"Mom, Dad, 3 Kids & a Gingerbread Boy" Matty's Wish Trip December 10-18, 2009

[ladybugmom]

I LOVE the Safari!! And you got some great pictures of the animals! It looks like there were a lot out that day!!

 

[StefaniLyn]

great pictures! I've never seen that horned thing (what is that?) so close up!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Stefanie, are you refering to the antelope or the longhorn? Very fun pics. It does look like lots of activities. I have been thinking all along how fun the safari ride looks, but have lately started realizing that with Phoebe's vision she will likely get bored unless something sticks it's head in her lap, looking for a tasty treat. Do you remember about how long the ride was? When I think Phoebe will get bored I bring food to use up time, but I wonder if there is no food allowed? That would make sense to me but make me worry even more, what if she gets bored? It's not like they can stop and let us off.

 

[maroo]

Awesome updates! I am really enjoying your TR - I love your writing style!

 

[kdzbear]

I love your safari update. You took some great photos! I am sorry you did not like Rainforest more. It is one of my kids favorite places to eat!

 

[jenb1023]

We love the safari and you got some great pictures! I know how hard that is to do the way the vehicle moves.

Yinyanggirls - the safari lasts about 15 minutes but can vary depending on how often the driver stops, how busy it is, etc. I don't think food is allowed but honestly the bumpy jeep ride itself and the driver's narration may be enough to keep your DD occupied for the ride even if she can't see anything.

 

[StefaniLyn]

Stefanie, are you refering to the antelope or the longhorn? Very fun pics. It does look like lots of activities. I have been thinking all along how fun the safari ride looks, but have lately started realizing that with Phoebe's vision she will likely get bored unless something sticks it's head in her lap, looking for a tasty treat. Do you remember about how long the ride was? When I think Phoebe will get bored I bring food to use up time, but I wonder if there is no food allowed? That would make sense to me but make me worry even more, what if she gets bored? It's not like they can stop and let us off.

the longhorn . . . I think!

I have rarely seen animals as close as the longhorn picture and that makes me think Phoebe may not enjoy the safari. I don't know about food keeping her occupied, but also keep in mind that there are parts of the ride where you go over a rickety bridge or through water and mud (think slippy, slidy, feeling like you might tip over) and that may even scare Phoebe.

Pam did you guys take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch? and if not, does anyoneelse know if a review of that part of AK (we didn't go)? I think Phoebe would enjoy that more than the safari. There you can brush goats and see more animals close up and possibly get some hands on time with them.

Sorry Pam, I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

 

[jenb1023]

Pam did you guys take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch? and if not, does anyoneelse know if a review of that part of AK (we didn't go)? I think Phoebe would enjoy that more than the safari. There you can brush goats and see more animals close up and possibly get some hands on time with them.

Sorry Pam, I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

I'm not Pam but we took the train to Rafiki's three times when DD was 3 1/2, 4 and 5. The train ride to Rafiki's is nice and my DD enjoyed petting/brushing the goats a lot. The other plus is there are usually characters in the building and the lines are usually pretty short - Pocahontas was there every time, twice we saw Rafiki and twice Jiminy Cricket. A lot of people skip it but it is fun for the little ones and a nice break for parents.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Yinyanggirls - the safari lasts about 15 minutes but can vary depending on how often the driver stops, how busy it is, etc. I don't think food is allowed but honestly the bumpy jeep ride itself and the driver's narration may be enough to keep your DD occupied for the ride even if she can't see anything.

Thanks for the time frame. It's important info to have when deciding whether or not to try it.

the longhorn . . . I think!

It may be something more exotic than a "regular" longhorn (the cow that gave that college in Texas their mascot...) but they certainly must be related.

I have rarely seen animals as close as the longhorn picture and that makes me think Phoebe may not enjoy the safari. I don't know about food keeping her occupied, but also keep in mind that there are parts of the ride where you go over a rickety bridge or through water and mud (think slippy, slidy, feeling like you might tip over) and that may even scare Phoebe.

I figured the real close up moments were probably few and far between. I also know that there is a similar "excursion" at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It's been years since I went there, but it seems very similar and knowing that WDW isn't the ONLY place to experience this makes me think maybe I will plan on Phoebe skipping it. I think Tessa would love it, so maybe we can coordinate it to happen while Phoebe is eating, since she is SOOOOO slow.

Pam did you guys take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch? and if not, does anyoneelse know if a review of that part of AK (we didn't go)? I think Phoebe would enjoy that more than the safari. There you can brush goats and see more animals close up and possibly get some hands on time with them.

That def. sounds more engaging for Phoebe. Thanks for mentioning it.

Sorry Pam, I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

Yes. Thanks for letting us use your report to plan our trip!

I'm not Pam but we took the train to Rafiki's three times when DD was 3 1/2, 4 and 5. The train ride to Rafiki's is nice and my DD enjoyed petting/brushing the goats a lot. The other plus is there are usually characters in the building and the lines are usually pretty short - Pocahontas was there every time, twice we saw Rafiki and twice Jiminy Cricket. A lot of people skip it but it is fun for the little ones and a nice break for parents.

