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

[MinnieNurse]

Another great update.

I love the Mickey ears, we may have to check that out in August. Your kiddos are so cute.

It amazes me how much I still learn from reading other peoples trip reports. I will have to look for that phone.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Love the designer ears! I didn't know you could do that. I can't believe Charles needed mores rest - at our house that would mean there was some kind of game on TV.

 

[TarzansKat]

Is the whole MIA Charles a recurring thing? It makes me nervous.

First off, you bring back memories of when DH and I stayed at AKL. We used to duck through the shop all the time to get to the busses. At that point in time, I loved how remote that resort was. Now, it would kill me! So I get how you feel about the MK drive. It does seem long.

I love the hats the kids made! So cute! And I'm so glad you gave a shout out to the phone. I totally forgot where it was, where I'd read about it, and now I know where to find it!

 

[MEK]

Great Mickey ears.....very original!

 

[Ohana 4]

Love your report! Signing on.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Making my own ears and talking on the phone are going on my list! I'd also love to see close-up pics of the patches. The peace, love, mickey mouse one sounds cute.

Big kudos to Connor. I'm sure he recognized the big sister powers of persuasion but decided to be a nice guy.

I am a little nervous about Charles lagging behind but traveling can be tiring (even when sleeping most of the way ) so I'm going to give him a pass. This time.

I can see how happy C & C are to be in the MK. I'm sure you were too. Can't wait to hear about dinner!

 

[Disneyvirg]

Love the ears! What a neat idea.

You know, Disney should be paying you to write your TR. You always have so many great ideas in them - I'm sure they cause Disney to make a bit more money.

June 6th - MK on travel day - Check. Can't wait to see where you ate supper. Maybe paths crossed there, too...just didn't realize it.

 

[purplepeg]

Love the ears, may have to pay a visit to the store to check it out! Can't wait for more.

 

[punkin413]

great job on the mickey ears!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, there ears turned out so cute! I remember those days when I could persuade my little brother to do anything I wanted. Sigh. Now he just scoffs at me. Tell Chelsea her days are numbered of influencing Connor.

I thought the ears were very cute! I remember those days, too, and you are right, they are sadly very numbered.

I can't believe Charles stayed back at the room! Wasn't the benadryl incident on arrival day last year? Maybe he just needs some time to decompress after traveling?

The Benedryl incident had its beginning on the first night.

He does need time to decompress and sadly, he's not a big fan of the Magic Kingdom.

Okay, so can you tell me why you waited until after I got to school today to post this????

I wanna see the pictures, but nooooooo...
I have to wait (tick tock tick tock) until I get home.

And I'm not going straight home,
because I have to go look for tennis shoes
for my trip.

I don't know what I'm gonna do with you!
First it's the submarine stuff, and now you're torturing me with pictures I can't see!
Aye-yi-yi!

How much more summer school do you have, MeMom? It should be over soon, right.

I promise to never mention submarines again -- but before I do, I have to ask -- I guess you weren't a big fan of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride?

I have a feeling we'll end up letting Brooklynn make her own ears this trip. She would love being able to create her own masterpiece!

That would be super cute! I can just see the pictures now!

What a nice brother Connor is for letting his Sissy get her hat first! I will anxiously await finding out if he got to see any Star Wars stuff later in the day or if he was just content to stay in Magic Kingdom.

I have a feeling it'll come back to haunt Chelsea someday, though. Connor will be a big old strapping boy, and he'll pick Chelsea up and swirl and twirl around the room with her, acting like he's going to bump her head into walls, and she'll be squealing.

(There is a reason I know this. Three reasons, actually. Two sons and a daughter.)

He'll remind her of that day she made him miss Star Wars stuff to go get mouse ears, and then he'll swirl and twirl faster than ever!

I love it! I can't wait until that day happens. Connor is already practicing. He will randomly come up to Chelsea and try to lift her up even though she is several inches taller than he is.

Loved update, Charles MIA already.........
The kids did a wonderful job of designing their Mickey ears. We have never done it, I hope someone wants to on our next trip! Did you take a closer shot of them, I would love to get a closer look at the patches that were added!
Can't wait to hear about the rest of your MK
I'm guessing Columbia Harbor House was your dinner destination.....and if it was I say yum!

Thank you! Yes, Charles MIA already. It became a common thing as you know.

I took some more shots this evening to post.

Too tired to go to the Magic Kingdom? What is wrong with your man?

