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

[Charleston Princess]

Haha! Funny story about ITTBAB. My 22 year old cousin at the time declared how much he hated it because of giant spiders lol I laugh everytime i think of that!

Connor hated the spiders, too!

Only another 15 or so years until they start listening to their Mother's good advice.

PS. I have hatched a plan to score myself some Zebra Domes in October!

If we are lucky...

What's your plan??? I think I may want to head over there that Thursday when we arrive -- I also want to go look at Kidani since I never got a chance to in the summer.

Silly stubborn kiddos! Glad you enjoyed the show though! Did you get your coffee from the Royal Anandapur Tea Company? My goodness do they have good coffee/chai/tea/everything! I seriously suggest checking that one out next time if you didn't, yum! Btw, nice pool pics, looks so relaxing!

It wasn't Anandapur -- that's going on the list for next time! It was a little cart/kiosk right outside the gates of Animal Kingdom.

Very funny, CP!!

Sometimes, they just have to find out for themselves!

Great job averting the mommy meltdown on the last chapter, BTW. Relaxing at the pool sounds great, especially when the pool is so lovely!

Zebra domes are now on my list of foods to try, for sure!

Kathy

I really tried to persuade them, but they were convinced it wouldn't be bad.

I loved AKL's pool -- it was the perfect spot for relaxing!

Haa haa haa!! Too funny!!! I love how kids always think they are smarter then their parents are..... It's great when they finally realize they are not!! Love the photopass pictures!!

Thank you! I liked the PP pictures, too. Chelsea and Connor have a hard time listening to me sometimes.

I'm always the first one awake at Disney too.

Family Bug Squisher is NOT a title I would have pegged you with. Good for you.

The photopass pics are fab! You look so proud of Chelsea with Simba.

Believe it or not, I am the only one capable of saving the rest of my family from bugs! It can be quite comical at times!

Thank you! He he -- I was proud of Chelsea with Simba because I was thinking how cute I hoped it would turn out!

Oh, CP. You remind me of my Mom. If Tim & I had pulled something like that when we were younger she would still be laughing about it. She swears that we dragged her on Splash Mountain as children but I believe I was the one being dragged by her and Tim.

You tried to warn them. You have earned the right to laugh!

I plan on laughing about It's Tough to be a Bug for decades!

Too funny on the kids, well now they know ITTBAB is not on their "must do" list right?

Nope, no ITTBAB on their lists anymore. Which is kind of a shame since it is air-conditioned in there.

No Charles again, I think you need to leave him home and just take the kids yourself next time, save yourself some dough!

I agree!

And when I was there I couldn't remember where you bought that CD set, just the name of it. I looked in every gift shop we went to and couldn't find it! As we were leaving a CM at Pop told me to call the number on my receipt and they can see if it is anywhere. I have yet to do that but I want to. I have my mind set on getting this CD!

Allyson

That's too bad about the CD . It is the Four Parks One World CD. I probably have the SKU number if you want that before you call.

I love this picture...again!

'Whatever' days are nice.

Where are all the shopping pictures?

The kids were forewarned. You have every right to laugh.

I have not yet mastered the art of taking shopping pictures... Maybe that will be a goal for the next trip.

Oh CP that story of the bug's life is just too funny. I'd have to laugh too. They were properly warned!

Thanks! I about died laughing when they both curled up and hid their heads.

 

[Charleston Princess]

That Bug show is bound to provide some great memories for the kids in the years to come! I hope they have learned that you are very wise!

It will probably take a hundred more "I told you so" moments before my two realize that -- stubborn, stubborn, stubborn -- that's them!

As I sit here with a stopped up nose, cough and sneezing I soooooooo want to be in a lounge chair by that pool with an adult beverage, feeling the warm sunshine on my face. Ahhhhhhhhhh

Chelsea is once again looking tres chic in her sunglasses. The photo pass pictures are great. I'm kicking myself for forgetting about doing that with our photo pass pictures.

How are you feeling? I would love to be in a lounge chair by the pool right now, too!

I, too, never imagined you as a bug killer! You did your best to warn those silly kids that they wouldn't like ITTBAB and they didn't listen. Therefore you have every right to laugh hysterically at their fear. I wasn't sure if Hannah would like this show or not because she doesn't like spiders; other bugs aren't a problem. We all loved it!

