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

[TarzansKat]

Funny! He wants to borrow the bucket but not the LGM!!!

Oh, he wanted the LGM, too! Just thought he'd ask for the whole bucket, I think as opposed to one or two. You have to love the way their minds work.

I love that story about DS -- too cute! I know that Connor would be totally willing to share his LGM and bucket if we lived closer! You will have to let me know if DS gets a bucket of them for himself in September.

That's too sweet about Connor sharing.

Are there still houses for sale in your neighborhood?

I'm almost positive we'll be getting a bucket of those for DS in September.

I feel like I had the perfect meal at the Brown Derby!

That's one of my favorite feelings at Disney.

Happy and full.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Holy Moly, how in the world did I get so far behind!

My goodness....3 days camping and I'm somehow totally off track!

First of all, Chelsea's box is adorable! I love it! And adult jewelry making?

sigh.

Thank you!

Oh my. Just. Oh my.

I truthfully would not have unthawed for days in that situation. Sure, I'd have forged on and enjoyed the evening with my kids but the unthawing?

Wow. The kids seemed to roll with it and have fun so I guess that's good.

I tried to just forget about him completely.

It's the Brown Derby! You HAVE to have the Cobb Salad! I think it's a rule. Although it is the reason I think I'd do it OOP if we ever eat there. But if we do, I will shamelessly copy evertying you ordered, including the drink (and I'd have had two if I were in your shoes lol!)

Those drinks were pretty strong -- I don't know what I would have been like if I had two of them.

I can see the menu not doing a whole lot for my DH but to ditch us...hmmmn. The man owes you a do over!

Well, Charles now has the Food and Wine Festival to redeem himself.

I'm glad you were able to shake it and move forward. I had an ex who deliberately ruined a DLR trip (and bragged about it afterwards), at the time, I wasn't able to move on and just enjoy the trip with my kids like you did and I think it's great that you really didn't let it get to you.

Ughhh, that would stink!

I the little green men appearing everywhere.

The LGM are definitely Connor's favorite souvenir from the trip -- and the Safari Eeyore who sleeps with him every night.

Oh, he wanted the LGM, too! Just thought he'd ask for the whole bucket, I think as opposed to one or two. You have to love the way their minds work.

That's too sweet about Connor sharing.

Are there still houses for sale in your neighborhood?

I'm almost positive we'll be getting a bucket of those for DS in September.

Yes, we do still have houses for sale...

Will DS have a hard time deciding between the LGM and the army soldiers (because they have buckets of those as well). Connor had a hard time choosing, so I think that is what I will be getting him for his souvenir when we are there in October.

 

[choirchic]

That has to be one of the best Trip Reports I've ever read! (Minus the Disappearing Husband of course!) I think I'm sold on the Brown Derby too!

 

[micandminforever]

I hope your first week with students went well.

I continue to enjoy your report, my DH and I went to visit relatives in Northern Ky. for 4 days so I have just caught up on my reading. Great report on Brown Derby, it was mouth watering.

I am so I just received Disney mail for our September trip. After teaching 30 years it is nice to be going back to Disney in September instead of back to school.

 

[Megablocks]

Did you see where they are switching ADRs back to 180 days on October 27?

Yup! My mom is going to be at work since it's a weekday, but I don't work Tuesdays -- I'll only have a 4 PM class, so I've already offered to call and make the ADRs if she wants me to. Being able to make them even a few weeks early is going to be super exciting.

 

[Charleston Princess]

That has to be one of the best Trip Reports I've ever read! (Minus the Disappearing Husband of course!) I think I'm sold on the Brown Derby too!

and thank you so much!!! I am so glad you are enjoying my trip report!

I hope your first week with students went well.

I continue to enjoy your report, my DH and I went to visit relatives in Northern Ky. for 4 days so I have just caught up on my reading. Great report on Brown Derby, it was mouth watering.

I am so I just received Disney mail for our September trip. After teaching 30 years it is nice to be going back to Disney in September instead of back to school.

It did go very well! Hurray for your Mickey Mail -- do you know that is one of the things I think I will enjoy about retirement the most? The ability to travel in the off-season!

Yup! My mom is going to be at work since it's a weekday, but I don't work Tuesdays -- I'll only have a 4 PM class, so I've already offered to call and make the ADRs if she wants me to. Being able to make them even a few weeks early is going to be super exciting.