 

[melanieRN]

my son is doing great! thanks for asking. I didn't know that a child with HLHS could qualify for make a wish until I read your report. Now I will see if I can get my son a wish. He went to disney last june for the first time but due to record high temps I limited him to the rides and time spent in the parks. If I understand from your report the buttons that they give him will let him on the rides without having to wait in line. Is this correct? Maddy's baby picture looked so much like my son's picture. He had strawberry blonde hair when born. We also wondered where he got that color since no one else in our family did! Your report has given me so much information. Thank you, melanie

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Yayy finally got caught up to read your tr.

Oh what a wonderful trip! And for the record I still have my plush ET I also know who Shell Silverstien is. I love love love those poems. "Ickle Me Pickle Me Too!:

I love the pic of Mattie asleep! How precious! The way your kids are up in Jaws mouth is really cool. The Safari looks really neat. Thank you for a great TR!

 

[pacrosby]

I love your safari update. You took some great photos! I am sorry you did not like Rainforest more. It is one of my kids favorite places to eat!

ooops, is that how that came across??? Maybe I need to reword it. We really enjoyed it, I was (when I used the term 'annoying') just referring to how a lot of adults appear to feel about it (at least a lot of the adults that I know). Lots of noise and colorful crazy decor is right up MY alley

Pamela

 

[pacrosby]

my son is doing great! thanks for asking. I didn't know that a child with HLHS could qualify for make a wish until I read your report. Now I will see if I can get my son a wish. He went to disney last june for the first time but due to record high temps I limited him to the rides and time spent in the parks. If I understand from your report the buttons that they give him will let him on the rides without having to wait in line. Is this correct? Maddy's baby picture looked so much like my son's picture. He had strawberry blonde hair when born. We also wondered where he got that color since no one else in our family did! Your report has given me so much information. Thank you, melanie

So glad to hear your son is doing so well! I became aware that HLHS was a qualifying diagnosis years and years ago through the "Hope for HLHS" group on Yahoo but wasn't ready to pursue it for Matty until this year. I continued to have some reservations during the pre-approval period but as time went on they went away. Now I know it was the right decision. We had such an incredible experience and it had such a positive impact on Matty.

The buttons/GAC allowed immediate front-of-the-line access at US/IOA as well expedited access at the WDW parks (the equivalent of the fast pass or handicapped line depending on the attraction). Made a huge difference!

Ask any and all questions you like. I'm more than happy to help

Pamela

 

[pacrosby]

I LOVE the Safari!! And you got some great pictures of the animals! It looks like there were a lot out that day!!

I've heard a lot of people state that certain times of day are better than others. Of course, I didn't remember exactly which time was which so it appears we just got lucky.

great pictures! I've never seen that horned thing (what is that?) so close up!

please see Melissa's response

Stefanie, are you refering to the antelope or the longhorn? Very fun pics. It does look like lots of activities. I have been thinking all along how fun the safari ride looks, but have lately started realizing that with Phoebe's vision she will likely get bored unless something sticks it's head in her lap, looking for a tasty treat. Do you remember about how long the ride was? When I think Phoebe will get bored I bring food to use up time, but I wonder if there is no food allowed? That would make sense to me but make me worry even more, what if she gets bored? It's not like they can stop and let us off.

Please see Stephanie's and Jenb's responses below

Awesome updates! I am really enjoying your TR - I love your writing style!

oh gee thanks there girl

We love the safari and you got some great pictures! I know how hard that is to do the way the vehicle moves.

Yinyanggirls - the safari lasts about 15 minutes but can vary depending on how often the driver stops, how busy it is, etc. I don't think food is allowed but honestly the bumpy jeep ride itself and the driver's narration may be enough to keep your DD occupied for the ride even if she can't see anything.

the longhorn . . . I think!

I have rarely seen animals as close as the longhorn picture and that makes me think Phoebe may not enjoy the safari. I don't know about food keeping her occupied, but also keep in mind that there are parts of the ride where you go over a rickety bridge or through water and mud (think slippy, slidy, feeling like you might tip over) and that may even scare Phoebe.

Pam did you guys take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch? and if not, does anyoneelse know if a review of that part of AK (we didn't go)? I think Phoebe would enjoy that more than the safari. There you can brush goats and see more animals close up and possibly get some hands on time with them.

Sorry Pam, I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

Nope didn't do the Wildlife Express Train but apparently Jenb did...............see below

I'm not Pam but we took the train to Rafiki's three times when DD was 3 1/2, 4 and 5. The train ride to Rafiki's is nice and my DD enjoyed petting/brushing the goats a lot. The other plus is there are usually characters in the building and the lines are usually pretty short - Pocahontas was there every time, twice we saw Rafiki and twice Jiminy Cricket. A lot of people skip it but it is fun for the little ones and a nice break for parents.

ooooh, Jiminy Cricket???? Gotta go there next time for sure.

Thanks for the time frame. It's important info to have when deciding whether or not to try it.



Yes. Thanks for letting us use your report to plan our trip!

Hey no problem!!!! Increases the number of replies I have and makes me look oh so very popular!!!!!