Can't wait to hear about Dinosaur! This was my favorite ride!

I was half thinking they might be okay -- but once Hopper appeared, it was all over for both of them.

We love Dinosaur!

LOL!! Loved this update!!! I would have giggled too if they were my kids...like they say mom knows best!!!! I actually enjoy that show but for someone who hates bugs I would imagine its absolutely terrifying and no fun at all!!!

Chelsea and Connor should have known better...

Souvenir shopping...does this mean retail therapy soon....do I get to see pictures LOL!!!!

Thanks for sharing this update Jackie I loved it!

Yes, I did take pictures of all my purchases!

Oh no! I can't believe they insisted on seeing a show about creatures they're terrified of. Wait, yes I can. That's exactly the kind of thing my own kids would do! lol

Children are an enigma to me!

Did I mention that when we go down to Disney in November we'll be driving. From Nashville. Through Atlanta? ... I'm just sayin'.

Can we have a DIS meet??? Can we??? Can we???

Hi Jackie! I've been MIA - traveling again. I'm all caught up, and enjoyed your updates as usual!

The face painting is great! I loved the idea that even though it's kind of spendy, you'll have the pictures forever!

I love Basin - lots of natural stuff! I forgot to go back the last trip - Mickey soap sounds really cool. That would make great gifts to bring back.

That's so funny that the kids insisted on going to ITTBAB and then didn't like it - I can just hear it - "I told you so....when will you listen to me?"

Hi!!! Welcome back!!! Hurray for being all caught up! Actually, I didn't even verbalize the "I told you so..." I figured it went without saying at that point.

That's great! Sometimes I love those "told you so" moments

Me too!

Dinosaurs are less scary than BUGS? Can't wait for that story!

Let's face it -- my children are weird -- they hate watching a cute little show about bugs but could ride Dinosaur all day long.

It has been fantastic, I just love answering questions, I've done over 900 now

Wow! That's so neat!

Fraid not, I arrive on the Thursday and due to the time difference will be fast asleep by 9pm at the very latest, that will be 2am my time and I'll have been up early and on a plane for over 9 hours.

I would guess you will end up asleep before 9pm that first night!

I havn't managed to get my two to go to ITTBAB. We did it once when our oldest was about 2 1/2. Before the real fears emerged. That is too funny, I would have been laughing too!

I couldn't help it!

Too funny about ITTBAB. Maybe they'll grow out of their fear of insects.

Well, Charles will be 40 this year, and he still hasn't outgrown his fear.

The photopass pics are great. Love the Simba one.

Thank you!

The empty pool first thing in the morning looks wonderful! What a relaxing way to start the day.

It was a great way to start the morning.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What an adorable story! Hopefully C&C weren't too terribly traumatized! I would have been giggling too! I will say though, it was scary in there!!

Fantastic photopass pictures! Love them!!!

What a great way to start the morning - balcony, beautiful view and dessert for breakfast!

Can't wait to find out what souveniers you decided on!

 

[Charleston Princess]

This update absolutely cracked me up! I've never seen ITTBAB and I highly doubt I will, because I am terrified of a lot of bugs (especially beetles -- I'm blaming that one entirely on my dad.) My mom STILL kills the occasional bug in my room, and I recently had to have my 16 year old sister kill a big one for me, because everyone else was asleep and I couldn't sleep knowing it was there. I would have laughed, too, especially after all the warning you gave them!

Yep, Chelsea will be just like you when she is your age!

Oh my, the wee ones and Charles are afraid of bugs? Sarah, my daughter, loves bugs. In fact, come laundry day I have to check her pockets for rocks and dried up bugs. She only collects the deceased ones so I guess I should not complain too loudly.

No one in my family is a big fan of bugs -- they even tend to flinch when butterflies fly by.

Ohhh your morning seemed soo relaxing. I wish we would of had a "whatever" day. In the beginning I did have that planned but when days were shortened twice I just said forget it. hehe But its funny how just doing nothing on vacation seems fun.. even at disney world. Where you wouldn't think anyone would just want to do lounge around. hehe

We have found we have to have relaxing moments otherwise we get way too cranky...

