Family, Friends, & Celebrities- A MAGICAL Birthday TR!!! *UPDATE*8/27! Final thoughts

[that's nice]

Ha, ha. Very funny.

I can say without an eye tic, that I run whenever it tells me too. But I do apply a very liberal use of the definition of "run".

The same with me...a VERY liberal use of the definition of run.

As long as you ladies do some kind of activity to get that heart rate up!!!

 

[Millie12591]

Hi Tim! I just wanted to stop by and give a shout! The pics of MJ is hilarious, were you really a fan, or was it something that sorta just started one wacky "celebratory" evening?

 

[that's nice]

Hi Tim! I just wanted to stop by and give a shout! The pics of MJ is hilarious, were you really a fan, or was it something that sorta just started one wacky "celebratory" evening?

Hello!!!!

I've always liked MJ. Well, I've always liked his music however I didn't care for his antics over the years.(which went from strange, to weird, to ridiculous) As far as 'this' or 'our' MJ is concerned, I only met 'him' last summer. He joined in with us one night, and has been a part of our group ever since.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I might have to hire Barry to write my next TR.

I'M IN! I'll PM you my rates. And as a special bonus, just for you - I'll throw in free photoshopping of your pictures!

 

[stopher1]

Tim - you guys just had so much fun! Oh man, I've just laughed so hard I'm crying. MJ in AK... and the photopass girl who almost wouldn't quit. 10+ of MJ - 1 of your family. Hysterical. And the wardrobe issue... and of course Barry stepping up to the plate to help you out a wee bit... and the teaser tag for your next update... all good stuff.

Did you get your Tree of Life pics from the Asia side and just zoom in? Or did you go over to the trail behind the Bug 3d film to see them up close and personal? I love that little trail. And I love the carvings in the tree.

 

[that's nice]

In reading these boards you come across people who love to plan. I was never really a planner. Well there were things I had to plan- a wedding, for a baby, to buy a house, & what time to pick up dry cleaning. OK, the last one is a stretch but you know what I mean. It wasn't until we went to Disney that my planning became obsessive. I mean who plans not only where they want to eat 6 months in advance, but what they are going to eat? There is one thing about my planning that is very relaxed. Our park days. I'm not one to say we NEED to be on this ride or that ride at a certain time. I don't follow ridemax or a touring schedule. Maybe this is where my 'easy going' side has to step in and take over?

When we made it back to the Safari, the wait was up to 40 minutes. Thank goodness for FPs. We walked up the path and dropped off the strollers and headed towards our jeep. I won't bore you with a bunch of pics.. just a few. LOL

This guy was looking really hungry.

Giraffe

These guys were right next to the jeep.

There are only a few HMs on the safari but I didn't know there was a hidden Donald. This rock formation is supposed to be Donald's hat.. look closely.

Can you see it??

Another great safari ride in the books! Our stomachs were telling us it was time for lunch. Melody & Juliana brought sandwiches and I was thinking either Flame Tree or Yak & Yeti CS. Y&Y seemed to be closer plus we were thinking to stop by Expedition Everest for FPs then head to Nemo for 2. Why Nemo? We left it up to Dave & Branda to pick between Nemo & the FOTLK. They picked Nemo.

I ran (walked briskly) to get the FPs and then met Melody & Juliana at Y&Y. Sometimes I stick to old faithful and don't expand my horizons...

I ordered the honey chicken and the pork eggrolls and a couple of safari ambers for Dave & I.

I wolfed down my food and we made our way over to Nemo, which was already full. No problem, let's go to a roadside amusement park- DinoLand!

We were actually able to ride Triceratops Spin with only a 5 minute wait.. the shortest of the entire week!

We tried our hand at some carnival games.

We sat down at the water spray game(unofficial name). The game ended up being full so the biggest prize was on the line. The bell rang and we started spraying. This game was perfect for the kids.. they were having fun then all of the sudden the bell rang again. We looked up and Victoria & Branda won!

