Lucky #13 with pics ~ 9/25 Finished!!!

[nts4wdw]

Congrats on scoring the Dream Fastpasses! Love the pictures from Crystal Palace. We've had dinner there, but I really want to do breakfast and get in the park early. Love your pearl necklace. I showed DH the picture, and now he wants to know what that will set him back!

Denise

I can look up the pice for him if he wants. It's a very romantic gift....hint, hint, to your husband.)

I've wanted to do the pearl thing in Japan but haven't and now I regret it. I guess we'll have to go back!
And how sweet, surprising her with a Princess Minnie! Plus dreampasses all in the same day! WOW!

It was a magical day!!! You should so go back! (Just to get the pearl )

 

[luvfigment]

Another Dream for the squad!!!! YAY for you...I hope I have the same luck as you guys had on your trip.

The pearl and necklace is very pretty and I am glad you had such a great day. Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[praisehisname]

I can look up the pice for him if he wants. It's a very romantic gift....hint, hint, to your husband.)

After I posted, I realized it was probably a really nosy question! I'll just have to check it out myself in 36 days!!!

Denise

 

[nts4wdw]

After I posted, I realized it was probably a really nosy question! I'll just have to check it out myself in 36 days!!!

Denise

I didn't mind. I would want to know if it was me. Gotta budget these things you know.... I'll see if I can find the receipt and let you know for sure.

 

[nts4wdw]

Another Dream for the squad!!!! YAY for you...I hope I have the same luck as you guys had on your trip.

The pearl and necklace is very pretty and I am glad you had such a great day. Can't wait to read more!!!

Figgie!! Thanks for sticking with us!!

 

[nts4wdw]

Day Eight
AK

Our pals are ready to go!

Another early morning! This time at Animal Kingdom. The Hottest Place on Earth After arriving later than I had hoped earlier in the week, I made us get out there really early this time. I mean really early. Early as in the crack of freaking dawn early!!!!!

That’s not a sight you see every day.
There was a gardener trimming trees who told us we should get a prize for being the first ones there.

No, there wasn’t a prize. Just the warm feeling one gets from knowing that you are the first

After a few moments, they let us in and we got some more of those empty park photos I love.

We would have taken more but they do have CMs every few feet pushing you along, making sure you do not stray from the path. You know you jump the fence and get caught playing with the flamingos one time and they just won’t let you forget it, at least they didn’t send out Tigger to keep us in line

After our forced march through Dinoland, we arrive at Donald’s Breakfastasaurus. Every single time we’ve eaten here, we been at the same table in the airplane hanger. This time will be our very last time, because they are moving it to the Tusker House. I’m not a big fan of Dinoland, but we’ve always enjoyed this meal.
For one thing, it’s got Krispy Kreme Donuts!!

And it’s full of the characters that we love.
Here’s Goofy. The character, not me

Mickey

And our host, Donald.

Do the kids look like they are getting grumpier in each picture or what?

We were done before the park opened, so we situated ourselves on this comfy bench near the rope.

We chatted with a CM who was stationed there. Other CMs were coming in and he told us officially they are supposed to unhook the rope and go around, but no one did. They went under and some even jumped over. We had a lovely time talking about the bad CMs with him. it was nice to see someone who had the same sense of humor, since he was taking odds with us on who would get their feet caught up on the rope and land on their faceHe was a hoot.

Once they let us in, I was off to risk my life for Everest fastpasses while the other enjoyed Dinoland.

Jake being the coaster devil that he has recently become, agreed to try Primeval Whirl with Em. Wooo, Hooo!!! I don’t have to ride the regurgitator any more!!! Here’s what Chuck could see.

Here’s what Jake and Em could see.

They must have enjoyed it, because they CMs let them stay on and they rode again.

They got off just in time though. After we had a potty break, we walked back by to see the ride being evacuated!!! Scary.
CONTINUED

 

[nts4wdw]

We decided to hit the Maharajah Jungle Trek while waiting for our fastpasses.
Let’s hope our cats never drag anything like this in!

Isn’t he cute?

Jake and Chuck went in the bat house, not me!

We saw the Dream Team again, but no luck this time.

Outside the Trek, these monkeys were making an awful racket! Look at the baby! (It took a ton of shots to get this one.)