Oh, I understand completely! I love that Disney is going back to 180 days -- I really like having my ADRs set early on in the planning process!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wednesday dawned bright and early, and as I crept around getting ready for the day, I looked over at my sweet, sleeping babies and thought to myself, “I just don’t have the heart to wake them up early again.” We were supposed to meet up with Anita, Marc, and Baylor for breakfast at the Crystal Palace, but I decided I would just let the kids sleep instead. I texted Anita from Chelsea’s phone -- mine was still dying its slow, agonizing death -- and made our apologies.

Big mistake.

Really big mistake.

Bigger than a mistake.

More like a blunder.

A really big blunder.

An enormous blunder.

Almost as soon as I sent the text, I started wishing I hadn’t sent it. What had I been thinking???

Leaving my slumbering family, I went downstairs to fill my mug with coffee.

Now picture if you will there I was walking jauntily in my Tinker Bell t-shirt (I always walk jauntily first thing in the morning at Disney -- it’s later in the day that I begin drudging wearily) to the Mara for my caffeine fix.

I passed a man walking in the opposite direction who was quite dressed up for that early in the morning, to whom I say “Good Morning.” He then says to me, “Early morning or long night?” That was when I noticed he had a beer bottle in his hand. Really??? At 7:00 in the morning??? Clearly his was a long night!

I think I managed to squeak out, “Early morning” before scurrying off to the Mara.

When I returned, I sat outside on the balcony sipping my coffee and enjoying a book.

Just for the record, Connor is NEVER the first one awake. He is my sleeper. During the summer he sleeps until after 10:00 if I let him.

Guess who was the first one awake Wednesday morning?

Yep. Because he couldn’t wait to see Baylor again.

I think I broke his heart that morning. Actually I know I did because Connor was sure to let me know just how disappointed he was at the change in plans.

I won’t make that mistake again!

Soon, everyone was up, and we decided to see if there was any seating available at Boma. I really didn’t think there would be, so I was pleasantly surprised when they seated us almost immediately.

Ahh, Boma and a pot of French-pressed Kenyan coffee…

I took a couple of shots of lights for LL:

When we were finished, the kids and I were off to the Magic Kingdom and straight for Fantasyland. We got there just as the park opened (see, we really should have gone to the Crystal Palace) and had about an hour to kill before we could meet Tinker Bell in Toon Town.

Can you guess where we headed?

Our first ride ever in a honey pot! (We had never ridden it before since I am still mourning the loss of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. I have tried to move on emotionally though, and I did spot the picture of Mr. Toad handing over the deed to Owl.)

Next, we flew to Neverland.

And afterwards sang along for eleven minutes to, “It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears…” There was a father and son in the row in front of us on it’s a small world, and the father was taking great delight in identifying Each and Every country represented by the dolls to his young son. He did really well through Europe, but once in the other sections, I am pretty sure he was making up some of them judging by his faltering statements that went something like, “Well…ummm…there…is…ummm…India, maybe?” I refrained from correcting him and saying, “Thailand” -- of course since my assumption is based on watching The King and I many times as a child, I might be mistaken as well. This commentary went on for all eleven minutes...

What trip is complete without a ride on the carousel and the obligatory pictures of Chelsea and Connor on the horses?

There was a little girl sitting on the other side of me (maybe four or five?) who peppered me with questions about the princesses that lived in the castle. She wanted to know who lived there, if you could visit them, if you had to be a princess yourself to visit them. She was just precious, and I enjoyed my chat with her.

Before leaving Fantasyland for Toon Town, Connor felt we needed to ride Snow White’s Scary Adventures, so we climbed aboard our mining cart and helped Snow White escape from the Evil Queen.

UP NEXT: Would we find Tinker Bell in Toon Town?

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Well, all I can say is that it was not our finest Disney morning ever either...
I'm glad you all got into Boma and weren't forced to starve! The kids looked like they had some fun in Fantasy Land, I'm really glad you got to ride in the Honey Pots!
I have once again noticed that it's just the you and the kids at MK.....

 

[IluvXU]

Isn't it two years in a row you canceled CP for breakfast? You need to get there sometime, perhaps a late ADR. It was yummy.

Glad you got a ride off the never done list....

Great pictures of the kids as always.

Have a good weekend!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wednesday dawned bright and early, and as I crept around getting ready for the day, I looked over at my sweet, sleeping babies and thought to myself, “I just don’t have the heart to wake them up early again.” ...

You sound just like Mrs. Darling form Peter Pan...


