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

[cjackearl]

Thank you! Okay, I wasn't sure there was a place at DtD or not...did all three of your children make ears?

Only the girls made ears. Ian had zero interest, probably because he had found out he could play in the fountain already.

 

[brookelizabeth]

The ears are really cute! What a clever idea. I think I have to agree with Chelsea on this being the perfect way to start the vacation--but poor Connor on missing all the Star Wars stuff!!! I hope he wasn't too disappointed later...

And Charles enjoying those AKL pillows already...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love love love the view! What a sight. It spoils you, we had that kind of upgrade at WL. The kids ears were cute. I loved looking at them at the store in DTD. We did not make any though... Emily would have loved that!

It was quite the sight and totally unexpected! I am so completely spoiled now that I can't wait to get back!

Thanks! There is always next time for the ears, right?

Only the girls made ears. Ian had zero interest, probably because he had found out he could play in the fountain already.

Connor naturally gravitated towards the fountains as well! Even now that we are back home, I am still catching him -- we were at my MIL's the other day and she had the sprinklers on -- guess who was soaking wet when it was time to come home?

The ears are really cute! What a clever idea. I think I have to agree with Chelsea on this being the perfect way to start the vacation--but poor Connor on missing all the Star Wars stuff!!! I hope he wasn't too disappointed later...

And Charles enjoying those AKL pillows already...

Thank you! Our Magic Kingdom evening with ears, dinner, and lots of rides was the perfect way to start off the vacation. He wasn't disappointed at all since we headed to DHS on Tuesday for a full day.

Yes, Charles seems to think vacations are for relaxing.

 

[shebaxric]

Hi Jackie!
I found your TR from brookelizabeth and onetreehill's TR's. It sounds like an interesting trip from the very beginning! In my house, the driving rolls are reversed. I sleep while my DH drives. I hope your husband Charles doesn't sleep for the entire trip! Just missing out on those ears would've woken me up! How adorable are those, BTW? I hope they have them in adult sizes when I go in November!

You are a woman after my own heart! I love love love AKL! I've never stayed there, but it is my ultimate resort to stay at. A savannah view, waking up to animals every morning, my idea of heaven on earth! I am truly enjoying your report, keep up the good work!

 

[MinnieNurse]

Just checking in to see whats going on. I showed DS 10 the make your own ears and he is really excited. We have been 5 times and never bought a pair of ears. I know, can you believe it. DH even asked the other day why we had never bought a pair.

DS might be a little disappointed. He started going off on how he was going to do a pirate hat with a Darth Vadar something or another coming down over his face. I told him that may not be an option, but he said its make your own ears so I can make it however I want.

 

[MagicShell]

I just caught up on your report. Building Mickeys ears looks like fun. I am curious to see why your husband will be missing a lot.

 

[sarahcor]

I just found your report and spent most of my work day reading your previous reports. I really like your storytelling, can't wait for the next installment!

 

[MeMom]

I just found your report and spent most of my work day reading your previous reports. I really like your storytelling, can't wait for the next installment!

Oh, no, another newcomer hooked and ruined!

CP, you are responsible for so many people around the country falling down on the job. The whole labor/production force of America has probably been changed by your reports!

I, however, am finished with summer school and have no work obligations for the rest of the evening, so feel free to put up as many AKL pictures as you want, or anywhere in WDW pictures, or tell Chelsea and Connor stories...just whatever.

sarahcor, welcome to the DIS family!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh, no, another newcomer hooked and ruined!

CP, you are responsible for so many people around the country falling down on the job. The whole labor/production force of America has probably been changed by your reports!

I, however, am finished with summer school and have no work obligations for the rest of the evening, so feel free to put up as many AKL pictures as you want, or anywhere in WDW pictures, or tell Chelsea and Connor stories...just whatever.

sarahcor, welcome to the DIS family!

LOL MeMom, it was CP that hooked me in a year ago........
Yes saracor, welcome to the DIS!

 

[MegansMom]

Loved the ears---they look so cute!!!

What is up with Charles staying back at the hotel?!?!?!? PFFFFTTTT!!! MEN!

 

[MEK]

Oh CP....

I had to pop over here to tell you I LOVED every single one of the comments you just left on my TR! Especially the one about you obnoxiously pointing to the AKL sign (while driving)!

