I'm Ordering a big BLT for Thanksgiving 2010 NEW 12/3 started TR! see link

[mousescrapper]

hey all feeling a bit today between missing one of my asthma med's and this hot muggy weather we are having...yick

I love the brownies and the movie. Makes me want to make brownies with M&M's right now! I also love that you have a theatre in your basement. Fancy. Are those cookies Newman's Own? They're our favorite allergen-free cookies!

It's a theatre persay...but a very huge roller screen attached to the ceiling, Matt's old stero surround sound system and his lucky salvage from work projector it's great fun for watching movies!

Yes Naomi-Ruth has tried those too...these were actually a different brand...she didn't seem to care but they were more crumbly

Don't you just love the MSEP music??? I get chill bumps every time I hear it starting!

it's pretty groovy

 

[Native NYer]

What a great 110 days till Disney celebration!
You are so creative. Love the TT licenses.

 

[jillyb]

Hope you're feeling better today.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Feel better!

 

[mousescrapper]

What a great 110 days till Disney celebration!
You are so creative. Love the TT licenses.

thanks Jennifer...I've been having a blast w/ all these little extra this trip....partially because I have had a ton of time to plan, found new creative outlets...plus as of right now...the next "planned" family trip will mostly be in 2013...so the twins will be going on 14...they may not get a kick out of all the little magical sides....

Hope you're feeling better today.

Feel better!

still feeling blah...ran out of tivod shows to veg on...thank goodness Bekah has been such a help w/ Naomi for meals and naps....good to have the older child helps on days like this...

I felt more uncomfortable trying to read and type form the couch on my laptop...figured I just plop back in my regular spot

 

[Charlefours]

Love all your DHS thoughts, plans, etc. I like how you are identifying alternatives.

Love all the fun crafts you have done!! The shirts are adorable. I love the trip note cards too.

cute countdown chain! I am looking forward to reading about your special nights.

I'm sorry I missed your 110 day countdown!! It will be here so quickly!!

I hope you are feeling better!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Did you see this:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/tom-tta.htm#tta

I know you love to call it the Peoplemover!

 

[mousescrapper]

Disney’s Animal Kingdom​

“ With its lush flora, winding streams, meandering paths, and exotic setting, Animal Kingdom is a stunningly beautiful theme park…add to this loveliness a population of more than 1,000 animals, replicas of Africa’s and Asia’s most intriguing architecture, and a diverse array of original attractions, and you have the most distinctive of all Disney theme parks.”

~excerpt from the Unofficial Guide The Color Companion to Walt Disney World

With its excessive amount of greenery in combination with the at times extreme Florida heat…you will feel like you are in Africa. Animal Kingdom is NOT just a zoo…it is a detailed guide to animals and cultures very few of us would ever get to see or experience outside of this theme park. Although it may get a bit of a bum wrap, I find it to be an enjoyable place to visit. It does require some know-how and early arrival to get the most out of it.”

~excerpt from Scrappie’s guide to WDW

Let’s talk about Animal Kingdom….


Lessons we have learned from previous trips…

* Do not arrive late day unless you plan another day for a park opening arrival (or maybe if you go in the “slow” season)

* It is hot…no lie

* Flights of Wonder is very fun & educational treat plus works well for party splitting up for the non-thrill ride seekers

* EE is beyond good the very FIRST time…but worth repeat visits.

* FotLK show (for us) is not to be missed

* Do not enter the Camp Mickey-Minnie Area as a FotLK show is exiting….crowded

* It is tough to squeeze in 2 theatre style shows plus a few rides and lunch in a ¾ day of touring

* The Boneyard can suck up a lot of time…so have a pre-set limit of how long you want to play

* For some reason I always feel a bit rushed here…not very leisure full day…have yet to find the right style of touring for this park

From 2009 trip:

* What we missed from our original touring plan:

* Festival of the Lion King show (we decided to buy into the DVC instead )

* Pictures w/ the characters in Camp Mickey-Minnie

* Tree of Life closer look

* Parade

* Skipped Nemo (intentionally)

* Looking in the shops

What we’d do again:

* Yak & Yeti QS for lunch again…YUM!