The happiness quickly turned into Juliana crying. She wanted to win. We tried to explain to her that everyone can't win but she wasn't hearing it. She was carrying on & on. We had to walk away with her for a few minutes and let her calm down. Geez... all the drama for a $.25 stuffed animal.

Time to get out of Dinoland and use our EE FPs. Back we go towards Asia. I guess this is why they say people walk 5-10 miles a day in a Disney park. Branda & Mel went first. I'm not sure if you can see them but they are in the 4th row from the back. They both look terrified!

It was the guys turn. Now since Dave has only been one 1 coaster before (RnRC) and has only sat in the front, I didn't want to disappoint him. We waited for the front seat.

Going up!

When you sit in the front, right before you go backwards you have a great view of Disney! You can see Coronado Springs (light colored buildings), the swan, & the dolphin.

You can also see DHS, Tower of Terror, and the sorcerers hat.

We did the whole backwards part and I told Dave once we started going forward to start flexing. I guess he thinks it is OK to flex with one hand and to hold on for dear life with his other and to keep his eyes closed.

Once again, Dave couldn't believe what he was missing his whole life... he loved the coaster!

We got in line for Nemo and these guys were playing.. they are really good. I felt like I was in the Caribbean, not Asia.

We were seated and the kids were getting a kick out of trying to spot Nemo in the bubbles on the sides of the stage. Once it started, all three kids never took their eyes off the stage. It was a winner for sure!

Few pics from Nemo.

It was decided that the girls were going to hit a few stores while Dave & I hit DINOSAUR. The wait was only 10 minutes and when we were off Dave was glad he did it but he didn't love it. You know what? I don't love it either. I can take it or leave it.

Since we made it through DINOSAUR so quickly we stopped by It's Tough To Be A Bug. While we were waiting in line, I explained to him how we had to take Juliana out of this on our first trip. She was screaming her head off.

Sorry, just like this sign.

Walking back to meet up with the girls, he understood why so many kids don't make it through the show. He knew Victoria & Alex wouldn't of made it through. We found the wives and they were about to pay. Hold up.. wait a minute... I told them to give me the purchases and I'll use my AP discount. Juliana had been wanting a baby Simba since she almost walked out of the store with it in her arms last year, Victoria ended up with Minnie, and Alex got a Mickey.

A few last pics before we said good-bye to AK.

We decided we would just walk across to our car instead riding the tram. We were at the car at 5:20 ready to head to dinner at Chef Mickey's.



Up next... CMs and a little treat that could of been 'planned' better.

 

[KatMark]

Okay...I have to interrupt/hijack your report for a minute here (and then I promise to go back and read the latest update).

We're GOING HOME! We didn't have to pay taxes this year and I played with the finances and since we got $398 round trip airfare to Ft. Myers for staying at the condo in Marco Island, we've decided to do Disney for four days like we did last year. And yes....CSR is available and waiting for us. Can't wait to be back for our 9th stay.

Okay, back to our regularly scheduled program and I'll comment on the update as soon as I read it.

 

[that's nice]

I'M IN! I'll PM you my rates. And as a special bonus, just for you - I'll throw in free photoshopping of your pictures!

LOLOLOLOL You got me LMAO!

PM me... It will give you something to do while you are laid up with the Stones (no Rolling)

Tim - you guys just had so much fun! Oh man, I've just laughed so hard I'm crying. MJ in AK... and the photopass girl who almost wouldn't quit. 10+ of MJ - 1 of your family. Hysterical. And the wardrobe issue... and of course Barry stepping up to the plate to help you out a wee bit... and the teaser tag for your next update... all good stuff.

Glad you are enjoying it!!!

It has been hard keeping all this to myself for (GULP) over a month already!

Did you get your Tree of Life pics from the Asia side and just zoom in? Or did you go over to the trail behind the Bug 3d film to see them up close and personal? I love that little trail. And I love the carvings in the tree.

