Mom...am I supposed to have shoes on?? - August 2013 ***FINISHED 5/5***

[KatMark]

Great update, Suzi. I know AK is not your favorite (where for us it is heads over DHS), but you got a bit done and none of you look like you broke a sweat. What's up with that? I know it was hot that day!

I'm sorry Bradey didn't like EE, although I don't blame him one bit...you won't get me on it again unless the girls beg and plea in December (but they should have Mr. Mark to ride it with).

I can't believe the lions were up and walking around. I have NEVER seen that.

I'm glad Sarah got to see Lion King...one of my favorites.

 

[DMGeurts]

Or......there is always the bathtub.

Just an idea

Do you still snore if we give you enough to drink?? You could have a couple Lapu Lapus before bed and I bet you would be out cold

At least the bathtub is airconditioned...

I actually snore less the less I weigh... Working on that now - it takes time. Fingers crossed - by then - it may not be an issue. Then there's always the talking in my sleep that some people don't enjoy.

**********************************************************

Loved all the rest of your updates... Yah - I know that AK isn't everyone's favorite park - I must admit - I like it much better during cooler months.

And yes - that is the best tip for FOLK - SIT IN THE BACK people... Everyone crowds to the front, you can almost always find seating in the last row - then you can lean... Ahhhh....

Love Bradey's "roar" face. Hahahaha - he's so cute!!!

And such a bummer about all of Sara's food - seriously - you shouldn't have to wait that long every time... It's too bad you can't call ahead. :yes:

Can't wait to hear about the rest... The girls and I will be there in 2 days!!! WHOOT!!!!

D~

 

[Chicago Mo]

Great update, Suzi. I know AK is not your favorite (where for us it is heads over DHS), but you got a bit done and none of you look like you broke a sweat. What's up with that? I know it was hot that day!

YEAH!!!! how do you do it?!?!

At least the bathtub is airconditioned.

You guy are a dang riot!

 

[Pixiedust530]

Now that I have pictures......moving right along...

Sunday August 18th - Animal Kingdom Day!

We woke up bright and early and walked over to Captain Cooks for breakfast. Love this shot of the GCH in the morning sun

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9630075153/

It was Mickey Waffles all around today.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712498938/

Oh gosh how I love that Poly sausage. I'm not sure what it is about it...I am not usually a sausage person, but I love this stuff.

We ate up and walked back to the room to brush our teeth and grab our bags for the day. Then we walked back over to the GCH to trade in my PP+ voucher for the special red card thingy. The guy told me I had to wear it at all times...yeah, not going to happen. I saw plenty of people religiously wearing their PP+ lanyards, but it would've drove me nuts to have that around my neck all the time. I see no reason why you have to wear it all the time. Just have it in your bag and pull it out when you want a pic.

So, after we got that straightened out, it was hidden Mickey time.



And a shot of Sara and Bradey at the fountain....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712497066/
Then off to the bus stop. It was kinda packed. So let me tell you....the buses at the Poly are horrid. You have to share with the Contemporary, Grand Floridian and sometimes Wilderness Lodge...what is deluxe about that?? Please tell me?? So needless to say, the buses are always packed. Now granted, you only have to take a bus to/from AK and DTD...maybe HS, but we always plan it so we are either coming or going to HS from Epcot so we don't have to take the bus anymore than need be.

So anyway....a full bus to AK that morning.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712495588/
We arrived just after rope drop. I like this plan because the before opening crowd has passed through, but you are still early enough to get on the popular rides. AK isn't my favorite park, so we can easily do it in a half day (I know D....I know....)

So we entered and walked straight for the safari. I knew in that heat that the animals would be less active as the day went on. It wasn't super crowded, but way worse than February.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712493956/
We stopped for our first PP pic in front of the tree.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712649656/
Oh yeah...he looks impressed, doesn't he.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712647078/
At least Sara is cute in all of them!

