Nov 2009 Family Reunion in Disney with pics! Final Update 3/22/10

[praisehisname]

You got a lot done at HS! I'm glad you got to see B&B and LM; they are great shows! Looking forward to hearing about your last day!

Denise

 

[kimmylaj]

that was a great update, you really packed a lot in. i love love love beauty and the beast. i have only seen it once at dhs (it always seems to be cancelled due to storms) but i thought it was great and my ds loves it too. it is so funny because he kept saying it was for girls and he loved it.

 

[twob4him]

Sorry for the delay! I will hopefully get this last park day up and conclude the vacation this weekend!

 

[twob4him]

OK so as you can see I have neglected this trip report terribly! So I figured I had better get going or else I will have to face the wrath of Kaylie!!!

So lets see, I had left off after our amazing and fun filled day at Hollywood Studios and a yummy dinner at Carrabas!

So unfortunately we arrived at our moving out of the awesome house day. I have to tell you something funny....

in discussing plans for our next Disney trip, I had ideas of staying in a cabin in Ft Wilderness. There's so much to do and it just seemed like fun. Well, in surveying the rest of the family, can you believe I got outvoted. Everyone wanted to go back to this house the next time we go to Disney

Besides the trash, I wasn't exactly sure what else to do to check out of the house. I used to clean houses between vacationers in Cape May with a friend and we cleaned everything. So I figured I would put towels in the washer and start it and my wonderful sister-in-law took care of the kitchen and ran the dishwasher. I was hesitant to strip beds so I left them.

The girls "helping" Arielle with her hair and makeup!!!

Everyone got ready and packed up and we actually left around 9 or 9:30 am. I ran around and took pics before we said goodbye! Then we all said our sad good-byes to each other!!! Isn't the end of a vacation from Disney the saddest thing???

We did have some fun plans for the day however. Edmund took the short-cut via Sherberth Rd to Animal Kingdom. As we were driving in I was talking about what our plans were for the day. I was not expecting to arrive to this park so early and I was asking Edmund what he was going to do while we toured. You see, hubby dislikes Disney so why would he go to a park, especially since he went earlier to MK with us. Well, shock of all shocks , Edmund said he was coming in with us! Why not? We were all so excited and happy! We parked in the AAA lot again and headed to buy a ticket for DH! It was another bright and sunny day! Gotta love FL!

Tickets in hand...we were in!!!

We had missed rope drop but not by too much. So our immediate plan was to get FP for the Safari and head over to EE so Sarah could try it out....solo!!! We stopped by the tree on the way in and a PP was there to take our pic!

and here is our Christmas Card....

We got a little closer to the tree for a few more pics....boy was the sun bright...uh yeah, they were not quite ready for the pic..

Then we headed to get our FP!!!


Continued in Post Below!!!

 

[twob4him]

So we arrived in KS in Africa and I take everyone's tickets over to the FP machines....and I load up the five tickets. I have three FP to show...huh The machine was spitting out "invalid" tickets. So like a Disney newbie, I needed the help of a CM to get the machine working correctly.

We left Africa which was surprisingly busy....and headed to the relative quietness of the backside of the loop around the tree of life. We found some drums and the girls played a bit...

Then we moved on to see some wildlife in the river....Discovery River...is its official name...did you know that?

Then we came to a great picture spot. I took a picture of another family so they could all get in it...then they reciprocated! Gotta love Disney...everyone is so friendly!

Finally we moved on a little closer to Mt. Everest! I was actually getting hungrier by the second and Brooklyn was getting thirsty. But nothing was open by EE except a place to get some lemonade...in a lid-less straw-less cup! But it was good!!! And I figure it will hold everyone till we made it back to Africa!

Although there were a lot of people in the park walkways, the rides were all walk-on at this point. It must have been around 10 or 10:30 at this point. Sarah went to the single-rider line...

and walked right on EE!!! She loved it and we met her in the gift-shop exit!

Then we decided to try Kali River Rapids before a line formed.

I am telling you, it took us longer to walk through the cue of KRR than ride it!! I can't imagine waiting in this cue...it must take forever!!! But it is pretty..

We arrived to the rafts, and walked right on!

Continued in post below!!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Cathy updated

 

[twob4him]

We rode with a couple and it was a blast. This was Devon and Brook's first time and Brook was a little nervous. I tried to talk her through it like I did on Test Track. I couldn't remember exactly were it was on the ride that you got wet. Next thing I remember Brooklyn is getting drenched. I tried to lean over her to block some of it....she was laughing and happy about it though. She did get it good!!! Edmund kept saying how he was perfectly dry!! I really love this ride! It was just a fun family ride!