We were supposed to meet up with Anita, Marc, and Baylor for breakfast at the Crystal Palace, but I decided I would just let the kids sleep instead. I texted Anita from Chelsea’s phone -- mine was still dying its slow, agonizing death -- and made our apologies.

You were just doing what you though was right for them...


Big mistake.

Really big mistake.

Bigger than a mistake.

More like a blunder.

A really big blunder.

An enormous blunder.

Almost as soon as I sent the text, I started wishing I hadn’t sent it. What had I been thinking???
You are very hard on yourself...

....

Now picture if you will there I was walking jauntily in my Tinker Bell t-shirt (I always walk jauntily first thing in the morning at Disney -- it’s later in the day that I begin drudging wearily) to the Mara for my caffeine fix.
This is a great image......when I walking to Mara for my oatmeal in the mornings...I'm going to make an effort to do it "jauntily" in your honor...


I passed a man walking in the opposite direction who was quite dressed up for that early in the morning, to whom I say “Good Morning.” He then says to me, “Early morning or long night?” That was when I noticed he had a beer bottle in his hand. Really??? At 7:00 in the morning??? Clearly his was a long night!

Who knew AKL was such a party spot...-between him & the outdoor sleeper...

When I returned, I sat outside on the balcony sipping my coffee and enjoying a book. doesn't get better...

Just for the record, Connor is NEVER the first one awake. He is my sleeper. During the summer he sleeps until after 10:00 if I let him. David is like that too...

Guess who was the first one awake Wednesday morning?

Yep. Because he couldn’t wait to see Baylor again.

I think I broke his heart that morning. Actually I know I did because Connor was sure to let me know just how disappointed he was at the change in plans.

I won’t make that mistake again!...Hey you are a great mom and planner... and you are just a human being not a mind reader...

Soon, everyone was up, and we decided to see if there was any seating available at Boma. I really didn’t think there would be, so I was pleasantly surprised when they seated us almost immediately.

Ahh, Boma and a pot of French-pressed Kenyan coffee…Yum...

....
And afterwards sang along for eleven minutes to, “It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears…” There was a father and son in the row in front of us on it’s a small world, and the father was taking great delight in identifying Each and Every country represented by the dolls to his young son. He did really well through Europe, but once in the other sections, I am pretty sure he was making up some of them judging by his faltering statements that went something like, “Well…ummm…there…is…ummm…India, maybe?” I refrained from correcting him and saying, “Thailand” -- of course since my assumption is based on watching The King and I many times as a child, I might be mistaken as well. This commentary went on for all eleven minutes...Too funny-I would have had the same impulse...good job on refraining....

What trip is complete without a ride on the carousel and the obligatory pictures of Chelsea and Connor on the horses?

So cute...I hope you're getting ready for the line of male suitors outside your door looking for Chelsea...

UP NEXT: Would we find Tinker Bell in Toon Town?

Oh I hope you find Tink...

 

[cjackearl]

The name of your chapter sounds as if it came straight out of Winnie the Pooh. Cute!

How were you to know how upset Connor would be with your breakfast change of plans? You were trying to do the right thing for your family.

I'd love to eat at Boma some day. Both dinner and breakfast, please.

The pictures of your kids on the carousel are just great. They both are so cute!

 

[BigEeyore]

Has your DH always been such a party pooper, or was it just this trip? I am just perplexed as to why he would not want to go to a really wonderful meal with his family.
I am with you on missing Mr. Toad - I wish they had gotten rid of Snow White instead when they put the Pooh ride in. That SW ride is way too scary for little ones!
You said the magic word, BOMA, and I got all excited for pics...and then nothin but the ceiling! You tease. Do they have Zebra Domes at breakfast?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh dear, Charles didn't go to MK the next morning either?! So sorry Connor was disappointed (although he doesn't look it at all in the pictures ). I wouldn't call that a blunder at all. You were being thoughtful and trying to let them sleep!

Chelsea looks very glam in her sunglasses!

Looks like you had a good morning in Fantasyland. Hope you enjoyed Snow White... it still scares me!

 

[Megablocks]

We haven't been on any of the rides that you did besides IASW in SO long -- I really want to do them all next time.

I also think you are too hard on yourself; I know Connor is still young but I'm sure that if he was a little older, once he got over the initial disappointment, he'd be able to look at it as you trying to do what you thought was best for your family. Which it obviously was.

I hope you guys get to meet Tink!

 

[jenjolt]

Awww...no big blunder You were being a good mom and letting your little ones get some sleep!!! Besides it looks like they were having a great time in MK!! Boma's breakfast looks so good!!!! I really should get over there and try it sometime!!!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day!!!!