And cool ears, they came out cute! Funny how older sisters can turn the charm on when it is something they want. I witness that as well. I have a little Miss Manipulator show up under my roof when she wants something to go her way as well! I guess someday they'll have their husbands wrapped around their fingers too.

Love the Castle shots, nothing so wonderful as seeing the Castle!

Allyson

Charles was not feeling the Disney spirit on this trip for sure.

Yes, Chelsea can turn on the charm when she wants to, and then be not so nice when she doesn't want something from her younger brother.

Saw the AKL room view pictures.....just how I thought they would look! Beautiful! But now I can't see the beanies! Oh well .... I will see them tonight. As LL would say, "Pffft".

Yes, I am still missing the pool view.

By the way, since the day you showed us your balcony view, I have thought of it every morning! I think I'll blow it up (the picture, that is ) and put it outside my sliding glass doors!

Next year, we're planning to do the two days on the end at a deluxe again, and I'll probably be requesting a view that looks just like that one!

Ever since you suggested that when I look out my sliding glass doors in the kitchen I imagine seeing that pool view!

I definitely think you should get a pool view next year -- I have been looking at the website and it is only a few dollars more than the standard view. So worth it in my opinion.

I don't think I've ever had super duper big sister powers over my brother. He definitely had powers over me. We'd always end up doing what he wanted to do. Probably because the Libra in me caves really easy.

Their ears are adorable, I love that they were able to make ones perfect for them.

Good thing Charles didn't drive, you might have never got him out of the room on your vacation.

Chelsea is a Cancer -- those water signs can be stubborn.

No kidding about what would have happened if Charles had driven.

Love the MM ears! I think that I will have to get them for mine in September!!! Good going, Chelsea--those negotiating skills will come in handy when you get older!!!

Thank you! They had so many cute styles to choose from. If I didn't look so dopey in hats of any sort, I would have made a pair for myself.

Jackie!! Oh my...how do I love those Mickey ears...I meant to do that on my last trip and just didn't get around to it. Connor's are fabulous I love them, tell him I said he has great taste LOL! Chelsea's are very nicely done too! Hmmm....maybe Charles does just need some time to decompress after traveling..I found that I need some of that time too when I'm in the car for that long!

Can't wait to find out what you guys did for dinner!! Disney food makes me happy LOL!

Thank you! Yes, you should definitely do them on your next trip -- they are so fun to make!

Disney food makes me happy too! I wish I could have it everyday!

Great update! Those Mickey ears are so cute. Chelsea and Connor have great personalities...just like their Mother!!!!

Okay, could you keep the updates coming until I leave next week??????

Thank you! We like to have fun!

I will probably update at least twice more before you leave! I can't update too much or you won't get your packing done.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I can't believe your DH stayed in the room. I must never let my Dh read this otherwise he will want to stay back too!

I looked in the design your own hat shop. It is very cute. Glad the kids enjoyed making them and enjoyed wearing them.

Nope, don't let him read it. It might start a bad trend.

The shop is very cute -- I am glad it wasn't crowded in there at the time, because it is very small.

What a fun hat-making experience! And Connor is such a sweetie for letting his sister choose the hats first...it looks like they made some really good ones! I think I might have to add that to our "to-do" list for the kiddies this time around - they would LOVE that!

It was a lot of fun! The kids really got into making them.

I was laughing b/c Chelsea sounds just like my Lauren and her brother too.... cute hats, we'll have to do that next time, but not sure how long they would actually wear them around.. Did they wear them alot?

Yes, older sisters and younger brothers -- it seems to be common for the older sister to be a bit controlling.

Chelsea thought she would wear hers a lot, but she said it was very hot, and the only time they wore them was that night. It makes a cute souvenir though.

I'm in!

Your drive story is a riot but wow you handle it with a lot more grace than I would! Of course I make my DH drive...I hate to drive and avoid it when possible. That said, I'd never fall asleep, cardinal rule of the co-pilot (unless it's an overnight thing and we are doing shifts lol).

AKL is gorgeous, as is your family, love the pics (and your t!). I always toy with staying there but worry about the distance.

The make your own ears are fabulous! Maybe next trip..... Looking forward to more!

I was just excited to be headed to WDW -- I am not always so graceful on drives. HA HA!

Thank you! The distance wasn't bad at all! Magic Kingdom felt farther away, but that's just because Animal Kingdom was so close, and Epcot and DHS were pretty close as well.