Let's try roaring like a lion....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9709405191/
A little better

Okay, nevermind....let's keep moving.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712492944/
So, I got really annoyed on this safari. First of all...they made us wait through 3 Jeeps because the first one had 2 people already in the row...okay, they don't want to squish us. I'll wait, no problem. Then the next 2 were handicap, so 3 across wouldn't work in the row they put us in. So we wait through 3 loadings then get on board. The loading guy tells the 2 people behind us to get in our row. Too BIG additional people in our row. Now wait a minute...we couldn't get on the first one because there were already 2 people in that seat....that would have been 5. Now we are squished with 5 after waiting through 3 loadings. So I was pissed to start with because I was in the middle of the row (not good for pictures, not good for sweating).

Then this chick next to me turns out to totally disreguard the rules for personal space and just about sits on TOP of me to get pictures out the other side of the Jeep. I am not exaggerating....she actually hit me in the head 3 times with her darn camera! I calmly told her about half way through the ride that the next time her camera hits me, I am going to throw it out the door!

Anyway....so my pictures sucked.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9712490454/
Sara had much better pictures because she was on the outside. And wasn't sitting next to Kung Foo Betty.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9720643908/
Look the Lions were out!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9720649846/
Hippos

So after the safari we headed over to Expedition Everest. This was to be Bradey's first real coaster. I know...I know...Thunder Mountain would have been a better first coaster, but we were not planning another AK day, and I really didn't think it was that bad.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solana131/9709244581/
Did he like it???



No.

It was too fast and the backwards through the dark thing really got him. I think he will be fine to try it again next time, but it wasn't his favorite. He actually cried

I love the picture of Bradey with the Hidden Mickey at the Poly. That's SOOO cool. I think I will need a picture of that when I head to the Poly for dinner at Ohana.

I had to pick myself up off the ground because I was laughing so hard about Kung Fu Betty!!! That is hysterical. I am sure in the moment it was quite unpleasurable...but I just can't stop laughing. Don't people understand the concept of personal space!

Bradey's face on Expedition Everest is priceless. I LOVE thrill rides and I hope that Caden will take after me, but I can totally understand where Bradey didn't like EE. Caden was tall enough to ride Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest on our 2011 trip (even though he was only 4.5 YO) but I was afraid I would ruin him on everything else. He did ride BTMRR in 2011 and really enjoyed it! I think I will introduce him to some new stuff (like EE and ToT) in 2015.

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

hahahahaha bad safari for you, excellent story for us to all crack up over....

glad you got some good pics!!! even if it's not your fave, you all look like you're having a great time at AK!!!


........buy 4 days, get 3 free......wow, wish I would've been paying more attention back then! I definitely would've drug Greg to Disney earlier!!!

Got it.....sit in the back for the Lion King show....if we go to it.....

 

[RHMH]

The picture of Sarah and Bradley on the bus looks like they are not quite awake yet.. They have a glazed look on them...

 

[Sweetly]

LOVE the TR and it was so nice of Sarah to share her pics. WOOHOO to Sarah for the college program. Fingers crossed that everything works out for her. Those cupcakes look so yummy. From what I am told from my DD who had several cupcakes on our last trip they were delicious. (we celebrated her 16th b-day at Disney - so the birthday girl got a cupcake with every meal).
You had me with Kung Fu Betty. Some people just don't think.
Bradey's roar face is just too cute, but he is adorable anyways. Thanks for the idea about sitting in the last row for the Lion King show. In November my DD and I will be going to see the Lion King on Broadway. Her college is selling tickets (among other trips) and we thought ok lets go. (have to admit it was a hard decision. We had to pick from Lion King and Cinderella.)
Water parade is beautiful. Missed it on our last trip, but we saw the boats docked everyday from hour hotel room.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

 

[cheekypoppins]

Great report so far Bradey is a lil cutie! Excited to join in your journey

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Enjoying the trip report and love the view from your balcony!

You got a lot done that first day - we always take it easy that first day, so props to you!

 

[solana131]

Sorry guys...I have to apologize. We have had days of bad thunderstorms again. I haven't been able to turn the computer on in days. I think the weather is going to clear overnight...so maybe I can get an update or two in this weekend.

I haven't quit on you...promise

 

[DMGeurts]

Yay for the updates.... Boo for the storms... Stay safe, and we promise not to hijack your TR while you are gone...

