Oh the places We Go, The People We see

[jenseib]

Darn it Goofy! Look this way!







Abby was so cute. She loved the parade.











Whats coming next?



Well its Terk and Timon. Do you see Terks necklace?



OH NO! It Broke!!!!!! I have no clue what happened, but in a blink of an eye it just went flying everywhere.





Poor Terk.



Claire felt so bad for her.



She cheered up fast though and posed for us.



Timon could not be outdone.



We got kisses from him.



Donald!!!!!!





Its snowing! It doesnt take much to impress me.

 

[jenseib]

Seeing Disney through a child’s eyes ….so wonderful.

























Bye Mickey!!!!!





Geoff, Aunt Mary, Pete and Vicki were standing at a different spot and here are a few of Geoff’s pictures. They were before us in the parade route.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Seeing Disney through a child’s eyes ….so wonderful.

This photo says so much.

 

[jenseib]

This photo says so much.

I agree, I love it.

 

[KatMark]

Seeing Disney through a child’s eyes ….so wonderful.

Jen, this picture sums it up beautifully.

I don't know why, but it always seems your is the TR that I am furthest behind on.

In any event, I'm caught up now.

You got some great pictures of the lobby at the Beach Club. Sorry to hear about the bus mojo.

Love the safari pictures; and, just so you know (as I told Cynthia on her report) you can NEVER have TOO MANY pictures of giraffes.

What awesome parade pictures. One of the things I am most looking forward to during our December trip is going to the AK as we missed it last December. And I'm going to insist that we stay for the parade!

 

[jenseib]

Jen, this picture sums it up beautifully.

I don't know why, but it always seems your is the TR that I am furthest behind on.

In any event, I'm caught up now.

You got some great pictures of the lobby at the Beach Club. Sorry to hear about the bus mojo.

Love the safari pictures; and, just so you know (as I told Cynthia on her report) you can NEVER have TOO MANY pictures of giraffes.

What awesome parade pictures. One of the things I am most looking forward to during our December trip is going to the AK as we missed it last December. And I'm going to insist that we stay for the parade!

I like giraffe pictures too. Something about them is so beautiful to see.
I am really trying to take in new things and seeing new things at the parks. it doesn't always work that way, but I like to try.

 

[jenseib]

After the parade the girls wanted to go on Everest again. It was a new favorite for both of them. Rob, Claire, Alexis and I headed that way once again. As we walked, we ran into Geoff, Mary, Pete and Vicki. We said hellos and I asked Geoff and Pete if they wanted to join us and neither really knew what we were talking about, so I point towards Everest and they said yes and followed along. The girls were all excited to have fresh meat ride with us and were talking a mile a minute about the ride, explaining just how scary it is.
This time we had a little bit of a wait, so I took pictures as we walked through the queue.











It wasn't too bad of a wait and soon we were ready to roll. This picture is REALLY bad, but so funny. Pete was acting all scared and both he and Geoff were asking me what I had gotten them in to.



We laughed and screamed and had a great time. It was really funny listening to Geoff and Pete behind us scream like girls!

We survived though!



It was now time for Claire and I to leave. She was disappointed and really wanted to ride Everest again. I believe Rob and Alexis got back in line and that was a touchy subject for a bit, but I reminded her that we would be back again this trip, but this was Alexiss only day to be at AK. We had an ADR to get to and another meet later in the evening. I had not heard a word from the Beach Club yet, but we were hoping our room was ready so we could change before dinner.

We headed to the bus stop and arrived there just a few minutes before 5.



While we headed off for our next adventure, the rest of the family stayed at AK.

I believe that Pete and Vicki headed off to find Katie and family and the rest hit up Dinoland USA. Here are a few pictures from Geoff's camera to document what they did.

I believe Rob and Alexis were still on Everest at this point, but Gail and Abby went for the triceratops spin.







That was fun!





They then got in line to meet up with Santa Goofy and Pluto.



Crazy kid ......with creepy eyes.



Alexis and Rob made it back in time to join the fun.



Notice that Abby has a death grip on Goofys leg.



Time to pry her off of him.







Group shot.



I have to say I am disappointed in the photopass pictures. They didn't take any pictures of the interaction at all.





Now I am not sure what they all did after that. I am thinking that Gails family might have stayed a little longer, but Mom, Dad, Geoff and Mary might have left around this time.

 

[jenseib]

Gail has these photopass pictures, which appear to be dusk and I assume she had them taken when they were exciting the park.







