I'M JUST SHOWBOATIN' AROUND THE WORLD! & getting pooped on. Jan 13 TR! NEW TR POSTED!

[lvcourtneyy]

AH I'm SO EXCITED that September is so close! That's awesome that your waitlist came through!

Yay for almost being DVC official!

How great that you got to meet up with your mom! at her choosing Ellen. I'm not sure that I'll quite ever be able to do that ride again. Nice concept but really Ellen's Energy Adventure is 45 minutes and they shrunk LM down to 17 minutes? Who thought that one out?

Their lack of a reaction is quite sad. Beautiful fountain pics!

AH that monorail picture is PERFECT!

Glad your mom was finally released from her captive situation for dinner! San Angel Inn is high on my list to eat at soon! I think it's just so cute inside there!

It's pretty cute that both you guys got margaritas and both the boys got Norwegian beer!

Love the pictures of China-- it is beautiful at night! Seriously, all of your WS photos are gorgeous. Like, they remind me of some of the pictures they sent on the PP gallery CD. Disney should commission you for your pictures.

The old pictures are too cute!

 

[danimaroo]

What a nice evening in Epcot! And so great that you got to spend time with your mom I love the throwback pictures you included, so cute!

And hooray to being one step closer to becoming DVC members!

It was a delightful evening in Epcot, and so good to see my Mom! She lives in Boston so I don't get to see her a ton. And thanks, she sent them to me and I had to post them!

We are SO CLOSE! I'm really hoping we are members before we go in September. It would be so awesome to walk in there as OFFICIAL DVC members!

I want a cupcake for breakfast now! I'll gladly take a smushed one!!!

Looks like it was another great day! I was laughing so hard that your mom chose to ride Ellen?!?!!?! Hahaha! I love the throwback photos! So cute! I do spy a sea world poncho....

How did Amy and Bruce like Teppan Edo? Your dinner looked great! I've been debating adding that ADR to our trip.

Haha that's how I feel! Smushed or not smushed, Starring Rolls cupcakes are delightful!

BAHAHA I was dying when she said she went on Ellen. That is my Mom for you! And good eye! What's weird is I totally don't remember us going to Sea World.... so maybe she bought it somewhere along the way? Who knows!

Bruce and Amy enjoyed it from what I remember! They did say it was like your normal Hibachi grill that you'd find in a local city, but it's still really enjoyable!

You're almost DVC members!! YAY! Hope y'all are keeping your heads up after your loss. I'm sure once you get the word that you are DVC official it will definitely help to cheer you up a bit.

HAHA the Beverly reaction picture is so funny to me because they just seem very thoughtful about it.

AMAZING monorail photos. But I feel like me telling you how great your pictures are is kind of redundant at this point. So until further notice, just know that your pictures are THE BEST.

Oh how I LOVE San Angel. Of all the ADRs from my May trip, I tend to miss that one the most! Everything is just so perfect... being in the WS, the atmosphere of the whole Mexico pavilion, the food... the service was great for us too. You just really can't go wrong there!

THAT PIC OF YOU AND AMY WITH THE SOMBREROS AND AND MARACAS AND MARGARITAS. You're kind of my idol.

I love the pickle tree! I wonder how many lost pickles get left behind every year. It's a sad fact!

Adorable throwback pics. Our yellow ponchos are definitely shoved into some box... somewhere!

Hey, don't feel bad... people are always saying "when ya gotta go, ya gotta go" but I prefer "When ya gotta sleep, ya gotta sleep."

I know! I am really excited about it, I just want it to be officially official... as in, DVC member cards and all that fun stuff! But it definitely has helped us feeling better, that's for sure.

Bahaha, they really were thoughtful while trying it! Just more of a "Hmmm" reaction, and that was about it!

Aww thanks Lia! I'm still working on my photography skills, but I was happy with those shots! THANK YOU!!

San Angel is so good! I love that place. It's not on our current list of ADRs for September (we only have like 4), but I wouldn't be shocked if it's something we add while we're there!

Hahaha, we're kind of ridiculous. I just like how Amy was trying her hardest not to let the sombrero fall off, hahaha.

I'm sure there are many lost pickles! I just thought it was so funny that I realized we never found ours last year!

Haha I seriously was SO tired. Towards the end of our trip, I was just exhausted! I like that saying, when ya gotta sleep, ya gotta sleep.

Followed! I'm @smtimmons I would love the follow back!

Your mom is pretty!!!!