The ears were very fun to design.

They must have some different beanie choices since we made ours last year. I really like both of them your kids chose! I got the same fireworks ears and both of my boys picked the mickey one Connor got.

I didn't think the prices were really too bad which surprised me. I think we ended up paying around 45 dollars for all 4 of ours, the prices must have gone up some (big surprise!)

Hmm, lunch...my guess is Pecos Bills or CHH based on the direction you are headed

They had lots of choices of beanies -- I should have taken a picture of them, but I am easily distracted. LOL.

I didn't think the price was bad at all -- I could see it adding up with more patches, but the kids did pretty good. I didn't have to rein them in too much.

Pretty good guess...

love the update--
both sets of ears are adorable
thanks for the inside info of making them

Thank you! I figured I would be as specific as I could in case others were interested in doing it.

Those ears are great! Tell them they did an awesome job!

Thank you! I will be sure to pass along the compliments. They will be pleased.

I love the ears.

Thank you!

Oooh, love the ears! This is only the 2nd time I've heard of such a thing! The only ears I think I have are those hard plastic minnie ones that you got back in the 90's that kinda looks like a headband but it's really thick and hurts your head! I may have to head over there on our next trip and create my own!

You should -- it is a neat activity. Chelsea loves Mickey ears. She has a set of pirate ears and some pumpkin ears from previous trips.

I love doing the custom ears! I forgot to mention that in my TR but the ears I have on in the coming chapters I did at the Chateau (no customization just engraving) it took forever! They messed it up the first time and we had to come back later for them

I will have to watch for your ears in the coming chapters. That would have been frustrating to have to come back for them -- it wasn't too bad of a wait since we were playing with the phone to pass the time.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I knew the ears were more powerful than the force!! They did a great job picking out their ears. I especially like the "Peace, Love and Mickey Mouse" that Chelsea got. That would have been perfect on the tie-dye ears!

Love the castle pics. You got a good one of the line for Tinkerbell!

I'm sensing that Charles is going to have a long decompression time after the strenous drive down.

At Disney apparently the ears are more powerful. LOL!

Chelsea was so excited to find that patch -- she is definitely my hippie child.

Thank you! I love that castle!

You may be sensing correctly.

Awww love the Mickey ears!! Making your own and getting to personalize them is really such a great idea. Like you said, it lets the kids be able to make them according to their own personalities. Really cute.

I'm a little disapointed I lost the DHS or MK contest though I thought Connor would want DHS!

Thank you! I was very surprised that Connor gave into his sister -- I really thought he would insist on DHS.

Well... can't say as I blame Chelsa! It just seems like making personalized Mickey ears is such a perfect way to start a Disney vacation!! They both look great!

Kathy

I thought so, too. That's why I left it up to Connor to decide because I knew I would side with Chelsea. LOL!

I followed along on ur ptr and am now playing catch up!

Glad to have you here! The second post has links to the updates so you can bypass the chatter if you want to do so.

Great update Jackie. The ears ROCK!! I truly understand Chelsea's thought process, it is nice to have them for ALL the pictures........but poor, poor Conner.......all that "pressure"!! I am sure he wanted his ears too, but to have to make the decision SWW or MK for ears........and then to have his big sister working on him, while having to decide........poor, poor Connor!!!

I agree with many others that have posted, one day she will pay.......well, I don't guess my two older sisters ever paid, but we do laugh about how they treated me back then!!!

They seem like well rounded, fun loving, smart youngen's and I am glad that you are able to share such Magical moments with them! I am sure that years from now, they will be sitting around your dinning room table and will look over at you and say........Mom, remember that time we were at Disney and you let us make our own ears, that was sooooooo much fun, Thank You!!! Of course, Connor by that time, with years and years of family experiences behind him, will likely add to the conversation, yeah, but I really wanted to go to DHS for SWW, but NOOOOOOOOOO, we had to have our ears FIRST!!!! We never got to do what I wanted to do first.......we had to always do what Chelsea wanted to do FIRST!!!!! Then you will try to remind him, that it was "his" choice........to which (because of his love for you) he will simply say, you know I am getting tired, I think I am going to turn in for the evening........night all, see you in the morning and I love you!!! and you likely will reply..........REALLY?????

Thanks! Yep, I am pretty sure that is how it will all go down because I can just hear Connor saying those things -- especially the "Noooooo, we had to have our ears first..." because he already says things like that all the time.

