JAMBO Everybody...An August 2011 TR (Completed May 13)

[BelleTinkMom]

All caught up. Happy belated Birthday and congrats on the promotion.

The evening at Epcot sounds wonderful. We tried the caramel brownie from Germany and it was good. I wish I would've tried he popcorn. Oh well, good excuse to go back!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Sounds like a very nice afternoon in WS, and even though you weren't hungry, I bet that soup was delicious! That picture made me want a bowl.

It was the best french onion soup I have ever had...it was perfection that evening!

Wouldn't that be a dream come true!

It sure would my friend!

Just loving this thread and your account of your family`s trip.
Thank you
Pic`s outstanding.
You are too kind
I am going with DD24 next year for 2 weeks, one of which will be at AKL in a value studio.
You are going to have the time of your life! Some of our best trips were when Jasmine and I went, just he two of us
The carmel store and your comments about the popcorn there caught my attention.

I hadn`t seen that store previously.

About the carmel popcorn, yes I have a sweet tooth. We are staying our first week at WV. Is the carmel popcorn and some of the other carmel treat in that store OK to have packed and taken back to our room on a warm day.
It is a must stop place if you enjoy anything and everything caramel. We took our treats back to the room on one particular afternoon but we purchased them right as we were leaving ... so I honestly can't say how long they would last if you weren't leaving right away!
I`m also very interested in the different animal related activities y`all did at AKL in addition to the swimming.
The swimming was a must do for us almost everyday of the vacation...that pool area is a little piece of heaven! My BIL took the kids down one evening to use the night vision goggles to watch the animals...they loved it. Besides that, we mostly enjoyed them from our balcony as often as we were in our room!
Many thanks,
Dan

You are most welcome If you think of anything else, just let me know!

I'm so sorry to hear you didn't like the chewy caramel bar! I admit, I do have an extremely high tolerance for sweetness.

Congratulations on the promotion! That's exciting.

Chefs de France looks like fun. I've never been there. Do they still bring Remy around?

I usually do too, but I think the problem for me was, I had something totally different in my head as to what it was going to taste like

Thanks hon, I'm very excited to start on Monday!

We didn't see Remy this go around, however, I believe we were too late for him

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great update, Queen. Love all the photos throughout WS. Too bad you had Cruella at the table next to you at dinner. i sometimes wonder why some people go to Disney World because it just doesn't see that they would be happy anywere, least the happiest place on earth.

Couldn't agree more Kathy! After the initial shock, I always say to Jasmine how unhappy they must be to show that much anger on the outside

I can feel Jeff's pain just a tiny bit, I hate seagulls they really freak me out...but I cant imagine being afraid of all birds

I tried the chewy caramel bar too but didn't like it either, DF on the other hand had no problem taking care of that for me

Jeff was working last night but Jasmine and I watch Big Bang Theory and almost died....I kept it on the PVR for Jeff to see Sheldon with the bird....it was him all over again

Neither Jasmine or Jeff like the bar either so it ended up in the trash

Great updates!! Looks like a fun day!!

Those drinks looked GREAT!! Yummy!!

And CONGRATS on your promotion, the refund & the gold - awesome!!!! More $$ for Disney!

It was one of our best days! I was thinking about those margaritas yesterday and how good one would taste right at that moment

Thank you so much! The money has already been spoken for and it's not a Disney Vacation I'll tell you all about in my next post!

That story of Jeff with the birds sounds hilarious though I shouldn't laugh as I was scared of them when I had food in my hand at one point!

Mmm Karamelle Kuche = I'm sorry you did not enjoy your chewy caramel bar but now I want to try one of them delicious apples!

Oh no on Chefs not being a nice experience for you and having a mean lady sat right next to you!

The birds in WDW are crazy when you have food in your hand! I don't blame you for being scared...they pretty much dive bomb you for a fry!

Those apples..... I think of them often!

All caught up. Happy belated Birthday and congrats on the promotion.

The evening at Epcot sounds wonderful. We tried the caramel brownie from Germany and it was good. I wish I would've tried he popcorn. Oh well, good excuse to go back!!

