A Ten Day Ride on A Magic Camel - Almost Finished Trip Report

[MeMom]

I've made calendars before - just random pictures throughtout several trips. I usually buy the Disney one too, but I agree with you - some of the pictures don't seem well thought out to me! So I'm going out in search of some perfect calendar pictures! Just hope I can manage to capure them as well as you do! We're going down Thursday and coming home on Sun. My parents and sister (and fam) will be at the Boardwalk and me (the poor relation) will be at POP. I got in on the 35% off shopping trip they offered to passholders, so I plan to do a lot of shopping (not much buying, but definately shopping).

By the way, I hope you are entering the passholder essay contest! I have a feeling you would win!

My AP ran out after the summer trip. I'm just going to pay for a short ticket for this trip, then if we go in March, I'll get an AP that will cover that trip, the summer trip, an October or December trip (or both ) and then on through the next March trip (fingers crossed on the dates being within that time period). Or, if I don't go in March, I'll get an AP in July that will cover two ten day summer trips and an October or December trip and maybe even a March trip. Right now, it's looking more like it'll be the July to July option. I think if I could go for the ten day summer trips, a five day spring break trip, and a decent 5-6 day specialty trip for either Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, I'd be doing just right. Not too much, but not too far in between trips either.

I wasn't aware of an essay contest, since I'm now a has-been in the AP department.

I think the O'Hana Character Breakfast is one of the best. The character interaction is fantastic. Did you make Brooklyn's dress?

It was good. We want to go there for supper, too. Maybe next summer.

Definitely did not make the dress. I made a dress once in Home Ec way back in about 8th grade. I'm sure the teacher was kind and gave me a mercy grade and passed me.

this is so cute! she's just gazing up into mickey's eyes. and her lei is around her feet!

pluto did this to me and erica at the character connection at epcot. i thought it was so cute!

The lei kept falling down all around her. She loves those characters - they are part of her world. She was so sweet asking in a tiny little voice if they were going to come and see her.

Now I am hungry! Breakfast at Ohana is wonderful!

It was all good except the potatoes. They were kind of cold and dry and had little flavor. The sausage links were very good, I thought, and John loved the juice.

For those of you wondering about the Opryland and Grinch connection I can offer some explanation. Next to Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills they have a giant display called Ice! It is a huge walkthrough of a bunch of ice sculptures for a couple of years it was just generic holiday stuff. Then last year or the year before they turned it into the story of the Grinch. It is supposed to be really cool (and also extremely cold bring your gloves and parka!). Hope that helps explain the Grinch connection.

Isn't she the smart one?

You could have said yes and we would have been none the wiser.

Picture this - take a brown paper grocery bag. Chop it up in several different areas with scissors. Glue some mismatched buttons on it on random places. Cut a too large hole in the bottom of it and put it over your head. That would look better than I could make.

Brooklynn at Ohanas is just too cute! I have to try their breakfast one of these days.

With your many trips, I'm sure you will arrange that. Maybe you can make yourself a Lilo and Stitch dress like Brooklynn's.

How cute is this? I love the lei around the bottom of her dress!

How did I never know Mickey and Pluto wer here? I have always seen reference only to Lilo and Stich who I frankly don't care for. I may put up with them for some of that breakfast platter (and I generally don't eat breakfast or much care for breakfast-type food)

We scheduled it for brunch time, so we could sleep in after the late Fourth of July night, so we were decently hungry when we got there.


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Now for the last few pictures from 'Ohana.

Stitch attack.

On the way out of the Polynesian.

On the bus, Brooklynn started doing some crazy little pretend crying voice, asking for her 'papi' (pacifier). She's always been a big 'paci baby', and Jill has had quite the time weaning her off of it. She's down to just bedtime now, but back in the summer, she was still getting it when she got tired or was just restless and whining. On the bus, she asked for it once, and Jill told her no, she didn't need it. Brooklynn got this totally fake face and voice, squinted her eyes, and said very, very softly, "I waaant my paaaapiiii." It sounded like the voice you'd use when telling a ghost story with little kids.

We just started laughing at her, because we had no idea what possessed the little nut to be so silly. So of course, she had to do it again.

Today's park was Animal Kingdom.

We went through the Rainforest way. I took some pictures while the others made a restroom stop.

Here come some people I know.

On our way to Festival of the Lion King, we waved at Daisy and the boys.

A wild animal was on the loose.

Brooklynn kept putting her head between my knees, for some reason.

