OMG!!! I CAUGHT A DUCK!! An August Trip Report

[Twoboysnmygirl]

 

[JDailey]

I just love how happy you look in your picture with Goofy!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

OH AREN'T WE JUST THE FUNNY ONE, HUH??!!!

 

[solana131]

Awesome room location! So glad you got your requests

I agree with you about the DTD boat....a great perk to the PO hotels.

I must try Tusker House for breakfast one of these trips. That food looks amazing!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Ahhhhh we are still at Animal Kingdom. It was very, very hot, though, I’ll give my family that one, but still, we’re at Disney – liven up a bit! We decided to go to Flights of Wonder next. I love that show. You know, I never used to be a big bird (not the giant yellow one that lives on Sesame Street!) fan, but since we’ve started raising chickens I’ve come to realize that birds aren’t that scary. As always we all loved the show and there were even chickens in it, so bonus! And ducks! I didn’t get picked as a volunteer, but that’s ok. I loved the show anyways.









We did the usual AK things ---- It’s Tough to be A Bug, Expedition Everest (with Peter sitting out on that one), Dinosaur, etc. We had lunch at Restaurantasaurus. We also had our picture taken with Russell. I was hoping for both him and Dug, but apparently Dug needed a bone, so it’s ok. Russell was cute. I would have liked to have more pictures with characters, but my family was so not into that at all! They did not want to wait in line for anything! Again, it was hot……I get that! I am definitely making it my mission next time I go to have my picture with all the characters I see. Yup, I’m gonna do it!







We ended up leaving prior to the park closing. We didn’t even take the time to look around the trails at the animals. I miss my flamingo friends! I wanted to finally go on Pangani Forest Trail, but that didn’t happen either. Ok, that’s going down as another MUST DO for next time! Honestly, I was a bit upset, but hey, it is ok. We went, we conquered most of the things I wanted to do, so I was happy.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

The first time I went to AK it was in September and it was SO HOT! I enjoyed it much much more in January and February! I love just walking around and taking it all in, I know some people don't care for AK, but on a cooler day it's really gorgeous. I'm glad you got a lot done despite the heat! EE! My fav!

 

[solana131]

Well you got a lot more done there than we did. I just can't get into AK. Even in February, that park just seems so hot and the layout just kills me. Just not my favorite park. But you got lots done. And....you had a sit down breakfast which eats into your day. So I think you did well.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

A new day is dawning here at this trip report. After returning to the resort from Animal Kingdom, we did end up having supper at the Riverside Mill (absolutely delish pot roast….yummy!!) and going swimming in the pool/hot tub. Yep, I sure do like swimming in water that’s over 85 degrees! Much warmer than my own backyard pool is! I think it’s really neat to swim in the dark, too. I did take some pictures, but they didn’t come out too good. I’m sure Karen wants me to post them anyways…..



I do love this one though…


Tuesday morning was our Storybook Princess breakfast at Akershus in the Norway pavilion in Epcot. I wore the princess shirt I had sewn (and altered numerous times) and made sure all the princesses noticed. This is a very nice breakfast with the cold buffet and then the hot items served family style. Of course Victoria couldn’t get enough of the scrambled eggs which is funny because at home when I make them, she doesn’t want them. Go figure! According to Victoria Norway seems to have the hottest servers….ok, Victoria. And like every good Mama, I made sure to get his picture:









Breakfast was done and we were off to the races. Ok, well not the races, but it was off to Spaceship Earth! This was going to be our only day to ride it as it was scheduled for refurbishment the very next day (sad face!). I think we were able to get at least 3 rides on it this day. We usually ride much more than that, but it was pretty crowded. We did get stopped in the computer room scene, so I was able to get a good picture in there, but according to Photobucket it must have been at a later time as I can’t find the pics right now. It didn’t last too long. I’m sure it was to load a guest needing assistance.

We were then off to another favorite – Living with the Land. I love that ride. It’s so calming and I can snuggle with my hubby on this one. First we did have to get a Fast Pass for Soarin! I really noticed it being more crowded than last year. Usually we can ridge Soarin a couple of times, too, but unless you had a fastpass, you would have to wait up to 90 minutes. No thank you. I love the ride, but I’m not willing to stand in line that long. I will probably have another thing coming as we are going back in March and from what I can see on the crowd calendars it will be packed. Ugh! At least I won’t be sweating my buttocks off as I did in August! Ok, back at Living with the Land. (I just went off on a tangent there. Sorry folks!) I do love the different scenes but really, don’t we all go on that ride to explore the greenhouses? I do! I also love picking up my usual Mickey’s Mini Garden plants at the little desk by Soarin!







