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

[wigdoutdismom]

Aaah, DIBELS!

Does your FES have a name, or like That 70's Show, do you just call him FES?

Yes, he has a name, it's Max, he's from Germany and we will be introducing him to a heaping dose of Disney at Christmas time!

 

[eandesmom]

great update! I love the face painting and the teacup picture is adorable!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love Chelsea and Connor's face painting. My daughter REALLY wanted to get her face painted on our trip a couple years ago, but I was too cheap to let her. I told her I wasn't paying that much money for something that will wash off in a few hours. I should have considered the fact that I could have taken pictures of it that I will have forever. When we go in Oct./Nov. I will have to make up for that. Your pictures of their face painting are great.

Thank you! I would never pay the prices we pay for face painting in the real world, but somehow at Disney, it doesn't seem too bad. Go figure!

oh my word what a great update! Love the face painting! i was wondering where his glasses had gone! I can't believe how many timesI have been in Minnie's house and NEVER noticed the palm tree or the Daisy's. I obviously have to tune in better to the surroundings Too bad about the fairies but I completely understand.
We bought the same cd but haven't listened to it yet, I think I'll get it out for my errands I need to do now.

Hi, Peg!!! I feel like I still am missing scads of details when I look at other people's pictures.

Did you play your CD while you did your errands today?

Thank heaven! I was about to jump, and those cute faces saved me! Looking forward to the next update.

Disney CD's are awesome souvenirs! Jill and I listen to ours in our cars pretty much daily. Brooklynn knows the words to just about everything, so it's very familiar when she is in the parks.

Whew! I am glad my two sweetie-pies saved you!

I think I am going to have to get a CD on each trip to build up my collection.

Yes, that picture came just in time! Our testing window has opened and our palm pilots are readied for the dibels testing! I start tomorrow....

Good luck with that!

Last night I played SpectroMagic in the car, Baylor started to roll his eyes in his very cool way to our exchange student then before I had a chance to get after him, he was swaying and singing along to the music. The Disney spirit had taken over!

Too funny! Baylor couldn't help himself!

How are things with the exchange student?

Aaah, DIBELS!

Does your FES have a name, or like That 70's Show, do you just call him FES?

Yes, he has a name, it's Max, he's from Germany and we will be introducing him to a heaping dose of Disney at Christmas time!

I can't wait to hear all about that!!!

great update! I love the face painting and the teacup picture is adorable!

Thank you! We had a good time in Fantasyland and Toon Town that morning.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Let's just say life is pretty interesting around here right now. Major cultural and language differences! Max is a really nice kid though and Baylor enjoys his company! I think it's going to be a good year.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Let's just say life is pretty interesting around here right now. Major cultural and language differences! Max is a really nice kid though and Baylor enjoys his company! I think it's going to be a good year.

I can just imagine!!! I am glad everything is going well though! That must be a bit of a relief!

 

[Native NYer]

Welcome home!!! Did you have a wonderful time? Are you going to do a TR? Please say yes!



Sadly, no, since the next day was their last day at Disney . We are hoping to meet up again one day though.



Disneyland still has theirs! I keep thinking I need to take my two out there to see where it all started.



I like dinner there the best, but both meals are good!



I keep trying to sway Charles to say yes to Disney again next year. I don't want to take a year off.

We used our car once -- to go to DtD -- the rest of the time we used the buses and were very pleased with them.

Thanks! We had a fantastic trip. Not sure yet about a TR, but def a PTR for next year. Two trips are already in the works.

Def make a trip to Disneyland. Have you ever been? I LOVE it. There is something so special about that place.

What about a shorter stay next year? You can't take a year off. You have to try a new resort

I love the face painting. Chelsea and Connor look so cute!

Minnie's house is adorable. I wish I had a house in the MK!!!

OK, I have to ask....IF you can convince Charles to visit WDW next year, what resort are you thinking?

 

[Charleston Princess]

Thanks! We had a fantastic trip. Not sure yet about a TR, but def a PTR for next year. Two trips are already in the works.

Hi, Jen! I think you should do a TR, but at the very least post some pictures on your FB page! Two trips next year? That's fantastic!