* Not again for 2010:

* Arriving mid day for your only tour day…too crowded

* Train ride to conservation station (not that we don’t all like it…just not necessary two trips in a row)


cont. in next post...

 

[mousescrapper]

Pictures of some of most memorable moments and memories from the Animal Kingdom:

From May 2005 (the kids were ages 6 (twins) and 2 ½ (Rachel)​

Dad & Rafiki becoming aquainted

Twins and sporting their “Happy Bird-day” pins

Rachel & Minnie

Taking a ride on the Wildlife express w/ Matt’s Parents

From June 2008 the kids ages were 9 (twins), Rachel 5 ½ & Naomi-Ruth 18 months


By the AK welcome sign

Taking a break w/ Grandma

Twins getting to be Warthogs in the FotLK show

From March 2009 kids ages were almost 10 (twins), Rachel 6 & Naomi-Ruth 2​

Family shot in front of tree w/ a special friend

One of my favorite pictures of Rachel…drumming to the beat

Bekah opening an ice cream stand

A few of the kids having a fun time at the Boneyard

cont in next post...

 

[mousescrapper]

What’s in the Works for Nov. 2010?​

The overall plan for AK this yr is to visit twice during our 10 days…once at (as close to as we can get) RD w/ Matt’s Parents (the GP’s) it the big stuff and then one other day for a more leisurely pace in the afternoon.

The Starting out Must List:

* Safari

* FotLK show

* Tree of Life (looking at it closely)

* Walking trails Gorillas or Tigers…possibly both

* Family picture w/ Safari Mickey

* Parade

* Boneyard for the Kids

The If Time list:

* Other characters

* Live entertainment

* Nemo show

Eating Choices:

QS only: FTBBQ and Restaurantosaurus (did I spell that right?)

Dining plans….we plan to eat here twice both times for lunch

Touring Days:

Day 3) Sun 11-21 morning w/ GP’s

Basic plan…

* Try to arrive as close to RD as we can…8:45-9 am.

* Meander up through the Oasis and into the main park…stop for the customary group shot in front of the ToL.

* Send a runner for FP’s for KS for the GP’s while rest of head to

* FotLK show…if the schedule doesn’t flucate too much 1st show should be 10 am…

* Then back over to KS

* A walking trail

* Early lunch and some shopping

* Finish w/ walking around the ToL


Other plans for the day…head back to BLT for a break, our 6 going to MK for dinner and the EMH night, and GP’s have their special Cali Grill ADR

Day 8) Friday 11-26 mid-day

Basic plan…

* Arriving later in the day, probably starting off w/ some lunch and a romp through the Boneyard

* Then back track over to see Safari Mickey (watching the times of the FotLK shows)

* Fill in w/ another Safari ride or walking trail, possibly the Nemo show

* Stake out a nice seat for the Jammin Jingle (Jungle) Parade which starts at 3:45 pm

* Then head out of the park

Other plans for the day include first heading to MK for a few last minute family repeats and mainly Fairy Meet and Greet if still in Toontown starts at 10 am (AK in afternoon) and then hopefully after dinner in the villa…Bekah and I will hop back to MK for some evening fun…


I have no major concerns on either of these days….


Trying to keep it low key due to our party size (and speed of my inlaws feet) plus figure higher anticipated crowds…the reason for arriving later on the 2nd day we tour is the main goal of this day is the Parade and we’d be worn out by 3:45 if we arrive at RD and I just feel it’s too far to go back and forth from there to BLT to justify a break….

Any thoughts, comments…etc? are always welcome…

Thanks for reading,

Up Next: I should have some more Countdown to Disney celebrations and creative things to share, plus other planning what nots….

