1st Trip (of many!) as Mr. & Mrs.--the TR-- UPDATE 9/9: Life Update--We're Moving!!

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh, this update has me so excited about our trip coming up!

I completely understand the getting excited when you start seeing Welcome signs to any of the parks!

I have heard about people going through RFC, but I never really read of anyone doing it in a TR. Glad to hear that it worked!

You are so close for the rope drop show! I haven't been to one yet. Fiance and I are going to try and change that this trip!

I just LOVE that pic of you two after the Tree of Life pic.

That's great you made it back to EE. That's definatly going to be the first thing that we head to, too! We LOVE the line. It's so interesting. We always have to ask for the very back. When you go right under the Yeti, we have to duck because it looks like he's going to touch us!

 

[BippityBoo]

Loooovvvee the update What an AMAZING tip about the Rainforest Cafe area. I will totally have to try that one out the next time we go

EE is our favorite ride (my DH and I) but neither one of us have ever seen the yeti We thought maybe it was because we usually sit in the front and maybe he swoops down after we go through, but maybe he is just broken??? I would love to see him one day.

Ok girl, Dinosaur COMPLETELY FREAKED ME OUT!! I am giving you some info early (as far as my TR goes), but right when the ride starts and the jeep goes forward to head into the Dino area, I closed my eyes and put my head down and literally did not look up until it was over Meanwhile, my 6 year-old (who was riding for the second time) looked MOST of the time until the big dino comes out and they take the pic. Wait until you see it!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[cdotla]

Wow! Another fantastic update! I am so sad your trip is coming to an end.

I totally get that exact same excitement you describe in seeing the welcome signs!

Good job on the RFC entrance trick!

I can't believe you managed to take all those great shots while somehow staying ahead of the masses. Beautiful pictures!!!

And I think that shot you took of EE with the sun in the background is one of my favourites!

As usual, you guys got some of the most fantastic photopass pictures. I'll say it again - you got the deal of the century on that CD!

As usual - already looking forward to the next update!

 

[RachelNinja]

I love that pic of the people behind you after you entered through the Rainforest Cafe turnstile! I haven't been to AK in ages either, but I would definitely want to try out that secret entrance thing!

Aww, I love the linked arms on Dinosaur!

 

[LilAnn]

How funny, I was logging on to say hi to you and you have an update! A good one at that too. As usual, I love the PP pics. I love Dinosaur too! The first trip that I got to ride it, I think my friend and I rode it 3 times that day. We found it scary and also laughed at ourselves for being so freaked out. But sometimes I think that's one of the best ways to enjoy Disney - to just let go of your inhibitions and really enjoy it. Just relax, let go, and don't be afraid to be a kid again. That has made for some of the best trips for me.

I'm bummed that your TR is coming to an end. I've really enjoyed getting to know the two of you through your PTR and TR.

 

[Dancegrl624]

What a great update! Thanks for posting the pics of the EE queue. My DH and I always do the single rider line, so we've never been through the queue before. Someday when Maddie is older, I'm sure we'll be able to see it.

I will have to remember that RFC has a turnstile! That is such a good tip. You two always seem to take the best photopass pics I've ever seen. Such a photogenic couple!

 

[jenny105]

Another great update! I love all the pictures you got of Everest, they came out great. I absolutely love that ride and it's about the only ride that you can see other parks from. Did you notice that??

 

[-Hope-]

Love your updates- it makes me wish my trip was tomorrow!

 

[praisehisname]

All caught up. You guys had great success with finding photopass photographers! All your pics are gorgeous!

 

[heaven2dc]

AK is fast becoming a fav park for me - I love EE! I requested front seat on my last trip (I was solo for 4 days b4 my daughter arrived and took advantage of waiting for best seats like for EE and Soarin'). You always take such great photos! I loved the one of Dinosaur - I haven't rode it yet but hope to next trip.

 

[khertz]

Michael calls this his “Mexican version of Character Pictures”!

OMG How freaking hysterical! I really love that idea!

Great update! I'm sad we never made it to AK (or really, any other park besides DHS) for rope drop. One day, I'll get to the rest to see all of the very cute shows!

I love y'alls Everest picture!

Looking forward to more, as always!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hey Staci! Just wanted to let you know that my DH gave the ok for a fall trip to WDW!!!! I am SOOO excited!

 

[Bridora]

Before long, we saw this in the distance:

I love this picture! So awesome! Did you stop with all those people behind you to take these? Or just snap & walk?

