS- Streets of America, a giant Ant, and Cars (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24632004&postcount=52)
DHS- The Backlot Tour (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24656785&postcount=58)
DHS- Monsters (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24680028&postcount=62)
End of our DHS day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24680483&postcount=63)
Universal Studios part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24736222&postcount=70)
Universal Studios part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24737349&postcount=71)
Next Trip Announcement (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24749034&postcount=76)
AK- Dinoland (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24862745&postcount=84)
AK- Tree of Life & DeVine (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24883084&postcount=85)
AK- Festival of the Lion King (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24883497&postcount=86)
AK- Safari Ride (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24899101&postcount=92)
AK- Jacob's Safari Photos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24899252&postcount=93)
AK- Characters & Conservation Station (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25001395&postcount=98)
AK- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25002342&postcount=101)
AK- Maharajah Jungle Trek (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25088393&postcount=109)
AK- True Friend of Wildlife (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25181587&postcount=116)
AK- Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25182053&postcount=117)
AK- Pocahontas and her Forest Friends, Lilo & Stitch, & Kali River Rapids (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25227176&postcount=119)
Indiana Jones drawing (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25268513&postcount=126)
MK- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique including video (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25270055&postcount=127)
MK- Surprise Princess Meet including video (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25406612&postcount=137)
MK- HM, Jungle Cruise, Suzi & Perla, and Pirate & Princess Party (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25487521&postcount=144)
MK- Liberty Tree Tavern (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25506229&postcount=148)
MK- Into the Stockades (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25544783&postcount=156)
MK- Fantasyland (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25544783&postcount=156)
OT- Peter Pan in London (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25690726&postcount=162)
MK- Enchanted Adventures Parade (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25691412&postcount=163)
MK- Snow White & Pirate & Princess Party (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25811115&postcount=173)
MK- Magic, Music, and Mayhem View 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25811167&postcount=174)
MK- Magic, Music, and Mayhem View 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25811217&postcount=175)
MK- Big Thunder Mtn RR, Belle, & the end of our day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25811309&postcount=177)
half OT- Jacob the Photographer & Jacob joins the DIS (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26138372&postcount=189)
Epcot- Soarin' and the Living Seas (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26138492&postcount=191)
Epcot- Living with the Land, Postcards, and Test Track (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26611585&postcount=197)
Epcot- Lost and ??? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26654828&postcount=202)
Epcot- Mission Space, Spaceship Earth & more Test Track (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26674018&postcount=207)
World Showcase - Canada (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27221483&postcount=216)
World Showcase - The UK (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27389651&postcount=222)
World Showcase - France and Morocco (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27753110&postcount=226)
World Showcase - part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28008823&postcount=231)
World Showcase - part 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28009013&postcount=232)
Going home (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28011869&postcount=233)

[irky416]

I love the Indiana Jones hat on your son!

I just watched the movies last week and can't believe I haven't seen them before. I can't wait for the new one to come out. Is your son a big fan of the movies?

I can't wait to read more!

[kathleen27]

I love the Indiana Jones hat on your son!

I just watched the movies last week and can't believe I haven't seen them before. I can't wait for the new one to come out. Is your son a big fan of the movies?

I can't wait to read more!

:welcome:

My first reader Yay!
Very cool since I've been reading your trip report!

Jacob is a big Indiana Jones fan. We saw the stunt show at DHS in 2006 and he loved it. He hadn't seen any of the movies at that time. My Dad remembered he liked the show, and since we were going back he gave Jacob the DVD set for his bday last fall. He wears that hat almost every day! We're looking forward to seeing the new movie when it comes out too.

[3princesses+aprince]

I'm so excited I caught a trip report at the very beginning, but now I want to read more.:thumbsup2

[OhMari]

Welcome to the DIS. Where do you live now?

[lowe@massed.net]

Hey Kathleen. Lovin' your report! :thumbsup2 My name's Kathy too. You and I sound a lot alike - I love planning almost as much as going! :surfweb:

DS and DH both got Indiana Jones hats one year and DH wore his for years!

We used to take most of our trips during February break too. It sure is great getting away from the New England winter. But now that I'm retired, we can go whenever we want! Trip #11 is coming up in 26 days! :woohoo:

[kathleen27]

:welcome:


I'm so excited I caught a trip report at the very beginning, but now I want to read more.:thumbsup2
I know what you mean!!! Its easier to keep up than to catch up!

Welcome to the DIS. Where do you live now?I've lived in RI for 21 years now.
I found the DIS right before I left!

Hey Kathleen. Lovin' your report! :thumbsup2 My name's Kathy too. You and I sound a lot alike - I love planning almost as much as going! :surfweb:

DS and DH both got Indiana Jones hats one year and DH wore his for years!

We used to take most of our trips during February break too. It sure is great getting away from the New England winter. But now that I'm retired, we can go whenever we want! Trip #11 is coming up in 26 days! :woohoo:

Hi Kathy!
Jacob loves the hat too. And its well made.
We've got at least another 8 years of planning trips around the school calendar.
:goodvibes for 26 days!

[kathleen27]

Saturday, Feb. 16th

We flew direct from Providence to Orlando late Saturday afternoon. Lots of turbulence on the flight. The kids have been flying since they were babies so they are used to air travel. We landed at MCO as the sun was setting. It was beautiful. A great way to start the trip.

My Dad drove up the night before and was waiting for us at the airport. We collected bags, loaded up his trunk and headed back in the airport to get dinner. When we returned to the car my Dad could not find his keys! After backtracking and searching we did find them in lost and found. :thumbsup2
This was only the first lost item of the trip. :sad2:

My parents bought a couple of time shares around 25years ago and we stayed there. Magic Tree Resort a few minutes from disney. The kids and I had a two bedroom unit and my dad had his own one bedroom unit.

Here are Jacob's photos:
The LR & Kitchen
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/magictree01.jpg

The kids room
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/magictree02.jpg

[irky416]

After backtracking and searching we did find them in lost and found.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/magictree01.jpg

The kids room
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/magictree02.jpg

How luck you were to find the keys! I can't imagine what a nightmare that would have been if you weren't so lucky!

Your time share looks very nice. We stayed at a rental house last summer and really liked it.

[scottny]

Hi,
your tr title caught my eye as my tr title was about being a photo journey. I say post as many as you want. I posted ALOT. People seemed to have liked it.

Looking forward to more.

[kerstfan1]

looks nice youre report im going to subscribe

joyce

[kathleen27]

How luck you were to find the keys! I can't imagine what a nightmare that would have been if you weren't so lucky!

Your time share looks very nice. We stayed at a rental house last summer and really liked it.

We were worried! Everything was in the car already! We got lucky this time. We would lose 3 more items:rolleyes1
I'd love to stay on site sometime, but Its nice to have so much space.

Hi,
your tr title caught my eye as my tr title was about being a photo journey. I say post as many as you want. I posted ALOT. People seemed to have liked it.

Looking forward to more.

:welcome:
Your report was great. I started reading it late (I was on my trip). I think I posted on it once. The one time I was caught up.

I look for photo in the titles and read those tr first. Some days we had tons of photos, others not so many. I actually wish we'd taken more.

looks nice youre report im going to subscribe

joyce

:welcome:

Thanks

[scottny]

:welcome:
Your report was great. I started reading it late (I was on my trip). I think I posted on it once. The one time I was caught up.

I look for photo in the titles and read those tr first. Some days we had tons of photos, others not so many. I actually wish we'd taken more.


didn't you say u had 3000 pics, I think that is alot. I say use as many as u like, if u read mine you know I was not shy. :lmao:

[castmemberb4]

Subscribing !
Yhea I know I could do it with the thread tools, but then I couldn't comment :)
Photo TRs always interest me too, 'cause I'm not much of a writer but want to do a TR, SO I'm "planning" a photo journal TR of my Oct F&W trip. Maybe with your inspiration I won't chicken out.:wizard:
Lynn

[kathleen27]

Sunday Feb. 17th

It was president's day weekend so we decided not to go to Disney and visit Sea World instead in hopes it would be less crowded.

We arrived before opening and were able to enter early. I'd read it was better to feed the dolphins early so we headed straight there. Got in line and bought our fish once they opened. Definately better first thing in the morning.

Kids & I feeding/petting the dolphin
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld01.jpg

My dad got this shot!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld07.jpg

After leaving the dolphins, we were walking through the park when we saw SW staff walking a group of flamingos through the park.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld09.jpg

We had to follow them and take some pictures. Not sure what was going on but I think the flamingo area was under construction. :confused3
They ended up at the misters (by the penguin exhibit)
They attracted a crowd. Hannah looking on:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld11.jpg

After the flamingo excitement we headed over to the sea lion show.
Jacob loved it. He said two fins up. :rotfl: Matched his sense of humor.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld13.jpg

The little otter is too cute
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld12.jpg

Then the blue horizons show:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld14.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld17.jpg

Had to see Shamu & friends:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld22.jpg
Loved the new wetsuits. They match the orcas!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld20.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld21.jpg

The kids sat in the splash zone, the grownups did not. I saved space for them if they changed their minds. They got wet then moved to the dry zone.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld23.jpg

The landscaping was incredible. It was so nice to see all the flowers and tropical plants.
Hannah getting tired and refusing to smile.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/sea%20world/08seaworld24.jpg

Hannah really wanted to go to sea world, this park was by her choice but by midday she just wanted to be at the pool. She got a little lecture on her attitude. :headache: Told her we were staying till we saw everything her brother wanted to see too.

We saw the shark tunnel, very cool, but Hannah is afraid of sharks, so she did not like this. :sad2:

We had to get Ice cream. We had ice cream every day of the trip. :goodvibes

We visited the wild arctic. Hannah is not into trying new rides. She has always "walked" to the wild arctic while Jacob and I traveled by "helicopter". She decided she would try the helicopter this time. (Its a simulator ride similar to star tours but you travel through the arctic). Did she like it? Not really, :sad2: but at least she tried it.

We also saw a lot of the exhibits and fed the stingrays (I don't think they were too hungry)

We did leave in time to go for a swim before dinner (take out pizza).

[kathleen27]

Monday Feb. 18th

Had to add another update So we would be at Disney!
We had 10:40 ADRs for a late breakfast at Chef Mickey's.
We arrived early and visited the gift shop to get autograph books.
Still early when we checked in. They handed us a beeper and it went off in less than 5 minutes.

Our waitress warned us not to go up to the buffet because Goofy would be right over.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/chef%20mickeys/wdw08chef01.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/chef%20mickeys/wdw08chef02.jpg

Next was Mickey
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/chef%20mickeys/wdw08chef03.jpg

Pluto always gets the kids laughing.
He took Jacob's pen and tried to take a few fingers with it.
Then he "kissed" Hannah on the top of her head.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/chef%20mickeys/wdw08chef05.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/chef%20mickeys/wdw08chef04.jpg

Minnie
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/chef%20mickeys/wdw08chef06.jpg

Donald
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/chef%20mickeys/wdw08chef07.jpg

Sorry, no food pics, I never thought to take any. Next time...

The kids love Chef Mickey's.
They went six years ago and still remember.
They wanted to go back in 06 but I waited too long to make the reservation and couldn't get in:sad2:
This trip I made that adr as soon as I could.
And they want to go back next time.
They love the Mickey waffles.
I think they had a lot of donuts too.

[irky416]

The pictures of your kids and the characters are so cute!

I also liked that picture of the dolphin your Dad got. We didn't feed them when we were there so we could never have gotten that close!

I loved the Mickey waffles too!

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I have only been to Sea World in San Diego, I should try the one in Orlando.

Great pics at CM.

Loved the flamingos.

[ProudMommyof2]

Saw you were from good ole Rhody and just had to join in. Great stuff so far and can not wait to read/see more. My son Jacob thinks its cool you have a Jacob!!!:banana:

[kathleen27]

didn't you say u had 3000 pics, I think that is alot. I say use as many as u like, if u read mine you know I was not shy. :lmao:

I bought extra SD cards for this trip. Jacob took a lot of them. Ended up getting the photopass too. Though not many photos on it.

Subscribing !
Yhea I know I could do it with the thread tools, but then I couldn't comment :)
Photo TRs always interest me too, 'cause I'm not much of a writer but want to do a TR, SO I'm "planning" a photo journal TR of my Oct F&W trip. Maybe with your inspiration I won't chicken out.:wizard:
Lynn

:welcome:
I'm glad you commented.
You should definately do it. I love seeing everyones pics.

The pictures of your kids and the characters are so cute!

I also liked that picture of the dolphin your Dad got. We didn't feed them when we were there so we could never have gotten that close!

I loved the Mickey waffles too!

Thanks.
The dolphins will only come close if you have food. They know.

great update and pics.

I have only been to Sea World in San Diego, I should try the one in Orlando.

Great pics at CM.

Loved the flamingos.

Thanks.
There is so much to do in Orlando, and not enough time.

[kathleen27]

Saw you were from good ole Rhody and just had to join in. Great stuff so far and can not wait to read/see more. My son Jacob thinks its cool you have a Jacob!!!:banana:

Thanks

We had lots of local company on our trip. My Dad was counting all the Red Sox and Patriots hats and shirts. Guess we all had the week off school.

Hi Jacob, Great name! I think its cool too :woohoo:

[The Disney Fanatic]

Great TR so far and lovin' the photos! :thumbsup2

[kathleen27]

Great TR so far and lovin' the photos! :thumbsup2

:welcome:

Thanks!

[kathleen27]

This is the day with the least pictures.:sad2:

After Chef Mickey's we headed over to Downtown Disney.
Jacob and I had been to Disney Quest on our own in 06 and had a blast.
Hannah decided to come with us this time.
My Dad dropped us off and had some time to himself.

We had fun, but it was supposed to rain this day so it was a little busy. I don't think I would take Hannah back here, just Jacob. not really her thing. She found a few things she liked, but mostly she was "bored". Jacob loves it here.

After a couple of hours we headed out. It looked like a nice sunny day, but my Dad said it poured while we were in there. :confused3

We met back up with my Dad and got ice cream. :goodvibes
Then we headed over to the World of Disney store.
The guys stopped off at the Lego store, but Hannah dragged me straight to WOD. We were there for quite a while. :rolleyes1
The guys came and left.
Tried to convince Jacob to get a pirate sweatshirt for the P&P party, but he had no interest. :confused3
Hannah needed no convincing on anything she loves to shop :rotfl:

Then we headed over to Once upon a Toy. I had told Jacob about the Build your own lightsabre and he was so excited to try this.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/lightsaber%20build/wdw08lights01.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/lightsaber%20build/wdw08light02.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/lightsaber%20build/wdw08lights03.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/lightsaber%20build/wdw08lights04.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/lightsaber%20build/wdw08lights05.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/lightsaber%20build/wdw08lights06.jpg

The set up is pretty cool with tons of little pieces and parts. There are two sides a "Jedi" side and a "Sith" side. He went back and forth collecting parts. There is a cm to help as needed.

Jacob is a big star wars fan. DH and I both grew up with Star Wars. Jacob has all the original toys that belonged to my brothers.

Jacob took so long to make this I put the camera away and forgot to take a picture of the finished lightsabre.:sad2:
Will have to do that later.
Actually he "finished" then changed his mind and decided to make a double lightsabre. They put in batteries at the checkout, and he got to choose Jedi or Sith pin. He had trouble deciding but went with "Jedi".
With the two sided only one side lights up, but you can switch which side, or take one side off completely.

That is actually the only time I took my camera out at DTD:confused3

After that it started to rain, everyone was getting tired, and I still needed to go to the grocery store. So we headed out.

Next up Day 3 Disney Hollywood Studios.

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I love Star Wars.

Jake who I brought wanted one but I said no. I was tired of spending money.

I also love the WOD store. So lucky that we have one here in the city.

[kathleen27]

great update and pics.

Jake who I brought wanted one but I said no. I was tired of spending money.


Thanks

Jacob did not ask for too much. I think he only got one no.
Hannah heard no a lot. She will ask for everything.

[kathleen27]

Tuesday, Feb 19th

So Day 3 and we finally make it to a Disney Park.

We arrive and Jacob wants to start taking pictures but has forgetten his camera. :sad2:
So he wants to use mine. :headache:
I let him :sad2:
These are all Jacob's pics

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs87.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs01.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs88.jpg

Jacob can't wait to ride star tours, so we head there first.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs89.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs02.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs03.jpg

We walk right on. Jacob tries to take pictures of the robots in line, while walking.
My Dad won't let him stop because there are people behind us.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs90.jpg

So we're lined up to enter the simulator, and Hannah suddenly decides she is afraid to ride. :headache:
I thought about dragging her on, but if she gets upset she won't want to do anything all day.
So the guys ride & we wait in the gift shop. :sad2:
When Jacob gets out, he wants to go right back on with me. :thumbsup2
Almost no line still. So we ride.

I was planning to go from here to the Jedi training academy, but its starting now. Jacob does not want to go. What? :confused3
He felt he had seen a similar show at a SW exhibiton so he did not want to go.:headache:
He wants his picture on the speeder.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs05.jpg

Racing through the forests of Endor.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs06.jpg

She decides to join in.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs07.jpg

They really had fun taking these.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs08.jpg

Turned out to be a good idea. Since it was early and the show was going on, no one else was waiting for photos!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs09.jpg

What did Hannah do while we rode star tours? I had no idea she'd already done this til I got home and saw the disc of my Dad's photos.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs04.jpg

[IATink]

Wow! Jacob takes great pictures! Enjoying your report, just found it today. Can't wait to read more!:goodvibes

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I :love: Star Wars.

[jake&samsmom]

Awwww, I love Star Wars too! Great trippie, keep it comin' :)

[The Disney Fanatic]

Star Tours and the Jedi Training Academy were the highlights of our trip in December. Great Photos and update! :thumbsup2 Hey IATink and scottny. :wave2:

[scottny]

Star Tours and the Jedi Training Academy were the highlights of our trip in December. Great Photos and update! :thumbsup2 Hey IATink and scottny. :wave2:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g134/scottny/hellowave.gif

[irky416]

What is Star Tours like? I am not a fan of the movies at all, and have no idea what kind of ride this is.

Cute pictures on the "thing" (It looks like a bug to me, but I'm certain it's not! :rotfl:)

[IATink]

:wave2: Hello Disney Fanatic!!

It's been awhile since I've been on Star Tours, but it's not that intense. If you like any of the movies, you'll like the ride. But, even if you're not a big fan I think you would probably still like it. The ride is like a motion simulator, if I remember right.

[The Disney Fanatic]

What is Star Tours like? I am not a fan of the movies at all, and have no idea what kind of ride this is.

Cute pictures on the "thing" (It looks like a bug to me, but I'm certain it's not! :rotfl:)

:wave2: Hello Disney Fanatic!!

It's been awhile since I've been on Star Tours, but it's not that intense. If you like any of the movies, you'll like the ride. But, even if you're not a big fan I think you would probably still like it. The ride is like a motion simulator, if I remember right.

It is a motion simulator but not the kind of simulator that will give you motion sickness. The film is a little old on the ride but still very enjoyable. We are big Star Wars junkies so my opinion on Star Tours may be a little biased. :thumbsup2

[klacey1]

[QUOTE=kathleen27;24172885]Saturday, Feb. 16th

We flew direct from Providence to Orlando late Saturday afternoon. Lots of turbulence on the flight. The kids have been flying since they were babies so they are used to air travel. We landed at MCO as the sun was setting. It was beautiful. A great way to start the trip.

I, too, live in RI-- Prov to be exact.
Woot for TF Green!

[kathleen27]

Wow! Jacob takes great pictures! Enjoying your report, just found it today. Can't wait to read more!:goodvibes


Thanks.
Jacob loves to take pictures. You never know what you'll get with him though. He ends up with an interesting perspective sometimes.

great update and pics.

I :love: Star Wars.

Thanks. We do too!:thumbsup2

Awwww, I love Star Wars too! Great trippie, keep it comin' :)

:goodvibes Thanks.

Star Tours and the Jedi Training Academy were the highlights of our trip in December.

:thumbsup2
Jacob & I rewatched all the movies over two weeks in January.

What is Star Tours like? I am not a fan of the movies at all, and have no idea what kind of ride this is.

Cute pictures on the "thing" (It looks like a bug to me, but I'm certain it's not! :rotfl:)

Star tours is a motion simulator. You don't need to have seen the movies to enjoy it. You are taking a shuttle ride with an inexperienced robot pilot.

