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

[Happydog]

Whatever do you mean you'll be trying that in September

Did I say September??!! Oooooooooooooooooooooops.

Sorry CP. Didn't mean to swipe your thread...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Did I say September??!! Oooooooooooooooooooooops.

Sorry CP. Didn't mean to swipe your thread...

Alright, girlfriend! Spill it! You have been running around dropping hints all day, and I want the juicy details!

 

[Happydog]

Alright, girlfriend! Spill it! You have been running around dropping hints all day, and I want the juicy details!

AS fast as my fingers will type! But it isn't 100% good news... you'll see. I'm working on it right now.

 

[winkers]

Connor's "hallucinating" line is priceless!

Chelsea's necklace is so cute!

I always plan to buy pottery from AK, but I always forget......yet another reason why I HAVE to return.

 

[jenjolt]

Alright, girlfriend! Spill it! You have been running around dropping hints all day, and I want the juicy details!

See I'm not the only one who noticed your "hints" all day long LOL!!!

 

[Roxychica7]

Beautiful necklace that Chelsea got! We also love Restaurantosaurus! Dbf's siblings wanted to eat here because it was a "McDonalds" but heck no (and thank you god!) was it not! Delicious meaty burgers! Yum! What's in your Safari drink? Is it a sweet one?

 

[MegansMom]

I'm telling you....they pump that heat in special for AK!!!! When is it NOT hot there!??!?!!?

 

[jillyb]

Feeling much better today! Hannah was out of school on Friday due to a virus. Today was her first day fever free. It's my MILs birthday today so we both got to get out of the house finally. I think that did wonders for both of us!

I love Chelsea's necklace!

 

[jordanyosh]

Before we departed from Harambe, I had to stop and get a Lost on Safari from the Dawa Bar.

It’s my favorite drink from the trip, but it packs a punch and a half. I totally understand how it got its name -- too many of these babies, and you would be aimlessly stumbling about the African Serengeti until a lion ate you for lunch.

That looks good....

 

[SunnieRN]

I always hate it when kids start sentences with "I don't want to freak you out" or, the classic, "If I tell you this, you wont get mad, will you?" That would have scared me for a minute!

Chelseas hair looked so cute! Love her skirt. I am so NOT a necklace person, as my really fine hair gets caught in them really easily, but I would make an exception for that one!

Would love to see the pottery and the rover.

 

[jmamom]

Hi Jackie,
Sounds like a fun day at Animal Kingdom! There's no way we are going anywhere near ITTBAB! Even though I too am the family bug killer, I still hate them. My kids are dying to go on Primevel Whirl, hope all that spinning doesn't make me too sick. Why do kids love to spin so much?? Chelsea's necklace is beautiful, and I'm glad you got out of there before Connor got too dehydrated. That is not a good feeling, poor kid.
Hope school is going well, you must be so busy now, I can't believe you found time for 2 updates this week. Can you believe my kids haven't even started school yet? They go on Thursday, finally.
Looking forward to reading more soon!
Elaine

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a great chapter! Sounds like you had a good time strolling around and enjoying the AK while the kiddos were on Primeval Whirl.

Thank you! I did have a good time strolling and taking pictures.

I am over Connor hallucinating. Not because dehydration is funny, but just the choice of words. It's so important to stay hydrated in that kind of heat. And I don't know what it is, but it could be the coolest day of the entire trip and I'm always sweating to death in the AK. Such is life.

It cracked me up, too, while at the same time, concerning me -- if we hadn't been headed back to the hotel already, we would have been after Connor's comment.

I think I missed commenting on your last chapter, not sure how. I love the picture of you and Chelsea with baby Simba. Priceless!

Thank you! I love that picture as well!

I have likened being a teacher to the Whack-a-Mole game. You get one down and two more pop up. You get those down and here comes another one. Now I will have to say Whack-a-Packycephalosaur instead. Do you think I will get strange looks from my teacher friends?

It is so true!!! I usually use a bush fire analogy -- as soon as you get one spot out, another one breaks out.

I already get strange looks from my teacher friends.

Chelsea's necklace is great! Has she worn it to school? Does it give her Disney's Animal Kingdom happiness? I supposed she could say she was DAK-happy when she wears it. Do you suppose she might get strange looks from her friends if she said that?

She may get a few strange looks if she said that.

I can see the heat on Connor's face. Too funny about the hallucinating. I'm glad he really wasn't, but that was pretty cute.

I thought so, too!

I have not eaten in Restaurantosaurus. Maybe we should do that this time, since we've done Flame Tree and Pizzafari numerous times.

The remote control rover is what Brooklynn picked as her consolation prize for not being tall enough to ride Dinosaur. She drove it all around the rooms later on! Is Connor still playing with his? I think that's an awesome souvenir!

