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

[eandesmom]

we had that same frozen lemonade from a cart at DHS. Minute maid, pre-made. Not good at all. I generally don't let the kids toss something they asked for but I tasted it and said....

dump it.

The bathroom pictures are cracking me up, now that's a must do! I wish we could have seen FOTLK while we were there this time, I loved it on the last trip.

 

[Charleston Princess]

we had that same frozen lemonade from a cart at DHS. Minute maid, pre-made. Not good at all. I generally don't let the kids toss something they asked for but I tasted it and said....

dump it.

The bathroom pictures are cracking me up, now that's a must do! I wish we could have seen FOTLK while we were there this time, I loved it on the last trip.

Yep, that was our experience as well -- the kids ate some of it, and then I let them dump it -- I wouldn't have eaten it either.

 

[MeMom]

Do you have pictures of all the different ones, MeMom?

Just those two, but I am going back, and I will wait for a different stall this time!

 

[jillyb]

Just those two, but I am going back, and I will wait for a different stall this time!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Just those two, but I am going back, and I will wait for a different stall this time!

You are such a hoot, MeMom!

 

[Megablocks]

I can never think of snappy comebacks on the spot, either.

Same here! It usually comes to me much, much later.

I can't wait to check out the bathrooms at the Conservation Station now. Only in Disney can you check out and take pictures of bathrooms without anyone giving it a second thought.

 

[LISAMWDW]

All caught up! Great updates! Glad Charles was feeling better to join you!

Wow! That lady, are you kidding? There isn't much you can do in that situation really. Some people must not get out in public much huh?

Can't wait for more!

 

[Blesseddaddy]

Another great update CP. We also loved The Lion King show, the tumble monkeys were great, as well as the entire cast.

I sure do hate that WOMAN was so snooty toward you, but I was very pleased the MAN made the effort to correct the issue the WOMAN with HIM had created!! I don't understand those type of people myself, makes you wonder how horrible their journey through life must truly be?? Be it man or woman!!

I knew Charles would be back. He is trying so hard to not slow y'all down or make your day miserable by him trying to hang with y'all when he doesn't feel well and then is attempting to catch back up to you, when he thinks he won't be a hinderance.........You are so lucky to have such a TOUGHTFUL AND CONSIDERATE HUSBAND!!!

I have to agree with Shocker, being thrown in Mickey jail might be a little bit of an intrusion........I couldn't tell from the picture whether Minnie was shooing people away or telling them to come on in???

 

[vamassey1]

I'm loving your report. I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do when we hit Ak last month and your report make me miss them even more. We missed the Africa trail and Conservation station. But we hit FOTLK. It's my favorite. We got there late and had to be Warthogs too. You're tiger pictures are great! Of course we caught them sleeping. I've never done the breakfast there, but after reading your report it's going on my want list for next trip. Your kids are great and I've enjoyed reading about them.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Same here! It usually comes to me much, much later.

I can't wait to check out the bathrooms at the Conservation Station now. Only in Disney can you check out and take pictures of bathrooms without anyone giving it a second thought.

No one thinks you are strange when you laugh in the bathrooms at Disney -- everything is more magical there!

All caught up! Great updates! Glad Charles was feeling better to join you!

Wow! That lady, are you kidding? There isn't much you can do in that situation really. Some people must not get out in public much huh?

Can't wait for more!

Apparently not -- or when she does, it is accompanied by many glares -- maybe she should invest in one of those necklaces in Morocco that protects the wearer from the evil eye!

Another great update CP. We also loved The Lion King show, the tumble monkeys were great, as well as the entire cast.

I agree!

I sure do hate that WOMAN was so snooty toward you, but I was very pleased the MAN made the effort to correct the issue the WOMAN with HIM had created!! I don't understand those type of people myself, makes you wonder how horrible their journey through life must truly be?? Be it man or woman!!

Sometimes MEN can be useful and serve a purpose!

I knew Charles would be back. He is trying so hard to not slow y'all down or make your day miserable by him trying to hang with y'all when he doesn't feel well and then is attempting to catch back up to you, when he thinks he won't be a hinderance.........You are so lucky to have such a TOUGHTFUL AND CONSIDERATE HUSBAND!!!

