All I Want For Christmas Is an Okapi, a Dinosaur, a Herd of Elephants and ...

[CanadianWDWfan]

I enjoyed getting all caught up this morning.

We saw the same CP show with Marlee Matlin just on different nights...I think?
I was so glad to have reserved seating cause the lines were super long and we got good seats upfront.
They sure can get a lot of people in there.
We didn't have hot chocolate but did snack on Karamelle Kuche treats in line.
Very yummy, we tried the caramel dipped strawberries, caramel apple and of course the caramel corn. The popcorn was the favorite.
Lexi thought it was too loud but DMom and I enjoyed it.
Funny how you mentioned the "lady" we had so much fun watching her. She is so talented moving from one thing to another.

We have that Minnie wearing Marie pajamas, she is adorable.

We missed going to Boardwalk, thanks for the pics.

Ahhh, what a pretty morning at AK.
Wish I was there this morning...and going on a safari.

So I have a question for you.
How does the Tables in Wonderland card work?
If I get one in May when will it expire? End of this year or May of next year?
We are probably going to renew our Annual passes when they expire this September.
Can we renew early in August while we are there?
I may just wait til the January trip to get another AP and then we could squeeze in a New Years 2014 trip.
I want a do over Christmas trip cause I feel like I missed seeing a lot.

I'm considering getting the Tables in Wonderland card instead of the dining plan.
We could give it a try in May to see if we like it better.
We do have Free Dining for August but we could used the card for extras.
Any advice would be helpful.

I'm off to go find Lexi a new bike. We had her currant bike repaired but it just doesn't work properly.
My DMom said she got off it last night in frustration and said she will never get on it again!
I will happily get her another bike cause I want to encourage any form of exercise she likes doing.

 

[MHTeacher]

I must admit that I'm a little jealous of how early you guys are able to get to the parks. The only time I've seen it that dark at AK was at 9 p.m., during EvMH!

Looks like a beautiful day at one your favorite parks!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I don't think we have ever arrived that early to the parks! OK, I know we haven't...
BUT, we can make it to rope drop when we set our minds to it!
Your pictures of the safari make me super excited for our Wild Africa Trek this summer and we are going to try to drag ourselves out of bed for the "sunrise safari" that comes with our stay at Jambo.
Wish the sleepy heads luck!

 

[reelmom]

Look! I have a new ticker!

I had planned on taking my boys down early before DH and the rest of the family came down. After changing plans(in my head) so many times, we finally have decided on staying at POP Century May 27-June2. Originally, we were just going to stay onsite and not do any park days since we got AP's for Universal(my kids are traitors). I just wanted to be on property before heading over to the dark side. Well, I was able to save more than I budgeted for so we are now doing the parks for 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited! Ethan's birthday is May 9th, mine is May 31st, and Evan's is June 12th, so we are celebrating our birthdays at the Happiest Place on Earth.

 

[MeMom]

That little guy blocking your Jeep made me laugh - I think it's so funny how some of the animals just wander out!

I haven't seen a CP, sadly. The only months we've been are January, February, and April. It's definitely on my Disney bucket list.

I'm pretty sure I remember my mom saying that about the ultrasounds, too. I don't think she knew what I was, but she did find out with Mike, because she told me that she had to take me to an appointment one time. I just sat there and colored quietly, and her doctor nodded at me and said, "don't expect that with this next one." He was so right!

I hope it's possible! I would love to see it for myself, too, when we go back!

You oldest daughters (you, Jill) were so precious that you tricked us mommies into having more kids. We didn't know all the ones after you 'perfect' little first girls were going to drive us crazy!!!

Maybe on one of your January trips you can get there at the tail end of December in time to see a Candlelight Processional. It's pretty fun to ring in a new year in Disney World.

As MeMom said that was the suuposed to be the most crowded day all year. The week of the fourth will not be that bad.

I love that one.

I think because crowded times are pretty much the only times we can go with school schedules that we don't really think too much about the crowds.

Once again I was extremely behind...seems to be the story of my life these days!! I am just pooped by the time I get home from work and the gym everyday. I usually just pass right out after my shower!

