Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (6/8-17, 2010) **FINAL UPDATE 2-25-2011**

[photographymom517]

As we were walking, I was taking some pictures & decided to stop to look at the map. We figured out that we were standing right in front of Restaurantosaurus!!! We actually found it completely by mistake but its now one of our new favorites! Somehow we were at the back of the restaurant at what I believe to be "the exit" not "the entrance"!

This is where we entered the restaurant. It was a white covered patio with chairs & tables. I’m pretty sure the sign above the door said “exit” lol

We went inside & walked past the fixin’s bar to get to the line to order. As I said, I wasn’t hungry so I just ordered for my husband and Luke. I decided to order chicken nuggets with fries, cheesecake, and Sprite for Luke. I figured we could share it. My husband got the double cheeseburger with fries, cheesecake, and Coke. Our bill would’ve been $30.08 but we used 2 meals.

I am not a huge fan of cheesecake, but this was delicious!!! I think it had pineapple sauce on the top & it really made a difference in the taste! YUM!!! I lucked out because Luke didn’t like it at all so I ended up eating his!

I really love the atmosphere of this restaurant! We sat in a really neat spot that was supposed to be the garage area! There were tools on the wall & it was a more private area than the main dining area.

After eating, we went to look for a restroom and then noticed it was almost time for the parade! I started taking pictures along the way. I just realized that I think this is the Boneyard!!! How did I miss it???

As we were walking, we saw this

This is my favorite character greeting at AK!!! We ended up going to the bathrooms right beside the entrance to Asia where Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore are!

I LOVE this character greeting!

As we were leaving, so was Tigger! He walked/bounced right up the trail beside us! So I took a few pics of him along the way!

After that, we went to find a spot for the parade. It was packed everywhere & very hard to find a good spot! We wanted a spot in the front so Luke could stay in his stroller to watch the parade. We ended up finding a spot by the Beastly Bazaar towards the end of the parade route. It was good because it was an excellent spot (in the front & in the shade) but it was also not good because Luke was getting restless and it would be awhile before the parade reached us.

As you can see, he still has his meal from Restaurantosaurus in the little compartments on his stroller!

Here comes the parade!

Another one of my very favorite characters!!!

I love the bubbles that come out of Minnie’s bathtub! Luke laughed when he saw them, he really liked them too!!!

Here comes Goofy!!!! My alltime favorite character!!!!

 

[photographymom517]

And here comes my buddy, Terk!!!

I’m sure I mentioned it fifty times already, but we had a “special encounter” at every parade we saw during our trip! It made it extra special for Luke & I will always remember his reactions even if he doesn’t! It’s not a good picture because he was literally RIGHT beside me, but Timon from Lion King came over to Luke & tried to shake his hand. Luke was a little scared & tried to hide but then he smiled at Timon! I wish I had a picture of both him & Luke together but I couldn’t get them both in it!

I love this parade! I know a lot of people don’t like it, but its one of my favorites. I’m not sure if I actually have a favorite parade, I think I enjoy them all! But I like the AK parade because its different. Instead of just Disney characters, they also incorporate animals & the African/Asian themes. And I absolutely love the colors!!! They are beautiful!

Well, that's all for now! I need to upload more pictures from my trip onto my laptop & then put them onto Shutterfly. Hopefully I'll get that done tomorrow. As of right now, I have NO plans for this entire week, so hopefully that means more updating!!!

 

[stephielela]

I love all your pictures! They are actually making me more interested in spending more time at AK! I am not a fan of bats myself. Or snakes. Or bugs. It might make life more difficult since I have a boy...

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Looks like a great time, but oh man! Luke looks HOT!! It is always bad when the little one look hot! That usually means the adults are completely miserable by this point!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I haven't been inside Restaurantosaurus since it was Donald's breakfast, I always seem to forget it's there!

Love the parade pics, I agree, the colors are gorgeous. Of course, it's another parade that I've never seen.......