Here are a few of Geoff's pictures of them exiting the park. Being that it looks a little lighter in his pics, I am thinking they left before Gail's family.



I have no idea what my Dad is doing here. Always the life of the party.





Claire and I left you off where Claire and I had made it to the bus stop. The bus came fairly quickly and within 15-20 minutes we were back at the Beach Club and were given our room number. YAY! But I did once again mention that I never received a text. I got the deer in the headlights stare. Almost like they never knew they were supposed to. Well then why tell me that you are going to then?
By the way, Gail was staying at Art of Animation and received her text very early in the day that her room was ready. For some reason, the resorts just dont like me I guess.

We made our way over to the villas and started grabbing luggage to take to our room.



Once again we had a very far back room. I honestly could never figure out exactly where we were in the building. I will have to look at a room map (and remember my room number) to find exactly where we were. There were a lot of twists and turns to get to it.

Once we got all the luggage I called Mom to let her know the room number. I just got her voicemail though.
I then took a few quick pictures.















Mom and Dads bed.



Our view to the left.



Our view to the right.



And straight out.



I think we were looking at the road that goes around the Beach and Yacht Club, or a service road that led out to it, but I never did find out for sure.

We got ourselves changed. It was really cooling down and I did the one thing I NEVER do at Disney. I put jeans on. I am always of the thought that it has to be warmer here than home, but today, it wasnt and I knew once the sun was gone, it was going to get darn chilly. I think only on one other trip have I actually worn jeans at the parks and that when the temps dipped into the 40s. I am usually ok with shorts and a sweatshirt.

Once we were changed and freshened up we headed towards Epcot.



It had gotten dark out pretty fast. Claire was very impressed that we could actually walk to Epcot. I explained that we were special and had a back door entrance. LOL. Ok it sounds good to a 7 year old.



We didn't get too far in and I was in for a major shock. I have NEVER seen crowds like this in my life at Disney. It was wall to wall people. It was almost scary. We merged in with the people and soon spotted a photopass photographer and I asked for a picture. She rudely informed me she was done for the night. Ok then. I guess she had a long busy day herself. She did tell me there was another one just a bit down, so Claire and I went to her. She told me she was also done for the night, but she did take a couple of real quick pictures for us.





We then made our way to Norway. I had originally planned to take it leisurely and take pictures, etc., but that wasn't going to happen. It was just too darn crowded. I grabbed Claires hand and we went on our way. It took forever to get there. I couldn't walk fast because people would just walk right in front of you, or stop suddenly. I think we ran into quite a few people on our trek over there. And then we got a group of scooters who were NOT allowing people to pass them. It was so frustrating. We did eventually make it over to Norway and had a seat. We had a little bit of time before our ADR time and we just rested and chilled out.



I think we may have called Skip and I texted a few people, including my Mom to let her know our room number since she hadn't called back. I think Claire was a little bored there, but we just couldnt really do anything else with so many people there. I guess they were all trying to get in the last little bit of the Food and Wine festival.

 

[Poolrat]

Our view to the left.




I think we were looking at the road that goes around the Beach and Yacht Club, or a service road that led out to it, but I never did find out for sure.

.

I think you had an EPCOT view. That little path right there will take you out to the super secret gate that is right by the hill leading to the IG.

If it was Friday night or even Sat night Epcot durning F & W get a bit nutty but great for people watching if you have no where inparticular to be.

 

[jenseib]

I think you had an EPCOT view. That little path right there will take you out to the super secret gate that is right by the hill leading to the IG.

If it was Friday night or even Sat night Epcot durning F & W get a bit nutty but great for people watching if you have no where inparticular to be.

Wow, who knew? I know one night we heard the marathon events going on very clearly. almost like they were in the room with us.

 

[KatMark]

Great updates again, Jen (and I'm on time this go round).

Love the photos with Santa Goofy and Pluto, and the family photopass pics (but the little one doesn't look very happy).

You are not the only one who hasn't gotten a text. That happened to us at OKW last year and it was 8:30 when I went to the desk and they looked at me as if I had two heads when I said I never got the text.

I think your description of the crowds is what keeps us away from going during F&W...I just don't want to deal with the crowds or the drunks.

 

[jenseib]

Great updates again, Jen (and I'm on time this go round).

Love the photos with Santa Goofy and Pluto, and the family photopass pics (but the little one doesn't look very happy).

