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

[Charleston Princess]

Looks you had a lovely dinner at Rose & Crown. We really enjoyed our meal there too, although I went with the Magic Star cocktail - I am a sucker for a glow cube. I like to put them in my drinks around the house once in while.

I think I need to order a drink with a glow cube next time so I can bring the magic home.

I will second or third what has been said about Duval Street in Key West, with kids I think I would limit it to a day time excursion. My DH and I went before we had DD and really enjoyed all Key West had to offer. We did one of the trolley tours and loved it! We stayed at one of the hotels a little further from the beach and Old Town, but we got a great deal and they ran shuttles to their private beach and Old Town so we didn't touch our car when we were there. It was great to sit on our balcony in the morning and have breakfast and read and then head to the pool or beach. We'd usually head to Old Town for a late lunch and some beverages and then stroll and tour. It was an awesome vacation. Send me a PM if there is anything you'd like more details on.

That sounds exactly like the kind of vacation I am envisioning!

I am sure you guys will have an awesome time. Sometime it is nice to try something new, we tend to get stuck in vacation ruts, before DD it was Las Vegas, now it is Disney.

We do, too. Before Disney, it was Hilton Head for several years.

Hm...that Welsh Dragon looks like something I might enjoy! And I love the fish and chips! Well, I've never had them at Rose & Crown, but I've had them at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop CS, and I thought they were supposed to be pretty similar.
about the Kim Possible theme haunting you...

I haven't had the Yorkshire fish and chips in YEARS (probably the last time I went with my parents eleven years ago), but the Rose and Crown ones were awesome!

I am so glad that your nap helped and that you awoke somewhat refreshed and ready to RETURN so the scene of the incident...EPCOT!! Now, may I point out that this is another great example of why doing CS is such a winner?? I mean if you hadn't made the ADR for R&C, you could have easily picked a DIFFERENT park and avoided even the possiblity of reopening any wounds that might have festered during the "break" back at the resort!!

Truer words were never spoken!

It did appear that once you first got back to Epcot, everyone was having some fun and enjoying themselves, smiling for the pictures and just glad to be at Disney!!

Yes, at first they were.

I intentionally waited to reply, because my young Buddy, Connor, seems to be garnering at least some sympathy from the masses!! I certainly didn't want to jinx that bit of unexpected "luck"........therefore, I have held off in telling you what a great update and I am glad that y'all were back on track and enjoying everything that Disney has to offer!!!

As to not stop the wave of sympathy coming Connor's way.......may I suggest.....

How hard it is to learn life lessons while on vacation, especially while at Disney World..........when it is clear that the only goal of this young child was to only have as much fun as everyone else was??

Yes, poor, poor Connor robbed of fun at Disney. Thank goodness Baylor saves the day later on.

Yep, having been on a QS plan could have helped out a good bit in the situation. Just, by being able to grab a bite at an CS place, in any park, at anytime and removing the temptation of KP before it even arose that evening!!...........POOR CONNOR!!!

Mmmmhmmm, I agree -- but we still had to meet up for Illuminations with Marc, Anita, and Baylor...and that's a whole other update!

One of these days I'm going to have to make it to the Rose and Crown. It looks lovely, and your desert sounds fantastic.

The pic are too funny though. Chelsea is such a ham for the camera!

It was quite yummy -- put Rose and Crown down on your list for one of your trips -- maybe the spring one?

She is most certainly a ham when there is a camera.

Um, you have no idea how lucky I am that I'm missing half the ingredients - otherwise I'm not sure I could resist trying this drink right now. I really should go back to work this afternoon instead. I LOVE Midori - so looking forward to trying this concoction!

I was thinking the same thing when I saw the recipe.

Drinks to go=music to my ears...

Mine, too!

 

[Charleston Princess]

T1D is a real trip! DH just started on the pump which has been pretty good. Does Charles check his glucose often? I have to nag DH to.

Nope, Charles does not check his glucose nearly as much as he should.

His sugars are ALWAYS better while we are in Disney World (and he consequently feels much better!). I think it must be all the walking and *ahem* me reminding him to check his glucose every couple of hours. Gotta keep those diabetics healthy!

PS. I must try the dragon drink!!!

Normally, Charles' blood sugar is much better at Disney, but this trip it was sooo wacky!

Yes, put the Welsh Dragon down on your list -- it's very tasty.