She's a little weird, cracked, nuts, dorky...pick one. Whichever you choose, it fits. She's really one of us.

 

[punkin413]

oh, i may have to purchase this next month. ray thanks you, memom.

 

[Charleston Princess]

He, he I was right about Ohana's and Animal Kingdom -- chi-ching!

Brooklyn is too cute and I laughed out loud when I read about her "ghost story" voice -- Chelsea was a huge pacifier baby -- (confession of the evening: she did not have to give it up until her fourth birthday). In my defense, she was my first so I really had to clue what I was doing.

 

[sunny_stace]

On the bus, Brooklynn started doing some crazy little pretend crying voice, asking for her 'papi' (pacifier). She's always been a big 'paci baby', and Jill has had quite the time weaning her off of it. She's down to just bedtime now, but back in the summer, she was still getting it when she got tired or was just restless and whining. On the bus, she asked for it once, and Jill told her no, she didn't need it. Brooklynn got this totally fake face and voice, squinted her eyes, and said very, very softly, "I waaant my paaaapiiii." It sounded like the voice you'd use when telling a ghost story with little kids.

We just started laughing at her, because we had no idea what possessed the little nut to be so silly. So of course, she had to do it again.

She's a little weird, cracked, nuts, dorky...pick one. Whichever you choose, it fits. She's really one of us.

You know, I realize I say it all the time, but she is just too cute!!! So sweet she gives me cavities!
I think this when children learn to become drama queens! Over the weekend we had this big family birthday party for all the kids with b-days in November, and my cousins from Indiana were visiting. It was getting pretty late so I say to my little Mia-bo-Bia (celebrating her 2nd birthday), "You want Aunt Stacy to take you and get your duckie jammies on?" and she just looks at me very seriously and says "that is a very good idea." The whole family just bursts out laughing! So she looks around and shouts out "GOOD IDEA!!!!!" at the top of her lungs! But she then decided she should wear her new "MinMouse" (minnie mouse) jammies I got her instead...good to know I can convert two year olds to become Disney addicts! She also likes to get a paci when upset...she'll get right up and pluck it out of her baby brother's mouth!

Also, that was a very nice thing you said about your students. When I was in college I started out as an education major but changed my mind in the end. I'm glad you didn't change your mind. Children need people like you.

Hope you all had a nice weekend!

 

[Happy Elf]

I think this when children learn to become drama queens!

HeeHee! I agree! My 3 yo DD is a HUGE drama queen!

The O'Hana pictures are great! It looks like such a fun character breakfast. I'll have to add it the the growing list of things to do. Hannah likes Lilo and Stitch so she would probably enjoy it!

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Brooklynn's reactions are priceless! She looks so happy to be there. Ohana is a great place. It's Lexi's and Aaron's favorite. We went to breakfast (love the juice too) and to dinner (love the skewers). The atmosphere is wonderful. I love all things tropical. I would recommend it. We will be going back for dinner next trip but we have decided to skip bkfst and try Crystal Palace instead.

Hi BrooklynsMommy, its nice to see you dropped in. We just love your little girl, she brightens up our days. Hope all is going well with the baby.

Punkin - that "got frogs" tee is perfect for you!!!

 

[shannon47142]

so cute, is your grandbaby!! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pictures! It adds a smile to my day each time you share them with us

 

[MeMom]

oh, i may have to purchase this next month. ray thanks you, memom.

I'm sure if I ever meet Ray, he's going to thank me for several things.

I'm afraid.

He, he I was right about Ohana's and Animal Kingdom -- chi-ching!

Brooklyn is too cute and I laughed out loud when I read about her "ghost story" voice -- Chelsea was a huge pacifier baby -- (confession of the evening: she did not have to give it up until her fourth birthday). In my defense, she was my first so I really had to clue what I was doing.

'Ohana I'll give you, but how did you know where we were going after that? Was that you following us?
The one ducking down behind trees whenever I turned around?

And as for the cha-ching part, there was no monetary prize involved here.
You are fully aware of my poverty!

When Brooklynn was first born, Jill was determined she was not going to be a paci baby, but Brooklynn won out. She is so bright and so verbal that people think she's older sometimes, but the 'foo-foo' is a good reminder that she's really just a two year old. Jill doesn't mind that she has it at night in her bed to help her get to sleep, but she's not as thrilled about her walking around with it in her mouth. She used the car to work her off of it. She would tell Brooklynn she didn't have one with her, and then she would tough out Brooklynn's screaming for it until it got less and less.