Wishing you another good week at school!!!

 

[micandminforever]

How were Charles sugar levels while he was at Disney? I know my sister(who is usually the life of the party) is not fun to be around when her sugar levels are off.

 

[eandesmom]

I tried to just forget about him completely.

Those drinks were pretty strong -- I don't know what I would have been like if I had two of them.

Well, Charles now has the Food and Wine Festival to redeem himself.

ok, good to know on the drinks! I hope he redeems himself, and then some! You deserve to be wined and dined after all that and I notice he seems MIA for breakfast as Boma as well....

Wednesday dawned bright and early, and as I crept around getting ready for the day, I looked over at my sweet, sleeping babies and thought to myself, “I just don’t have the heart to wake them up early again.” We were supposed to meet up with Anita, Marc, and Baylor for breakfast at the Crystal Palace, but I decided I would just let the kids sleep instead. I texted Anita from Chelsea’s phone -- mine was still dying its slow, agonizing death -- and made our apologies.

Big mistake.

Really big mistake.

Bigger than a mistake.

More like a blunder.

A really big blunder.

An enormous blunder.

Now picture if you will there I was walking jauntily in my Tinker Bell t-shirt (I always walk jauntily first thing in the morning at Disney -- it’s later in the day that I begin drudging wearily) to the Mara for my caffeine fix.

I passed a man walking in the opposite direction who was quite dressed up for that early in the morning, to whom I say “Good Morning.” He then says to me, “Early morning or long night?” That was when I noticed he had a beer bottle in his hand. Really??? At 7:00 in the morning??? Clearly his was a long night!

I think I managed to squeak out, “Early morning” before scurrying off to the Mara.

Ahh, Boma and a pot of French-pressed Kenyan coffee…

Our first ride ever in a honey pot! (We had never ridden it before since I am still mourning the loss of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. I have tried to move on emotionally though, and I did spot the picture of Mr. Toad handing over the deed to Owl.)
And afterwards sang along for eleven minutes to, “It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears…” There was a father and son in the row in front of us on it’s a small world, and the father was taking great delight in identifying Each and Every country represented by the dolls to his young son. He did really well through Europe, but once in the other sections, I am pretty sure he was making up some of them judging by his faltering statements that went something like, “Well…ummm…there…is…ummm…India, maybe?” I refrained from correcting him and saying, “Thailand” -- of course since my assumption is based on watching The King and I many times as a child, I might be mistaken as well. This commentary went on for all eleven minutes...

There was a little girl sitting on the other side of me (maybe four or five?) who peppered me with questions about the princesses that lived in the castle. She wanted to know who lived there, if you could visit them, if you had to be a princess yourself to visit them. She was just precious, and I enjoyed my chat with her.

Awww...you meant well, and you know, even when they complain sometimes they just NEED the sleep and you were doing what was best for them. It's not a blunder.

Ok, this is the second TR with someone at AKL with a beer bottle first thing in the am (or sleeping it off in a lounge chair by the pool). Hmmn! Wild partying going on at Kidani? Who knew!

I too mourn the loss of Mr. Toad. In fact, he's one of the main reasons I'll go to DLR again since he is still there! That and that California Screamin' Oh and the Mondavi wine area. LOL!

I the ITSW commentary and the little girl with the peppering princess questions, how adorable!!!

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Oh, I'm finally caught up...
I love your TR. Sorry that Charles wasn't reeling the Disney magic, but it seems like you and the kids were having a great time anyways.

 

[shannon47142]

good update!!
Sometimes sleeping in is needed

 

[TarzansKat]

Yes, we do still have houses for sale...

I'll have to start hinting to my DH again.

Will DS have a hard time deciding between the LGM and the army soldiers (because they have buckets of those as well). Connor had a hard time choosing, so I think that is what I will be getting him for his souvenir when we are there in October.

That is definitely a possiblity.

Although I have to tell you. There are going to be so many adults on this trip who will want to spoil the you know what out of my son, he may not have to choose between the two.



And on to your most recent chapter!

Poor Connor! He must have been so dissappointed, but it looks like you make an excellent recovery. And I love the way you write, it just gets me sometimes.

Walking jauntily vs. drudging wearily.

You want to hear something amazingly ironic? The last time I was on IASW, I had someone doing a running commentary on what countries the dolls were from as well. It was kind of cute, but also easy to tune out and listen to the song. Which I love. Because I'm weird like that.