Here we are after we got off...

We headed to the bridge to see other people getting wet!!!

Next up was the Maharajah Jungle Trek! I took the little ones here while Edmund and Sarah rode KRR last year so they remember being able to follow the maps...which they think is half the fun of the Trek!!!

There were bats and fun things to spot in the water....

..and lions and tigers and bears...oh no!!!

We finished up on our Trek and headed back to Africa! Our fastpasses were almost due but we were starving too! We found a nice stand to have a quick snack!

Continued in post below!

 

[jessica52877]

Lovin' the updates! Guess I better get going on mine!

 

[twob4him]

We entered the fp line at Kilimanjaro Safari and walked quite a way before being joined with the regular line!

We finally stopped walking near the steps so I snapped a pic of the family...

The CM really loved the girls outfits and put us in the front row!!!

and we were off!

EVERYONE loves the Safari!!! I didn't take too many pics because I was actually running out of picture space by this point in the trip!!!

I tried to capture everyone's expressions....

and this is a terrible pic of me!!!

Here are some pics along the way....

Some of these pics were taken by the girls! And finally we saw the baby elephant safe from poachers!!!

What fun! Next, we headed back towards Discovery Island. We were decided between eating or watching ITTBaB! Eating won out!!! Pizzafari won!!!

Continued in post below!

 

[twob4him]

After a great lunch, we headed over to see the Tree of Life up close and to watch It's Tough to be a Bug!!

I forgot how scary this show is but I did warn Brooklyn about it ahead of time...and Devon for that matter. We waited for about 3 or 4 minutes before they opened the doors...just enough time for a pic!

She made it through the fog and dark...that's the part I forgot about whoops and we survived the very mad cockroach who wanted to take the whole audience out!!!

And now it was time for the main attraction people!!! The Lion King Show! We arrived at noon and the show was at 12:30. Don't worry, Brooklyn entertained us in line with her rendition of the ABC's!!! I wanted to sit close to the front so the girls could see. Most of the benches were taken up as expected but we did find a row behind them. However as the auditorium filled, I noticed the bench in the front remained empty. I plucked up the courage to ask if Devon and Brook could sit there. The people said "sure".

So I sat them down and Brooklyn started to panic cause she couldnt see me two rows behind her...

...so, Sarah sat up front with Devon and Brooklyn happily sat next to me! Ok, we were all set finally! The place filled with latecomers just as the show was starting! Have you see this show before? Its just wonderful! I love the acrobats and the singing and its just so much fun! We sing along!!!

At one point a CM came up to Sarah and Devon and kneeled down...I couldn't hear what was said but they stood up and turned around to ask me if they could be in the parade! I said an enthusiastic YES and asked Brooklyn if she wanted to come....she said emphatically NO! lol! I didn't think so but I asked her one last time to be positive! "NO" And off her sisters went! We loved watching them have fun! The CM's explained everything and stayed with the group of kids from our section. (Oh I forgot to tell you we were in the Elephant section)

Then the finale finished and the show was over!

What a blast and I think we all enjoyed it! By the way, do you see my belt here? This is the one my friend Marlo made for me! Thanks Marlo! If you ever need a cool belt, she's got em!!!

As we exited we saw Chip and Dale and I really wanted to go through Camp Minnie and Mickey. Afterall, the girls haven't met enough disney characters yet, right? Well, dh was just about done and wanted to get to the hotel soon. So we settled on just meeting Chip and Dale....

And then we just had to have some ice cream bars before we left!

And then the saddest time of all! We had to leave

All of that planning and thinking and it was all over! But we really had the most wonderful week! I loved being able to share it with family and friends!!!


Continued in post below!

 

[twob4him]

We found our car and headed to the hotel near the airport. This was the same one that Edmund and the girls stayed at the first night!

As I recall, we checked in and relaxed. Checked out the pool and lobby areas!
I repacked the bags since I had thrown everything in at the last minute. Then we decided to eat dinner at Sonny's. We had lots of drinks (soda) and BBQ and fries! How many pounds did I gain this week???

We headed back to the hotel for the night. The next day we had breakfast in the lobby and then went swimming. I envied the palm trees. They got to stay in FL and didnt have to fly home later in the day....

The water wasn't heated like the pool at the house...they said it was cold!!!

Brrrrr...they look cold don't they?? I tried the hot tub for a bit! Nice and warm!!!

Then we came back inside and showered and dressed for the day. For lunch we were able to walk to Denny's.