 

[PopArtGal]

It's been a while since I've seen the parade. And I have never been to Restaurantosorus (sp?). But it looks cool. And who doesn't love TImon? I know I love him. Named my cat after him lol

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wonderful update!!! I've got to take Henry in that gift shop-I'm sure he'll love it too! Joe and I went in there a few years ago, but Henry was too little to "get it" at that point, now he'd have a ball.

And yep-that was the Boneyard! Too bad you missed it! Next trip, right?

 

[photographymom517]

I love all your pictures! They are actually making me more interested in spending more time at AK! I am not a fan of bats myself. Or snakes. Or bugs. It might make life more difficult since I have a boy...

LOL...yes boys definitely LOVE bugs & snakes & bats...and pretty much anything scary! Luke has been collecting toy snakes recently...something that neither my mom nor I are too fond of because we've both always hated snakes! But, because he's my "little baby" I let him collect them...oh, and guess where I found 2 toy snakes the other day for $1 a piece? TARGET!!! Thought you'd appreciate that one since you love Target as much as I do!

Looks like a great time, but oh man! Luke looks HOT!! It is always bad when the little one look hot! That usually means the adults are completely miserable by this point!

Yep, you are right there!!!

I was actually surprised because Luke dealt with the heat ALOT better than my husband & I did!!! If he was hot, Luke would be fine with sitting in air conditioning for awhile or eating a popscicle or just getting out of his stroller & sitting in the shade. My husband and I, on the other hand, just were grumpy once we got too hot!

It was disappointing to have to leave the parks early...almost every single day...because the crowds & humidity were just too much! I am begging my husband to let me plan our next trip during Sept/Oct when the crowds are low & the heat isn't as bad!

Our past 2 trips have been great, but not as great as they could've been...1st trip was during Spring break/Easter and this past trip was mid June! The next trip is going to be very, very relaxing & with low crowds...or else I'm not going! And it takes alot for me to say THAT about my favorite place on earth!!!

Its crazy for me to even say this, but I'm actually thinking about not planning anything for our next trip & just "going with the flow" the entire trip! In reality, I know the OCD in me won't allow it to happen, but I think other than a few main rides/shows and some ADR's (since we're planning to get the DDP) I'm not really planning anything!

I've been comparing this trip & our 1st trip and doing quite alot of thinking. There are pro's and con's of planning...our first trip was much more relaxing in my opinion. We didn't have anything planned...we just did whatever & left the parks when we were done. We enjoyed our resort & the parks. We even spent an evening just wondering around the resort. It was very relaxing...but we missed out on soooo much! I didn't do any research prior to our trip & we just got on the plane and went.

Now, the second trip...I did tons and tons of research up until the very last minute. But I also don't feel like I enjoyed it as much. I was constantly thinking "what am I missing" and trying to think back on all the TR's I had read prior to going to Disney! I couldn't remember which restaurant had certain meals I wanted to try...and I didn't want to leave a park for the day because I felt like I didn't do everything I had planned. I don't feel that I relaxed as much and my mind was always trying to remember what I didn't want to miss!!! I'm a planner...definitely with OCD...definitely a perfectionist...but I don't think I let the "planner" in me truly enjoy my trip. I enjoyed it & loved every minute of it, but I spent too much time thinking & not enough relaxing & truly taking in every second of the trip! Does that make any sense to anyone?

So next trip I think I'll make a list (far in advance) of things I don't want to miss...and the rest of the trip will just be "free" to do whatever we all want!

I haven't been inside Restaurantosaurus since it was Donald's breakfast, I always seem to forget it's there!

Love the parade pics, I agree, the colors are gorgeous. Of course, it's another parade that I've never seen.......

Oh my goodness, Michele...you have to watch that parade!!! You should do what my mom did this past September on her trip. No one else wanted to see the parade or fireworks, so she shopped until it was time for the parade/fireworks & then stood & watched them. She said it wasn't as much fun watching them alone, but she did enjoy it & was glad she didn't miss them!