I'm so glad we got an African Paradise update today!

It's good -- like Pecos Bill's, Backlot, etc. -- burgers and fries and air conditioning.

Yes, Connor is still playing with his time rover -- it's just the right size for the Little Green Men, Star Wars figures and Lego people to ride in it.

Aaaaa a touch of AK. Looking and reading I feel hot. AK is just soo hot. I have had fine CS there, I cannot imagine not eating in the AC at AK in the summer. The Whirl is a fun ride, but we are not tall enough yet. Can't wait to see all the shopping goodies!

Animal Kingdom is always so hot, and while it is one of my favorite parks, I never seem to be able to last very long there.

SO much to comment on...first of all Connor's comment while the situation might not be funny (dehydration never is) the way he told you is just hilarious...I have heard that laughter helps you live longer in that case...Connor is not only helping you, he's helping me LOL!!

Connor comes up with the funniest things sometimes.

I adore Chelsea's necklace, she just pulls that off, looks amazing on her!!! I love the colors and all of that together!!!

Thank you -- I thought the necklace looked wonderful on her, too.

Ewww...to it being so hot!! But I'm glad you were able to find ways to cool down and enjoy a good drink!!!!

Looking forward to seeing how you spent your evening!!

Yes, our moments of coolness were deeply appreciated.

We have a lovely afternoon and evening coming up...

We're staying in Kidani in a standard view...what kind of view did you book/request? I have no idea what to ask for and I'd really rather not be looking at a parking lot or something.

Ours was just a standard view but then we got upgraded to a pool view.

I've always heard AK is the hottest park so I'm not surprised how Connor may have been hallucinating! That is scary!

Honestly, Connor is a bit melodramatic so he was probably exaggerating a little bit.

Glad to hear that Connor was happy he tried Primeval Whirl with a little coaxing from Chelsea. I'm sure they both enjoyed it more than ITTBAB

Yes, with no spiders dangling anywhere, both Chelsea and Connor enjoyed Primeval Whirl much more.

I've never tried eating at Restaurantasoarus. You always hear about people eating at Flame Tree or Pizzafari but I'm going to have to keep Restaurantasoarus in mind for our next trip!

If you are in the mood for a burger and air-conditioning, it's the perfect spot.

"Mom, I don't mean to freak you out but I think I'm hallucinating." That is CLASSIC!

It was...

I'm not sure if I missed it before or if this was our first peek but love Chelsea's animal print skirt. Perfect for AK! Love her necklace too. She's quite the budding fashionista!!

Believe it or not, C, but that is actually the dress she bought last year, pulled down as a skirt -- Chelsea can be very ingenious when it comes to her clothes.

Lost on Safari is officially on my list. Can't wait to try it!!

It was quite good -- I would love to head back to AK on this trip, get one of them and get a larger pitcher in the pottery that I am wishing I had bought before...

Did you take pictures of the pottery you bought?

I've never been on Primeval Whirl. Am I missing anything??

I did -- for the souvenir update.

I've never been on it, either, but both Chelsea and Connor think it is a lot of fun!

I just have to start out by saying that Chelsea's necklace is very cool! I will be looking for them in December.

Mombasa Marketplace in Harambe!

Aren't you the smart one to put them in line for Primeval Whirl then head for fast passes. That is not one of my favorite rides either.

It just doesn't seem like something I would really enjoy...

That was one of those days that the heat was intense, good choice on a lunch spot. We haven't eaten at Restaurantosaurus since it was a breakfast buffet a few years ago. I'll defiantly keep it in mind for next summer when we are seeking some air conditioning!
I hope poor Connor pulled out of his heat induced haze quickly!

He was fine by the time we reached the bus stop -- he tends to be melodramatic (like everyone else in my family ).

Connor knows you well...."Mom I don't mean to freak you out..."

Yes, he does. LOL!

What a wonderful time at AK. I love all your shopping tales from AK. I honestly don't think I have ever bought anything but food at AK. I need to remedy that in January.

Chelsea's necklace is gorgeous! I really love it. She has great taste!

I always seem to do the majority of my shopping in Animal Kingdom -- they have lots of unique stuff that you don't see at the other parks.

I'm amazed that Connor was such a gentleman even as he thought he was hallucinating..."Mom I don't mean to freak you out..."-just the think that every mom loves to hear......

I know, right?

No Primeval Whirl Jackie? No spinning and dropping and dropping and spinning...:rolleyes-wait you're a spinner...the tea cups...these are just tea cups on tracks...I think its a cute ride but I don't get the waits it gets...Emily and David both love it too...