I have to say, those Beverly faces are pretty dissappointing. Lol.

Here is an awesome one to make up for it.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47261337&postcount=34

I followed you back!!

Thanks, my Mom looks young for her age! I don't know how she does it!

They WERE disappointing... but your daughter's faces KILLED ME. OMG, I showed Matt and we were laughing, hahahaha. Poor kid! But it had to be done. We are totally going to do that to our future children one day!

Yayayayay!! Vacation is coming up SO SOON!! If August goes by as fast as the last two months I’ll be one happy camper!!

Love that fountain!! Ah! Beautiful pictures! If the monorail is in it, I’m so sold! Haha. Ah, Mexican Donald is so adorable! Yes!! Totally reminds me of the Blue Bayou! Food looks great too, it’s on my list to try!

Awesome update! Love the WS adventures and pictures, the France fountain is so beautiful at night! Ack! Boo urns to camera over the head lady! Not cool! But hey, you managed to still get some good pictures from that.

I KNOW! I can't believe it's so soon! UGGGGHHHH I am so excited.

Thanks! I love that fountain, too. And Mexican Donald is the cutest ever! I was happy I got to meet him!

Glad you agree, Blue Bayou is definitely similar to San Angel! Though Blue Bayou might be slightly cooler... just because it's the Blue Bayou!

Haha the lady was just silly. At least she didn't have an iPad.

OK, first thing's first. Congratulations on personally posting on post 1000!! Nice job!

Oh and FYI, that is NOT blabbering... That is freakin' awesome news all the way around. Supercalifragilisticexpiali-Congratulations!! So happy for you guys.

I swear Dani, there is NOTHING more frustrating than getting no reaction from the Beverly.

Oh my that Monorail picture with the sun and the reflection... GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

And then you have an awesome pic of the pyramid and volcano as opposed to the blurry mess I usually take. Absolutely stunning.

Aww yay, I love me some retro photos!!

Hahaha, thanks! I didn't even realize it! I can't believe this thread has over 1,000 posts. WHOA NELLY.

AND THANK YOU! I never know when I'm boring people with my random bits of news! But it's pretty freakin' exciting if you ask me!

UGH AGREED. I was very sad at the lack of reaction from them both!

Thank you! I was so happy with it when I was going through all of my photos!

Haha, that's just due to the awesome lens on my camera being fast. Otherwise, I get the same blurry/dark mess.

Hahaha, you inspire my retro photos, I swear! Yours were adorable!

Yay for the double update, and yay for mom time at Disney! I can't imagine taking my mom to Disney. It's so cool you guys have such a great relationship!

I kind of love Bruce and Amy's Beverly faces. They're both kind of like, "Eeeeeeeeeeeh, welllllll, I suppose that wasn't too shabby." I myself have not had Beverly but am looking forward to it on my visit in January...though not having had it before I don't know if that's something I should be looking forward to or not. Should I be worried?? I mean, it has the Bruce and Amy stamp of approval...

I also hope I get to meet Mexican Donald. I mean...it's a duck wearing a sombrero. Few things in life can compare.

More pictures of you in the awesome 80's please. I seriously can't get enough of pictures of people when they were kids. I feel like people are about 200x more amazing to me when I can see their hairstyle as children. I myself had some amazing bangs...

YAY INDEED! My Mom is a pretty cool lady, but it'd been years since she'd been! We had a great time that night though!

Hahahaha, it's so true. Their faces were just disappointing compared to my reaction in 2013.. I JUST DO NOT LIKE IT. Matt won't ever drink it though, whatsoever. It's kind of gross, just REALLY bitter at the end!

Mexican Donald rules, you must meet him!!

Hahaha, I think there are a few more. I was a total dork with my bangs when I was little. I didn't mess around!

Loved seeing your food pics of San Angel. I haven't been there to eat since I was a teenager ( and now I have teenagers of my own) and I'm debating the whole La Hacienda versus San Angel thing. Hmmmmmm.

Also,I don't know what it looks like but I suddenly wanted a Mickey premium bar air freshener.

My favorite is the picture of the kid having a meltdown. When my middle son was two, we went to Epcot one day without the stroller. He got tired of walking and threw a fit, saying he wasn't taking another step. It happened on the bridge in the World Showcase, in the long stretch of no-mans land between China and Germany. Being the good mother and DISer that I am, I let my husband deal with the fit while I took a good picture of it. It is now a tradition on our trips to get Chris's picture in his meltdown spot.

