Back from Wonderland:wAlice,Madhatter,ChesCat&White Rabbit 11/11Thank You

[KathyRN137]

Hi Patricia!

Sorry, I fell a bit behind, but I'm all caught up now!

Like you, I'm a bit enamored of the atmosphere at Animal Kingdom... couldn't you just walk around and soak up the atmosphere all morning? Someday they'll "finish" and we'll get those fantasy animals...

I was smiling at Alice's reaction to Baloo... so sweet to see the little girl peek out from behind the teenager! Baloo is the best!

And congratulations on conquering EE!


Kathy

 

[praisehisname]

I heart Everest! I'm glad you liked it!

That's so cool about Alice getting some Baloo love! It's neat to see them become "kids" again!

Denise

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

DINOS, BUGS & TIGERS...

We were hot in that way that you can be only in Florida in August and especially in the AK...(which I don't get-with all that foliage...maybe the Imagineers pipe in heat to mimic Africa and Southeast Asia...)...Our EE fastpasses had come up but we were right by Kali River Rapids...and everyone thought that a ride on Kali would cool us all down...

(I love the Asian section of AK...There are all these countries in Asia that I'll probably never get to (although I'm hoping to get to a couple...China for one...) and I know this isn't really Asia but its so evocative and fun...a kind of Indiana Jones adventureland Thailand/Cambodia Asia...)

The timer above standby said 20 minutes but that turned out not to be true...in fact be were in line for 40 minutes...we had gotten spoiled and hadn't waited for most rides for more than 20 minutes...the one upside was that I got to take some photos in the queue...


Kali is really fun (I just wish it was longer) but you will get wet-so better when its hot or with enough time that you won't be going into air conditioning soaked through...

So soaked we headed back to EE...I chose not to ride again...my ear was bothering me and I really didn't want to push the vertigo thing...so I headed into the gift store and bought baby Yeti...actually as soon as Hatter left with Alice and Rabbit-I was sad I wished I had gone with them...definitely next time...

we headed back over towards Dinoland and to Dinosaur...Rabbit decided that "no way" was he headed back in time to get the Dinosaur and risk seeing that mean man eater...Yetis -yes Dinos-no...Go figure... So Alice and I were off...I have to admit I screamed...a lot...that mean Dino is not pretty...(nothing that's trying to eat you is pretty...) By the time we were done we were all flagging and headed over to Flame Tree BBQ-Alice and I split the ribs, Hatter had his own ribs...and Rabbit had the chicken leg and fries...

Fortunately the evil birds that you sometimes hear about were in low supply...and we had a fairly relaxed lunch...Once again Hatter played runner and got us Safari fast passes for 4-which would still allow us to make our 5:00 YAK & YETI ressie...

We decided that ITTBAB would be a great after lunch diversion...I'd seen it as had Hatter and Alice-I wasn't sure about Rabbit-I had prepped him several times...we had talked about Hopper from It's a Bug's Life and how he isn't real and he may show up and be a little scary...afterwards I realized I hadn't said a word about the "bugs" that crawl across the seats...

Well we went in and Rabbit thought the 3D glasses were cool-I mean who doesn't love 3-D glasses right?...He loves Flik so that was all good...Hopper came and he was still good...it was all fine until the spiders drop from the ceiling...he started to get a little upset...but I was able to talk him through it...and the rest was uneventful...all was good even the part with all the insect exciting at the end...

We meandered around a couple of the paths on DI-its so pretty and tranquil back in there-there are times that you don't see anyone but the animals...

I decided I really wanted to do the Maharajah Jungle Trek and maybe the parade when all of a sudden Alice goes all teenage on me with a "I'd rather do Primevil Whirl than MJT..."...well I was a wee bit tired and not in the mood to disagree so I said "OK-go do it...take your cell phone and be back to the Safari at 4...she looked at me a little funny and then left to ride PM yet again...I missed her but I wasn't in the mood for a sulk and I figure she is almost 15 and should be able to manage a ride in the daytime...

I loved Maharajah Jungle Trek...first it is physically beautiful...a "old abandoned Indian palace" with murals and all these great architectural details, it has the most beautiful tigers I have ever seen...even the fruit bats are cool...kind of...and finally we have a Animal Kingdom sing a long video that features it..."Welcome to the land of Mystery...Asia is the land across the Sea..."
So off we toddled...

