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

[Charleston Princess]

Then that shall be the one Trent and Jarvis drop off at your house!
I hope you have some nice tall trees for her to browse in!

Our neighbors do!

I had my Animal Kingdom CD in this morning as I was driving, and I was thinking of how close we are to being there.

You are super duper close!!! I am so excited for all of you!

I got a couple of pics of the lion just as it was walking out for the morning (it was about 8:25):

Those are awesome pics!!! Thanks for sharing!

What an awesome giraffe encounter! I would so frame both of those photos.

And in my world, it's the boys who have the long eyelashes.

I am planning on framing them -- I am just having a hard time deciding which size prints I want.

Doesn't seem fair about the eyelashes, does it?

Way cool on the giraffe picture! I love giraffes, they seem so gentle and peaceful. The zoo near us has a baby we saw this week, just amazing!

Thank you! I definitely have a thing for giraffes now!

Sounds like a nice relaxing late afternoon/evening. Are there multiple places at AKL where you can view with the night vision goggles? That sounds really cool!

Just the one spot that I know of back behind the pool.

And Charles made it for a ride! Woooo hoooo! Now you are starting to get some of your monies worth!

Allyson

I had recently asked CP about you, what had ever happened to you! Glad to see you back around these parts!

Allyson

We should talk about Jen more often so she comes out to play!

 

[DreaGirl]

Hi! I followed you over from some other TR. You have been making me laugh and your TR did not disappoint. I cheated and used your links.

Can't wait to hear about Epcot.

 

[Native NYer]

Jen!!! Oh my goodness! I am so excited that you are back!!! How have you been? Love that your headed back in August! Where are you staying this time?

I'm so glad I finally can come back!!!!

I've been good, just busy with lots of family stuff. How are you?

Seems like August is my Disney month, although I want to go back earlier next year.

This year, I'm actually staying in a house that I bid on and won at my school auction. I love auctions and can't control my bidding sometimes.

Next year, it looks like either the GF or back to the Poly.

I see that you finally got to stay at AKL. YAY!!! And next year is Chelsea's birthday trip to the GF? When do you think 2010 packages will be out? And while I like this whole what will you celebrate promotion, I hope it's something different for next year.

BTW, I read through your PTR and your dog is absolutely adorable!!!!

Your tr has convinced me that I need to try a zebra dome.

 

[MaryAz]

All caught up though I did have to skim a little-was about 20 or so pages behind. Great giraffe pics-they are my favorite! Also super cute pic of you in the rocking chair!! Great report!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi! I followed you over from some other TR. You have been making me laugh and your TR did not disappoint. I cheated and used your links.

Can't wait to hear about Epcot.

Thanks for coming over! I am glad the links helped!

I'm so glad I finally can come back!!!!

I am glad, too! You know, I still can't see anything about Brett Michaels without thinking about you!

I've been good, just busy with lots of family stuff. How are you?

Good! The summer is going by way too quickly though -- I have to go back to work on July 31st this year!

Seems like August is my Disney month, although I want to go back earlier next year.

This year, I'm actually staying in a house that I bid on and won at my school auction. I love auctions and can't control my bidding sometimes.

That's awesome -- are your brother and family going with you?

Next year, it looks like either the GF or back to the Poly.

I see that you finally got to stay at AKL. YAY!!! And next year is Chelsea's birthday trip to the GF? When do you think 2010 packages will be out? And while I like this whole what will you celebrate promotion, I hope it's something different for next year.

I did get to stay there! I just absolutely fell in love with it! I am not sure about the Grand Flo anymore -- I am losing extended day this year (about a $5000 paycut) so that is going to mean some restructuring on the Disney vacations. I'll be happy anywhere onsite though!

BTW, I read through your PTR and your dog is absolutely adorable!!!!

Your tr has convinced me that I need to try a zebra dome.

Thank you! Would you like her because she is driving me nuts these days!