:rotfl:Its a speeder from "Return of the Jedi" the third of the original set of movies. It flys a few feet off the ground. There are some chase scenes through the forest (the background) on the speeders.


I, too, live in RI-- Prov to be exact.
Woot for TF Green!

I lived in Prov for a while, went to RIC (92)
We're down in south county now.
Green is nice cause it's so small. One minute to walk through the terminal :lmao:

[kathleen27]

After star tours we headed over to see the Muppet show. It was a good choice because everyone enjoyed it.

Then my dad suggested a little shopping at the muppets store. My stepsister has a 9month old baby boy and my dad was shopping for him.
My husband loves the muppets so we bought him a little kermit.
Hannah talked me into a tinkerbell pin trading set.

Smiley face in the sky
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs10.jpg

Then we headed over to catch the first show of Beauty & the Beast.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs11.jpg

We were at DHS in 06 and did not have time to see all the shows, so my Dad and Hannah had seen this show before, Jacob and I had not.

We arrived during the preshow. The acapella group "Four for a Dollar". They were really good. Both kids loved the show. Next time I will make sure to get there before they start.

I let Jacob use the camera to keep him entertained.
Here are his Beauty and the Beast photos.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs91.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs92.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs12.jpg

I think this is my favorite of this set. Jacob loves those close ups.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs13.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs14.jpg

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http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs93.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs16.jpg

My Dad was taking photos too!
Here are some of his.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs94.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs95.jpg

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http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs22.jpg

We all reallly enjoyed the show.
When I look at these pics, I hear the songs from the show/movie.

[scottny]

those pics are great.

I love B&B show.

[mom2girlsn1boy]

wow I'm actually at the semi beginning of a trip report. I'm really enjoying it, especially all your pics, can't wait to hear more about your trip.

[kathleen27]

those pics are great.

I love B&B show.

Thanks. We really enjoyed the show

wow I'm actually at the semi beginning of a trip report. I'm really enjoying it, especially all your pics, can't wait to hear more about your trip.

Glad you're here! thanks.

[kathleen27]

After Beauty & the Beast, we headed over to the sorcerer's hat to wait for the High School Musical show.

There were lots of characters around the hat, but they were getting ready to leave. Hannah wanted to meet Chip & Dale, and was disappointed they were leaving. I promised we would meet them some other time.

Jacob took some photos.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs23.jpg

He likes to take close up shots.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs24.jpg

Time for the show. I took a few photos but we were on the side & everyone was dancing & turning so they aren't that great. My dad took a few, his are a better than mine.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs25.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs26.jpg

Hannah loved the show. She was really happy to see it. She is at the perfect age for this and loves the movies. At the end they invite any of the kids to come out and dance, but she was too shy.

After the show it was lunchtime so we headed over to the backlot express. Jacob loves burgers. Hannah loves chicken nuggets. My dad likes hot dogs but will eat burgers or nuggets. I tried the grilled vegetable sandwich and liked it. Jacob loves root beer and they didn't have rootbeer, so he couldn't decide what to get instead. so he ended up with no drink, then wanted to go back and get a drink. So he ended up waiting in line for quite a while to get a soda after everyone else was done eating. :headache:

My plan was to finish lunch then head next door for Indiana Jones. But it took longer for lunch than I expected. And the park was getting pretty crowded, so by the time we got there Indiana Jones was full. :eek:

We headed off to find something else to do.

Saw this Mickey topiary and Jacob took some pictures.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs27.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs99.jpg

Voyage of the Little Mermaid had a 90 min wait:eek:
Hannah did not want to fastpass for later. This show scared her last time. She scares easily. I loved this show two years ago. I love the effects that make it feel as if you are under the water.

We headed over to the animation academy instead.
We had just missed the little drawing show. Jacob was disappointed as he'd liked this last time. He loves to draw. He takes art lessons, is in the school art club, and helps his art teacher with a class of younger kids. We headed inside to meet the Incredibles and play on the computers. The drawing lesson started while we were waiting in line for the icredibles so we missed that too. I think it was the longest line we waited in that day!

Hugs from Elasticgirl.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs28.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs29.jpg

Our photopass photo:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs31.jpg

Playing on the computers. Hannah loved the coloring program.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs32.jpg
They had another activity where you recorded your voice for the sound from a scene. That was Jacob's favorite.
Hannah and I did the quiz to see which character we are most like.
Hannah is most like Tinkerbell. :lmao:
I am most like Belle (I love to read).

We headed back for the next Indiana Jones show.
Jacob had seen this show two years ago before he had any idea who Indiana Jones was. He has since seen the movies and was really looking forward to this.
Hannah claimed she would be bored and wanted someone to skip the show and do something she liked with her. I pointed out that her brother watched beauty & the beast for her and did not complain. And she would sit and watch Indiana Jones and she better not complain. Does eyerolling count as complaining? She liked the show more than she expected too. She though one part was so funny she could not stop laughing. :rotfl2:
Everyone else enjoyed the show.

These are my Dad's photos:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs33.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs34.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs35.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs100.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs36.jpg

After the show we made our way to the back of the theatre and were slowly making our way to the exit when I looked down and saw "Indiana Jones" and "Marion" signing autographs. I pointed this out to Jacob, who of course wanted to go meet them. So now that we were almost to the exit we headed down to the stage instead.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs37.jpg

I was really impresses with how nice the stunt actors were to the kids. After the show they just put on, they actually take time to talk to the kids, sign autographs, and pose for pictures.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs38.jpg

Jacob was thrilled!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs39.jpg

Jacob had asked earlier in the day if he could buy an Indiana Jones hat. So we headed over to the Indiana Jones trucks to shop. I was deciding if I should buy him the hat or have him pay for it himself. I had decided to buy it for him because I had spent more than that on Hannah so far, but my Dad told the kids he had a visa reward (not disney) card that they could split. So Jacob got the hat and I bought him a little Mickey dressed up as Indiana Jones that he also wanted. While we were there Hannah made her first pin trade with the CM working there. She was thrilled.

I wish I'd bought the hat before the show so he could have worn it in the picture!

[ourwaytodisney]

loving the pictures and report!

[scottny]

another great update and pics.

I have not seen Indy but I plan. thanks for the pics.

[kathleen27]

loving the pictures and report!

Thanks! Glad you're reading.

another great update and pics.

I have not seen Indy but I plan. thanks for the pics.

Thanks! It was fun.

[mt mommy]

What a fun trip. I am understanding of the DH not liking Disney. My DH isn't a fan either. I drag him every year!!:confused:

Can't wait to hear more.

[kathleen27]

What a fun trip. I am understanding of the DH not liking Disney. My DH isn't a fan either. I drag him every year!!:confused:

Can't wait to hear more.

Welcome!
In addition to not being a disney fan, DH doesn't like to travel as much (as often, and for as long) as I do, so I have learned to go without him, or stay longer than him.
Disney with two kids with difference interests is a little tough, so I def need to recruit a grandparent.

[kathleen27]

Well it was almost 3pm so we decided to find a spot for the parade.
The kids were somewhat undecided if they wanted to see the parade, Mary Poppins and Star Wars were the swaying factors.

Of course we had to get ice cream while we waited.
Jacob let me use my own camera, so I took some pics.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs40.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs102.jpg

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http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs43.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs44.jpg

My Dad's pics
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs45.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs46.jpg

We went to a star wars exhibition last summer and one thing we learned was that there is a filmaking expression, Reel 2 Dialogue 2, and thats where the name R2D2 came from.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs47.jpg

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[duckybelle]

Just found your TR! AWESOME !

[kathleen27]

Just found your TR! AWESOME !

Thanks & Welcome, I have been reading your tr as well.

[kathleen27]

The kids had spring break last week and I did not have time to post, did squeeze in a little reading of trip reports at work though, but just a little.

We had beautiful weather!!! :goodvibes

We took the train to Boston one day and visited the NE Aquarium and Quincy market. We had an amazing time. :thumbsup2

Jacob said Quincy Market was his favorite place to eat. I had to tease him a little, Better than Chef Mickey's??? "No, I can't decide" he cried "Now I want Mickey waffles".

Visited the zoo here in RI another day. Absolutely packed!

The other days I went to work while DH worked at home. Having stayed home with the kids for years I thought it was too funny that he was home.

The kids were so disappointed to go back to school today. Woke Hannah up this morning and she kept mumbling "Its not Monday, Its not Monday".

Things are back to normal now, so I have an update coming up in a bit.

[kathleen27]

Hannah could not wait to visit the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground. She loved this in 06, and couldn't wait to get back. After the parade we headed towards the playground. On the way we stopped for some pictures on the Streets of America. These are all my Dad's photos.

New York City
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs59.jpg

San Fransisco:
My Dad & stepmom love visiting Calif including San Fransisco, so my Dad loved seeing it here.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs60.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs61-1.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs62.jpg

Made it to the playground!!!
My Dad skipped the playground to find "a cold drink and a place to sit".:rotfl:
I found a tiny patch of sun near the exit and sat down while the kids disappeared into the playground.
Hannah ran around, which she really needed to do, and had a great time.
Hannah had her picture taken here two years ago. She definately wanted another.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs54.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs55.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs56.jpg

After the playground we called my Dad to meet back up. He was at a table behind the playground. We were determining what else we should do or if we should head out. I wanted to stay but everyone else was tired. We could hear engines and see a line, I thought it might be Lightening & Mater & I wanted to see what they looked like. I convinced Jacob to join me since he is a huge pixar fan.

The line was long and the kids did not want to wait in it, so I suggested we stand to the side & Jacob could snap a pic when there was no one in front of the cars.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs57.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs58.jpg

[scottny]

great update and pics.

u should cut them out of a pic and put it in with the Cars. :)

[kathleen27]

u should cut them out of a pic and put it in with the Cars. :)

Great idea!
I hadn't thought of that.
Sounds like a job for Jacob, I will suggest that to him.

[Beana9802]

Visited the zoo here in RI another day. Absolutely packed!



Oh, the Roger Williams Zoo! I miss that terribly. I am originally from Long Island, but went to PC (graduated in '02). I miss RI, I would move back in a heartbeat!

(My name is also Kathleen, but I go by Kat or Kath :wave2:)

[kathleen27]

Oh, the Roger Williams Zoo! I miss that terribly. I am originally from Long Island, but went to PC (graduated in '02). I miss RI, I would move back in a heartbeat!

(My name is also Kathleen, but I go by Kat or Kath :wave2:)

:thumbsup2 Great that you liked RI so much!

We love the RW Zoo! Hannah is a huge zoo fan. Whenever we travel she asks if there is a zoo, so we have been visiting other zoos as well, but its always nice to return to our "home" zoo.

I mostly go by Kathy, but also Kathleen or Kath.

[momsavealot]

Hi Kathy,
Thanks for the great TR. Your kids and my kids seem a lot alike so I am learning a lot!! My boys will absolutely love the Build your own Lightsabre in DTD. I wasn't planning on going there but now I will have to work it into my trip somehow. I have to say that your son definitely has talent when it comes to photography. That photo of Mickey on top of the world (in MGM I guess) is amazing. The photos you took of Beauty and the Beast are excellent - do they allow flash photography? or were those without a flash? Anyway, keep up the good work and I can't wait for more!!:cool1:

[kathleen27]

The kids were tired but I wasn't ready to leave.
I suggested we try the backlot tour since I had never been on it.
My Dad had been on it once and thougt Jacob would like it.
We were right there and there was no wait so we headed in.

Jacob thought the begining where they make the movie was great!

On the way to the canyon, mostly Jacob's pics:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs63.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs64.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs65.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs66.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs70.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs71.jpg

The kids love Herbie! They have the latest movie and the first movie.
Hannah always get sad during this scene when Herbie is at the demolition derby.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs72.jpg

Catastrophe Canyon:
(my Dad's pics, Jacob was on the left side and did not want to get my camera wet)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs75.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs76.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs77.jpg

Most of us loved the canyon scene, except...
Hannah, she had her head down & I kept telling her its ok, its supposed to do this, its part of the show.

We passed through the design area and I was a bit disappointed because you are driving through and can only see a few things.

After the canyon, we passed the "backstage area" for lights, motor, action. There was a show going on and the drivers are back waiting to go on. I thought it was neat to see! We have never seen LMA and after seeing the backstage glimpse, I wanted to see the show, but this was the last show of the day.

Just before ending our tram ride, we catch a glimpse of streets of america, and our guide points out the power rangers signing autographs. Hannah decides she wants to meet the pink power ranger.

On the way out:
Of course we found more Star Wars.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs73.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs74.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m183/kathleenklinger/orlando%202008/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs67.jpg

At the end of the ride Hannah and I head over to look for the pink pr, and leave the boys in the gift shop. Well in those few minutes the area went from crowded to empty. No power rangers at all.:sad2:

but we do find someone else to meet with...

[wdwgirl03]

Great report! I love all your pictures, especially the ones from Sea World. My dad, sister, and I are going to WDW and are also planning on going to Sea World for a day...it'll be our first time in a long time so I'm pretty pumped!

[scottny]

great update and pics.

love the SW pics.

ooh who did u see. :banana:

[kathleen27]

Thanks for the great TR. Your kids and my kids seem a lot alike so I am learning a lot!! My boys will absolutely love the Build your own Lightsabre in DTD. I wasn't planning on going there but now I will have to work it into my trip somehow. I have to say that your son definitely has talent when it comes to photography. That photo of Mickey on top of the world (in MGM I guess) is amazing. The photos you took of Beauty and the Beast are excellent - do they allow flash photography? or were those without a flash? Anyway, keep up the good work and I can't wait for more!!:cool1:

Thanks & Welcome.
We knew we were going to DTD so I had told Jacob about the Build your own lightsabre. He was really looking forward to it.
He loves to take photos, He took the most photos this trip.
We did not use a flash at B&B. There was a lot of light.


Great report! I love all your pictures, especially the ones from Sea World. My dad, sister, and I are going to WDW and are also planning on going to Sea World for a day...it'll be our first time in a long time so I'm pretty pumped!

Welcome!
:yay: 3 weeks, your trip is really soon!
Have a great time. Sea world was fun!


ooh who did u see. :banana:

A couple of scary characters.

[kathleen27]

We went to search for power rangers but instead we found...

Mike and Sulley from Monster's Inc.
Jacob was not interested in meeting the pink power ranger, but we thought he'd want to meet Mike & Sulley, he loves Monster's inc & anything Pixar.

Back in the gift shop, Jacob had just convinced his grandfather to buy him a stormtrooper shirt. I don't think much convincing was needed though.

The kids & I headed back to wait in line.

The rules at Monster's Inc.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs78.jpg

We actually had fun waiting in line just watching Sulley interact with everyone.
He would also come over to the line when he was not busy.

No autographs from these guys. The CM told us only Roz can make them do paperwork. :lmao:

Hannah is ready for the picture. Anyone else.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs78b.jpg

Hannah notices no one else is ready.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs79.jpg

Mike and Sulley would look at each other, then look at Jacob and step towards him, then look at each other again, back towards him...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs81.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs83.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs84.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs85.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/disney%20hollywood%20studios/wdw08dhs86.jpg

Real smiles for the picture cause they were having so much fun.
Jacob's got the new hat on!
The photos are a combo of mine, my Dad's, and the photopass.

[kathleen27]

After meeting Mike & Sulley, we ended up in another gift shop. Where we were excited to find pressed penny machines! So we squished a couple of pennies for the collection.

Then we headed out of the park for the day.
On the way out Hannah traded another pin. This time for a stitch pin.
Her set included four pins, I thought they were identical, but she showed me there were two of one pin, and two of another VERY similar pin. She did not want to trade either of the almost identical pins. So that was her last trade. She would continue to buy new pins though.

Hannah is usually well behaved, but she does like to get her way.:rolleyes1
We had spent the two weeks before the trip celebrating her birthday and I think she got used to being the center of attention. She also gets home sick when she travels, and she missed her Dad who was back home. We had a long talk and I think she felt better afterwards. She also got a reminder that this trip was for everyone to have fun, not just her.

The next day we were going to Universal Studios, and I was a little concerned there would not be a lot for her to do there. I went over all the attractions with the kids, so we could decide what were the priorities. Hannah did not see much that interested her. We ended up giving Hannah three options - Go to Universal with us and be on her absolute best behavior - Drop Jacob & I off and return to the resort with Grandpa for a pool day and/or go back to Sea World with Grandpa (you can validate your ticket for a free 2nd day admission within 7days). We let her think about it overnight and decide.

[irky416]

I love the Monsters Inc pictures! They are so cute. I especially like the one with half of Sully and Jacob laughing.

I can't wait to see what Hannah decides!

[scottny]

great pics with Monsters Inc.

ooh what did she pick?

I think she chose a pool day. I am usually wrong. :confused3

[kathleen27]

I love the Monsters Inc pictures! They are so cute. I especially like the one with half of Sully and Jacob laughing.

I can't wait to see what Hannah decides!

Thanks. That's my favorite one, its from photopass. One of the reasons I bought the photopass CD.

great pics with Monsters Inc.

ooh what did she pick?

I think she chose a pool day. I am usually wrong. :confused3

Thanks. They were fun to meet.

Her choice surprised me. :confused3

[DisneyDaughter5589]

Just read through your Trip Report and it looks like ya'll are having a great time!
We had a really good interaction with Mike. He actually walked with us all the way to the ABC commisary doors until we told him there were people waiting and that he could come eat with us another day.
I would pick Universal but thats because I've never been there.

[byoung]

Love your report, great photoes.

[kathleen27]

Just read through your Trip Report and it looks like ya'll are having a great time!
We had a really good interaction with Mike. He actually walked with us all the way to the ABC commisary doors until we told him there were people waiting and that he could come eat with us another day.
I would pick Universal but thats because I've never been there.

Welcome!
That sounds like lots of fun with Mike!
We had some great character interactions, they make the trips memorable.


Love your report, great photoes.

Thanks & Welcome!

[kathleen27]

Hannah surprised me. She chose-

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal09.jpg

I had been to universal once before. About 15 years ago! And the kids & my dad had never been.

We arrived at Univesal before 9am opening and parked in the garage. It seemed like a long walk to the parks. My Dad wanted to know where the tram was? :lmao:

If you are not familiar with Universal there are two parks. Univesal Studios and Islands of Adventure (IOA). Jacob and I were going to Universal Studios. I remembered a friends kids had Loved Seussland at IOA so we decided my Dad & Hannah would start there, and we'd meet up later.

Jacob and I headed off on our own. I convinced him to ride Jimmy Neutron to start. He used to love Jimmy N but was iffy about riding as he thought he was too old. This is right at the entrance and already had a bit of a line. This is a motion simulator and we both loved it and were laughing through the end of the ride. If you are somewhat familiar with JN & Nickelodeon its a fun ride, otherwise I'm not sure you'd get whats going on.

Then we headed to the back of the park for Men In Black. This was the ride Jacob was looking forward to the most. No bags, purses, or anything are allowed on the ride, but they have lockers free for 90 min. We got a locker and headed in. NO LINE, just a few minutes to walk through. We were led in by "Agent C" who gave a little spiel. We had a great time, but our scores were awful. So we rode again, four times in just under an hour. We had a lot of fun on this. I think Jacob's highest score was around 239,000, mine was much lower.

We dragged ourselves away from MIB to see what else was in the park. As we were walking I said to Jacob, "I love your sister dearly, but I'm glad she's not here right now." Its nice to have one on one time with each kid (Hannah would get her time Friday).

We rode Disaster! which was fun (very long). Used to be called Earthquake and I had been on it 15 years ago.

By then my Dad and Hannah called to say they had finished at IOA and were at US so we met up for lunch. We ate lunch at Monster's Cafe (counter service). Kids got Pizza and my Dad & I had pasta. I had the pasta primavera, which was good, but too much cheese.

Hannah rode the two rides and the Carousel in Seussland.
She met some new friends too.
She loved it!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal03.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal04.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal05.jpg

[kathleen27]

After lunch, we headed over to the kids zone for some things we could all do together. We saw Shaggy & Scooby, and Curious George & the man with the yellow hat, but the lines to meet them were closed.

We all rode ET together. Had about a 15 min wait. The kids have never seen the movie, so not sure they really got it.