Bwahahaha...

D~

 

[KatMark]

Yay for the updates.... Boo for the storms... Stay safe, and we promise not to hijack your TR while you are gone...

Bwahahaha...

D~

Who says?????

Suzi, be safe...that is what is most important.

 

[solana131]

Oh be my guest...hijack away

We are totally safe. Just thunder storms. Well they did have a tornado up in Northern ME yesterday or Weds. But far from us. It looks clearish out there now and the air is changing. Supppsed to be a nice weekend.

 

[RGirl]

Loved the updates!!! I can't believe all you accomplished on that first day!

Your AK day looked great. Poor DS - he was so brave - how great that he was still up for trying other coasters! That's awesome!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Has Tropical Storm 'Squat Suzi' dispersed?

la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la

 

[Pixiedust530]

Suzi.....OH.....Suzi...

Where did you go?

We miss you! come back...we want to hear more about your trip!

 

[solana131]

Hahaha! Oh Kung Fu Betty! That stinks I would have been so annoyed as well, glad you said something to her!!!

I didn't even know about the tree of life trail! Boo I would have liked to see that but we ran outta time even after spending the whole day there!

How funny, we were Warthogs too!!!

And I can't believe y'all are so good at finding hidden mickeys!! We hardly found any and that's all I was doing!! I even had the book but kept forgetting to bring it to the parks! Blah...next time!

Looks like another awesome time for you guys!

Well you didn't miss that much by missing the trail under the tree. It used to be amazing, but last spring a small branch fell down. Didn't hurt anyone, but they shut down the trails and what is left of them have a huge net above it. It doesn't make for a very good view. But you can see some stuff and get a feel for how they did all the animals in the "bark". So definitely check it out next time.

And the Hidden Mickeys are EVERYWHERE! You just have to look. I found some because of reading other people's trip reports, some from just looking and some from asking random CM's. Bradey loves it and he is very good at spotting them. There are a TON in the Great Ceremonial House of the Poly, but none in the rooms. Strange.

Great update, Suzi. I know AK is not your favorite (where for us it is heads over DHS), but you got a bit done and none of you look like you broke a sweat. What's up with that? I know it was hot that day!

I'm sorry Bradey didn't like EE, although I don't blame him one bit...you won't get me on it again unless the girls beg and plea in December (but they should have Mr. Mark to ride it with).

I can't believe the lions were up and walking around. I have NEVER seen that.

I'm glad Sarah got to see Lion King...one of my favorites.

Thanks Kathy. I agree with you about AK/HS. I like AK better than HS, but it is by far not my favorite. I could go to Disney and not see either of those two without any problems. Just MK and Epcot would be fine. But if you have the time...might as well get your money's worth.

Yeah, I have lucked out both of my summer trips with the lions. The male was up and walking around last year with Dani too. But these guys were much more active. They were looking at something down below that we couldn't see. They looked as if they were actually going to jump down in the "gully" to get at it. Wonder what it was. Maybe the feeders were coming out??? Anyway, it made for a nice experience - minus the annoying lady next to me.

At least the bathtub is airconditioned...

I actually snore less the less I weigh... Working on that now - it takes time. Fingers crossed - by then - it may not be an issue. Then there's always the talking in my sleep that some people don't enjoy.

Depends on what you are talking about....It might be very comical material for a trip report

Loved all the rest of your updates... Yah - I know that AK isn't everyone's favorite park - I must admit - I like it much better during cooler months.

And yes - that is the best tip for FOLK - SIT IN THE BACK people... Everyone crowds to the front, you can almost always find seating in the last row - then you can lean... Ahhhh....

Love Bradey's "roar" face. Hahahaha - he's so cute!!!

And such a bummer about all of Sara's food - seriously - you shouldn't have to wait that long every time... It's too bad you can't call ahead. :yes:

Can't wait to hear about the rest... The girls and I will be there in 2 days!!! WHOOT!!!!

D~

I like AK more an more every time I go. But it really was super super hot that day and we just weren't feeling it. If I had for longer than a week, I would probably have gone back to get Nemo in, I wish Sara and Bradey had seen that one.