Def make a trip to Disneyland. Have you ever been? I LOVE it. There is something so special about that place.

I have been, but the kids haven't -- I think they would have a great time! One of these days!

What about a shorter stay next year? You can't take a year off. You have to try a new resort

That's how I feel, but Charles is of a different mind-set.

I love the face painting. Chelsea and Connor look so cute!

Thank you!

Minnie's house is adorable. I wish I had a house in the MK!!!

Me too! Only I want a house in Adventureland -- one of the ones with the balconies overlooking everything.

OK, I have to ask....IF you can convince Charles to visit WDW next year, what resort are you thinking?

That would be a toughie because I am just not sure...in my ideal world, I would buy DVC and stay at Kidani, but that won't happen for awhile longer.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I don't blame you for not waiting. That's just crazy to wait to meet anyone!

I love the face painting on the kids. They look wonderful. I always wanted to have that done as a kid, and never was allowed.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I don't blame you for not waiting. That's just crazy to wait to meet anyone!

That was pretty much my feeling on the subject.

I love the face painting on the kids. They look wonderful. I always wanted to have that done as a kid, and never was allowed.

Thank you! I was never allowed to get face painting done either -- my mom did not think it was a wise use of money.

 

[LISAMWDW]

Great updates!!! Sounds like a very fun and special morning you had with the kids! Enough though you cancelled a great breakfast! LOL! JK!

The face painting looks great! That is a great picture of your kids! Love it!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great updates!!! Sounds like a very fun and special morning you had with the kids! Enough though you cancelled a great breakfast! LOL! JK!

Thank you! We did cancel a great breakfast (I am still regretting it), but we did manage to have fun in Fantasyland and Toon Town.

The face painting looks great! That is a great picture of your kids! Love it!

Thank you! I just adore that picture!

 

[JenAusty]

I would of been sad about Tink to.. but its one of those things you just have to do. There will always be a next time.

I loveee Chelsea's face painting.. its soo pretty! It also matches her shirt perfect- which I'm sure she had in mind.
I can't believe you like the teacups! I mean no offense- but just looking at those things make me sick. I swear as I get older, the easier I get motion sick. It's quite annoying. hehe
Maybe I'll just ride it and not spin. hehe Just so I can get a ride in the teacups.. since it is from one of my favorite movies. hehe

I also loved all the pictures from Minne's house.. We didn't go this last time- the line was incredibly long- I guess it was one of our "sigh and walk away" kind of things. Actually.. I think DH was secretly happy. hehe

 

[Native NYer]

Hi, Jen! I think you should do a TR, but at the very least post some pictures on your FB page! Two trips next year? That's fantastic!



I have been, but the kids haven't -- I think they would have a great time! One of these days!



That's how I feel, but Charles is of a different mind-set.



Thank you!



Me too! Only I want a house in Adventureland -- one of the ones with the balconies overlooking everything.



That would be a toughie because I am just not sure...in my ideal world, I would buy DVC and stay at Kidani, but that won't happen for awhile longer.

I'm going to post more pics on FB.

Is there any way to convince Charles that you simply cannot miss Disney for an entire year? How do your kids feel about not going next year? Maybe they can pitch the idea to their dad

Adventureland is a great place for a house too. Gotta love pirates and spitting camels.

Are you considering DVC? I've tossed the idea around and not sure if I want to do the whole timeshare thing. Love the idea of the space in those villas, but who needs a kitchen. I don't use mine at home

Can't wait to read another update. Your TR has pretty much swayed one of the resort choices for next year.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Thanks much for sharing your trip. You have a beautiful family. I love Chelsea's and Connor's face paintings! You should have had your face painted also.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sorry I've been MIA....wonderful update! Those wait times for Pixie Hollow are so crazy! I've read TRs where the wait was even over 2 hours. It fills up so quickly after RD.

Sounds like a good time in Mickey & Minnie's house - I love all the goofy jokes in there too.

The face painting always amazes me, those CM's truly are talented to create such works of art!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Enjoyed your latest update. I just finished the first teacher week; my kids won't show up until Monday. I think that school is good for us Disney lovers. I haven't had time to dream of Disney which is good since our trip isn't until June. So, now I have to wish away the school year.