And Congrats on DVC!

Oh, I've never eaten at La Hacienda but I can't say enough great things about San Angel! It's amazingly good and the view of the volcano is wonderful! I really love it!

Hahaha, I'll show a post of the air freshener at the end of my TR! But it's seriously delightful! Even though it doesn't smell anymore, it's still hanging on our rearview mirror!

OMG, sometimes that just happens! Like, I KNOW when/if we have kids and go to Disney, there will be a meltdown in Disney at some point. But you took it to another amazing level! Hahahaha. I love that you now have the tradition!

And thank you! We're SO excited!!

Haven't been posting much but have been following along and enjoying your trip report. It was nice that you were able to spend some time with your mom Cute pic of the two of you. Also, I adore the retro Disney picks! I keep meaning to have my mom pull our old ones out so I can look at them!

Oh no worries at all, I know how life can get busy! Glad you're still following along though!

It was wonderful seeing my Momma Mia! She was the one who sent me all of those photos, so they were perfect and I thought everyone would enjoy them, haha!

 

[danimaroo]

There is NOTHING more annoying that building up a ton of anticipation when making someone new try the Beverly and having them like it.
That happened with my mom her trip
I even snuck tidbits in all our itineraries about how good the Beverly was.

Hahaha it's so true! SUCH A FAIL! WOMPWOMP.

I LOVE that picture of the monorail coming in and the sun behind it! You are a great photographer!

How nice you were able to spend time with your mom in epcot.

Love the old school disney photos. too cute!

Thank you so much!! I am really hoping to buy/rent a wide-angle lens for my trip in September, but we'll see!

Yeah, it was awesome to see her down there! And thanks, I was a little bit of a fan of Mickey when I was a little peanut, haha.

That's so sweet that your mom met up with you. My mom is a big Disney fan too (has gone as an adult with one of her girlfriends a couple times!) and is coming with us for a quick day at DLR in October when we're in CA for a family wedding. I'm excited for her to have fun with my DD there!

Yeah, it was great to see her while we were there! I'm sure that will be so much fun seeing your Mom at DLR!! I'm betting some amazing memories will be made.

I have been reading your updates but don't think I have commented in awhile (I often read updates on my kindle and am terribly lazy about typing on it).

I think I mentioned on twitter but....so sorry for your loss of Snifter. I haven't lost a pet as an adult but can only imagine how difficult it must be. There are many a days that I have fonder feelings towards my pups than I do my human children!

Yay for the DVC! You probably mentioned at some point but what will your "home" resort be? After every trip I come home and look at purchasing a resale DVC but really that is probably the worst time since we just spent a boatload on vacation. Congrats again....and amazing choice for your fall trip. WL is our to date favorite resort and BC is obviously just amazing. You can't beat EP resorts!

I am dying to try Tonga Toast and go to San Angel so I am having major food envy!

LOL...on the Beverly reaction. My girls tried it last summer and it was kinda similar. I was disappointed.

Love the throw back pics and that you saw your Mom for the day. She looks beautiful and very young!

Oh my gosh, don't even worry about it! I'm so far behind commenting on everyone's TRs that I normally read/comment on, it's awful. So no worries at all!

Thank you very much, it was really really tough. But your animals really do become your children, I swear!

Thanks! We are SUPER excited to become owners! Our home resort will be Old Key West! I know what you mean though about coming back and wanting to buy but then also being like... whoa, that's a lot of money, hahaha. But it's going to save us money in the long run, so we're very excited about it!

Eeee, you need to go to both! They're fantastic restaurants, both of them!!

Hahaha, it was such a disappointment! I just thought it would be a very different reaction!

Aww thanks, my Mom would love to hear that! I think she's looking pretty darn fabulous for a 60 year old woman!!

NICE throwback pics. I know it's wrong, but when you mentioned your Dad's short shorts I had to scroll back up to check them out.

Looks like you had a good dinner at San Angel, can't beat that atmosphere! Your marg looks yummy Norway beer is probably okay too. I'm not a picky drinker apparently!

Hahaha, thanks... Oh my gosh, those short shorts! What a dork!

We had an awesome dinner at San Angel! The margarita was pretty delish, but I could have gone for a beer, too! I'm not too picky myself.

Yay for Momma!
That's crazy that Bruce and Amy didn't have a bad reaction to Beverly! Kira and I tricked Anna into trying it and she didn't react either...turns out that particular fountain was spitting out Beverly without much syrup in it so it didn't taste bad like normal!