Now ummmmmmmmm, ummmmmmm, as far as my new Buddy Charles....let's see, he had gone out really late the night before to save an early morning stop before you even got out of town, so we know he didn't get much sleep the night before leaving for Disney .............we also know that he did wake up BEFORE you got to Florida, which tells us his "nap" on the way to The World was interrupted and not as good as it usually is apparently? ..........then after nearing the world, he wakes up and immediately attempts to FOCUS (which is hard to do, after just waking up.....) on getting good pictures for everyone of that marvelous sign. He isn't able to fall back asleep, because by then everyone else is wired and you begin pointing out each and every sign on the way to AKL..........then he (no wait.........was it the TWO of you that went to unload the vehicle, while Chelsea and Connor watched the t.v.?? HUMMMMM.......I won't let Wigd. talk to Tracy, but would you mind spending a few minutes on the phone with my precious bride to tell her how to be such a wonderful wife????? )......anyway, surely he toted the HEAVY stuff?? Which can be very tiring!!! So, it was kind of understandable that he needed some rest........I have also already learned about his attention to detail (I mean he was persistent in getting you to slow down for that picture), so, he really probably wanted to lag behind to make sure that EVERY LAST DETAIL was perfect in your DREAM RESORT and UPGRADED ROOM, for you, before you really had a chance to give it the once over!!! Now isn't that sweet of him???

I can maybe possibly agree with everything up to the point where we "unloaded" the car. Bell services did that and bell services brought all of our luggage to our room. The only thing Charles had to do was tip them and say, "Thank you." Now I suppose, maybe, that could have been enough on top of all the other stuff to just clean wear the poor guy out. Maybe...

I love the ears!! What a fun way to start the trip! But what's up with Charles? How could he pass up a trip to MK?!?!

Thanks! Don't be fooled -- Charles can always pass up a trip to MK -- especially knowing his beloved Space Mountain was closed for a refurb.

Connor is such a kind little brother. I guarantee my son Dimitri would never choose ears over SW. Connor rocks! I love the ears they chose to make. How fun to personalize them like that. My dh would also totally pull a "Charles" and stay in the room. In fact, he's not even going on our December trip because he has no interest in WDW. He should be arrested for saying such things!

I was very surprised that Connor passed up SWW for ears.

I think Charles is trying to get left home on the next trip to WDW.

Great update CP. That was very sweet of Connor. Love their ears. We'll have to check in on the Chapeau next time we are in MK.

Thank you! Yes, definitely check out the Chapeau -- Grace should have her first mouse ears, I think.

Alrighty all caught up. Oh boy Charles...Congrats on the upgrade! We also made cute ears-very fun!

Hurray! It was so fun to make unique ears, wasn't it?

Ok so I just found your review, I have read the entire thing and I am laughing so hard I am crying and my associates think I am nuts!

Nicki!!! Oh, I am so excited you are here!!!

Don't worry -- my co-workers sometimes come in and wonder why I am looking at pictures of food when I am reading one of your TRs.

Your munchkins are too cute!

Thank you! They keep us busy, that's for sure!

Your DH must be related to mine, I do the driving while he sleeps and plays with the radio...granted it is just 3 hours but still! And for some weird reason I want to get to WDW as soon as possible, but safely, and think that I can make it there in less than the 3 hours it takes (every single trip I think this and am shocked when it is still 3 hours) and DH says "whats the hurry, WDW will still be there when we arrive! Now if he drove it would take twice as long! I even fight him on potty breaks, I make him into a child and ask if he can hold it So he knows, no drinking on the ride up! And then when we do get to the resort I am pumped with energy and want to go go go and he wants to NAP! Hel-lo you were just sleeping for 3 hours already!

I love it!!! I am going to start limiting stops as well!

I can relate too about the driving in the rain, it isnt me I am worried about it is the other knuckle heads that drive fast in blinding rain with bald tires! And in FL the roads are like slick and hydroplaning is common!

Amen! I totally agree about the knuckleheads -- they always want to drive much too fast here in Georgia as well!

Glad you loved the AKL...cannot wait to read more and more and more, live through your report! Even though we were there the same time, but sadly we missed ya!

We did love it! I am trying to figure out a way to get back there as soon as possible!

Do you know as soon as I got home one of the first things I had to do was finish your TR to see what I had missed?

Oh and bring on the food!

