From Kick'n It at Kidani to Play'n It at Pop adults only p62/63 last thoughts&request

[eandesmom]

Great facts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the info about the scaffolding, I remember seeing it being built and thinking it looked really unusual.

You pictures are just lovely. The Discovery trail is on my must do's....

 

[MEK]

Mary Ellen, you have some amazing pictures! I'm wondering if we've even gone to Discovery Island...
Can you actually get near the Tree of Life?

Thanks. That's the first time I actually really went far into that path and yes, it circles the tree of life. We spent about 45 mins back there. It was quiet and relatively shaded.

All of these facts are so neat, but I like these three the best!

I got this information from a book called The Hidden Magic of WDW. I just bought it last week, so now I am trying to learn some stuff.

This is a great picture!!! All of your Discovery Island pics are beautiful as well -- we always seem to zip right across the island -- I think we need to spend more time there exploring.

I'm so glad we explored Discovery Island because it really is a hidden treasure.

Thanks for the interesting AK facts! Great pics, too!

Denise

Thanks! Glad you liked!

I must admit that AK has always been my least favorite park but your pics are all so gorgeous it's making me think I need to spend more time there and truly appreciate it!

I think I am starting to love AK more and more. I think I have always underappreciated it until this trip. Next trip I vow to spend more time there!

BE BACK SOON GOTTA WORK!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Oh Mary Ellen...I was a few updates behind! I am all caught up now. More great photos of AK! YOu did such a good job with your camera! Love the facts list and Tusker House sounds good. We are doing breakfast there...it's one of our fav's! I also love the trails...it is such a nice place to explore. You can really get awesome pix back there!

 

[MEK]

More absolutely beautiful pictures MaryEllen!!! I love them!! Your getting me all excited for AK on Saturday!!!

I love your AK facts!! I still have to make you a list of all my WDW books!! Maybe later today...

Oh, I am so glad you like my pictures AND that you are getting excited for your AK visit. I know you don't have time for a list right now, but I did find the Hidden Magic book when I was at Border's last week. I am really enjoying it.

You mention something in one of your replies about a 100 lbs camera bag with tripod to take pics of Wishes and Illuminations. I can maybe slove the tripod problem!

Think about one of these...



It's called a gorillapod! I just got one!!

It's about 10 inches tall and weighs literally nothing!

the best part is that the legs are flexible! You can bend them to attach to anything!!

I'm hoping to be able to use it to put the camera on a wall or attach to a fence or the stroller handle!!

I'm super excited about it and I'll let you know how I like it!!

I heard about the gorillapod. Thank you for remiding me. That is the perfect solution. I really hope you love yours. I hope you come back with rave reviews!

Those are great Animal Kingdom facts. The prayer flags are just so beautiful. Those Disney Details!

I love those prayer flags, too. But I never really understood what they were for. Now I know!

Awesome updates!

I love those "fun facts" from AK. Knowing some of that stuff is the most fun parts of the trip, I think...thanks for sharing that with us!!

Thanks! I am really trying to learn more about the parks and the attractions. I've seen all the attractions numerous times, but now I am starting to look at the with a more seasoned eye. I am happy to learn some new factoids so I can look at everything in a slightly different light.

Great facts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the info about the scaffolding, I remember seeing it being built and thinking it looked really unusual.

.

I remember seeing it built, too. But I didn't know there was any unusual about it. Now that I understand it better, it makes sense.

You pictures are just lovely. The Discovery trail is on my must do's....

Thanks. I definately recommend the D.T., cause, trust me, it gets better!

Oh Mary Ellen...I was a few updates behind! I am all caught up now. More great photos of AK! YOu did such a good job with your camera! Love the facts list ....

Thank you. I really did have a great time taking pictures there. It really is a photographer's dream. Glad you liked the facts. I have a few more up my sleeve.

Tusker House sounds good. We are doing breakfast there...it's one of our fav's! I also love the trails...it is such a nice place to explore. You can really get awesome pix back there!

Everyone loves TH breakfast. I think I am going to HAVE to eat breakfast there in May. That discovery trail was so cool. In May I am definately doing the other trails.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Mary Ellen,

I used to lurk on and off your last TR-Kickin it at Kidani...you have the handsome teenage sons and the really sweet nephew who you turned into a thrill ride junkie......) I remember somewhere you saying that Dutch Wonderland wasn't going to cut it anymore for him...which made me laugh...living outside of Philadelphia and having been there...vs Dorney Park which definitely has more kick to it...

I also remembered that you did something medical-Nurse Practitioner which explains your use of the word gravid and also why you are able to give such great and thorough advice to Cynthia about her FIL... (My hat goes off to you since I become nervous as soon as I get within a mile of a doctor's office or hospital... and get light headed watching having my blood drawn...

Anyhow-I've read through page 5 so I am way behind and probably off topic at this point but I love that you and your DH went off to WDW for your anniversary...

I agree that Philadelphia airport is sadly- a nightmare......we usually fly out of Newark but I'll have to consider BWI-it wouldn't be that much further...