I am in love with that monorail/sunset shot. LITERALLY the best photo I've ever seen. The pics of my boyfriend and you are super cute too.

You are making me crave San Angel at 8:30 in the morning, not okay.

Momma and you look so much alike! Pretty ladies.

World Showcase at night is the best, I'm loving all these pictures. I want to visit Epcot with you guys SO bad.

Those throwback pictures are all kinds of epic. Yellow ponchos were the best.

YAY INDEED!

I know, I have no idea why they just didn't reaction at all! But that is hilarious about Anna! Hahaha, she escaped the wrath of Beverly!!

Aww thanks lady. Donald said wassup girl!

I would like to go to San Angel with you. Is that too much to ask?

Aww, thanks! It used to be that I looked like my Dad growing up, but now people think I look like my Mom!

LET'S JUST GO TO DISNEY RIGHT NOW AND HANG OUT! That would be ideal.

Hahahah thanks, I am really wanting to find more Disney photos of Matt when he was little. I need some to post here!

That's such a bummer of a reaction from Amy and Bruce! They look like they're just confused by the Beverly. I mean, I guess some people have to like the taste of it because otherwise they wouldn't make it, right?

I love your monorail pictures! They're so different compared to other monorail pics I've seen (or any that I attempt to take, haha).

Margaritas, maracas, and Momma! I love it!

I have to ask, where did you get your margaritas? On my last trip, I got one of the frozen margaritas at La Cantina and it was Not. Good. It was so syrupy and just blech. I barely had any of mine, and normally I LOOOOVE margaritas. So now I'm giving a Margaritas of WDW survey! I've heard that the margaritas at La Cava del Tequila are good, but I couldn't find it on my last trip. Maybe the desire for a margarita blinded me? Haha!

Yeah pickle tree!! We have a pickle ornament and it's so much fun making unsuspecting guests and relatives hunt for it when they come over at Christmastime.

Hahaha it was really so disappointing! I just can't handle it, and I tried so hard to like it... but yuck, the ending is just so bad!!

Thanks so much! I am getting better, or at least trying to, with my photography/video!

Hahaha, the three sacred Ms! I love that you pulled that one out!

I think that's where we got ours! The little stand outside of Mexico? They weren't bad, but definitely not the best I've ever had! You can get the good ones inside of the Mexico pavilion though! They're in La Cava on the right side as you walk down. It's kind of hidden, but you should find it! I want to try one from there some time!

Hahaha, I agree, pickles are the best!

NOOOOOOOO!

That is what went through my head when I got to the end of your last post! I read this TR start to finish in 2 days! I love your TRs! You and Matt are adorable and I totally love your sense of humor! So many times I wanted to comment but I decided to save them for the end, so in no particular order...

The beginning of your TR made me cry, I am not kidding. I love it when a TR makes me feel!

Cigars in the hot tub? Gross, I would have said something! Smoke by the desserts? Double gross.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the HM tattoo!

I too love IASW! Well... I am not sure I do anymore b/c I just read the first Kingdom Keepers book and I am sure the next time I ride it will be a new experience for me but I don't understand why people hate this ride so much!

I love your Dooney! I have one also and I use it all the time!

DVC?!!??!! Awesome! I am so excited for you!

Your pictures are awesome! I also love the fact that you did not add 70 from the Safari. How many times can I look at a picture of the same elephant or the same pic of the back of the same lions head?!

Just wanted to let you know that bananas are disgusting ...if you try Kona again you have to get the macadamia nut pancakes...heaven on a plate!

I got screwed on a Beverly set up too...I took DH to try it (I have never had it and I knew better not to try it) I was being all cool handing him the cup and I told him the boards said this is the best one to try. He says cool, takes the cup and gulps it down....No reaction, I ask "how is it" he replies "'Awesome, you would love it!" So I try some and the "Messer became the Messey" (to quote friends!) I was so surprised he kept a straight face and he was actually surprised he did too!

Anyway....I can't wait for the rest, thank you so much for sharing!

Lisa

Hahaha, I'm sorry to disappoint you now that you are all caught up! But thank you so much for the kind words, it means a lot! And aww, I'm so glad you enjoyed the beginning of my TR! Half the time I find that to be the hard part, coming up with a TR title and the intro post!

Those cigar men made me so mad! And yeah, I hope there is no smoke near the dessert table when we go in September! Gross.