I haven't quite mastered the art of photographing my food, but I did get quite a few shots of my favorite things -- mostly desserts and drinks.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Those Mickey ears are just THE CUTEST!!!!!!!!!!

My! I thought they did this at DTD, not MK, for some reason... wow! That is all I have to say, I am sure it is GREAT fun... I might have to take my boys to do this, too! AND $40.00 for two? Not bad...

I did laugh that DH decided that after sleeping in the car he had to "rest"

It is funny how olders sibs can "convince" younger ones.... though the convincing I usually see (and I am sure you do, too) includes one sitting on the other till they give in...

Great post! Gotta go remind myself where you were scheduled to eat dinner on this first night!

Thank you! Yep, the ears are at MK and the design your own shirts is at DTD.

Charles is such a lightweight at Disney.

That's the nice thing about having a girl and a boy -- the physical "convincing" is quite as bad.

We weren't scheduled anywhere -- we always do CS the first night...

What cute ears! What a great way to start a Disney experience! I love that Chelsea wanted the ears first just for the photos. Is she a scrapbooker? What a sweetie for Connor to let his sister go first!

Chelsea's not a scrapbooker -- just a big ham when there is a camera around. LOL!

Those ears are so cool!! I want some. Hmmm...I should see if I can find out where to do them at DL next month.

Great update! Charles was tired. This is sure to be an interesting trip report with him around....

Do they have a Chapeau at Disneyland on their Main Street? You should totally make your own.

Charles always provides comic relief of some sort. LOL!

All caught up! Good stuff! Your writing is great! Can't wait for more!

Love the Mickey Ears!

Thank you so much! I love their Mickey ears as well. We need to go back soon so they can get some more use out of them.

We are so doing the make your own ears next time - love it!
I'm staying tuned to see if your DH ever leaves the room...

Yes, making those ears was one of the highlights of the trip -- we had lots of highlights, but that ranked right up there.

Yes, definitely stay tuned.

Your DD sounds just like my oldest DS. He can get his sister to do just about anything. Kids...

The ears turned out real cute. The cost isn't so bad either. I thought personalization was more like $5-$6. Good to know it's only $3. I might have the kids names put on their hats next time.

If I remember correctly there were different tiers of embroidering with different prices -- Chelsea chose the traditional which was only $3 -- I think some of the others were more expensive.

Well, the "true" explanation, might sort of be like one of those Hidden Mickey's you can sometimes find at Disney World. Might I suggest you "read" the paragraph, above the paragraph that offered my "lame" excuse for my new buddy Charles?? It appears to me, that maybe Conner is experiencing what many of us "men" learn during the early years of our lives, just as Conner is learning right now!!! Women do indeed rule the WORLD and not just the one in Orlando!! They have many ways of controlling us and we haven't learned yet, how to win "very" often, so, sometimes we just need an escape.......sleep, or even the closed eyes-pretend we are asleep version, can sometimes bring us much needed relief!!!

Does that also include the no-response when we are talking to the husband and he is watching television?

Another great update.

I love the Mickey ears, we may have to check that out in August. Your kiddos are so cute.

It amazes me how much I still learn from reading other peoples trip reports. I will have to look for that phone.

Thank you!

Yes, pick up the phone and listen -- it is very amusing.

Love the designer ears! I didn't know you could do that. I can't believe Charles needed mores rest - at our house that would mean there was some kind of game on TV.

Thank you! Yes, I think they started the custom ears recently -- I don't think they were doing it last year when we went.

Is the whole MIA Charles a recurring thing? It makes me nervous.

It should be making you nervous. LOL!

First off, you bring back memories of when DH and I stayed at AKL. We used to duck through the shop all the time to get to the busses. At that point in time, I loved how remote that resort was. Now, it would kill me! So I get how you feel about the MK drive. It does seem long.

It really wasn't too bad -- it didn't seem that far later in the week once we knew what to expect.

I love the hats the kids made! So cute! And I'm so glad you gave a shout out to the phone. I totally forgot where it was, where I'd read about it, and now I know where to find it!

I remembered Heidi talking about it in her trip report and telling us we should pick it up and listen.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great Mickey ears.....very original!

Thank you! I had to hold myself back from telling Connor to put matching ears on his.

Love your report! Signing on.

Thank you so much!

Making my own ears and talking on the phone are going on my list! I'd also love to see close-up pics of the patches. The peace, love, mickey mouse one sounds cute.