Between my TR and your TR I am not going to get a thing done this weekend!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi Jackie!
I found your TR from brookelizabeth and onetreehill's TR's. It sounds like an interesting trip from the very beginning! In my house, the driving rolls are reversed. I sleep while my DH drives. I hope your husband Charles doesn't sleep for the entire trip! Just missing out on those ears would've woken me up! How adorable are those, BTW? I hope they have them in adult sizes when I go in November!

Glad you came over! He doesn't sleep the entire time, I promise.

Never fear -- they do have the ears in adult sizes!

You are a woman after my own heart! I love love love AKL! I've never stayed there, but it is my ultimate resort to stay at. A savannah view, waking up to animals every morning, my idea of heaven on earth! I am truly enjoying your report, keep up the good work!

I fell in love the minute we walked into the lobby in 2007. I vowed I would stay there someday and with the 4/3 deal we were able to do so.

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

Just checking in to see whats going on. I showed DS 10 the make your own ears and he is really excited. We have been 5 times and never bought a pair of ears. I know, can you believe it. DH even asked the other day why we had never bought a pair.

Nothing much going on over here -- I will update this weekend though.

Chelsea has a thing for ears and often if she gets something, Connor wants to follow suit.

I do think every family should have a pair of ears.

DS might be a little disappointed. He started going off on how he was going to do a pirate hat with a Darth Vadar something or another coming down over his face. I told him that may not be an option, but he said its make your own ears so I can make it however I want.

Sadly, there are no Star Wars patches, but there are LOTS of different pirate patches and such, so hopefully your DS will be happy with his choices.

I just caught up on your report. Building Mickeys ears looks like fun. I am curious to see why your husband will be missing a lot.

Hurray for being caught up -- just in time for the weekend update!

Charles is not a big Disney fan and while he tries to pretend, sometimes he just can't seem to show much interest.

I just found your report and spent most of my work day reading your previous reports. I really like your storytelling, can't wait for the next installment!

to both the DIS and my trip report! I am so flattered that you read my stuff for most of the day! That makes me feel so good!

The next installment will be up this weekend!

Oh, no, another newcomer hooked and ruined!

You know one of my friends claims the DIS is a cult -- but at least we drink our kool-aid with a Mickey-shaped straw!

CP, you are responsible for so many people around the country falling down on the job. The whole labor/production force of America has probably been changed by your reports!

Mild-mannered teacher on the outside -- diabolical Disney brainwasher on the inside.

I, however, am finished with summer school and have no work obligations for the rest of the evening, so feel free to put up as many AKL pictures as you want, or anywhere in WDW pictures, or tell Chelsea and Connor stories...just whatever.

Oh, I have Chelsea and Connor stories for the next installment and some of your favorite little goodies! I am hoping to beat the rest of the family awake tomorrow morning and update. The pictures are ready to go!

sarahcor, welcome to the DIS family!

Yes, Sarahcor, welcome! We have a lot of fun around here!

LOL MeMom, it was CP that hooked me in a year ago........

Was this before or after you bought DVC?

Loved the ears---they look so cute!!!

What is up with Charles staying back at the hotel?!?!?!? PFFFFTTTT!!! MEN!

Thank you!

Sometimes Charles is an enigma even to me...

Oh CP....

I had to pop over here to tell you I LOVED every single one of the comments you just left on my TR! Especially the one about you obnoxiously pointing to the AKL sign (while driving)!

Between my TR and your TR I am not going to get a thing done this weekend!

Mary Ellen, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your updates today -- I just love seeing and reading anything to do with AKL and the story of traveling with all those boys is bound to be good!

Ever since I discovered the DIS, I am not nearly as productive as I used to be.

 

[Nicole786]

Had to come here and share the news, we upgraded my birthday trip to the AKL! I cant wait im so excited!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Had to come here and share the news, we upgraded my birthday trip to the AKL! I cant wait im so excited!!

Hurray!!! That is so awesome!!!

Who is going with you on your birthday trip this year?

 

[jenharring]

I am! Anytime you want to chat about the weather, feel free to PM me!

DFi and I drove down to WDW last December from MA. That was a haul. He drove the whole way but he likes driving too!

Oh my I didnt realize you were, my husband would have a ball talking with you. His favorite channel is the weather channel. He once told me if they dont have the weather channel I cant to. Lol He has watched since he was about 3 or 4, like it more than cartoons and now our 7 yr old is talking a liking to it.
It took you 8 hrs and it only took us 6 1/2 to 7 hrs. By the way what day are you leaving to come to charleston next week. We leave Thursday morning to head to GA, eatonton to be exact.
Ok now I'm waiting for the next update.

