Magic in the Kingdom 2012! BIG 2/16/2014 FINAL UPDATE!

[lvcourtneyy]

It's actually an entire forum. Here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

Thanks!!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Ohh those tigers are so magnificent! Too funny about the bats sleeping. I guess they don't have too many people there early in the morning so it's not a big issue.

How irritating about CMM. Grr.

Wow that's an incredible idea for an autograph book! I love that Minnie posed with it too!

Do Katie's feet not kill her walking around the park in those flip flops?! Brave girl!

The characters in flight balloon is on my list of things to do next trip ! Glad you guys enjoyed it. What a cool way to get different pictures!

 

[mom2rtk]

Ohh those tigers are so magnificent! Too funny about the bats sleeping. I guess they don't have too many people there early in the morning so it's not a big issue.

How irritating about CMM. Grr.

Wow that's an incredible idea for an autograph book! I love that Minnie posed with it too!

Do Katie's feet not kill her walking around the park in those flip flops?! Brave girl!

The characters in flight balloon is on my list of things to do next trip ! Glad you guys enjoyed it. What a cool way to get different pictures!

Yeah..... probably not too many people rushing in at rope drop to see the bats! We were really only there at rope drop so we could be done by noon. We had done the critical stuff the day before.

And I think the tigers were awesome. Just like the day before with the lions, it was a real treat to see them so active.

I really enjoyed putting together the autograph book. Hopefully we can fill in more signatures as we go along. It was fun to have some of the characters spend time looking through it.

And I do recommend Characters In Flight. I would just suggest finding a way not to give up your mid-day break to do it!

And believe it or not, Katie didn't complain one bit about the flip-flops. Every trip I try to get her to shop for something more comfortable, but she always turns me down. I guess she'll let me know if the feet start hurting!

 

[jenseib]

You've been an updating machine!!!

I love Katie's top. Did you make that? Super cute.

You guys are doing a lot for a rest day.

You have never seen UP? I love it. Dug is great!

You got some awesome shots of the Tigers. Good animal mojo once again.
that one bird looks like a lizard bird. And the duck is so pretty and colorful.

 

[KCmike]

Another great entry Janet. Always fun to follow along on your Disney vacation.

In regards to my oldest daughter she has decided to stay close and go to Park University. She really (REALLY) wanted to go to Benedictine but the cost was just way out of our reach. She wants to be a teacher and to pay 30k or more a year just doesn't add up for that kind of degree. At Park she will be able to go for literally close to nothing a year because of her GPA and the A+ program. I would have liked for her to be able to go out on her own and experience life without mom and dad but she seems happy and that's what its all about.

My favorite pic of the lion series was the one on the rocks that almost blends in together. Very cool.

The balloon ride does look fun and does have some serious great views of the World of Disney. I glad your hubby got the chance to do it!

So did your daughter enjoy her time away from the parents? I will keep an eye out for that Christmas Hotel Room Door. Oh yeah almost forgot...the AoA pics were very cool.

 

[mom2rtk]

You've been an updating machine!!!

I love Katie's top. Did you make that? Super cute.

You guys are doing a lot for a rest day.

You have never seen UP? I love it. Dug is great!

You got some awesome shots of the Tigers. Good animal mojo once again.
that one bird looks like a lizard bird. And the duck is so pretty and colorful.

Yeah, I couldn't get any gumption up to do any scrapbooking today, so I just kept working on this. I still have an awful lot of ground to cover!

Yes, I made Katie's top. She had seen those 2 fabrics at the store and we both thought Animal Kingdom at Christmas right away!

Nope, never even seen UP. I kept telling Katie we should see it, but I couldn't even get her to meet the characters, let alone agree to watch the movie when we got home. She says she's seen it far too many times at school. I guess it's one of the few approved movies they showed in 4th and 5th grade. So I guess I'm on my own. I knew how she felt about the movie, which is why when she headed off to do EE by herself, I told Drew we should get our photo done and have them sign her book. I didn't have a page for them, but did add a few blank pages in the back for new characters.

I almost hate to go back to AK after having such luck with the animals this time. I'm sure any return trip is just going to be a disappointment. And yes, wasn't that just the STRANGEST bird? And don't you love that Katie went off to do a ride.... and I hung around shooting duck photos!

 

[mom2rtk]

Another great entry Janet. Always fun to follow along on your Disney vacation.