It's been a while since I've seen the parade. And I have never been to Restaurantosorus (sp?). But it looks cool. And who doesn't love TImon? I know I love him. Named my cat after him lol

Hey, I noticed your ticker!!! You will LOVE Animal Kingdom Lodge!!!

I have lots of pics from it...want to see them? I'll post my Disney pics from last year's trip on FB so you can see them!!! (It will be a few days though because I'm in the process of moving pictures from my laptop to our desktop)

Its honestly my FAVORITE resort & I want to go back soooo bad! My husband wants to try out different resorts before going back to one we've already stayed at...but the second he gives me the "ok" to book at one of our repeat resorts, AKL it will be!!!!

I love it that you named your cat Timon!!!

Wonderful update!!! I've got to take Henry in that gift shop-I'm sure he'll love it too! Joe and I went in there a few years ago, but Henry was too little to "get it" at that point, now he'd have a ball.

And yep-that was the Boneyard! Too bad you missed it! Next trip, right?

Henry would love that gift shop!!!

I STILL can't believe I missed the Boneyard...actually I can't believe I took photographs OF it and still walked right past it! Next trip for sure!!!

I'm hoping to go during "low crowds" next time. I felt like we missed out on alot of things this trip either because the lines were too long (like for the shows) or we just walked past it because we were watching where we were going instead of looking around at where we could be going. If that makes sense! lol

 

[photographymom517]

Hey everyone!!! I can't believe its been over a month since I posted an update!!! I have a million excuses but I won't make any...I will just apologize!

I think, deep down inside, I'm actually withholding updates on purpose! I am so sad not to have a Disney trip planned & my husband keeps talking about going other places. He keeps saying "there is more to Florida than Disney" (Isn't that a HORRIBLE thing to say???)

I FINALLY was able to convince him that Luke won't be little forever & he might "out grow" Disney sooner than we think he will. I explained how Luke will go through stages...first he will love the characters, then he will love different themes or rides, then he will love the "thrill rides" like ToT, and then he might not want to go anymore! He might feel too grown up, even though his mom will NEVER outgrow Disney! (I have every intention of retiring there...even if I don't make it there until I'm 85 years old!)

Soooo...because I convinced him that I can find us a good deal AND convinced him Luke won't be little forever...and that once Luke starts school, we'd only be able to travel during "busy season" which we don't want to do...he has agreed to go next fall/winter (most likely in September for the MNSSHP). Personally I'd prefer to go for Christmas...I think Disney is beautiful during Christmas, but I think the low crowds will win in the end. Honestly I don't care when we go, as long as we GO! I also have him convinced that our "first cruise" in a few years HAS to be a Disney cruise! hehe! (I also signed his email account up to receive Disney newsletters...so everytime he gets one, he starts talking to me about Disney!!! My plan has worked...)

Another reason I haven't updated is...I am in the process of transferring some pictures from my laptop. I had a little birdie inform me that I'm getting a PC tablet for Christmas as well...so as soon as I get that, I will definitely be able to update alot quicker! My main problem is that I don't have enough room on my laptop for my Disney pictures (that's what happens when you take 4,722 pics on ONE vacation!) So everytime I want to do an update, I have to delete pictures from my laptop to add more Disney pics. I finally added them ALL to Shutterfly, but somehow alot of them disappeared (I think I left my laptop on one day & Mr. Luke was "using it" while I was doing laundry...) So after I get all of that straightened out, I will update again!!!

Please don't give up...I promise I will eventually get to the end of my trip report!!!

Well, so much for "no excuses" but I really, really plan to work on an update soon! Most of you already know, we have had a TON of snow here in PA recently. I don't drive on the bad roads unless I absolutely have to. Luke and I finished up our Christmas shopping last week, so we really don't have a reason to leave the house unless its to visit relatives or go to the grocery store. (Thank goodness because the new car I bought last January isn't very good in snow unfortunately!)