Okay, so I was officially 30 pages behind in this TR! I know, life has been busy. I must admit, I didn't read all of the replies, just some of them. But wow, you've been busy. Your giraffe pictures are absolutely fantastic!! I have never had that kind of encounter on the safari. Hopefully, something will happen in November when I take my older sister for the first time! I'm sorry for you for your meltdown, but you know what, we all have to have them sometime. I can remember a few in my trips to WDW. I love the picture of Chelsea with the Alice dress, and the one with her knocking on the door! Ooh, that dragon drink looks wonderful! I'm wondering if I can go in to the bar and just try that. We won't be doing TS this year (to my dismay), so I won't have the opportunity to eat in. Loving all the updates, keep them coming!

Thank you! I loved our giraffe encounter -- it was just the best -- I hope you have a similar experience in November!

Finally all caught up again...

Sorry about the KP situation! I can certainly understand how frustrating that would have been for everyone. Fortunately Zachary was OK with stopping after one mission. I was really lucky - it could have been a bad situation for us too.

I love how close the giraffe was during your safari with the animatronics! That sounds like something one of my kids would say.

Sorry you had your little moment in China... but I can understand that too. Heat, hunger & indecisiveness all at once can create a bad situation!

Can't wait to hear about your Epcot evening.

Thanks, Amy! I think now that I know what to expect with KP, it will be much better next time.

Connor and his animatronics were too much!

I LOVE THAT! I thought my 9 year old only asked questions like that! CONSTANTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am subscribing! I was at AKL the month before you and LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!

Wasn't AKL just the most wonderful resort??? I can't wait to stay there again at some point!

Nope, you are not alone -- Connor is constantly asking questions like that -- a few days ago it was something along the lines of, "What if dogs could talk like humans?"

I am thinking that Connor and my son would get along great! My son (who was on the verge of turning 9 in May) also was very upset with the fact that he had to order off of the kid's meal. There were even a few times I gave up my adult meal and ate his kid's meal because there just wasn't anything he liked on the kid's meal!

It does sound like our sons would get along really well! We were always filling Connor's plate with things off of ours.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I'm sorry Connor had a little meltdown about the KP missions. I'm a horrible mom but I'm probably not even going to tell my kiddos about them! Ha. I don't want to deal with the drama.

 

[purplepeg]

Phew, I just got all caught up! I have to ask about the drink...did it taste minty? Fruit juice and mint just don't seem to go together in my mind
I enjoy hearing about other people's frustrations, makes me feel somewhat normal when I lose it, not that it's ever happened to me
Glad you got to do lots of thing you haven't done before. Gotta love Disney for that. It always seems no matter how many times you've been there is always something you have't done.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm sorry Connor had a little meltdown about the KP missions. I'm a horrible mom but I'm probably not even going to tell my kiddos about them! Ha. I don't want to deal with the drama.

I don't really blame you about keeping mum about the KP missions! I might have been tempted to do just that in retrospect.

Phew, I just got all caught up! I have to ask about the drink...did it taste minty? Fruit juice and mint just don't seem to go together in my mind
I enjoy hearing about other people's frustrations, makes me feel somewhat normal when I lose it, not that it's ever happened to me
Glad you got to do lots of thing you haven't done before. Gotta love Disney for that. It always seems no matter how many times you've been there is always something you have't done.

I don't remember it tasting minty -- it was really quite good!

Ha ha! Yes, I enjoy reading about others' meltdowns because then it means that really I am quite normal.

We always leave with a next-time list, and this trip was no exception.

 

[DWGal210]

Hey there lady! How's it goin'?

Poor Charles and his blood sugar - that's not fun at all. I'm glad he was able to meet up with you, though!

I think the kiddos would really like the KP missions, but I don't know if we'll be doing those or not; my uncle is a go-go-go type of touring partner and I have a feeling he wouldn't be that excited at multiple missions!

 

[AKLlurver]

Hi Jackie, I just wanted to say I've enjoyed reading your trip report. It looks like you guys had a great time! Keep up the great writing!

 

[srandsr76]

Enjoying your report - still several days back, but wanted to subscribe!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hey there lady! How's it goin'?

Poor Charles and his blood sugar - that's not fun at all. I'm glad he was able to meet up with you, though!

I think the kiddos would really like the KP missions, but I don't know if we'll be doing those or not; my uncle is a go-go-go type of touring partner and I have a feeling he wouldn't be that excited at multiple missions!

Hi, Katie! It's going well -- my summer seems to be slipping away though! How are you?

You spend quite a bit of time in whichever country your KP mission is in so I don't know if your uncle would have the patience for that. You could always ask him and get his opinion, or send him off ahead to do something else.

Hi Jackie, I just wanted to say I've enjoyed reading your trip report. It looks like you guys had a great time! Keep up the great writing!

We did have a great time! I can't wait to go back! Love your screen name!