In regards to my oldest daughter she has decided to stay close and go to Park University. She really (REALLY) wanted to go to Benedictine but the cost was just way out of our reach. She wants to be a teacher and to pay 30k or more a year just doesn't add up for that kind of degree. At Park she will be able to go for literally close to nothing a year because of her GPA and the A+ program. I would have liked for her to be able to go out on her own and experience life without mom and dad but she seems happy and that's what its all about.

My favorite pic of the lion series was the one on the rocks that almost blends in together. Very cool.

The balloon ride does look fun and does have some serious great views of the World of Disney. I glad your hubby got the chance to do it!

So did your daughter enjoy her time away from the parents? I will keep an eye out for that Christmas Hotel Room Door. Oh yeah almost forgot...the AoA pics were very cool.

Thanks Mike! I bet she'll enjoy Park. Doesn't it feel good to move on from all the decision making and uncertainty? Robbie almost went to Park so we toured the campus. It's really pretty. And when we were there in the summer of 2010 it looked like they were on the verge of a big renovation. I bet that's coming along quite nicely.

I can see where it would be really hard to pass up Park being right there in your back yard. I really thought Robbie would end up there. We knew he wouldn't go away to school, and when I found out Jewell required all students to live on campus, Park looked like a very likely choice for him. I was really surprised when he went with Rockhurst. Of course, I was scared to death about his drive to either Rockhurst or Park. Neither is really that close to our home. And he didn't even have his license yet. We really did have baptism by fire here!

Now that I'm not in the moment and exhausted with feet throbbing..... I'm glad we did the balloon ride too!

Katie did indeed enjoy her few moments of independence. She actually rode EE twice before meeting us right outside the Maharaja Jungle Trek.

I don't think I have a photo of our actual window malfunction. Thankfully. But when I get to the photo of how I decorated the window, I'll explain what happened.

 

[KCmike]

Thanks Mike! I bet she'll enjoy Park. Doesn't it feel good to move on from all the decision making and uncertainty? Robbie almost went to Park so we toured the campus. It's really pretty. And when we were there in the summer of 2010 it looked like they were on the verge of a big renovation. I bet that's coming along quite nicely.

I can see where it would be really hard to pass up Park being right there in your back yard. I really thought Robbie would end up there. We knew he wouldn't go away to school, and when I found out Jewell required all students to live on campus, Park looked like a very likely choice for him. I was really surprised when he went with Rockhurst. Of course, I was scared to death about his drive to either Rockhurst or Park. Neither is really that close to our home. And he didn't even have his license yet. We really did have baptism by fire here!

Now that I'm not in the moment and exhausted with feet throbbing..... I'm glad we did the balloon ride too!

Katie did indeed enjoy her few moments of independence. She actually rode EE twice before meeting us right outside the Maharaja Jungle Trek.

I don't think I have a photo of our actual window malfunction. Thankfully. But when I get to the photo of how I decorated the window, I'll explain what happened.

I almost forgot. Never saw UP? WHAAAAT? You must stop whatever your doing right at this moment and watch this movie. One of Pixar's best. It's a classic.

 

[mom2rtk]

I almost forgot. Never saw UP? WHAAAAT? You must stop whatever your doing right at this moment and watch this movie. One of Pixar's best. It's a classic.

LOL, blame the schools. They sucked all the fun out of it for Katie! But I'll add it to my list of "Disney must-do's". I've always wanted to see it. That's part of the reason I did the photos with the characters. It won't be the first time I've been the last to do something new! And heck, this one has the added benefit of pushing my daughter's buttons!

 

[rachel09985]

Awesome update! I have never seen a characters in flight review before! That first picture of the balloon is stunning!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Awesome update! I have never seen a characters in flight review before! That first picture of the balloon is stunning!!!

Thanks Rachel! That was my favorite shot from entire experience. I think I took it from the bridge close by.

 

[rndmr2]

Great updates! Love the Tiger pictures! I love watching them, those at least I have been able to see up and around and I do have a few pics of them. That one was fun of the one on the steps with the water.

I love that you did the Characters in Flight Balloon, I really want to do that next time I go to the World but I don't know if I would be able to get my hubby on it. You really do get to see a lot from up there.

You HAVE to try to see UP! Oh wow, it is such a great movie! I was so hoping to meet the characters from it but our 2010 trip they had just left the HS meet and Greet place and for our 2011 trip there wasn't a M&G anywhere either, just that parade at HS. I really want to meet Dug someday, I hope he stays out as a meetable (is that a word? LOL) character.