I'm so glad you did another update--I love them!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hey Staci. Hope you're doing well. I started my PTR, so come check it out when you have the time. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35673617#post35673617

 

[princess_momma]

Staci!! I love your updates!! I wish I was in AK right now!! Everest is amazing in detail. I don't think there is any other rollercoaster in the world that comes close in that catergory! It is just phenomenal!!

I'm also a fan of Michael's "Mexican character pics"!! He's a hoot!! (P.S. I was telling our youth pastor about you guys and he thinks you guys would be great friends...he wasn't as excited about Michael being a youth pastor too as he was about how you guys were CTU agents for Halloween! )

You guys also take the best PhotoPass pictures! I'm surprised Disney hasn't asked you guys if they can use their pictures for advertisements!! They are so good!!

 

[stacikristine]

Oh my gosh, this update has me so excited about our trip coming up!

I completely understand the getting excited when you start seeing Welcome signs to any of the parks!

I have heard about people going through RFC, but I never really read of anyone doing it in a TR. Glad to hear that it worked!

You are so close for the rope drop show! I haven't been to one yet. Fiance and I are going to try and change that this trip!

I just LOVE that pic of you two after the Tree of Life pic.

That's great you made it back to EE. That's definatly going to be the first thing that we head to, too! We LOVE the line. It's so interesting. We always have to ask for the very back. When you go right under the Yeti, we have to duck because it looks like he's going to touch us!

Hey Tink! I'm so excited for your trip coming up too! I'm glad this helped you be even more excited! Definitely try going through the RFC. It worked wonderfully for us. The only thing that might stink is if they let the others in and yall are a few seconds behind them. Luckily, they let us in a few seconds ahead of everyone else. But it's a toss-up. You will LOVE the rope drop shows!! So cute. And it just starts the day off great. Oh my goodness--we'll have to ask for the back next time! I'm disappointed that we didn't see the Yeti, but it was still a great ride.

Loooovvvee the update What an AMAZING tip about the Rainforest Cafe area. I will totally have to try that one out the next time we go

EE is our favorite ride (my DH and I) but neither one of us have ever seen the yeti We thought maybe it was because we usually sit in the front and maybe he swoops down after we go through, but maybe he is just broken??? I would love to see him one day.

Ok girl, Dinosaur COMPLETELY FREAKED ME OUT!! I am giving you some info early (as far as my TR goes), but right when the ride starts and the jeep goes forward to head into the Dino area, I closed my eyes and put my head down and literally did not look up until it was over Meanwhile, my 6 year-old (who was riding for the second time) looked MOST of the time until the big dino comes out and they take the pic. Wait until you see it!

Can't wait to hear more!

Aw. Thanks! YES--it turned out to be a great tip!! We were nervous, but it worked. We wondered the same thing about the Yeti. Maybe we were just in the wrong spot. I'm pretty sure I saw him a few years ago, but not this trip. Haha!! I love that we're not the only ones that got completely freaked out on Dinosaur!! I can't wait to see your picture. I'm sure I'll laugh so hard! SUCH a good thrill ride.

Wow! Another fantastic update! I am so sad your trip is coming to an end.

I totally get that exact same excitement you describe in seeing the welcome signs!

Good job on the RFC entrance trick!

I can't believe you managed to take all those great shots while somehow staying ahead of the masses. Beautiful pictures!!!

And I think that shot you took of EE with the sun in the background is one of my favourites!

As usual, you guys got some of the most fantastic photopass pictures. I'll say it again - you got the deal of the century on that CD!

As usual - already looking forward to the next update!

Thanks so much!! We were so thankful that the trick really was a trick instead of a dud. Haha--thanks! That's all my camera. I love it. I could walk quickly and still take a lot of pics that turned out. Thank you so much--the sun was perfect for the shot. We really did get a fantastic deal--thank you! I'll hopefully have a new update sometime soon!!

I love that pic of the people behind you after you entered through the Rainforest Cafe turnstile! I haven't been to AK in ages either, but I would definitely want to try out that secret entrance thing!

Aww, I love the linked arms on Dinosaur!

We were SO shocked that we were let in before the masses! I'm sure those people were wondering how in the world we got ahead of them... You and Weird will love AK. And I hope the secret entrance works as well for you as it did for us! I didn't even realize that our arms were linked--we were both so freaked out--we couldn't think about anything other than surviving! Haha.

How funny, I was logging on to say hi to you and you have an update! A good one at that too. As usual, I love the PP pics. I love Dinosaur too! The first trip that I got to ride it, I think my friend and I rode it 3 times that day. We found it scary and also laughed at ourselves for being so freaked out. But sometimes I think that's one of the best ways to enjoy Disney - to just let go of your inhibitions and really enjoy it. Just relax, let go, and don't be afraid to be a kid again. That has made for some of the best trips for me.

