Breaking All the Rules: Pirates, Pixie Dust, and Pictures... a January 2012 Report

[NLD]

I'm finally getting a chance to catch back up. What an adorable comment about Jack Sparrow! It's funny, but as I commented on how I wish you'd been there at a hard ticketed party to meet Captain Jack, I had a little moment where I wondered if there was any way you might have gotten pixie-dusted on this! The photos tell the story. What an amazing experience, one you'll keep in your heart every time you think about Disney. And I know what you mean. When all is said and done, it's not about meeting Captain Jack. It's about someone going out of their way to do something so memorable for your daughter.

Now........ quit smack talking your photography! I love what I've seen so far. I really love the shots of the fireworks over the train station. I always spend a lot of time staking out the perfect spot in front of the castle (because, let's face it..... I love castles!) but I want to find some other spots to give it a try. Your spot looks like a great one! I also saw some shots from Frontierland that I thought had great possibilities.

I'm not caught up yet, but hope to be soon. You've probably figured out by now you're WAY faster at this stuff than I am! I like to pace myself. I need reliving my trip to take all year!

Take your time catching up.... I have no trip notes (besides live updates posted in this thread), so have to get it all out before it's forgotten! Depending on the time stamps on the photos for some of it, already!

When you posted about going during Halloween or Christmas to meet Jack, I laughed out loud! You had so hit the nail on the head.

As for Wishes... initially we were disappointed, but as we stood watching from outside the gates, it occurred to me that I'd actually like to come back there with a tripod some day. It's a perspective on Wishes we don't really see captured!

Would love to see any other spots you come up with, too!

 

[NLD]

One More Spin Through the Classics

So where did Sunshine want to go next? What final ride did she want before leaving the park?


20120130-DSC_9980 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Given this was the ride we'd started the day with... and she had been grumpy and seemingly unimpressed after it... this made me smile.

So into the queue we went. It was much emptier than it had been at 11:30 am.

And for our final sprinkle of pixie dust this day, we got the front row. (And wow, is this like a whole different ride in front. It was surprising, how much better it was!)


20120130-DSC_9990 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_9991 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_9992 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_9994 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_9997 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0001 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0003 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0010 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0013 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0020 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0021 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0031 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0035 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0036 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0040 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0042 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0048 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0051 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Back outside...


20120130-DSC_0052 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We finally headed towards the exit, but stopped in a gift shop along the way. Sunshine wanted flip-flops (the backs on her white sandals were rubbing the previous day), and I wanted a cute pair of sandals, myself... I'd forgotten mine.

So...


20120130-DSC_0057 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We looked around.


20120130-DSC_0058 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

But neither of us found what we wanted, and Sunshine started to get a case of the "Mine mine mine's". So instead of blowing more money on more souvenirs just because they were in front of us, we stopped on the way out of the store for one of these:


20120130-DSC_0062 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Then we said goodbye to Hollywood Studios and exited the park.


20120130-DSC_0054 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120130-DSC_0069 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We'd had a great time at Hollywood Studios--the most fun I've ever had there, myself. And after a slightly grumpy start, Sunshine had thoroughly enjoyed herself, too. It turned out some of her favorite rides from the trip were in that park: Star Tours and Tower of Terror.

Our only regret was missing the animation class. I'd told Sunshine about the drawing class prior to the trip, knowing it was something she'd enjoy. But we'd kept ourselves so busy, we just ran out of time.

Well... that's just one reason we'll have to go back... right?

 

[NLD]

Camera Catastrophe at Breakfast

Tuesday, January 31. Animal Kingdom! My favorite park... and according to Sunshine, as we prepared for this trip, hers too.

(Only I didn't believe this. Because on her first trip we were in Animal Kingdom only moments before she wanted to return to Magic Kingdom. But would it be the same this trip?)

We couldn't sleep in much this morning, because we had a 10:00 am breakfast reservation at Tusker House. Our goal was to be on the bus by 9:00 am.

In fact we got on around 9:30. Cutting it close...


20120131-DSC_0081 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

I smiled just to see the sign. Animal Kingdom is so beautiful. Just the vibe of the place makes me happy.


20120131-DSC_0086 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Deb, Carole and Sunshine got pulled into the magic, too. Carole said, "Sunshine I'm scared! We're going into the jungle!"