Then when we walked back to the hotel, Edmund arranged with the front desk to drop off the rental car. They would drive him back from the drop-off place.

We cleaned up the room and packed everything up and waited in the lobby for our shuttle to the airport...

It came and we headed to MCO! We had to switch some stuff cause one of the bags was over 50 pounds....and then we headed without incident into the airport. Sarah bought a little something at the Disney gift shop!

and Goofy entertained the girls...

We made it through security and headed to our last ride of the trip...and it was quite a ride! In fact...we weren't paying attention and took the wrong monorail!!! In our defense, we took the one to Spirit airlines gates....not our flight back which was Air Tran!!

So we rode it out and back! Then we found the right one and headed to the gate to wait. I had to get our seats switched cause they had us all separated. Meanwhile the girls colored and played Polly Pockets!

The nice attendant at the gate asked for volunteers and finally we had it so that Devon and Sarah sat behind me, I sat with Brook and Edmund had peace and quiet somewhere in the far reaches of the back of the airplane! We boarded the plane and I found my self right behind first class...with tons of legroom!!! Score!!! Then we took off which is sooooo much fun....then Brooklyn fell asleep! Score!!!!! and I listened to my ipod all the way home. The Sarah and Devon played behind me quietly and we arrived home uneventfully.

We got our luggage and set off for our car...brrrrrrr....it was cold!!!! And in no time at all we were home sweet home! Unfortunately it was late by this time...around 8 or 9 pm and we all had work/school the next day. After showers, I tucked everyone in and for the first time, did not start laundry right away. In fact, it took me most of the week to catch up on everything!



And there you have it folks....our Disney trip in its entirety~ Thanks so much for reading along! I am hoping we can all head back in 2011 when I don't have to worry about work/school. As a teacher of course, that means the summer but we shall see how it works out. I'll keep you posted. Just check the blog occasionally! (see below!)

 

[twob4him]

Cathy updated

I know, pathetic ain't I

Lovin' the updates! Guess I better get going on mine!

Yaaa I've been waiting!!!

Hey you two are like half my readers....and you're really payin attention...very impressive!!! Thanks for reading! I finished the whole trip in one night!

 

[jessica52877]

Enjoyed the TR and glad you finished it. I have never seen the Disney Earport store. Cute cute! I love the Goofy inside!

Sounds like a most wonderful trip!! I can't wait until your next one! Hopefully it will be with you and the kids and Edmund AND at the same time as us!

 

[mom2rtk]

I've been along for the ride, and really enjoyed it. You have a lovely family and it looks like you had a great trip.

ADORABLE girls AND outfits!!

Many thanks for sharing your trip with the rest of us!

 

[MeMom]

I'm so glad Dad decided to spend the day at Animal Kingdom with you! The Christmas card picture is great!

I am a fan of palm trees, too. I love seeing the first one whenever we drive south, or seeing them at MCO when we fly. I know I am really back in Florida.

It has been a pleasure to follow you and your sweet girls in this trip. I know you have so many sweet memories that will grow ever dearer as the years go by and they continue to grow into beautiful young ladies.

 

[minnie2]

Loved the whole TR!

So happy Edmund went the last day to AK!

That cockroach in it's tough to be a bug is freaky especially if you forget about it. When we went my parents were with us and they have never seen it I think the best part for my and my step dad and the kids for that matter was seeing my mom jump 3 feet in the air because I didn't warn her! In my defense I forgot about it.

The girls outfits are adorable! I love yours ad Sarah's shirt. I am so happy you wore the belt I made you!

I so need to book another trip!

 

[kimmylaj]

great trip, i love the animal kingdom outfits. my dd wanted me to send you this smiley because she liked the pictures of the characters

 

[DisneyJo]

Thanks so much for writing your TR Cathy I've really enjoyed it!

How great that hubbie joined you all for your last park day and it sounds as though you had a lovely relaxing travel day

 

[Boppintothetop]

What? The trip is over??? Reading about your last day brought back a lot of fond memories from our trip...Ahh, the wrath of Kaylie...there's a girl who was afraid of Bug's Life. You guys looked so cute in your bug eyes though!!! That last day is always filled with melancholy, but at least you have great scrapbooks and the girls have wonderful memories (and of their dad enjoying Disney too-maybe you are converting him!!!) Thanks for all your work writing the trip report....I loved it!

 

[Cinderella16]

Aww! It is over, so sad!

Looked like a great Animal Kingdom day..I love, love, love the Lion King show.Very cool you got to meet Chip n Dale, I am hoping to on this trip, I still havent!!

I, of course, will be looking forward to your upcoming trips!! Thanks for sharing!