He gets it finished this Friday! I am so excited to see how it turns out!

I want to read Kingdom Keepers! Though I think I'll get slightly creeped out by it, hahaha. IASW IS WONDERFUL, done and done!

Thanks! I love it, too! It's such a cute print!

YES AND I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT BECOMING DVC MEMBERS! EEEEE. Just slightly pumped over here.

Hahaha thanks, I feel like everyone posts the same photos from the safari, so I'd spare everyone the pain and scrolling.

I want to try the Macadamia Nut Pancakes! Those sounded so good, too!!

Hahaha, that is such a sad Beverly story. It makes me feel better about the failure that was us making Bruce and Amy try such a disgusting drink. WELP, nope.

Again, thanks for the wonderful comment and I'm glad you've enjoyed my TR so much! New posts are coming here shortly!

Oh man, somehow I got behind by a month. Good thing I have nothing to do at work currently and am mentally checked out because I leave for vacation in a few days!

Via Napoli is another restaurant that is on my list to try - I love reading everyone's updates from there! Pistachio gelato is also one of my favorite food groups ever (yes, it does warrant its own food group).

I crack up every time you post the picture of that Norway kid. I will never not notice him on that attraction now!

I'm glad you love the iasw hippo as much as I do! I think the hippo, the ostrich and the koalas are my favorite animatronics in there.

My first trip on HM was when I was 5, and I also hid my face the entire time, lol. Good thing I grew out of that, and it's now the attraction we do the most number of times during any Disney trip.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed Celebrate the Magic too! I loved Let the Memories Begin (especially the song), so I was a little wary of the change, but I could never really see the photos anyway and loved some of the new effects they added.

Your trip report has caused me to add two things to my Disney Bucket List:
- Ride Dinosaur with Dani
- Ride Space Mountain with Dani

Poly is my dream resort, but I know I'll probably never be able to stay there unless the open DVC, so that I can rent points. One day....

Matt's HM tattoo turned out so well! And clearly I'm not one to judge on people being behind on reading TR updates, hahahaha.

Fountain of Nations is the best. I think I could probably spend a day at Disney just sitting there, watching it and listening to the music and feel completely fulfilled.

Hahaha don't even worry about it. I'm like 2 months behind on everyone's TRs. BLUGH. But you leave for vaca so soon!! I can't wait to hear how much you enjoy Disneyland!!

Via Napoli is the BEST. YOU MUST GOOOOO.

That Norway child is the devil. DEVIL.

OMG, I love the hippo! And I love it in Disneyland, too! I can't wait to see what you think of IASW in DL! It's amazing.

Haha same here! I loved HM now so much, and thank God for that, because of how much we go on it when we're in Disney!

I never saw LTMB, so Celebrate the Magic is it for me... but I LOVE it so much! Especially Wreck-it Ralph and Tangled! So perfect.

Dinosaur and Space Mountain?! LET'S DO IT! Even if both terrify me, hahaha.

One day the Poly will have DVC, I just know it!

And yeah, once it's done, his tattoo is going to look unreal! HAHAHA I really am so far behind, I feel bad.

I agree, I feel like this next trip I want to spend more time just sitting in certain areas, taking it all in and enjoying things. The Fountain of Nations would be a perfect place to plop down!

AH I'm SO EXCITED that September is so close! That's awesome that your waitlist came through!

Yay for almost being DVC official!

How great that you got to meet up with your mom! at her choosing Ellen. I'm not sure that I'll quite ever be able to do that ride again. Nice concept but really Ellen's Energy Adventure is 45 minutes and they shrunk LM down to 17 minutes? Who thought that one out?

Their lack of a reaction is quite sad. Beautiful fountain pics!

AH that monorail picture is PERFECT!

Glad your mom was finally released from her captive situation for dinner! San Angel Inn is high on my list to eat at soon! I think it's just so cute inside there!

It's pretty cute that both you guys got margaritas and both the boys got Norwegian beer!

Love the pictures of China-- it is beautiful at night! Seriously, all of your WS photos are gorgeous. Like, they remind me of some of the pictures they sent on the PP gallery CD. Disney should commission you for your pictures.

The old pictures are too cute!

I KNOW! IT'S SSSOOOOO CLOSE! I swear it'll be here before we know it!! I'm super happy about our waitlist coming through, it'll make things way easier for us!

I know, I am like stalking the site to see when the deed gets recorded!

Hahaha, my Mom loves that kind of stuff. She actually enjoyed it, though she thought it was a bit outdated.