As we walked, everyone wanted to stop and look at the animals.


20120131-DSC_0088 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Normally I would, too, but we were late for that breakfast. And given that this was the only $10 cancellation restaurant we'd booked, this was not the one to miss.


20120131-DSC_0089 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0091 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0094 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0095 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We waited our turn for pictures with Donald. And then... catastrophe!

For whatever reason, Sunshine handed me her camera. Probably to take a picture of her with Donald, on her own camera.

I took it... I had it... I dropped it.

Her brand new camera, which she'd just gotten at Christmas.

Unfortunately, it was on with the lens extended when it fell. The smack! on the concrete resounded like a crack of thunder. Everyone in line turned around, stared at me, and collectively gasped. (Okay maybe not everyone, but definitely some of them!) Then glared at me with disapproval, as I apologized to Sunshine... looking from her to me and back again, shaking their heads. (Okay okay maybe not, but it felt like it...)

Worst of all was the disappointment on Sunshine's face. The lens was stuck and could not be retracted. The camera wouldn't fire a picture. She was so sad.

She started to cry a little. Not a temper tantrum, just pure disappointment. I apologized a million times and told her we'd find a way to make this right.

She was worried because we'd told her if she broke this camera, she wouldn't get a new one. (She'd broken the last one about 18 months ago, and we'd made her wait all this time for a new one, until she was older and more responsible. HA! The irony!) I told her SHE hadn't broken this one, I had, so I'd get her a new one.

"What about the trip?" she sniffed. "I won't be able to take pictures the rest of the trip."

"We'll figure something out," I said.

"Okay."

Carole and Deb could tell how awful I felt. "Seriously, what kind of hypocrite am I?" I said. "So concerned about how people treat my own camera, then I drop hers!"

"It was an accident!" they both said. (Yes, they were right. It just felt so awful in that moment.)

In the meantime, Sunshine pulled herself together. And now it was our turn for pictures with Donald. Sunshine even managed a smile.


20120131-DSC_0097 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

I'm just "faking it till I make it" though... still can't let go of what just happened, but trying hard...


20120131-DSC_0100 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Then we were seated.


20120131-DSC_0102 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Our server said the characters would be to our table soon, so we waited for them.

First Goofy came.


20120131-DSC_0103 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0105 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

After Goofy, the server brought our Jungle Juice. Mmmmmm. This was a big hit with the adults. (Sunshine didn't care for it and stuck with water.)


20120131-DSC_0108 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Soon we caught sight...


20120131-DSC_0112 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

...of...


20120131-DSC_0115 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Carole was so excited she couldn't wait! She called out to him, "Mickey! Mickey!" and reached out to try to get his attention... while he's with another family. (Talk about breaking Disney etiquette rules!) She didn't mean anything by it, though, it was just excitement. And the handler was on top of it, politely explaining Mickey would be with us shortly.


20120131-DSC_0117 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0121 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

After Mickey, we got breakfast. We figured if we missed Daisy, we could always catch her in a park. And we did miss her... but Deb and Carole had gotten back to the table with their plates before us, so they had Daisy sign her autograph in Sunshine's book.


20120131-DSC_0122 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Breakfast was fantastic. All four of us couldn't stop talking about how good it was. So many selections, such good flavors. Everything was hot. I couldn't convince anyone else to try the African-inspired items.... their loss! Mmmmm, so so so so so good.

I still hadn't quite let go of the anxiety over Sunshine's camera, but breakfast had certainly helped.

 

[OziJo]

We really enjoyed the Movie Ride as well! It's a low tech classic but like Jungle Ride and POC it stands the test of time.

Such a shame about Sunshine's camera. She's holding it together well there though. Good girl.

Yum Mickey Waffles

 

[NLD]

You Want How Much for That Camera? And a Serendipitous Meet-and-Greet

After breakfast, we emerged from Tusker House into the crowds in Africa.

We picked up Fastpasses for the Safari and went shopping!

That little gift shop in Africa is one of my favorites in all of Disney World. However, this wasn't entirely a pleasure-shopping trip. I was on a mission: solve Sunshine's camera dilemma.

First I found the disposables. $20 for a disposable with no zoom, 39 exposures. Seriously? Anyway, disposable with film was not the ideal solution. So I asked the man at the counter.... did he sell any real, digital point-and-shoots?