Remember the night we arrived and we lost the keys? Remember I said we'd lose four things this trip? (I thought of one more, so its actually up to five). Well as we are about to get on ET, Jacob hears "no flash photography" and instictively reaches to touch his camera. Which is not there :scared1:

So after ET my Dad took Jacob back to search for the camera, checked at the restauraunt, looked around a bit, went to lost and found. No camera. We stopped at lost & found again at the end of the day. No camera. They gave us a number to call the next day. No camera. :sad1:
We had the camera at the locker after MIB. Pretty sure we left it in the restauraunt. It was a little point & shoot, but it had all Jacob's pictures from the airport & sea world & a few from that morning. Jacob loves Halloween and monsters & scary stuff, and as we left the Monsters Cafe I was going to ask him if he wanted to take a picture of it, but got distracted. :scared:
I also usually check that Jacob has all his stuff. Cause he loses stuff all the time.

While the guys searched, Hannah and I hung out at the Fieval playground. She had fun but missed Jacob. She wanted someone to play with. When Jacob returned she was thrilled. They played for a bit. Then we split up again.

Jacob and I headed off to see Terminator 2 in 3D. We had just missed a show, so we headed over to the gift shop till it was time for the next one. The show was Amazing. Its a 3D movie with live actors running around the theater in and out of the film, including a motorcycle. Really well done!
Not something for Hannah though.:scared1:

I was worried Hannah would run out of things to do, so I had given her some money to get her face painted and told them where we had seen a booth at Amity beach.

When the show ended Hannah and my Dad were waiting on a bench outside.
Everyone got ice cream but me, too cold, I got a pretzel instead.
Here's Hannah with her unicorn face paint:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal06.jpg

Jacob and I had one more thing to do. We had skipped Jaws in the morning because it was a little chilly, and it is an outdoor boat ride. The listed wait time was 15 min this morning and 40 now. :eek:
I decided it did not look like a 40min wait. :rotfl:
I timed it, it was exactly 20 min!
Jacob loved this!!! He really got into it. It was very cheesy but lots of fun.
Hannah is afraid of sharks and there is no way I'd take her on this. She'd have nightmares for a week!

Jacob and I went back to the MIB gift shop to buy a stuffed Frank the dog in his suit. :lmao:

Then we picked up popcorn and headed back to the playground to find Hannah. She had met a little girl her age from New York, and was having a great time. Hannah is so social. I think she would have much more fun if she brought a friend with her but the thougt of having to deal with two tween girls is too scary for me. :scared1: Maybe when she's older.

Hannah loved the Fievel playground. There is a small tube slide, filled with water, and the kids slide down on a cushion. They don't get very wet. but the ADULTS get soaked. Kids are light enough to float. Adults are not!!

Once her friend headed out, we did too. But we had to stop on the way at the main gift shop! Hannah got a pin of the cat in the hat's hat that opens and I had bought her a Curious George pin earlier. Not sure about Jacob. He collects key chains & had already gotten Terminator & MIB key chains at those shops.

Outside the park:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal07.jpg

Jacob's shots (with my camera) on the way out of the park.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal08.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/universal/08universal11.jpg

We had fun at Universal. Jacob and I never even made it to IOA. :sad2:
Had we done Jaws in the AM and not lost the camera, we would have had time to do a few things over there. We also left around dinner time.

It was not very crowded and we did NOT buy a line pass. It would not have been worth it. I had priced the line pass and the price changes from day to day depending on expected crowd level. its on their website. The lowest price was on Fri nt (a P&PP at MK), the next lowest prices were Tues, Wed, & Thurs. So I used the prices as a crowd calendar, and we went on Wed.

We never got the camera back. Jacob was sad that night. :sad1:

Hannah had fun, she was glad she went. I thought of it as a trip to a very expensive playground for her. :rotfl2: She did four actual rides.

I will take at least Jacob back here, but we will wait til they open the new Harry Potter section at IOA.

Next Day - Animal Kindgom.

[Beana9802]

Great update!

[IATink]

Just got all caught up today. Sorry to hear Jacob never found his camera.

Great pictures! Can't wait to see your pics from Animal Kingdom.:goodvibes

[scottny]

great update and pics.

to bad he lost his camera. :sad2:

[kathleen27]

Great update!

Thanks! It was a fun day.

Just got all caught up today. Sorry to hear Jacob never found his camera.

Great pictures! Can't wait to see your pics from Animal Kingdom.:goodvibes

Thanks! We have a lot from AK. It's such a pretty park.

great update and pics.

to bad he lost his camera. :sad2:

Thanks!

:sad2:

[kathleen27]

Jacob's favorite holiday is Halloween.
He loves Halloween.
He loves Halloween decorations.
He loves Disney.

So Jacob and I are going to Disney very end of Sept for Mickey's not so scary Halloween party!!!

:jumping1:

I made a couple of ADR's at 180 days just in case we could work it out.
Had been waiting for Southwest to go on sale,
they are now and I booked the flights this week.

I'm always happy when I have airline reservations. Then I know I am going on vacation.

This will be my first time staying on site (probably pop).

I am so excited to be going back.
I am so excited to have another trip to plan.

This will be just Jacob & I.
Hannah says she does not mind, as long as we bring her something back.
Oh and tonight she announced we are NOT allowed to go to chef Mickey's.:scared1:
I think Jacob will want to negotiate with her on that one.
My kids really like that place.:rotfl:

[cjsteiger]

Kathy I love you TR. The photos are awesome. What type of camera do you have? I have subscribed. We always go in Feb too. My husband is a school teacher and gets the whole week off and my kids school only gets 1 day:scared1: but we take them out anyway. Really enjoying it. Looking forward to more.

Cherylpopcorn::

[Beana9802]

Yippee!!!:banana:

[kathleen27]

Kathy I love you TR. The photos are awesome. What type of camera do you have? I have subscribed. We always go in Feb too. My husband is a school teacher and gets the whole week off and my kids school only gets 1 day:scared1: but we take them out anyway. Really enjoying it. Looking forward to more.

Cherylpopcorn::

Thanks and Welcome!

I have a Canon Powershot S3 IS. I love it!
Though they are now making an S5 model.
It's pretty big, I think I am wearing it in a later photo, but is not an SLR, it can be set manually or used as an automatic.
When my little point & shoot died, I wanted something with a lot of ZOOM. This has 12x zoom.:thumbsup2

My Dad has a Canon SLR but I don't know what model.

Thats tough they don't have the same week off. :sad2:

[kathleen27]

Yippee!!!:banana:

151 days :banana:

[scottny]

that is exciting that u r going back.

[irky416]

I just got caught up. It sounds like you had a good time at Universal.

MIB is an amazing ride! Buzz Lightyear just does not compare. When we were in line to get in the park in the morning a TM was giving us hints about how to get a high score. Every time we rode (we did the single rider line to ride many times) we kept getting really high scores and everyone in our car kept asking how we did it! It was so fun.

Yay to getting to go back! :yay: :yay:

[kathleen27]

that is exciting that u r going back.

We are really excited!

MIB is an amazing ride! Buzz Lightyear just does not compare. When we were in line to get in the park in the morning a TM was giving us hints about how to get a high score. Every time we rode (we did the single rider line to ride many times) we kept getting really high scores and everyone in our car kept asking how we did it! It was so fun.

Yay to getting to go back! :yay: :yay:

We had a lot of fun on MIB. Jacob said he liked MIB better than Buzz as well, because of the theming and because you could pick up the gun. I have not been on Buzz in 6 years.

[kathleen27]

We headed to Animal Kingdom for opening. We arrived early and today we got a locker. We had brought a full change of clothes in case we got wet. :rolleyes1
We headed into the park, and had to wait for rope drop. We were too far back to see anything though.

Since Jacob no longer has a camera, he asks for mine. :headache:
I let him use it. He was told he had to keep it around his neck. He was not to take it off except to hand it back to me.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak001.jpg

Animal Kingdom is one of Hannah's two favorite parks, so she had been looking forward to this. We had been here two years ago, but felt as if we had not had enough time to see and do everything. The kids had done 5 of the 6 Discovery club activites. If you finish all 6 you get a special stamp. They did not get the stamp, and I had heard about the missing stamp for the last two years. So the number one goal for the day was to do ALL the discovery club stations! And get the special stamp! We had also missed the Dinoland rides and the Festival of the Lion King show last time.

We decided to go to Dinoland first.
Jacob's pictures:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak002.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak003.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak005.jpg

We started with Triceratop Spin so both kids could ride something. Plus there was no line yet.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak006.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak007.jpg

Next up we headed over to Dinosaur for Jacob and I to ride. Usually Jacob always wants to sit on the outside of the ride, but for Dinosaur he asked to sit on the inside. I think it was the only time he did this. I liked it, but I'm not sure how much of it Jacob saw. He had his head down in the ride photo. But he does want to ride it again next time. Jacob made sure to tell Hannah how great Dinosaur was, and how scared she would have been.

Next we met up with these guys. I love the way Pluto signs the autograph books, but he was extra silly today. He put the book on the end of his nose and balanced it there, then walked towards Hannah till his nose touched her face. Even Goofy was laughing at Pluto.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak008.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak009.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak010.jpg

The kids somehow managed to convince their grandfather to ride Primeval Whirl with them! The KIDS loved the ride.

One of my Dad's pictures
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak011.jpg

We head out of Dinoland.
One of Jacob's photos.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak012.jpg

[kathleen27]

After Dinoland, we headed over to get fast passes for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

We pass the Tree of Life, and Jacob takes some pictures.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak013.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak014.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak015.jpg

While we were waiting for our return time we planned to go to the Festival of the Lion King. As we were about to head over, Hannah realizes she is missing a pin! :scared1:
Lost item #3 of the trip. While we were in Dinosaur it had been loose, and my Dad had tightened it for her, but now its gone.
Looking at the Pluto & Goofy pictures she is still wearing it.

Now it was just a pin, and I know they get lost all the time. Not a big deal except that this is Hannah and she is a bit of a drama queen. If it were a Disney pin, I could just replace it, but its a Universal pin. And we are not going back to Universal. I tell her we will get a new one somehow. But since we spent so much time looking for Jacob's camera I say we'll look for the pin. My Dad thinks I'm crazy. But really I was just trying to be fair.

So, we backtrack and take the long way around Discovery Island.
Along the way we meet DeVine.
So it turns out to be a good detour.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak016.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak017.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak018.jpg

Well of course we do not find the pin.
But my Dad comes up with the solution.
There's a Unviersal store at the Airport.
So, a few days later we were able to replace the pin at the airport.
Problem solved.
I do convince Hannah to take the pins off so she does not lose any more.
Next trip I will check out the pin threads on here first, and maybe get locking backs or whatever is recommended.

My Dad takes a picture of the tree of life.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak019.jpg

And one more from Jacob.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak020.jpg

[kathleen27]

After our detour I was concerned we were going to miss the Lion King show. The times guide says "please allow 45 minutes prior to performance". We got there 10 or 15 minutes prior. Lots and lots of seats left! :yay:

We were in the giraffe section. I had no idea what a giraffe sounded like. :confused3

So we see the Festival of the Lion King for the first time.

Jacob has the camera.
He only took a few pictures and most of those came out dark.
I asked him to take a picture of the Elephant which is too our left. Hannah loves Elephants.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak035.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak036.jpg

My Dad took lots of pictures. His came out better!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak021.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak022.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak023.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak024.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak025.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak026.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak027.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak029.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak030.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak031.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak032.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak034.jpg

I really enjoyed the show. A lot of fun, festive atmosphere. Great singing. So much going on.

My Dad liked the show too, he asked the kids what they thought of the show. Hannah simply said it was not what she'd expected. She thought it would be the story from the movie. I thought it was a nice change from the story.

[nutz2notz]

I just finished reading your whole report. What a great time you are all having. Jacob has taken some really great shots! :thumbsup2
I'm a pin collector as are all my kids and was sad to hear Hannah lost a pin :( , but glad that you were able to replace it. :woohoo:

I'm looking forward to your next update. :cool1:

[kathleen27]

I just finished reading your whole report. What a great time you are all having. Jacob has taken some really great shots! :thumbsup2
I'm a pin collector as are all my kids and was sad to hear Hannah lost a pin :( , but glad that you were able to replace it. :woohoo:

I'm looking forward to your next update. :cool1:

Thanks and Welcome!
We had bought a pin or two in the past, but this trip Hannah and I got very into collecting pins! It was a lot of fun. I was glad we were able to replace the lost pin!

[irky416]

Cute picture with Pluto and Goofy!

I'm glad you were able to replace the lost pin. I was always scared of losing mine, too.

I like your pictures from the Lion King. Did you like the show?

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I love AK. great park for pics.

[kathleen27]

I'm glad you were able to replace the lost pin. I was always scared of losing mine, too.

I like your pictures from the Lion King. Did you like the show?

Will have to come up with a safer pin plan next trip.

I thought the show was great. Lots of music and acrobatics.

great update and pics.

I love AK. great park for pics.

Thanks, Its a beautiful park. This was the day we took the most pictures.

[kathleen27]

We cross the bridge from Camp Minnie Mickey back onto Discovery Island, across the water the trees are full of birds.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak037.jpg

We decided it would be a good time for lunch. The kids spotted Pizzafari on the way in and they really wanted to eat there. They announce their new goal for the week. Pizza everyday for the rest of the trip. :scared1:

So we order 3 pizza meals and a set of breadsticks. Jacob finishes off his pizza. The rest of us share. There was more than enough. The kids loved it, I thought it was fine.

We enjoyed the room decorations. Except for Hannah. There were pictures of bugs painted on the chairs, and she refused to sit on the "bugs", so she placed her sweatshirt on the chair. :lmao:

After lunch we head off for our safari ride!!!

This time we took the most direct route. Much quicker.

I love the carvings on theses signs.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak038.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak039.jpg

We breezed through the fast pass line. And we were on our way. I asked Hannah if she would like to sit on the outside to see the animals better? She looked at me like I was crazy. She wanted to sit in the middle. So Jacob and my Dad took the outside, since they would be the photographers on our trip.

Here are my Dad's shots.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak040.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak042.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak043.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak044.jpg

I will give Jacob's photos their own post.

[kathleen27]

A "few" of Jacob's MANY photos.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak045.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak046.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak047.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak048.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak049.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak050.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak051.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak052.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak053.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak054.jpg

This one makes me dizzy.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak055.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak056.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak058.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak060.jpg

I like the reflections in the water.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak061.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak062.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak067.jpg

[wdwgirl03]

Great great great updates...and how exciting you have another trip planned!!! It's always nice to get back and have another trip to look forward to right away. :)

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I liked the pic with the birds spreading there wings.

[ProudMommyof2]

Great update and please tell Jacob he is quite a photographer!

[kathleen27]

Great great great updates...and how exciting you have another trip planned!!! It's always nice to get back and have another trip to look forward to right away. :)

It is nice. I started planning one even before I knew when we were going back. :rolleyes1

You are going in 6 days! That's exciting. :yay:

great update and pics.

I liked the pic with the birds spreading there wings.
Thanks, Jacob was excited to get that one.

Great update and please tell Jacob he is quite a photographer!

Thanks from Jacob!

[kathleen27]

After our safari ride, we ran into Turk from the movie Tarzan.
Hannah and Jacob got hugs from Turk, and Hannah said that was her favorite hug because Turk was soft and fuzzy.:lmao:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak068.jpg

We then take the train to Conservation Station / Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Elephants (Hannah loves Elephants) at the train station.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak069.jpg

Hannah wants to stop and do the kids discovery spot, but I rush her past, and promise to stop on the way out.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak071.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak072.jpg

We arrive and there are characters to meet.
The kids know Jiminy Cricket but cannot remember what movie he was in. :sad2: Pinochio.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak073.jpg

Next we meet Rafiki.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak074.jpg

And Hannah is so excited to meet Pocohantas!!!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak075.jpg

We are ready to head outside when a CM brings out an owl. The kids want to stay and hear about the owl. Jacob likes to take close ups.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak076.jpg

And closer.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak077.jpg

Then we head out to the "Affection Section" or the petting zoo.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak078.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak079.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak081.jpg
Now I have been to petting zoos where I was attacked by the goats. But not at Disney. Though the CM's were making sure no one had any paper. Apparently some goats will pull the paper out of your pocket. Maps, times guides, cash. One goat came up to us and checked to make sure we had nothing good to munch on. He had his own personal CM following him around.

After petting the goats, we wander through the gift shop. Hannah asks for a webkin but I say no. At least ask for something Disney. :sad2:

We stop at the Discovery Club on the way back. We also stopped at the Camp Minnie Mickey spot after Lion King, so now she has done 2 of the 6

Jacob's photos on the way back to the train station.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak082.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak083.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak084.jpg

From the train
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak085.jpg

Back at the Harambe Station in Africa
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak086.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak087.jpg

[Beana9802]

I love those ground shots!

[kathleen27]

I love those ground shots!


There is lots of neat stuff on the ground at AK, there was a simba drawing (the way Rafiki draws him in the movie) too. I have the book "the imagineers guide to AK" and it talks about all the work that went into the ground. :rotfl:

[kathleen27]

We were back in Africa so we headed over to the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak088.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak089.jpg

In the Aviary, I claim my camera and take a few pictures myself.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak090.jpg

I love the pond in here. The fish are so colorful!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak091.jpg

I like the bright colored beak and feet on this bird.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak092.jpg

Hannah loves the bird id pages, she walked around telling us the names of each bird. She is really great at spotting birds everywhere we go.

I let Jacob have the camera back.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak093.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak094.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak095.jpg

Some of my Dad's shots
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak096.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak097.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak098.jpg

Next up the Hippo tank, lots of fish, no hippos. :sad2:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak099.jpg

The meercats were great. They were out when we arrived. This guys was keeping watch.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak100.jpg

My Dad's pics
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak101.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak102.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak103.jpg
After a while something startled them and everyone disappeared into the holes in an instant.

Another of my Dad's pics
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak104.jpg

We spent some time at the Gorillas. They are one of Jacob's favorites. A CM was talking about the Gorillas and asked a question. Jacob answered and was really excited that he knew. Neither of us can remember the question now. Jacob took lots of gorilla pics, here are a few.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak105.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak106.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak107.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak108.jpg

Some nice waterfall shots of Jacob's
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak109.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak110.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak111.jpg

Hannah stopped and did the Discovery Club. 3 out of 6 so far!

[irky416]

Jacob's a pretty good photographer!

I can't wait to see if you get all 6 stamps. :thumbsup2

[kathleen27]

Jacob's a pretty good photographer!

I can't wait to see if you get all 6 stamps. :thumbsup2

Thanks!

It will be close! :rolleyes1

[Msslaydbug]

Just founf your trip report today and love all your photos ! Can't wait to hear about the rest. last year my DS and I took a mother/son trip and had a great time !

[kathleen27]

Just founf your trip report today and love all your photos ! Can't wait to hear about the rest. last year my DS and I took a mother/son trip and had a great time !

Thanks and Welcome!
We are really looking forward to the mother & son trip. :goodvibes

[wdwgirl03]

I love your pictures from the Conservation Station...I have never done that but have it on my to-do list for this trip. Looking forward to more!

[Beana9802]

I love your pictures from the Conservation Station...I have never done that but have it on my to-do list for this trip. Looking forward to more!

did you happen to notice your ticker....2 days!!! WAHOO!!!:worship: I am SO jealous!

[kathleen27]

I love your pictures from the Conservation Station...I have never done that but have it on my to-do list for this trip. Looking forward to more!

We had fun there! This was our second time. On our 2006 trip while there we checked out the veterinary windows, listened to the sounds of the rainforest, saw a different animal talk (? armadillo maybe), and saw the talking recycling bin.

Have Fun!!!

[kathleen27]

When we finished Pangani Trail in Africa, Jacob was starting to get tired. He wanted to take a break, but I wanted to get a bit more done. We had to get to those Discovery spots! We headed into Asia for the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Last trip one of the Discovery stops was at the end of this trek.

On the way we met King Louie!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak112.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak113.jpg

We head into the jungle. These are all Jacob's pics.

First we meet a Komodo Dragon.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak114.jpg

Next the tapir. We like this guy, last trip he was running around playing and he really made an impression on us! Today he was just resting.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak115.jpg

The entrance to the bat exhibit.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak116.jpg

The giant fruit bats.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak117.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak118.jpg

We got to the tigers and could not see them anywhere. :sad2:
Jacob said the scenery was beautiful but he wished the tigers were there.