For some reason, I am busier now that I am a "domestic engineer" (its my new name for SAHM) than I was when I worked 50-60 hours a week!!! Recently though, "busy" has been good for both Luke and I. We have started doing more things that we need to do & want to do instead of only things that we have to do. We've been exercising (I have a Nintendo Wii and we got a Dance game & Wii Sports Active). We've been doing more craft projects (he loved them last summer, but this year we never made it to our 2 summer weekly groups at the park & library). We've been spending more time on hobbies (me = Vinylmation, Luke = cars, trucks, reading, Handy Manny, and Zhu Zhu pets). Overall, we've been getting more done around the house in less time (I think because mommy is less stressed out). It seems like we've been having more fun AND more time!!!

So...basically that means that I have no excuses & need to update!!!

Ok...I'll make an early New Year's Resolution...I promise to post at least 2 more updates before Christmas Eve!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

That is so great about doing more things you want to! Henry and I go through phases where we only do things we HAVE to - like clean, grocery shop, etc. and while that's fine and does need to be done - it certainly does not make for a "fun day" for Mommy or child! This "25 Days of Christmas" I've been doing with Henry has been soooooo good for both of us. Various crafts and purposed outings - we've had a blast!! It really does make for less stress.

And WONDERFUL about booking another trip!!!!!!! You are very right about time escaping with Luke. I realized just this past summer that this will be our last year being able to go with Henry during non-busy times. I mean, it's just pre-school, yes we can pull him out, but I'd rather not for very many days once he starts. Know what I mean? I strongly urge September. The crowds are NOTHING, esp when you avoid the parks with EMH! 5 minute waits all over the place, you don't even need EMH!

I look forward to those updates when you can get to them!

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

I'm still here! I completely understand life getting in the way of updating. That's great that you'll have another trip next year!

 

[PopArtGal]

If you go for Christmas, we might be able to meet.

My dad is talking about a Christmas trip next year. I literally mean Christmas since my first day of Christmas vacation is the 24.

 

[photographymom517]

That is so great about doing more things you want to! Henry and I go through phases where we only do things we HAVE to - like clean, grocery shop, etc. and while that's fine and does need to be done - it certainly does not make for a "fun day" for Mommy or child! This "25 Days of Christmas" I've been doing with Henry has been soooooo good for both of us. Various crafts and purposed outings - we've had a blast!! It really does make for less stress.

And WONDERFUL about booking another trip!!!!!!! You are very right about time escaping with Luke. I realized just this past summer that this will be our last year being able to go with Henry during non-busy times. I mean, it's just pre-school, yes we can pull him out, but I'd rather not for very many days once he starts. Know what I mean? I strongly urge September. The crowds are NOTHING, esp when you avoid the parks with EMH! 5 minute waits all over the place, you don't even need EMH!

I look forward to those updates when you can get to them!

Thanks for understanding Brook!!!

And thanks for sticking with my TR even though I haven't updated in over 2 months!!!

I couldn't believe when I logged on DIS today that I haven't updated in so long. Unfortunately, the 9-in-1 memory card reader does NOT work in our desktop and my AC adapter has completely stopped working in my laptop. I asked a friend to look at it but he's always too busy, but hopefully he can fix it soon. He thinks its not an issue with the AC adapter but thinks that little prong in my laptop (where the AC adapter connects to it) somehow got shoved too far into the laptop. I'm hoping thats the problem because I've spent way too much money on new AC adapters...I could've just saved up the $$$ and bought a small netbook.

Luke got a TON of great craft kits for Christmas!!! He really loves to draw, color & paint...so I moved his craft table & set of drawers up into the living room. I let him go through all of his craft supplies with me & organize the drawers which he loved! (Then mommy asked all the relatives to make sure to include crafts in his Christmas gifts!) He got Moon Sand & the Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio. I also got a really good deal on a set of the Model Magic Presto Dots! You should definitely get that for Henry if he doesn't have it already...the sets are really cute & its ALOT less messy than Play-Doh or Moon Sand! Luke has some trouble getting the little dots out of the tubes, but other than that, he loves it!

I absolutely loved your 25 Days of Christmas!!!! I think that was the best idea!!!! The things that you & Henry did were so cute & it looked like you both had so much fun!!!