J~

 

[Native NYer]

Great AK plans!
I find coming up with a touring plan for AK difficult as well. It's so hard to time things with the shows. And I agree, going from AK to BLT for a break and then back to AK is a bit of a pain. Are you renting a car? If you are, a break is much more doable.

 

[mousescrapper]

First thnx for the well wishes...still feeling blah...but hopefully it will be short-lived

Love all your DHS thoughts, plans, etc. I like how you are identifying alternatives.

thank you...I think after 3 trips w/ the kids in tow...I may have it down...almost

Love all the fun crafts you have done!! The shirts are adorable. I love the trip note cards too.

I know I can't wait to fill it the fun we'll be having...and probably a few hiccups along the way

cute countdown chain! I am looking forward to reading about your special nights.

thanks...I'm looking forward to celebrating

I'm sorry I missed your 110 day countdown!! It will be here so quickly!!

not as quick as yours

I hope you are feeling better!

Did you see this:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/tom-tta.htm#tta

I know you love to call it the Peoplemover!

yes I saw it on FB this morning....YEAH!!!! I love it!

Great AK plans!
I find coming up with a touring plan for AK difficult as well. It's so hard to time things with the shows. And I agree, going from AK to BLT for a break and then back to AK is a bit of a pain. Are you renting a car? If you are, a break is much more doable.

thanks Jennifer...I feel pretty good about these two times of touring at AK...no on the rental car...the Disney transportation works well for us and being on the monorail and so close to the TTC and use of direct buses to DHS and AK...it should be pretty easy to get from point A to point B...we loved using the buses from there when we stayed at the Poly.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think your plans for AK look good - very doable!

I'm anxious to check out the trails next year - I've walked the trail in Africa, once, way back when the park first opened. I've never been on the trail in Asia! Alex might be bored, but Zach will like them - we'll either split up or drag Alex along & hope he enjoys some of it.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Julie!

Love the AK plans. It's one of our favorite parks!

Your flashback pictures are great! It's amazing how fast the kids grow!

 

[mousescrapper]

I think your plans for AK look good - very doable!

I'm anxious to check out the trails next year - I've walked the trail in Africa, once, way back when the park first opened. I've never been on the trail in Asia! Alex might be bored, but Zach will like them - we'll either split up or drag Alex along & hope he enjoys some of it.

thanks Amy...I feel really good about it and glad to have the time this trip to devote to some more touring at AK...I feel like we missed so much last yr...

We haven't done the trials since 05...and I know so much has changed...I'm thinking Africa-Gorilla's on Sunday and Asia-Tigers on Friday

Hi Julie!

Love the AK plans. It's one of our favorite parks!

Your flashback pictures are great! It's amazing how fast the kids grow!

thanks...and yes I agree it is fun...but a little bittersweet looking back....

_------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Mousecellaneous Planning Update....


* I ordered my inlaws park tickets last Sat before August turned to beat the price increase (they decided on getting the hoppers like all of us)...just waiting for them to arrive in the mail

* I sent home w/ my sister Naomi-Ruth's version of the Disney Logo shirt for her to whip up (you remember my dialema earlier in the trip planning...we found a shirt in storage she will use that w/ the men's tank top and hopefully it will turn out awesome...plus my sister took home Bekah's surprise Tink sweatshirt (which has been under my bed since May of 09) that she will add her initals and line the hood w/ Tink fabric! I will pist pic's once she is done...

* I ordered Bekah's custom Belle inspired sundress for our trip....awaiting for it to be completed and shipped...can't wait hope it fits right

* I have been tweaking my master packing list and adding in things I know we need to pack and adjusting the clothes count (at least shirts) per person...I have most of all the kids Disney shirts for the trip pulled already

* I determined that Bekah's old Belle Costume (from our 08 trip she has just turned 9) will NOT fit Rachel by Nov...it is drapping the floor...I know she won't grow that much. Matt agreed so we will add to the budget (and pre-Christmas list) a new Princess costume for Rachel then...I will try and get something online from the Disneystore right after Halloween wish me early luck