Yes, you need to try a zebra dome! I have drink recommendations for you, too, as the TR progresses!

All caught up though I did have to skim a little-was about 20 or so pages behind. Great giraffe pics-they are my favorite! Also super cute pic of you in the rocking chair!! Great report!

Thank you! I am glad you are back over here!

 

[MEK]

Shocker's giraffe picture HAS to be the UGLIEST giraffe I have EVER seen! It's more than I can stomach before my first cup of coffee. Thanks for that visual Shocker!

Speaking of giraffes, I just found this really cool home furnishing store called Kirkland's. (spelled just like the Kirklands brand at Costco). I don't know how national the stores are but they have one in Lancaster, pa (which I visited yesterday) and one in Rehobeth bch (which I visited Wednesday). Anyhoo - for those who love giraffes, they have the most amazing giraffe statues. Even a big one is only $95, which is over my budget, but much less expensive than the ones at AKL. Sure, they're from China, but who's looking. Anyway, just thought I mention it cause I see we have a lot of giraffe lovers here.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Shocker's giraffe picture HAS to be the UGLIEST giraffe I have EVER seen! It's more than I can stomach before my first cup of coffee. Thanks for that visual Shocker!

Speaking of giraffes, I just found this really cool home furnishing store called Kirkland's. (spelled just like the Kirklands brand at Costco). I don't know how national the stores are but they have one in Lancaster, pa (which I visited yesterday) and one in Rehobeth bch (which I visited Wednesday). Anyhoo - for those who love giraffes, they have the most amazing giraffe statues. Even a big one is only $95, which is over my budget, but much less expensive than the ones at AKL. Sure, they're from China, but who's looking. Anyway, just thought I mention it cause I see we have a lot of giraffe lovers here.

Cool! I need to find out if we have a Kirkland's here in Georgia! Thanks for the tip!

 

[jillyb]

Cool! I need to find out if we have a Kirkland's here in Georgia! Thanks for the tip!

We have them here in NC (just walked past one yesterday at Concord Mills! LOL) so I'm sure they have them in Georgia.

 

[wsushocker]

Shocker's giraffe picture HAS to be the UGLIEST giraffe I have EVER seen! It's more than I can stomach before my first cup of coffee. Thanks for that visual Shocker!

You're welcome! I do my best to try to bring some levity and "real life" to these trip reports.

 

[Native NYer]

Thanks for coming over! I am glad the links helped!



I am glad, too! You know, I still can't see anything about Brett Michaels without thinking about you!



Good! The summer is going by way too quickly though -- I have to go back to work on July 31st this year!



That's awesome -- are your brother and family going with you?



I did get to stay there! I just absolutely fell in love with it! I am not sure about the Grand Flo anymore -- I am losing extended day this year (about a $5000 paycut) so that is going to mean some restructuring on the Disney vacations. I'll be happy anywhere onsite though!



Thank you! Would you like her because she is driving me nuts these days!

Yes, you need to try a zebra dome! I have drink recommendations for you, too, as the TR progresses!

I was unnaturally obsessed over Bret Michael's hair during Rock of Love 2 and, most recently, Rock of Love Bus. I'm hoping there will be a Rock of Love Bus 2. But in Bret's absence, I became hooked on Adam Lambert during the American Idol season and had a meltdown when he lost. Yes, I need serious help

Back to work on July 31st? That is way too soon! When do the kids start? Our last day was June 24th and we don't have to be in until September 8th. I guess the amount of time all evens out.

There are 7 of us going this year. My brother, SIL, both nephews (ages 5 and 1), my parents, and me. I'm thinking I'll need to pack some Advil and earplugs.

That stinks about losing the extended day. I guess everyone's cutting back. Maybe you'll luck out with an amazing deal for the GF. Or you can do a split stay and spend a couple of nights at the GF at the end of your trip. What other resorts are you considering?

And I agree, anywhere on Disney property is great

How old is your dog? I'm guessing still in the hyper puppy stages. Pets are so wonderful to have around.