The Disney Imagineers came up with a great history for this area. This is a former sultan's palace, then hunting lodge, now following apart due to nature, and serving as an animal sanctuary. And the aviary is a former grand ballroom.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak119.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak120.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak124.jpg

We finish the trail and no Discovery Club stop! I pull out the map and sure enough the stop is marked somewhere else. I am trying to figure out where we are and where the stop is and I realize Jacob and my Dad did not stop when Hannah and I did.
But standing there with a map open looking confused, a CM came up and asked what I was looking for. He pointed me in the direction of the DC stop, and as I finished talking to him, my Dad and Jacob reappeared.
My Dad and Jacob were going to rest a bit, while Hannah and I did the last three stops then we'd meet back up. I also asked my Dad to get FP for Kali.

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I love walking through there.

[irky416]

I've never been to Animal Kingdom, but your updates make me want to go!

The bats give me the heebie-jeebies! :scared1:

[kathleen27]

The bats give me the heebie-jeebies! :scared1:

You have to enter their area through a door on the side of the trail. I think they purposefully set it up so it would be easy to skip. I'm sure lots of people don't like bats. Hannah included!

great update and pics.

I love walking through there.

Thanks! Its really nice, but someday I want to see those tigers moving around!

[julezdisney]

Great trip report and your son is a great photographer! He has such a natural eye for composition!

[RachelNinja]

I'm having fun reading your TR!

Haha, I don't think I even knew how to turn on the camera when I was 12 ... good job to Jacob! Great eye for photographs. He's got talent!

[kathleen27]

Great trip report and your son is a great photographer! He has such a natural eye for composition!

Welcome and Thanks!

I'm so glad photos are digital now! He is also an artist so I think that helps.
I love that you have a countdown to your 100 day mark. :rotfl:

I'm having fun reading your TR!

Haha, I don't think I even knew how to turn on the camera when I was 12 ... good job to Jacob! Great eye for photographs. He's got talent!

Welcome and Thanks!

Jacob and I have reached the point where I ask him how to work things. :laughing:

[kathleen27]

Hannah and I did the Asia DC stop. The CM there was so nice. I think she had been at the Camp MM stop earlier too. She told us the Discovery Island stop closes early due to the parade, we had 15 mins. I thanked her and said we would go straight there.

Only problem is I get confused in AK. And Discovery Island was around the corner to our right. And we went left. :sad2: Past EE, past the nemo theater, through Dinoland. The long, long, way. But we made it!!!
We completed the Discovery Island stop. Then took our time heading over to Dinoland for the last stop!

We got to Dinoland and they are stamping the last group to finish and some kids are getting their last stamp, so it takes a little while, but we get a preview of what Hannah will do in a few minutes. Then the CMs start the activity with Hannah and a couple of other kids. Her group finishes up and gets their stamps, and Hannah is last because she has completed all the stops and needs the special stamp. The CM made a big deal out of Hannah completing all the stops and getting all the stamps on her card. She is a "true friend of Wildlife". Hannah raises her right hand and repeats after the CM and makes a pledge to help wildlife. It was very cute. And Hannah was so excited she was absolutely beaming. After the pledge, the CM pulls out the "special stamp". They put it over her card and the CM tells Hannah to press down and see if Rafiki appears, because he will only appear for a true friend of wildlife.

:woohoo: Rafiki appeared!!!! We did it! I was so relieved.

This is a really cute activity for kids. Hannah was really just borderline on being young enough to do this. Jacob was too old, and next time Hannah will be, so I'm glad we got it done! I recommend this for younger kids who like the "educational" games and activities and like animals. But just know this is spread out in the 6 different locations, and is only open 10-4 or 10-5. The Rafiki stamp is a bonus after completing all six regular stamps. All the CMs working at these stops were so nice, really good & patient with all the kids.

So now that we finished our stamp we decided to celebrate with ice cream bars!!!

We called the guys to find out there location. They were at an outdoor table with Frozen Lemonade.

I would have loved to take a video or photos of Hannah making her pledge, but I had left my camera with Jacob. :headache:

Here's what he did with my camera.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak125.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak126.jpg

[kathleen27]

It was almost 4pm so we found a spot to watch the parade. This was our first time seeing the AK parade. It was very different than the other parades, and I really liked it.

Jacob is not so into parades, so he gave me back the camera.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak127.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak128.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak129.jpg

I want a car like this, bow and all.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak130.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak131.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak132.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak133.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak134.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak135.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak136.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak137.jpg

Donald's car is cute too!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak138.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak139.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak140.jpg

My Dad took a few pictures too!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak141.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak142.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak143.jpg

[wdwgirl03]

Glad you enjoyed the AK parade! It is a neat one...in January we got to be in it...we rode on the last float with Mickey!

[kathleen27]

After the parade our fastpass time for Kali was ready but the last showing of Pocahontas and her forest friends was about to start as well. I had not planned to see Pocahontas because it was listed on the Disney site as closed for rehab, but it was on the schedule, and we had heard the show as we passed that area on our way to Lion King. So we consulted Hannah and she said seeing Pocahontas was important!

It was a cute little show aimed at kids. Hannah is an animal lover so she really enjoyed it. She would not sit in the "kids" seats because it said under 10 and she was 10 years and 9 days. :laughing: Plus she didn't want to sit alone. We had good seats anyway.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak144.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak145.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak146.jpg

When the show ended it was raining. :eek:
I figured it really didn't matter as we would get wet on Kali.

We headed out and saw Lilo & Stitch with NO LINE at all! :cool1:

We got autographs and photos! Here's an edited photo:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak147.jpg

This was the original. :rotfl:
They only saw two other families then had to leave because of the rain.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/animal%20kingdom/08ak148.jpg

Now it starts to really pour. By the time we reach Discovery Island we were soaked. We ducked under the overhang of the store for a minute. My Dad said he wanted to look in the shop quick. He comes out with 4 rain ponchos. He said he didn't want the kids to get sick. :confused3 Um aren't we about to get drenched on the Rapids? I think at this point he was ready to leave, but if the kids did not ride Kali I would NEVER hear the end of it. So we put on the ponchos, but I am soaking under the poncho so it does not make much difference. We head over to Kali and by the time we get there my sneakers are soaked. Well there is now NO wait at all on Kali!

We walk right on and ride. And get even wetter if that's possible. We finish and get off, walk half way up the ramp and reenter the line to ride again. After the second time, I tell the kids we can ride again but we have to find my Dad first and let him know what we are doing. He was at the exit wondering what was taking so long. We tell him we are going to ride a few more times.

My Dad does not ride Kali with us. In his words "he paid his dues on this type of ride". On a trip to Busch Gardens many many years ago, we rode their version over and over and my mom made him ride with us. My brothers and I and our friends had been on roller coasters all day without my parents, but my Mom cannot swim so she is terrified of anything with water. She made my Dad ride this one with us. :laughing:

Well we rode Kali a third time, and at the end of ride #3 the CM asked if we wanted to stay on? So we stay on and so does another family. By now it has stopped raining. One of those quick FL downpours.

A couple of teens join us. One has a birthday pin, and its their first time riding (ever). We ended up really talking to the other riders and having a lot of fun. And once you've been on this you can tell ahead of time who will get drenched. So that part was a lot of fun. And Jacob often got drenched. Though Hannah and I did a few times as well. At the end of ride #4 the teens want everyone to ride again, so we all do.

Now we are also joined by a couple riding for their first time (ever). Everyone but the teens has rain ponchos on. I really didn't see the point as water was just getting in the poncho. Jacob asks if he can take his off. I say fine. I know how much he'd been looking forward to getting wet on this ride. And guess who gets drenched BOTH times this time around. Jacob! :laughing: At the end of ride #5, we stay on and so does the couple, the others leave.

We are joined by a new group. Two couples and a little boy (around 5yrs old?), its their first time riding (ever). The little boy kept saying he was scared, so Hannah told him it wasn't scary at all. And coming from her that's something. :laughing: Well one of the guys gets the first drenching and he was shocked. :eek: His family/friends thought it was hysterical. Then we get to the slide and the little boy and his mom get soaked. The little boy was so cute, he looked shocked for a second then shouted "Wow, that was Awesome, Let's do that Again" :rotfl:

After ride #6 the kids wanted to ride again, but I said enough. Luckily the CM said we had to get off and switch rafts, because they were pulling our raft. So we left Kali and found my Dad. No Kali photos this trip but we have 2006 Kali photos so I'm just going to post those.

Old photos from Feb 2006 :rolleyes1
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/Orlando%200206/ak/kali01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/Orlando%200206/ak/kali02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/Orlando%200206/ak/kali03.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/Orlando%200206/ak/kali04.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/Orlando%200206/ak/kali05.jpg

We were drenched! Especially Jacob. We headed to the locker area to get our dry clothes and change. Jacob didn't want to change, but I said he had to, and my Dad added if he didn't he was not getting in the car. :laughing:

We were beat, and we headed out. My Dad headed to the car, but the kids and I stopped in the gift shop first! We left the park around 7pm. We were there 10 hours and we did not see Nemo, Ride Everest, or meet half the characters. I am amazed that this is referred to as a half day park, but then we take our time looking at the animals. :confused3

We picked up drive through fast food, and I let the kids stay up as late as they wanted watching TV!!! :banana:

The only condition, they had to sleep in the next day. We had a big day planned and I wanted to stay out late!

[kathleen27]

Glad you enjoyed the AK parade! It is a neat one...in January we got to be in it...we rode on the last float with Mickey!

It really was neat.
That's really cool. Just being in the parade would be, but with Mickey, that's extra special!!!:goodvibes

[scottny]

great updates and pics.

that is too many times on that ride. glad you all had fun.

I have never seen Pocahontas show.

[irky416]

The car with the bow in the parade is definitely cute!

I can't believe you rode Kali that many times. It makes me think it must be an awesome ride! Glad you had fun!

[kathleen27]

great updates and pics.

that is too many times on that ride. glad you all had fun.

I have never seen Pocahontas show.

Thanks! The kids love it though, too many times for Feb! I was cold and wet at the end. Pocahontas is geared for the young kids.



The car with the bow in the parade is definitely cute!

I can't believe you rode Kali that many times. It makes me think it must be an awesome ride! Glad you had fun!


The kids love it. Several people get absolutely soaked. Could be any seats. We ride it last, and have never had to wait in line for it. I like that you face the other riders. We had fun talking to people.

[bcbmom]

just joining in:goodvibes ...beautiful pictures.

[kathleen27]

just joining in:goodvibes ...beautiful pictures.

Welcome and Thank You!

[kathleen27]

Jacob is really excited about the new Indiana Jones movie coming out. He is going to see it on Saturday. He has been wearing the hat he got at DHS. At art club this week, he wore the hat and took it off to sketch. He was using an old fashioned pen that needs to be dipped into the ink for the first time.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/jacobs%20artwork/indianajoneshat.jpg

[kathleen27]

Friday morning Jacob slept in till 7:30, which for him is late. He's an early bird. I got up a little after him. Hannah slept until almost 9am. I was hoping this would help her stay up later tonight. After our usual breakfast in the condo, we hung out for a bit. We have basic only cable at home, so when we travel, the kids want to do nothing but watch TV. :happytv:

After they got their TV fix, we went down to the pool for a bit. They had gone swimming a few nights, don't remember which. They love the water and are great swimmers.

I was watching the time to see when we needed to get ready for our day! One of the great things about timeshares is the space. We had a 2 bedroom unit, with two full baths, so two showers! :cool1: Made getting ready much easier.

All week the kids had been having fun, but they could not wait to get to the MK. Today's plan was morning at the resort, including lunch, then to the MK, Hannah had an appointment at MK BBBoutique at 1:30pm, we had 5:15 ADRs at Liberty Tree Tavern and tickets for the P&P party that night. I was a little nervous, as I'd heard so much about P&P and about MNSSHP. and the results were mixed. Most people love it, but not everyone, I've also heard certain nights are croweded. I was a little worried because it was president's week. I think my expectations were just so high for this I was nervous nothing could be as fun as I imagined this must be.

We drove to MK and the parking lot was not very crowded. We took the tram for the first and only day of our trip! Every other day we parked too close to the parks for a tram. We took the monorail from the TTC to the park and entered. It was 12:45pm and the Family Fun Day Parade was starting. We passed by and headed over to the castle. We found the BBB with no problem. We were splitting up, BBB was not something the guys were interested in.

They were going to try to find a ride or two that Hannah didn't care for. I also asked if they would FP Jungle Cruise, and Jacob was already hungry again! :eek:

We saw families leaving the BBB upset that they were booked for the entire day, no walk ins available at all! I had made the appt 6 months ago before party dates were announced because the MK closed at 7pm. We headed into the BBB and checked in very very early. I actually apologized for being so early. :laughing: I was expecting something bigger, and with a store like in DD. But this place is tiny. There is a tiny display of dresses but nowhere to really shop. We were getting the package with hair, makeup, and nails, but no dress. We also decided not to bring a dress to wear because of comfort (rides & weather).

We sat down in the waiting area with our buzzer. Hannah brushed her hair a few times, then our buzzer went off! :eek: :yay:
I was shocked, but happy!

We went back and Hannah met her fairy god mother in training, Wanda. They talked over the hairstyles and colors, Hannah chose the Disney Diva. I took tons of photos. They were coming out blurry at first, so I switched to the action setting. They're not blurry, but this setting looks a bit grainy indoors to me. These are a mix of my photos and the photopass ones. All the photopass have the Disney graphics on the bottom.

Before

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb03.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb04.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb05.jpg

During

Two fairy godmothers!!!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb06.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb07.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb08.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb09.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb10.jpg

For anyone not familiar with BBB, the girls face away from the mirror, until the very end. Hannah still hasn't seen what she looks like. She's ready, but we are waiting for the photopass photographer to return.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb11.jpg

A sprinkling of pixie dust. And the Magic words....

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo
May all your princess wishes
And all your princess dreams come true!!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb12.jpg

Then Wanda gave me a sprinkling of pixie dust too!!!!


After

Hannah sees her new hairdo for the first time!!!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb13.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb14.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb15.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb16.jpg

Took some photos of the back and side later on outside.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb17.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/0bbb18.jpg

During the sprinkling with pixie dust and the reveal I videotaped. This is my first time adding video here, so hoping it works.

I made a very cute movie with photos & video all set to the fairy godmother singing Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, but Photobucket's copyright filters won't let it upload, must be the song. Oh well, here are just the videoclips with the BBB background noise.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/th_boutique.jpg (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/BBBoutique/?action=view&current=boutique.flv)

[irky416]

So cute! Hannah looks so pleased to be a Disney Diva!

(I love Jacob's drawing! I wish I had that talent.)

[scottny]

great update and pics.

BBB is really tiny at MK. I was surprised when we went how small it was.

She looked great. :thumbsup2

[julezdisney]

Great trip report & fantastic photos! Your son is a great photographer with an awesome eye for composition and your girl looks like she loved her makeover! :thumbsup2

[kathleen27]

So cute! Hannah looks so pleased to be a Disney Diva!

(I love Jacob's drawing! I wish I had that talent.)

She was thrilled.
When Jacob was 3, he could draw better than me.

great update and pics.

BBB is really tiny at MK. I was surprised when we went how small it was.

She looked great. :thumbsup2

Thanks! I was surprised too, would choose the castle BBB again though just cause its in the castle.

Great trip report & fantastic photos! Your son is a great photographer with an awesome eye for composition and your girl looks like she loved her makeover! :thumbsup2

Thanks! She loved her new look.

[IATink]

Finally got all caught up on your report. I am enjoying it so much! Hannah looks adorable at the BBB! It looks like she really enjoyed it! Can't wait to read more.:goodvibes

[wdwgirl03]

Aww, the video is so cute! Hannah looks great. :thumbsup2

[kathleen27]

Finally got all caught up on your report. I am enjoying it so much! Hannah looks adorable at the BBB! It looks like she really enjoyed it! Can't wait to read more.:goodvibes

Thanks! She loved it!
Looks like you are in single digit countdown!!! Have a great time on your trip!

Aww, the video is so cute! Hannah looks great. :thumbsup2

Thanks!

[RachelNinja]

Ahhh! I love the pink Mickey heads hanging from Hannah's hair! If I had the guts to do it (and company~), I'd actually think about going to BBB for myself ... hehe ;)

[kathleen27]

Ahhh! I love the pink Mickey heads hanging from Hannah's hair! If I had the guts to do it (and company~), I'd actually think about going to BBB for myself ... hehe ;)

Hannah wants to go back to BBB next trip, but this time she wants me to get my hair done too. :rotfl:
I have to admit I don't think I could do the Diva, I'd have to go with the princess bun.

Her hair is actually in a tiny bun, everything else is a hair extension off of a scrunchy. So she still has it and can wear it anytime. She had it on for a bit the next day.

[kathleen27]

Well we finished up at BBB and Hannah was thrilled!
The photopass photographer gave us directions to Expo hall for a photo session.

I thought the guys might be getting something to eat, and if so I knew they would be at Cosmic Rays. My Dad likes Cosmic Rays. I grew up not even knowing you could get food other places in MK. :lmao:

So I give them a call and they are at Cosmic Rays. Since it’s so close we stop by and show off Hannah's hair. They guys were speechless. They had no idea what to expect.

We then head down to expo hall. On the way we ran into the Family Fun Day parade a second time, which made it a little more difficult than usual to maneuver down Main St.

The Directions were "before the train station on the left". I don't think I've ever been in this building before. I double checked with a CM outside that this was the building and was told it was to the back and on the right. I went in the door on the far right, and I got a little confused inside, but there was a line on the far right side of the building, leading up to a curtained area. There was a CM at the front of the line, and I was going to ask him if this was the line, but he headed behind the curtain. There were a few families in line, but no one from BBB. Then the little girl who had been next to us at BBB came out from behind the curtain. She had left BBB a little while before us, so when I saw her I thought "this is the right line". :rolleyes1

Now the CM at the front of the line did an incredible job of keeping everyone busy. I honestly didn't feel like we were waiting around. He got the families waiting to talk to each other. We had a nice chat with the family behind us.

When it was our turn to go behind the curtain, we found a second curtain. We stopped in between and the CM told us we had a special surprise guest waiting to meet us. Hannah and I were very confused. :confused3 And I suddenly realized that we were not in the line we thought. He also apologized and said the photopass photographer was having a problem with his camera, but that I could take my own photos.

I was confused, but a special surprise guest sounded good.
So the CM said I should go in first and Hannah should wait, that way I could take a photo of Hannah as she entered.

So I walk around the second curtain having no idea what to expect.
The special guest greets me and gives me a hug.
The photographer shows me where to stand to photograph Hannah entering. I want to get her reaction so I videotape.
The CM announces “Princess Hannah”.


Princess Hannah enters the room and meets….








Princess Cinderella!!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08mk02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08mk01.jpg

Hannah is surprised and thrilled, and very shy!
The princesses have a nice chat.

The video – the sound isn't that great, because there is so much background noise.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/th_cinderella.jpg (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/?action=view&current=cinderella.flv)

We were so excited after our meeting! But we never did go to the photo session.
We didn’t want to take any more time out of the day.

I know we could have met Cinderella in Toontown, but the fact that it was a surprise made it really exciting. This was also our first time meeting Cinderella!

[irky416]

How nice that you got a special surprise meeting!

Is that always set up (although, I guess if it was it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?) or was it something special because the Photopass camera was broken?

[RachelNinja]

I grew up not even knowing you could get food other places in MK. :lmao:

Haha, this was true for me too! My family spent a lot of time in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland so this was THE restaurant because it was indoors and there was air conditioning! I thought all the restaurants would be the same. Only when I started reading DIS did I learn there were tasty restaurants elsewhere ... oOooo!

And YAY for the first time meeting Cinderella!

[Lovemy3babes]

I'm late but wanted to join in! Sounds like a really great trip. My dh isn't a Disney fan so didn't join us on our last trip. I'm hoping to drag him along this time. ;)

[kathleen27]

Is that always set up (although, I guess if it was it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?) or was it something special because the Photopass camera was broken?

We were in the wrong place for the BBB photo session. Still not sure where we were supposed to be. :confused3
I think the surprise was "who" you would meet. :confused3
Also the CM was really into it!