By now it was probably around 1pm or so and since Seasons is one of my favorite counter service places, we decided to get a table and eat right then. I was really happy to find this little beauty:


Oh yeah, Little One, come to Mama!! MMMmmmmm!

Next up, the all new Test Track! I’m pretty sure we must have pulled fastpasses prior to going to Spaceship Earth, as we wouldn’t have waited in this line either. Now I must say Victoria did have fun creating our car, but really, I liked the old Test Track better. I know it’s the same ride, but I liked seeing the crash dummies and all the car parts that were there before in the queue. I definitely don’t like this queue at all. It reminds me of the Haunted Mansion where once you are done creating the car, you go into a room with no lines – you just merge! Ugh! What I do like is doing all the interactive pictures and things! Now that was fun!!



There was a delay as they were having “technical difficulties” prior to us going to the cars so we were in this room for a while. Ick! Victoria found herself a place to sit while waiting.

And this is our car:


Don’t get me wrong, I do like the ride and going 65 mph!! But, it’s just not the same beloved Test Track.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

THAT's RIGHT ANN!

We were kind of unimpressed with TT as well, but still love the racing around the track (which to be honest was really the only thing I loved before too).

Sounds like a great day at Epcot! I think each time I go it's more crowded, just more and more people going to WDW and not really any slow times anymore.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

ANN! Are you planning on Wishes Dessert Party in March??? It just unexpectedly opened up for Jan-March of 2014...go make those reservations if you are!!!!

 

[Tinker326]

I must have missed your last update... glad to have caught it!

We are doing that princess breakfast in November- it's been years since we've done it (my middle one was 1..and she's now 8!!!!). Glad to hear it's still good!

And LOVE the shirt. Very talented are you... (in my best Yoda voice, which isn't very good at all!)

Sad to hear about TT- it will be our first time riding the new updated version... and I also hear crowds are up everywhere now too......

 

[Victoriasmom98]

ANN! Are you planning on Wishes Dessert Party in March??? It just unexpectedly opened up for Jan-March of 2014...go make those reservations if you are!!!!

There goes Karen --- the pusher!!! Did it just open today?

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

There goes Karen --- the pusher!!! Did it just open today?

Yep, just opened up today! They are going to do 180 days now with the Dessert party when previously they didn't, so it caused them to open a bunch of months all at once when they usually don't. From here on out it should be 180 all the time.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Let’s continue on our Epcot journey, shall we? Oh yes, thank you for noticing that I received the Photopass CD. The share went really well and everyone seems pretty pleased, so that’s good. It’s kind of fun to see everyone else’s photos. It also reminds me of missed opportunities such as meeting Gaston. I know he’s mean to Belle, but I kinda have a little crush on the dude, sorry husband of mine!

So, we checked out Captain EO which Victoria absolutely loves. It’s so cool to flash back to the 80’s with all the hairdo’s and leotards!! Oh, and leg warmers – can’t forget those! Then it was off to visit with Figment. This is a cute enough ride, but I do miss the Dreammaker (I think that’s what the old host was called). I wish I could remember more of the trips we took in the 80’s, but I just wasn’t a Disney Addict back then. I know, I know…..I was young, what can I say!

Now here we go….I have been waiting 4 years to have a family picture out front of these little fishies. It has ALWAYS been crowded with little kids having their pictures taken (what’s up with that) . This year a couple asked if I could take their picture and I said only if she took ours. Done. Here is what I had been waiting for:



Yep, I think it was worth it! It was then into the Living Seas with Nemo & Friends. I love this place! We didn’t do Turtle Talk this time around but Peter and I did pose in Bruce’s mouth, but again we had to wait for those little kids! Ugh! Do you really think Disney if for them? Unbelievable!



I was able to see the manatees during feeding time and took a few pictures. I believe by this point Peter and Victoria had had it. Victoria’s feet hurt (hmmm sounds like last year) and did she pack walking shoes? OH no, that would have been the smart thing to do and I told her at 15 years old she should be responsible for her own packing. Yeah, good job Mom. I’ve learned. Don’t worry about her feet though. We were able to purchase a pair of Mickey slip on shoes for a bargain price of $58!!!!! Not so much of a bargain, huh? But it least it kept us in the park.





I really enjoy all the tanks! I could stand and watch the fishies all day long. I find it relaxing! You all want to see some of those pictures, right?




Do you see the turtle? He was so cool….or she? I didn’t ask.

Wow guys!! Look how skinny I am in this pic!! Yep I worked out hard for this cartoon body! Can you guess where we are now??




Peter and Victoria showed up on the big screen:


Of course we did the mandatory Beverly at Club Cool. Peter says he really likes the stuff and drinks a couple of cups. Weird. To each his own, I suppose. It was then off to Mission Space (green version for Peter) and then another trip back to The Land and Living with the Land! Peter likes the chickens! We scored front row seats on the boat for this one! I like this spot the best!