After getting Fastpasses for the Safari for later, it was off to Expedition Everest! Jake wanted to ride this one, too. I was so shocked. He has never wanted to ride any thrill rides and now he wants to try them all. Em was thrilled! I got to show Chuck where we usually stand and get pics of them coming down.

These pics are from Jake. Getting ready to load.

Right before the steep climb.

Let’s play “Where’s Jake and Em?” Here’s a hint, look for the lime green shirts

Did you find them? I can’t believe that they match all those people in front of them!!

They rode twice. Jake loved this one too!!!

We took the train out to Rafiki’s Planet watch, but it was so crowded that we just rode it back again. Emily got to do the “All Aboard” announcement for our return trip.
This is a sign on the train that always tickles me.

We had a good bit of time left before our Safari, but I started feeling really bad. I’m not sure if it was the heat or just being on the go for 8 days straight!! We found a great remedy, ice cream and shade. There is a covered eating area in Africa near the bathrooms. It is very sheltered and off the path. It is behind where Baloo and King Louie come out to meet and greet, so we got to say hi each time they came out. Em was excited about that.

Well, ice cream and rest was all we needed. We were ready to see animals!

Black rhino.

Look at the baby!

On all our trips, this is the first warthog we’ve seen.

This ostrich was right next to the truck. I was nervous! Don’t let them fool you. They can be vicious!!!!

Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to take a Safari first thing in the morning! This one was at 11:40 and all the animals were out!! Among the animals we saw, we had a family of ignoramus parentious in the vehicle with us. Imagine if you will, we are tearing along the bumpy road way and the people two rows in front of us decide to hold up their 8 –10 month old (just a guess) so he can see…then the driver politely requests that all passengers need to stay in their seats, which I guess translated into their language as “please now pass your very small child back and forth over your heads and between rows, while I drive quickly over this bumpy terrain”. You have to wonder, if heaven forbid, the child should fall out and get eaten by one of those vicious ostrich’s!! Somehow I can just imagine them on the news about how it is all Disney’s fault – such a dangerous ride!!
Our morning was drawing to a close, but I wanted to see the gorillas! I’m so glad we did. He looks so sweet, but after seeing them run a few days ago I know he is not.

We also saw this camp. We have never seen it before!! Have you?

We traded pins with a lovely CM at the exit. I got a Chernabog pin for Jake. I try to encourage him to trade, but he is shy. Em got a Steamboat Willie which she gave to Chuck. We hardly ever trade for ourselves. We give them away to each other!! Although Emily is usually the one who profits from our transactions

Time to swim!

Continued

 

[nts4wdw]

After our swim, we were on our way to MGM. We were are dragging, but our battle cry to continue became,”Saratoga!” We still use it on big grocery day or at any unpleasant task.

It was to be a quiet night at MGM.


We came mainly to ride Rockin’ Roller Coaster, but it was down. Chuck and Jake decided to take a ride on Star Tours, while Em and I visited the Muppets.
Pal Mickey wore his pirate outfit so he was ready to battle.

I especially liked this poster.

Goodnight from MGM!

 

[nts4wdw]

Day Nine

I know you will find it hard to believe, but we slept in this morning. We were conserving our energy for Beaches and Cream. Yes, every since we saw the Kitchen Sink on Great Hotels, we have wanted to try it. Today is the day!!! ]we literally saved our pennies for a few months and then took the jar down to the local coinstar machine - $77, that’s a lot of ice cream!!The original plan was to take a bus to Downtown Disney and then to the Beach Club. An MGM bus came first so we decided to go to MGM and take the boat. I’m glad we did. Here comes our ride.

We were practically alone on the boat and the ride is very relaxing! ]Everybody was going to MGM but nobody was going from the park back to the resorts----yay us!!!

Isn’t the Beach Club beautiful?

Love this pool.

Ok, we are big Great Hotel fans, so when we knew we would be at the Beach Club,we had to look for Art! We found him in the lobby, and Em was able to pin trade with him! She was so nervous. I didn’t think she’d go through with it! They went to find Art, I was too busy taking on evil space aliens in the arcade via Galaga (the greatest game ever!!)

There are the cutest little tables outside to wait at.

We spent some time playing in the arcade and then it was time!! Still on Galaga!! I rock!!! High Score!!