You must be the coolest mom of all- Desserts for breakfast!!

Only on vacation -- in fact, Chelsea was trying to eat candy for breakfast just now, and I was not being a cool mom!

hahahaha thats so funny- about the show. I absolutely love that show. I'm not one for bugs but its one of my favorites. I don't like the spider part- that I kind of close my eyes for.. and the "bee sting in the back" I always sit forward. Austin said it actually hurt the first time. hehe I laughed because I didn't feel it the first time because I was sitting up. But its not bad that you laughed- you can't say you didn't warn them.

I thought it was a very cute show -- I don't think anyone will go see it with me ever again though. LOL!

I love the pics in this installment - especially the photopass pics. They turned out really well!

I love the bug story. Funny how kids just don't seem to realize that Mom ALWAYS knows best!

Looking forward to your review of dinosaur.

Thank you! Why do our children have such a hard time believing us??? LOL!

That was funny! I am the same way with my kids...you know better, but chose not to listen!!!!

Exactly -- I didn't lead them in completely unprepared.

Just had to come here and advertise my pre-trip! I hope you'll come (link is in my siggy)

I am just so excited about your upcoming stay at AKL -- it will be here before you know it!

That is too funny! Hopefully they'll actually take your advice now!

Denise

Probably not, knowing my two.

I loved that update. We have never seen that show because we don't like bugs either. I hate them, but my kids take it to a new level. Like you said, they think the smallest bug will eat them alive or something. They have never asked to see the show, but if they did and were scared, I would laugh too.

Yes, that's exactly the way my two are!!!

Love those pics. I say say laugh all you want, sometimes moms are right

Thank you! I thought the pictures turned out cute!

Oh TOOOOO TOO funny about those dang bugs!! I have to admit I was startled when they run out under the seats, and DS4 was a little scared of the bug with the tongue!!! We all like it though! I think it is so cute! Funny finny about your two, though! You the bug killer in the family...

Yep, I get to be Official Bug Killer -- even Charles yells for me.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I think it sounds like you had a fabulous morning...

1. You got to go out on your balcony at AKL-I think the pool views are fabulous-very lush and green...

2. You got a great coffee outside AKL...

3. You properly and thoroughly warned your children-they chose to doubt your wisdom...then you got the satisfaction of laughing at them when they realized they should have listened...you were a little bit evil...I LIKE IT!...

We did have a fabulous morning and luckily the kids recovered from their scare pretty quickly.

Love, love, love quiet mornings before everyone gets up! Beautiful pictures too.

I'll have to tell my husband about the coffee. He is always wanting "just another cup" so this way I can get him out the door faster on our AK days!

So funny about ITTBAB! I wish you would have gotten pictures, like you said, great info for future spouses!

Yes, the coffee at the kiosk right outside the entrance to AK is wonderful -- at least in comparison to the Nescafe at the resorts.

I hope Chelsea and Connor make sure to marry people who don't mind squishing insects.

This update will be great blackmail for later.... too bad there is not video of their actions.

Yes, definitely great blackmail for later!

I'm I the only one who finds it curious that Charles the absent wants to go on another trip? Food and wine must be a BIG draw for that guy

Love the morning pics from the balcony. I adore those moments of quiet solotude before the rest of the family wakes up!

Charles loves to eat and drink!

Thank you! Yes, I need quiet time before everyone else wakes up and is hyper.

is about all I have to say.

That and I love the coveted Simba picture and would REALLY like to be on that balcony right now, looking at the pool.

Not sure I could manage a zebra dome at 8am though!

That was my reaction, too! Thank you -- I wanted Connor to do the Simba picture as well, but he wasn't interested. Zebra domes are good at anytime of the day.

Oh CP. I noticed you did an update on 9/2 but for some reason I thought I already read it and commented. Silly me!

That's okay!

first - I love your pool pictures. I just made a shutterfly photo book with my pics and I put plenty of those same pool pics in there. I never get tired of looking at them.

I just sigh every time I look at mine.

second - I LOVE this photopass picture with simba. I think its such a cute shot, but I also think the two of you look especiallly cute. You look like a little girl - so cute.