And here I was thinking he just wanted to digest his enormous breakfast in quiet and air conditioning.

I have to agree with Shocker, being thrown in Mickey jail might be a little bit of an intrusion........I couldn't tell from the picture whether Minnie was shooing people away or telling them to come on in???

I know -- she looks like she is beckoning others in!

I'm loving your report. I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do when we hit Ak last month and your report make me miss them even more. We missed the Africa trail and Conservation station. But we hit FOTLK. It's my favorite. We got there late and had to be Warthogs too. You're tiger pictures are great! Of course we caught them sleeping. I've never done the breakfast there, but after reading your report it's going on my want list for next trip. Your kids are great and I've enjoyed reading about them.

Can't wait to read more.

Thank you! It took us three trips over three years to get to see everything at Animal Kingdom that we wanted to see -- and we haven't even watched the Nemo musical yet -- it wasn't too high on my list until so many people have said it was wonderful. I guess it will go on the next-time list!

 

[DWGal210]

I just love the Lion King show...sigh...it's so spectacular, I make time to see it!

Another wonderful update, Jackie - great job once again!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I just love the Lion King show...sigh...it's so spectacular, I make time to see it!

Another wonderful update, Jackie - great job once again!

Thank you, Katie!!! Festival really was just beyond wonderful to watch!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Just had to stop in and say that upon the inspiring comments of a PP, I went over and read your 2008 PTR and am on day 5 of the TR. VERY FUN!! I love your writing and pictures. I will continue on now...

 

[Happydog]

Okay, where are these bathroom stalls? At Conservation Station? I am confused.... all I know is that if my son DS7 were to see these, he would never leave the stalls!!! This would be a highly fascinating study for him... he'd never shut up about it....

 

[Charleston Princess]

Just had to stop in and say that upon the inspiring comments of a PP, I went over and read your 2008 PTR and am on day 5 of the TR. VERY FUN!! I love your writing and pictures. I will continue on now...

Oh, wow! Thank you so much for reading it! I am so glad you are enjoying it!

Okay, where are these bathroom stalls? At Conservation Station? I am confused.... all I know is that if my son DS7 were to see these, he would never leave the stalls!!! This would be a highly fascinating study for him... he'd never shut up about it....

Yes, they are at Conservation Station -- put it on your list for your Christmas trip!

 

[Charleston Princess]

After our spine-tingling experience at Festival of the Lion King, the kids loudly proclaimed of rapidly approaching and potentially fatal starvation. We hadn’t eaten since our Tusker House breakfast, and it was getting to be almost 2:00. I knew I wanted us to wait until Charles arrived to eat a proper meal, so the kids agreed to get Mickey ice cream bars to stave off their hunger pains before we embarked on our safari.

Alas, due to the 150-degree heat, Connor’s bar had managed to melt and drip and half of it fall onto the table before I had more than a fleeting thought of getting the camera out. Chelsea further added insult to Connor’s injury when she started laughing. Karma’s long arm of retribution acted swiftly though and her own Mickey bar also collapsed into a melted mess upon the table. So much for that idea. We headed for the safari.

While we were standing in the Fast Pass line, Charles called and said he had arrived. I asked him if he wanted us to get out of line and come meet him, but he said to go ahead and do the safari. We needed to decide on a place to meet though. I knew I wanted us to eat at Pizzafari, so I suggested he meet us there.

Charles: I don’t know where that is.
Me (To Myself): We have been here a million times -- how does he not know where Pizzafari is? I even pointed it out to him this morning.

FLASHBACK TO THIS MORNING:
Me: Look, honey, there’s Pizzafari. That’s where I want us to eat lunch today.
Charles: Uh-huh.

BACK TO THE PRESENT:
Me: It’s on Discovery Island on the way to Africa.
Charles: Nope, I don’t know where it is.
Me: Sigh. Meet us at the Dawa Bar.
Charles: Okay. (Funny that he knew where the Dawa Bar was located.)