I love the picture of Bradey with the Hidden Mickey at the Poly. That's SOOO cool. I think I will need a picture of that when I head to the Poly for dinner at Ohana.

I had to pick myself up off the ground because I was laughing so hard about Kung Fu Betty!!! That is hysterical. I am sure in the moment it was quite unpleasurable...but I just can't stop laughing. Don't people understand the concept of personal space!

Bradey's face on Expedition Everest is priceless. I LOVE thrill rides and I hope that Caden will take after me, but I can totally understand where Bradey didn't like EE. Caden was tall enough to ride Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest on our 2011 trip (even though he was only 4.5 YO) but I was afraid I would ruin him on everything else. He did ride BTMRR in 2011 and really enjoyed it! I think I will introduce him to some new stuff (like EE and ToT) in 2015.

You must get a pic by the GCH Hidden Mickey. It is a great spot. You know where it is, right? On the ground floor right by the front doors.

Yeah, Bradey was tall enough for ToT, but I just didn't want him to do it yet. Next time. I think he will like EE next trip. In fact, I think he would've liked it if we had gone back that trip after Thunder Mtn. He just didn't know what to expect and it was too fast.

hahahahaha bad safari for you, excellent story for us to all crack up over....

glad you got some good pics!!! even if it's not your fave, you all look like you're having a great time at AK!!!


........buy 4 days, get 3 free......wow, wish I would've been paying more attention back then! I definitely would've drug Greg to Disney earlier!!!

Got it.....sit in the back for the Lion King show....if we go to it.....

I got over the safari fiasco pretty quickly. It is Disney...can't hold a grudge for too long. We met lots of people who had issues with personal space during the week and let me tell you....NONE of them were American. I am not trying to sound prejudiced or anything, but honestly.

The picture of Sarah and Bradley on the bus looks like they are not quite awake yet.. They have a glazed look on them...

No they were awake and ready to go....it was just really crowded on there and uncomfortable.

LOVE the TR and it was so nice of Sarah to share her pics. WOOHOO to Sarah for the college program. Fingers crossed that everything works out for her. Those cupcakes look so yummy. From what I am told from my DD who had several cupcakes on our last trip they were delicious. (we celebrated her 16th b-day at Disney - so the birthday girl got a cupcake with every meal).
You had me with Kung Fu Betty. Some people just don't think.
Bradey's roar face is just too cute, but he is adorable anyways. Thanks for the idea about sitting in the last row for the Lion King show. In November my DD and I will be going to see the Lion King on Broadway. Her college is selling tickets (among other trips) and we thought ok lets go. (have to admit it was a hard decision. We had to pick from Lion King and Cinderella.)
Water parade is beautiful. Missed it on our last trip, but we saw the boats docked everyday from hour hotel room.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

Lion King on Broadway???? Oh that will be amazing! So jealous!

Great report so far Bradey is a lil cutie! Excited to join in your journey

Cheeky! Welcome! I've seen you around the DIS quite a bit....so glad to have you join us. Sorry for the delay, but we will get there. Just not enough hours in the day...

Enjoying the trip report and love the view from your balcony!

You got a lot done that first day - we always take it easy that first day, so props to you!

Thanks. We had a great room. And yes, I like to pack a lot in the first day. But only if hubby isn't with us. He hates to travel, so doing anything on arrival/departure day is a no no. If he isn't with me, I can go go go. Good thing my little guy is so easy going. It sounds like a lot, but really it is pretty relaxed. Well, other than running to get to BoG on time. We know we can't do any of the big ticket rides arriving that late in the day, so we just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.

Loved the updates!!! I can't believe all you accomplished on that first day!

Your AK day looked great. Poor DS - he was so brave - how great that he was still up for trying other coasters! That's awesome!

We did get a lot done. I was surprised at how small the lines were. And I don't feel like we rushed around at all, other than getting to lunch. It has become our arrival day tradition to hop right over to MK, ride the People Mover then back to the hotel to get the room set up, then over to Epcot for dinner at Via Napoli. It just works for us and gives us a taste of my favorite two parks right off the bat.