I had never heard of a character meet here, but earlier this week I found this in an old old thread of tips. So, could have changed since then. BBB in MK just opened (last fall??? I think), so the photo area for that would be fairly new.

Not sure if it's a "secret" or not but one of my favorite lesser-known attractions is the Expo Hall of Main Street. There's a small theater that shows old Disney cartoons (like the old Main Street Cinema but in color and with seats!), a couple exhinits, some nice photo opportunities, and usually in the late morning I've seen a variety of Disney Princesses there (Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, Mary Poppins). Definatly a fun hideaway.

Haha, this was true for me too! My family spent a lot of time in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland so this was THE restaurant because it was indoors and there was air conditioning! I thought all the restaurants would be the same. Only when I started reading DIS did I learn there were tasty restaurants elsewhere ... oOooo!

I am seeing a lot of similarities in my Disney trips growing up and in yours. :laughing:
Now that I have kids, I am "mostly" in charge of the plans. My Dad has some say in restauraunts though.
If he were planning we'd go to a park every other day. Its hard to find a balance between how much I want to do, and how much "rest" time he would like.
We never arrived for rope drop or stayed late at night when I was young.

I'm late but wanted to join in! Sounds like a really great trip. My dh isn't a Disney fan so didn't join us on our last trip. I'm hoping to drag him along this time. ;)

Welcome!!! Glad you are here!
Good luck getting your dh to go!
I am hoping mine will go back at some point. He will need to be dragged. :laughing:

[racefanof88]

Ok I am a late joiner..........lol. Thanks for coming to my report because it helped me find yours..............:thumbsup2

Your kids look so adorable. I can remember when my two oldest were their age. They are now 19 and 20 :( . Time flies by so fast. I can still be a kid with my 9 yo though :cool1:.

[kathleen27]

Ok I am a late joiner..........lol. Thanks for coming to my report because it helped me find yours..............:thumbsup2

Your kids look so adorable. I can remember when my two oldest were their age. They are now 19 and 20 :( . Time flies by so fast. I can still be a kid with my 9 yo though :cool1:.

Thanks! and Welcome!

I found your tr when you posted on tinknme's that you had updated yours. :laughing:

I hope they will continue to join me even as they get older.

[kathleen27]

After meeting Cinderella we called the guys to meet back up with them and ride some rides!!!! :yay:

The guys had rode Buzz lightyear, gotten something to eat, and fastpassed Jungle cruise for us. That was it.

We met up at the Haunted Mansion, and Jacob and I rode while my Dad waited with Hannah. We had a wait of about 2 min to get into the stretch room, then maybe a 5 min wait after that. Jacob was really excited to ride, but the ride stalled in the first room. It took a few minutes to get going again. This was one of several rides that had been rehabed since our last trip. I wasn't really familiar enough with the ride, to tell specific changes.

Jacob loves reading all the gravestones. He likes to make his own at Halloween.
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After the ride, we find my Dad and Hannah. My Dad is on a business call and Hannah is “hot and bored”. This was the warmest day of the trip. I grew up in Miami, so I love the heat and cannot deal with the cold. Hannah does not like to be hot. Just like her Dad.

To cool her off I suggested it’s a small world. Air conditioned, fast loading, not scary, and close by. We headed over and had a few minutes wait. We ended up at the front of the line, waiting for the next set of boats, and the CM chatted with us for a bit. She complimented Hannah’s hair, and said her mom was visiting her and getting her hair done at the BBB. I think this is what gave Hannah the idea that I should get my hair done too next time. We ended up sitting in the front row of the boat, which has less room than the other rows. But Hannah was happy she had now been on a ride. :goodvibes

We stopped for ice cream, then headed over to the Jungle Cruise. Hannah really likes this ride. I always fast pass JC because I spent enough time in that line as a kid, and I don’t ever want to stand in that line again. Our CM was OK. Not as good as last time.

Guess what Jacob did on the Jungle Cruise.

Yep, took photos.
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After the Jungle Cruise, we headed back through Adventureland. Hannah wanted to ride the Magic Carpets, but there was a line, so I suggested we wait till later. Jacob had been trying to convince Hannah to ride some of the rides that she had been scared of, or refused to ride in the past. He wanted her to ride POTC, he wanted us all to ride together. So he finally convinced her to give it a try. We told her it was a boat ride, but in the dark, with a small drop, and animatronic pirates. So what did we forget to warn her about??? :rolleyes1

The cannon fire. She hates cannon fire. Now Jacob rode pirates his first time at MK when he was 6 yrs old, and he loved it. So I thought Hannah would be OK with it, but she was nervous through the beginning tunnels, hanging on to my arm. Then we got to the ships, and when the cannons fired she covered her ears, put her head down and stayed that way for the rest of the ride. :(

We loved all the additions on the ride. It was fun to see Capt. Jack! Though I couldn't see the treasure room at the end that well, cause I was on the wrong side of the boat. ( I was on the right side, the room is on the left side. ) We were in the front of the boat on this ride too, and we were a bit squished in.

After the ride we hung out in the store for a long time. Jacob had brought a pirate bandana and an eyepatch from a past Halloween costume. (I refused to pack the hook hand or parrot.) I asked him again if he wanted a pirate shirt or anything else. He had said no to me at DTD, and he said no again, but asked for a sword. I said no because I didn’t want to carry it around all night.

When we finally left the gift shop it was about 4:20pm, so we decided to find wristbands for the pirate and princess party and go to our locker. We had left sweatshirts/longsleeves, and Jacob’s bandana/eyepatch, and our mini crowns there. I didn’t want to have to go back after dinner when there would be a lot of people leaving and a lot of people entering.

We found Suzy and Perla at the front of the park. Hannah was so excited to meet them!!! :goodvibes She asked Jacob to go up with her. He did a tiny eyeroll but agreed. We had to wait a bit, and the CM announced Suzy and Perla had to leave for a few minutes to help Cinderella with something, but they would be right back. :laughing: We waited and they were back within two minutes.

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We got our wristbands, visited our locker, and took some photos of the party entrance.

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We headed over to the castle for some photos.

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Then we headed over to check in for our reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern.

[Lovemy3babes]

I've never done Jungle Cruise so really enjoyed the photos! :) I hope you all had fun at the party.

[irky416]

Jacob is really a great photographer!

I can't wait to hear about your experience at the party and LTT!

[kathleen27]

I've never done Jungle Cruise so really enjoyed the photos! :) I hope you all had fun at the party.

Thanks! JC has anamantronic animals and very corny jokes. We had a guide two years ago who was great, we had a short wait to unload, and he had the whole boat laughing.

Jacob is really a great photographer!

I can't wait to hear about your experience at the party and LTT!

Thanks! LTT is coming up, then the party!

[kathleen27]

We had 5:15 ADRs at Liberty Tree Tavern. It was our first time here. This is a character meal (but only at dinner). It’s a colonial inn located in Liberty Square, and Minnie and Goofy are wearing colonial clothing. :goofy:

We checked in very early and got our pager. It went off within 5 mins. We were seated in the area to the right of the entrance up a couple of steps. It was close to 5, so I think dinner seating was just starting. Our area filled right up.

We were seated back against the wall. We were pretty much squished into the wall. Not much room at all. We sat the kids on the outside, and the adults in the back to make character meeting & photo taking easier.

We have been to Chef Mickey’s and Crystal Palace (both Buffets). This was family style with everything brought to the table by a waitor, and it was nice not to have to worry about timing trips to the buffet with character arrivals.

The character timing was actually perfect! We met all the characters before the main course arrived! Before, during, or after our bread and salad. So we didn’t have to even worry about the food getting cold. As we were finishing dinner and having dessert the characters actually all came by a second time!

First up is Dale! Hannah had really wanted to meet Chip & Dale at DHS, but I was pretty sure they would be here so I hadn’t been too worried about it! She was real happy!
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Next up is Chip!
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Next up is Goofy! I loved his outfit here. You can not see the pants but they were colonial knickers. Very cute. I wanted to get a full length shot of Goofy but I was really stuck behind the table.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08mk14.jpg

We met Minnie, she had a pretty colonial dress on.
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Pluto!
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The princess is getting hungry!!!
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Later, after our meal ---
Back Again!!!
Dale
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Goofy thought Jacob’s hat needed some adjusting.
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The Food:
No pictures, didn’t know I was supposed to take them yet!
I have learned a lot since this trip!

We started off with "Mixed Greens with Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing" and rolls. The kids and my Dad didn’t like the salad or dressing but I really did. The rolls were fantastic and the butter was really good too. We all loved them. Jacob still mentions the rolls and butter!

Dinner was served “family style” which means they bring platters and bowls to the table and you fill your own plate, I believe they will refill anything you want more of, but we did not ask. The main course is a platter with “roasted turkey breast, carved beef, and smoked pork loin”. I love turkey, so I started out with that, It was better than what I expected, but not as good as roasting a turkey in the oven at home. I put some pork on my plate, but ended up not trying it. I really like roast pork, but this was more pink than white, and it looked more like ham than pork to me, and I don’t like ham so I ended up not trying it. Jacob had the beef and loved it. I think my Dad had some beef and some turkey. There was no beef left at the end of the meal, and no one ended up trying the pork. I’m not sure that Hannah tried any of the three.

We also had mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, “herb bread stuffing, and Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese”. I thought the mashed potatos were good, the green beans were fantastic, the stuffing was just ok and I did not try the mac & cheese. I liked the gravy, and I tend to "drown" my food in gravy.
Jacob said the mac & cheese was great.
Hannah loves mashed potatos, so I think she mainly had mashed potatos & mac & cheese for her meal.
I made both kids eat some green beans (just like at home). I told the kids they will only bring us desert if we finished all the green beans. They were worried. We did not finish them all though.

For desert we had hot apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Really good! I was pretty full, but I found room for desert, and seconds of desert.
(I have seen menus that say the desert is cherry cobbler though).

Would we go back???
Jacob and I have ADRs for Sept, he loved it here and we want to see the characters in their Halloween costumes. I can do a better Turkey dinner myself, but it was good enough. It was a bit pricy at 28.99 each, though, I have had lunch & dinner at Crystal Palace and really liked it. But we all left very full.

[wdwgirl03]

Oh no!!! That is a bummer that Hannah didn't enjoy Pirates. :( Do you think she'll try it again sometime?? Great updates!

[irky416]

I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner.

I'm thinking about trying LTT this trip, but I can't decide if it's worth the money. You didn't seem overly thrilled by it, so maybe I will end up skipping it. (I knew reading all these TR's would come in handy sooner or later!;) )

That picture of Hannah is so cute! It's nice that you got to see some of the characters twice! And the ones that Hannah really wanted to see.

[kathleen27]

Oh no!!! That is a bummer that Hannah didn't enjoy Pirates. :( Do you think she'll try it again sometime?? Great updates!

I hope she will try again. There are a lot of rides she didn't even try that I hope she will next time. She did a lot better this trip than 2 years ago though. I think she would have been OK if not for the canon fire.

I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner.

I'm thinking about trying LTT this trip, but I can't decide if it's worth the money. You didn't seem overly thrilled by it, so maybe I will end up skipping it. (I knew reading all these TR's would come in handy sooner or later!;) )

That picture of Hannah is so cute! It's nice that you got to see some of the characters twice! And the ones that Hannah really wanted to see.

Thanks! That's one of my favorite photos.
I think because of the early time, we had great character interaction.

The food was good, but not outstanding. My oven has a roast setting, so makes an amazing turkey, So twice a year I do roast turkey with homemade stuffing & all sorts of other stuff. Jacob loved the beef but I did not get around to trying it. Next time I will.

Its so tough to decide which TS meals to do. Its tough for me to give up park time, but our trips always seem too short & we are offsite. The kids love the character meals. The main reason we are going back is to see the characters in their costumes. The price does include sodas and the dessert. Other drinks or other desserts are extra. I checked and CP is only $1 less. I guess with the dining plan it doesn't matter. I am doing the math for Sept and with our choices it is very close, DDP will only be guaranteed less with a discount. I also realized LTT has a completely different menu for lunch (but no characters).

[heaven2dc]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your report so far! Your son has a keen eye for photography and did a fantastic job shooting pictures (as well as you and your Dad). Think I could convince you to tag along on my trip in December?(my DBFF & I are going back - we were there the first 3 days in Feb this year and she didn't seem too happy with me wanting to stop & take pics of buildings and animals lol. So needless to say, I don't have alot of pics!)

Your daughter is so beautiful in her hairdo - I think it would be great if you both do that next trip. Speaking of next trips, how exciting just you and your son are going by yourselves and how lucky he is to have a sister who doesn't mind!!

[anbouk]

:goodvibes Nice trippie...I've been kinda lurking along. Pics you guys took are outstanding. So nice to know you will be going back in a short time. Does your daughter not want to go again, I'm shocked. Can't wait for more!

[Lovemy3babes]

I'm thrilled to read about LTT! It's on our list for next time. Not so much for the food but we love character meals! (You are right, Crystal Palace is also really good!) Do you remember how long you took in LTT? I hate wasting a lot of park time too but we'll be on the dining plan. Thanks!!!

[kathleen27]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your report so far! Your son has a keen eye for photography and did a fantastic job shooting pictures (as well as you and your Dad). Think I could convince you to tag along on my trip in December?(my DBFF & I are going back - we were there the first 3 days in Feb this year and she didn't seem too happy with me wanting to stop & take pics of buildings and animals lol. So needless to say, I don't have alot of pics!)

Your daughter is so beautiful in her hairdo - I think it would be great if you both do that next trip. Speaking of next trips, how exciting just you and your son are going by yourselves and how lucky he is to have a sister who doesn't mind!!

Thanks and Welcome!

Jacob and I could easily be convinced into any vacation. We love to travel!!!
My husband has gotten "impatient" with me for taking photos of flowers outside of museums. OK, everyone gets impatient when I start on the flower photos. :laughing:

If she still wants us to get our hair done next time I will get mine done too, but I will go with the princess one.

Hannah doesn't mind, so long as we bring her something. She chose a different trip.

:goodvibes Nice trippie...I've been kinda lurking along. Pics you guys took are outstanding. So nice to know you will be going back in a short time. Does your daughter not want to go again, I'm shocked. Can't wait for more!

Thanks, Welcome, and glad you posted!!!

I was shocked too. :eek: What kid turns down a trip to Disney. :confused3
I will probably go into the "long" version of the answer later, but here is the short version.
She wants to take some different trips instead. I suggested we go back next Feb, her birthday is a couple of days before vacation week. I even offered going the day before her bday. She would rather go to NYC, and have tea at American Girl Place with maybe my MIL and SILs joining us. We also have a trip to visit my Dad next year. So we came up with Jacob and I going for a long weekend in Sept. Maybe in Feb we will go to World of Disney store in NYC & I would love to see Little Mermaid on Broadway.

I'm thrilled to read about LTT! It's on our list for next time. Not so much for the food but we love character meals! (You are right, Crystal Palace is also really good!) Do you remember how long you took in LTT? I hate wasting a lot of park time too but we'll be on the dining plan. Thanks!!!

We had great character interactions. I would say we were there very close to an hour. My computer stores the time my photos were taken. And that corresponds, First character photo 5:06, last photo 5:59. The next photo after LTT says 6:09pm. I think it helped that we were there so early. We tried to make a 6 or 6:30 ADR for Sept and could not get one. We are at 5:15 again. :laughing:

[kathleen27]

We headed out of Liberty Tree Tavern into Liberty Square.
The kids started to misbehave so we locked them up in the stockades. ;)

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The kids had fun with this! They love making faces. Especially Hannah.

I know this is the world's shortest update, but I wanted to do something. Its been a long week. Lots of activities at the end of the school year! Concerts, field trips, etc...

[Lovemy3babes]

LOL! My kiddos loved the stockades too!

[kathleen27]

LOL! My kiddos loved the stockades too!

I'd like to do more of this type stuff in the future. Its a fun break, and makes for good photos for the kids to remember the trip by later.

[kathleen27]

We headed over to Fantasyland because the kids were dying to ride some rides!
It was about 6:20pm so the park was fairly crowded. I thought the lines might be shorter after the park “closed” at 7pm, so I suggested we see philharmagic first.

We had to wait for the next show to start, and the theater was half empty.
I love philharmagic its such a great show.
Hannah did not like the 3D two years ago. She kept taking her glasses off.
Luckily she didn’t remember this at all.
This time she loved it. Yeah. :cool1:
Jacob said it was better than he remembered.
My Dad loves this show too!

When we left the theater it was still not 7pm, but the crowd had thinned quite a bit.
Hannah was dying to ride Dumbo so we headed over. :dumbo: When she was little Dumbo was one of her favorite movies. This was the shortest line I’ve ever waited in for Dumbo. I was so glad. The kids and I rode, my Dad never rides these type rides.

After Dumbo, Hannah wanted to ride the carousel. We only had to wait for the current ride to stop, and it was our turn. As we waited we looked for Cinderella’s horse with the golden ribbon through her tail. I didn’t see it. Hannah was deciding what horse to ride on. It was now 7pm, so they were checking for bracelets. We were let into the Carousel, and Hannah took off running. She knew exactly what horse she wanted to ride.
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Jacob and I caught up and just rode the horses next to her. My Dad skipped this one too.
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She loves horses.
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We took a vote Characters or rides until the parade. They voted rides, except that Hannah wanted to have her picture taken at Cinderella’s coach. Probably our longest line of the night, but worth it for Hannah. While we waited we called my husband to say our daily hello. He told us about all the snow at home. I love when it snows while I’m on vacation, I feel like a picked the right time to travel! :cold:

We got to the front of the line and chatted with the CM, she was from Brasil, and my brother travels, and lives in Brasil about half the year.

Then it was our turn to take a picture at the Cinderella Topiary.

The look she is giving him is too funny.
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After this there were only two groups ahead of us!!!
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We were told we could take photos first, then the photopass photographer would take two. We were instructed to stand completely still, because it was so dark. The family in front of us had a little girl of about 4. She walked up to the spot she was told to stand on, turned to the camera and did the perfect princess pose. Then she started to rock from side to side. Didn’t quite get the completely still part.

Cinderella’s carriage.
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Hannah’s turn:
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One of the photopass shots. I think this is my favorite photo from the trip.
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We crossed over to Peter Pan, and had a short wait. The people behind us were discussing what to do next. They had little kids and the husband pointed across to small world. How about that one? The wife asked is it a ride or a show? Husband had no idea. My Dad turned around and told them what it was. I was too stunned to speak. :eek:

We rode Peter Pan and I really enjoyed it. We visited London last summer and just loved it there. So flying over London was wonderful, we pointed out some familiar landmarks. Jacob wanted to know why the London Eye was missing. He also said Big Ben wasn't so big.
We also watched a lot of movies about Peter Pan before the London trip -Peter Pan, Return to Neverland, Hook, and Finding Neverland- I knew nothing about Finding Neverland before I watched it, but it was fantastic, it’s the story of JM Barrie (played by Johnny Depp) writing the play Peter Pan. We visited the park that Barrie spent time in, saw the Peter Pan statue, and visited a playground with a Peter Pan theme. I enjoyed this ride more than I ever have because of all that.

We just walked through Fantasyland riding everything with no wait, Snow White’s scary adventure (yeah! Hannah did not get scared she loved it). The many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (even this scared her two years ago, but not this time).

Next was one of my favorites:
The teacups.
I know a lot of people don’t enjoy this (my Dad, stepmom & husband included), but I love them. Luckily so do my kids. The three of us rode together, and we took turns spinning as fast as we could. Something about this ride makes me laugh so hard I can’t stop.
When we entered the ride Hannah went racing for an empty pink cup.
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Pirates don't ride in pink teacups! :lmao:
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I love that photo, and the pink teacup is one of the reasons.

After teacups we headed over to the Indy Speedway, but we there was a short line, so we decided to catch the parade in Frontierland and try the Speedway later.

[Lovemy3babes]

I love the pictures in front of the coach! How pretty!

[irky416]

This time she loved it. Yeah. :cool1:
Jacob said it was better than he remembered.
My Dad loves this show too!

I'm glad she liked it! I love Philharmagic!

He told us about all the snow at home. I love when it snows while I’m on vacation, I feel like a picked the right time to travel! :cold:

I love that too!

Then it was our turn to take a picture at the Cinderella Topiary.

The look she is giving him is too funny.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp10.jpg

That picture is funny! Hannah looks annoyed. :rotfl2:


One of the photopass shots. I think this is my favorite photo from the trip.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp19.jpg


That's so cute! We didn't wait in line for this, but your pictures came out so nice!

