DH is a mailman...neither snow nor rain-Jan '11 TR (UPDATE 3/31)

[Charleston Princess]

I will have to point out the zebra domes recipe to Chelsea. She is much more ambitious than I am in the kitchen. I took one look at it and thought, "That's way too hard for me to attempt." Chelsea, on the other hand, is never fazed by these difficult directions.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Looks like a very full day! You got so much done.

I can't decide what is better for us to do stay in one park all day or park hop around? Does travel time while park hopping cut into your touring time very much? I guess it is different if you only have limited time, you want to see as much as possible.

By the way I love the picture of the empty plate with a few olives left you must have been very hungry.

We enjoy going to a different park in the evening. We go back to our hotel for a rest or to swim. We like to accomplish a lot each day, but we have been multiple times now and know we will return within 6 months or so.

I think it depends on your tastes. I guess I don't know how to answer directly.
I have to go back over to your PTR and see. I can't remember if you are staying off site. The Disney buses do eat up a chunk of time if you are park hopping. We love the buses and never feel like they take too long (except DTD).

I was trying to be funny with the picture. Dh and I spilt the sandwich. The olives are the ones I picked off (they aren't my favorite.)

The pics of those snacks is making me drool!!!

Sounds like you had a great day, regardless of the long waiting times posted at DHS!

We did have a great time; it's always great when your whole vacation is in front of you.

You're killing me with the dessert pics!!! I'm so hungry!

I'm enjoying your TR so much - you have some great pics! I think the one of you and DH is good of both of you - you look so happy and relaxed...

Thanks!
I was pretty relaxed...I think I smile randomly at Disney savoring every second. I enjoy taking the pictures, but I am still getting used to the size of the camera. (That's why some pics aren't so great- I used the p&s instead.

Wow your food from CR looked good! I went back to reread where you got it because I thought it was from DHS but I guess I overread the part that said CR! Looks like the pool was fun at AKL! When we stayed there in 2008 (dec) it was too cold but we did love the hot tubs!!!

CR had really good options; I had a hard time deciding. My girls always want to go in hot tubs. I don't want them annoying others so I don't often let them. Nevermind my worry over the safety for them.

Hi Debby...I didn't know you had started your TR....going back to read and then I'll comment!

Welcome!!!

This was my kind of update, Debby! Zebra domes, Bo, and Darth Vader! Your DD does look miserable next to Bo. Clearly, he was not working his magic on her.

I wish there was a place like the Writer's Stop right around the corner from my house, too. What a great place with coffee, treats, AND Disney books.

I had no idea the Contempo Cafe had such yummy choices. That Mahi sandwich looks delicious!

Oh, and I am totally craving Magic Kingdom fudge now!

I knew you would enjoy that update. I guess I should spend time at B&N and pretend to be at the Writer's Stop. I was impressed with choices at Contempo Cafe!

I lost you for a few weeks, but I am here now and totally enjoying the trip report. I am so glad you made it. I would love to go when the crowds are low like that - maybe someday!

Thank you! Glad you are back. I am very behind on reading TR and PTR. Long weekend should help with that, though!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Winter hours are shorter...parks don't stay open so late and they don't open as early as summer either. So, a 9 am opening works out well for us. We get to sleep in a little (my crew are early risers so 7:30 is sleeping in!)

Dh checked out the view and spied giraffes!!! I had to quick take pictures.

Notice they are on their way out of our savanna...

And thus concludes our exciting savannah view...so, I don't recommend using more points or paying extra unless you know that it MIGHT not be the wondrous experience Disney paints it to be... (I have read cases where it is...)

This was a cool view, though (well the trees are a bit overgrown)...

After the excitement was over, dh headed down to Mara to bring back breakfast.

We caught the bus with minimal wait and arrived in no time at AK!

New campaign banners -

My two monkeys in front of Tree of Life

While dh went to get EE fastpasses, we had some time to take pics on our walk to KS.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Nearly everyone has safari pictures, so I am only going to include ones that I feel not everyone has (and some great ones that others might have- I really can't help myself...)

You looking at me??? Why yes, yes we are...

Hellllooooo there!

This is the bridge for the new Trek tour:

And a tour truck:

It really is in the details...

Cool place to hang out, aye? Just sign up for the trek!

Safety features--Jurassic park style?

And is everyone going around the corner with me on this tour...

Simba one, come in... and so we went on our adventure to save Little Red! Did you know that the attraction originally had Little Red's mom found dead - for all to see - and then the adventure to find her killers began? Oh my!