Ah, thanks!

third - so funny about your kids and ITTBAB. My DS Brian absolutely HATES this show. Always had, always will. He closes his eyes and puts his fingers in his ears. Yeah - its that bad! Fortunately he is old enough now that he never has to endure it when the rest of us want to attend.

Brian and my two swap ITTBAB horror stories together!

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your travel experience to africa.

Africa continues to enjoy the tremendous goodwill of holidaymakers worldwide.In Africa, the best places to see wildlife is at national parks. Private game reserves are not as expansive as the publicly owned national parks. Their key selling point is the superior accommodation and ranger escorted personalized tours. The national parks on the other hand are popular with self-drive tourists. They offer accommodation in a limited number of enclosed rest-camps, in thatched rondavels, bungalows and chalets.

What a wonderful place Africa must be to visit! I would love to go there one day!

Hey Jackie! I've been reading along the whole time but not getting a chance to comment much. This last week before the start of school has been busy! (I know you started a while ago but I don't start until Tuesday!)

That's okay -- I understand only too well about craziness as school starts!

I'm not a huge fan of ITTBAB either! The first time I saw it I was 11 and was totally freaked by the bee stings and the bugs under you at the end. I don't blame the kids! But they should have listened to their mother

Unfortunately knowing my two, they won't listen the next time (about something different) either -- they are rather stubborn in that regard.

I sure as heck hope we have a balcony view in our room like yours!

What type of room view did you book?

Loved the updates. Not having internet at the house has seriously affected my ability to keep up. Brooklynn wanted to do the face painting this past time but I just don't know that she can sit still enough for that long. I would definitely make it a point to be at Toon Town rope drop so you can see Tinkerbell and her fairy friends. It was a lot of fun because the characters were so into their roles. SO funny about the kids and ITTBAB. That is how I feel it is going to be with Brooklynn when she finally gets to ride Dinosaur. We've tried to explain it is a little scary but she insists she wants to ride it and if she gets scared she will just put her head in my lap.

Hi, Jill!!! I don't think I realized you were without internet again -- how frustrating! The face painting is super fast so maybe in another year Brooklyn can sit still enough. She is going to get quite a surprise when that Dinosaur looms over her -- I bet she won't even show up in the ride photo!

What an adorable story! Hopefully C&C weren't too terribly traumatized! I would have been giggling too! I will say though, it was scary in there!!

Are you not a fan of bugs either, C? Chelsea and Connor lived through it -- I haven't seen any repercussions from it yet.

Fantastic photopass pictures! Love them!!!

Thank you!

What a great way to start the morning - balcony, beautiful view and dessert for breakfast!

Can't wait to find out what souveniers you decided on!

I wish I could start each morning off like that!

I got some good stuff...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Attempting to shake off their traumatic experience at It’s Tough to be a Bug, the kids guided our footsteps towards Dinoland. Chelsea, through much brainwashing and cajoling, convinced her sometimes timid brother to try Primeval Whirl. The wait was 40 minutes long, but Chelsea was insistent that she wanted to ride and ride right then and there.

What had worked on Aladdin’s Magic Carpet and the Tomorrowland Speedway was bound to work just as effectively on Primeval Whirl. I gave kisses to the kids and sent them on their way through the line. While I waited, I went to get Fast Passes for Dinosaur and strolled around taking pictures.

I was a little more hesitant about the kids riding this one without me, so I was pleased to see that there was a mom and a daughter riding with them.

Connor was very excited as their little ride vehicle got underway!

Connor loved Primeval Whirl and was very happy that his sister had “convinced” him to ride it.

Afterwards Connor wanted to try his hand at a couple of carnival games. I told him that he would have to spend his own money, so he decided to buy two tickets at $2.50 each. Now, perhaps I will sound contradictory since I had no problem paying $15 each for face painting, but I do think $2.50 a game is a bit of a rip-off. Connor had a grand time, though, playing a Whack the Dinosaur game and some sort of shooting game.

I was worried he would be extremely disappointed that he didn’t win any of the prizes, but he was fine with it.

Since we still had some time before our Dinosaur Fast Passes could be used, it seemed like a good idea to grab some lunch. We headed towards Restaurantosaurus.