Looking forward to your drink recommendations. Loved the Grey Goose slushie last year, but hated the Grand Marnier one and HATED the lapu lapu. Looking forward to more updates!!!

 

[eandesmom]

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.)

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 my. Well, at least it was GOOD ride! And you found each other, and ate together. That is something, Right?

Your giraffe is gorgeous.

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.

I may not be able to stay at AKL.....I am bug MAGNET. Good to know.

BTW. If you don't get bit it is b/c your blood doesn't smell good to the bugs. You can augment your "smell" but it takes time and patience....and a LOT of timed release B12, or a lack of showering.

Neither of which I've ever been able to maintain enough to keep from getting eaten alive.

 

[TarzansKat]

I have a somewhat related thing to relay. DS and I both have really sensitive skin, and when I was sending him to his new preschool, I had to look for an insect repellent, due to the location of the outdoor play area.

I.E. Lots o' Bugs!

I found a really great one at Walmart, although I'm sure you could track it down anywhere they sell Burt's Bees. It's a Burt's Bees all natural insect repellent. It works really well, and it smells nice. No yucky chemicals either. DS has been to this new school two days a week for the past three weeks and not a bug bite on him.

For those of you who would like to stay at the AKL, feel free to call me the enabler.

 

[Charleston Princess]

You're welcome! I do my best to try to bring some levity and "real life" to these trip reports.

Hey, there's lots of "real life" in my trip reports.

I was unnaturally obsessed over Bret Michael's hair during Rock of Love 2 and, most recently, Rock of Love Bus. I'm hoping there will be a Rock of Love Bus 2. But in Bret's absence, I became hooked on Adam Lambert during the American Idol season and had a meltdown when he lost. Yes, I need serious help

You crack me up, Jen!

Back to work on July 31st? That is way too soon! When do the kids start? Our last day was June 24th and we don't have to be in until September 8th. I guess the amount of time all evens out.

The kids start August 6, I think. We got out May 23 or something so it does all even out. It just seems too soon though.

There are 7 of us going this year. My brother, SIL, both nephews (ages 5 and 1), my parents, and me. I'm thinking I'll need to pack some Advil and earplugs.

Noisy but fun! Are you going to do a PTR/TR?

That stinks about losing the extended day. I guess everyone's cutting back. Maybe you'll luck out with an amazing deal for the GF. Or you can do a split stay and spend a couple of nights at the GF at the end of your trip. What other resorts are you considering?

And I agree, anywhere on Disney property is great

You know I always consider all the resorts (several times over) when planning a trip!

How old is your dog? I'm guessing still in the hyper puppy stages. Pets are so wonderful to have around.

She will be a year at the end of October so definitely still in the puppy stages.

Looking forward to your drink recommendations. Loved the Grey Goose slushie last year, but hated the Grand Marnier one and HATED the lapu lapu. Looking forward to more updates!!!

Haven't had any of those yet -- I can't believe you didn't like the Lapu Lapu -- it gets such great reviews from everyone. Was it too strong?

oh my. Well, at least it was GOOD ride! And you found each other, and ate together. That is something, Right?

Yes, the very fact that we were able to spend the rest of the day together was good.

Your giraffe is gorgeous.

Thank you!

I may not be able to stay at AKL.....I am bug MAGNET. Good to know.

BTW. If you don't get bit it is b/c your blood doesn't smell good to the bugs. You can augment your "smell" but it takes time and patience....and a LOT of timed release B12, or a lack of showering.

Neither of which I've ever been able to maintain enough to keep from getting eaten alive.

Nope, I wouldn't be able to do either of those.

I have a somewhat related thing to relay. DS and I both have really sensitive skin, and when I was sending him to his new preschool, I had to look for an insect repellent, due to the location of the outdoor play area.

I.E. Lots o' Bugs!