Thanks hon!

Jasmine looked at the caramel brownie twice but thought she was too full from lunch both times! I kept telling her to get one and we could put it in the fridge but she never did

 

[Hypermommy]

Hi there!

Yep... I'm still alive. Been busy as the proverbial long tailed cat on a porch full of rocking chairs! Got a new job so I've been studying like mad for that an expect to continue for the next few weeks just to make sure I can keep up. But I had a bit of time this morning and I so terribly missed the TR so here I am. Hope I an be forgiven?

First, I found out that when we were away in Florida in August the water company did an estimate on our usage and overcharged us so I am getting a cheque for $538.00! .......

Wow!!!! What a windfall!!! And I love the idea that you got the "same" purse your mom had. Bet that feels good every time you look at it!

I just can't get into the Duffy thing. I dunno why. I guess he just doesn't seem like a "real" Disney character to me. Of course, I feel the same way about Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Don't get me wrong... I love Winnie and Tigger's my absolute fave!!!! But, somehow it's just not "Disney". I dunno.... I guess I'm just weird, huh?

They had to try these on before we left the TT store....faces only a mother could love!

Nah... you know we love 'em too!

Oh, and before I forget... hope y'all get to come doown here when the kids are 21 (and hopefully I'll have tix by then) because I think it would be SOOOO much fun to go drinking around the world (WS at least) with y'all.

Of course the first thing Jasmine asked was if the raise was enough for us to book a trip

That's my girl!!!!

Anyhoodle, we were sitting enjoying our lunch and anyone who has ever eaten outdoors in Norway knows there is a ton of sparrows around...well you can image Jeff's horror.

Ooooh, I do hope Peg posts the picture (or is she doing her own TR that I need to get over to?). Sounds priceless!!!

Here are the Bickerson's again arguing about their wishes in front of the fountain, just had to post this one because I love the look on Jasmine's face!

What a great shot!!!! Bet she was none to happy with you posting it, though. ;-)

once she graduates from University this will be the trip we take....the real Italy with Adventures by Disney....already planning that one!!!

Oh that sounds FANTASTIC!!! Can't wait for the trippie from that one!!!!

The story behind this picture was Jeff trying to act tough as the birds were flying around again...hysterical!

Oh, and he does look soooo tough!! Well... maybe except for just a little bit around the eyes.

I gave her the death stare til she looked at me and all I said was "unbelievable how a grown woman can act"...couldn't help myself she made me sick with her attitude

You go girl!!!! What makes that woman believe she can act like the Evil Queen of Anything when the magniloquent Queen of All Things is sitting right next to her. Off with her head, IMO!!!

I ended up just having the soup and it was delicious

Okay, I was doing pretty good with the eating today (well, it's only 7am) until I saw this. Now I know what I'm making for dinner!!!

Perhaps I can help. Sometimes when you have a phobia about something, it helps to take your mind off things. Perhaps a movie? Maybe a classic? Ah, I have just the thing for him...

Oooh, I DOOO so love your sense of humor, pkondz!!!!

And Queen.... you should SOOOOOO definitely get him that movie for Christmas. Look at it this way.. you're doing him a favor. I mean, if this boy does happen to be "the one" (and yes, I know she's MUCH to young to be thinking about that now but if they're still together years from now)... if he does happen to be "the one" then you'll be doing him a favor by letting him know right off the get-go what kind of family he's getting into.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Okay, the idea of Jeff freaking out about the birds at lunch just had me laughing at the thought of it. OMG, if you have that picture, you will definitely have to post it.

World Showcase is one of my favorite places to wander around aimlessly. Love the pictures. I'm sorry about the Crabby McCrabberson at Chefs de France. Those kinds of people are so irritating. However, that picture of the soup made me so happy. One of my favorites things.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hi there!

Yep... I'm still alive. Been busy as the proverbial long tailed cat on a porch full of rocking chairs! Got a new job so I've been studying like mad for that an expect to continue for the next few weeks just to make sure I can keep up. But I had a bit of time this morning and I so terribly missed the TR so here I am. Hope I an be forgiven?