It was sad that they didn't react basically at all! And thank you! I was having fun playing with my camera a bit!

San Angel is amazing, food-wise and just ambience-wise! I love going there!

Hahaha, yes, I thought that was kind of adorable, as well!

China is amazing... but thank you SO much! That's such an awesome compliment, even though I'm still learning how to become a better photographer!

Hahaha, I was such a little dork, but I LOVED Mickey Mouse!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I just realized that I forgot to comment on here because I messaged you with questions, lol!

I am thinking we may put San Angel Inn in the back of our minds for a walk-up at Epcot. Looks yummy!

It's very cool that you got to hang out with your Momma Mia.

Bruce and Amy shock me with those reactions (or lack thereof!)! But you know what? Those seem like the perfect (non) reactions from them, for some reason...because it just makes it more hilarious!!

Congratulations on the DVC stuff. I hope all the paperwork goes through quickly and painlessly. And a big congrats on your wait list coming through, as well!

45 days for me, and less for you; this is happening!!

 

[danimaroo]

Chapter Forty-Eight: A little breakfast in France and goodbye to Animal Kingdom...
Day 9: January 25th, 2013

We had planned to wake up at 8:30 this morning, since we were allowing ourselves to sleep in and didn't have any big plans to rush to a park. Well, we had plans, just nothing that involved rides, so we were in no rush.

Funny thing is... we still both woke up at 8. I love how one of the few mornings in Disney that we allow ourselves to sleep in, we evidently can't. But that generally seems to be how life works sometimes!

Anyway, we got ourselves going and strolled over to Epcot... and as we approached, I realized that I'd left my AP back in the room.

Definitely a dumb moment, and I felt really bad because I knew Matt wasn't really happy about it. But he volunteered to run back and get it, because he's pretty much the best husband in the land. So off he went, running back to our room. I mean, thank GOD we were staying right nearby, because I can't even imagine what we'd have done if the room wasn't right nearby.

Matt was back in the flash... I swear that man can walk/run super fast with his long legs. It's quite impressive... and soon we were on our way into Epcot!

Buuuut instead of continuing straight onto Future World, we hooked a right, over the bridge into World Showcase!

Obviously in the past, you couldn't get past the bridge before 11:00am, when World Showcase opens... but with the new French Bakery, no more! We had been DYING to try breakfast over there, so that's exactly where we were headed.

It could not have been a more perfect morning, with no one around in France...

Funny enough, we ran into Bruce and Amy over there. I think we'd talked about getting breakfast over there, but we'd all just show up whenever we felt like it, so our timing worked out!

We were actually able to use a DDP credit, and the breakfast there was awesome. You could either get one larger item, or two smaller items, plus a drink. I opted for a ham 'n cheese croissant and a Napolean:

Matt also went with the ham 'n cheese croissant, and a chocolate croissant:

That man loves his croissants.

OH MY GOD. The food was delicious! The croissants were fresh, the Napolean was delicious... and I loved how it was NOT busy at all. This little French Bakery is a total hidden gem (for now, until more people start going there!), and is an amazing place to get some really good breakfast that's different from what you'd find elsewhere.

And it was just delightful having a quiet morning eating breakfast in World Showcase, with no rush to be anywhere. This inspired me for our next trip (which, by the way, is in a mere 42 days) to just take it easy more often.

It's my goal to not feel like we have to rush around to get Fast Passes and all that. But to have those mornings where we enjoy the quieter parts of Disney.

This is also why we've decided not to do the Dining Plan in September; we don't want to be beholden to reservations on a daily basis. Sure, we have I think like.. 4-5 reservations, but considering our next trip is 11 days, it's only 50% of our days. This really allows us to be way more flexible and free when we want to!

Ahh, sorry, got sidetracked on our future trip there for a second...

So we ate and enjoyed chatting with Bruce and Amy. This was a day where they really wanted to go to Typhoon Lagoon, but Matt and I really wanted to spend one last time over in Animal Kingdom, so we split up. Our only plans were to meet up with Bruce and Amy later in the day for some evening fun!

After we finished, we headed out of France and back to the resort bus stop.. Haaave I mentioned how much I love France in the morning? Beautiful.

Matt and I headed off for the bus stop to head on over the Animal Kingdom!

Upon arrival, I insisted on a photo of the two of us, which I think some random stranger offered to take of the two of us.