I think we made it back to the resort room around 7pm and lookie what was waiting for us:

I tell you, our Mousekeeper was FANTASTIC!! I don’t think a day went by when we didn’t have a towel animal. I loved it and they are all here at my desk at work to remind me there’s a whole better place than my cubicle! Yeah, I didn’t really want to come back from Epcot so early, but the family seemed tired and getting cranky, so it’s what we did!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Don't ya just hate it when life and work get in the way of Dis time? Well, that's what happened to me and I fell way behind. So, I'll just comment on the last post so I don't get all mixed up no what happened when and where.

I am loving Victoria's picture on Spaceship Earth. She'd fit right in with my goofy family.

Oh and your shirt is adorable! Love love love it!

 

[Tinker326]

Didn't Victoria need new shoes last year too? Maybe she just 'forgets' to pack good walking shoes on purpose to be able to get new cool Mickey shoes?

I love the Nemo area as well- it's so fun!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hooray for Hollywood…….

Yep, Mama’s favorite park. It really has been ever since MGM opened. I guess I have just always wanted to be a star and this park gives me the opportunity to do so – well sometimes, anyways.


I absolutely loved this topiary! Isn’t it cool? Monsters Inc has got to be one of my favorite movies and I enjoyed Monsters U, too! Our first stop?? Why the Great Movie Ride, of course. We were there about 10 minutes before the ride opened, so it was a pretty quick line once the doors opened. They have new displays inside like Freddie Kruger’s shirt. I’m a big horror fan, so this was neat to see.







Now, do you all think spoiled brat little me asked for the cowboy scene? You bet your sweet bottoms I did! Hey, I want what I want and if others can ask for it, so can I, right? Sometimes you have to ask for the magic to happen.





Ok, I have an “aaawwwweeee” alert here. Just look at this picture……

I think this is my favorite picture EVER of my family. Look at that. I am truly, truly so lucky that Peter has taken to Victoria as his very own and loves her so much. And the feeling is mutual, as you can see. It reminds me a lot of Karen’s photo of Rey with Savannah on his back watching Wishes. If you don’t remember this one folks, you must go to her TRs to find it! It’s definitely worth it! And she doesn’t even pay me to promote her TRs….Yep….gets me every time!

Moving on now…..we came across the Streets of America performers. I love to watch them. This little scene the cowboy was asking the starlet to marry him. So cute!



Next up is Mama’s crying time ---- Beauty and the Beast. I cry every SINGLE TIME!!! I just love this story (ok fine, I have a secret Gaston crush --- well, not so secret now, eh) One day I would like to receive the rose that the Prince gives to a little girl. Why can’t I be that little girl? Well, I know I’m an adult and not so little, but still. I bet it would mean more to me than it does to some of those kids. Again, Disney is for kids? I don’t think so!









Ok, ok….enough of this mushie-ness!!! We’ll end this post with this:

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Awwww! I LOVE it! It does remind me of the shot of Savannah & Rey, I cannot believe you remember that picture. It's in our 2009 trip report, I think. I don't pay you to endorse me, but I got you that early dessert party adr, so that's worth somethin', right?

You really got some great shots of you guys, I love the Monsters Inc picture off all three of you!

 

[Tinker326]

Awwww, that's such a great pic of Peter & Victoria.

Makes that park even more special to you, huh?

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Eat Your Vegetables, Chip!

Its supper time, yeah its supper time, yeah its super-duper supper time!! Does anyone remember that from Peanuts? Does anyone remember Peanuts? Snoopy? Ok, Im sure you do!! We had ressies for the 50s Prime Time Diner and this is one of my favorite experiences in Disney! I made sure to ask for a really fun server when we checked in and boy, did we get what I asked for. Cousin Jenn was our server and she was amazing! We sat in a little room with other New Englanders --- NJ & NY. Cousin Jenn kept saying that the family from NY was going to pay for us all, and we were good with that. Peters name suddenly became Chip I dont know where that one came from, but it fit. The meals were good but there were veggies left on Peters plate that he didnt eat. Oh NO!!!





So, Cousin Jenn ended up doing what all good servers do&&.Here comes the plane, Chip!


He just would NOT open his mouth no matter how many attempts Cousin Jenn made:


Finally she just ended up telling him that fine, he didnt eat his veggies, he didnt get dessert, so she served Victoria and I dessert. After a few minutes Cousin Jenn came back with a special dessert for Chip.


Yes folks, this is spinach with whipped cream and sprinkles on it!! Laugh? OMG!! It was a riot!! The whole room loved it! Of course she did end up bringing him a real dessert, but this was the best experience ever!


and here is the family from NY who was going to pay for our supper!!! HAHAHA!