 

[MeMom]

You know one of my friends claims the DIS is a cult -- but at least we drink our kool-aid with a Mickey-shaped straw!

Mild-mannered teacher on the outside -- diabolical Disney brainwasher on the inside.


Oh, I have Chelsea and Connor stories for the next installment and some of your favorite little goodies! I am hoping to beat the rest of the family awake tomorrow morning and update. The pictures are ready to go!


Yes, Sarahcor, welcome! We have a lot of fun around here!

Ever since I discovered the DIS, I am not nearly as productive as I used to be.

I've heard the cult theory, too. I'm not buying it.

Teacher/Disney brainwasher - I think I may fit into that category, as well. Twice in the past eight days I have gotten e-mails from other teachers about help with Disney plans, and another teacher who was at summer school wanted information about helping her plan a couples trip.

This day is going to be a good one - Connor and Chelsea stories and little bites of delight!

Had to come here and share the news, we upgraded my birthday trip to the AKL! I cant wait im so excited!!

Congratulations, Nicole!

 

[Happydog]

Okay, I will be checking in on the DIS this week while we are gone, so I will be looking for that update!!!

But at least it will be DISNEY popcorn

 

[Charleston Princess]

It took you 8 hrs and it only took us 6 1/2 to 7 hrs. By the way what day are you leaving to come to charleston next week. We leave Thursday morning to head to GA, eatonton to be exact.
Ok now I'm waiting for the next update.

We are leaving Friday!

I've heard the cult theory, too. I'm not buying it.

I am not either -- cults are never this much fun!

Teacher/Disney brainwasher - I think I may fit into that category, as well. Twice in the past eight days I have gotten e-mails from other teachers about help with Disney plans, and another teacher who was at summer school wanted information about helping her plan a couples trip.

This day is going to be a good one - Connor and Chelsea stories and little bites of delight!

Isn't it fun to help others plan?

Update coming within the hour!

Okay, I will be checking in on the DIS this week while we are gone, so I will be looking for that update!!!

But at least it will be DISNEY popcorn

Have a magical time, Happydog!!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!! I just know it is going to be fabulous!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Making Ears: Check.

Gazing at the Castle and Snapping Photos of It: Check.

Next stop: Dinner.

Connor had wanted to eat at El Pirata y el Perico, but it had closed at 4:00 so we had two choices: Pecos Bill's or Columbia Harbor House. Connor wanted Pecos Bill's, but Chelsea and I wanted to try Columbia Harbor House. I have always read great things about it and really wanted to give it a whirl. Off we went to Liberty Square.

I don't think well on my feet -- I have to have time to mull over my choices which I guess is why I spend months perusing menus to decide what I will order ahead of time. I thought I knew what I wanted at Columbia Harbor House.

It wasn't busy in there at all, so we went straight to the CM to order. This is where the trouble began.

First, Connor turns ten in September, so he is right at the end of having to order off the kids' menus. Since we were on the Dining Plan, he had to -- this was the first of many times when he would express his displeasure at having to do so, and let's face it -- the kids' menus at Disney are abysmal. Connor was standing there reading off his choices: Garden Salad with Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, or Peanut Butter and Jelly.

Connor: I guess I will just get the Peanut Butter and Jelly. Massive Sigh.

Chelsea wanted the Chicken Nuggets and Fish Basket. Then, it was my turn. I am looking at the menu and can almost hear the seconds ticking away. Aghhhh, what to get???

I look down at the kids perhaps hoping for divine inspiration to strike and notice Connor is covering his mouth and nose.

Me: What are you doing?
Connor: (in a strangled whisper) It stinks in here. You know I don't like the way fish smells!

I grew up on the coast -- I will eat anything that ever swam in the ocean. Being Southern, I prefer that it is deep fried with a side of cole slaw and hush puppies. Heaven! Where Connor has developed his dislike of the way fish smells is beyond me since Charles is also a big fan of seafood. I can't blame his daddy for that one. It is also unfathomable to me because Connor loves fish sticks which, in my opinion, are just nasty. Breaded pieces of minced fish meat. Yick!

So, I am standing in line trying to decide what to order and there is Connor doing his, "It smells!" routine beside me.