Our only plan for this day in Animal Kingdom was to do the Maharajah Trek, but otherwise we just wanted to roam the park and do some pin trading!

We decided to go look at the anteater.. but couldn't last very long because he STUNK. Wompwomp, so we moved along... and I spotted a few CMs with pin lanyards, so it was time for some trading!

I found my first Survey marker pin ever and I was SUPER excited about it!

Matt even did a little trading, too, which was fun to see on this trip. In the past, he wasn't very into pin trading, but he definitely got into it a little more during this time.

We mosied on over to Camp Minnie Mickey, mainly to look at the awesome dragon mouth water thing near the bridge. I STILL WISH THEY HAD MYTHICAL CREATURES INCLUDED. Seriously. I don't get why they decided not to, because it would have been awesome.

We left that area and wandered over to Africa to basically just look around and take some photos. I love taking the time to really look at the details that Disney puts into the parks. Far too often we're all so busy running around trying to get things done that we don't take the time to stop and smell the roses.

We were really enjoying the whole wandering around thing this morning. We headed towards Asia, where I did even more pin trading!

I found DeVine hanging out... She amazes me (though I know she creeps out some people)...

There was a PhotoPass photographer nearby, so I had him take a few photos of us together.

Now don't ask why, but the Up border was ONLY available on this portion of my PhotoPass photos for some reason. I couldn't figure out how to get the stupid border on my Dug/Russell photos, so I settled for this. But let's be honest, it's kind of perfect, since Matt is my partner in adventuring!

After our little photo shoot was over, we finally got to the Maharajah Trek and walked through it.

Can I just say how much I LOVE this trek?! It's such a great hidden gem that I think so many people just don't ever check out. Animal Kingdom gets so much crap from people for not having enough rides... well, it's not always about the rides, especially in that park. There's so much more to it, and that's something I even took time to realize, as well.

I'm a big fan of the bats. I could watch them all day long... and Matt now wants to adopt one (I love them, but not THAT much.)

I also love the ruins, the tigers, the flags, the birds... There's a lot to love.

On our way out of the trek, we found these adorable duck partners. AND THESE PEOPLE WERE LIKE CHASING THEM. I wanted to slap them.

You can take a photo of the ducks without scaring the crap out of them.

Nearby, this CM was playing this instrument... I'm not sure what it's called, but I found it really impressive.

We roamed around a bit more, but decided it was time to head out and say goodbye to Animal Kingdom for this trip.

I always find it so hard to say goodbye to a park! I mean, during your trip, you leave many times and think, "Well, I'll be back in a day or two, so it's okay!" but not when you are at the end of your trip. It's kind of sad, but at least we were pretty sure we'd be back again this year!

Next, we head to Epcot for some shopping and lunch, then continue on with our laid back afternoon!

Continued in next post​

 

[courtneybelle]

Your breakfast looked awesome! I haven't been to the bakery since the renovation, and I was veryyy nervous because I don't think they serve cream puffs anymore, but your food looked so great I will have to check it out!

And I NEED that Pluto cupcake pin! What a great find!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

OMG I love that survey pin!! It's a good thing I'm not into pin trading as I know I'd become obsessed (and broke).

I love DiVine. She doesn't creep me out at all. Well, maybe a teeny tiny bit. Nah I love her. Not Stacey love mind you, but love nonetheless.

Bang on Dani! Animal Kingdom is indeed short on "rides" (of course it is also home to the amazing Everest... HELLO), but there is SO MUCH MORE!!! Those walking trails are wonderful, the shows are wonderful... Animal Kingdom rocks!

 

[jane2073]

Awesome pictures!
We LOVE Animal Kingdom!! I think it is all of our favorite park!

We have always been big fans of the French bakery but that breakfast looks fabulous!!

We may have to try that during our trip!

 

[DanniDeer]

Oh. My. Lanta. THE BATS. You know how much I love those bats. I would stand there and watch them all day, if I didn't think the CM's would get freaked out. And if I didn't feel the compulsive need to ride Everest over and over again.

[for some reason all I can think about here is Abed acting like a vampire in the cafeteria, a la Community]

Johnny actually told me the other day that in Camp Minnie-Mickey there's a place with a dragon cave that has burned and melted suits of armor outside of it that were destroyed by a dragon's fiery breath. How stinking cool is that?!

I so wish Beastly Kingdom was a thing.

Also, score one for having excessively nerdy significant others that just ooze random disney trivia.

AND I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S SO SOON UNTIL YOU GUYS ARE HERE.