You are not the only one who hasn't gotten a text. That happened to us at OKW last year and it was 8:30 when I went to the desk and they looked at me as if I had two heads when I said I never got the text.

I think your description of the crowds is what keeps us away from going during F&W...I just don't want to deal with the crowds or the drunks.

Abby was iffy for some pictures. I think she wanted ones with characters only.

I have to let you know I am almost to that "special" meet I had this day. I think you know who I am talking about. Just a few more updates.

 

[ronnmel]

I agree with Poolrat. I looked at Google Earth and it looks like you were on far right of the building, facing Epcot. The little road you see is probably the one that leads from BC to Boardwalk, and across from there is the backstage area of Canada and the Millenium building (is that the name? The big convention center between UK and Canada).

 

[scottny]

:O( sad the cruise is over but yeah to WDW.
Funny about the Valentine’s Day comment.
Beach Club is so pretty. One day I will stay there. I tried for December but it was all booked up.
I cannot wait to see the Christmas decorations in December. So excited.
I love Crocs, they are ugly but so comfortable.
I love when the animals come close to the vehicle.
I did not know there were 2 lionesses.
WOW did you see zebras.
LOL. It does look like the dino is going potty.
Glad Claire went on EE. Fun ride.
Great you saw the Christmas parade.
Your room looked nice.
Great updates and pics.

 

[jenseib]

I agree with Poolrat. I looked at Google Earth and it looks like you were on far right of the building, facing Epcot. The little road you see is probably the one that leads from BC to Boardwalk, and across from there is the backstage area of Canada and the Millenium building (is that the name? The big convention center between UK and Canada).

Interesting. i wish we had more time to explore and see exactly where we were located. I must say I felt constantly rushed this trip and never got to do all I wanted to.

:O( sad the cruise is over but yeah to WDW.
Funny about the Valentine’s Day comment.
Beach Club is so pretty. One day I will stay there. I tried for December but it was all booked up.
I cannot wait to see the Christmas decorations in December. So excited.
I love Crocs, they are ugly but so comfortable.
I love when the animals come close to the vehicle.
I did not know there were 2 lionesses.
WOW did you see zebras.
LOL. It does look like the dino is going potty.
Glad Claire went on EE. Fun ride.
Great you saw the Christmas parade.
Your room looked nice.
Great updates and pics.

The Beach Club does book up fast. I am so glad we did get to stay there and try it out. I knew that it would go fast and started looking right away, but I did put it off longer than I should have because of the price.
I love when the animals come close to the vehicles too. It's just so neat to see them up close.
We really loved EE. One of Claire's favorites right now..

 

[jenseib]

After chilling out near Norway for about 20 minutes or so, we decided to go and check into Akershus for our dinner. The line was darn long there too, but it did move fairly fast.



After checking in we waited probably less than 5 minutes for our name to be called.



We then got in line for Belle.







I decided this time I was going to be in the picture as well. I usually just have Claire do the photo ops, but I decided I needed to be in some here and there too.

I look pretty decent in the first one, but unfortunately Claire is looking away. This is the one they gave us in print form.



The 2nd one is much better of Claire, but I blinked ….darn it.



I walked away while Claire got her book signed and I was happy they took this one as well.



I tried to get one more pic, but it was pretty awful.



Belle really liked Claire’s outfit, which of course made her happy. This was another borrowed outfit from my friend Janet. I am so grateful for all the things she loaned us.

We were then seated and we made our way up to the cold bar and got a few items.



As we sat there I noticed that Cinderella had different hair. I quickly texted my friend Janet and tried to take pictures on my phone from afar. They weren’t great, but I gave her the idea at least. I know people are mixed about the hair and dress, but I really like the new hair.
I also found out that the wifi worked much better inside Akershus than anywhere else in the park that night.

It wasn’t long and Cinderella had made her way to our table. I eyed her hair quite a bit, and I really like it.





Aurora was on her heals and we had a meet with her next.





The music started and Aurora grabbed Claire’s hand. They were going to do a parade around the restaurant. I was happy that Claire actually joined in. She did kind of hem haw around about it at first.









When she came back, our food was served. She went wild again tonight and got a hotdog.



I had the Traditional Kjottkake. I had this last time too and I enjoyed it. It kind of has a kielbasa taste to it. However this time around it wasn’t quite as tasty as the first time. I enjoyed it still, but it seemed to be a little lacking this time. It didn’t lack later on though, where I continued to re-taste it for the rest of the night.