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Wow!!!! What a windfall!!! And I love the idea that you got the "same" purse your mom had. Bet that feels good every time you look at it!

It sure does! Found out the other day there when Peg and stopped by the Coach store again that they only got 2 of the purses in like mine so I could have sold it that morning to a lady that was desperate for it....no way would I ever sell it, I love it!
I just can't get into the Duffy thing. I dunno why. I guess he just doesn't seem like a "real" Disney character to me. Of course, I feel the same way about Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Don't get me wrong... I love Winnie and Tigger's my absolute fave!!!! But, somehow it's just not "Disney". I dunno.... I guess I'm just weird, huh?

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Yup, I can see that!
Nah... you know we love 'em too!

Oh, and before I forget... hope y'all get to come doown here when the kids are 21 (and hopefully I'll have tix by then) because I think it would be SOOOO much fun to go drinking around the world (WS at least) with y'all.

They are kinda loveable! That is when our next trip is planned...August 2013...Jasmine won't be 21 until October, but with school that's what worked! She said she doesn't care as much as Jeff (he turned 21 in Feb of 2013) he is quite excited about drinking around the world! You start saving now girl!!! You need to be with us!

That's my girl!!!!

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Thank you!
Ooooh, I do hope Peg posts the picture (or is she doing her own TR that I need to get over to?). Sounds priceless!!!

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She puts the girls to bed at 8 so I will call her at 805 to get onto getting that picture posted!
What a great shot!!!! Bet she was none to happy with you posting it, though. ;-)

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Funny thing, she never said a word...could have something to do with the last time she complained about a picture I posted a worse one....gosh I crack myself up
Oh that sounds FANTASTIC!!! Can't wait for the trippie from that one!!!!

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I can't wait for that one either....gotta talk the rest of the family into going with us!
Oh, and he does look soooo tough!! Well... maybe except for just a little bit around the eyes.

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He's a big 'ol softy!
You go girl!!!! What makes that woman believe she can act like the Evil Queen of Anything when the magniloquent Queen of All Things is sitting right next to her. Off with her head, IMO!!!

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Okay, I was doing pretty good with the eating today (well, it's only 7am) until I saw this. Now I know what I'm making for dinner!!!

It was sooooo good!

Oooh, I DOOO so love your sense of humor, pkondz!!!!

And Queen.... you should SOOOOOO definitely get him that movie for Christmas. Look at it this way.. you're doing him a favor. I mean, if this boy does happen to be "the one" (and yes, I know she's MUCH to young to be thinking about that now but if they're still together years from now)... if he does happen to be "the one" then you'll be doing him a favor by letting him know right off the get-go what kind of family he's getting into.

I agree 100%, he has the best sense of humour! I am sick enough to do it....going to Wal mart this weekend to look for it!!

Okay, the idea of Jeff freaking out about the birds at lunch just had me laughing at the thought of it. OMG, if you have that picture, you will definitely have to post it.

World Showcase is one of my favorite places to wander around aimlessly. Love the pictures. I'm sorry about the Crabby McCrabberson at Chefs de France. Those kinds of people are so irritating. However, that picture of the soup made me so happy. One of my favorites things.

Hey girl....welcome home Hoping my sister can post it tonight!

That soup was so delicious...it's snowing here right now and a bowl of that would be just perfect

 

[Queenofallthings]

I thought I would have had at least a few more updates posted this past week and a half that I was on vacation, but turns out even though I was at home I was busy busy busy!

Any thought of a 2012 Disney Vacation went out the window last Monday when Jasmine and I went and splurged on all brand new furniture! Trust me, it was time! Unfortunately, none of the pieces we choose were in stock, so they will all be delivered on December 10, just in time for Christmas! We bought a new big screen TV, a beautiful leather couch and loveseat, new coffee and end tables and finally a beautiful entertainment unit that has a fireplace in it! The tv will go on top of this! I have to say I was sick as I was adding everything up in my head but once it was all ordered and paid for, I felt great! I can't wait to have it all home. We looked at a kitchen set too but didn't get it, but I think I will be calling the store this week to add it on, Jasmine fell in love with the set so we'll see!