Anyway, I just checked out your updates of the BC, YC and BW all decked out for Christmas and wow...I don't know how else to describe them, so pretty!

Glad you all were able to make it over to the new old mall. It looks really nice and spiffed up! I wish we had a Rainforest Cafe close to here!

How is all doing in your neck of the woods? Chris and I leave next Friday morning to head to tink's for the weekend for her bridal shower! We're so excited, we've missed them so much!!

There have been times this year with all the paperwork and other demands of school that I didn't have the brain to even DIS. There were a few days it was more of a chore than a pleasure to read anything after I got home. I didn't like that feeling at all.

Tinkgurl is excited about your visit. I texted with her earlier in the week.

I like this one too.

I'm very impressed with all the animals out and about.

We've had our best lucky with very early and end of the day safaris. We really appreciate it when the drivers stop for a few seconds, even when they aren't supposed to.

This guy looks like he's doing his best impression of "The Thinker".

Love the shopping pictures. I spied a shirt I would like to look for.

Get that shopping list ready!

We enjoy watching the gorillas. They are fascinating, and you can just see the strength in those massive arms.

Sunrise in the Animal Kingdom? That right there is a perfect reason to get up at the crack of dawn!

Awww, a giraffe and mingo hanging out together -- love it! LOL!

I'm up already, so I would be there with no problem. Same with Jill. I have to give John his props, because he has to work at getting up to be at rope drop. Of course, he knows we'd leave him and go without him, so it's not like he would hold us back...

Our crazy life is starting to slow down and I am catching up. I am so excited to find out if Jill will be having another Princess or if she will get her Pirate. Love the AK pictures. It is my favorite park. I could watch the gorillas all day. Did you happen to see little Lilly? I was wondering how she was doing and if she has caught up in her development.

I really can't remember, as one trip blends into another, but I'm guessing Lilly wasn't out, since I don't have pictures of her. Maybe I have video, though. She does those separately. From what I understand, Lilly is coming along very well.

First I have to say that my DD12 has a friend like you student "G". It is VERY annoying and it drives me NUTS!!!
AND, I'm excited to know that I might have a glimpse of MeMom and Jill while we are there! Don't know if I would have the courage to say hello, but it would be fun.

I know those kids are just putting up a front to hide their own inadequacies, but it goes all through me to hear her put others down and make fun of the clothes they wear or something they do when she has a TON of stuff she needs to worry about with her own self!!!

We will be hurt if you don't find us in Disney World. Let's make that work. Just a quick hello is fine. You know there are going to be a whole bunch of DISers there. We're thinking of seeing Yehaa Bob one evening - I think the 27th. Will you be there then?

I enjoyed getting all caught up this morning.

We saw the same CP show with Marlee Matlin just on different nights...I think?
I was so glad to have reserved seating cause the lines were super long and we got good seats upfront.
They sure can get a lot of people in there.
We didn't have hot chocolate but did snack on Karamelle Kuche treats in line.
Very yummy, we tried the caramel dipped strawberries, caramel apple and of course the caramel corn. The popcorn was the favorite.
Lexi thought it was too loud but DMom and I enjoyed it.
Funny how you mentioned the "lady" we had so much fun watching her. She is so talented moving from one thing to another.

We have that Minnie wearing Marie pajamas, she is adorable.

We missed going to Boardwalk, thanks for the pics.

Ahhh, what a pretty morning at AK.
Wish I was there this morning...and going on a safari.

So I have a question for you.
How does the Tables in Wonderland card work?
If I get one in May when will it expire? End of this year or May of next year?
We are probably going to renew our Annual passes when they expire this September.
Can we renew early in August while we are there?
I may just wait til the January trip to get another AP and then we could squeeze in a New Years 2014 trip.
I want a do over Christmas trip cause I feel like I missed seeing a lot.

I'm considering getting the Tables in Wonderland card instead of the dining plan.
We could give it a try in May to see if we like it better.
We do have Free Dining for August but we could used the card for extras.
Any advice would be helpful.