You know, I realize I say it all the time, but she is just too cute!!! So sweet she gives me cavities!
I think this when children learn to become drama queens! Over the weekend we had this big family birthday party for all the kids with b-days in November, and my cousins from Indiana were visiting. It was getting pretty late so I say to my little Mia-bo-Bia (celebrating her 2nd birthday), "You want Aunt Stacy to take you and get your duckie jammies on?" and she just looks at me very seriously and says "that is a very good idea." The whole family just bursts out laughing! So she looks around and shouts out "GOOD IDEA!!!!!" at the top of her lungs! But she then decided she should wear her new "MinMouse" (minnie mouse) jammies I got her instead...good to know I can convert two year olds to become Disney addicts! She also likes to get a paci when upset...she'll get right up and pluck it out of her baby brother's mouth!

Also, that was a very nice thing you said about your students. When I was in college I started out as an education major but changed my mind in the end. I'm glad you didn't change your mind. Children need people like you.

Hope you all had a nice weekend!

I'm sure the birthday party with all the little guys was fun. I just love watching kids in action. They're so fun and funny!

I hope Brooklynn is far removed from her pacifier by the time the baby is here. I hadn't thought about the fact that she'll have one at her disposal more often when this one gets here. I don't know if she'd think to take the baby's or not.

Teaching has changed a lot in the past about 6-8 years.
A LOT.
One more time - a lot, a lot, a lot!
Okay, that was three more times.
Anyway, people really just do not know how it is behind the scenes. Maybe I have a horrible district, and it may be different elsewhere, but I would not tell anyone to come into our system because of all of the paperwork, extra programs, and hoops we are constantly having to jump through. I'm really pretty easy going and take most things without a word, and I do that at school. I don't complain or cause trouble in the teachers' lounge (I don't go in there) or in the office. But, just because I don't complain, doesn't mean I don't like the way things are. In our system, it's a dictatorship, and the creativity in the classroom is down to near nothing. The fun has been sucked out of it, and I think it's a real shame.

I think I would like to work in the adoption field. I'd like to hook up children with their new families. I would be thrilled to be the person who got to put a little baby in his mother's arms, as was done to me with Drew. What a great job!

HeeHee! I agree! My 3 yo DD is a HUGE drama queen!

The O'Hana pictures are great! It looks like such a fun character breakfast. I'll have to add it the the growing list of things to do. Hannah likes Lilo and Stitch so she would probably enjoy it!

Little girls can bring on the drama. This year, I have more girls than boys, which is the first time that has ever happened in all the years I've been there. Girls get their feelings hurt so much more than boys, so I've seen my share of pointless tears this year. The girls will be gathered around one child as she cries over the littlest scrape, and they'll be patting her back and looking at each other in such sorrow over their fellow classmate's hurt, and the boys will be killing each other playing football right there beside them. I find it all quite interesting - they are very different creatures even when they are little.

You would probably enjoy 'Ohana. They brought out too much food, though. If one thing got low on the plate, they brought out tons more. I hate that so much food was wasted when we left the table, because it was a lot, and I felt kind of guilty. There was enough there for some needy family to have a very nice meal.

Brooklynn's reactions are priceless! She looks so happy to be there. Ohana is a great place. It's Lexi's and Aaron's favorite. We went to breakfast (love the juice too) and to dinner (love the skewers). The atmosphere is wonderful. I love all things tropical. I would recommend it. We will be going back for dinner next trip but we have decided to skip bkfst and try Crystal Palace instead.

Hi BrooklynsMommy, its nice to see you dropped in. We just love your little girl, she brightens up our days. Hope all is going well with the baby.

Punkin - that "got frogs" tee is perfect for you!!!

I'm looking forward to an 'Ohana dinner in the future! The Polynesian is a very pretty resort. I did my bedroom in Polynesian style decor, so I can now just pretend that I'm rich enough to stay in a deluxe resort.

Jill has asked John to get her the internet for Christmas. Hopefully, they'll be able to get it and she can check in more often.

so cute, is your grandbaby!! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pictures! It adds a smile to my day each time you share them with us

"We don't allow no ugly babies in our family."
That quote was from one of my grandmothers. When every new baby would come along, someone in the room would say how cute he/she was, and she would always say that.

I enjoy sharing the pictures, but I'm about worn down from trying to get this report finished up. I have too many pictures, but I don't want to just skip over things. If I'm going to do it, I want to do it right. If I can't put them up and give the full effect of how it was, then I'd rather just not do it at all. I may just put up a very few pictures and then some video of the Thanksgiving trip, and not make it an all out real live trip report.