Here it is!!

We were seated in a booth and our waitress was great. Beaches and Cream looks like a malt shop from the 50’s. I think they did a good job.

We had some onion rings just to warm up and then it was time for the main event. We watched them make it behind the counter. Our eyes grew as it got bigger and bigger. When our waitress brought it out, she took it around the room while they flashed the lights announcing to the crowd that we were the four brave souls who would try to finish it.

We gave it a try!! This thing was filled with I don’t know how many types of ice cream, candy bars, cake, oreos, and toppings. It was awesome. Oh the sugar high!!! The last thing I remember was seeing if I could fish out one more ice cream drenched oreo from the sink, the next thing I knew I had been shanghaied and was on a boat

But after a bit, we all felt a little sick. We gave it our best shot!!

CONTINUED

 

[nts4wdw]

Afterwards, we took the bus down to Downtown Disney for our second new experience of the day. We have a jar at home where we keep our spare change and we all decide what to do with it. This time it was renting a boat at Downtown Disney and riding up the canals.

We were a little disappointed that you can’t take the bigger boats down the canals (only the two seaters), but we settled for a big boat. Did I tell you neither of us have ever driven a boat before? But how hard could it be?

Here’s Captain Chuck with his trusty first mate! (Throw some pirate garb on him and now we are talking. GRRRRRR)

The beautiful swans at Saratoga

The water was beautiful, the scenery was great and I was terrified the whole time!! Not only we were out there, not knowing what we were doing, there were other people in boats who may or may not have known what they were doing!! Throw in the Downtown Disney ferryboats and it’s a recipe for Disaster!!!!

Well, we survived. I guess you figured out that much. The kids loved it and it’s in our plans for future trips. (Guess I’ll be packing more valium.) but next time it will be on the seven seas lagoon where we can get a little more elbow roomand thousands of people can see us drown!!

Continued

 

[nts4wdw]

After chilling out in the room and allowing my nerves to settle we went out for a night at EPCOT. If you haven’t noticed, we love to spend our evenings there.

We had to take another ride on Spaceship Earth, then off to the Land. Jake got some good shots on the ride.

There was a family in front of us who were letting their children climb all over the boat..My favorite part was when we were pulling back in, the kids had their hands over the side, right where the boat comes into contact with the dock – talk about a self correcting error!! Even when the ominous, disembodied voice told them to reign in their wild youth (not once, not twice but three times), the parents looked around as if “who are they talking too?? There were only a handful of us on the boat, us, a couple in their early 100’s and this other family. Who did they think they were talking to, maybe the kid fixing to do a swan dive off the side of the boat. I wonder if Disney could make it policy to whomp (nothing that would hurt, maybe a tactically thrown plushies ) out of control kids (that is to include Heelies as well). I think with the recent on property use of tasers, we may be on the right track. I was scared for them!! What is it with people?! Once again I have to go back to my previous statements from our safari

We strolled over and caught American Adventure. Such an inspiring show!! Inspiring , but people still look at me weird when we come out chanting USA, USA, USA!! I mean it’s not like I run up to some other country’s pavilions and yelled ‘we kicked your butt’ – I’m mean, I don’t want to be an ugly American.

We slowly walked back to the entrance and had sandwiches at Saratoga. Another quiet night! I headed out to get a few night shots but after while gave up

 

[Goofyluver]

OMGosh...I can't even believe you guys got the sink! What a great update this was! I'm skeeered of those boats...I'm afraid I would kill someone! Can't wait for more!

 

[Tanya90210]

Gorgeous night pics!!

After seeing your pick a pearl pictures I am sure I want to do it now.... thanks for the in depth shots!!

 

[DisneyJo]

Wow what a lot of updates, where to start yep Em does look happy in those photos Do you think all those EE riders were DISers too in their LG shirts? Who's Art? The BC does look beautiful and way to go on the kitchen sink and the boat ride

 

[shannon47142]

You guys come soooo close to finishing off the sink!!!
Great updates--cool pictures!

 

[nts4wdw]

OMGosh...I can't even believe you guys got the sink! What a great update this was! I'm skeeered of those boats...I'm afraid I would kill someone! Can't wait for more!

i was sure we'd all end up on th nightly news, "Family of four lost in freak boating collision", but we lived! It was fun.
You won't have to wait long. We've got Day ten done and we have a guest trip reporter!!