* I also went through the DISNEY BOX...and organized things into




Ziplock bags.... but of course....so I have each of the 4 kids travel activities sperated (basically little books, pencils, pens, small toys, etc....obviously the youngest has the most and the twins have just a few things (I have some things to print for them anyways)

I also seperated out misc trip items, Naomi-Ruth's travel items, like cup, bib....and I have a bag started w/ some special trinkets for some hopeful special meet and greets w/ some LGMH toting carmembers

and I seperated out the b-day items for both Rachel and Naomi-Ruth that I already have for them...(those are now hidden in a different box in my closet). I'll post more on that later.

* DH & I also discussed our Pre-Disney Christmas and what we were giving the kids...and realized I would be short on goods for the little girls...so we thought of a few things we'd buy down at Disney right away anyways for the kids and am now asking Amy to be for me....

* I have been tweaking my touring plans for DHS on our two given days...I'm banking on the given dates posted for the OL it will be on and running each day of our trip....

* I'm also working on my touring day cards (still in pencil)...

* have done much crafting...but will get back to it soon

I think that's most of it for now....

Happy Disney Monday all....

J~

 

[Native NYer]

You are so organized
I need to start getting all of my stuff together.
I love the ziploc packing idea. We're going to attempt to use travel space bags this trip.

Can't wait to see Bekah's Tink sweatshirt and her Belle sundress.
I hope you can get a costume super cheap from Disney shopping website.
I was able to get a costume for school last October for 50% off. I was Maleficient Start checking early October. They begin to discount the costumes then

 

[DisMomAmy]

You are way too organized!

I'm happy to play It'll be fun to spend someone else's money at Disney!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Great updates. My only suggestion for AK is to walk the African trail in the morning right after you ride the Safari. 1. touring the trail in the morning is nice, usually not crowded and 2. the exit for the safari is right there....saves you time.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Disney Monday to you, too, Julie!

I just have to echo everyone else by saying you are so organized! Compared to you, I fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to Disney vacations!

 

[mousescrapper]

You are so organized
I need to start getting all of my stuff together.
I love the ziploc packing idea. We're going to attempt to use travel space bags this trip.

I used the large ziplock bags for the kids clothes last yr...brillant I tell you

Ok I am laughing at myself now I just said brillant...as in I just finished watching a movie set in Britian....

Can't wait to see Bekah's Tink sweatshirt and her Belle sundress.

me too.....

I hope you can get a costume super cheap from Disney shopping website.
I was able to get a costume for school last October for 50% off. I was Maleficient Start checking early October. They begin to discount the costumes then

I'll be on top of it for sure...otherwise....UGH dear I utter the thought I have to buy it full price...or maybe I'll have to a knock off...boo

You are way too organized!


I am

I'm happy to play It'll be fun to spend someone else's money at Disney!

fun, fun...I have to find people back home to shop Black Friday for more too....

Great updates. My only suggestion for AK is to walk the African trail in the morning right after you ride the Safari. 1. touring the trail in the morning is nice, usually not crowded and 2. the exit for the safari is right there....saves you time.

thanks!

yes that is my plan...I have read that on various TR's...do you think it being technically our 3rd thing probably get close to 11:30 would be bad?

Or do you think we should do that, then KS, then try for the 11 am showing of FotLK...my first thought of doing FotLK first was to avoid a huge mass of people waiting...it is just WAY to hard for Nathan...we have used the GAC upon entering ...but really unsure we can do prior to the show

Happy Disney Monday to you, too, Julie!

thanks...are you back to school? Matt took the twins tonight to get their eyeglasses fixed and buy their school gym uniforms...they are both so enthuastic about that new joy of school.... see my sarcasm...

I just have to echo everyone else by saying you are so organized! Compared to you, I fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to Disney vacations!

It's a bit of a sickness....what will I do w/ myself otherwise


please KIM I didn't do that all in one day....I'm not that crazy...oh I mean good


J~