 

[shan23877]

Beautiful pictures as always! I loved looking at the early morning AoA ones, the colors were gorgeous.

The fire dancer photo from FOLK is stunning.

I love that autograph book! What a great idea (and one I may steal as my DD gets older )

Glad to hear that you enjoyed Characters in Flight! What a cool perspective to see WDW from. Were you the only family on the balloon?

I've lurked a bit on the photography threads trying to learn how to use my DSLR a bit, but I have to admit that most of it is over my head. I'm going to have to get through my copy of "DSLRs for Dummies" first.

And, since you're the sewing guru on here too- wanted to let you know that I've made a couple really fun outfits lately! I did a Lilo for my DD (and since have made 4 others) and a Jessie inspired outfit for warmer weather! The 'fringe' characters have been fun to do, and a welcome diversion from princesses (though I have made a Belle gown for DDs AG doll too )

 

[jojosam]

Love love love the autograph book! We only have one trip under our belt as a family but that is definitely something I could see myself doing once I have a better collection of photos.

I am looking forward to better exploring AK during our next trip in September. I think I might stare at the tigers and gorillas all day!

Thanks for all the wonderful information and photos... looking forward to your next installment!

 

[francis6306]

Love that autograph book! Can't wait for a few more trips with my girls so we can do that!

And I was JUST talking about the age when I think I'd be ready to let the girls go off by themselves and I said 12! I knew I liked you! haha Apparently Disney's old age for letting kids into the park without an adult was 7 I think!??!!? Can you believe that??

 

[jenseib]

love that autograph book! Can't wait for a few more trips with my girls so we can do that!

And i was just talking about the age when i think i'd be ready to let the girls go off by themselves and i said 12! i knew i liked you! Haha apparently disney's old age for letting kids into the park without an adult was 7 i think!??!!? Can you believe that??

scaryyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Great updates! Love the Tiger pictures! I love watching them, those at least I have been able to see up and around and I do have a few pics of them. That one was fun of the one on the steps with the water.

I love that you did the Characters in Flight Balloon, I really want to do that next time I go to the World but I don't know if I would be able to get my hubby on it. You really do get to see a lot from up there.

You HAVE to try to see UP! Oh wow, it is such a great movie! I was so hoping to meet the characters from it but our 2010 trip they had just left the HS meet and Greet place and for our 2011 trip there wasn't a M&G anywhere either, just that parade at HS. I really want to meet Dug someday, I hope he stays out as a meetable (is that a word? LOL) character.

I really wish I had more time to watch the tigers and gorillas on the 2 trails. No matter what I do, no matter how hard I plan, I always end up having to rush through there more than I like. It was especially nice that second morning because it was rope drop and we were nearly the only ones there.

You really should try to get your husband to do the balloon. It was a pretty cool perspective.

And I have officially added "UP" to my Disney "to do" list! I wonder if it's on "On Demand".......

Beautiful pictures as always! I loved looking at the early morning AoA ones, the colors were gorgeous.

Thanks! It's an amazing place to wander around in the wee hours of the morning.

The fire dancer photo from FOLK is stunning.


Thanks! I wasn't sure how I had done photographing FOTLK. We ran in there really late and just grabbed a seat in back, so I wasn't sure how they would turn out. That fire dancer shot was one of my favorites!

I love that autograph book! What a great idea (and one I may steal as my DD gets older )

I was really happy with how it turned out. I had been thinking about doing that for a long time. I'm glad I finally did.

Glad to hear that you enjoyed Characters in Flight! What a cool perspective to see WDW from. Were you the only family on the balloon?

No, there were lots of other folks up there. It was sort of hard to move around. Once I had photographed off to one side, I really wanted to get to the other side..... so I had to squeeze past and excuse my way around. They did say we could move about though.

I've lurked a bit on the photography threads trying to learn how to use my DSLR a bit, but I have to admit that most of it is over my head. I'm going to have to get through my copy of "DSLRs for Dummies" first.

I actually started with a Dummies book for my DSLR. No shame in that! Next, I would recommend reading Understanding Exposure.

And, since you're the sewing guru on here too- wanted to let you know that I've made a couple really fun outfits lately! I did a Lilo for my DD (and since have made 4 others) and a Jessie inspired outfit for warmer weather! The 'fringe' characters have been fun to do, and a welcome diversion from princesses (though I have made a Belle gown for DDs AG doll too )

Sounds adorable! Feel free to post photos if you want. I'd love to see them!

