Divas, Zebra Domes, and Pixie Dust! A Week in an African Paradise! New TR Link Pg.145

[MomofCKJ]

The Community Board is where its at for Tags. I spent time there last fall and wound up with 3!


Allyson

 

[Disneyvirg]

Great update!

I wonder who the sleeping beauty was? Must be rough to have to sleep by the pool instead of his room!

We must have been right on your tails on the way to TSM. Funny how many close encounters we had on this trip!

 

[eandesmom]

Tuesday morning Charles and I woke up super early and snuck down to the Mara for coffee. While I am no fan of the Nescafe that is served throughout Disney, my need for caffeine far outweighs any coffee snobbery I might have.

mine does too...which is why we try to always bring our own to make in the room. Otherwise it just isn't pretty

As we walked along the pool in the early morning light, we were astonished to see someone sleeping on one of the lounge chairs! We assumed it wasn’t a case of an early morning riser as he was fully clothed, snoring, and there was a tell-tale beer bottle beside him. Wonder if anyone was missing him??? On our way back from the Mara we passed him fully awake and walking. He did not look well-rested.

yeah, lounge chair sleeping is not the best for one's back..or neck.

Back upstairs with coffee in hand, we got ready and woke the kids up. The game plan for today was Disney Hollywood Studios in the morning, back to Animal Kingdom Lodge in time for the children to do the ceramics activity at Simba’s Cubhouse, and back to Disney Hollywood Studios for dinner at the Brown Derby. I was super excited about all of our plans.

On the way to the bus stop we stopped in Zawadi’s to pick up something quick for breakfast. The kids chose chocolate bars and chocolate milk. Really? For breakfast? In my head Responsible Mom warred with Laid-back Vacation Mom. Laid-back Vacation Mom won. Chelsea and Connor were ecstatic that I was allowing them to have a junk food breakfast -- hey, we were on vacation -- might as well have a little fun. To let you know how early we were at the bus stop, our receipt at Zawadi’s said 7:53!

WTG vacation mom! I think DS8 eye's about popped out of his head when I let him get a chocolate muffin for bfast one day on our trip.
By 8:25 we were at Disney Hollywood Studios with a lot of time ahead of us to wait.

Very impressive on the rope drop. I really must do that with the younger ones somehow. I have no hope for the rest of the crew.

 

[MEK]

Is this the culprit?

Did you edit out the empty beer bottle because this is a family thread?

 

[Charleston Princess]

The Community Board is where its at for Tags. I spent time there last fall and wound up with 3!


Allyson

Good to know -- I rarely wander over to the community board.

Great update!

I wonder who the sleeping beauty was? Must be rough to have to sleep by the pool instead of his room!

We must have been right on your tails on the way to TSM. Funny how many close encounters we had on this trip!

Thank you! Can you imagine how your body would feel after a night on a lounge chair??? I wouldn't have been able to move!

It's amazing how we always seemed to be following in each other's footsteps!

mine does too...which is why we try to always bring our own to make in the room. Otherwise it just isn't pretty

I always think about doing that, but then decide against it. As the week went on, I started finding the "good" coffee all over the World.

yeah, lounge chair sleeping is not the best for one's back..or neck.

I would have been one giant crick!

WTG vacation mom! I think DS8 eye's about popped out of his head when I let him get a chocolate muffin for bfast one day on our trip.

I love it when we manage to surprise the kids by doing something unconventional!

Very impressive on the rope drop. I really must do that with the younger ones somehow. I have no hope for the rest of the crew.

I know it will become more and more rare as my two get older and want to sleep in more. Maybe when they are older teens I can just tell them to meet us at the park. Then, it will be all three of them (Charles, Chelsea, and Connor) sleeping the day away.

Did you edit out the empty beer bottle because this is a family thread?

 

[Charleston Princess]

Connor had spent some of his time while waiting to be let into DHS studying the map. He had really gotten a kick out of Honey, I Shrunk the Audience at Epcot the day before, so when he found out the Muppets attraction was also a 3-D movie, he wanted to do that.

After Toy Story Mania and securing Rock n’ Roller Coaster Fast Passes, we meandered leisurely over towards the Muppets.

Ah, Hollywood Brown Derby! I would see you that night!

On the way Chelsea and Connor wanted a picture where it looked like they were wearing the Sorcerer’s Hat. I couldn’t quite make it work.

Connor wondered if Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers would answer if he knocked.

We laughed our way through the Muppets’ antics, but I couldn’t help but think that maybe some of the effects weren’t working properly. I swear I remember more things happening during the show. Sadly, I think the Muppets could use a massive rehab -- they are looking a little scruffy.

Afterwards, I wanted to look in the gift shop so I could get a certain picture. Over on Brookelizabeth’s trip report, she had taken a photo of what I thought were the Muppet Show doors. When I was showing my mom my pictures, I said, “Look, Mom, the Muppet Show doors!” My mom, being the one to introduce and raise me on all things pop cultural, took one look and said, “Those aren’t the doors on the Muppet Show, that’s the Happiness Hotel.” My dad had to get in on the discussion, and said, “Yep, that’s the Happiness Hotel -- see the British flag?”

So, I stand corrected -- I had to take a picture of the Happiness Hotel set from The Great Muppet Caper.

Since we were already over on that side of the park, it made sense to ride Star Tours next. There was a little bit of a wait, but Chelsea and Connor found ways to amuse themselves in line.

“No, don’t get squished by the AT-AT Walker, Chelsea!!!”

“Connor, not you, too!!!”

Now here is the story behind these photos. There is a rope that separates the AT-AT Walker from the queue line. Well, I am such a rule follower, that I was convinced we were about to get in big trouble for the kids being on the wrong side of the rope. So, really, here is what I was saying while taking the pictures.