I'm off to go find Lexi a new bike. We had her currant bike repaired but it just doesn't work properly.
My DMom said she got off it last night in frustration and said she will never get on it again!
I will happily get her another bike cause I want to encourage any form of exercise she likes doing.

You lost precious Disney time being sick. You surely need a do-over.

You noticed that orchestra lady, too? Isn't she amazing? I mean she goes from this thing to that and the other and never misses a beat.

Jill gets TiW every year. It pays for itself quickly with our bunch. It certainly works wonders for us.

We pretty much only get the Dining Plan when it is free, because we don't all drink sodas and get desserts on a regular basis, so it's silly for us to pay for that stuff.

Hope Lexi likes that new bike!

I must admit that I'm a little jealous of how early you guys are able to get to the parks. The only time I've seen it that dark at AK was at 9 p.m., during EvMH!

Looks like a beautiful day at one your favorite parks!

Jill, Bella, and I are early birds. We force Brooklynn up, and John comes most of the time. Sometimes after a few days he has had too much, and he just stays back and comes later.

I don't think we have ever arrived that early to the parks! OK, I know we haven't...
BUT, we can make it to rope drop when we set our minds to it!
Your pictures of the safari make me super excited for our Wild Africa Trek this summer and we are going to try to drag ourselves out of bed for the "sunrise safari" that comes with our stay at Jambo.
Wish the sleepy heads luck!

I am JEALOUS of that sunrise safari! Big time jealous! Jill and I have talked about doing all of those behind-the-scenes tours at AKL and AK. It would be no problem for me to get up for that. I probably wouldn't even be able to go to sleep in the first place thinking about it.

Look! I have a new ticker!

I had planned on taking my boys down early before DH and the rest of the family came down. After changing plans(in my head) so many times, we finally have decided on staying at POP Century May 27-June2. Originally, we were just going to stay onsite and not do any park days since we got AP's for Universal(my kids are traitors). I just wanted to be on property before heading over to the dark side. Well, I was able to save more than I budgeted for so we are now doing the parks for 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited! Ethan's birthday is May 9th, mine is May 31st, and Evan's is June 12th, so we are celebrating our birthdays at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Yay! I am so glad you came and shared that with us. Seven days is great! And all that birthday celebrating going on, too!

I can't even speak of the 'dark side' stuff, though.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Love the early morning at AK. That sunrise picture is gorgeous! I think sunrise and sunset are my favorite times to take pictures. The colors are eye popping!

Looks like you had a great safari. I've always heard the animals are most active in the morning.

I like that shop you were in too. We went in there for the first time last year and found some neat things. They had a wall of books which was a big hit with DD. She also loves all the stuffed friends in there like Brooklyn does. I do wish more of the shops sold books though. That is DD's favorite thing to buy and she has a really hard time finding any.

 

[Kgroo]

Hi Memom.
Just back from work trip and trying to get caught up. I loved your updates, especially your pics of the zoo and the Disney store. I saw a t-shirt in your DS pics and picked it up for Chloe before I went on my trip this week. She is currently obsessed with Jake and the neverland pirates, so I went to the store and picked it up. She is in Memphis with my parents and grandmother until this Thursday. I am going back out of town again this week, but I miss her like crazy. Can't wait to hear whether it is toy story or princesses for the new baby. Have a good second half of the weekend

 

[sunny_stace]

I can't wait to go back to AK! I love it there And I have to say, I think it has some of the best shopping! I can always find something I want in those shops! I could stand and watch the gorillas all day. They are so fascinating.

 

[MeMom]

Love the early morning at AK. That sunrise picture is gorgeous! I think sunrise and sunset are my favorite times to take pictures. The colors are eye popping!

Looks like you had a great safari. I've always heard the animals are most active in the morning.

I like that shop you were in too. We went in there for the first time last year and found some neat things. They had a wall of books which was a big hit with DD. She also loves all the stuffed friends in there like Brooklyn does. I do wish more of the shops sold books though. That is DD's favorite thing to buy and she has a really hard time finding any.