Gorgeous night pics!!

After seeing your pick a pearl pictures I am sure I want to do it now.... thanks for the in depth shots!!

I'm glad you are going to do it. The hardest thing is choosing a setting....
I'm hoping to read your trip repart tonight. The kids are spending the night at Grandma's!! I've been looking forward to it.

Wow what a lot of updates, where to start yep Em does look happy in those photos Do you think all those EE riders were DISers too in their LG shirts? Who's Art? The BC does look beautiful and way to go on the kitchen sink and the boat ride

Art is a greeter at the beach Club. He's been there like forever and Samantha Brown had a segment where she pin traded with him on the show, "Great Hotels". Have a great trip! Miss you already!

You guys come soooo close to finishing off the sink!!!
Great updates--cool pictures!

We did pretty well, and it was so goooood, and then it wasn't anymore. I could use some of that sugar about now.......

 

[nts4wdw]

Day Ten
Magic Kingdom

On our trip report today, folks, we welcome a special guest trip reporter, Em!!! Her words will be in red.

On with the show!! We arrived at MK early enough to catch the opening show and we saw a lizard who sat on Prince Charming’s head.

Em and Lynn plan the day.

The train was a little late coming round the bend and the Mayor even commented that “we thought you’d never get here” with a little more emphasis than usual. I’m pretty sure it was part of a union slow down, the man is trying to keep the mouse down!!!!

Jake, Daddy and I rode Indy while Mama got fastpasses for Space Mountain.. Gotta get there first before the lines from up because I swear that apart from AK, the line for Indy is the hottest place on the face of the planet.

Here’s a pic Jake took from Indy.

There was only one FastPass machine working at Space Mountian and it was near mutiny over there. How do I get tricked into risking my neck for these FastPasses? That’s the chance you take when you are the non-rider, I would gladly do battle with a line of maniac FP getters over one ride on Mission Space!

Stitch was standing all alone when we came over. Can't pass that up.

We tried the Laugh Floor again next. I still don’t care for it, but the bulletin board in the queue was funny.

In the beginning while we were waiting for the show to start, it shows pictures of people with captions underneath. It showed Daddy and it said, “Will treat everyone to Churros.” And then the purple monster popped up and tried to convince him to do it.
We teased him about it all day. I ain’t sharing my churros with anybody!!

Now it’s my turn. While Jacob and Daddy went to ride Barnstormer,

Mama and I went to see Chip, Dale, Snow White and Goofy. We waited until Goofy got off of the Barnstormer.

We were first in line so we got to walk behind Goofy. When we got there, we found out Chip and Dale weren’t there.

We met Jake and Daddy and went to Minnie’s House.

We found Pluto in Minnie’s garden.

CONTINUED

 

[nts4wdw]

Over in Frontierland, we picked up Fastpasses for Big Thunder and Splash. Now we have all three mountains of the Magic Kingdom!!

Mama and I were hungry so Jake and Daddy went to Space Mountian while Mama and I went to Casey’s.
Here’s what I want.

Casey's wasn't open yet, so we went to the Main Street Bakery.

We picked marshmallows on a Mickey straw dipped in chocolate and rolled in M&Ms and a Mickey head rice krispie treat also dipped in chocolate. While we did this, Dream Along with Mickey was playing so while we waited for Casey’s to open we watched it. Finally 11 o’clock came and we got our food and took it over to Cosmic Ray’s where we could sit and look at the castle until Jake and Daddy came.

There was an actual jazz band playing at ray’s and the CM told me they could lower the stage into the floor and put Ray back on when they were done. Cool!

Jake and Chuck showed up and we stuffed our faces. We gave Jake his rice krispie treat, but he doesn’t like them (this is news to me.) So I gave him my marshmallow thing and I had the Rice krispie treat. Yum!!!

We took the path behind Cinderella’s Castle to get to Frontierland. Of course, we had to make a wish in the well.

Of course, throwing backwards, I missed on my first try, but the children found it and I got it the second time.

We split up in Frontierland. Jake and Em went to Big Thunder and Chuck and I looked at pins.Jake and I got to sit in the front row.