I flake -- deep within the reaches of my subconscious I knew I wanted the Anchors Aweigh sandwich, but in the heat of the moment I ordered the Fried Fish Basket.

Connor: Agghh! Why are you ordering fish??? You know I can't stand the smell!

Me: I am not going to choose my dinner by your likes and dislikes, Connor.

I hand over my KTTW card, and we move up to the pick-up counter.

Connor has moved from simply covering his mouth and nose to dry retching. Dry retching! In a restaurant!

I am stumped. I have no idea how to deal with this as a parent.

Do I ignore it pretending that the child beside me is acting completely normal?

Do I stoop down and whisper sternly to him? (This approach does not generally work well with Connor who typically bursts into tears at being scolded.)

I have no idea what to do. I look around again hoping for another inspiration and spy the condiments station.

Me: Chelsea and Connor, go get napkins, straws, and ketchup. (I am hoping the distraction takes Connor's mind off his melodramatics, and it does, thank goodness.)

We got our food and went upstairs where there are only two other families eating. Chelsea and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal -- I had gotten the apple pie/crisp for dessert, and it was very good. Connor, unfortunately, was so not impressed with his peanut butter and jelly -- it was a Smuckers Uncrustable, and he said it was horrible. Luckily Chelsea shared her chicken nuggets with him, he ate a bunch of my french fries, and then finished off Chelsea's chocolate cake. Starvation of the 10-year-old is diverted!

After dinner, it was time for rides! One of our goals for this trip was to try some stuff that we had never done. The kids spotted the Liberty Belle Riverboat so that is where we headed first. It is a really relaxing and neat ride. It was very cool to see Frontierland and Liberty Square from the water.

Next was one of mine and Connor's favorite rides! The Haunted Mansion!

These photos were taken from the Liberty Belle:

Chelsea has always been my fearless rider of all thrill rides, but for some reason she HATES the Haunted Mansion. I keep hoping she will outgrow it, but it hasn't happened yet. She gripped my hand so hard during the Stretching Room and all through the ride that I couldn't feel it afterwards. In the Doom Buggy she was also gripping Connor's hand on her other side. I think his was numb afterwards, too.

Before we left Liberty Square, the kids wanted pictures by the Liberty Bell and in the stockade.

While we walked through Frontierland, Connor took one look at Splash Mountain and said he wasn't up for it that night. Okay, I figured I wouldn't push it although I was dying to go see my pal, Brer Rabbit. Onward to Adventureland!

We grabbed Fast Passes for the Jungle Cruise, and Connor and Chelsea wanted to explore the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Up and up and up we climbed, and down and down and down we descended. Next, we rode Pirates of the Caribbean and when we exited that ride, we saw a rainbow! How perfect! A rainbow on our first night at WDW!

The kids wanted to ride the Magic Carpets, but I wasn't feeling it, so I put them in line (this was the first trip where I felt comfortable doing that), and went around to the exit to wait for them. I was hoping to get some pictures, but they kept the carpet too high during their ride.

We were all feeling pretty thirsty at this point, so we stopped at Sunshine Tree Terrace and bought a root beer float to share. Chelsea somehow managed to get it in her hair and on her hands. I swear, that child has the worst luck with root beer floats at the Magic Kingdom. We had to stop in a restroom so she could wash her hands.

Our last ride of the night was the Jungle Cruise. Oh, how we love the campiness of this ride -- and at night, it's even better! At this point, we were pretty tired, so we headed back to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Charles had not had dinner yet, so we went down to the Mara with him to check it out. I think he ordered chicken nuggets and since he is diabetic and isn't able to eat many sweets, I got a box of zebra domes (on the dining plan dessert comes with the counter service meals).

Back in the room I was prepared to enjoy my first set of zebra domes. I removed the lid and realized I needed to take a photo. I grabbed the camera and when I turned around:

What's this??? There's one missing!!!

And the culprit:

Somebody discovered a love of zebra domes!

We finished our snack, the kids took showers, and we all went to sleep in preparation of our big day at the Animal Kingdom.

UP NEXT: There's Donald But Where Are My Children?

 

[cmskok]

Back in the room I was prepared to enjoy my first set of zebra domes. I removed the lid and realized I needed to take a photo. I grabbed the camera and when I turned around:

What's this??? There's one missing!!!

And the culprit:

Somebody discovered a love of zebra domes!

I Love the look on Chelsea's Face!!! Precious!