We moved through the line and were soon shifting to get comfortable on our two-week safari. Eeyore was very excited and was even wearing the proper attire.

You will notice in this update and many others that as the day progressed, I took fewer and fewer pictures. The safari was no exception.

African birds. I know they must be African birds because they are not only on the safari, but they are also featured on the Animal Kingdom Lodge logo. I am smart like that.

Now what is the one thing that could dampen my enjoyment of the safari? Yep, that’s right -- turning the corner onto the savannah and seeing the mother of all thunderstorms approaching. Yikes! Marring the beautiful sweeping vista was a long, dark, angry line of approaching rain. I turned my back on it and tried to ignore it, because it was time to say hi to the giraffes.

And this is when it happened.

My favorite animal encounter of the entire trip.

My favorite animal encounter EVAH!

The giraffes were feeling particularly friendly this Sunday afternoon and ahead of us a giraffe had started following the jeep in front of us. Just following along right behind the jeep and on the road. We were all chuckling at it but wondering how we were going to continue on our trip. Well, we saw what happens when a Disney giraffe decides to be playful and back up safari traffic. The Disney pickup truck comes out of nowhere and coaxes the giraffe off the road.

Now all of a sudden there was a murmur of talking in the rows behind us. We turned around and what did we see? Our very own tagalong giraffe!

This is without zooming in on the giraffe.

This is with the zoom on -- isn’t she pretty? I am assuming she is a girl giraffe because of her long lashes.

Really, this giraffe was so close, I am sure the people in the last row could have pet it if they had wanted to do so. It was truly an amazing experience watching her walk behind us.

Sadly, we had to say good-bye to our hitchhiker and continued on our journey. We saw all the usual suspects.

The Elephants:

The Lion was actually awake but refusing to acknowledge us.

Now, the second up close and personal encounter of the day involved a rhino. He was standing within touching distance of the jeep as we went oh-so-slowly by him. I was really nervous when the safari driver said, “We are going to go slowly by this rhino since they can be unpredictable.” I had visions of the rhino charging the jeep, and the visuals were not pretty.

All the while, the wind was beginning to gust and the skies to darken, and I just knew it was going to start pouring in a minute, so after the safari we high-tailed it to Charles and then high-tailed it to Pizzafari.

The kids and Charles ordered the pizzas and Caesar salads, and I ordered the Italian sandwich. It was all soooo good -- especially my sandwich and the salads. We had picked the back room -- apparently judging by the murals and paintings on the wall, it was the Hunters and Hunted room? It was oh-so-quiet and secluded until the rain forced the Lilo character greet inside to our room.

With the line that snaked right by our table.

Nothing like eating with fifty people standing beside you.

I gestured towards the tables against the wall and asked Charles if he wanted to move.

He moved the table over about six inches.

I just let it go.

We ate a very leisurely lunch and by the time we were finished, the rain had let up. Charles and Chelsea headed off to conquer the Forbidden Mountain, and Connor and I meandered over to meet them there.

Oh look, more signs. Everyone should have a picture of the Yeti Items sign.

After Chelsea and Charles had gotten their thrills, we debated what to do next -- Kali River Rapids was a 60-minute wait and Dinosaur was a 70-minute wait. We decided to watch some of the parade and head back to the hotel. Yes, you read that right, Charles came and had lunch with us and rode one ride.

Back at the hotel, we headed to the pool. Oh, how I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge pool. No part of it is very deep -- the deepest part was about four and a half feet -- which meant that I could relax completely about Chelsea and Connor swimming. Pure bliss! I chose my chair near the pool bar, and it became my regular spot for the rest of the week.

This was the view.

I had an Orange Dream drink, caught up on my trip journal, and read. At one point, I wandered over to see the flamingoes behind the pool.

About 7:00 I asked the kids if they wanted to get out and go listen to the folktales. They were having too much fun and wanted to stay in the pool.

When it began to get dark Chelsea and Connor finally decided they were finished with swimming for the night. We headed inside to change before going in search of the night vision viewing.

We got side-tracked and had to check out the rocking chairs a la Goldilocks.

This one was just right for me.

