"It was the time of our lives!" WL Jan 10-15 2010 NEW: 5/17 PTR LINK UP!! PG 44

[BippityBoo]

Don't forget my update links on Page 1


After our scary ride on Dinosaur, we decided to walk towards EE to get a fastpass. I checked my phone, and the wait was already 40 minutes, even though the park was pretty empty.

When we got to EE, the coaster was just coming down the long drop on the mountain. Hearing all of the people scream got me a little nervous. We had a BLAST on the ride last year. BUT, my hubby was riding with me because my in-laws could watch the kids. This year, however, we would be single riders. I was not sure that I would have the courage to go alone, but we got two fastpasses just in case I changed my mind.

We continued our walk through Asia and took in the atmosphere. It is so amazing how authentic and detailed that the Animal Kingdom is! Even though there was lots to see, I had a mission.

Find Royal Anandapur Tea Company

I LOVE tea. Not too much of a coffee drinker, but I am obsessed with tea! Well, after reading about the wonderful teas at Anandapur, I had to check it out!

We eventually did find it.

If I can recall, it was kind of down and tucked away, which made it so neat to hang and sip my tea. I ordered the Honeybush Organic Superior tea. It was very refreshing, but the paper straw really bothered me and got soggy quickly. BUT, a small price to pay in order to keep the animals safe

We continued our treck towards Africa and stopped for a photopass in front of the Tree of Life.

We finally made it to Africa and the sounds of drums welcomed us. We walked up to the Safari ride, hoping that the wait would be low. However, it was still a 30 minute wait, so we decided to skip the wait and get Abby’s face painted. She did it on our last trip and just loved it! Also, the face painting stand is right in front of the Safari ride, so we could keep an eye out for a drop in wait times.

Abby picked a rainbow butterfly and the CM got started. She was very happy with the result!

After Abby was finished, she saw another pin trading cart. She bought a Minnie Mouse pin to add to her collection! This girl was getting REALLY good at picking pins

We glanced at the wait on the Safari Ride was still pretty high. We decided to keep touring because we did not have much time to waste before we hit the road.

We were not TOO sad about missing out on the Safari because we have a local place that is pretty close to the Safari experience. It is about 20 minutes from our house and we just LOVE going. Here are some pics from our trip this year on my birthday.

Here is the view when you drive in!!

The wagon that you get to ride on to check out the animals!

A few animals from our ride.

You are actually allowed to feed the animals out of the wagon!

These two are named Aladdin and Abu

WOW!!

We are so lucky to have something so amazing so close to our house! OK—Back to WDW!

Cont on next page…

 

[BippityBoo]

After face painting, we saw this CM standing at a table alone.

She had many hand-made instruments and games on the table and Abby was curious about it. So, we headed over to say hi.

We found out that her name was M-Po (Pronounced MMMM-PO) She was from Africa and was working at WDW with hopes of being a performer one day. She showed Abby the African game, Mancala.

If you have never played, it is a skill and numbers game using marbles and a wooden board. They played for a long time and I was so surprised how interested Abby was!

When they were finished with their game, she invited Aiden to come play instruments with her. They were playing the instruments and dancing around! People walking by joined in and it was a really special experience

After our fun, she told us all about her life back in Africa and her husband and son. It was such a touching moment that only Disney could deliver. I was thinking “where else could I experience this?!” We all gave M-Po a big hug goodbye. I could tell that she really liked the kids and enjoyed herself. We did too. Look for M-Po on your next visit!!!!

We were getting pretty hungry from all of our walking around, so we made our way to our lunch choice.

PIZZAFARI!!

We were so impressed with this Counter Service. We all got little personal sized pizzas and drinks for lunch. It was good pizza and the atmosphere was very cheerful and colorful. We pretty much had the restaurant to ourselves, so we spread out at a big table and enjoyed the cool A.C.

After our yummy lunch, Aiden was in serious need of a diaper change. I saw that there was a baby center right next to Pizzafari, so we decided to check it out.

I love all of the Baby Centers in WDW, but this one was extra nice! It was SO clean and had a very big playroom for the kids to run and watch movies in.