“Chelsea, you aren’t supposed to be on that side. Get back over here!”

“Connor, you aren’t supposed to be over there, either! Hurry up and pose!”

“Charles, what if we end up in Mickey Jail???”

We managed to break Disney rules without being caught. Whew!

While in line, there was a family in front of us that also had a Connor. Every single time the dad would say something to his Connor, my Connor would jump about a foot and look all around. This happened the whole time we were in line, even after I explained to my Connor that there was another Connor.

I had never taken any pictures in the queue before, so I had to make up for that.

After our exciting journey ride to Endor (I love this ride, always have and I suspect I always will), we visited the gift shop. Connor was dying to spend some of his money and he looked and looked and looked and looked. I could feel myself withering away as I followed him from one thing to another. He finally decided to purchase a Rebel Blaster (last year he purchased a Clone Blaster -- now he has a whole arsenal of Star Wars weaponry -- light sabers, rebel blaster, clone blaster -- the whole family can play Star Wars if we want -- I would have to be Princess Leia, of course ).

At this point, I knew we should head back to the Animal Kingdom Lodge because I wanted the kids to paint ceramics at Simba’s. We scurried down Sunset Boulevard for Tower of Terror Fast Passes for Chelsea and Charles for that night. Well, it was more drudged down Sunset Boulevard with the relentless sun beating down on us to get ToT FPs.

Before we left Chelsea was reunited with her main man Bo!

She said a dramatically tearful good-bye, and we headed towards the bus stop. While we waited, Connor managed to release his new Rebel Blaster from the sixteen million twist ties securing it in the package. The bus finally came, and we were whisked back to our African paradise!

UP NEXT: Mickey Heads, Flatbreads, and Zebra Domes!

 

[MRYPPNS]

I spy Mickey shorts!


What happened to Chelsea's l Bo t-shirt?

 

[jillyb]

Sounds like a nice day at DHS. I wasn't very impressed with the Muppets 3-D. Waiting to go in is cool; watching all the TVs and looking at all the themeing. Of course, I'd already seen Philharmagic and that ruined any other 3-D shows for me after that!

Is it just me or does Bo look really happy to see Chelsea?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I spy Mickey shorts!

I always wonder if those are the ones Rizzo wears in the pre-show!

What happened to Chelsea's l Bo t-shirt?

I ran out of time and didn't make it... I have it saved though for the next trip!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Sounds like a nice day at DHS. I wasn't very impressed with the Muppets 3-D. Waiting to go in is cool; watching all the TVs and looking at all the themeing. Of course, I'd already seen Philharmagic and that ruined any other 3-D shows for me after that!

Is it just me or does Bo look really happy to see Chelsea?

I love all the theming of the Muppets attraction, but I really think that film could use an overhaul!

I thought Bo looked mighty pleased to see her!

 

[kschafer]

I so love DHS! Once again I must say, Connor cracks me up with his expressions and I will never again be able to look at Bo without thinking of Chelsea. We enjoyed Muppets 3-D a lot but we did see it before Mickey's Philharmagic, I'm not sure it measures up but I do love the Muppets nostalgia! (and I would have gotten the doors wrong too)

 

[ladybugmom]

I know what you mean about the Muppet Show. We walked right in but the preshow felt like it lasted FOREVER! Then the actually show was sooo very lame! It was of the only things we were totally disappointed in! Uggh! It DOES need an overhaul! I used to LOVE watching The Muppet Show on tv as a kid--it's a shame!

 

[SunnieRN]

Awww, what great Chelsea and Bo pictures! I am happy you didn't get put in Mickey jail!

I have a very unusual 1st name. Last trip to wdw there was someone with the same name in line behind us. I kept doing the same thing as Connor.

Looking forward to more!

 

[SunnieRN]

woah, double post, sorry!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

It's sad but poor Connor looking around every time the dad spoke to the other Connor had me cracking up. It's weird hearing your name, I can imagine how he felt!
We haven't seen Muppets in a couple of years and just looking at the doors made me want to go back just to have a look see. Even though it needs a spiffing up I'll bet it still has some charm!

 

[Happydog]

Connor managed to release his new Rebel Blaster from the sixteen million twist ties securing it in the package. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

WHO doesn't live this line every time they visit the toy store??!!

STOP THE MADNESS!!!

VERY Sweet DHS post today! GREAT AT-AT pics. I am going to have to follow your lead at Christmas... I will tell the Mickey Police, "but CP did it!!??"


SPEAKING of Starwars, have you heard about the touring live orchestra performance with original video and footage set to the music? Look up Star Wars in Concert... it starts in CA this October... comes east by Christmas I imagine...

 

[jenjolt]

What a way to end my evening....reading more about your most wonderful trip!! I really can't wait to hear about your dinner at Brown Derby!! I just LOVE that restaurant!!

Okay the phots of your kids at the AT-AT are awesome!!! I love the line about Mickey Jail (what a place to get stuck at)!!

I can honestly say I have never been in the Muppets gift shop, I'm totally going to have to remedy that this trip and check it out!!!! I heard there are some cool sites in that store!!!

Can't wait to hear more Jackie!! Great update!

 

[MaryAz]

Great DHS update. Looks like fun was had by all and Mickey jail avoided.

 

[jordanyosh]

“No, don’t get squished by the AT-AT Walker, Chelsea!!!”

“Connor, not you, too!!!”

Too funny!

I'm gonna look for the Happiness Hotel...so many fun facts learned on the DIS.

 

[TarzansKat]

Love the rule breaking photos!

Not that I encourage that sort of thing. Really.

I also now have this great visual of you all playing Star Wars, running around the house with Connor's various weaponry.