Enjoying your report - still several days back, but wanted to subscribe!!

Thanks for joining!

 

[Charleston Princess]

After our delicious dinner at Rose and Crown, and with everyone in a reasonably good mood, we wandered leisurely back towards Future World to ride Test Track and Soarin’. We love both of these rides. We decided to do Test Track first (I think our Fast Passes for TT were ready before our Soarin’ ones).

As we approached Test Track I could hear those cars whizzing around the tracks. I have done this before (lots of times before) and could do it again -- I was sure of it.

Until Chelsea opened her mouth.

“Mom, you know those cars go faster than the cars on Rock n‘ Roller Coaster.”

I think she was trying to show me that if I could handle Test Track, I could handle RnRC, but it backfired.

I was done. I could feel myself panicking as we got into the FP line, and by the time we reached the doors of the briefing room, I was clutching Charles’ arm and saying, “I can’t do it. I will meet you outside.”

As I hurried away, I could hear Connor saying to his sister, “Nice going, Chelsea.”

I wasn’t proud of myself for being a ride chicken at the last minute, but I do have to say that it was quite nice sitting on a bench and just watching people go by. It was turning into a gorgeous evening. As I sat there, Anita called me to let me know they were going to stake out a spot for Illuminations in Italy, and I let her know that we would meet her there as soon as we rode Soarin’.

After the kids and Charles met back up with me, we decided to forego Soarin’ for the time being -- I didn’t want to be late meeting up with Anita, Marc, and Baylor. Charles decided to head back to AKL (anyone surprised) -- he is really shy around new people, so I think he became a DIS meet chicken.

Chelsea was complaining of a stomach ache (probably from eating all that steak at dinner), so as we walked towards World Showcase, I told her, “Look, you have a reputation on the DIS boards for being bright and sparkly. I need you to be bright and sparkly.” Luckily, her stomach ache seemed to disappear as we walked through Mexico and Norway.

When we reached China, the kids had to stop and play for a couple of minutes.

This is how I knew Chelsea was feeling better, when she said, “Take a picture of me with the goat kissing me.”

Soon we arrived in Italy and spotted Anita, Marc, and Baylor. Let me just say that they are as funny and nice in real life as they are on the DIS boards. We had such a great time with them! Anita had brought a lot of goodies for the kids to play with while we waited for Illuminations to start. I especially loved my pink light-up ring. We took some pictures to commemorate the event.

Here are the girls:

Here are the boys:

Connor and Baylor hit it off like they had been friends forever, and there was an awful lot of silliness going on between the two of them. Of course this was after Connor informed them all that I was a Disney Freak and then was stunned when Anita and Marc spoke the same DIS language as his own mother.

Chelsea did her fair share of giggling at the boys. The funniest part was when she was playing with a squishy ball from Anita and trying to form it into a Mickey head. Well, wouldn’t you know it, but that ball popped and Chelsea was covered with sticky goo all over her hands. Anybody remember the Spectro incident from last year when Chelsea ended up with root beer float all over her hands? I know I was suddenly remembering it. Leaving Connor with our new friends, I took Chelsea over to Tutto Italia to wash her hands. I fell in love with that restaurant and really want to eat there now.

Soon Illuminations started, and it was beautiful! I loved every minute of it! I didn’t try to take any pictures and just enjoyed it!

All too soon, it was over and we slowly made our way out of the park. Connor and Baylor were still having a grand old time chasing each other around. Near Test Track, we parted ways with them and headed back to our beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge. Thanks for a great evening, Wigd, Shocker, and Baylor!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Love a good DIS meet! How fun!

You crack me up with your comment to Chelsea! Sparkly, you make her sound like a Cullen Vampire or something! LOL!

Poor Charles, back to the Lodge. I can kind of relate though, I get nervous meeting new folk too and I am sure in that situation my DH would have left too. He has no interest in meeting my "imaginary internet friends".

No TT or RNR for you huh? Face your fears CP, just do it! RNR is really so much fun!

Allyson

 

[micandminforever]

Great ending to a full day, and fun pictures in China. I also enjoyed the pictures of the girls and the boys. It was nice that the Dis meet took Connor's mind off of KP.

 

[ladybugmom]

Great update!! Glad you were able to meetup with some DISers! How fun! And you know what?! I'm a Disney Freak and proud of it!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Disney Freaks Unite!

What? I'm sorry Test Track didn't work out for you this time. Funny what our minds can do sometimes. I loved your DISmeat with the other freaks! I'm glad you had such a good time with Wig'd and family!

 

[jordanyosh]

Great minds think alike.....

DIS meets...