I'm wondering if Charles wants to skip a year, maybe you and the kids can go for a couple of days. (I am guessing that he isn't a teacher so he doesn't have off like the three of you...) This could force you to overcome some fears since Chelsea and Connor would need you to ride!

Deb

 

[Charleston Princess]

I would of been sad about Tink to.. but its one of those things you just have to do. There will always be a next time.

We managed to get over our disappointment pretty quick.

I loveee Chelsea's face painting.. its soo pretty! It also matches her shirt perfect- which I'm sure she had in mind.
I can't believe you like the teacups! I mean no offense- but just looking at those things make me sick. I swear as I get older, the easier I get motion sick. It's quite annoying. hehe
Maybe I'll just ride it and not spin. hehe Just so I can get a ride in the teacups.. since it is from one of my favorite movies. hehe

Thank you -- I thought Chelsea was super cute with her Tink face paint. It's funny, but the teacups have never bothered me -- but Tower of Terror is a whole 'nother story!

I also loved all the pictures from Minne's house.. We didn't go this last time- the line was incredibly long- I guess it was one of our "sigh and walk away" kind of things. Actually.. I think DH was secretly happy. hehe

I doubt we could have lingered as long if Charles had been with us.

I'm going to post more pics on FB.

Oh, good -- I will have to go take a look!

Is there any way to convince Charles that you simply cannot miss Disney for an entire year? How do your kids feel about not going next year? Maybe they can pitch the idea to their dad

Chelsea and Connor have their moments where they are excited about going somewhere different, but then, like me, they have their moments where they want to go to Disney. We may be able to wear Charles down before it is all said and done.

Adventureland is a great place for a house too. Gotta love pirates and spitting camels.

And Dole Whips and jungle cruises!

Are you considering DVC? I've tossed the idea around and not sure if I want to do the whole timeshare thing. Love the idea of the space in those villas, but who needs a kitchen. I don't use mine at home

I would love the extra room!

Can't wait to read another update. Your TR has pretty much swayed one of the resort choices for next year.

I can't wait to share some of the stuff we did that Thursday at the resort with you -- it may sway you even more!

Thanks much for sharing your trip. You have a beautiful family. I love Chelsea's and Connor's face paintings! You should have had your face painted also.

Thank you so much! I am so glad you are enjoying reading it!

Sorry I've been MIA....wonderful update! Those wait times for Pixie Hollow are so crazy! I've read TRs where the wait was even over 2 hours. It fills up so quickly after RD.

Over two hours??? Those are some diehard fans!!! It better be a real celebrity (and one I really like a lot) for me to wait two hours!

Sounds like a good time in Mickey & Minnie's house - I love all the goofy jokes in there too.

All the plays on words always make me laugh!

The face painting always amazes me, those CM's truly are talented to create such works of art!

They are talented and to do it as quickly as they do always surprises me!

Enjoyed your latest update. I just finished the first teacher week; my kids won't show up until Monday. I think that school is good for us Disney lovers. I haven't had time to dream of Disney which is good since our trip isn't until June. So, now I have to wish away the school year.

I'm wondering if Charles wants to skip a year, maybe you and the kids can go for a couple of days. (I am guessing that he isn't a teacher so he doesn't have off like the three of you...) This could force you to overcome some fears since Chelsea and Connor would need you to ride!

Deb

Thank you! Yes, with the school year starting, I have barely had time to keep up with the DIS much less pine away for Disney too, too much (there is always a little part of me that misses it).

We have talked about just me taking the kids, but we will see. As far as the having to ride things with them -- not so much -- this trip I discovered how easy it is to put them in line and wait for them at the exit.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Chelsea and Connor had been after me to ride the Tomorrowland Speedway, so as we exited from the teacups, we meandered slowly in that direction. It was beginning to get very, very hot at this point.

I had no desire to drive or ride in those stuttering, little cars, so off Chelsea and Connor went to stand in line and off I went to sit in the grandstands. I must say it was quite amusing to watch Chelsea and Connor driving around the tracks -- it took Chelsea a few minutes to get used to maneuvering the car -- suffice it to say there were a lot of sudden starts and even more sudden stops.