I took them from the Asia side and just zoomed in. I meant to walk on the trail behind the tree but it just didn't happen this time. I guess there is always next time. There are some great ones walking into ITTBAB too.

 

[that's nice]

Okay...I have to interrupt/hijack your report for a minute here (and then I promise to go back and read the latest update).

We're GOING HOME! We didn't have to pay taxes this year and I played with the finances and since we got $398 round trip airfare to Ft. Myers for staying at the condo in Marco Island, we've decided to do Disney for four days like we did last year. And yes....CSR is available and waiting for us. Can't wait to be back for our 9th stay.

Okay, back to our regularly scheduled program and I'll comment on the update as soon as I read it.

AWESOME KATHY!!!!

I'm so happy for you!!! What days are you planning on being there? So you going to start a PTR or what??? You know I'll be there!!!!

 

[stopher1]

Going up!

When you sit in the front, right before you go backwards you have a great view of Disney! You can see Coronado Springs (light colored buildings), the swan, & the dolphin.

You can also see DHS, Tower of Terror, and the sorcerers hat.

We did the whole backwards part and I told Dave once we started going forward to start flexing. I guess he thinks it is OK to flex with one hand and to hold on for dear life with his other and to keep his eyes closed.

And if you turn around before you get to the top - you can see the Magic Kindgom & the Contemporary too. It is a great way to see how vast and large WDW really is.

Poor Dave - he looks like he had a "nervous" kind of fun. But good for you, getting him on 2 in just a few days. Doesn't quite make up for so many lost years...but all in all a very good start!

Great pics! Another great update.

 

[KatMark]

AWESOME KATHY!!!!

I'm so happy for you!!! What days are you planning on being there? So you going to start a PTR or what??? You know I'll be there!!!!

Thanks, Tim (I won't even call you Timmy anymore). Yes, I'll do a pre-trip report and will give you the link once I start. We plan to be there the 17th - 21st; I've already made our ADR's -- Crystal Palace (8:05 breakfast), Kona (Mark wants that Big Kahuna that you had), Boma for breakfast, Plaza for lunch and Coral Reef for lunch.

 

[KatMark]

What a great update. I never noticed that you could see the CSR going up on Expedition Everest (think it could be that it is because I always have my eyes closed tight? ); poor Ana...she wanted a stuffed toy that you would then have to get on the airplane and carry home with everything else. I love the photo pass photos...you guys did great on those this trip.

 

[MaryAz]

Great update. Just noticed the pink mickey heads in Ana's hoodie-very cute! Looks like a fun day so far!

 

[tinkgurl]

Woo! An update!

Great pics on the Safari! I can see Donald's hat!

Yes, Yak & Yeti! Are the CS choices the same as TS?

I love the Nemo show. I just don't know if it will be too long for the little guy or not.

 

[that's nice]

Thanks, Tim (I won't even call you Timmy anymore). Yes, I'll do a pre-trip report and will give you the link once I start. We plan to be there the 17th - 21st; I've already made our ADR's -- Crystal Palace (8:05 breakfast), Kona (Mark wants that Big Kahuna that you had), Boma for breakfast, Plaza for lunch and Coral Reef for lunch.

You've wasted no time with the ADRs!!!!!

Your ADR choices sound great!!! What are you planning on doing for dinners?

What a great update. I never noticed that you could see the CSR going up on Expedition Everest (think it could be that it is because I always have my eyes closed tight? ); poor Ana...she wanted a stuffed toy that you would then have to get on the airplane and carry home with everything else. I love the photo pass photos...you guys did great on those this trip.

If you sit in the front on EE, or at least the first few rows it is a wonderful view!

I really don't know how we made it home with all the stuff we purchased over the 2 weeks we were there....plus with Juliana's birthday thrown into the mix.

The PP pics were really great this time.

 

[WDWisOurHappyPlace]

In reading these boards you come across people who love to plan.