 

[Miss Potts]

Every update of yours I add another thing I need to do on my upcoming trip!!! I'm running out of time!!!!!

Bakery breakfast looked amazing! The peace and quiet of the early morning world showcase seemed awesome!!

 

[DharmaLou]

Gah! I hate when people chase ducks/geese/whatever. I totally yelled at some tween boys at the Denver zoo a couple years ago when they were throwing woodchips at the geese and chasing them.

You know, I've been on a weight loss program since the beginning of your TR and I am doing super well, but I swear EVERY food photo you post makes me want to lick my screen!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Ah isn't that the most frustrating feeling in the world? That does win Matt a best husband award!

What a great plan to have breakfast at the France bakery!

I love the Maharajan trek!

I had the same problem with the Up borders on my photopass pictures and it made me SO sad.

 

[Zeebs]

I don't normally read trip reports, but we are back planning for a trip in May and I have been absent from the boards since our last trip in May 2011 so I thought I better get a little bit up to speed on what's been happening since I have been away. I came across yours, and I have just read the entire thing, it has taken me 5 days (I have three kids they really cut into reading time especially as they are on their school holidays at the moment)

We went to Seattle once on our road trip from LA to Vancouver, loved it. Would love to go back one day.

Looking forward to the rest of the report and a little sad that I am up to date as now I might have to do some house work.

Kirsten

 

[blklotus]

Aww, how nice of Matt go run back and get your AP! I imagine, pursuant to your description, that he literally ran away and then reappeared in a roadrunner-esque cloud of dust.

I CANNOT WAIT to try some of those insanely delicious looking French pastries! I've been drooling over everybody's TR pics since it opened. Luckily I only have to hold out a liiiiiiitle longer...

Pin trading is so, so fun. I'm completely addicted! It seems like it would be weird to walk up to a stranger and ask them for their stuff, but after you do it once it's old hat, and there are so many cool pins to be traded for! I love the Pluto cupcake one you got -- I got the Minnie cupcake pin last year and nearly lost it in a teacup at Mad Tea Party when the back came off! Luckily (?) I ended up stepping on it instead of losing it forever.

Love love love the Up border -- wonder why it wasn't available for your Dug & Russell pic? And the grape soda cap in the corner!!!! *melts*

 

[STLMickeyMom]

I loved your pictures of france (not just the delicious looking food)! i'm not a huge fan of epcot, but those pictures just made me wish I was there enjoying a quiet morning in Disney!

I liked the UP border on your picture too. I'm also not a huge fan of pins (I know, I know, WHAT is wrong with me?!?) but I do want to get one of the grape soda ones. they are so cute! I've also seen a shirt I might get when we go--with the castle floating from mickey balloons. we do love that movie!

oh the bats!! I love love love them! I'd stand there all day and watch them with you. they totally fascinate me.

you and matt are just like our kids.....on days we have to get up, no one wants to get out of bed. but, come Saturday morning, they're in our room at the crack of dawn, ready to go outside and play!

thanks for another great update!!

 

[DanniDeer]

I liked the UP border on your picture too. I'm also not a huge fan of pins (I know, I know, WHAT is wrong with me?!?) but I do want to get one of the grape soda ones. they are so cute! I've also seen a shirt I might get when we go--with the castle floating from mickey balloons. we do love that movie!

I hate to be a downer, but I don't think they sell the castle UP shirts anymore...I haven't seen them in almost 2 years, and when I got mine, it was on clearance at an outlet store in Orlando last year...

 

[rachel09985]

I really enjoy Animal Kingdom too because there is so much to do that isn't rides!!

I just love that park because it is so pretty! The jungle trek is nice too especially when you see tigers.

 

[blabbermouth]

You got some nice photos of AK today! It's nice towards the end of a trip to take a bit of a slower pace. My only problem is that I'm really good at sleeping in, so I can't really let myself do it at Disney.

And P.S. I'm coming to your city this weekend

 

[flyergrad09]

Ohmygosh, your French breakfast looks so good! French breakfast food is my favorite kind of French food, so I'll definitely add that to my massive list of things to try!

I hate it when people are mean to animals like that. It's like, how would YOU feel if some giant creature started chasing you around when you're just trying to have a nice morning stroll with your partner?! Ugh.

I *think* that instrument is a santoor... if my memory serves me right and I haven't completely forgotten everything I learned in my world music class in college, it's basically an Indian or Persian dulcimer. Music nerd right here!