He said no, and seemed skeptical that I could get one anywhere in Animal Kingdom. He was super helpful--asked if we had a car (no), asked where we were staying (WL), then grimaced when I told him (because the nearest Walmart would be quite a cab cost from WL, apparently). But I thought I'd rememberd seeing them, last trip, in Epcot... so I asked if there might be any other place in the parks where we could get one?

He ended up making some phone calls, and sure enough, there was a Photo Center at each park. But..

He pulled out a binder and showed me some product merchandise, saying, "I don't know if this is representative of the prices still, but..." and raised his eyebrows at me.

The cheapest point-and-shoot in his book was $180... for a three-megapixel camera.

Now, I'm not someone who thinks you need 25 megapixels in a point-and-shoot. Megapixels is not the be-all end-all of what makes a good camera, despite what the electronics industry has managed to convince consumers. But THREE? Really?

Unsure whether his binder was just really out of date, or whether this actually was the product available in Disney.... I had a decision to make. Option 1: trek to the correct location way at the front of Animal Kingdom, check out the cameras, and pay way too much for a point and shoot there. (Regardless of whether the binder was up-to-date, I knew I'd be paying a premium no matter what.) Option 2: get a disposable for the day, and tell Sunshine to use her DSi for the rest of the trip for pictures.

Ultimately option #2 won out.

Meanwhile, as I was internally debating the camera choices, Sunshine, Deb and Carole were taking full advantage of my indecision. They were Shopping with a capital S. And spoiling Sunshine silly.

By the time we got out of there, Sunshine had flip-flops, a necklace, a stuffed animal (baby giraffe), and maybe more. Plus the disposable camera. I bought myself a necklace and earrings. Deb and Carole also bought necklaces... and wouldn't you know it, when we compared purchases, we had all bought exactly the same necklace. (How does that happen?)

Anyway. With the camera situation solved, I was feeling almost completely better again. But now I needed a cigarette. I pulled out a map, knowing better but hoping that someone a DSA would have magically appeared back in Africa.

Nope, no luck. We'd have to trek down to Camp Minnie-Mickey.

We were now off to a very slow start in Animal Kingdom, and I was trying not to feel worried about what we'd actually see today.


20120131-DSC_0124 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Along the way to Camp M-M, Sunshine spotted a water bottle carrier. She has wanted one of these (not necessarily Disney, just any one) for a long, long time. So I bought her the Disney one... a jungle-print with a Mickey head on it. She loved it.

Then we continued to Camp M-M, where I smoked, and then we took some pictures.


20120131-DSC_0125 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0127 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We decided, since we were there, to check on character greets. Sure enough, we immediately found...


20120131-DSC_0132 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Meeko was just wandering and playing.


20120131-DSC_0134 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

The handler told us Pocahontas would be out very shortly, if we wanted to wait. We asked how long, and she said "five minutes."

Well.. we can wait for that! Especially since there was no one around. One other person (clearly a father) was standing around by himself, and the handler pointed to us where to line up... and he was first in line, we were second.

As we waited, we talked with the other guest. His daughter loved Pocahontas, and he was waiting for his wife and daughter to join him. Apparently he knew what he was doing... we just got lucky, being second in line! And wow... that line formed fast behind us!

Pocahontas came, and Sunshine got her autograph.


20120131-DSC_0137 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0140 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0143 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0144 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

By now all my anxiety over the camera had faded. Once again, we'd encountered some pixie dust, stumbling into Pocahontas like that. And... we were just about on time for the next Lion King show. So... off we went!

 

[NLD]

We really enjoyed the Movie Ride as well! It's a low tech classic but like Jungle Ride and POC it stands the test of time.

Such a shame about Sunshine's camera. She's holding it together well there though. Good girl.

Yum Mickey Waffles

Hi OziJo, good to know there's another GMR lover! Some people find it so dated, but we still think it's fun.

Re: the camera: Sunshine did hold it together well. Better than her mom!

 

[NLD]

Seriously, This Kid Attracts Pixie Dust

We made our way to Festival of the Lion King.


20120131-DSC_0145 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

They had just opened the theater. We entered with the masses, and began looking for seats. It looked like we'd end up about halfway up the bleachers.

Just as we started towards some seats, a cast member ran up behind us.

"Ladies, how many in your party?" she asked.

I turned around. "Four."