We were super impressed with this Baby Center. Keep it in mind even if you have older kids that just need a little break from the heat.

Now we were all rested and cleaned up! We had about 2 hours until we needed to hit the road to head home. Still plenty to do during our last hours at Disney World!!

UP NEXT: The CRAZIEST character experience yet involving Goofy, my kids and our stroller! One of the best Lion King experiences EVER! Do I get on EE without my hubby?? STAY TUNED!

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a cool safari you have by your house! We have something similar, but haven't been in years - in fact, I don't think we've ever taken the kids, and it's only about 45 min to an hour away. I may need to do that this summer, thanks for the idea!

It sounds like you had a wonderful experience with the CM from Africa, it's amazing what you will discover if you just slow down and take it all in isn't it?

 

[BippityBoo]

What a cool safari you have by your house! We have something similar, but haven't been in years - in fact, I don't think we've ever taken the kids, and it's only about 45 min to an hour away. I may need to do that this summer, thanks for the idea!

It sounds like you had a wonderful experience with the CM from Africa, it's amazing what you will discover if you just slow down and take it all in isn't it?

Your welcome!! The kids just love it! I am happy to hear that you have something similar by your house

It IS so neat what you can see when you slow down. That is what our Dec trip will be about. Slowing down and taking it all in. Probably a lot like you and your Mom will do in May

 

[lbuzz52]

looks like a really fun time in Africa!

 

[klacey1]

Fun afternoon-- I must say, that safari near your house is AMAZING! So cool that you can feed the animals.
So sad that it's almost over!!

 

[mom2mek]

Great update, Katie! I'm going to have to check out the tea in Asia next time - I've never stopped! Soggy straws get to me after a while too - gotta drink fast and I like to linger with my drinks. It's better than it used to be though - when they had nothing. No lids and no straws makes it a messy trip with small kids!

Great experience with M-Po! I will look for her next time! Was she right across from the face painting? Sounds like an interesting game they were playing!

Looking forward to more!

Sara

 

[stacikristine]

Thats ok! I know life gets busy I am SO glad that you remember Country Bears at 2! My son is 2 so that makes me feel so hopeful that he will too!! The characters were awesome! It got to the point that I felt like they were real too

Those kids were really strange. It was an odd moment on our trip, but looking back, I know I made the right decision!

We love to sit on the couches too! A lot of people were always sitting in the WL especially because you just lay back and look UP and see all of the amazing details of the design. SO not easy to leave!

Dinosaur was so scary to me, but I am happy to hear that you guys agree too! I am hoping for the opportunity to ride again. You are right, I will need to be RIGHT up on my husband. Don't think I can go on any other way

Hope you will join my PTR on May 17th!

I've heard that the same people designed AKL and WL, so that's why they're very similar in the over-all "feel" of the resort--like them both having open lobbies with rooms that face the lobby all the way up. Aaaahhh...just gorgeous!

I rode Dinosaur the first time with my aunt when I was 15, and I think I almost took her arm off! Yeah, we definitely think it's the scariest ride at WDW!!

OF COURSE I'll be joining your PTR!! If I haven't within a week of you starting it, send me a message to remind me!



Now...as far as this update goes--Great job!! It looks like your family had a fantastic time in the AK.

I can't believe that you have such a great safari place so close to your house! That is so, so neat. I love that the kids even got to feed the animals. We have a place called Arbuckle Wilderness close to us, but I've only been a few times. The last time I went, I think I was in Jr. High and you actually get to drive your vehicle out on the trail. It was crazy having these giraffes and zebras come up to our car!

M-Po seems SOOO sweet! What a special little time for your kiddos. Mancala is a great game. My mom's aunt has it, and when I was little, we'd play for hours. My parents ended up buying one when I was in 8th grade, and we loved it until we started losing the little pebbles... Had you all ever played it before?

Isn't Pizzafari so yummy?! It was one of our favorite CS meals of the trip! And that baby station is adorable. I've never been inside of one before. I love that Disney has such nice ones.