We continued on our way and went to Rafiki's conservation station for the first time. It was a cool little adventure. We got to see a goat be roused after dental surgery (we missed the surgery.) The petting zoo was a bit of a let down...after all we frequent Phila Zoo several times a year.

behind scenes from train:

My daughters found a hidden Mickey

Now, without many vistors and open paths, my girls began doing cartwheels (why their return of sudden enthusiam for gymnastics began again in Disney...no idea.) But, I was the mom fussing about the ill behaved cartwheelers, in case you were there during the same time!

After returning, we explored the Pangani Trail
and saw this...

followed by this little guy...

and this BIG guy...

I am beginning to lose any creative flair so I will stop here for now. I will pick up with the AMAZING Flights of Wonder show!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

A great update!!!! Your camera takes really nice pictures! I love love love the pictures of the lions! One of my former coordinators is one of the guides for the Trek at AK. I haven't heard much about it but she raves about it on FB.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Wonderful pictures!!! I especially love the two little guys standing up and eating out of the tree!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Did you find yourself talking to the giraffes and saying, "Wait! Come back! Don't leave!" as they left your savannah? That would have been me!

Cool pictures of the safari! I would love to do the Wild Animal Trek someday, but that price tag! I was reading one review where you have to be put in a safety harness to cross the bridge.

Your lion pictures are amazing, and I had to laugh about those two animals up on their back legs eating the tree.

 

[mgsmom]

Please feel free to post as many safari and animal pics as you want - never too many!
Your pictures turned out really nice! I really MUST get a new camera. My 7yo p/s is just not doing it anymore.

Love the cartwheeling - I would have done that too if I were them!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Great animal pics!

Love the standing up one that you took at the Pangani trail!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

A great update!!!! Your camera takes really nice pictures! I love love love the pictures of the lions! One of my former coordinators is one of the guides for the Trek at AK. I haven't heard much about it but she raves about it on FB.

Thank you. I love the camera but it is not as convenient as a point and shoot; it is a Canon Rebel XSi. I think the tour looks really cool!

Wonderful pictures!!! I especially love the two little guys standing up and eating out of the tree!

Thanks; I had to talk pictures because it was so crazy that they could stand that way.

Did you find yourself talking to the giraffes and saying, "Wait! Come back! Don't leave!" as they left your savannah? That would have been me!

Cool pictures of the safari! I would love to do the Wild Animal Trek someday, but that price tag! I was reading one review where you have to be put in a safety harness to cross the bridge.

Your lion pictures are amazing, and I had to laugh about those two animals up on their back legs eating the tree.

I might have been more inclined to implore them to stay if the balcony was more welcoming...I think it was about 40 degrees!

I didn't think the price would be bad for one person to do it for $129 including lunch, water bottle and discount photo cd; I did think that for a family of four... Then, I read it went up to $189 and depending on the season!

Please feel free to post as many safari and animal pics as you want - never too many!
Your pictures turned out really nice! I really MUST get a new camera. My 7yo p/s is just not doing it anymore.

Love the cartwheeling - I would have done that too if I were them!

Thanks! I highly recommend the Canon XSi; otherwise for a point and shoot, I love my Nikon coolpix...I think it takes nice shots without having to lug it around.

Great animal pics!

Love the standing up one that you took at the Pangani trail!

Thanks!!! I am happy with the shots; I like to use my telephoto lens on the safari.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

On our way to FOW, we stopped and picked up pretzels for a snack from the Harambe Fruit Market. Flights of Wonder is one of dh's favorite sites at WDW. I think it might rank up there with TOT and RnR for him. It is a fun show and when I read about people who miss it because it is a "bird show," I am sad for them. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. It has a great script with tons of laughs!

My daughter videoed it with her itouch but I don't know how to upload video! (She watches it frequently.)

Here are some of my favorite pictures!

This woman (cast member/ actress) was a hoot!

After Flights of Wonder, we headed over to Expedetion Everest...
I hate EE; the ride frightens me, and I scoot down in my seat to ensure that I don't fall out. I rode the ride twice in a row, though. The first time with my camera out taking pictures...see below. The second time, no camera. I have to say I enjoyed the first time more; my camera distracted me and the ride wasn't so terrifying.

My daughters after the ride:

I think most people's touring plans of AK look similar... as such, we headed to Dinosaur!

I love that my daughters are lovely in Disney with arms touching or hands locked together

Lunchtime and still no real crowds...

Dh was excited to get a turkey leg!

Our walk to get our lunch...

Now, I was positive I took pictures of our food...maybe it was on an ipod and a daughter erased it (they both said no...) Since our pics have disappeared, I borrowed others...