We agreed to meet at the Yankee Trader shop by the entrance to Haunted Mansion. On the walkway along the river, Chuck and I saw a girl who looked exactly like Em, just a few years older!! I mean, if I didn’t know what color shirt Em had on that day I would have stopped that girl!! It was spooky.

Once we got through with BTMRR, we went to the shop and waited. While we were waiting Jake took a picture of this sign.

Now Mama and Daddy didn’t come for a long time so I got scared. Then Jake went to the bathroom and didn’t come back for awhile so I got super scared! I just sat in the corner of the shop and moved every little while so the CM wouldn’t bother me. Finally they came and I was so glad.

I’m sorry you were scared. I didn’t think we were that late coming to meet you, but I guess it seems longer when you are alone.

We all need some air conditioning so we hit the Tiki Room. We were just in time for a show.
I didn’t like missing the birds at the waterfall in the preshow.**
Yea but I didn’t miss standing in line

Time for another Dole Whip!

While we were taking this picture, I heard a voice saying, “You must be real WDW fans if you are taking pictures of your food!” It was Big Brian of Big Brian’s Disney Podcast. I have visited his website before. He was very nice and lives right up the road in NC. He was doing on ride recordings for his podcast. Nice to meet you, Brian!! One of the few people that I know of that appreciates post cards

Dream Along with Mickey was playing again on the castle stage so we danced our way over to the Carousel of Progress.

I love this attraction.

I actually have a recording of it that I listen to in the car sometimes.

We got some FastPasses for Space Mountain for later and decided to take our break. But Jake and I had other plans.

Continued

 

[Goofyluver]

Welcome to the trippie Em!!!

 

[nts4wdw]

When we got back to Saratoga, Jake and I got off at the first Station, the Grandstand to wait for a Downtown Disney bus. It was so quiet and peaceful out there looking over the golf course. I can see why people like that location. We also had a lovely view of Jacob’s mound of dirt.

Who knows? For some reason every time we passed the mound of dirt, we’d point it out to Jake. (Imagine it in a singsong “We’ve got a mound of dirt.”) We are disturbed at times.

Jake had money burning a hole in his pocket and he was itching for the Lego store.

Jake had fun taking pictures of the windows for future creations.

The Lego store is always crowded. Always! But he loves it and after walking around about ten times, we were ready to check out. This was near the checkout.

I got in what I thought was the line. A lady (And I use the term loosely) let me know in no certain terms that I was not in the line and she was there before I was. I moved away, embarrassed and found the end. She just kept turning around and glaring at me. It was an honest mistake. See at this point, if I would have been there, I could have been flicking legos at her!I was sorry, but I still couldn’t believe how rude she was.

I also couldn’t believe it, when she went to check out and her credit card was refused!!!!

She was still there fighting with the CM when we were checked out and walking out of the door.

What goes around, comes around. Ah, the old joke about “I come from an area where we don’t end our sentences with a preposition”, comes to mind.

While Jake and Mama were fighting rude ladies, Daddy and I decided to buy Mama the jacket she had been wanting at the Saratoga gift shop. We found out for a few dollars more we could get a framed print and a WDW bag. We hid it on the side of the tub and we made a scavenger hunt. Daddy wrote the words and I made the Mickey heads. Then we waited for them to come back.

After the longest bus ride in the history of the world (Chuck called four times to make sure we were OK), we arrived back at the room to find this on the door.

On the back it said.

A scavenger hunt!!! On the kitchen table, I found another note.

Chuck and Em were smiling so big as I went over to the entertainment center to find this note.

I was getting excited now. I ran to the safe and this was taped on the outside.

In the whirlpool tub I found a towel covering a very large bag. I ran to the couch to open it. Inside I found the cutest jacket. Pink (my favorite color) with mickey heads on the inside.

Also a WDW tote bag.

And a beautiful framed print with pins. I was thrilled. I can’t believe they surprised me again!! What a sweet surprise! ( I really racked up this trip.) I know, I know - I’m the greatest!!!! See, this is an example of pacing yourself over time, now what kind of gifts would I have had to gotten if we had started off at a pinnacle like getting married at Disney with all the bells and whistles.

What a sweet family I have! After many hugs and tears, we decided to take a nap and have a long evening in MK.

Continued