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Festival of the Lion King.

We picked a very special day to be there.

We always do.

I love the singing. These actors share their wonderful, powerful voices with us as they belt out some of our favorite Disney songs.

Back outside after the show, Brooklynn cools off in a mister fan.

One of many cool Animal Kingdom lights.

There is so much to photgraph at this park.

Shopping.

That's where my pictures end, as far as what I have loaded, so I'll have to see what's up next later on when I have time to put more on Photobucket.

Everyone have a good day.

 

[Charleston Princess]

'Ohana I'll give you, but how did you know where we were going after that? Was that you following us?
The one ducking down behind trees whenever I turned around?

And as for the cha-ching part, there was no monetary prize involved here.
You are fully aware of my poverty!

I wish that was me since it would mean I have been back since June.

I don't remember now why I guessed Animal Kingdom -- maybe because the flowers on Brooklyn's dress reminded me of Discovery Island?

When Brooklynn was first born, Jill was determined she was not going to be a paci baby, but Brooklynn won out. She is so bright and so verbal that people think she's older sometimes, but the 'foo-foo' is a good reminder that she's really just a two year old. Jill doesn't mind that she has it at night in her bed to help her get to sleep, but she's not as thrilled about her walking around with it in her mouth. She used the car to work her off of it. She would tell Brooklynn she didn't have one with her, and then she would tough out Brooklynn's screaming for it until it got less and less.

That's a good idea -- I remember we made a big deal about getting rid of the paci on Chelsea's fourth birthday -- we did this whole ceremony of throwing it away (at a garbage can at Toys R Us).

FOTLK and Discovery Island shopping -- a great way to start the day!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Festival of the Lion King is on my list of things to do this time. I've never seen it before, but it looks great in all the pictures!

 

[hollyluvsdisney]

MeMom, I love it that I can be gone for a week or so and when I come back there are so many great updates to read! I spent most of the morning catching up on the Magic Camel.

It looks like you guys had a GREAT 4th of July. I know it's crowded and probably pretty hot, too, but I think it would be so much awesome to visit WDW on the 4th. It just seems like it would be so festive and so much fun. I loved seeing your Poly beach photos. It's definitely my favorite resort and I love watching fireworks and the Electrical Water Parade there.

I have never eaten breakfast at 'Ohana but it looks like a lot of fun. The food looks really good, too. We've eaten dinner there twice, maybe next time we will have to give breakfast a try.

I loved seeing your Opryland photos! My dad worked for an insurance company when I was a teenager and they had one of their annual summer meetings at the Opryland hotel. The company always allowed their employees to bring their families, so my mom, my best friend and I got to tag along. It was really beautiful hotel and Opryland was a lot of fun. My parents liked it so much that we went back a year or two later to see their Christmas decorations. They were just gorgeous!

You must be starting to get really excited about your upcoming Thanksgiving trip! I can't wait to see all of the photos I know you'll take!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I love your FOTLK photos MeMom! I just saw it for the first time last week and was mesmerized for the entire show! I even teared up. Great pictures!

 

[MeMom]

I wish that was me since it would mean I have been back since June.

I don't remember now why I guessed Animal Kingdom -- maybe because the flowers on Brooklyn's dress reminded me of Discovery Island?

That's a good idea -- I remember we made a big deal about getting rid of the paci on Chelsea's fourth birthday -- we did this whole ceremony of throwing it away (at a garbage can at Toys R Us).

FOTLK and Discovery Island shopping -- a great way to start the day!

You're a good guesser.

Isn't it amazing the things that can turn into big events when little ones are involved?

Festival of the Lion King is on my list of things to do this time. I've never seen it before, but it looks great in all the pictures!

I hope you do get to see it. I think you'll enjoy it.

MeMom, I love it that I can be gone for a week or so and when I come back there are so many great updates to read! I spent most of the morning catching up on the Magic Camel.

It looks like you guys had a GREAT 4th of July. I know it's crowded and probably pretty hot, too, but I think it would be so much awesome to visit WDW on the 4th. It just seems like it would be so festive and so much fun. I loved seeing your Poly beach photos. It's definitely my favorite resort and I love watching fireworks and the Electrical Water Parade there.

I have never eaten breakfast at 'Ohana but it looks like a lot of fun. The food looks really good, too. We've eaten dinner there twice, maybe next time we will have to give breakfast a try.