I'm bummed that your TR is coming to an end. I've really enjoyed getting to know the two of you through your PTR and TR.

That is funny! Thanks--it's about time I updated! Isn't Dinosaur great?! It's one of those things where it's super fun to be scared for a little bit--especially since you know you'll survive at the end. The people in our car probably thought we were nuts! I agree. Just let it all go at Disney. I'm so bummed that it's coming to an end too. But this last day and a half are jam-packed, so there are still plenty of updates. I've loved getting to know you and everyone else too! Thanks for reading.

What a great update! Thanks for posting the pics of the EE queue. My DH and I always do the single rider line, so we've never been through the queue before. Someday when Maddie is older, I'm sure we'll be able to see it.

I will have to remember that RFC has a turnstile! That is such a good tip. You two always seem to take the best photopass pics I've ever seen. Such a photogenic couple!

You'll love it when you actually get to walk through the real queue. It's one of the best themed queues in all of Disney World! I wish I had time to take some more. Yes--it'll come in handy on your upcoming trip!! Woo-Hoo! Aw, thank you. We love taking pictures.

Another great update! I love all the pictures you got of Everest, they came out great. I absolutely love that ride and it's about the only ride that you can see other parks from. Did you notice that??

Thanks so much! Everest is such a great photo subject. I don't know how Disney does it--it's just gorgeous there! Yes I did--it was so fun to look out and see the other parks!

 

[stacikristine]

Love your updates- it makes me wish my trip was tomorrow!

Thanks so much! I know what you mean--I was always so much more anxious to be there after reading others' reports!

All caught up. You guys had great success with finding photopass photographers! All your pics are gorgeous!

Hi Denise! We did have really good luck with PP Photos! I'm thankful we got so many. Aw, thank you so much!

AK is fast becoming a fav park for me - I love EE! I requested front seat on my last trip (I was solo for 4 days b4 my daughter arrived and took advantage of waiting for best seats like for EE and Soarin'). You always take such great photos! I loved the one of Dinosaur - I haven't rode it yet but hope to next trip.

Isn't it just gorgeous there?! I love how it feels like you're somewhere else entirely. Oh wow! How was the front seat? I've heard that the back is great, but I've never heard about the front. I bet it was fantastic. Thank you so very much--I love taking pictures. Be ready to be completely freaked out and scream like a little kid!

OMG How freaking hysterical! I really love that idea!

Great update! I'm sad we never made it to AK (or really, any other park besides DHS) for rope drop. One day, I'll get to the rest to see all of the very cute shows!

I love y'alls Everest picture!

Looking forward to more, as always!

He is a NUT. But it was things like this throughout the trip that kept both of us cracking up. This was his FB profile pic for a long time. Thanks! Hopefully you can see it someday! It was really, really cute. I just love how it gets the day started off with a show. Thanks! We had so much fun. I'll hopefully have more within a few days.

Hey Staci! Just wanted to let you know that my DH gave the ok for a fall trip to WDW!!!! I am SOOO excited!

YAY!!!!! That's so exciting!!! Let me know if you have more fall q's about it! I'm so happy for you!

I love this picture! So awesome! Did you stop with all those people behind you to take these? Or just snap & walk?

I'm so glad you did another update--I love them!

Thanks so much! I liked that one too. (I used a photoshop action on it called Old West from The Pioneer Woman's free Photoshop actions in case you're interested.) I just snapped and walked. I love my little camera--it does great with that. I was "supporting" my arm with my other arm to keep it as steady as possible. There was no way I was losing my spot for a picture! haha. Aw, thank you. I love writing them.

Hey Staci. Hope you're doing well. I started my PTR, so come check it out when you have the time. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35673617#post35673617

I subscribed! I'll hopefully get all caught up soon.

Staci!! I love your updates!! I wish I was in AK right now!! Everest is amazing in detail. I don't think there is any other rollercoaster in the world that comes close in that catergory! It is just phenomenal!!

I'm also a fan of Michael's "Mexican character pics"!! He's a hoot!! (P.S. I was telling our youth pastor about you guys and he thinks you guys would be great friends...he wasn't as excited about Michael being a youth pastor too as he was about how you guys were CTU agents for Halloween! )

You guys also take the best PhotoPass pictures! I'm surprised Disney hasn't asked you guys if they can use their pictures for advertisements!! They are so good!!