By the time we had finished we got a cell phone call from Alice who wanted to meet us...we met...(she had ridden PW with another mom and daughter and now missed us...) and walked towards Africa just in time to see the parade...

The AK parade is fabulous...It is (for lack of a better word) very arty, very unique amongst all the park parades-there are characters...fun but the floats are very cool-some are almost like large puppets and all are environmentally friendly...

After is was over we had a destiny date with a Safari and a Dinner at the Yak & Yeti...

 

[Sarilas]

You know, I never got around to doing MJT last time we were there; I will have to put that on my must-do list.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so glad that Alice got to meet Baloo! That is how I feel when I meet Mary Poppins!

AK does always seem much hotter. I really hope that imagineers don't pipe in heat! That's nuts!!

I agree, Asia is very pretty. I prefer it to Africa but that is just mean. I think it's because I always book it to Africa and never get enough time in Asia.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

While the first time is always the scariest, it is also the most intense in a positive way! I still remember my first ride on EE early in the morning and when we pulled into the station, everyone on the train was cheering and clapping. I had this happen at Soarin', too. I think it is a sign of how well designed (or better: imagineered) those rights are that people feel that they need to show their approval of the experience!

In a way I would love to be able to experience the big attractions again without knowing them to get back that thrill. I hope giong with a first timer will let me experience that wow effect again a bit by proxy...

I think that's awesome that people clapped when you were on EE and Soarin"-that's so refreshing and positive...people can be so cynical...I love it when people applaud at the end of a good movie too...I don't know what it's like in Germany but people don't usually applaud anymore at the end of a movie in a theatre...maybe once in a while now if it's exceptional...

I think going with your sister (for the first time...) will make everything fresh for you...you'll get that first time WOW through her...

I love your name....one of my Aunt's is a Patricia and she is AWESOME! I'm sure just like you...

yes I would have to be partial to Chicago's Museum's

and thanks for missing me... you're sweet as a cupcake checkin the BLOG action at all....have had a rough week w/ being and all the kids too....so I haven't worked much on the first Disney book...but soon I should have enough to post about it.

Scrappie (J-)

I'm sure I would love your aunt...I already know she has a great name...

yes I thought you'd be partial to those famous museum's in your own backyard...

I hope you are feeling better......we've had an interesting week here too with the beginning of school and today I had to run to get Emily at school...apparently she's just had her first ever migraine headache...poor thing...the nurse said that sometimes they begin for girls her age at certain times......I hope this doesn't begin a pattern...

Are you kidding-I'm bookmarking your blog...

Everest Goddess -- I like the sound of it!

The Jack Prelutsky poetry club is such a cute idea! I may have to borrow it!

Chelsea and Connor's yetis have been known to show up in our fridge (it began in the fridge at POFQ in 2007) -- Connor claims it is because it reminds them of their home.

How about Zebra Dome Goddess...

Borrow away...goodness knows I've done plenty of borrowing...

David is in total agreement with Connor-

after I had found the Yeti inside the Fridge once again-I was going in to start to make dinner...and there he is staring out at me with that grin...the Yeti not David...when I questioned David...he just looked at me like -isn't it obvious..."Mom, this isn't his natural habitat-he needs to cool down..." Ok then...(I chose not to mention that he had been living in a gift store in DW...in the middle of Florida and seemed to be doing OK...

Hi Patricia!

Sorry, I fell a bit behind, but I'm all caught up now!

Like you, I'm a bit enamored of the atmosphere at Animal Kingdom... couldn't you just walk around and soak up the atmosphere all morning? Someday they'll "finish" and we'll get those fantasy animals...

I was smiling at Alice's reaction to Baloo... so sweet to see the little girl peek out from behind the teenager! Baloo is the best!

And congratulations on conquering EE!


Kathy

Well now forty lashes for you miss- for falling behind...I mean it isn't like you have anything else to do...

Oh I'd love to just walk around and really look at everything with no set agenda-its so beautifully themed in there......I'd love to have the fantasy animals...and while they're at it...maybe they could do an Asian inspired hotel near AKL to complement the Asia part of AK...

When Alice was hugging Baloo-I could see my 6 year old baby with a missing tooth starting school-so sweet...

 

[jenjolt]

Awwww...what a great update!!! I'm glad you all enjoy Kali! I'm glad you had fun walking the trails while Alice was able to get another ride on PW!!

Hmmm...lunch looks yummy! I have heard great things about the Flame Tree BBQ, although I have to tell you I'm really really looking forward to your review of Yak and Yeti...hmmmm I love that place!!