I wonder what the neighbors would think if we did this at our house?

Cheeseburgers and root beer were enjoyed by everyone! I don’t read about a lot of people eating here, but this was our second time (we went in 2007 also), and we like it here. It’s themed like a dig camp, and there is a great fixins’ bar. Not to mention it is air-conditioned -- a huge plus at Animal Kingdom.

After lunch we rode Dinosaur -- always a great favorite in our family -- and after rescuing the iguanadon, browsed through the gift shop. Connor bought a remote control time rover vehicle which the Little Green Men would love riding in later in the day.

We strolled slowly towards Kali -- it was getting hotter and hotter by this point and took a few pictures.

Kali had a 60-minute wait, so we grabbed Fast Passes. By now, we were absolutely miserable from the heat, but I insisted we go to Africa -- I needed to make a stop at the Mombasa Marketplace.

Chelsea bought a necklace, and I bought another piece of pottery in the same line as the one I bought last year and a wooden giraffe from Kenya. Before we departed from Harambe, I had to stop and get a Lost on Safari from the Dawa Bar.

It’s my favorite drink from the trip, but it packs a punch and a half. I totally understand how it got its name -- too many of these babies, and you would be aimlessly stumbling about the African Serengeti until a lion ate you for lunch.

Chelsea modeled her gorgeous necklace from Mombasa while we rested.

The heat was literally coming off the pavement in waves so we packed it in for the day and headed back to the Lodge. Before leaving, we made several stops in the shops on Discovery Island so I could pick up a few items -- a Kikuyu (one of the native tribes in Kenya) -made Christmas ornament, an animal print Mickey head keychain, and a giraffe keychain.

Walking back to the buses, Connor said, “Mom, I don’t mean to freak you out, but I think I am hallucinating.” I told him to drink more water, and we would back at AKL soon. This was the one time the bus took FOREVER to arrive, but I honestly think it was an isolated glitch since Animal Kingdom is really only about five minutes (if that) from the hotel.

UP NEXT: Making lots of new friends at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[TarzansKat]

What a great chapter! Sounds like you had a good time strolling around and enjoying the AK while the kiddos were on Primeval Whirl.

I am over Connor hallucinating. Not because dehydration is funny, but just the choice of words. It's so important to stay hydrated in that kind of heat. And I don't know what it is, but it could be the coolest day of the entire trip and I'm always sweating to death in the AK. Such is life.

I think I missed commenting on your last chapter, not sure how. I love the picture of you and Chelsea with baby Simba. Priceless!

 

[MeMom]

I have likened being a teacher to the Whack-a-Mole game. You get one down and two more pop up. You get those down and here comes another one. Now I will have to say Whack-a-Packycephalosaur instead. Do you think I will get strange looks from my teacher friends?

Chelsea's necklace is great! Has she worn it to school? Does it give her Disney's Animal Kingdom happiness? I supposed she could say she was DAK-happy when she wears it. Do you suppose she might get strange looks from her friends if she said that?

I can see the heat on Connor's face. Too funny about the hallucinating. I'm glad he really wasn't, but that was pretty cute.

I have not eaten in Restaurantosaurus. Maybe we should do that this time, since we've done Flame Tree and Pizzafari numerous times.

The remote control rover is what Brooklynn picked as her consolation prize for not being tall enough to ride Dinosaur. She drove it all around the rooms later on! Is Connor still playing with his? I think that's an awesome souvenir!

I'm so glad we got an African Paradise update today!

 

[IluvXU]

Aaaaa a touch of AK. Looking and reading I feel hot. AK is just soo hot. I have had fine CS there, I cannot imagine not eating in the AC at AK in the summer. The Whirl is a fun ride, but we are not tall enough yet. Can't wait to see all the shopping goodies!

 

[jenjolt]

SO much to comment on...first of all Connor's comment while the situation might not be funny (dehydration never is) the way he told you is just hilarious...I have heard that laughter helps you live longer in that case...Connor is not only helping you, he's helping me LOL!!

I adore Chelsea's necklace, she just pulls that off, looks amazing on her!!! I love the colors and all of that together!!!

Ewww...to it being so hot!! But I'm glad you were able to find ways to cool down and enjoy a good drink!!!!