Like the teacups? Hmmm, I might actually enjoy it then -- how are the drops?

Great Necklace on Chelsea- kind of boho chic/ethnic and fun & sophisticated all at once...it looks fab on her...

That Lost on Safari looks good...wait wh

Thank you! I thought the necklace was so Chelsea!

The Lost on Safari was quite good!

What a great AK morning!! Did you ever ask Conner what he was hallucinating? Or was that just his term for how he felt?

We had a lot of fun that morning -- I think Connor was just trying to make a point that he was overheated and fading fast.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi Jackie!! I'm all caught up!! So sorry you weren't able to meet the fairies. And I don't think my family will EVER make it to It's Tough to Be a Bug! We are ALL terrified of bugs!! YIKES!!

Nope, steer clear of It's Tough to be a Bug! It would freak all of you out!

Awwww, poor Connor!!! I couldn't help but laugh at what he said though! That sounds like something Hollie would say!

I love Chelsea's necklace!!

I wondered for a moment if Connor had somehow gotten ahold of my Lost on Safari!

Thank you -- I keep thinking I should borrow it sometime.

lots to say! Wow you do have a jam packed trip to AK and how! Such great shopping clearly! Where are our pictures??!! So that primeveal whirl was a good one -- yeah, DH did it, me, um, no. I think I have said this before, but there is a reason why Whirl and hurl rhyme ... NOT getting me on that. I only do the Tea Cups if the spinner remains "unspun"

I have pictures for the souvenir post.

Primeval Whirl did not look like something I wanted to ride -- I enjoyed just looking around and soaking in the atmosphere of Dinoland instead.

I never understand why AK seems so much hotter... I wonder if it is because of the water? the humidity? The trees trapping the heat? Not sure... it isn't like there is more pavement, is there? Anyhow that beverage of yours looks very very good. I will be trying that in September...

Someone offered the theory that it is all the vegetation trapping the heat -- makes sense to me...

Yes, try a Lost on Safari during your quick jaunt to WDW (sneaky girl ) -- you will love it!

Connor's "hallucinating" line is priceless!

Chelsea's necklace is so cute!

I always plan to buy pottery from AK, but I always forget......yet another reason why I HAVE to return.

I about fell down laughing when he said it.

Thank you -- I thought Chelsea made a good choice. She is all about jewelry these days for her souvenirs.

Yes, another good reason to head back -- have you come up with a plan yet?

Beautiful necklace that Chelsea got! We also love Restaurantosaurus! Dbf's siblings wanted to eat here because it was a "McDonalds" but heck no (and thank you god!) was it not! Delicious meaty burgers! Yum! What's in your Safari drink? Is it a sweet one?

Thank you! Yes, Restaurantosaurus was delish! The Lost on Safari has like three different kinds of rum and some sort of punch -- it was sweet, but not overly sweet.

I'm telling you....they pump that heat in special for AK!!!! When is it NOT hot there!??!?!!?

So true!!! I keep wondering if it's cooler in December or if it is still hotter than any of the other parks.

Feeling much better today! Hannah was out of school on Friday due to a virus. Today was her first day fever free. It's my MILs birthday today so we both got to get out of the house finally. I think that did wonders for both of us!

I love Chelsea's necklace!

Good, I am glad you and Hannah are on the mend!

Thank you! I love Chelsea's taste in jewelry!

That looks good....

It was very good -- but you wouldn't want to drink like 9 in a sitting or anything.

I always hate it when kids start sentences with "I don't want to freak you out" or, the classic, "If I tell you this, you wont get mad, will you?" That would have scared me for a minute!

My heart did stop for a second.

Chelseas hair looked so cute! Love her skirt. I am so NOT a necklace person, as my really fine hair gets caught in them really easily, but I would make an exception for that one!

Thank you -- Chelsea has a lot of fun with her fashion choices.

Would love to see the pottery and the rover.

I took pictures for the souvenir update!

Hi Jackie,
Sounds like a fun day at Animal Kingdom! There's no way we are going anywhere near ITTBAB! Even though I too am the family bug killer, I still hate them.

Hi, Elaine! Nope, stay away from it if you don't like bugs.

My kids are dying to go on Primevel Whirl, hope all that spinning doesn't make me too sick. Why do kids love to spin so much??

The spinning didn't look too, too bad...

Chelsea's necklace is beautiful, and I'm glad you got out of there before Connor got too dehydrated. That is not a good feeling, poor kid.

It was just too, too hot to stay any longer.

Hope school is going well, you must be so busy now, I can't believe you found time for 2 updates this week. Can you believe my kids haven't even started school yet? They go on Thursday, finally.

School is going well -- things are finally settling into a routine! I can't believe yours hasn't started yet -- we are halfway through our first nine weeks!