"Follow me," she said.

She led us to a very front row, with "Reserved" stamped across the bleacher.

"Okay," she said. "These are our VIP seats, but we need you to do something in exchange for us. We need someone to help open the show and teach the audience how to do the hand jive." (She was looking at Sunshine.) "Do you know the hand jive?"

We shook our heads.

"That's okay, because we can teach it to you. What do you think? Do you want to introduce the show?"

Sunshine shook her head no!

Now... from my perspective, this has got to be one of the luckiest kids in Disney that week! It seemed we were getting showered in unsolicited pixie dust... gift basket, Pirate Tutorial, Jack Sparrow, cupcake, First Mate at Little Mermaid... and now this.

Sunshine was appreciative of it, too. She kept smiling about this stuff all week and laughed whenever I commented about pixie dust following her everywhere! But there was a part of her, I think, that was just "done" being "on display," if you KWIM.

The cast member didn't miss a beat, though. She said right away, "How about if Mom joins you? What do you think, you want to see Mom out there doing the hand jive in front of everyone?"

And at that, Sunshine's eyes sparkled, and she nodded yes.

So we quickly learned the hand jive, and then followed the CM onto the stage. We taught everyone how to do it, and the show started!


20120131-DSC_0148 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0149 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0153 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0154 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0156 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

These seats were a dream... I'd never had decent seats in this show before... and these were superb. Half the time we had performers right there in front of us. Many made eye contact, as if they were performing just for us, and we got several high-fives / hand-slaps, too.


20120131-DSC_0163 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0167 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0172 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0177 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0187 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0193 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0200 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0203 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0210 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0212 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0218 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We, by the way, were the elephant section...


20120131-DSC_0233 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

(Continued in the next post.)

 

[LONES]

Still loving this Trip Report! Your pictures are fantastic!

I've never really even thought about the animation class at DHS... my 7 year old would love that! She carried a little tinkerbell journal around Disney and drew pictures of EVERYTHING! The funniest is the picture of us at Teppan Edo. She even drew the name tag on the Chef, because when we were looking through the book later she said, "How do say that name anyway???" It was Kyoko.

I can't believe it's been 2 whole weeks since we were at Disney! Is it too early to start planning another trip?

 

[NLD]

Still loving this Trip Report! Your pictures are fantastic!

I've never really even thought about the animation class at DHS... my 7 year old would love that! She carried a little tinkerbell journal around Disney and drew pictures of EVERYTHING! The funniest is the picture of us at Teppan Edo. She even drew the name tag on the Chef, because when we were looking through the book later she said, "How do say that name anyway???" It was Kyoko.

I can't believe it's been 2 whole weeks since we were at Disney! Is it too early to start planning another trip?

It's never too early!

Of course Matt would not be thrilled to discover I've been pricing out August trips already... Not that I expect it to really happen, it's just wishful thinking.

How often do you go, Lones? Every year?

Sounds like your dd is a prime candidate for that animation class! That's awesome that she was even drawing name tags. Budding artist?

 

[NLD]

Festival of the Lion King: Finale

And the show continued...


20120131-DSC_0226 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

One of my favorite shots from the trip...


20120131-DSC_0230 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0237 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0238 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0247 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0248 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0251 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0255 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0257 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0258 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0260 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0267 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0269 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

After the show, we were all smiles. (Can anyone come out of there feeling low?) Carole and Deb were actually laughing, and said, "That was fantastic!"

All the earlier anxiety over Sunshine's camera had melted away. Now we were finally experiencing the heart and soul of Animal Kingdom.

 

[mom2rtk]

Take your time catching up.... I have no trip notes (besides live updates posted in this thread), so have to get it all out before it's forgotten! Depending on the time stamps on the photos for some of it, already!

When you posted about going during Halloween or Christmas to meet Jack, I laughed out loud! You had so hit the nail on the head.

As for Wishes... initially we were disappointed, but as we stood watching from outside the gates, it occurred to me that I'd actually like to come back there with a tripod some day. It's a perspective on Wishes we don't really see captured!

Would love to see any other spots you come up with, too!

OK, I'll cut you some slack on being so far ahead of me. I came home and typed out all my journaling to use in my scrapbooks later. I think it came to 22 pages single spaced...... I was in a huge fizz about forgetting details until I finished that. Now I can take my time and just consult my trip journal to gte the details.