Looking forward to seeing how you spent your evening!!

 

[xoktenox]

What type of room view did you book?

We're staying in Kidani in a standard view...what kind of view did you book/request? I have no idea what to ask for and I'd really rather not be looking at a parking lot or something.

I've always heard AK is the hottest park so I'm not surprised how Connor may have been hallucinating! That is scary!

Glad to hear that Connor was happy he tried Primeval Whirl with a little coaxing from Chelsea. I'm sure they both enjoyed it more than ITTBAB

I've never tried eating at Restaurantasoarus. You always hear about people eating at Flame Tree or Pizzafari but I'm going to have to keep Restaurantasoarus in mind for our next trip!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

"Mom, I don't mean to freak you out but I think I'm hallucinating." That is CLASSIC!

I'm not sure if I missed it before or if this was our first peek but love Chelsea's animal print skirt. Perfect for AK! Love her necklace too. She's quite the budding fashionista!!

Lost on Safari is officially on my list. Can't wait to try it!!

Did you take pictures of the pottery you bought?

I've never been on Primeval Whirl. Am I missing anything??

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I just have to start out by saying that Chelsea's necklace is very cool! I will be looking for them in December.
Aren't you the smart one to put them in line for Primeval Whirl then head for fast passes. That is not one of my favorite rides either.
That was one of those days that the heat was intense, good choice on a lunch spot. We haven't eaten at Restaurantosaurus since it was a breakfast buffet a few years ago. I'll defiantly keep it in mind for next summer when we are seeking some air conditioning!
I hope poor Connor pulled out of his heat induced haze quickly!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Connor knows you well...."Mom I don't mean to freak you out..."

What a wonderful time at AK. I love all your shopping tales from AK. I honestly don't think I have ever bought anything but food at AK. I need to remedy that in January.

Chelsea's necklace is gorgeous! I really love it. She has great taste!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I'm amazed that Connor was such a gentleman even as he thought he was hallucinating..."Mom I don't mean to freak you out..."-just the think that every mom loves to hear......

No Primeval Whirl Jackie? No spinning and dropping and dropping and spinning...:rolleyes-wait you're a spinner...the tea cups...these are just tea cups on tracks...I think its a cute ride but I don't get the waits it gets...Emily and David both love it too...

Great Necklace on Chelsea- kind of boho chic/ethnic and fun & sophisticated all at once...it looks fab on her...


That Lost on Safari looks good...wait wh

Good Stuff...

 

[Nicole786]

What a great AK morning!! Did you ever ask Conner what he was hallucinating? Or was that just his term for how he felt?

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Jackie!! I'm all caught up!! So sorry you weren't able to meet the fairies. And I don't think my family will EVER make it to It's Tough to Be a Bug! We are ALL terrified of bugs!! YIKES!!

 

[hlrababy]

Awwww, poor Connor!!! I couldn't help but laugh at what he said though! That sounds like something Hollie would say!

I love Chelsea's necklace!!

 

[Happydog]

lots to say! Wow you do have a jam packed trip to AK and how! Such great shopping clearly! Where are our pictures??!! So that primeveal whirl was a good one -- yeah, DH did it, me, um, no. I think I have said this before, but there is a reason why Whirl and hurl rhyme ... NOT getting me on that. I only do the Tea Cups if the spinner remains "unspun"

I never understand why AK seems so much hotter... I wonder if it is because of the water? the humidity? The trees trapping the heat? Not sure... it isn't like there is more pavement, is there? Anyhow that beverage of yours looks very very good. I will be trying that in September...

 

[jenjolt]

lots to say! Wow you do have a jam packed trip to AK and how! Such great shopping clearly! Where are our pictures??!! So that primeveal whirl was a good one -- yeah, DH did it, me, um, no. I think I have said this before, but there is a reason why Whirl and hurl rhyme ... NOT getting me on that. I only do the Tea Cups if the spinner remains "unspun"

I never understand why AK seems so much hotter... I wonder if it is because of the water? the humidity? The trees trapping the heat? Not sure... it isn't like there is more pavement, is there? Anyhow that beverage of yours looks very very good. I will be trying that in September...

Whatever do you mean you'll be trying that in September