I found a really great one at Walmart, although I'm sure you could track it down anywhere they sell Burt's Bees. It's a Burt's Bees all natural insect repellent. It works really well, and it smells nice. No yucky chemicals either. DS has been to this new school two days a week for the past three weeks and not a bug bite on him.

For those of you who would like to stay at the AKL, feel free to call me the enabler.

Oh, that's a wonderful tip, TK. Thank you! I will have to look at our Walmart the next time we go.

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh, that's a wonderful tip, TK. Thank you! I will have to look at our Walmart the next time we go.

No problem. I was so thrilled to find it I feel compelled to share it with everyone else!

 

[MEK]

I found out that one of my friends shops here all the time. She has some of the nicest things in her house. Her DH was joking that everytime she comes home there is another giraffe in the house. They definately have home furnishings to compliment the AK look!

 

[Blesseddaddy]

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.

This does indeed prove that he was only thinking of the three of you, knowing that after such a bad morning, he would have to wait, or spoil some of your fun by making y'all get out of line, so, Charles opted to be patient and wait to go where YOU wanted y'all to eat!! I am thrilled that he is feeling good enough to try and salvage some of the day with y'all!!

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.

If I recall correctly from you other update, he was having a bad morning, but was doing everything in his power to make a go of it?? He was doing his best to make it to breakfast, probably thinking he would be able to tough it out, so as to not spoil everyone's fun. I am also guessing that he knew he had to be there for Chelsea or she wouldn't get to ride Mt. Everest, because I am guessing that is another NO from you, my little Chicken Lady friend?? Anyway, as you are headed in, you are pointing out to him where YOU want y'all to eat lunch and he is dealing with how he is feeling THEN and I am sure wasn't too concerned about what he would be doing FOUR or FIVE hours from THEN!!! I do think he deserves a pass on this, considering all that was going on with him that morning!!

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.)

Some "names" are just easier to remember. Dawa versus Pizzafari, hum Dawa much easier than Pizzafari, especially when you want to add an S to the afari part when trying to say it. Of course, once the name is down, DAWA, then the location that you associate with that name just sticks for some reason. The mind does indeed work in strange ways!!



With the line that snaked right by our table.

Nothing like eating with fifty people standing beside you.

Everyone on here has been telling you how popular you are!! People want to be near you....take all of us, we can't wait until the next update, we want to do what you do, stay where you stayed, buy what you bought, we like those 50 folks can't wait to see and hear what you ate (love that food porn).....it is the life you lead, YOU ARE POPULAR and there is a price you pay for that......we also have a price to pay for your popularity, like having to read 10 pages to catch up if we are away for an extended weekend!!

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.

Now this is one of my favorite wife things....you wonderful brides "gesture" and assume that since you knew what the gesture meant, we should just "get" it!! UMMMM, might I suggest that not every gesture you make comes out the way you "think" it does. It appears that in this very case, your gesture meant moving the table over half a foot?? My hats off to my new buddy, for attempting to "try" to please you, since there were no CLEAR directives from your "gesture"!!!

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.

I don't know, but I am guessing that Charles wasn't up to 100%, even so, it seems he didn't want to let his little girl down and keep her from riding good old Mt. Everest.......what a good Daddy!!



Yes, you read that right, Charles came and had lunch with us and rode one ride.

That is dedication on his part.


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.

Yep, he had taken Chelsea on Everest and needed to spend some time with Connor too. Charles should be commended for getting through the morning and salvaging some of the day for his family!

It was another great update CP. I know the kids loved having the giraffe following along!! I don't know how far you are from Pine Mt., Ga. but there is a place out there that has a drive through animal park. Now it is NOT Animal Kingdom , not even close, but they do have some giraffe's that you can feed from your car window! I would suggest you rent one of their vehicles to drive yourself through it, if you ever decide to go there! Here is a link to the place...... http://www.animalsafari.com/index.php Anyway, glad that you all have a great day and looking forward to the next update.