They also have some good books at the gift shop at Rafiki's - Out of the Wild, I think it's called. Also, check out Writer's Stop for books. Books are great souvenirs. I got a couple for my classroom on the Christmas trip.

Red sky at morning,
Sailors, take warning!
We'll have to see if that hold true for this day.

Hi Memom.
Just back from work trip and trying to get caught up. I loved your updates, especially your pics of the zoo and the Disney store. I saw a t-shirt in your DS pics and picked it up for Chloe before I went on my trip this week. She is currently obsessed with Jake and the neverland pirates, so I went to the store and picked it up. She is in Memphis with my parents and grandmother until this Thursday. I am going back out of town again this week, but I miss her like crazy. Can't wait to hear whether it is toy story or princesses for the new baby. Have a good second half of the weekend

Very fun that you shopped through our pictures!

If this baby is a girl, she has a name.
If it is a boy, it is in some big trouble, because Jill doesn't like many of the names she is seeing. I like Reid and Aaron. She likes those, but I don't know that she's in love with any boy's name. To me, Reid is a cute name for a little boy, but still a good strong man's name. I don't know why I like Aaron. We probably just need to have another girl.

I can't wait to go back to AK! I love it there And I have to say, I think it has some of the best shopping! I can always find something I want in those shops! I could stand and watch the gorillas all day. They are so fascinating.

Me, too. We really like it, and it's hard for us to understand people who think it is a half-day park. I guess they hit the 'big stuff' and are just not that into the real animal part. We like it all - the animals, the rides, the shows, the atmosphere, the detail....


*****************************************

Did you know you could get computer training in Animal Kingdom?

If you are looking for Mr. Mwenzi, he has moved.

A small stage where they have performers throughout the day.

Well, well, well,
look who else is looking at animals this morning!

What is something that has two wheels, and you go places on it?

















You probably said a bike, right?









You probably didn't even think of these.

Marc didn't want anyone to know he was with us.

Where are they headed?

This has become one of our favorite counter service stops.

Uh oh, it's a dino!

I stayed in the gift shop with Bella while the rest of the gang rode.

Keeley sat out with Hunter, too.

After Dinosaur, I think Wigd's group was going to Everest. I can't remember.

The girls like Triceratop Spin, but it was still too cold to do a wind-in-your-face ride that morning.

Speakers in the rocks.

Walk along with us, and see where we go.
(I have forgotten, of course, so this is all new to me again, too. I have no idea where we are headed until I see it in pictures. Then I say, "Oh, yeah!" )

 

[MeMom]

Oh, yeah!
(See, I told you. )

We're going to eat breakfast

with a gecko and other assorted and very colorful animals.

We were getting breakfast, but if you wanted to come back for lunch, you could choose any of these fine offerings.

I love this place for pictures!

As you see, we had added four elephants to the group that morning during our shopping time.

Lots of good food.

Brooklynn and her elephant family having breakfast.

She is a dipper. She does not like the syrup or ketchup or sauce on her food, but rather she likes to dip as she goes along.

There are so many things to take pictures of in here.

We ate with snails,

sea turtles,

and snakes.

Masks outside the bathrooms.

This one place is worthy of dozens of pictures just by itself, but I try not to overdo it when I am with the others.

The breakfast menu sign.

Hope you guys enjoyed breakfast. Next time, we're going to Camp Minnie Mickey to see some festive Disney friends.

 

[Charleston Princess]

While looking at your pictures, I found myself getting excited about taking my own AK pictures -- especially in Africa -- I love all the detailing there!

Breakfast with Brooklyn's new elephant family looks quite tasty -- I am a dipper, too.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Marc and I grabbed our first breakfast at Pizzafari this past Spring Break and loved it!
Too cute that the girls had elephants dining with you, did you have any peanuts for them?

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

We did find a bike...but she will have to wait til Friday to use it.
It was too big to fit in the car with her in the backseat so we will go back and get it Wed or Thurs night when she is at sleep away camp with her class.
She is very excited. I was thrilled to find some rubber boots yesterday that actually fit her big feet.
We have all of the list checked off, and it is quite the list. She is going to have to bring the rolling duffle bag we use at Disney to hold everything.
The kids will certainly be prepared.
Is it crazy to say I will miss her, even thought its only for 2 nights.