And can you imagine what we ever did before our cameras time stamped everything for us? I snap a number of frames every day just to document the time we did something! I think people think I'm nuts taking a photo of my daughter entering the park every day. Really it's just to know when we got there!

How fun to get to participate in FOTLK and have those amazing seats! I LOVE the shot you posted in this week's photo contest. Just beautiful. I always end up with lots of heads in the way since those seats don't slope up as much as I'd like.

Katie was asked to help with that show when she was 4 and I couldn't talk her into it. Thankfully she outgrew that phase, although I see her getting more like that as she enters her adolescent years.

 

[NLD]

OK, I'll cut you some slack on being so far ahead of me. I came home and typed out all my journaling to use in my scrapbooks later. I think it came to 22 pages single spaced...... I was in a huge fizz about forgetting details until I finished that. Now I can take my time and just consult my trip journal to gte the details.

And can you imagine what we ever did before our cameras time stamped everything for us? I snap a number of frames every day just to document the time we did something! I think people think I'm nuts taking a photo of my daughter entering the park every day. Really it's just to know when we got there!

How fun to get to participate in FOTLK and have those amazing seats! I LOVE the shot you posted in this week's photo contest. Just beautiful. I always end up with lots of heads in the way since those seats don't slope up as much as I'd like.

Katie was asked to help with that show when she was 4 and I couldn't talk her into it. Thankfully she outgrew that phase, although I see her getting more like that as she enters her adolescent years.

22 pages of typed notes.... wow! Next time we go I'm hiring you to come along and take notes for us!

Those heads in FOTLK have always been my experience, too. Figure we'll never get another first-row experience like this, so it was nice to have once!

 

[NLD]

Safari in the Sun

After Festival of the Lion King, but Carole and Sunshine really wanted to use those Safari Fastpasses. So we headed back to...


20120131-DSC_0273 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

The line was short, but we figured we had the FPs and might as well use them.


20120131-DSC_0279 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We waited our turn and soon our vehicle pulled up.


20120131-DSC_0281 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0291 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0297 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0300 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0301 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

This little guy got close to us... too close, in fact. I had the 80-200mm lens on the camera, and sort of wished I used the 28-300 superzoom instead. Well, next time...


20120131-DSC_0309 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0319 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0322 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0330 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0333 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0338 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

We all enjoyed the Safari. The lioness was asleep and we didn't see the male. (Do you have to go first thing in the morning for the lions? Someday I'd like to try the Safari in good light.... as early in the morning as possible.)

After the Safari, I wanted to get us to Asia. On her first trip, Sunshine never left Africa and Camp Minnie-Mickey. (Well, except for a lunch at Yak and Yeti.) We missed the whole left side of the park!

So we decided to do our next bit of animal-gazing in Asia, on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

On the way, we passed...


20120131-DSC_0352 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

..and decided to get some Photopass pictures taken.

 

[OziJo]

The Lion King Show looks amazing. I wanted to see the show but the timing wasn't right. Your photos gave me a wonderful glimpse. Thank you

 

[dara00]

when I was in Animal Kingdom, I think we skipped all of Dino Land? I'm not sure. I know we saw lots of animals, took the train to the petting area and all that, saw the Nemo and Lion King shows, and the parade...but didn't see any dinos!

 

[lledman]

love you FOTLK photos - awesome about the VIP seating.

Sorry to hear about Sunshine's camera - what a bummer

 

[NLD]

The Lion King Show looks amazing. I wanted to see the show but the timing wasn't right. Your photos gave me a wonderful glimpse. Thank you

The show is a lot of fun! Did you make it to the Nemo show? That's one we still haven't ever seen...

when I was in Animal Kingdom, I think we skipped all of Dino Land? I'm not sure. I know we saw lots of animals, took the train to the petting area and all that, saw the Nemo and Lion King shows, and the parade...but didn't see any dinos!

Honestly, there's nothing really special about Dinoland.... some people actually hate it because it has a fair / carnival feeling to it. But there are a couple rides there good for kids so...

love you FOTLK photos - awesome about the VIP seating.

Sorry to hear about Sunshine's camera - what a bummer

Thanks, Sunshine adjusted okay though! And we'll get her a new one before too long...