Pamela

 

[pacrosby]

Yayy finally got caught up to read your tr.

Oh what a wonderful trip! And for the record I still have my plush ET I also know who Shell Silverstien is. I love love love those poems. "Ickle Me Pickle Me Too!:

I love the pic of Mattie asleep! How precious! The way your kids are up in Jaws mouth is really cool. The Safari looks really neat. Thank you for a great TR!

You have a stuffed ET????!!! Was he given to you by an old boyfriend too I love that movie....................cry every time.

That photo op with the shark is so funny isn't it??? People really seem to get into it.

Thanx for sticking with me

Pamela

 

[yinyanggirls]

You ARE popular! You really are doing a great job on the TR. It's fun, but it's work too. It's helpful and exciting for those of us who haven't gone (and apparently those who went long ago). Sometimes it's hard to think of questions to ask when you know very little about something. Seeing the details helps us think of questions. (Well, me at least.)

 

[jenb1023]

Please see Stephanie's and Jenb's responses below


Nope didn't do the Wildlife Express Train but apparently Jenb did...............see below

Pamela

Woo-hoo - two shout-outs for me! Of course, it is because I hijacked your thread and answered questions not addressed to me but they still count! BTW - I gave you a shout out on Maroo's PTR/TR whatever she is calling that thing now. I love talking about WDW so I feel free to talk about it with anyone who asks (whether they want me to or not ).

 

[pacrosby]

Part III: The Clownfish.




OK.....so you've all figured it out by now. Lions = Festival of the Lion King. Tigers = the Kilimanjaro Safari. So now we've got the "The Clownfish". Anyone? Anyone? (Ferris Bueller's Day Off hahaha) Well, of course! It's Nemo the Musical!!!!!!

Now I'm a big Nemo fan. We've had the movie in our collection for years. That absent-minded Dory........................she's just hysterical. And Bruce?? Well, he's right up there in my book as well. So, bellies full, we leave the Rainforest Cafe, head off in the direction of Dinoland USA and, as luck would have it, arrive just in time for the next show. Within seconds the CM, of course, notices our buttons and immediately takes us around the line asking if we would like the pleasure of sitting up front. Not knowing any better we take her up on her offer and settle in. Matty is particularly excited for the show.

Before long the theater is full and the show starts. It doesn't take much time to realize that perhaps front row seating is not the way to go here; that front row seating, in this case, means waaaaaay down low and waaaaaay too close to the stage. Oh well, it's too late to change our seats as the house is packed. So, lessson learned, we stay put and make the decision to enjoy the show anyway. Fortuntely, it doesn't prove to be a difficult task. This show truly is a musical. And not your typical musical. It is simply wonderful with all of those puppets......gotta love those amazing giant puppets! And with the way they do the costuming and props etc., the puppeteers just sort of fade away into the background. Really some wonderful and imaginative choreography going on here that can't possibly be captured in words. Wanna see some pictures? OK.....................enjoy!:

And here are two videos for any bigtime Nemo fans who might be reading along:


first musical number runs 1 minute 57 seconds - you might recognize it as the aquarium in the dentist's office
http://s604.photobucket.com/albums/tt122/pacrosby2009/?action=view&current=20091212152840.flv


this second one is 2 minutes 29 seconds and stars "Crush"
http://s604.photobucket.com/albums/tt122/pacrosby2009/?action=view&current=20091212153845.flv



All in all I'd give this show an A, lousy seating or not. Definately a don't miss when scheduling a day at AK (hey, looky there - that rhymes!!)




Next up: "First We'll Watch This and Then We'll Ride.............THAT?"



Pamela

 

[Momofwishkid]

Yay for Nemo! I am a big fan of Dory and Bruce also. Cant wait for this show. I know I have heard there is a better place to sit but cant think of it soif anyone can let me know I need to make note of it.

 

[pacrosby]

"First We'll Watch This and Then We'll Ride.......THAT!"

Part I: "This"





OK. Let's see. Characters? Check. Festival of the Lion King? Check. Lunch at Rainforest? Check. Nemo the Musical? Check. What's next? Hmmmmmmm, how 'bout first we watch this............................

The Jammin' Jungle Parade! And with a wee bit of a Christmas twist to add to the festivities! We make it to the parade route JUST in time but are immediately accosted by a CM who tells us that we simply cannot stop here; we must move along. Looking around we realize that if we want to watch this parade it's going to be now, it's going to be here, or it's simply not going to be. We push ourselves as far back as possible to allow others to comfortably pass by and hope for the best. Miss CM, however, is having none of it and barks at us again to move along. We smile politely and demonstrate that "look, we are not blocking traffic". Lucky for us she decides to acquiesce and we get to hang back and enjoy. Hope you do too!:

In my planning days back in November I had gone back and forth numerous times trying to decide if we had to make time in Animal Kingdom for the Jammin' Jungle Parade. After witnessing it, I was so glad that it had made it's way in to the list of must-do activities. Disney does an awful lot of things right, and parades? Why they are certainly no exception!



Next up: "THAT!"




Pamela