I really understand what you mean about pre-school. I know I could take Luke out for a couple of days but I'd just rather not...I really agree with you there! It just seems that they miss so much & I don't want him to get out of his routine. I'm really trying to start creating a routine for him so that he will be ready once he starts school, but sometimes it is so hard with the day-to-day things that are "must do's."

I definitely want to take at least one more trip to Disney...and my new scheme...a Disney cruise...before Luke starts school!!! Luckily I have my husband obsessed with cruises now too...hehe...so I think he's completely on-board with the idea! Now all I have to do is potty-train Luke! We almost planned a cruise for this year but once we found out he wouldn't be allowed in the pools, we scrapped that idea completely. He LOVES water & pools so its a must for him to be able to swim!

My parents went again this year in September and I was soooo very jealous of their lack of crowds. I can't remember if I posted it on here or not, but they rode Splash Mountain 9 or 11 times in a row!!! My mom was showing me her pictures the other day...she said "Oh look at this! Its the worst day on our trip crowd-wise...look at all those people around the castle!" Seriously? There were maybe 20 people at the most around the castle! When we were there in June, I couldn't even get a picture of the Walt/Mickey statue that I love so much. She was being sarcastic & making fun of me when she showed me the pic because she knows how much I want to go when the parks are basically crowd-free! I would love to experience Disney the way my parents do every year in September!!! Its a dream for me!

I am still keeping my fingers crossed for September, but I won't know for sure until a few months before. I'm still planning to finish up this TR and start a new PTR even if I don't have exact trip dates. I can still collect info & plan & just keep my fingers crossed that I can still get ADR's without much notice. My parents actually only waited 10 minutes at a table-service restaurant at Epcot so maybe I have a chance.

I promise for another update soon!!! Thanks for sticking with me!!!

I'm still here! I completely understand life getting in the way of updating. That's great that you'll have another trip next year!

I really appreciate it that you've stuck by even though I haven't posted an update in over 2 months!!

I don't have a good excuse this time...I've just been spending alot of time obsessing over Vinylmations, rearranging closets & furniture...and not enjoying all of the frequent snowstorms here!

I promise to post an update soon. This weekend I'm going to work on a double update!

If you go for Christmas, we might be able to meet.

My dad is talking about a Christmas trip next year. I literally mean Christmas since my first day of Christmas vacation is the 24.

That's awesome! Do you know which park you might plan to visit on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve? Will you stay until New Year's? My nephew went this year with his family a few days before Christmas until a few days after New Year's, so they were able to experience both holidays at Disney! They didn't go to a Disney park on either day though...I think they went to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens ??? I can't remember but I know he rode Polar Express!!!

I think Christmas at Disney would be alot of fun!!! I'm not 100% sure of our trip dates & probably won't know until late summer, but I will definitely let you know. I would love to meet up sometime! We're still debating between the low September crowds and the beautiful holiday season!

 

[reelmom]

I'm still here. Glad that you are doing good and that you had a great Christmas. I thought about you when I saw that they released the new Star Wars Vinylmations. Not sure if you like Star Wars, but they are cute. I bought the Vinylmations purse last month. I want to use it but I am saving it for my trip. Take your time with your updates. I know how life gets crazy with little ones. Enjoy it because it goes fast. Too fast. Oh, for you and Brooke, take those babies to Disney during the preschool years. I am a preschool teacher and while it is important to keep a routine, they will be just fine missing a week or two of school.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I hope you figure out everything with your laptop! What a pain!

And thanks for the tip on the Model Magic Presto Dots, I will have to look for those. Henry loves anything art related, I need to get him a little drawer set or something to organize it all. It's just currently thrown into a bin and a pain in the rear to deal with!

I hope the cruise works out and I see a pretty ticker and PTR from you soon!!!

 

[stephielela]

I am still here... well I'm back at least! I'm glad to hear there is a trip on the horizon for you! We are going back in September, I just couldn't resist- free dining combined with the fact Jack and I will both have free flights to use! It was a no-brainer!