Ariel came next, another favorite of Claire’s.

 

[jenseib]

And then Snow White, who really liked Claire’s red bow.







After our character visits we enjoyed our dinner.



Claire’s birthday is in Dec and this was the closest we have ever been to Disney to that date, so I had noted her birthday on many of our reservations. They brought her out a cupcake.



And the dessert.



The chocolate mousse was delicious; the rice stuff just isn’t our thing. I don’t remember what the 3rd thing was. All ears lists as something apple, but I don’t remember if that is what it was or not. Nor do I remember if we liked it or not.

After we ate and paid we made a bathroom stop and then Claire wanted to head towards Spaceship Earth. While walking I think I texted our friend that we would be meeting up with for Illuminations.
We spotted the Cranberry Bog on our way.









We had just enough time to ride Spaceship Earth so we got in line.



I took pictures while on the ride, but they are basically the same ones I always take and these didn’t come out as good as some of my past ones, so I’ll skip posting those.
We did however have fun taking pictures of our silly pictures. I made a dumb face, but Claire went for the smile.









After we got off we went and looked for our pictures.





I emailed myself the video, which I don’t think I ever watched, but I might have. It’s been so long ago. I know I saved this picture off the email though.



We were running short on time now so we made another bathroom stop and worked our way towards world showcase. We saw a photopass photographer and made a quick stop.







Then we headed to find our friends. Tonight we were meeting up with my Dis/facebook friend Tim and family. (That’s nice is his Dis name) He has a daughter named Juliana who is a year younger than Claire and Claire has been dying to meet her as well over the years. They also have a son Christopher who was on his very first trip to Disney. Tim’s wife, Mel and his mother were also on this trip.
We texted back and forth and he told me where he was standing. I can’t remember for sure, but I think it was near the Greece food booth.
We arrived in the area and I kept looking and just didn’t see him. Finally I saw him. He’s pretty tall and I had seen a guy that looked similar to him but he didn’t have the “right” family with him, so I was pretty sure he wasn’t him. LOL.
We walked over and said hellos and he introduced us to his Mom and Juliana. Mel and Christopher were tired and had gone back to the resort.

Claire had taken off her Mickey ears, but Juliana had a pair on, so I noticed Claire going through the bag quickly to put hers back on.
Soon Illuminations had started, so we stopped talking and enjoyed the show.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Jen. Too bad that you blinked and Claire looked away.

Is it me or are some of the Princesses NOT really looking like the princesses anymore?

I a so jealous that you got to meet Tim and Juliana. Tim was one of my very first DIS friends and I am determined one of these days we will hook up.

 

[Kathy Jetson]

That sounds like a really good day at Animal Kingdom! I'm sure it was all the better for Claire having a friend to share it with.

How brave of Claire to try EE! I haven't been that brave yet I'm afraid of stomach drops.

I'm so glad you got to see the Jingle Jungle parade! We saw it in 2007 and 2008 and I didn't get hardly any pictures of it. I hadn't gone digital yet.

 

[jenseib]

Great update, Jen. Too bad that you blinked and Claire looked away.

Is it me or are some of the Princesses NOT really looking like the princesses anymore?

I a so jealous that you got to meet Tim and Juliana. Tim was one of my very first DIS friends and I am determined one of these days we will hook up.

I have to agree. We saw some not so pretty princesses this trip. I thought our Cinderella here was pretty decent, but the rest were just meh. I think Aurora looked old and not very pretty at all.

Our meet was great. I was so happy to have the chance to finally meet up with him. I have had certain people on my hope to meet list and both he and Brook were on it and I have been lucky to meet both of them.

That sounds like a really good day at Animal Kingdom! I'm sure it was all the better for Claire having a friend to share it with.

How brave of Claire to try EE! I haven't been that brave yet I'm afraid of stomach drops.

I'm so glad you got to see the Jingle Jungle parade! We saw it in 2007 and 2008 and I didn't get hardly any pictures of it. I hadn't gone digital yet.

It was really a lot of fun to have her cousin with her. I knew she would like it, but I just didn't know how much till it came to the point of changing some plans so we could do more with them.

I love EE, but it does have a few tickle the tummy moments.

I love digital. It's so different now. Back in the film days I would bring like 2 maybe 3 roles of film and was very selective on what pictures I took and then only about half would com out decently. Now I can take 10 of the same thing and usually get at least 1 good one.