 

[NLD]

Just Hanging Out

After the Safari, we made our way to Asia for the Jungle Trek. We quickly got sidetracked, though. Carole needed to make a business phone call, so we said we'd wait for her. We found a gift shop and did a little shopping, then just hung out...


20120131-DSC_0363 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

A mama duck wandered by with her ducklings...


20120131-DSC_0366 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

After a while, I decided it made sense to find a smoking area while we were waiting for the phone call to end. So Deb said she'd stay with Sunshine, and I found the nearest one, which was close to Everest.


20120131-DSC_0372 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

After smoking, I called Deb. Carole was still on her call, so I asked if she minded if I jumped in line for Everest. Having passed the entrance, I knew it was a short line and figured with single-rider, I'd be on in no time.

Deb was fine with that. First I grabbed FPs for Sunshine and me (just in case Sunshine wanted to try it later), then hopped into the single-rider line.


20120131-DSC_0377 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

The single-rider line took me straight to the front, no line at all.


20120131-DSC_0379 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0383 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0388 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0391 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Oh no! Broken track!


20120131-DSC_0392 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0397 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

After Everest, I went back to our hang-out spot in Asia. Carole was still on the phone, but wrapping up.


20120131-DSC_0398 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0400 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Finally we headed towards the Jungle Trek...


20120131-DSC_0401 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

(Is that the counter service area for Yak and Yeti? Hadn't noticed this spot before, but it was so pretty...)

But along the way we spotted a bathroom, and decided to make a stop there first. Sunshine found a fountain outside, to play with.


20120131-DSC_0404 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0406 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0409 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

 

[mom2rtk]

22 pages of typed notes.... wow! Next time we go I'm hiring you to come along and take notes for us!

Those heads in FOTLK have always been my experience, too. Figure we'll never get another first-row experience like this, so it was nice to have once!

Thanks anyway, but I'll pass on that job. I consider that journaling a necessary evil for any trip we take. I've been doing it for years, but wish I had started it years earlier. I write a small novel when I get home, but it allows me to then scrapbook in great detail later. It's almost like reliving the trip, which I really appreciate later.

I'm so sorry your day started on such a bad note with Sunshine's camera. It looks like she forgave you and got on with having some fun though. What a trooper! Have you replaced it yet now that you got home? Katie sort of "adopted" my little point and shoot, but didn't carry it much at Disney. You've reminded me to foster that in her. I hope we can enjoy photography together as she gets older.

Lovely shots on the safari. You really do such a lovely job with depth of field. I shoot shutter priority a lot. I really need to do more work with depth of field and try more aperture priority.

 

[NLD]

Pete and Poop

At long last, we entered the Jungle Trek.


20120131-DSC_0411 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0415 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0419 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

The tiger was pacing by the window, back and forth. Sunshine swears he was trying to decide which onlooker he wanted for lunch!


20120131-DSC_0426 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

While the tiger's position made for great viewing, it did not make for great photos, so I just snapped the one and moved on to pictures of the theme and detailing in the area...


20120131-DSC_0427 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

This little guy wandered by, and we said hi to him. His name is Pete. Why? Because when my sister and I went to Disney by ourselves in 2010, we met a squirrel in Animal Kingdom who begged us for my banana. We named him Pete... and after that, all the squirrels in AK got named "Pete."

Hi, Pete!


20120131-DSC_0429 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

(Later in the day we saw a squirrel that I believe was actually "our" Pete. Hanging out near the same walkway where Kelly and I had first met him... only this time rummaging through strollers, looking for snacks.)


20120131-DSC_0430 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0433 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Even the water fountains are gorgeous at AK...


20120131-DSC_0436 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0437 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Finally we entered the bird-viewing area. Sunshine assumed the role of tour guide. She loves this, about the trails... the bird-viewing guides...


20120131-DSC_0438 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0439 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0440 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0443 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0448 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0453 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120131-DSC_0457 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Just as we neared the exit, a bird overhead.... "got" me. Yes, Asian bird poop rained from above! It had hit me on my new flip-flops and (shudder) squished around my toes. So that was enough bird-watching! We exited the Jungle Trek.


20120131-DSC_0459 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Back outside, I managed to clean up a bit.

Sunshine had nearly used up all her exposures on the disposable camera, but had one last picture to take, and figured it should be of me...


20120131-DSC_0463 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Then we talked about what to do next.