We also watched a lot of movies about Peter Pan before the London trip -Peter Pan, Return to Neverland, Hook, and Finding Neverland- I knew nothing about Finding Neverland before I watched it, but it was fantastic, it’s the story of JM Barrie (played by Johnny Depp) writing the play Peter Pan. We visited the park that Barrie spent time in, saw the Peter Pan statue, and visited a playground with a Peter Pan theme. I enjoyed this ride more than I ever have because of all that.

I loved Finding Neverland! I didn't know all that stuff was in London when i went a couple years ago. I would love to go find it. I will have to keep it in mind if I ever make it back there.

Pirates don't ride in pink teacups! :lmao:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp22.jpg
I love that photo, and the pink teacup is one of the reasons.

I love that picture! He looks so into it.

[kathleen27]

I loved Finding Neverland! I didn't know all that stuff was in London when i went a couple years ago. I would love to go find it. I will have to keep it in mind if I ever make it back there.

Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, London
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london115.jpg

These are all from the Diana Memorial playground in the North West corner of Kensington Gardens. They have a rule posted that adults may only enter if with a child under 12. Not sure if it is enforced. Most of the playgrounds in the Royal Parks post that sign.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london108.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london109.jpg

Watch out for the crocodile
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london110.jpg

Treasure
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london111.jpg

TeePees
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london113.jpg

[kathleen27]

The kids really didn't want to see the parade, but I did.
Hannah sat down looking very tired.
We took a lot of photos, but most were blurry. There was also a light directly across from us. Here are some of the ones that weren't too blurry.

My Dad wasn't planning on using his camera so he let Jacob borrow it. Its an SLR with a telephoto lens. A very big camera for a kid. Anastasia saw him with the camera and came to pose for him. She asked him if he got the photo before she moved on.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadvj14.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadvj15.jpg

I loved seeing the crocodile!!!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/endhadvj16.jpg

Pirate Mickey!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/IMG_0117.jpg

My Photos:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/endhadv03.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv04.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv05.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv06.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv07.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv08.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv09.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv10.jpg

This guy looks like he belongs in the POTC ride.:laughing:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv11.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/endhadv12.jpg

I told Hannah this was the only parade with Tinkerbelle, in hopes that would get her excited. It worked a little.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/enchadv13.jpg

[scottny]

great update and pics.

i enjoyed the parade when we saw it.

[Lovemy3babes]

Great parade pictures! Belle looks so pretty. :)

[irky416]

Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, London
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london115.jpg

These are all from the Diana Memorial playground in the North West corner of Kensington Gardens. They have a rule posted that adults may only enter if with a child under 12. Not sure if it is enforced. Most of the playgrounds in the Royal Parks post that sign.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london108.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london109.jpg

Watch out for the crocodile
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london110.jpg

Treasure
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london111.jpg

TeePees
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london113.jpg

I love your pictures! We were in Kensington Gardens. I don't know how I missed it. I guess I didn't know I should have been looking for it. ;)

You got great pictures from the parade! I think they turned out pretty well.

[momsavealot]

Love the TR so far! I'm assuming that parade was part of the pirates and princesses party, right? I would love to see Tink but the party will not be going on in August when we go. Oh well! Keep the photos coming!!!popcorn::

[momsavealot]

Love the TR so far! I'm assuming that parade was part of the pirates and princesses party, right? I would love to see Tink but the party will not be going on in August when we go. Oh well! Keep the photos coming!!!popcorn::

[RachelNinja]

I didn't realize I was behind on so many installments! It was really fun to read one after another though! I've gotta start working on mine again now that the school year is over. Your installments were inspirational :thumbsup2

We ended up at the front of the line, waiting for the next set of boats, and the CM chatted with us for a bit. She complimented Hannah’s hair, and said her mom was visiting her and getting her hair done at the BBB. I think this is what gave Hannah the idea that I should get my hair done too next time.

She asked Jacob to go up with her. He did a tiny eyeroll but agreed. We had to wait a bit, and the CM announced Suzy and Perla had to leave for a few minutes to help Cinderella with something, but they would be right back. :laughing: We waited and they were back within two minutes.

Time and time again, I feel the Disney magic at home when I hear about CM's that are just so pleasant! I mean, you're working at WDW! I know there are a lot of those who might be a little grouchy or who might be having a bad day, but I think it's very important to spread pixie dust, even if it's "just" talking to people.

Jacob's such a good sport! I hope to have a son just like him :)

That added touch of having to help Cinderella is so cute!

The Food:
No pictures, didn’t know I was supposed to take them yet!
I have learned a lot since this trip!

Jacob still mentions the rolls and butter!

I made both kids eat some green beans (just like at home). I told the kids they will only bring us desert if we finished all the green beans. They were worried. We did not finish them all though.

Even without the food pictures, you painted an excellent picture with your descriptions! All the sides sound so yummy! I'm not really a meat person, but I could definitely imagine going there for everything else. Even the rolls! Wow, they must have been THAT good if Jacob's still mentioning them!

Haha ... love that green beans thing :)

I'd like to do more of this type stuff in the future. Its a fun break, and makes for good photos for the kids to remember the trip by later.

Definitely! As I was growing up, we used to rush-rush-rush to get on the rides ... I mean, that's the "ONLY" reason we went to WDW, right? But now that I am officially in charge of the camera and vacation pictures, I'll be like, "No wait! I want a picture here!" And my younger brother (Piglet), sees photo ops too! Then when we come home, we can relive the vacation over and over and over again! That's what makes the trips so special.

Plus, just think about the times when Jacob and Hannah are going to dig through your photo albums when they're older and writing their own TRs, hehe.

Then it was our turn to take a picture at the Cinderella Topiary. The look she is giving him is too funny.

Cinderella’s carriage.


Those pictures at the Cinderella topiary and the carriage are definitely going to go in the "Here are some pictures from the days I went to Disney as a kid" TR installments by Jacob and Hannah ;)

[wdwgirl03]

Great pictures from the parade...they're better than mine!

[kathleen27]

I love the pictures in front of the coach! How pretty!

Thanks! It was worth the wait. I think that's my favorite photo of the whole trip. (sorry Jacob)

great update and pics.

i enjoyed the parade when we saw it.

Thanks! It was fun.

Great parade pictures! Belle looks so pretty. :)

Thanks! More Belle later!

I love your pictures! We were in Kensington Gardens. I don't know how I missed it. I guess I didn't know I should have been looking for it. ;)

You got great pictures from the parade! I think they turned out pretty well.

It was hard to find.
They actually look better now that I made them smaller. :rotfl:

Love the TR so far! I'm assuming that parade was part of the pirates and princesses party, right? I would love to see Tink but the party will not be going on in August when we go. Oh well! Keep the photos coming!!!popcorn::

Thanks! Yes, Part of the Pirate & Princess party.
Sad they won't have the party this summer. :(
When they started in 2007 I was so disappointed we wouldn't be there.
I was glad they continued them this year.

Great pictures from the parade...they're better than mine!

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing yours.

I didn't realize I was behind on so many installments! It was really fun to read one after another though! I've gotta start working on mine again now that the school year is over. Your installments were inspirational :thumbsup2

I have lots of catching up to do, too. I'm really enjoying your flats thread.
We have one more day of school here!!!!

Jacob's such a good sport! I hope to have a son just like him :)Thanks, that so sweet! :goodvibes
He's a good kid, and an amazing brother.

That added touch of having to help Cinderella is so cute!
I thought so too!

But now that I am officially in charge of the camera and vacation pictures, I'll be like, "No wait! I want a picture here!" And my younger brother (Piglet), sees photo ops too! Then when we come home, we can relive the vacation over and over and over again! That's what makes the trips so special.

Plus, just think about the times when Jacob and Hannah are going to dig through your photo albums when they're older and writing their own TRs, hehe.
I have a lot more photos I want to take next trip!
I am wondering what I will find in our old photos! :confused3
Planning on looking next time I visit my Mom.

[kathleen27]

Just started a pretrip for the Sept trip with Jacob!!!

Today is our 100 days on the countdown!!!

My Son Loves Halloween September Pretrip (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1860745)

[kathleen27]

We were really enjoying the pirate & princess party. We were seeing lots of people in costumes and some of those costumes were amazing. Hannah really wanted a light up rose, so I ended up buying her one. My Dad had already bought her a light up tiara. Jacob really wanted to go back to the POC shop and buy more pirate gear. I had tried to buy him a pirate shirt or sweatshirt at DTD but he hadn’t been interested then. My Dad and the kids had not heard of P&P party, except for my endless talk and my kids pretty much ignored that. They had no idea what to expect. My Dad could not fathom all the adults in costumes. He spent a lot of time people watching and commenting that people got a little too into this. I loved all the costumes; it was one of the things that made the party different from regular hours.

pirate: princess:

Before the parade we had left Indy speedway without riding, so we headed back over to ride. There was almost no line, so we rode. Jacob in his own car. Hannah and I together. Hannah was just under the height requirement to drive last visit. She had been so disappointed. She had been looking forward to driving this time, but at the last minute she got nervous and changed her mind, and I ended up driving. :confused3

After our race, I wanted to take Hannah over to fantasyland and look for princesses. I had heard that a lot of princess and their princes were in Fantasyland from 9-10.
Jacob wanted to ride Indy Speedway again. I gave Jacob some money so he could head over to POC with my Dad next, and we split up, planning to meet back up for the fireworks.

Hannah and I headed into Fantasyland. We saw Belle alone in her yellow gown. Her line was closed, but we were told she would be in her garden after the fireworks for more photos. Next over was Snow White and her Prince. We had not met Snow White before so we decided to wait to meet them. We had a long wait, though I didn’t time it. The family in front of us had amazing costumes. The oldest daughter was Belle in her blue dress. We had passed her earlier and at first I didn’t realize she was a guest, I thought she was Belle. The younger teen daughter was Alice in Wonderland. And they had a little boy dressed as Peter Pan. Another guest in line asked if they could get a picture with this Belle. She said she thought it was against Disney rules. I actually really enjoyed waiting in line, listening to Princess music and seeing all the costumes, it was such a nice atmosphere.

Hannah was so excited to meet Snow White, and extra shy because Jacob was not with her.
Snow White was very sweet. She asked Hannah’s name, which started a conversation on their favorite Hannah Montana songs. Who knew Snow White was a Hannah Montana fan! :laughing:
Snow White chatted away to Hannah as they signed her autograph book.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp23.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp24.jpg
After meeting Snow White we wandered around Fantasyland, but all the character lines were closed. We saw Sleeping Beauty and her Prince. We also saw Peter Pan and Wendy.

We headed over to the front of the castle to meet the guys and watch the fireworks.
We were on our phones trying to describe our locations but it was packed and we could not find each other. :(

[kathleen27]

Hannah and I found a spot near the top of Main St.
Hannah was pretty much ready to leave right then. She sat down and put her head in her hands. She’s not a big fireworks fan to begin with.

The fireworks were Amazing!!! I couldn't stop raving about them.
When the pirates attacked the castle it was incredible.
My fireworks photos:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp25.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp26.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp27.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp28.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp29.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp30.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp31.jpg

[kathleen27]

Jacob rode Indy Speedway one more time, and my Dad deemed not enough time to visit POC shop before fireworks (so Jacob never made it over there). The guys found a spot fairly close to the castle. Here are a couple of castle pics my Dad took while waiting for the fireworks.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp32.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp33.jpg


My Dad’s firework pics:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp34.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp35.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp36.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp37.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp38.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp39.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp40.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp41.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp42.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp43.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp44.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp45.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp46.jpg

[Lovemy3babes]

Such nice pictures! I especially the love the fireworks photos. :D

[kathleen27]

After the fireworks, we called each other again and finally were able to find each other in the crowd. Jacob really wanted to ride Big Thunder Mountain RR (so did I), He had been wanting to ride Space Mountain as well, but it was closed. :(
Hannah really wanted to leave. She was tired, and it was past her bedtime. I talked her into going with my Dad to see Belle. I was concerned about how long she would last. I didn’t want her to have a meltdown on my Dad, but she would probably behave better for him than me, and he actually deals with her very well.

So we split up again.

Jacob and I headed over to BTM and got in the very short line. I think the wait time was posted as 20min, but it was about 5. This is our favorite ride (so far). I love riding at night, my favorite part is when you are near the top and you come outside and you can see over the park. There was a full moon and it was absolutely beautiful. We got off and Jacob begged to go on again. I really wanted to as well, so I said OK. I figured we hadn’t been long. So we rode again, the wait was even shorter. This time the moon was behind clouds, which was amazing too. Jacob wanted to ride a third time, but I was worried about Hannah. So I called to check in. No answer. I figured they would buy popcorn and find a bench, so maybe they were paying for their popcorn. Since we couldn’t find them if we wanted to we rode a third time. We got off and I said that’s it, I have to check on Hannah.

We called and located Hannah and my Dad. The treasure spots had no lines at this point, so we quickly passed through the nearest one, then took a tiny detour to pass a second. Jacob and I each received two gems at the first and a necklace at the second. We found Hannah and my Dad on Main street with bottle of water and an empty box of popcorn. I gave Hannah the necklace and gems I’d gotten and her face lit up. :goodvibes

After the fireworks Hannah and my Dad had immediately headed over to Belle’s fairytale garden, and gotten in line. There were not that many people, but Belle spent a lot of time with everyone. When we called them they had actually just gotten to the front of Belle’s line and that’s why they hadn’t picked up.

The photopass pics.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp51.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp52.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp47.jpg

We headed out, and Jacob and my Dad snapped a few final photos on the way.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp48.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp49.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/magic%20kingdom/wdw08ppp50.jpg

It was 11:20, Honestly Jacob and I could have stayed till the end and then some, but Hannah was beat. We got right on the monorail and Hannah put her head on my lap and closed her eyes. She made it to the car, and fell asleep on the way back. I ended up carrying her from the car up the stairs to our room. The next day was a rest day, and our plans for the morning were to sleep in!

[kathleen27]

Such nice pictures! I especially the love the fireworks photos. :D

Thanks! They were amazing fireworks!

[momsavealot]

Wow! What a fun party and I'm so jealous of all that riding on Thunder Mountain Railroad under the moonlight! What a special time! Great photos of the fireworks and princess sightings! What, no pirates? How great that your dad is there to help split up and let the kids do what they really want to do! Another great installment! I'm just sad that we can't go to a PP&P party!:(

[scottny]

really good updates and pics.

i loved the P&PP. such fun

[castmemberb4]

Hey Kathy
Your Dad's night shots are fantastic ! What kind of camera is he using?

Lynn

[kathleen27]

Hey Kathy
Your Dad's night shots are fantastic ! What kind of camera is he using?

Lynn

My Dad and StepMom were visiting us today, so I was able to ask him.
He was using a Digital SLR Canon Rebel XTI, but since them they came out with a new camera the Canon Rebel XSI and he bought the new one and sold the one he was using at Disney. He recommends the XSI as its the newer version. He takes photography seriously.

One of the photopass photographers was admiring his camera and asking how he liked it.

[kathleen27]

Wow! What a fun party and I'm so jealous of all that riding on Thunder Mountain Railroad under the moonlight! What a special time! Great photos of the fireworks and princess sightings! What, no pirates? How great that your dad is there to help split up and let the kids do what they really want to do! Another great installment! I'm just sad that we can't go to a PP&P party!:(

Thanks, TM was definately a highlight. We are trying to talk Hannah into trying it next time.

I wish we could have stayed later, or gone to two partys or had another MK day, so we could have done more. Jacob was more interested in rides than characters, and Hannah is more princess than pirate. They had a lot of things we missed. But we had a great time. I always leave disney needing to return for everything I missed.

really good updates and pics.

i loved the P&PP. such fun

Thanks, Us too!

[castmemberb4]

My Dad and StepMom were visiting us today, so I was able to ask him.
He was using a Digital SLR Canon Rebel XTI, but since them they came out with a new camera the Canon Rebel XSI and he bought the new one and sold the one he was using at Disney. He recommends the XSI as its the newer version. He takes photography seriously.

One of the photopass photographers was admiring his camera and asking how he liked it.


Thanks for asking Kathy. I used shoot weddings with a Canon AE1 ( a long time ago!) I've been thinking about going back to Canon so your info was very timely.

[kathleen27]

Thanks for asking Kathy. I used shoot weddings with a Canon AE1 ( a long time ago!) I've been thinking about going back to Canon so your info was very timely.

My Dad likes the Canons, one of his sisters is also very into photography. She likes Nikons. They give each other a hard time about it. :laughing:

[castmemberb4]

My Dad likes the Canons, one of his sisters is also very into photography. She likes Nikons. They give each other a hard time about it. :laughing:

That's funny b/c all of my photography friends are split into those same two catagories!

[irky416]

I love the fireworks pictures! The party fireworks were amazing!

The pictures of Hannah with Belle and Snow White are cute!

I love BTMRR, too, especially at night! The view is amazing. It's so awesome that you and Jacob got to ride three times in a row.

[kathleen27]

I love the fireworks pictures! The party fireworks were amazing!

The pictures of Hannah with Belle and Snow White are cute!

I love BTMRR, too, especially at night! The view is amazing. It's so awesome that you and Jacob got to ride three times in a row.

Thanks!
The fireworks were fantastic.
We have a great memory of riding BTMRR!!! :goodvibes

[kathleen27]

My Dad and stepmom were in town last month for a family party my Aunt planned to celebrate my Uncle's retirement. We all had a lot of fun. It was a surprise party, so we all arrived early. Now I always get cold in restauraunts so I had brought a sweater. Neither of my kids followed my advice and brought one. Within minutes of arrival, Hannah had stolen my sweater, and Jacob had stolen my camera. :furious:
OK I wasn't that mad, but Jacob likes that smiley.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/hannah.jpg

My Dad had his camera too. He asked Jacob if he wanted to use it.
Of course he did!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:
Jacob took a few hundred photos. We made my Aunt a CD.
He was right up there ready to take photos of the surprise entrance.
He had a lot of fun.
Then my Dad told me he wasn't planning on using the camera this month, and he would be back in town the end of July. He let Jacob borrow the camera for a month. He has been busy taking lots of photos.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/jacobphotographer.jpg


OK, Now back on topic....



I have the first installment of our last day ready in word, so I am finally going to update. I just need to paste and add smileys. :goodvibes



And I wanted to welcome Jacob to the DIS, he signed up a while back, but we had to wait for his account set up because he's under 13. He's read most of the report, and now he can finally post!!!

:welcome:

Indiana Jacob

:yay: :goofy: :mickeyjum :tigger:

:jumping1: :jumping1:

[scottny]

:welcome: Jacob

[kathleen27]

The day after the pirate & princess party, everyone slept in. We pretty much just hung out. I would have loved to have gone to a park for the later half of the day, Jacob would have too, but I know that Hannah and my Dad were not up to it. It was Saturday, and we would spend Sunday at Epcot, and Monday we would check out and fly home.

So, we hung out, did Laundry, :laundy: packed some stuff up. Borrowed my Dad’s lap top, :surfweb: went to the arcade. It rained most of the day :umbrella: , but later on it let up, and the kids went in the pool. After dinner we went down to the resort lobby for ice cream bars.

While we were packing up I had the kids pick out an outfit for the next day. I realized Hannah had her “practically perfect” shirt from the Mary Poppins play. While in London last summer, I wanted to see a show, and we chose Mary Poppins, since it takes place in London. It was a wonderful play and we all loved it, including my husband. He took the kids to the souvenir stand at the play and bought them each a t-shirt plus a poster and the soundtrack. They sang the songs for weeks after the show. Well the kids are now huge Mary fans, so I was hoping we would meet her in Epcot, but didn’t want the kids to be disappointed so I hadn’t told them she is sometimes there. I told Hannah I thought she should wear her practically perfect shirt to Epcot, and she agreed with out questions.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/London%2007/london912.jpg

We had been to Epcot in 2006, but we had arrived in the middle of the day, so that the kids would last till Reflections. They did, kind of. Hannah was 8 and she crashed during the show. I had to carry her out of the park. In the crowd!!! Well since we had arrived late, there was a two hour wait for Soarin’ and we ended up not riding. So this trip we absolutely had to ride soarin’!!!

So, Sunday morning we get up and the plan is to be at Epcot before 9am opening. We were through the turnstiles and in the park at 8:50. Never saw rope drop or opening show??? Guess we missed it.