BROTHER, ummmmmmm, how do I say this nicely.........ummmmmmmmmm, start dressing yourself......thank Wigd. profusely when she lays out your clothes, then pick out something ELSE to wear!!

 

[micandminforever]

There is a Kirkland's at Town Center Mall next to the Penney's I believe.

 

[Native NYer]

You crack me up, Jen!



The kids start August 6, I think. We got out May 23 or something so it does all even out. It just seems too soon though.



Noisy but fun! Are you going to do a PTR/TR?



You know I always consider all the resorts (several times over) when planning a trip!



She will be a year at the end of October so definitely still in the puppy stages.



Haven't had any of those yet -- I can't believe you didn't like the Lapu Lapu -- it gets such great reviews from everyone. Was it too strong?

Since this trip is so close, I'll probably skip the PTR. I'm thinking of a PTR for next year's trip(s) starting next month. In addition to the annual family trip, I'm considering a trip with friends..

When are you going to start your June 2010 PTR? I can't wait to see what the resort choices will be!

The puppy stage never ends!


The Lapu Lapu was too strong for me. So was the Grand Marnier Orange Slush.

When's the next update?

 

[ladybugmom]

All caught up!! That giraffe is just precious! What a neat animal encounter!! We ate at Pizzafari, too! YUM!! Sorry you had to deal with such a huge audience while you ate! Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

No problem. I was so thrilled to find it I feel compelled to share it with everyone else!

And then I forgot to look for it at Walmart today because I didn't write it down. It's on the list for next week now.

I found out that one of my friends shops here all the time. She has some of the nicest things in her house. Her DH was joking that everytime she comes home there is another giraffe in the house. They definately have home furnishings to compliment the AK look!

I was at World Market yesterday and admiring the wooden giraffes -- I resisted though.

It was another great update CP. I know the kids loved having the giraffe following along!! I don't know how far you are from Pine Mt., Ga. but there is a place out there that has a drive through animal park. Now it is NOT Animal Kingdom , not even close, but they do have some giraffe's that you can feed from your car window! I would suggest you rent one of their vehicles to drive yourself through it, if you ever decide to go there! Here is a link to the place...... http://www.animalsafari.com/index.php Anyway, glad that you all have a great day and looking forward to the next update.

In my defense, Charles wouldn't have been listening to me even if he wasn't feeling bad.

Popular? I don't think we were the big draw -- pretty sure it was Lilo in her bright, red Hawaiian dress, but I'll pretend it was all about me.

We have actually been to that animal park -- several years ago -- my MIL decided she wanted to take us down to Calloway Gardens for the Christmas lights and the animal park. I felt like we were entering Jurassic Park from all the Enter at Your Own Risk signs. It was fun, though, and the zebras were always sticking their heads in for food -- they are definitely spoiled there.

There is a Kirkland's at Town Center Mall next to the Penney's I believe.

I thought there was, but when I looked up store locations, it wasn't listed. There's one at The Avenue at West Cobb so I wonder if they moved.

Since this trip is so close, I'll probably skip the PTR. I'm thinking of a PTR for next year's trip(s) starting next month. In addition to the annual family trip, I'm considering a trip with friends..

That would be fun!

When are you going to start your June 2010 PTR? I can't wait to see what the resort choices will be!

Well, about that June trip...we may be branching out and doing something a little bit different next summer...

The puppy stage never ends!

Tell me about it!

The Lapu Lapu was too strong for me. So was the Grand Marnier Orange Slush.

That's a shame -- we "drank" so many of them over on your PTR!

When's the next update?

I was going to do one tonight, but it took me awhile to catch up on everyone's TRs -- so it is looking like tomorrow now.

All caught up!! That giraffe is just precious! What a neat animal encounter!! We ate at Pizzafari, too! YUM!! Sorry you had to deal with such a huge audience while you ate! Can't wait to hear more!!

Thank you! That was my favorite animal encounter of the trip!