Love love love the autograph book! We only have one trip under our belt as a family but that is definitely something I could see myself doing once I have a better collection of photos.

I am looking forward to better exploring AK during our next trip in September. I think I might stare at the tigers and gorillas all day!

Thanks for all the wonderful information and photos... looking forward to your next installment!

Thanks for the kind words. I just got tired of buying a new autograph book each trip then adding it to the pile when we got home. Now it's going to be fun trying to fill in all the missing autographs.

Do be sure to leave plenty of time for the animal trails at AK. I always shortchange them and regret it later. We have a pretty bad zoo here in KC, and it's such a treat to walk those trails and see what a great zoo is like.

 

[mom2rtk]

Love that autograph book! Can't wait for a few more trips with my girls so we can do that!

And I was JUST talking about the age when I think I'd be ready to let the girls go off by themselves and I said 12! I knew I liked you! haha Apparently Disney's old age for letting kids into the park without an adult was 7 I think!??!!? Can you believe that??

Keep snapping away. Soon enough you'll be able to do one just like it!

I've been following the threads on the new age limit to enter the park. I woudln't let Katie go by herself. But if she were with a friend her age, I'd probably entertain the idea. But it's no biggie to wait a bit longer. We hardly ever split up anyway. It felt SO odd to let her wander over to EE by herself as it was! The only time I can see this being an issue for us is if we pull together some sort of special rate to stay at the Grand Californian this December. It is adjacent to DCA. I could totally see sending Katie back in to pick up something in the room. But apparently under this new rule she couldn't. I'm not sure why I see getting on a bus or monorail as much different, but I do.

I'm trying hard to nudge her along to more independence. Just seeing how many big leaps the boys have had to take in a short amount of time, I'd like to handle it a little differently with her. And of course it helps a lot that Katie has a phone we can stay in close contact. When the boys were her age they didn't even have phones. Heck, Robbie is almost 20 and I still can't get him to carry one!

scaryyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!

I wonder if they really had 8 year olds entering the parks on their own?

I think I would have liked to see the age limit at 12. I would not have sent her on her own at 12, but can see how some might, especially with another 12 or 13 year old.

I saw a post from someone who has a 13 year old. They were too young to do the Wild Africa Trek at AK, so they were going to leave them in the room while they went, then meet at the park at a certain time. But technically now they can't.

 

[jenseib]

Keep snapping away. Soon enough you'll be able to do one just like it!

I've been following the threads on the new age limit to enter the park. I woudln't let Katie go by herself. But if she were with a friend her age, I'd probably entertain the idea. But it's no biggie to wait a bit longer. We hardly ever split up anyway. It felt SO odd to let her wander over to EE by herself as it was! The only time I can see this being an issue for us is if we pull together some sort of special rate to stay at the Grand Californian this December. It is adjacent to DCA. I could totally see sending Katie back in to pick up something in the room. But apparently under this new rule she couldn't. I'm not sure why I see getting on a bus or monorail as much different, but I do.

I'm trying hard to nudge her along to more independence. Just seeing how many big leaps the boys have had to take in a short amount of time, I'd like to handle it a little differently with her. And of course it helps a lot that Katie has a phone we can stay in close contact. When the boys were her age they didn't even have phones. Heck, Robbie is almost 20 and I still can't get him to carry one!




I wonder if they really had 8 year olds entering the parks on their own?

I think I would have liked to see the age limit at 12. I would not have sent her on her own at 12, but can see how some might, especially with another 12 or 13 year old.

I saw a post from someone who has a 13 year old. They were too young to do the Wild Africa Trek at AK, so they were going to leave them in the room while they went, then meet at the park at a certain time. But technically now they can't.

HMMM the wild african trek age limit is 8, so maybe they are just too cheap to pay for the kid. I know this as I really wanted to do it but Claire was a month shy of 8 and I figured I wouldn't push and try and hopefully we can do it in the future.

 

[mom2rtk]

HMMM the wild african trek age limit is 13, so maybe they are just too cheap to pay for the kid. I know this as I really wanted to do it but Claire was a month shy of 8 and I figured I wouldn't push and try and hopefully we can do it in the future.

Maybe the girl was 12? There have been so many threads, I can't even go back and check. I tried to talk Drew into doing this on our last trip instead of Cirque. Maybe next time!

And yeah, 7 11/12ths is probably not quite close enough to 13 to pass for it. But these 3rd children sure do act a lot older than they are, don't they?