Jacob’s photos:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot03.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot04.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot05.jpg

We headed straight to the Land pavilion and right to Soarin’. A 20min wait was posted. We got in line. I would hear nothing but Soarin’ from these kids until we rode, so we waited and finally got to ride Soarin’. We loved it!!! Even Hannah loved it!

Next stop, the Seas with Nemo and Friends, which was new since our last trip. I can’t remember the wait time but it was very short, we joked that it was the time it takes to walk through the queue. The ride was OK, but not a must ride. I had heard about it, and knew that we would see the pixar fish “in” the tank with the real fish. I didn’t realize it was only one scene, so I was expecting something “more”. Jacob has rated this a maybe for the next trip. If we have extra time, if there’s no line. Hannah and I rode together, and she hid her face at one point during the ride, the part with the deep sea fish. :fish:

After Nemo we headed straight over to Turtle Talk with Crush. Hannah had seen this last trip. My stepmom had taken her while Jacob and I rode something else. My Dad could not remember if he had seen it or not. He had to ask his wife. :confused: And no he had not seen it. :rotfl:

We played in the waiting area, we checked out the sting rays, and the kids took the video quizzes. We had to drag them away from the screens to go in the theater. This show is amazing. It’s a really funny, cute, enjoyable show. And the technical aspect is outstanding. Crush is talking to members of the audience “live” and he looks so realistic, and the movements of his mouth and his expressions are amazing. We were so impressed!!! We all loved it. This is definitely not just for kids.

We headed upstairs and checked out the aquariums
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot20.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot21.jpg

Hannah found her first kidcot station of the day and started her project. She loves arts & crafts! :lovestruc

We found the guys listening to a talk at the manatee tank. I heard a kid in the audience answer a question and I didn’t realize it was Jacob until after the show!!!

We headed into the gift shop and I think we “squished” a penny here???
Hannah still had her share of the reward card my Dad had given the kids (Jacob used his on the Indy hat). So I left the others to work out their purchases and I ran over to Test Track for FPs. Jacob was trying to talk Hannah into riding with us this time!!! Will he succeed???

[scottny]

great update and pics.

sounds like a fun day at Epcot.

I love Soarin'

[irky416]

Hi Jacob! :wave2:

I thought it was only my DBF's parents who couldn't remember what they rode! Glad to hear someone else had that issue as well!

I hope Jacob convinces Hannah to ride Test Track! (And you get to meet Mary Poppins!)

[Indiana Jacob]

Hi Jacob! :wave2:

I thought it was only my DBF's parents who couldn't remember what they rode! Glad to hear someone else had that issue as well!

I hope Jacob convinces Hannah to ride Test Track! (And you get to meet Mary Poppins!)

Hi to you to! :wave:

:welcome: Jacob

Thx. :thanks:

[Lovemy3babes]

Great update and great pictures Kathy!

[kathleen27]

great update and pics.

sounds like a fun day at Epcot.

I love Soarin'

Thanks! Soarin' was even worth the two year wait! :laughing:

I thought it was only my DBF's parents who couldn't remember what they rode! Glad to hear someone else had that issue as well!

I hope Jacob convinces Hannah to ride Test Track! (And you get to meet Mary Poppins!)

:laughing: It was only two years ago!


Great update and great pictures Kathy!
Thanks!

[kathleen27]

Sorry it is taking me soooo loooong to write this tr. I really do intend to finish. Before the next trip even. :eek:

I left off at Epcot with the kids & my dad in the Living Seas Gift shop. Hannah bought a stuffed dolphin.

I ran over to test track for fps. I got one for Hannah hoping she would ride too.

We met back up outside the Land Pavillion. We rode Living with the Land, and Hannah did the kidcot station.

Jacob’s Living with the Land photos:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot06.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot07.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot08.jpg

Notice the mickey shape the lettuce is planted in:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot09.jpg

I wish my tomatos would grow like this.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot10.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot11.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot12.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot13.jpg


Next we headed into Innoventions West.

Hannah did the kidcot station while Jacob explored the activities.

He sent a picture e-mail to a friend. When Hannah found out about the e-mail, she wanted to send one too.

Here’s Hannah’s e-mail to her Dad, which we also sent to some other family members. That's her fish face. :laughing:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot14.jpg

Jacob decided to make another for the family.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot15.jpg

By the time we finished, it was time to use our test track fps!

We headed over. My Dad was not riding, but we convinced Hannah to go on!!!

She was a little nervous.

We entered the booth with the movie. They make it seem much worse than it is, and Hannah was listening intently. They opened the doors to the loading area and Hannah was panicing, she was looking for that chicken exit!!! :eek:

Remember she had used it on star tours so she knew about those.

I put my arm around her and told her it wasn’t as bad as it sounded & I really thought she would like this ride. :hug:
I calmed her down a bit, but she was still nervous.

We were the last ones out of the movie room.



We reached the front of the line, and Hannah sat in the middle and held both our hands. You can see it in the picture.


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot18.jpg

When the ride ended, I turned to Hannah. Did she like it? She smiled and said “AGAIN!!! AGAIN!!!” :thumbsup2

We had described the ride to her, and given her some spoilers, so they wouldn't scare her. We forgot about the truck though, and she yelled at us over that.

In the line for test track we realized one of us had lost something else!!!! :scared1:

[irky416]

I'm glad Hannah decided to try Test Track. The picture is cute!

[scottny]

great update and pics. I love TT.

what did u lose?

[RachelNinja]

Notice the mickey shape the lettuce is planted in

We had described the ride to her, and given her some spoilers, so they wouldn't scare her. We forgot about the truck though, and she yelled at us over that.

In the line for test track we realized one of us had lost something else!!!! :scared1:

Wow! I never noticed that about the lettuce! I'll have to check that out next time. Did you see it yourself? I wouldn't know if they actually said anything during the narration since I'm so busy pointing things out to my family!

That TRUCK is TERRIBLE! Haha. Since I rode on it many times on the single rider line, I was able to see the reactions from people who have never ridden before. Lots of screaming! Thankfully, they load the single rider last, which meant I always sat on the right side ... you know, not right next to the truck! I also would put my finger up to my left ear because it's so loud.

Oh no!

[kathleen27]

I'm glad Hannah decided to try Test Track. The picture is cute!

I'm glad we got her on. She loved it!

great update and pics. I love TT.

what did u lose?

Thanks! Jacob lost something. coming up next. :sad2:

Wow! I never noticed that about the lettuce! I'll have to check that out next time. Did you see it yourself? I wouldn't know if they actually said anything during the narration since I'm so busy pointing things out to my family!

That TRUCK is TERRIBLE! Haha. Since I rode on it many times on the single rider line, I was able to see the reactions from people who have never ridden before. Lots of screaming! Thankfully, they load the single rider last, which meant I always sat on the right side ... you know, not right next to the truck! I also would put my finger up to my left ear because it's so loud.

Oh no!

I don't think they said anything. Jacob noticed it. I couldn't figure out what he meant on the ride. It wasn't until I saw the picture.

She didn't like the truck, but other than that she enjoyed the ride.

[kathleen27]

We just kept losing things on this trip. :sad2:

At the airport – my Dad’s car keys – found them

At Universal – Jacob’s camera – gone forever :sad1:

At Animal Kingdom – Hannah’s pin – bought a new one

I forgot to mention I lost something at MK, actually I almost forgot it happened.
I lost my photopass card. I had it at BBB but couldn’t find it at Cinderella’s coach.
My Dad had a laptop with him, and I had entered the card number on the photopass site on the first day I received it. So my photos were already on my account. They use a different card at the parties anyway, and I just got a new one at Epcot. (And I wrote the # of the new one down so if I lost it, I wouldn’t have to have them search for the photos.) I will now always write my card # down.

So now at Epcot we lost one more item. :sad2:

We were in line to board our car in Test Track, almost to the front of the line. Jacob realizes he should take his hat off so it doesn’t blow away. Then he realizes he is not wearing his hat. :headache: He took it off at the postcard station when he took his photo!

Since my Dad was standing next to him at the time, I’m hoping he has the hat.
Now when we were packing, I told Jacob to bring two hats. He chose two favorite baseball caps. Including a Red Sox World Champions hat I had gotten him for Christmas. At the time I suggested he not bring two “special” hats in case they got lost. :rolleyes1
He brought them anyway. Most of the trip he wore an extra safari hat of my Dad’s.
But today he wore his RS hat, and now it was missing. :headache:

Well we rode test track, played in the car showroom,
Jacob had to test this one out:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot19b.jpg

Hannah had to copy Jacob:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot19c.jpg

My Dad met us in the showroom with FP to Mission Space. We forgot to ask if he had the hat.

Hannah did the kidcot station in the test track gift shop.

We headed over to Electric Umbrella for lunch.
We remembered the hat was missing. My Dad didn’t have it.
After lunch we headed back to Innoventions to look for the hat.
The CM remembered a hat being found. He kept unlocking cupboards and couldn’t find it. He asked another CM and she told him which cupboard.

And Jacob got his hat back!!!! :cheer2:

Since I don’t have any morning photos of Jacob in his hat, here is one from much later the same day.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot39.jpg

Now for anyone who is NOT a red sox fan, here is a photo of Hannah wearing the hat from her favorite team. This is AK in 2006. Also since my Dad seems to have completely avoided the camera on this trip, he is in this one.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/Orlando%200206/06akminnie.jpg

I took this photo of the kids at the Bronx Zoo, June 2007.
Afterwards I noticed the hats they were wearing. I thought it was really funny!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/bronxzoo18.jpg

Jacob is a red sox fan and Hannah is a yankees fan. :lmao:
Team wise we are all over the place at our house.
I grew up living in Miami, rooting for the Atlanta Braves. We used to see them at Spring training in West Palm Beach. Now our school breaks are always right before and after their spring training schedule at Disney. :headache:
DH (Joe) is from Philadlephia, but was not a big baseball fan, he usually roots for the Red Sox now.

Football- Joe and Jacob root for the Eagles first, then the patriots.
Like I said, I grew up in Miami. :lmao:
When we stay at Pop I am taking a photo of the 1972 sign.
Which is the year my brother was born!!!! We are still both Miami Dolphins fans!


Next up Jacob gets MAD!!!! :furious:

At me. :worried:

[wdwgirl03]

Great updates and pictures! I'm glad Hannah enjoyed Test Track...it's a good one! And the Innoventions emails are very cute.

[irky416]

How lucky that Jacob's hat got returned!

That's funny about Hannah and Jacob's favorite teams. :lmao: I can't wait to see what happens with you and Jacob.

[scottny]

great update and pics.

glad he got his hat back (even if it is a red sox hat). :rotfl2:

[kathleen27]

Great updates and pictures! I'm glad Hannah enjoyed Test Track...it's a good one! And the Innoventions emails are very cute.

Thanks! I was glad we convinced her to try it.

How lucky that Jacob's hat got returned!

That's funny about Hannah and Jacob's favorite teams. :lmao: I can't wait to see what happens with you and Jacob.

I was glad to see it again.
They actually each have a team jersey with their last name on the back and favorite numbers. I need them to wear them together, and get a picture.

great update and pics.

glad he got his hat back (even if it is a red sox hat). :rotfl2:

Thanks.

[kathleen27]

After finding Jacob’s hat, we headed over to Innoventions East and did a few activities.
Hannah did the LAST kidcot station for the future world project.

Here is her creation:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/kidcot.jpg

We split up again.
My Dad and Hannah went to get FPs for Test Track so we could ride again.
Then they were going to head over to Guest Relations to ask to check us in for our flight, and print out our boarding passes. We flew Southwest so I want that A group, so the three of us could sit together. In 24 hours we would have to go home. :sad: :sad:

Jacob and I went to ride Mission Space.
We rode this in 2006 and he loved it. :thumbsup2
I did not feel right after this ride. :scared:
So…..I talked Jacob into the green side. :rolleyes1

We rode with a cute little boy and his mom. The little boy was nervous but excited.

When the ride ended, Jacob was not happy. :mad:
He thought the green side was LAME!!!!

Jacob is the most even tempered kid in the world.
He almost NEVER gets mad.
But today he did.

:furious:

He was so MAD at me.
I had cheated him out of a favorite ride.
Sorry Jacob. :guilty:

I have heard that we are going on orange side next time about a thousand times since. :headache:

Personally I didn't like the green side much more than the orange.
I still felt like there was a lot of pressure on my face. :confused3
But at least I felt fine afterwards.

We didn’t stop after the ride for the activites. Jacob was not interested, he was too mad. :mad:

We left the building and found my Dad and Hannah.
They had three boarding passes in the A group, A29, A30, and A31!!!!
And FPs for test track in an hour and a half.
Which was much later than I had planned to be in Future World. :headache:

So, since we had so much time, we headed over to ride Ellen’s Energy Adventure.
We were told no wait, head right in. The preshow film was in progress. I ended up feeling like we missed something. The film ended and we headed into the theater and waited and waited. The theater seats break up and move through the building and group back together and break up….all very very slowly!

If you’re hot and tired and you need a break, this could be a good choice.
If its your last day and you are trying to do as much as possible before you have to leave, definately not the best choice.

Towards the end of the trip, I do not do well with sitting, resting, or unscheduled activities.

Next we headed over to Spaceship Earth. We had all ridden before, but we wanted to see the “new” updated ride. The scheduled reopening date had been earlier in the week. The kids loved the new computer interaction.

My Dad had been people watching all trip. And at Epcot this morning he kept telling me that Epcot was full of Florida residents.

When you ride the new SE it takes your photo and asks questions including where you live. At the end there is a large map showing where everyone who rode that day lives. Well he was right, Florida was completely filled in on the map.

Hannah insisted on waiting at one of the computer terminals to e-mail our “future” pictures home.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08se01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08se02.jpg

Meanwhile Jacob ran around the new post show ride area doing some of the activities.

Now it was about time for our TT FPs, but there was one more thing I wanted to do first.

Club Cool

We’d never been here before. Should I warn the kids about Beverly or trick them?

I told them Beverly was very bitter and everyone said it was terrible.
They are 10 & 12 they ran straight for the Beverly and tried it first. :rotfl2:

The kids and I tried every drink. We liked the Watermelon drink from China. And another fruit flavored drink from Costa Rica. I don’t think I’d want a lot of any of the choices though. The kids loved doing this, especially Jacob. Club Cool is now on Jacob’s must see every trip list. My Dad did not get this at all. He could not comprehend why any one would ever drink any of those drinks. He drinks Coca Cola only, and he did not see the point of this attraction at all. :lmao:

After that, FINALLY back to test track!!!
The three of us rode again.

Remember the first photo:
Hannah holding on tight to my hand and Jacob’s hand.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot18.jpg

She looks so much more relaxed the second time around. Still sitting in the middle though. Jacob decided to act silly for the picture. When we got to the outside track, Hannah started to scream (for fun), but broke into giggles. She was screaming and giggling at the same time, and loving it! It was so much fun to see her enjoy this!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot19.jpg

Next we head into the World Showcase.

[scottny]

great update and pics.

i want to get Biff to try the beverly. he does not know about it. :rotfl2:

[OhioDisneyLover]

Subscribing! :thumbsup2

I am really enjoying your trip report. Thanks for sharing.

[irky416]

Poor Jacob. I have to say though, me and Mission: Space did not get along.

I hate having to get boarding passes on your vacation. It's completely the opposite feeling of checking in for your flight 24 hours before you leave. It's exciting then, but it puts such a damper on things having to remember all day when to check in so you can leave in 24 hours. Glad you ended up with A's though!

I love the 2nd picture of Hannah on TT. She looks much happier.

[kvolk]

my daughter wants an indy hat to be like dad. trying to steer her 3 yr old self toward the princesses :)

[kathleen27]

great update and pics.

i want to get Biff to try the beverly. he does not know about it. :rotfl2:

Well, if you can't get a Splash Mtn photo this time, you can at least try for a Beverly photo. :lmao:


Subscribing! :thumbsup2

I am really enjoying your trip report. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! and Welcome!

Poor Jacob. I have to say though, me and Mission: Space did not get along.

I hate having to get boarding passes on your vacation. It's completely the opposite feeling of checking in for your flight 24 hours before you leave. It's exciting then, but it puts such a damper on things having to remember all day when to check in so you can leave in 24 hours. Glad you ended up with A's though!

I love the 2nd picture of Hannah on TT. She looks much happier.

Definately not my favorite ride. :sad2:

Yeah, I think Jacob and I were both easily upset that day, because we didn't want to leave.

She loved it the second time.

[kathleen27]

my daughter wants an indy hat to be like dad. trying to steer her 3 yr old self toward the princesses :)

Too funny that she wants to be like Dad.:rotfl:

Hannah got a pink crown in 06. You can choose a color, then a princess for the center, and decorate with velcro on jewels.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/Orlando%200206/princess01.jpg

We bought mini crowns this trip for the pirate & princess party.

And during the party Hannah's grandfather bought her a crown that has flashing lights. I didn't get a photo of that. There is princess stuff everywhere.

Good Luck with convincing her!

And Welcome to the Dis!

[allaboutmm]

Glad Jacob got his hat back!!!!! Your children would have been fun at last weeks Red Sox/Yankees game. We went to the one game that the RS won:banana: Lots of trash talk going on between RS/Y fans:eek: . Back to you trip report.....great report, and AMAZING pictures!!!!!Thanks for taking the time to share!:flower3:

[kathleen27]

Glad Jacob got his hat back!!!!! Your children would have been fun at last weeks Red Sox/Yankees game. We went to the one game that the RS won:banana: Lots of trash talk going on between RS/Y fans:eek: . Back to you trip report.....great report, and AMAZING pictures!!!!!Thanks for taking the time to share!:flower3:

Thanks!
Its funny that they like different teams, especially since its such a big rivalry between the Red Sox & Yankees. I have been to Fenway, but the kids never have. We went to a pawtucket game a few years ago, and had a great time. Every year I say we should go again, but we never find the time. With Hannah all the 7:30 games are out, she is not a late nighter.

[kathleen27]

Its been a long while, but finally I am getting another update out!
We were in Epcot, just finished Future World and...

We headed off to explore World showcase. We just had to make one quick stop in Mousegears for passports! They came with pins and a sticker set.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zepcotpassport.jpg http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zepcotpin.jpg

I thought it would be fun for the kids to do these!!!
Hannah also wanted to make a mask. Jacob was undecided about the mask.

Now were we ready to head into World showcase ???

NO. :sad2:

The kids spotted an ice cream & frozen lemonade stand and wanted to stop.

While we sat and had snacks, I made the kids fill out the first page of the passport with their names and I had them write my cell phone number too. Just in case they got lost. :rolleyes1

Finally we made it to the World showcase. We wanted to meet characters in the UK, so we started at the Canada side.

My Dad was tired, so he found a bench between Canada & the UK, and took a break.

We met Koda from Brother Bear. He was so hungry he tried to eat Hannah’s pen.
Koda was fun to meet, though We haven't seen the movie Brother Bear yet.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot22.jpg

He got scolded by the CM, but also promised some salmon for dinner in a little bit.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot23.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot24.jpg

We headed through the gardens to find the kidcot stop.
I love gardens, so I had to stop and take some pictures.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot25.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot26.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot27.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot28.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot29.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot30.jpg

We found the kidcot stop and Hannah started to make her mask. Jacob decided to make one too.
They got their passports stamped and signed. I love that they had different comments in each book. Here are both pages of Jacob’s book (on the left), with the stickers in it, and the one page of Hannah’s book (right), she hasn’t put her stickers in yet.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/canpass.jpg
Jacob’s refers to Canada as "home to the creator of Superman”, while Hannah’s says "home to the world’s largest shopping mall!"

After the kidcot stop we found my Dad and all headed to the UK.
Who will we meet there???

[wdwgirl03]

Glad to see another update! I did one of those passports a few years ago-it was a lot of fun. Though they obviously changed the design a little bit...I like that button better than mine. LOL. It's kind of funny how they wrote in Hannah's passport that Canada is home to the world's largest shopping mall...I never would have known that but I was watching a show on the Travel Channel tonight and they were actually talking about that. Just thought I'd share that. :p

[RachelNinja]

Great garden pictures! I really like the one with the walkway in the middle. Just more reason why I need to start on the other end of WS intead of always starting on the Mexico/Norway/China side!

Last time I went to Epcot, we saw kids who had the passports. Do you only get them at MouseGears? Someone said that we had to go to American Adventure to get them? And how much is it?