So, once again, you're all caught up in our day to day lives so on with an update on the TR! This brings us to our first day of this trip at Animal Kingdom!

We were up bright and early because we had an 8:05am ADR at Tusker House! We were all very excited as we hadn't eaten here before and we all know how everyone loves those early morning shots of an empty park!

Here are the kids just as we arrived at the park. Jeff wasn't sure he could eat as many plates at breakfast as he did at dinner but he was going to give it everything he had!

I love this shop and always manage to buy something in it each and every trip!

We were about 15 minutes away from our ADR time so I had to try and get as many pictures on the way to the restaurant as I could!

Jeff was super excited to be here! He just couldn't imagine how AK would be when we kept telling him it's Na-Ta-Zu LOL!! We just kept telling him he would have to wait and see! Doesn't he look happy!

Jeff was in fine form this morning...when he saw this sign to Africa he was jumping around...hilarious!

MM loves ladybugs and had her ladybug earrings on this morning so we had to snap this shot!

The babycare centre....I love this sign!

Finally at the gates to Africa!

Do they look excited or what? It was our first breakfast ADR of the trip and our first character meal of the trip and I think the big kids were more excited than the little kids!

The menu!

Is that the look of love...I think so! I'm telling you, the kid is crazy funny!

We went to check in, got our family portrait taken with Donald (no, we didn't buy it) and preceded into the restaurant!

Because we were taken in right away the buffet hadn't been disturbed yet so I set about with my camera to grab at least a few pictures of the food before everyone starting digging in....it was absolutely beautiful!

We had enough time to grab our first plates of food before the characters started coming around! Also had juice and coffee, both of which were delicious. I could have swore you could have pressed pot coffee here, but nope you can't! I was a little bummed but got over it pretty quickly!! Our first visitor was the Main Mouse himself!

Jasmine apparently was having a cat nap before her breakfast!

Jeff was not sure how he liked the character breakfast thing...eating is a sport for him and the interruptions seemed to be annoying him....LOL He was actually trying not to enjoy the experience too much, you know, trying the macho thing again!

Who doesn't love Daisy!

Goofy is one of the characters that we have found always gives my big kids as much attention as he does the little ones!

One of my favorite pictures of the trip! What I found funny on this trip was how Jasmine, Jeff and I would all end up with matching outfits on and not even try!

Up next....where would we head after breakfast?

 

[MEK]

Wow - Nice job with the undisturbed breakfast pictures. That food looks sooooooooo yummy.

So funny about Jeff thinking food is a sport and the characters are basically just annoying fans. How many plates of food did he have for breakfast?

I do think its cute that the three of your wore white shirts. Great pictures of Jas and Jeff and the rest of the gang.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Wow - Nice job with the undisturbed breakfast pictures. That food looks sooooooooo yummy.

So funny about Jeff thinking food is a sport and the characters are basically just annoying fans. How many plates of food did he have for breakfast?

I do think its cute that the three of your wore white shirts. Great pictures of Jas and Jeff and the rest of the gang.

Thanks I was literally running and snapping....I'm sure it was quite funny to see

I believe he only had four plates for breakfast!

Thanks....I originally was thinking a brown shirt that I had brought and then quickly remembered just how hot AK can get!

 

[shan23877]

That buffet looks delish! We're hoping to do breakfast there next trip. The food looks great, but how did it taste?

Very nice pic of you and Jasmine. Such pretty ladies!

 

[Hypermommy]

I agree 100%, he has the best sense of humour! I am sick enough to do it....going to Wal mart this weekend to look for it!!

Good for you!!! Yep, just what I expect of you!

Any thought of a 2012 Disney Vacation went out the window last Monday when Jasmine and I went and splurged on all brand new furniture!

Sounds EXCELLENT!!! Can't wait to see the pics!

He just couldn't imagine how AK would be when we kept telling him it's Na-Ta-Zu

I loved and miss that ad campaign!

Is that the look of love...I think so! I'm telling you, the kid is crazy funny!

How sweet, the he's looking at her! As well he should be, seeing how he's snagged the Princess of All Things!