Charles....I know how he feels. I originally felt nervous about complete strangers. I had conversed with someone on another WDW fansite and we had arranged a meeting at ESPN and I never found them. Of course, they could've seen me and ducked out.... Since then, I was very apprehensive...but I had a great experience on the DCL in 05 and again at WDW in 08....I'm so glad your meet went well....

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sounds like such a fun evening! I'm glad you just took it all in and didn't try to get pictures. I never get good Illuminations pictures anyway.

I am that the sign Chelsea was feeling better was she wanted her photo taken getting kissed by a goat!

Love that you and Chelsea matched in your pink! And Connor and Baylor in their orange too!

Don't feel badly about Test Track. Maybe I'm nuts (maybe??? ) but I actually don't think it's that great a ride.

 

[Native NYer]

The photos of your kids are great. Love the hat photos.

You're not a ride chicken. You just didn't feel like it this time

A DISmeet and Illuminations -what a great evening!!!

Did your kids enjoy Illuminations? I'm wondering if we should take my nephew to see in next month. He loves Wishes.

 

[JenAusty]

Comments from:
June 7, Day Two, Part One: There's Donald, but Where are my Children?

I'm glad that you guys got breakfast before anything bad happened with Charles. My mom is a diabetic and although she is only taking medication for it- if she doesn't eat every few hours- her sugar drops and she does not feel good. She always says she feels light headed and weak- like she is going to faint. I'm glad you guys had such a nice waiter to help out!

I also love AK in the morning when there's noone there and its peaceful. I don't know what the difference is between the other parks because they are all amazing in the morning- but my guess is because of all the nature- real or not that is created and the ease of all of that.

I feel your pain when it comes to being nervous while at the character breakfast. That is one of my complaints about them.. this last time we went was my first character breakfast and of course I wanted pics with all of them as the memory. I also wanted DH to have pics with them to. I know he wouldn't care whether he did or not- he was more worried about the food. But the character breakfast was a surprise and I wanted him to have pics. Not only that, if he wasn't around- then I had no one to take a picture for me.. and I live with character pics. I believe it was Pooh who I missed a pic with because DH was getting food. But I did get eeyore and tigger.

The one I guess for the "which one did they have full mouths" was the one with daisy- just because they both had their mouths in closed smiles.. and the rest they were open.. besides connor in the mickey pic- he looks like he could have food- maybe it was potatos.. laughing:

June 7, Day Two, Part Two: Staying on the Well-Traveled Paths!

I have to say- if this was a hotel- I would at least have attempt to stay there. hehe I love everything that goes into the whole theming of the hotel story.

I also liked viewing the bats. I don't remember seeing them last time we went and this time we got lots of great pics.. which I will share when I get there in my TR.

I also love the theming of AK.. I love all the different countries- the buildings, the signs.. its all the little things. I told DH that I think I love the theming of these countries in AK just as much as Epcot- World Showcase theming.. it definetly makes me want to go to that country- when really I didn't want to before. I truly feel like I get a taste of how it looks. I love it! This is also a reason why this is DH's fav. park.

June 7, Day Two, Part Three: Departing from Harambe!

I'm surprised about the frozen Lemonade. Although, I've never had one at WDW, I have had one else where and it was really good. I remember when we were at WDW every time we seen one I thought- "those looks so yummy" especially when it was hot.. not to mention I love lemonade anyways.

I am sooo glad that you enjoyed The Festival of the Lion King... and I can't believe that was your first time. I personally love the girls that dances and glides around in the air- but its all very good to me.

and lastly, I'm glad the Charles feels better- afterall who wants to be sick on vacation!

 

[jenjolt]

I love the funny hat pictures your kids take!!! And the kissing goat...very nice...sort of reminded me of a Sound of Music moment LOL!!!!!!

What a great DIS meet...like meeting old friends and just enjoying Illuminations and great company!!!! YAY!!!

LIke the matching outfit theme going on there a bit LOL...Connor and Baylor wearing similar colored shirts and You and Chelsea...wearing pink...oh so cute!!!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

I was thinking the same thing, that goat looks just like the goats in The Sound of Music!! I love that movie, can't wait til DD is old enough to sit through it.

I can't imagine chickening out on Test Track, it is so tame. I am even going to try to get my mom on it next trip and she won't ride anything remotely scary anymore. I am a thrill ride junkie though, so I can't really relate. However, I do have an intense fear of heights, full blown panic attack at the top of the "Eiffel Tower" in Vegas.

Cute pictures of the kids and the dis meet. I would love to see Illuminations, not sure if I'll be able to get everyone to stay out for it next trip though.