It's funny, I have read about potty training in several reports lately. How's it going? Jack is about 95% there, it all of a sudden just clicked for him after Christmas. It took a bit of work, but its such a nice feeling to not have to buy pullups anymore! More money to save for Disney!

 

[photographymom517]

I'm still here. Glad that you are doing good and that you had a great Christmas. I thought about you when I saw that they released the new Star Wars Vinylmations. Not sure if you like Star Wars, but they are cute. I bought the Vinylmations purse last month. I want to use it but I am saving it for my trip. Take your time with your updates. I know how life gets crazy with little ones. Enjoy it because it goes fast. Too fast. Oh, for you and Brooke, take those babies to Disney during the preschool years. I am a preschool teacher and while it is important to keep a routine, they will be just fine missing a week or two of school.

Glad you are still here!!!

Thanks for understanding! You are definitely right!!! Time really does fly by so fast especially with little ones! I've actually been thinking about it alot recently...I remember when all the babies were born! I was very lucky to be able to be at the hospital when all of my nephews & my niece was born...it seems like just yesterday yet the oldest will be 4 in a couple days! I can't believe it!

I really appreciate your encouragement to visit Disney even when Luke is a preschooler! Since you are a teacher, its definitely reassuring to hear that he would be fine missing a week or so of preschool!

That is sooo funny that you thought of me when the Star Wars Vinylmations were released! Originally I wasn't planning to get any of them, but they are a very well designed series! I ended up trading for a bunch of them! I really love R2D2, the Storm Trooper, and Yoda I've definitely been trying to cut back on my purchases with all the releases...it seems like Disney is releasing at least 2-3 series per month since the beginning of 2011.

Can you post a picture of your Vinylmation purse on my TR? I'd love to see it! Which one did you get? I don't blame you for saving it for the parks but I don't think I could wait!

I know I said this before, but I honestly am going to try my best to get at least 1 update posted by this weekend. I'm really hoping to work on it tonight.

I hope you figure out everything with your laptop! What a pain!

And thanks for the tip on the Model Magic Presto Dots, I will have to look for those. Henry loves anything art related, I need to get him a little drawer set or something to organize it all. It's just currently thrown into a bin and a pain in the rear to deal with!

I hope the cruise works out and I see a pretty ticker and PTR from you soon!!!

Thanks Brook! Yes, the issue with my laptop is a pain! I finally got so mad last week that I got my electrical tape out of my toolbox & used half the roll to "fix" my AC adapter! You should see it!

I have to sit my laptop on my desk on a book at a certain angle to get it to work...but at least its working! hehe! This is just a temporary fix, I'm still hoping my friend can find time to look at it for me!

I can't remember where I saw it, but if I see it again, I will definitely let you know! I was shopping with Luke a few weeks ago & saw this super cute art desk! It was made for toddlers & had a set of drawers on the one side. The other side had 3-4 smaller bins. I'm pretty sure it came with a chair and it was very colorful & looked like it wouldn't take up much space! I remember it so clearly because I thought it would be so cute for Luke, except that I already gave him my table/chair set from when I was younger! I will try to find it & let you know! Unfortunately I can't even remember the brand name to look it up online. I'm all about organization & things that are compact so they don't take up much space!

I've been trying to organize the house more, especially Luke's room. He has this set...I actually got it at my local Aldi's grocery store for $22. I've seen them at alot of other stores but they're usually $50-60 (oh I saw them at Target & Lowe's!)

Storage Organizer

I really like these & have thought of getting one about a million times! lol I think they would be good for coloring books, a drawer for markers/crayons/colored pencils/etc, and I've seen them with 2 bigger drawers at the bottom for play-doh, craft kits, paints, etc.

10 Drawer Storage Cart (multi colored)

I have one of these for my paint brushes & thought about getting Luke one for some of his craft supplies!

4 Cup Craft Caddy

Sorry that was a really long post! I just love organizing & love sharing ideas, especially from Target! I love it there!