When Chelsea and Connor completed their “race,” the CM handed them two Speedway licenses. They were so proud of them!

It was about 11:20, and we were all dying of thirst. We stopped at Auntie Gravity’s -- Chelsea got an ice cream, and Connor and I each got a smoothie. We headed over the to the shaded seats at the Lunching Pad, watched a tiny bit of the short-lived Stitch show, and Connor and Chelsea played with the intergalactic phone.

Being in Tomorrowland meant that we had a few more stops to make…we rode Buzz Lightyear (I seem to recall Chelsea and Connor having some sort of a spat in line but am hard pressed to remember what it was at this point), laughed to help the monsters power their city at Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and oh, ultimate joy of joys, tried to help catch Stitch at Stitch’s Great Escape(oh, how Connor loves this attraction).

Our various missions completed in the futuristic land of tomorrow, we now needed to head towards the frontier…stopping for some Photopass pictures along the way.

I think walking across the hub, through Liberty Square, and into Frontierland was the deal breaker for me. I truly felt like I was somewhere in the middle of the American Southwest -- maybe Death Valley even -- as the sun beat down on us. The crowds were getting a bit insane as well -- walls of people everywhere and if I hadn’t been sweating from the heat, I would have been sweating from claustrophobic anxiety. We grabbed Fastpasses for Big Thunder, and I decided we needed to head to Pirates of the Caribbean to cool off. After all, Pirates never has much of a line. Apparently everyone else had that idea as the line stretched all the way out of the building. It was at that moment that I realized we should escape while the escaping was good.

I called Charles to tell him we were headed back, but he was on a bus headed to us! Sigh. I told him we would meet him at the Main Street Train Station. I was hoping a train ride would restore my equilibrium, and we could reach it by going through all the shops on Main Street.

Even the heat doesn’t keep Chelsea down.

We disembarked back in Frontierland; the kids and Charles rode Big Thunder in the front row; and I found a rocking chair overlooking the Rivers of America. I just couldn’t take the heat any longer and knew I was headed for a temper tantrum if I had to stay one more minute in the Magic Kingdom that afternoon. We swung by Splash Mountain to get Fastpasses and headed back to the hotel.

We rested and swam for a couple of hours and went down to the Mara for dinner. Charles had a chicken Caesar salad, I had a falafel pita, and the kids both had chicken nuggets. We took three boxes of zebra domes back to the room (the desserts that come with the meal plan). Our fridge was beginning to look like the zebra dome shelf at the Mara.

I gave the kids the option of what they wanted to do the rest of the evening -- I was hoping they would want to go back to the Magic Kingdom so we could ride Splash and watch fireworks. Connor wanted to stay at the hotel with Charles, and Chelsea wanted to go shopping at Downtown Disney. Sigh. Fine. No Splash Mountain for me.

Downtown Disney felt just as crowded as the Magic Kingdom. We browsed through Basin, Tren-D, the Christmas shop, Mickey’s Pantry, the Art of Disney, and Goofy’s Candy Co. The only things we ended up buying were two Mickey head soaps from Basin, two hunks of fudge -- one of which was the new Celebration fudge, and a bag of Mickey head gummies.

Back at the hotel we had a bit of a sugar fest with the fudge, gummies, and zebra domes, watched some Phineas and Ferb, and collapsed into bed.

UP NEXT: “Everyone says it is scary…”

 

[manntra]

Great photopass pictures!! Chelsea looks so glam in her Hollywood sunglasses!
I was at the Death Valley reference. Florida heat is like no other!!
Oh....no Splash Mountain One of my favorites! I am really looking forward to that because I haven't been on it since August...it was closed for refurbishment in January.
Such a fun, long ride!
for Mickey head soaps! I just opened my last one the other day because I will be able to replenish soon enough! Those Basin bath bomb scents really last a long time! I can smell them every time I open my linen closet!
I had the falafel pita twice on when I stayed at Jambo in August.....they are so good!!

Tracy

 

[kschafer]

Melt down averted AND let the kids pick the evening activities...good job Mom!