I'm still just so shocked at how dedicated you've been to this! You went to WDW 4 months after we did, and you're further along than I am--I'm a bad TR-er...

 

[LilAnn]

Wow, that looks like a great experience near your house. I wish we had something like that near us. Unfortunately, it's mostly local farms and petting zoos, still fun, but nowhere near as elaborate.

I think it's great that you were able to have so many wonderful experiences on your trip. I think that's the best part about travelling with little ones if you are willing to go at their pace - you stumble across so many magical Disney moments! Usually all of them are unplanned too!

Can't wait to hear about the crazy character experience!

 

[Mickey's biggest fan]

I have been following your trip report since the beginning and have to say it has been throughly enjoyable! I have one question---where did you get your children's Disney themed shirts made? I would love to get some made for my 2 kiddos for our upcoming trip!

 

[onelilspark]

I also hate the paper straws. Just sayin'

 

[BippityBoo]

looks like a really fun time in Africa!

We did!! Thank you!

Fun afternoon-- I must say, that safari near your house is AMAZING! So cool that you can feed the animals.
So sad that it's almost over!!

Awww thanks! I am sad it is almost over too! The animal park is so amazing. We have a blast every time we go!

Great update, Katie! I'm going to have to check out the tea in Asia next time - I've never stopped! Soggy straws get to me after a while too - gotta drink fast and I like to linger with my drinks. It's better than it used to be though - when they had nothing. No lids and no straws makes it a messy trip with small kids!

Great experience with M-Po! I will look for her next time! Was she right across from the face painting? Sounds like an interesting game they were playing!

Looking forward to more!

Sara

You should stop! It has coffee and hot tea as well. A very cool place to get a quick snack. You are right! I had to drink it so fast. Note to self: Get TWO paper straws per drink, right?!

She was right across from facepainting kind of by the fruit stand. You would love her, I hope she is there in December!

I've heard that the same people designed AKL and WL, so that's why they're very similar in the over-all "feel" of the resort--like them both having open lobbies with rooms that face the lobby all the way up. Aaaahhh...just gorgeous!

I rode Dinosaur the first time with my aunt when I was 15, and I think I almost took her arm off! Yeah, we definitely think it's the scariest ride at WDW!!

OF COURSE I'll be joining your PTR!! If I haven't within a week of you starting it, send me a message to remind me!



Now...as far as this update goes--Great job!! It looks like your family had a fantastic time in the AK.

I can't believe that you have such a great safari place so close to your house! That is so, so neat. I love that the kids even got to feed the animals. We have a place called Arbuckle Wilderness close to us, but I've only been a few times. The last time I went, I think I was in Jr. High and you actually get to drive your vehicle out on the trail. It was crazy having these giraffes and zebras come up to our car!

M-Po seems SOOO sweet! What a special little time for your kiddos. Mancala is a great game. My mom's aunt has it, and when I was little, we'd play for hours. My parents ended up buying one when I was in 8th grade, and we loved it until we started losing the little pebbles... Had you all ever played it before?

Isn't Pizzafari so yummy?! It was one of our favorite CS meals of the trip! And that baby station is adorable. I've never been inside of one before. I love that Disney has such nice ones.

I'm still just so shocked at how dedicated you've been to this! You went to WDW 4 months after we did, and you're further along than I am--I'm a bad TR-er...

OK! I will let you know right when I start my PTR!! I totally agree about WL and AKL! Seems like they are both very similar and impressive!!

Your poor aunt~~ I would have freaked out at 15 riding that ride!!

OOOhhh neat! I have heard about those places where you get to drive your own car! It must be so fun (and kind of scary) all at the same time! ha!

I had played Mancala in school recently. They said it was a good game for your students to play to increase brain stimulation. It is a very hard game to get the hang of, but kids seem to pick it up quickly! You sound just like Abby. I bet she could play it as long as you did!

Pizzafari is a little gem, isn't it? We were going to eat at that McDonalds type one in Dinoland, but we tried this instead. I am so happy we did! Going to use your tip of bringing the lunch with us to wait for FOTLK next time!