We shared the HUGE salad and fruit...

BBQ chix salad

Safari Fruit Platter

After lunch, we decided to head over to OKW and begin the check in process...I was nervous about staying at OKW... what was our first impression???

 

[TanzUnited99]

The FOW show looks great - am looking forward to seeing it!

Love the after ride pics of EE especially of the girls hair!! Aaw it's so sweet to see the photos of the girls walking along with arms around each other

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Great pics!! The girls are too cute! Are they like that at home??!!
I can't wait to see what you think of OKW. We did not have such a magical stay there but it was with DVC points from a friend and our only option. We won't pass up a free room/resort but after staying there, we probably wouldn't stay there again..espeically if we didn't have a car or would pull for SSR which we liked better!

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Your pictures of flights of wonder look great! you are really a very gifted photographer.

Even though you weren't impressed with the savanna view, did you think AKL was worth it. I hope that you liked the rest of it, and it wasn't a let down.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wow! Those are some great pictures from Flights of Wonder!!!

Maybe that's a trick I should try -- taking pictures on EE. Otherwise, I am like you -- the ride scares me.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I have to admit that I'm one of those who always skipped over Flights of Wonder. Each trip I make sure I add something we've never done before. By your recommendation that will be one of our must do's.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

The FOW show looks great - am looking forward to seeing it!

Love the after ride pics of EE especially of the girls hair!! Aaw it's so sweet to see the photos of the girls walking along with arms around each other

I'm glad I took the hair pictures...they look so sweet, don't they? You'd never know it sometimes!!

Great pics!! The girls are too cute! Are they like that at home??!!
I can't wait to see what you think of OKW. We did not have such a magical stay there but it was with DVC points from a friend and our only option. We won't pass up a free room/resort but after staying there, we probably wouldn't stay there again..espeically if we didn't have a car or would pull for SSR which we liked better!

The girls are not like that at home usually. They are too busy getting on each other's nerves. I'll update in a day or two so you can find out!

Your pictures of flights of wonder look great! you are really a very gifted photographer.

Even though you weren't impressed with the savanna view, did you think AKL was worth it. I hope that you liked the rest of it, and it wasn't a let down.

Thanks for the compliments, but it is really my camera!! I LOVE AKL! The resort is wonderful: the pool, the counter service, the table service restaurants, the gift shop, lobby, EVERYTHING! There are many places to see the animals; I just didn't think our savannah view was worth extra money.

Wow! Those are some great pictures from Flights of Wonder!!!

Maybe that's a trick I should try -- taking pictures on EE. Otherwise, I am like you -- the ride scares me.

Thanks!

Okay, I think it works because my new worry was my camera, not my life.

I have to admit that I'm one of those who always skipped over Flights of Wonder. Each trip I make sure I add something we've never done before. By your recommendation that will be one of our must do's.

I was worried that I might insult someone... You can't do it all, so you have to skip something! I think that this is a show that many overlook. It is the humor that make it fun while still being educational about the birds and conservation. I hope you love it.

We try to do something new each trip too. This time we loved our "new addition" so much, we did it twice in a row...more on that soon.

 

[mgsmom]

Your girls are tooooooo sweet! I know it just warms the cockles of your heart to see them that way!

I'm with DH on the turkey leg - a must-eat for me! Although I prefer a lemonade with mine instead of water. But it's usually 100 degrees when I'm there, so...

I've heard of FOW but overlooked it because I thought it might be too difficult for DD to sit through. Do you think a 3yo would enjoy it - or too far over her head? Oh... get it... over her head...

Can't wait to hear about OKW!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Your girls are tooooooo sweet! I know it just warms the cockles of your heart to see them that way!

I'm with DH on the turkey leg - a must-eat for me! Although I prefer a lemonade with mine instead of water. But it's usually 100 degrees when I'm there, so...

I've heard of FOW but overlooked it because I thought it might be too difficult for DD to sit through. Do you think a 3yo would enjoy it - or too far over her head? Oh... get it... over her head...

Can't wait to hear about OKW!

I do love that they express this affection - at home we are battling the one calling the other an idiot, and the other retaliating by hitting.

No desire on the turkey leg, oddly enough, I missed the "hot" weather.

Great pun. haha. I think that dd would miss all of the dialogue but would enjoy seeing the birds. (Also, she can just have a snack while you watch. It is an outdoor area and I don't think any restrictions on food.)

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So, by the way, my SIL and brother had their baby....I am now an aunt to 8 lbs 3oz, Gannon Michael!

My pics aren't showing up. (I was able to link to fb before but not now?) I'll work on it.