That parade looks like so much fun I can't wait to catch it this time around!!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I heart Everest! I'm glad you liked it!

That's so cool about Alice getting some Baloo love! It's neat to see them become "kids" again!

Denise

Everest was awesome...definitely a personal highlight...

"Baloo love" was a great break from being a teenager......

You know, I never got around to doing MJT last time we were there; I will have to put that on my must-do list.

You really should-its lovely...I can only begin to imagine the photographs you would get in there...

I'm so glad that Alice got to meet Baloo! That is how I feel when I meet Mary Poppins!

AK does always seem much hotter. I really hope that imagineers don't pipe in heat! That's nuts!!

I agree, Asia is very pretty. I prefer it to Africa but that is just mean. I think it's because I always book it to Africa and never get enough time in Asia.

Actually she gets pretty excited to see Mary Poppins also...she just hasn't seen Baloo since well -ever... and she's had her Baloo stuffie for 8 years...

I don't think they pipe in heat but with those wily Imagineers you never know...

I don't think its mean that you prefer Asia=aesthetically I do too-I like Africa too-I'm just drawn more to Asia...& I think before Everest everyone booked it to Africa first for the Safari...

 

[praisehisname]

Way to go for letting Alice go off on her own!

I've never done the trails at AK. I'll have to put that on my list for next time.

Denise

 

[KathyRN137]

Oh, you've really made me want to see Jammin' Jungle Parade again!


Kathy

 

[Flossbolna]

Sounds like a great day!! Letting Alice go on PW on her own seems like such a smart decision. Sometimes you can enjoy your time together more if you have been seperated for a bit. And interests are different... How sweet that she missed her family because she met another mother and daughter.

People don't clap at the end of films here at all! Germans are in general much more reserved and less outgoing than Americans in my experience. We oncce had an exchange student from Russia and I was so emberassed the first time I went to see a movie with her and she started clapping at the end - as the only person in the whole theater. She was absolutely surprised that nobody clapped - cultural differences I was 18 at that time, now I hpe I would be more relaxed about it!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Another great update!! Sounds like you had great afternoon at AK!

I have to agree! I think AK is like 20 degrees hotter then anyplace else in WDW! Maybe your right, they do pipe in heat to make the atmosphere feel more African or Asian! Even in January when the weather says it's going to be 70 degree that day it hot at AK

I'm still contemplating EE! Dramamine is a good idea! I guess only time will tell if I get up the nerve

 

[Charleston Princess]

David and Connor are so are on the same wavelength!

I can just feel the unrelenting heat from your update!!! I love the theming in Asia, and you were able to get some great shots of stuff!!!

Question: are there fans at Flame Tree? I always want to eat there, but I never want to sweat through my meal.

You know I am taking notes about the things you let Emily do -- I am storing away that little nugget about letting her go off and ride Primeval Whirl...

 

[dismagiclover]

Sounds like a fun, but hot, AK day! I love the AK parade as well. It is just so unique! And it's nice that Alice missed you while she was gone. Made her realize what a great family she has I guess Can't wait for more

 

[tiggrbaby]

Ooh, that parade looks wonderful!

I can't stand bats, but I just loved the theming in their area!

Looking forward to hearing about Yak and Yeti!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Awwww...what a great update!!! I'm glad you all enjoy Kali! I'm glad you had fun walking the trails while Alice was able to get another ride on PW!!

Hmmm...lunch looks yummy! I have heard great things about the Flame Tree BBQ, although I have to tell you I'm really really looking forward to your review of Yak and Yeti...hmmmm I love that place!!

That parade looks like so much fun I can't wait to catch it this time around!!!

Loved Kali -you really do get wet...the signs aren't kidding...

I thought letting Alice go ride PW was the right move-little doses of freedom at a time...

Yak and Yeti was I loved it even more than I thought based on the reviews...we had a fab time there which I will be describing shortly...

If you can catch the parade do-it's very different than the other ones...more intimate...it starts at 3:45 and I have the feeling that a lot of people leave the park before then so you can get good spaces without waiting for an hour...we waited about 15 minutes at most...

Way to go for letting Alice go off on her own!

I've never done the trails at AK. I'll have to put that on my list for next time.

Denise

I tend to be overprotective but I think it was a good parenting call...

The Trails are really pretty...

Oh, you've really made me want to see Jammin' Jungle Parade again!