Yeah, Bradey was all about Thunder Mountain. I was so proud of him!

Has Tropical Storm 'Squat Suzi' dispersed?

la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la

Yeah yeah yeah.....

Suzi.....OH.....Suzi...

Where did you go?

We miss you! come back...we want to hear more about your trip!

It's coming. I was busy busy busy over the weekend. Gotta get dinner going, then I'll be back for an update. Promise this time...I even have Flickr up and running in another window so its all ready

 

[solana131]

Well, I guess no one in my household is ready for supper yet, so update here we come!


When we last left you, we had left Animal Kingdom and headed back to the Poly for some rest. Bradey and I decided to go for a swim int he quiet pool while Sara hung out in the chairs and read her book.



Then we all went up to the room to change and relax in the AC for a bit. But it is Disney after all and we still had much of the World to discover, so we weren't idle for long.

We took the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom and upon entering, I noticed that the Princesses and Mickey had really short waits. So we got in the slightly longer Princess line. I didn't tell Bradey who we were meeting because he said he didn't want to meet them...he was a boy and they were girly. But as we got up there he saw all the pictures up and figured it out. He gave me "the look" but he was a trooper and I told him that Sara wanted to meet them.

Oh my goodness...what an amazing experience. And without further ado...

Bradey's first princess...



Rapunzel was so good with him. She is just such a fun princess....not stuffy and high-n-mighty. It was a great meet.



We chatted with Rapunzel for a bit, then we started to walk over to Aurora





But Rapunzel ran up to him and said "Bradey, can I have a hug to remember you by?? It might be a while before I see you again."

This just melts my heart.



Next was a very stuck up Aurora. I think she kinda scared Bradey.



Hahaha...he looks a little unsure about this one. But we got our photos in...





And moved quickly on to Cindy. She will be known as Bradey's girlfriend from here on out. She was really great too.





Bradey told her that we could see her castle from our balcony. She said she would go out on her balcony just before bed tonight and wave to him, so he better be out there waving to her too. It was so cute. He did just that almost every night before bed.

Sara had to get in on this magic too. Even though she doesn't really like the Disney princesses...except Belle



Then we were moving on to the Main Man...



He is showing Mickey the lanyard and pouch that the lovely and talented D~ made. I think Mickey liked it.





I had to meet Mickey too.



And Sara's turn



After meeting the Big Cheese, we continued down Main Street and decided to go left this time. I was hoping that Tinkerbell wouldn't have a long line, but of course it was over an hour so we kept moving.

I stopped Sara in a secret spot and told her to look at something off in the distance. She looked and looked and was a very good girl staying put. Come on camel....turn your head this way before she figures out something is up. And finally.....SPIT. Yep, I got her good. Then you know what she does??? Walks right into the spitting tiki statues by Jungle Cruise! Yeah, she wasn't very impressed with herself and the whole rest of the trip she was watching the ground for wet spots. Lets just say I didn't get her in DTD with Stitch.

So we walked over to Pirates and practically walked right on. Then we walked over to see how busy Splash and BTMRR were....too busy, so we kept walking. We were heading to Haunted Mansion.

Had to take this shot first. Love this angle of the castle too.





On the way across the "boardwalk" we spotted Pecos Bills and decided the 999 Happy Haunts could wait for us to eat. Would we enjoy Pecos Bills, and who...or what did we see as we exited the building after??

 

[DMGeurts]

I loved the update! It looks like Mickey was great. We had a really awesome rapunzel too.. And I love that Bradey waved to cinderella every night. He is just so cute. It does look like aurora scared him though, lol.

We love eating at pecos. Poor sara getting wet all the time, id prob fall for it too though. Lol

Uh oh... Who or what did u see?

D~

 

[Pixiedust530]

Great update...totally worth the wait!

Bradey and the princesses are just precious! I have some really cute ones of Caden and the princessess from 2011. Most of them are so sweet to the little boys. Our best princess interaction was with Ariel at Akershus in Norway!

Too funny that you managed to get Sara wet! Wayne won't stand still long enough...no way I could get him. However...I bet I can get one of the girls I am going with in February!