Jeff was not sure how he liked the character breakfast thing...eating is a sport for him and the interruptions seemed to be annoying him....LOL He was actually trying not to enjoy the experience too much, you know, trying the macho thing again!

Yeah, 'cause that's worked SOOO well for him in the past.

One of my favorite pictures of the trip! What I found funny on this trip was how Jasmine, Jeff and I would all end up with matching outfits on and not even try!

Disney magic? Maybe some things are just meant to be.

Great update! Can't wait for more!!!

Oh, and Peg???? if you EVER do get on here an post it's gonna take you half an eternity to respond. Why, oh why do I expect any different? <deep sigh>

 

[dawnbu40]

I have to say I immediately noticed they were in matching shirts and assumed it was planned. I made my crew dress to match everyday so I am quite impressed you all could do it spontaneously

Before the park opens breakfasts are the best! I love feeling like you have the place to yourselves

Your TH pics are so cute! We went there too and thought the food and interactions were great.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Looks like a great breakfast! And how fun to see the park empty before it opens. I hope Jeff enjoyed the AK!

 

[Shannon84]

One of DF's favorite shows is Big Bang Theory and we were dying laughing so hard at poor Sheldon's fear of the little bird

I love the empty park pictures, its so fun to get in there before all of the rest of the crowds I really enjoyed breakfast at Tusker House last year, but I always feel like I will miss the characters so I cant concentrate on eating

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Queen. Tusker House looks really good (Mary and I are going there with the girls in January for breakfast, I think). Love that you got some unobstructed views of the food.

Jeff looks like he is trying so hard NOT to care about having his picture taken with the characters.

You got great shots of an empty Animal Kingdom. I do love that park and the shops.

 

[pkondz]

One of DF's favorite shows is Big Bang Theory and we were dying laughing so hard at poor Sheldon's fear of the little bird

Yes!

 

[pkondz]

Any thought of a 2012 Disney Vacation went out the window last Monday when Jasmine and I went and splurged on all brand new furniture!

Yeah, that's what we said. We won't be going to Disney for at least 5 years! Ummm.... notice the ticker?

We were up bright and early because we had an 8:05am ADR at Tusker House!

I try to get up bright and early, but generally it turns out to be just early. The bright part comes much later... if at all.

Here are the kids just as we arrived at the park. Jeff wasn't sure he could eat as many plates at breakfast as he did at dinner but he was going to give it everything he had!

Atta boy!

MM loves ladybugs and had her ladybug earrings on this morning so we had to snap this shot!

There's a shot later on in Tusker House where you can see them quite clearly.

The babycare centre....I love this sign!

I wonder if the two birds on either side of the 'telephones' are Calling Birds?

Do they look excited or what? It was our first breakfast ADR of the trip and our first character meal of the trip and I think the big kids were more excited than the little kids!

Nahhh.. Not at all. It looks like if Jasmine was any more excited, she'd burst!

Jeff was not sure how he liked the character breakfast thing...eating is a sport for him and the interruptions seemed to be annoying him....LOL He was actually trying not to enjoy the experience too much, you know, trying the macho thing again!

I agree with Jeff. I'm all for the characters coming by and having fun with the kids. But when I'm eating, go somewhere else.

Up next....where would we head after breakfast?

Very nice pic of you and Jasmine. I'm betting you're off to Expedition Everest next. Thanks for the update!

 

[snowwhitesmom]

New furniture! Fun! I know Disney trips are fun too, but we do have to have the necessities - food, clothing, shelter, furniture....
Breakfast looks yummy! The pictures are making me hungry!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Woo hoo for new furniture!!! You have to show us pictures!! We're going to be the market soon!! Although with 3 little ones and 2 dogs I want to wait as long as possible!

It sounds, and looks, like a lovely morning at AK! I really love Tusker House, it's a great meal!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Mmmm. Breakfast buffets are one of my favorite things at Disney! I get super excited about those too.

Okay, all of the boys in my family are like Jeff too, and take their eating very seriously. It is a sport, I tell you. And interrupt that sport, and you're going to be hurt!!