[irky416]

That's so cute that Koda tried to eat the pen! I love when characters act up!

I love the garden pictures. I don't really remember seeing that when we were there. It looks gorgeous back there!

I can't wait to find out who you meet in UK!

[scottny]

great update and pics.

[kathleen27]

Glad to see another update! I did one of those passports a few years ago-it was a lot of fun. Though they obviously changed the design a little bit...I like that button better than mine. LOL. It's kind of funny how they wrote in Hannah's passport that Canada is home to the world's largest shopping mall...I never would have known that but I was watching a show on the Travel Channel tonight and they were actually talking about that. Just thought I'd share that. :p

I am pretty slow at getting the updates out!!! :sad2:
I want to finish this before I go back. :eek:
Next trip Jacob is going to write with me, so we'll see if that helps.
What a coincidence. We always say that when you see/learn something, you suddenly see it everywhere.:laughing:

Great garden pictures! I really like the one with the walkway in the middle. Just more reason why I need to start on the other end of WS intead of always starting on the Mexico/Norway/China side!

Last time I went to Epcot, we saw kids who had the passports. Do you only get them at MouseGears? Someone said that we had to go to American Adventure to get them? And how much is it?

Thanks! It got dark by the time we reached Morrocco. Next time I want to see all of WS in daylight.
We went in Mousegears because we had just left club cool, so it was close, and I knew I had seem them there as we were leaving the park in 2006. They were on the displays in front of the register counters. I think they were $9.99 each. The outer package looks like a suitcase. It includes the passport, the stickers that are in Jacob's book, and the pin.

That's so cute that Koda tried to eat the pen! I love when characters act up!

I love the garden pictures. I don't really remember seeing that when we were there. It looks gorgeous back there!

I can't wait to find out who you meet in UK!

He had us laughing. It was cute. We had several great character interactions in WS.

great update and pics.

Thanks!

[kathleen27]

After our visit to Canada, we headed over to the UK.
I was hoping to meet some characters, especially Mary Poppins.

As we arrived the World showcase players were starting a show. I really didn’t want to stop and watch, but my Dad suggested Jacob would like the show. He did love it. It is one of those audience participation shows, and I was trying to look invisible so I would not be asked to do anything. And I was starting to get concerned about the time. I was afraid Mary might leave before we met her. :eek: The kids sat down and Jacob put the passport and mask down beside him. My Dad picked them up, he was afraid Jacob would lose them.

The show ended and we headed to the back of the UK.

And in front of the hedge maze were Alice and Mary!!!! :yay:

There was a short line for Alice and a longer line for Mary.
I was so worried Mary would leave, we jumped right in her line.
Not many people joined the line after us, so by the time we reached the front, the line was very short.

Mary saw Hannah’s shirt.

Her “Practically Perfect” shirt from the Mary Poppins’ Play.

(In the movie when Mary arrives she measures the children with her special tape measure. They then ask her how she measures up and she say she is “practically perfect”. In the play, they added in a song by that title.)

Mary started chatting with Hannah immediately. Right away, she commented on the practically perfect shirt, then asked Hannah how her brother measured up. :lmao: Hannah was very shy, and shrugged. Mary asked if she saw her play on Broadway, and Hannah was confused, so Mary asked where she got the shirt, and Hannah replied at the play in London. They chatted as Mary signed there autograph books. She asked when we visited London.

Then Mary suggested they take a photo, and as they all turned toward the camera Mary asked where we were from. The kids said RI. Instead of posing for the photo, Mary started talking about RI. She told us she had worked as a nanny in Portsmouth, RI. She said she had one question about RI – In her beautiful accent, she very seriously asked us – “What is with all those potato head statues everywhere???“ We all started laughing, and the kids could not stop.

(Mr. Potato head is from RI - Hasbro headquarters are here. Back in 2000, the state commissioned a bunch of themed potato head statues to be placed all over the state. This is what she meant-mrpotatohead.net (http://mrpotatohead.net/statues/statues.html) )


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot31.jpg

The kids were laughting too hard to pose for a photo, but that’s ok because Mary was not done talking. She then chided them for laughing. She worried that would get stuck up on the ceiling (From the movie). She told them about a friend who was stuck for an entire week! This just made the kids laugh harder. :rotfl2:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot32.jpg

I love Hannah’s smile in this photo. Jacob is trying so hard not to laugh.
Notice how Mary is holding Hannah's hand the whole time. :hug:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot33.jpg

When we left Mary, we turned around to find a huge line!
Mary had spent a lot of time with us. :flower3:

Afterwards Hannah told me she was glad she wore her practically perfect shirt. :goodvibes

And for any RIers, the thought popped into my mind that Mary must have never driven down I-95 in Providence -- I mean flown over -- or else she would have asked us about that big blue bug. :laughing:

We still talk about meeting Mary, it was one of those magical moments that I think my kids will tell their kids about.


After we left Mary with a very long line, we headed over to Alice, whom we skipped passed when we arrived. Poor Alice had no line.
She asked Hannah if it was possible for two people to be Practically perfect, Hannah and Mary?
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot34.jpg

The kids ran around the maze for a bit, then we headed into the toy shop, and the kids worked on their masks, and got their passports signed and stamped!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zukpass.jpg

Hello Welcome to the United Kingdom. Home to
-Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland
-Peter Pan and Thomas the Tank Engine.


We then met some old friends!!! We were so happy to see these guys.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot35-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot36-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot37-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot38-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot39-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot40-1.jpg

At this point we really slowed down with the photos. :rolleyes1
I think everyone was getting tired, and Jacob was focused on the mask and passport.

Next: France, and how Hannah got her name.

[scottny]

great update and pics.

sounds like a wonderful time with Mary.

[irky416]

Great interaction with Mary! I love the pictures where they're all laughing.

[kathleen27]

great update and pics.

sounds like a wonderful time with Mary.

Thanks, It was a lot of fun!

Great interaction with Mary! I love the pictures where they're all laughing.

She was great! Jacob could not stop laughing.

[kathleen27]

After the UK, we headed into France , and continued around the WS. We are really lacking in WS pictures now. (Will have to make up for that in a week.) We really concentrated on the masks & passports, which made Hannah happy. I looked around the areas close to the stations as much as possible. Some of them were in shops which was nice. Also by the time we left Morocco it was dark.

We hoped to find some characters in France, but Belle and Beast were just about to leave. I took a few pics before they left. No one else was around to meet.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot41.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot42.jpg

My Dad found a bench while we found the kidcot station. I browsed around the shop while the kids did that.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zfrancepass.jpg

The movie the Aristocats takes place in France and they had the cutest display of Marie dolls. (Marie is the little white kitten.) Just before Hannah was born, this was Jacob’s favorite movie. He watched it all the time. We had decided on the name Hannah and were trying to think of a good middle name to go with it. While watching the Aristocats, Joe realized that Marie would be perfect. And since it is also my Mom’s middle name it really was. So my daughter was actually named after a Disney character. :lmao: But just her middle name.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/marie01a.gif

Hannah Marie had to have a little Marie and storybook about Marie.

After France we found my Dad. He wasn’t ready to end his rest, and the kids wanted to join him. So we took a break.

I would have liked to see the movie in France, but I knew the kids were focused on the masks & passports, so I wanted to make sure we finished them.

We headed into Morocco. And found the kidcot stop.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zmoroccopass.jpg

I loved the shop the kidcot station was in. It was colorful and fun to browse. Through a set of glass doors I noticed Aladdin and Genie. We have met Aladdin and Jasmine twice on a past trip, but never Genie. The second time we met Aladdin on that trip, he noticed he had already signed the autograph book, so he signed Prince Ali the second time.

As soon as we finished the passports we headed to meet them. We were almost to the front of the line when Genie left.
The next person in line was a very young girl who was a bit nervous. So Aladdin came over to her. He bent down to her level and sang “A Whole New World” to her. It was fun to see.

Just before us were some teens who were not shy at all. They loved meeting Aladdin and took a ton of pictures with him. I was happy to wait and hoping they would take long enough for Genie to come back.

Next was our turn. Aladdin signed the kids books chatting the whole time.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot43.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot44.jpg

We were just about to take photos when Genie returned!!! :cool1:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot46.jpg

I had to laugh when I saw this one of Hannah.
Just keeping an eye on the big blue guy behind her. :lmao:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot45.jpg

After the photos I asked to have Genie sign the autograph books too!
Aladdin continued to talk to the kids. He asked what they would wish for if they had three wishes? They had to think about that.

[scottny]

great update ands pics.

[irky416]

I'm glad you got your passports done!

Yay! Genie came back. That was perfect timing! That picture of Hannah eyeing up Genie is too funny. :laughing:

[OhioDisneyLover]

Great update and wonderful pictures. We missed seeing Belle and she is my favorite princess. For some reason, I miss seeing her every time. :headache:

[kathleen27]

great update ands pics.

Thanks!

I'm glad you got your passports done!

Yay! Genie came back. That was perfect timing! That picture of Hannah eyeing up Genie is too funny. :laughing:

That is one of my favorites! Thanks!

Great update and wonderful pictures. We missed seeing Belle and she is my favorite princess. For some reason, I miss seeing her every time. :headache:

Thank! I hope you get to meet her sometime! We had met her two nights before so it was ok. Not sure Hannah would be too comfortable with the beast standing there. :lmao:

[kathleen27]

I am going to try to finish this today or tomorrow. I have it all written, just need to put the countries in order, add the photos and post it all. Then I can start the next one. :eek:

By now it was dark.
We stopped to take some across the lagoon photos in Japan.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot47.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot47b.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot48.jpg

We really had to search for the kidcot station in Japan.
It was in the tin toy museum, so we looked around there too. Very neat.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zjapanpass.jpg

We did the passport/masks in the USA.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zusapass.jpg

We were starting to get hungry and after some discussion and negotiation regarding type of food and distance and availability of table service, we ended up with dinner in the American pavilion. I was hoping for something a little more interesting. :headache:

I got a chicken Caesar salad and I was actually surprised that it was good.

My Dad and Hannah were tired so we followed that up with a popcorn break. :confused3

Actually they were exhausted. My Dad joked that this was grandparent abuse.
Hannah really wanted to finish the mask and passport though.
I was hoping everyone would make it through Reflections.
Two years ago we had seen reflections, but Hannah crashed during, she was 8 and I had to carry her out of the park in the huge exit crowd, all the way to the car. :eek:

In Italy it was getting cold. Jacob had left his sweatshirt in the car. Notice a trend with Jacob and his possessions? :headache:

I left the kids with my Dad while they did the kidcot stop, and browsed around for a while. I was looking for a cute sweatshirt for Jacob, but everything was too nice and too expensive. :rolleyes1

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zitalypass.jpg

In Germany, we passed the train village, but it was completely dark, with a sign saying it was closed. :sad1: I had really wanted to see the train.

The kids did the kidcot stop, and I just browsed around the gift shop. I saw a “Grumpy” pin I thought about getting, but didn’t. I like the kidcot stops in the gift shops.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zgermanypass.jpg

In China the CM signing the passports saw Jacob’s hat and asked if we were from Boston . She said she had been seeing those hats all week. Actually she had been to Boston and liked it, but though it was a bit cold. She asked when it warmed up there.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot49.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zchinapass.jpg

In Norway , the kidcot station was also in the gift shop.

My husband had been to Norway over the summer and loved it. He brought me back a sweater, and has since said he wishes he had gotten himself one. I was super excited to see the same type of sweaters in the gift shop!!! I started looking at them, then glanced at the price of one.

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

There was no way he was getting a sweater.

They were 300 to 500 dollars!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/znorwaypass.jpg

We took a picture with the troll.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot54.jpg

Continued....
Too many photos for one post so I had to divide it up.

[kathleen27]

It was about 8:30 and we had one country left!!!

Mexico !!! We have been to Cancun a few times and loved it.

We did the passports and the kids worked on their masks.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zmexicopass.jpg

My Dad took some photos:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot50.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot51.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot52.jpg

I was looking forward to browsing the Mexico shops for a bit, then heading over to the bakery for a snack, and watching Reflections.

Before Hannah finished her mask, Jacob realized he was missing one of the plastic pieces you receive from each country. He hadn’t gotten the piece in China. :guilty:

And he had to have that piece, so we ran back to China for it.

The finished masks:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zepcotmasks01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zepcotmasks02.jpg

Then we headed back to Norway.
We went to the Kringle bakery.
Hannah didn’t see anything she liked. Later she said she was too tired.
She ended up ordering fruit. Which she did enjoy.
Jacob and I saw too many things we wanted.
I had the Strawberry cream cake. It was SOOOO good.
Jacob chose a cinnamon roll. He said it had too much cinnamon. He decided he should have ordered the strawberry cream cake.

Joe called while we were having our snacks. Hannah was so happy to be going home tomorrow. I was so sad. :sad1:

My Dad had not made the trip back to China with us. Instead he took a few photos. He met us at the Bakery, but didn’t get anything.

One of his photos:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/wdw08epcot53.jpg

It was about nine, so we found a spot to watch reflections. It wasn’t the best view so I didn’t take photos. I was just happy we were still at the park that late.

Rather than head out with the crowd, we headed into Mousegears for some shopping.
Then we headed out of the uncrowded park.

Jacob needed to stop and rest on the way out.
We were right near a pin cart, so the guys rested and the girls bought pins.
They had the grumpy one I’d liked in Germany , so I bought it. And a few others.

On the way out we spotted the lights in the ground. I got very excited over that. More than the kids did. :rolleyes1

Jacob finally was rested enough to head out.
We drove back to the room, and the kids crashed.
I did some more packing.
Cause we were going home in the morning. :sad1:


Here are some notes that Jacob wrote in the back of his passport.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zzjacobnotes01.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/epcot/zzjacobnotes02.jpg

[kathleen27]

Monday morning, we woke up in Orlando for the last time.

We had to head for the airport by 11:30am though check out time was 11:00am.

My original plan was that we could be packed up the night before and have breakfast at one of the resorts. :rotfl2:

I didn't make an ADR ahead of time, I figured I would just see how early we were ready and decide then what we would do. I thought it would be cool to try Boma, and then we could hang out at AKL and see the resort and view the animals.

The reality was I was running around until 11:15 throwing things into the suitcases. :eek: We had so much stuff. And it had really spread out to every corner of all 4 rooms and 2 bathrooms. It was so nice to have so much space all week, except until it came time to pack. :headache: The kids of course are not that good at following directions or packing. They were sucked into the TV again. I had to turn it off a couple of times to get them to get ready. They were also busy taking photos and videos of the time share.

We made it to the airport plenty early. We got our bags checked, and I guess we looked pretty sad, because the airline employee told us to cheer up. We told him we were going home, and he said "There's no place like here."

We found the universal shop and replaced Hannah's lost pin. We had to stop in the disney earport shop as well. Accumulated a few more souveniers. :rolleyes1

We had lunch after we passed through security and waited around for our flight.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/trip%20home/01home02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/trip%20home/01home03.jpg

Smooth and on time.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/trip%20home/01home04.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/trip%20home/01home05.jpg

We came home to this lovely weather!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/trip%20home/01home06.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/trip%20home/01home07.jpg

Jacob who had been so good all trip had a meltdown when we got home. He missed Disney so much. :sad1:

I really did too!



Just a few thoughts on this trip.

It was tough to have different people with different interests and energy levels. I wanted to stay out late and ride rides with Jacob, but I also wanted to do things with Hannah. Like shop and meet princesses and got to BBB. We are really working on her to try more rides next time. We've been talking a lot about it. She is going to try BTMRR next trip.

I thought about renting a car so we could come and go to the parks at different times. But I wasn't sure how much my Dad would want to deal with Hannah at the hotel. Also this trip our rooms were a ways apart. Same building and floor, but opposite ends. That and I really don't like to drive.

My stepmom could not make this trip at all due to medical treatments. She is fully recovered now and will join us on a future trip. She was really disappointed to miss this one. I think that would make Hannah happier, as they are very close and love to talk. It would also be easier to leave Hannah with both of them. So they could trade off. And their is always the hope that as Hannah gets older she will stay out later and try more rides.

After our 2006 trip, my Dad commented that we had been to all the parks, so in the future we could spend a day or two at Disney on our way to or from Ft. Lauderdale. :eek: I told him we had barely seen half of the parks. This trip I think he realized how many things we did in 06 and not 08 and vice versa, and how much more there is to do. Since we have been home, he has been recording Disney specials off the travel channel for us. Since we don't have that channel. He was not surprised that Jacob and I went back this fall. He thought it was a great idea. He also told a friend of mine how much stuff I had planned on that trip. He was really amazed. I thought we didn't get to half of what I wanted.

I know my Dad thinks of Disney primarily as a great place to take the kids and have fun with them. And he always took us when we were young. He and his wife are the type of grandparents that talk to the kids and take them places, and know what they like, and know what really helps me out, without my having to ask. But I think he enjoyed himself a bit more this trip. He even commented on how great DVC sounded. I think if they had DVC when my brothers and I were young, he would have bought it.

I did not enjoy having to share my camera this trip. :headache: After I got home it occured to me we were off site, we had a car, there are stores everywhere. Why on earth didn't we just go buy another camera????? :confused: I didn't even think of it at the time. I guess to me a camera is something I like to research in advance. Since some are better than others.

It had been two years since our last trip, and I just couldn't wait another two years to go back, so Jacob and I went this fall. I'm not sure when we will be back. I hope it is sooner than it looks like right now. My husband owns his own business and things are slow. My work hours were supposed to increase this fall and that fell through, instead the organization has been making cutbacks. My job hasn't been affected, and it does not look like it will, but no extra hours. :sad2:

I was talking about going back for Halloween again, and Jacob suggested we go at Christmas. He would like to see those decorations, and he thought Hannah would like that better. Next fall may be tough to miss school as Jacob starts High school, and Hannah starts middle school. As much as I'd love to go next year, It may be sometime in 2010.

Jacob and I also want to go in June for Star Wars Weekends, and I'd like to go for the 4th of July, and sometime I would like to go to the Flower and Garden festival (preferably as a solo trip, or partially solo). And in 2011 my birthday is the same week as Feb Vacation and I'd love to spend my birthday in Disney. It would be so much easier if we lived in FL and had Annual passes now wouldn't it. :lmao:

We also can't wait to go to Harry Potter world at Universal. Guess that will be 2010 unless they change it. :confused3

So, we don't have any trips that we KNOW we can take, but I will just keep planning for them anyway. And eventually one of them will work out.

Especially since we have that time share no one else uses but me. Every trip I learn more and can plan better. All the trips are just too short. I need a really long trip! So now that this report is (finally) done, I need to start the report for the Sept trip. It was different than this trip, but both were a lot of fun.

Thanks to everyone who has read along.
Sorry I have been so slow. Having the other trip to plan was a bit distracting, along with everything else that keeps me busy.

I'll end with some of the pins we ended up with this trip.

Jacob usually collects keychains, but I did not get a photo of those. Maybe he can round them up for me and I'll take one.

He did get a few pins.
Jacob's pins:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzjacobspins01.jpg

The jedi pin he received from Build your own lightsabre, and a mickey jedi pin we bought at WOD/DTD
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzjacobspins02.jpg

Terminator pin from Universal:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzjacobspins03.jpg

My pins:
2 from Sea World
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzkathpins01.jpg

My Disney pins from this trip:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzkathpins02.jpg

They are all on my bulletin board in the kitchen.

Hannah's lanyard.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzhannahspins.jpg

The Muppet pin was supposed to be for Joe, who likes the muppets. She has had it on the lanyard until this week. She gave it to me for the bulletin board. Probably so she could make room for her new pins.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzhannahspins02.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/zzhannahspins03.jpg

[kathleen27]

I missed a photo

Jacob's sad face when it was time to leave

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/orlando%200208/trip%20home/01home01.jpg

Hannah Marie with her little Marie and a shirt I found on Disney shopping this summer.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/kathleen27photos/hannahmarie.jpg

[irky416]

Great finish!!

I love the 3rd picture of the Epcot ball from Japan!

I'm glad you got the masks and the passports all finished! Jacob is a great writer!

I hate coming home to snowy/cold weather...it makes it so much worse!

It's hard not knowing when you'll get back. The times you want to go again are exactly the times I would love to go! Hopefully you'll get there soon!

I like your pins, especially the one with Mickey in front of the castle.

[scottny]

great finish to your tr.