I hear you about not wanting to leave your sons unsupervised...As the mom of 15 year old daughter...makes me shudder to think about it...even if they are good kids...there will inevitably be other kids who realize that you are away... and well that's just not so good...

Ummm...that fish......well I don't think there is anything that I can say that hasn't been said...I love seafood but WOW...that was something else...I can only hope that that was the last time during your trip that your DH had his dinner staring back at him...

I have a bit of catch up...

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am loving all your AK pictures - all that detail is just beautiful. I find myself in the same position as you, taking zillions of pictures every single step!

Those facts are great too-I've never heard those before. I gotta get my hands on some Disney facts books!

Discovery Island is so much fun, it's like a little hidden gem. When Joe and I explored during our November 2008 trip, I think we only ran into a few other people the entire time!

I was a few updates behind so I just saw this picture, and I have to comment too - LOVE IT!!!!! Your excitement is oozing from it!! It reminds me of LL's Dumbo shot-just that perfect Disney moment!!

What is the difference between a runner and a non-runner?

Us non-runners would NEVER say only 1 1/2 miles, especially before headed to walk AK for the day!!!

this is EXACTLY what I was thinking!!

 

[MEK]

Mary Ellen,

I used to lurk on and off your last TR-Kickin it at Kidani...you have the handsome teenage sons and the really sweet nephew who you turned into a thrill ride junkie......) I remember somewhere you saying that Dutch Wonderland wasn't going to cut it anymore for him...which made me laugh...living outside of Philadelphia and having been there...vs Dorney Park which definitely has more kick to it...

Patricia:

Welcome! So happy to have you following along. We are both now officially behind on each other's TR. I love your TR - its great. You have an awesome memory. So you are an ex-Philly girl? I grew up outside Chestnut Hill, Pa and lived in Lansdale and Ambler for awhile. But I've been in Delaware for what feels like forever.

Mary Ellen,

I also remembered that you did something medical-Nurse Practitioner which explains your use of the word gravid and also why you are able to give such great and thorough advice to Cynthia about her FIL... (My hat goes off to you since I become nervous as soon as I get within a mile of a doctor's office or hospital... and get light headed watching having my blood drawn...

Yup, I'm a nurse practitioner in a cardiac surgery program. It's a community sized hospital, so we are not super busy. It gives me some free time to Dis. But I was busy today. This is my first trip to the boards today.

Anyhow-I've read through page 5 so I am way behind and probably off topic at this point but I love that you and your DH went off to WDW for your anniversary...

It was so fun. When our "real" anniversary date came a few weeks after the trip, I almost forgot. I said to DH, "but our anniverary is over! This can't be right!"

I agree that Philadelphia airport is sadly- a nightmare......we usually fly out of Newark but I'll have to consider BWI-it wouldn't be that much further...

I have heard of other North Jersey people flying out of BWI. I like it soooooo much better than PHL. But I can only convince DH to fly from there when the rates are a lot cheaper than PHL. If it was up to me, I'd probably fly from there everytime. I can't book yet for May, because I don't think the BWI flights are quite cheap enough to entice DH.

I hear you about not wanting to leave your sons unsupervised...As the mom of 15 year old daughter...makes me shudder to think about it...even if they are good kids...there will inevitably be other kids who realize that you are away... and well that's just not so good...

:

That is why I absolutely will NEVER go away over a Friday or Saturday night. NEVER, EVER!!!!!!!!! I still have to work out my May plans, but there is one thing I just decided. My DS16 will be driving by himself then. I am having a GPS tracker put in his car (not really his car, but the one he will be allowed to drive). I want to get text message alerts if he speeds or goes out of range. I also want one that allows me to turn the car off.

BTW - I know what my boys would say about your daughter, if they saw her. Something like. "She's hot".

Ummm...that fish......well I don't think there is anything that I can say that hasn't been said...I love seafood but WOW...that was something else...I can only hope that that was the last time during your trip that your DH had his dinner staring back at him...

:

I hope that is the last time I EVER see his dinner staring back at him. That was just wierd.

I am loving all your AK pictures - all that detail is just beautiful. I find myself in the same position as you, taking zillions of pictures every single step!

Those facts are great too-I've never heard those before. I gotta get my hands on some Disney facts books!

I'm so glad you are enjoying the pictures. Seriously, I just wanted to keeping taking more and more pictures. It was wierd. I couldn't stop myself.

glad you like the fun facts!

Discovery Island is so much fun, it's like a little hidden gem. When Joe and I explored during our November 2008 trip, I think we only ran into a few other people the entire time!

It is a hidden gem and I plan to visit it again next trip. And, you're right - there is no one back there. It was like having your own private garden.

I was a few updates behind so I just saw this picture, and I have to comment too - LOVE IT!!!!! Your excitement is oozing from it!! It reminds me of LL's Dumbo shot-just that perfect Disney moment!!





this is EXACTLY what I was thinking!!