Oh you have my vote for the name Aaron!!! I adore mine!!!

We have had lunch at Pizzafari but never breakfast. Love the decor. It's so colorful and so much to look at.
Our favorite breakfast in AK is with Donald & Friends at Tusker House.

What a cute elephant family the girls got that morning.

Well it seems I will be making some ADR changes today.
Apparently Lexi can't find anything on the Coral Reef menu that she likes now. (she did before, but not anymore)
We discussed trying Cape May that day but $40 is a bit much to spend on a buffet where she will have some chicken nuggets, mac n cheese and dessert.
It is so different when I'm paying OOP.
I checked the park hours and they have changed since I wrote them down.
So I'm going to cancel the Playhouse bkfst too cause the only reason I booked it was to get in the park early and Lexi isn't really interested in those Characters anyway.
Decisions...decisions what to do?
I think I may just got back to Quick Service choices and only keep Liberty Tree, Kona and WGPC.
Have you tried 50's Prime Time?

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I can't believe how early you guys were able to get into the parks during your trip! That's so awesome!

I always forget where we went on our trip too, until the pictures remind me!

 

[Megablocks]

You oldest daughters (you, Jill) were so precious that you tricked us mommies into having more kids. We didn't know all the ones after you 'perfect' little first girls were going to drive us crazy!!!

I love thinking of it that way! Mike was a good kid, just extremely "busy."

You guys are such pros, even at the busiest time of year. If I was just looking at the pictures and not knowing exactly when you guys were down there, I would never think it was right around New Years!

 

[pollyanna30]

I believe the buses pull out of the transportation center at 6:30, so they start arriving at resorts within a few minutes after that. You might need to double check that with the front desk, but I think you will be fine to use a Disney bus. If they say something different, you can get a cab at any time.

Thanks for joining in. We like having our many DIS friends. So glad to hear you enjoy the reports.

**********************************************

Here are some new AoA pictures, for anyone who is interested.
I am really looking forward to taking pictures here this summer.

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/...ee-inside-disneys-art-of.html?s=image_gallery

Thanks for the advice. We are getting really excited about our upcoming trip. It has been three years since our last trip. We will be at Pop on the day that AoA opens. We're hoping that the bridge will open too, but if not we would like to find a way to get over there. I read somewhere that there was possibly a way to walk from the 50s side of the resort. I'm not sure if that is true or not. I'll have to let you know what we find out!

ETA: I just looked on Google Earth and it does appear there is a sidewalk that goes all the way around Hourglass Lake. You can tell the pictures are a little behind on the construction, but the sidewalk on the 80s side is completed all the way to the other side of the bridge. It will be interesting to see if it is not blocked at any point.

 

[Marl]

Thank you for the link to the AoA pictures, we hope to look around there for real this summer and maybe have some food too.

I didn't know that Pizzafari did breakfast, we have been a few times for lunch

I wanted to share my DDs excitement with you. We have visited our local Disneystore today and they both came away with a small Pascal plush toy They have been wanting to try and get him since the movie first came out, but he sold out extremely quick. We even tried to find him in Florida last summer, but no joy!
I have 2 very happy girls and I know for certain who will be joining them with their other plush toys in bed tonight.

 

[xoktenox]

I read the other day that Restaurantosaurus has a shrimp po boy so it is now where we will eat our AK lunch in October! We love Pizzafari too though...love all of your pictures! There are so many details in there that only us DIS obsessed people would even notice.

Enjoy your Sunday, MeMom!

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

I read the other day that Restaurantosaurus has a shrimp po boy so it is now where we will eat our AK lunch in October! We love Pizzafari too though...love all of your pictures! There are so many details in there that only us DIS obsessed people would even notice.

Enjoy your Sunday, MeMom!

John has had the shrimp po boy at Resaurantosaurus. He ordered it with the sauce on the side. He really enjoyed it!

 

[MHTeacher]

Enjoyed your early stroll through AK pictures! As always, makes me feel as if I'm right there walking along.