I loved seeing your Opryland photos! My dad worked for an insurance company when I was a teenager and they had one of their annual summer meetings at the Opryland hotel. The company always allowed their employees to bring their families, so my mom, my best friend and I got to tag along. It was really beautiful hotel and Opryland was a lot of fun. My parents liked it so much that we went back a year or two later to see their Christmas decorations. They were just gorgeous!

You must be starting to get really excited about your upcoming Thanksgiving trip! I can't wait to see all of the photos I know you'll take!

I've been pushing it to get this done. We're down to the last few days, and I'm skipping over many, many pictures.

We'd like to stay at Poly sometime on a short girl trip. That would be nice to be right there at Magic Kingdom, no doubt.

Opryland was fun, and most anyone you talk to around here will tell you it was a mistake to tear it down.

I love your FOTLK photos MeMom! I just saw it for the first time last week and was mesmerized for the entire show! I even teared up. Great pictures!

I love your picture! It's good to hear that all is going well for all of you. I'm jealous that you're getting to have a #4. I wanted about five, but it didn't work out that way. I know your little guy is in great hands!!!


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The last few shopping pictures.

Wouldn't these be pretty cute for a little girl's nursery, if it's a girl?

Violent artwork.

At this point, I think Jill, John, and Brooklynn went back to Pop for a rest, and I stayed behind to take pictures.

On the way out, I saw Pocahontas.

Then it was back to Pop for rest. The leg was not doing well at all.

After some rest, it was time to go back out. I'm not sure, but I think Jill decided we would go back to Animal Kingdom to see Nemo.

So, back to the bus stop.

I'm beginning to see Mickeys all over the place.

I'll have to check with Jill to see where she and John went. We got popsicles, but then they decided to do something, and Brooklynn and I waited for them with our quickly melting cold treats.

Those strawberry bars are very good!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Looks like little Brooklyn might be having a brain freeze!

 

[MeMom]

On to Nemo.

New friends inside the aquarium.

An older, more experienced friend gives advice.

Brooklynn's bottom lip droppped to the floor when she thought Dory was really hurt. She was very worried about her, and Jill had to reassure her that she would be okay.

This is a good show - very interesting to watch the puppeteers, and it's a good place to go when you need a break from walking and from the heat.

Then we walked around a bit more and found that our noses led us here.

There was not a line, since it was almost time for the park to close.

Good food.

It comes with a warning.

We had no desire to ride this, but it is majestic looking.

Another light fixture.

 

[MeMom]

Looks like little Brooklyn might be having a brain freeze!

She probably was. She chomped down. I like the Mickey bars, but the strawberry was especially refreshing that evening.

Okay, the last few pictures from our time at Animal Kingdom.

Jill and I decided that since we were going straight back to the room for the night, we'd ride Kali.

John and Brooklynn waving at us.

They wanted to know if we wanted to go again, but since we had people waiting on us, we didn't.

John decided to talk to the DVC guy for a while, so I took pictures of his little station..

He made an appointment to visit Saratoga Springs the next day. Since Saratoga Springs was the only Disney resort I had not visited, I was glad we were going to go do that.

Plus, we got gift cards to spend wherever we wanted. I think they were fifteen dollars each.

 

[DisKate]

MeMom,
Your update was a great excuse for me to take a break from my paper...It looks like you had fun at AK, I can't wait to go there in just a few short months. Thanks for the break!
Katie

 

[hollyluvsdisney]

Wouldn't these be pretty cute for a little girl's nursery, if it's a girl?

I just love these! I started collecting them about a year ago. So far I have the teacup one, the Dumbo one and a Disney wedding one. You are right, they would be precious in a little girl's nursery. That is probably where mine will end up if my DH & I have a little girl someday.

Your Nemo photos turned out great! We saw the show for the first time in September and really enjoyed it.

I have never ridden Kali before... I'm too scared of getting wet! I do enjoy waterparks and things like that, but when I'm wearing regular clothes I like to stay dry. Maybe one day I'll throw on a poncho and work up the courage...

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Thank you for a nice, long update with lots of great pics!

Do we have 2 more days of Magic Camel?

I have NEVER seen Flame Tree that deserted. That must have been SO nice!

Your ice cream bars look delicious!

And your Nemo pics are awesome!

 

[Happy Elf]

Great updates!!! You take such neat pictures. I see things in your pictures that I have never noticed. Reminds me I need to slow down and enjoy everything around me!

A Happy note for today: I booked our trip for June! Yay!!!!!