 

[MegansMom]

We were there in 2007 at the end of November/beginning of December..........still hotter than anywhere I have ever been!!!!! I felt bad for the CMs who had to walk around caroling in SWEATERS!!!!! I could NOT have hacked that!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

It was very good -- but you wouldn't want to drink like 9 in a sitting or anything.

 

[Native NYer]

Lost on Safari looks delish!

Chelsea's necklace is beautiful. Can't wait to see pics of your purchases.

Restaurantasaurus is great. The a/c makes the food taste even better

I agree that $2.50 a game is a bit ridiculous. They should offer a deal where the more games you play, the less you pay.

Connor hallucinating is hilarious

 

[wsushocker]

I agree that $2.50 a game is a bit ridiculous. They should offer a deal where the more games you play, the less you pay.

Disney offer a "deal" that means paying less????

 

[MEK]

Attempting to shake off their traumatic experience at It’s Tough to be a Bug, the kids guided our footsteps towards Dinoland. Chelsea, through much brainwashing and cajoling, convinced her sometimes timid brother to try Primeval Whirl. The wait was 40 minutes long, but Chelsea was insistent that she wanted to ride and ride right then and there.

What had worked on Aladdin’s Magic Carpet and the Tomorrowland Speedway was bound to work just as effectively on Primeval Whirl. I gave kisses to the kids and sent them on their way through the line. While I waited, I went to get Fast Passes for Dinosaur and strolled around taking pictures.

It sounds like it was soooooooo crowded that day. Uck!

Afterwards Connor wanted to try his hand at a couple of carnival games. I told him that he would have to spend his own money, so he decided to buy two tickets at $2.50 each. Now, perhaps I will sound contradictory since I had no problem paying $15 each for face painting, but I do think $2.50 a game is a bit of a rip-off. Connor had a grand time, though, playing a Whack the Dinosaur game and some sort of shooting game.

Agreed. That face painting was totally worth it for the great pictures you got!

Since we still had some time before our Dinosaur Fast Passes could be used, it seemed like a good idea to grab some lunch. We headed towards Restaurantosaurus.

Cheeseburgers and root beer were enjoyed by everyone! I don’t read about a lot of people eating here, but this was our second time (we went in 2007 also), and we like it here. It’s themed like a dig camp, and there is a great fixins’ bar. Not to mention it is air-conditioned -- a huge plus at Animal Kingdom.

I don't hear too much about this place either, but one of these hot days I am going to try it because I am getting tired of Pizzafari!

After lunch we rode Dinosaur -- always a great favorite in our family --
We strolled slowly towards Kali -- it was getting hotter and hotter by this point and took a few pictures.

Kali had a 60-minute wait, so we grabbed Fast Passes. By now, we were absolutely miserable from the heat, but I insisted we go to Africa -- I needed to make a stop at the Mombasa Marketplace.

for Dinosaur.

With that heat I'm surprised the wait for Kali wasn't longer.

Chelsea bought a necklace, and I bought another piece of pottery in the same line as the one I bought last year and a wooden giraffe from Kenya. Before we departed from Harambe, I had to stop and get a Lost on Safari from the Dawa Bar.

It’s my favorite drink from the trip, but it packs a punch and a half. I totally understand how it got its name -- too many of these babies, and you would be aimlessly stumbling about the African Serengeti until a lion ate you for lunch.

Chelsea modeled her gorgeous necklace from Mombasa while we rested.

Both the drink and the necklace are lovely! I'm not sure which one I like better!

Walking back to the buses, Connor said, “Mom, I don’t mean to freak you out, but I think I am hallucinating.” I told him to drink more water, and we would back at AKL soon. This was the one time the bus took FOREVER to arrive, but I honestly think it was an isolated glitch since Animal Kingdom is really only about five minutes (if that) from the hotel.

UP NEXT: Making lots of new friends at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Poor Connor. That's how I felt the day I left MK in that brutal heat. And then to have to wait for the bus.....ughhhh!

Loved this installment. Can't wait to read more!

 

[eandesmom]

What a great update, I love Chelsea's necklace. I'd like to try that drink although in that heat it's probably double the punch it backs on its own!

I have issues with the carnival games at all parks, they are always overpriced, and rarely do you win. I won't pay for them either but somehow my kids seem to con grandparents out of money to play them every time...

Connor is too cute...but of course he did freak you out by saying that I"m sure. Thank goodness you were headed back!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Good job Mom for letting the kids go do some rides by themselves while you took pictures for us.

And I must say that when you were writing about how hot you all were and need to head back to the resort, I was sure that you were going to write that Charles just called to say he was walking into the park.