Oh.....I wish I could see what picture you posted. I am at work and can't see any photobucket pics. You'd think I would start posting to flicker, because I can see those.

I see you posted today, but I need to get back to work so I'll have to read it later. Drat!

 

[MEK]

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Just for the record - I got all my little factoids from a book called The Hidden Magic of WDW. I will post more factoids where appropriate. I just wanted to say that I am having a busy week. My kids have soccer three nights this week (big, important games) and I am marching in a Halloween parade tommorrow. I'm not sure when my next update will be, but I will give you a hint re: the topic.

Let's see....I'm on the Discovery Island trail and about to approach the Tree of Life. I've always been curious as to how many animals there are on the TOL. Any guesses?

Up next.....a photo montage of the TOL animals.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

LOL I have that book...just never read it! Good thing you are letting me know what it says!! LOL

 

[Charleston Princess]

Looking forward to that Tree of Life montage when things calm down for you, Mary Ellen!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Very much looking forward to the Tree of Life montage! The tree never ceases to amaze me. I'm sure you saw dozens and dozens of animals I have never noticed!

Hope you survive the next few days without too much exhaustion!

 

[wsushocker]

I am marching in a Halloween parade tomorrow.

 

[MEK]

LOL I have that book...just never read it! Good thing you are letting me know what it says!! LOL

Now you will know whether you want to buy it or not! I do have some questions that it doesn't answer at all and then it includes some really great details that I would never think to ask about.

Looking forward to that Tree of Life montage when things calm down for you, Mary Ellen!

I really want to get at it, but if I don't have the time to post all the pics, than I will just have to wait. I will say that I am pretty pleased with the way the pics turned out!

Very much looking forward to the Tree of Life montage! The tree never ceases to amaze me. I'm sure you saw dozens and dozens of animals I have never noticed!

Hope you survive the next few days without too much exhaustion!

When I found out how many animals are actually on that tree I was shocked! I didn't photograph anywhere the total number of animals that are on that tree.

Thanks for the good wishes on getting through the next few days. I am exhausted right now!

Why,why,why do I always find your posts when I am at work??????? The worst part is I won't be able to see this picture until I am HOME from the parade! I have been praying all day that it gets rained out, but I don't think I am going to be that lucky!

 

[MEK]

My son Brian's highschool varsity team beat their strongest competitor last night 1 - 0. Trust me when I say this is huge. The losing high school has not been beat by an instate highschool soccer team for the last 4 years! They win the state tournament every year. Every year!!!!!!! They are ranked somewhere in the top ten or 20 high schools nationally.

Brian was injured in the game. He was playing center defender and literally ran straight into our goalie while going up against the other team's striker. Brian was running backward and our goalie was running forward. CRASH! Brian has a bruised rib, but should be OK. They have another game tomorrow night, so hopefully he will be able to play. Anyway, I could hardly concentrate on the last 20 minutes of the game because I was worried about Brian.

 

[Lady Lallie]

My son Brian's highschool varsity team beat their strongest competitor last night 1 - 0. Trust me when I say this is huge. The losing high school has not been beat by an instate highschool soccer team for the last 4 years! They win the state tournament every year. Every year!!!!!!! They are ranked somewhere in the top ten or 20 high schools nationally.

Brian was injured in the game. He was playing center defender and literally ran straight into our goalie while going up against the other team's striker. Brian was running backward and our goalie was running forward. CRASH! Brian has a bruised rib, but should be OK. They have another game tomorrow night, so hopefully he will be able to play. Anyway, I could hardly concentrate on the last 20 minutes of the game because I was worried about Brian.

WOO HOO! Congrats on the win.

Sorry about Brian's injury. Here's hoping he can play tomorrow!

 

[manntra]

for Brian's team and hope he is doing better and will be able to play.
Can't wait to see your TOL montage....sometimes you just feel so rushed going through there and I love to stop and look around.

 

[jenjolt]

Just want to echo my congrats on the win!! That is HUGE!!!!! Glad Brian wasn't injured to severely and I hope he's able to play!!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Yay for the team's win!!! I hope Brian gets better and gets to play! That is a really big deal!

 

[eandesmom]

My son Brian's highschool varsity team beat their strongest competitor last night 1 - 0. Trust me when I say this is huge. The losing high school has not been beat by an instate highschool soccer team for the last 4 years! They win the state tournament every year. Every year!!!!!!! They are ranked somewhere in the top ten or 20 high schools nationally.

Brian was injured in the game. He was playing center defender and literally ran straight into our goalie while going up against the other team's striker. Brian was running backward and our goalie was running forward. CRASH! Brian has a bruised rib, but should be OK. They have another game tomorrow night, so hopefully he will be able to play. Anyway, I could hardly concentrate on the last 20 minutes of the game because I was worried about Brian.

WOW! That is huge, I am SO happy for him, you, the school. I would imagine that Brian feels that bruised rib was well worth it!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a great win!!! Hope Brian is feeling better -- I could just visualize that collision in my head, and it wasn't pretty!