No ticker or PTR yet but we are planning to go sometime in September!!!

I am still here... well I'm back at least! I'm glad to hear there is a trip on the horizon for you! We are going back in September, I just couldn't resist- free dining combined with the fact Jack and I will both have free flights to use! It was a no-brainer!

It's funny, I have read about potty training in several reports lately. How's it going? Jack is about 95% there, it all of a sudden just clicked for him after Christmas. It took a bit of work, but its such a nice feeling to not have to buy pullups anymore! More money to save for Disney!

Hey! Glad to hear you're back!!! I know you've been back for along time now but I am seriously behind & need to catch up on all my reports!

It would be really awesome if we could meet in September! When are your trip dates? I honestly have no clue...it just depends on my husband's work schedule but we're thinking about trying to go for 2 weeks this time. If we can't make that work, it will be 10 days. Most likely either August 30-September 9, Sept 7-16, or Sept 14-23. I'm planning to finish this TR and start a PTR even without definite trip dates.

It is awesome that you are getting Free Dining & Free Flights!!!!

That's awesome about Jack's potty training! Luke is trying, but he hasn't gotten it yet. Its funny you've read about potty training on alot of reports, so have I!!! lol I think Jack has Luke & my nephew beat...isn't he younger than Luke? (I think he is by a few months.) My nephew turned 3 in September & my SIL isn't working with him on it very much so he's still in pull-ups, but I've really been trying with Luke. Hopefully soon

Ok, going to catch up on your report now!

 

[photographymom517]

Guess what guys? I have good news for you!

Napping child + Husband at home from work + ice storm in PA = UPDATE on DIS!!!!!

Working as we speak...will have it done for you by Thursday afternoon!

 

[photographymom517]

Well guys, things are right on schedule! Last night I was able to upload 3 more albums of pictures on Shutterfly (approx. 1400 more pics!) and I also finished typing my entire TR!

I have some minor details to add in (like how much the meals cost & what we purchased at different gift shops or what time we left for the parks) but after I add in the photos & some details, I will be able to post another update for you! Its strange because I actually wrote out my post for the last day of our trip first...so I've had it done for months!

I guess all of this snow/ice is good for something because I have more time to update here on DIS!!!

I'll definitely post by tomorrow afternoon if not sooner!!! I hope that everyone is staying warm (if you live in one of these cold states!) and keeping safe on the roads!

 

[photographymom517]

Surprise...its an early update!!! I know that I said I'd post by tomorrow afternoon, but I just finished up so I figured I would post the rest of our Animal Kingdom day now!

When we left off about 2 months ago...sorry again for the delay...we had just watched the parade!

After the parade, we decided to go to Rafiki’s Planet Watch!

The mama elephant just had a little baby girl!!!

We finally arrived at the Conservation Station! Luke loved the train ride! I figured that he would because he really loves trains but never rode one before prior to our trip! I got a really good picture of this last year but there was one man standing in the way…this trip I got a perfect pic!

Luke was afraid of the characters so my husband was holding him. I still wanted to get my picture taken with them, so we sat down on the ledge of a little pond inside the building. The lines for the characters weren’t long, so I figured I would hurry before more people came into the building. A lot of people, especially with children/toddlers, made a stop at the restroom on the way in (that’s why the lines weren’t long yet! Lol) When we sat down, we looked into the pond & saw this! We thought it was very creative…we love those little Disney touches that make ordinary things so special!

I can’t even believe I’m sharing these…I look absolutely horrible…but I still wanted to get my picture taken with these characters. I’ve never seen any of them at Disney before! First up was Rafiki…I love him!!! I think I have too many “favorite characters” but he’s definitely one of them!

Next up was Pocahontas! She was the sweetest girl! Her character handler was trying to show her a magic trick & she was explaining to me how he does different tricks all the time & she can’t figure out how he does them! So he showed me. They were both very friendly people & we had a nice conversation before we took the picture! (I’m laughing at the guy doing the magic tricks…that’s why I’m smiling too much in the photo!)