Despite the ninety-degree heat, Chelsea wanted to warm herself by the fire.

Then, we headed for the night vision viewing. In the words of Connor, “It was so cool!” We stood there looking out over the savannah, and it looked completely empty. But when we used the night vision goggles, we could see herds of zebra moving around. Too neat! However, the mosquitoes were brutal, and all three of us (Charles doesn’t get bit for some reason) ended up covered in mosquito bites from our evening encounter. To anyone staying at AKL, take bug spray with you if you plan to be outside at night!

Our day was coming to a close. Charles took Connor to the arcade to use the 30-minute free play card, and Chelsea and I headed to the Mara for snacks and refillable mugs. Chelsea chose the cheesecake, but I will tell you all that this was the last time she ever chose anything other than zebra domes when we went for goodies.

NEXT UP: Day Three Begins at Epcot!

 

[shannon47142]

you guys had a great safari ride!!!
how neat to to see the animals with the night vision goggles

 

[stace208]

Oh my, what a fantastic update! That giraffe encounter is super duper special I thought it was cool when a giraffe crossed the road in front of our jeep but it wasn't anything as cool as your experience!

Sounds like a great relaxing evening at the pool.

I am loving your TR.

 

[disneyfan61]

Great update!! Well at least Charles got the best ride in that day. We love EE!!
What GREAT pics of the giraffe!! So did it ever rain on you that day?? It sounds like you had a great time by the pool. Cannot wait for the next installment...

 

[2xcited2sleep]

After our spine-tingling experience at Festival of the Lion King, the kids loudly proclaimed of rapidly approaching and potentially fatal starvation.

But I know exactly how they feel!

Karma’s long arm of retribution acted swiftly though and her own Mickey bar also collapsed into a melted mess upon the table. So much for that idea. We headed for the safari.

OMG. Fit of giggles. You are on a roll! But to the lost Mickey Bars - that is unfortunate.

Me: Sigh. Meet us at the Dawa Bar.
Charles: Okay. (Funny that he knew where the Dawa Bar was located.)

Hmmm... somewhat suspicious. And yet respectable at the same time.

We moved through the line and were soon shifting to get comfortable on our two-week safari. Eeyore was very excited and was even wearing the proper attire.

Eeyore is just adorable. I may have to find his twin to come home with me!

African birds. I know they must be African birds because they are not only on the safari, but they are also featured on the Animal Kingdom Lodge logo. I am smart like that.

Well I wouldn't have made the connection so good for you!!

Now what is the one thing that could dampen my enjoyment of the safari? Yep, that’s right -- turning the corner onto the savannah and seeing the mother of all thunderstorms approaching. Yikes!

Argh! The storms are following you!

And this is when it happened.

My favorite animal encounter of the entire trip.

My favorite animal encounter EVAH!

The giraffes were feeling particularly friendly this Sunday afternoon and ahead of us a giraffe had started following the jeep in front of us. Just following along right behind the jeep and on the road. We were all chuckling at it but wondering how we were going to continue on our trip. Well, we saw what happens when a Disney giraffe decides to be playful and back up safari traffic. The Disney pickup truck comes out of nowhere and coaxes the giraffe off the road.

Now all of a sudden there was a murmur of talking in the rows behind us. We turned around and what did we see? Our very own tagalong giraffe!

This is without zooming in on the giraffe.

This is with the zoom on -- isn’t she pretty? I am assuming she is a girl giraffe because of her long lashes.

OMG! Definitely the best EVAH! WOW! And how cute is your giraffe!?!

Glad you escaped the rain. Too bad about the character line snaking by your table!

Oh look, more signs. Everyone should have a picture of the Yeti Items sign.

And just like that a DIS trend is started...

Back at the hotel, we headed to the pool. Oh, how I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge pool. No part of it is very deep -- the deepest part was about four and a half feet -- which meant that I could relax completely about Chelsea and Connor swimming. Pure bliss! I chose my chair near the pool bar, and it became my regular spot for the rest of the week.

I know just where your spot is! Perfect!!

The night vision is cool? I was bummed I didn't get to do that. Next time!

Looking forward to more!