Kathy

The JJP rocks...

Sounds like a great day!! Letting Alice go on PW on her own seems like such a smart decision. Sometimes you can enjoy your time together more if you have been seperated for a bit. And interests are different... How sweet that she missed her family because she met another mother and daughter.

People don't clap at the end of films here at all! Germans are in general much more reserved and less outgoing than Americans in my experience. We oncce had an exchange student from Russia and I was so emberassed the first time I went to see a movie with her and she started clapping at the end - as the only person in the whole theater. She was absolutely surprised that nobody clapped - cultural differences I was 18 at that time, now I hpe I would be more relaxed about it!

Yes-I think Alice had the perfect amount of freedom and also got to realize that her family are pretty good traveling companions...

I think that the film experience with the exchange student was a good cultural lesson for both of you...-things aren't done the same everywhere and its good to be conscious of that...

The thing is that Americans always traditionally clapped after movies...but I think that's been decreasing more and more since people have home theatre sets ups and so many more people just buy the DVD...and don't even get me started on the talking going on in the audience during the film...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Another great update!! Sounds like you had great afternoon at AK!

I have to agree! I think AK is like 20 degrees hotter then anyplace else in WDW! Maybe your right, they do pipe in heat to make the atmosphere feel more African or Asian! Even in January when the weather says it's going to be 70 degree that day it hot at AK

I'm still contemplating EE! Dramamine is a good idea! I guess only time will tell if I get up the nerve

Besides the heat the thing that really gets me is the humidity...when you're in Asia-you can actually believe you're in a tropical jungle with 100% humidity...you get that umm ...lovely sheen on your face... Oh well I suppose the moisture is good for the complexion...

Dramamine is good stuff...I use it when I'm on boats for any significant length of time...makes a huge difference...

David and Connor are so are on the same wavelength!

I can just feel the unrelenting heat from your update!!! I love the theming in Asia, and you were able to get some great shots of stuff!!!

Question: are there fans at Flame Tree? I always want to eat there, but I never want to sweat through my meal.

You know I am taking notes about the things you let Emily do -- I am storing away that little nugget about letting her go off and ride Primeval Whirl...

Oh I think David and Connor would have a mutual admiration society or at least David could have a Connor adoration society...

Anywhere else that heat would incapacitate me-at Disney-I notice it and just keep going...just maybe a little slower...

I think there are fans...hmm don't remember for sure but most of the seating is covered and it definitely feels cooler...

Poor Chelsea if you're taking notes of my teenage parenting skills...when Emily was 5 I wouldn't believe the stuff I'd have to slowly let her do-if I could have gotten one of those enormous tote handbags-I'd have kept her in there......lucky for her I've relaxed a bit...everthing that's reasonable in small moderate doses...it sounds like the Weight Watchers motto...

Sounds like a fun, but hot, AK day! I love the AK parade as well. It is just so unique! And it's nice that Alice missed you while she was gone. Made her realize what a great family she has I guess Can't wait for more

Thank you-I think that Alice did pretty ok in the family department myself...

Ooh, that parade looks wonderful!

I can't stand bats, but I just loved the theming in their area!

Looking forward to hearing about Yak and Yeti!

The theming is pretty-anything would be pretty in those enclosures... but there is also a really cute kids book called Stellaluna that really warmed me up to bats...

Y&Y-good stuff....

 

[mousescrapper]

Great pictures...

we really like AK and were bummed we missed most of it on our last trip....hoping the HEAT factor (I think they do pump it in too ) won't be an issue the end of November (only 1 can hope) so we'll be able to meander more too.

I have not done the MJT since it's orginal conception in 1998 and so much has changed since then.

Glad things worked out w/ Em going to ride PW again by herself...Dh figures it won't be too long in our future trips to Disney that the twins will be able to split from us to do a ride...(we figure after next yr the next family trip will be in 2013 they'll be 14 that yr )

Dis David get the cool Chinese Hat

and LOVE Mickey's Jungle Jammin Parade (or is it Jammin Jungle?)...so glad you got to see it!

Looking forward to hearing more

J-

 

[TxMickeyLover]

I just found your TR, and can't stop reading! I love Alice in Wonderland! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh gosh but those ribs look very tasty! I think you made the right decision to let Alice head over and ride PW by herself. Sounds like it gave her just the right amount of time to appreciate your good company!
I'm a giant fan of the less drowsy Dramamine and I can't read Stellaluna without crying.....