I mean who plans not only where they want to eat 6 months in advance, but what they are going to eat? There is one thing about my planning that is very relaxed. Our park days. I'm not one to say we NEED to be on this ride or that ride at a certain time. I don't follow ridemax or a touring schedule. Maybe this is where my 'easy going' side has to step in and take over?

I totally understand. We decided to "plan" a DW trip and made reservations this past Sunday. Thing is, we leave this coming Sunday! I'm stressing....in a calm way. Easy going will definitely step in!

Great updates! Does Julianna ever NOT smile in her pictures? She is seriously the cutest thing.

Love Dave's first experiences on roller coasters.

 

[KatMark]

You've wasted no time with the ADRs!!!!!

Your ADR choices sound great!!! What are you planning on doing for dinners?




If you sit in the front on EE, or at least the first few rows it is a wonderful view!

I really don't know how we made it home with all the stuff we purchased over the 2 weeks we were there....plus with Juliana's birthday thrown into the mix.

The PP pics were really great this time.

Would you believe when I made these ADR's earlier this evening, I could have gotten LeCellier for any day I put in? But we decided to skip it this year because we've not done Coral Reef in over ten years and Mark really wanted to go back. We've got "late" lunches as two of our three breakfasts are buffets and we love our buffets. And, since they are buffets and we eat a lot, we'll just do counter service for dinner. Plus with being in Marco Island and meeting up with our good friends, Nicki and Todd (Nicki is the queen food porn reviewer here on the DIS) and eating out with them at lots of great seafood places, etc., we don't want to spend too much at Disney.

I never know how we make it home with the stuff we buy. We usually pack an extra "carry on" bag just for the souvenirs (you'd think at our age we'd be done with the souvenirs ).

We're going to have to make a bigger effort with PP this year. Maybe we should bring MJ with us????

 

[that's nice]

And if you turn around before you get to the top - you can see the Magic Kindgom & the Contemporary too. It is a great way to see how vast and large WDW really is.

I didn't realize that. I will be looking for MK next time I ride it.

Poor Dave - he looks like he had a "nervous" kind of fun. But good for you, getting him on 2 in just a few days. Doesn't quite make up for so many lost years...but all in all a very good start!

He looked like he was about to... I can't say that.... Something about a brick But when we got off he said he liked it a lot.

Great pics! Another great update.

Thanks! I have to get this TR done in 3 weeks. Then my DIS time will almost be non-existent because of work.

 

[that's nice]

Great update. Just noticed the pink mickey heads in Ana's hoodie-very cute! Looks like a fun day so far!

I love that sweatshirt. There are 3 sparkly hidden Mickey's too. We had another great park day!

Woo! An update!

Great pics on the Safari! I can see Donald's hat!

I was hoping someone saw it. LOL

Yes, Yak & Yeti! Are the CS choices the same as TS?

Here is the menu for the CS... I guess they are the same, just less of them

Honey Chicken $9.99
Sweet and Sour Pork $9.99
Shrimp Lo Mein $10.99
Kung Pao Beef $10.99
Asian Chicken Sandwich $9.99
Mandarin Chicken Salad $8.99

Sides

Pork Egg Rolls $3.99
Chicken Fried Rice $3.99
Basket of Fries $3.99

I love the Nemo show. I just don't know if it will be too long for the little guy or not.

How old is he going to be when you go? Alex is 2 1/2 and he sat through it with no problem.

 

[that's nice]

I totally understand. We decided to "plan" a DW trip and made reservations this past Sunday. Thing is, we leave this coming Sunday! I'm stressing....in a calm way. Easy going will definitely step in!

Great updates! Does Julianna ever NOT smile in her pictures? She is seriously the cutest thing.

Love Dave's first experiences on roller coasters.

Well first off... Have a great trip!!!!!
I'm sure everything will be fine for you. Don't forget to put the Disney dining # in your cell.... you never know when you might be able to pick up a last minute ADR.

Sometimes I have to take a few takes before she smiles. Most of the time she is a ham!

Dave, surprisingly, was loving it too!