Thank you so much for the compliments!! I have created a "schedule" for updating and I am trying to stick to it. I have sooooo many things to write about for my PTR, I had to make sure I got it all in before I could make my ADRs!! Wahoo! Oh and I LOVE your TR

Wow, that looks like a great experience near your house. I wish we had something like that near us. Unfortunately, it's mostly local farms and petting zoos, still fun, but nowhere near as elaborate.

I think it's great that you were able to have so many wonderful experiences on your trip. I think that's the best part about travelling with little ones if you are willing to go at their pace - you stumble across so many magical Disney moments! Usually all of them are unplanned too!

Can't wait to hear about the crazy character experience!

We are very blessed to have it near us. The man who owns it donated all of the land and the animals and you only pay a small fee to ride and for animal feed. It is truly amazing!

I agree, traveling with kids causes you to stop and see things we would have normally walked by. Leave it up to a kid to walk up to a table with instruments and games!!

OH I can not wait to tell you about Goofy! It really is quite crazy!

I have been following your trip report since the beginning and have to say it has been throughly enjoyable! I have one question---where did you get your children's Disney themed shirts made? I would love to get some made for my 2 kiddos for our upcoming trip!

WOW! Thank you so much for the compliments! I get my kid's clothes from many different outlets. The lady who makes their nicer things is at www.izzybonline.com. Some of my kid's shirts are simply Mickey Mouse fabric iron ons. I get them from etsy.com (Put "Mickey Iron On" in the search). The lady I use has the screen name "Kuddlekubs". They are very inexpensive (about $3 each) and you just iron them on cheap Walmart shirts. Love it! HTH. Let both of them know that I sent you if you order They have been very good to me over the years.

I also hate the paper straws. Just sayin'

Ewww! Just posted above that I am grabbing two straws for one drink next time. Still, it tastes like cardboard.

 

[Mombits]

Your photos are awesome - especially the parade pics.

My kids love Mancala. My DD has her own board and she and her brother play all the time. Very cool that they had someone there to show kids the game.

I'm still debating between Pizzafari and Flame Tree. Your TR might be swaying me, but I DO love me some BBQ!

 

[luckylady]

"She showed Abby the African game, Mancala"
I love that game. Some of my EC kids taught it to me a few(many) moons ago. Looks like a great time in AK. Last day is sad I'm glad you had time in a park before heading out.

 

[Charlefours]

What a great experience with M-Po!! We will watch out for when we go in September--maybe we will get lucky to see her.

 

[lledman]

The safari near your home looks awesome – you are soo lucky to have something so fun so close.

Mancala – that is my oldest son’s favorite game -he loves to play it, we have 2 of them – one for his room and one for the camper

 

[DWGal210]

Oh, I LOVE AK!! I hate to say I have a favorite park, since I really like them all, but I do love AK.

I have always thought the face-paintings looked cute....do you think they would paint the face of a 28 year old?

I hope you rode Everest!! I am not a huge fan of rollercoasters but I really do like that one!!

 

[cdotla]

Great update!

Too bad about the Safari, but I would say that experience near your home looks even better due to the feeding opportunities.

Dying to see if you get the courage to ride EE alone!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I just love AK Your update makes me want to take another spin on EE right now!

Wow! The safari thing near your house looks amazing! That is so neat that you have that near by. And how cool that you get to feed the animals Also, I love the pic of the zebra where it looks like he's screaming - it made me laugh!

Oooh, can't wait to hear about your Goofy experience. As you know, Goofy really surprised me on our trip too!

And, I was reading over the talk about the AG party and I just had to mention I had an AG birthday party one year and it was so much fun! It was a pajama party and I remember the cake was shaped like a pajama shirt and I thought it was just the neatest thing. It all came as a set that you ordered from the company.

 

[kcandbella]

I hope you rode EE! It looks like so much fun!

I cannot wait to experience AK for the first time. It sounds so beautiful and magical. Your time with M-Po just makes it seem even more so. I used to play Mancala when I was a kid but can't even remember how! I am glad Abby liked it!