Hey Kimmy! Thanks so much!! They're so fun to write. Oh gosh--me too. I wish I was ANYWHERE in Disney World right now. Michael has said "I wish we were back at Disney World" soo many times lately. It's just great being there, without having to worry about real life, and just being kids and enjoying ourselves. Oh I know! It's not the most "thrilling" of the roller-coasters, but it definitely has the best theming ever! Haha--I'll tell him that. He had it as his FB profile pic for a long time. He's such a goof. YAY! I'd love to be friends with your youth pastor. Too bad we're forever away. Did I tell you that was one of the pics we framed when I finally put pictures in our frames last week? We love it. Aw, thanks! I don't think they're THAT good...but I appreciate it!

 

[Junick]

Staci,
Loving your TR! I'm the Junick you gave all the helpul info on DVC rentals. I can't wait to go in September! You and your husband sound like such sweet kids ... here's ta ya!

 

[stacikristine]

Staci,
Loving your TR! I'm the Junick you gave all the helpul info on DVC rentals. I can't wait to go in September! You and your husband sound like such sweet kids ... here's ta ya!

Hi Junick! Thanks so much--and thank you for reading! YAY--I'm so excited that your family is going to be able to go. You will LOVE renting points. I actually just booked a reservation for my cousin, and she's renting DVC points for the first time too. It's just such a great deal! Thank you!

 

[stacikristine]

When I last left you, we had just finished taking some Photopass Pictures in front of the Tree of Life. It was a good way to bring down our heart rate after riding what became our most thrilling “thrill ride” at WDW—Dinosaur.




After taking more PP pics (Are you surprised? Didn’t think so. ) we headed towards Africa to secure Fast Passes for Kilimanjaro Safaris. Our return time was 10:30.

Since we had plenty of time before we could go on the safari, we decided to see our bug friends at It’s Tough to be a Bug. Michael was really looking forward to this!

I just love all of the animals carved into the tree. I could have stayed forever, just taking pictures!

I don’t remember what the official wait time was supposed to be for this attraction, but when we got into the waiting room, everyone had already started going into the theater! Talk about good timing. We grabbed some glasses, hurried in, and waited for the show to start.

I actually sat back this time since I was prepared for the sting, but mine didn’t work. Michael yelled when it stung him, though! And I actually stayed on my seat when I knew the roaches were coming—I was so proud of myself!


We both really enjoyed it! I don’t know that I would say it’s a must-do for us, but it was enjoyable. We left the theater and snapped a quick bug glasses picture before we had to give them back.

We still had some time to use up before our safari FPs were good, so what did we do?


Take more PP pics, of course!

**Is it just me, or do my fingers look freakishly long in that picture? I mean, I know I have long fingers, but that can’t be right! I’m thinking that they stretched them to make Tink fit. At least, I hope that’s what happened!!



I also couldn’t resist taking another Tree of Life picture:

We decided to go through the Panjai Forest Trail since it wasn’t quite time for our safari.

Oh.


My.


Word.


It was SOOOOOO crowded in there!! It was seriously the most crowded place in the whole park! I couldn’t believe it. I kept saying, “I’m SO sorry. These trails are supposed to be empty!” We snapped a few pictures (none of which turned out), and high-tailed it out of there!

Just as proof, this is the best pic that we got from the trail, and it was taken over some people’s heads. It was a million times worse than a zoo.

When we exited the trail, we saw what the “problem” was. A CM was SUPER excited about her job. She was excitedly telling everyone what a great trail it was. She said that it’s a relaxing way to look at different animals. So practically everyone that was walking near her decided to go in and check it out.


I think they probably asked themselves what was supposed to be relaxing about shoving against sweaty people, trying to see some sleeping animals.




Thank goodness that didn’t last long. And when we walked to the Safari entrance, we only had a few minutes to wait. At exactly 10:30, we handed in our FP tickets and started down the FP lane. Oh—and I forgot to say that our tickets were right at the time-changing mark. One of ours was for 9:30-10:30 and the other was for 10:30-11:30.

This is where we’re headed!

Thanks to our FastPasses, we hopped right up to the front of the line. Is it just me, or do you feel bad for all of the people that you just passed after you use your FP? It especially gets me when a little kid looks at me as if to say, “I want to cut too!”


Anyway…before long, our safari vehicle was ready for us!

Now, I don’t know what in the world I was thinking, but I’d heard that the back of the vehicle was the best view…so I requested that we sit in the back. Talk about a bumpy ride!! We were able to get some almost-decent pictures, but it was way too bumpy to take any great ones.

Continued