Yes, I think you would have fun making your own ears. We saw lots of stuff with the Peace, Love, and Mickey Mouse logo over the course of the week.

I took some pictures to post of the hats.

Big kudos to Connor. I'm sure he recognized the big sister powers of persuasion but decided to be a nice guy.

Connor is sometimes too nice to his sister, but this time it fit in with what I wanted to do as well. LOL!

I am a little nervous about Charles lagging behind but traveling can be tiring (even when sleeping most of the way ) so I'm going to give him a pass. This time.

Better get a stack of passes -- Charles lags behind all week long.

I can see how happy C & C are to be in the MK. I'm sure you were too. Can't wait to hear about dinner!

We were so happy to be there! It was relatively uncrowded as well which is always a plus!

Love the ears! What a neat idea.

Thank you! I had read about it on several TRs before we went.

You know, Disney should be paying you to write your TR. You always have so many great ideas in them - I'm sure they cause Disney to make a bit more money.

I would gladly accept trips with deluxe hotel stays as payment from Disney.

June 6th - MK on travel day - Check. Can't wait to see where you ate supper. Maybe paths crossed there, too...just didn't realize it.

Wouldn't that be funny?

Love the ears, may have to pay a visit to the store to check it out! Can't wait for more.

You should definitely take a peek into the store -- it's very cute and leads into the Confectionary.

great job on the mickey ears!

Thank you! The kids enjoyed making them!

 

[Charleston Princess]

For those who wanted to see the Ears in more detail:

Connor did not want his name embroidered on the back of his ears, so he just did the three patches.

 

[Blesseddaddy]

Does that also include the no-response when we are talking to the husband and he is watching television?

, NO, of course NOT...........now what did you ask?? I didn't really hear what you said, but I am sure that the answer must be NO, of course NOT!!! Or if you prefer.......yes, yes, of course YOU are RIGHT!!!!!

 

[micandminforever]

Thanks for the close up photos of the mickey ears. They did a great job putting the caps together. I look forward to the dining report.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

For those who wanted to see the Ears in more detail:

Connor did not want his name embroidered on the back of his ears, so he just did the three patches.

Those are officially too cute! Chelsea's are just perfect for her!
I love that Connor has Goofy right where his name could have gone!

 

[jordanyosh]

All I gotta say about the custom ears...Cha ching. People were saying that[s not alot of money....but they have to look at the price of regular ears...prolly half that...Disney merchandisers...genius!!!!!!! What a great idea. Just suprised it wasn't thought of sooner.

The hats are great!

My older brother used to get me to spend my whole allowance buying albums HE wanted...how does that happen?

 

[MeMom]

How much more summer school do you have, MeMom? It should be over soon, right.

I promise to never mention submarines again -- but before I do, I have to ask -- I guess you weren't a big fan of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride?

That would be super cute! I can just see the pictures now!

I love it! I can't wait until that day happens. Connor is already practicing. He will randomly come up to Chelsea and try to lift her up even though she is several inches taller than he is.



Ever since you suggested that when I look out my sliding glass doors in the kitchen I imagine seeing that pool view!

I definitely think you should get a pool view next year -- I have been looking at the website and it is only a few dollars more than the standard view. So worth it in my opinion.

I only have two days left! It has really gone by quickly - the second week was the only one that seemed to sort of drag along.

How about when you want to talk about you-know-whats, you do that highlight writing that is invisible unless you scroll over it?
Everyone else can read about those submersive tubes of death disguised as a happy Disney ride all they want, and I never have to see it.

I am neither a fan of the former ride, nor a fan of remembering the former ride. I did ride the former ride, where I am sure I came quite close to DEATH!

Yeah, I'm 99% sure a Brooklynn-created ears hat will be on our agenda. We might even do that the first day, since we'll be going to Magic Kingdom to eat at Crystal Palace. We can get a Fastpass for something, since it'll be midday when we get there, see the parade, eat at Crystal Palace, make a hat, ride our ride, do whatever else we decide, and then head back to the room for a reasonably bedtime, since we will have been on a 6:30 a.m. flight.

Both of your kids did a great job with the ear choosing, by the way. They are both very cute. (Your kids and the hats! )

One of those times Connor tries to pick Chelsea up, he's going to amaze both of them by accomplishing it. After he realizes he can do it, you will find him practicing often, much to Chelsea's dismay.

I will surely try and save all the money I can to have such a nice AK view! I need about three more jobs to do everything I need and want to do.