One Mom and Three Kids Tackle the World in a Week - Dec '09 Trip Report - Complete :)

[brookelizabeth]

What a great day! I could "feel" how magical it was through your writing and pictures....love it!!!!

Beautiful picture! The color of the water, contrasting with the sand and the elephants....seriously awesome!

They have a few little tables in there that we were going to sit down and have a little snack. Do not do this! Geesh, this crabby CM told us to pretty much move. Don’t eat here, do not collect $200, do not pass GO! You could sit but not eat. Eek. Sorry! We put our measly two bananas away and left quietly out the door. She must not have gotten her pixie dust that morning or something.

Ugh. Sorry to hear about the crabby CM!! Good to know though, mental note taken. We've never made it to this part of the park, despite it being on my list for the past FOUR trips!

How fun! What sweet kids to watch over them and befriend them!! I hear so many negative things about the Pop Warner kids, it's great to hear something GOOD!

You captured some beautiful pictures of your kids...the ones of them being all silly as you left that night just scream with personality....which is my favorite thing in a photograph! And this one:

Must frame it!!!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

I was so glad to read that your sis got to do the Safari...she's been missing out on a lot of good stuff b/c of her pregnancy! (The back of the truck IS bumpy, though!) Glad you sat up front...

It's so very hard to tear yourself away from the park when everyone is having such a great time, isn't it?

I loved the funny pix of the kids goofing around with the Rainforest Cafe sign!

Down time at the pool is always good for the kids, though. I love soaking my legs in the hot tub after a long day of walking, too. Feels great!



Kathy

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Really lovely update... everyone looks like they're having such a wonderful time!!

Emma x

Thank you, it was a great day!

What an awesome day at Animal Kingdom! I love that park! I'm glad you were able to see the cool stuff at Rafiki's. Sometimes something as simple as petting a goat makes for the most fun moments for a kid...and for the grown-ups watching them.

Cool that the cheerleaders were so kind to your kids. I bet your girls loved the cheers!

I know Dimitri wears his Yeti shirt proudly. Once was enough for me, but you have a brave girl to ride it twice! Did she get a shirt or souvenir from that ride? She deserved one!

The whole time you were talking about leaving, I could feel that dragging feeling - that walking slowly and being sure you look at every animal, sign, shop, and leaf before you reach the exit feeling. I was saying 'noooo, don't go!' out here in reader land.

But, I know swimming felt good, too, and relaxing by the pool for the moms - yeah, that's a nice way to end a day.

I had one of the best hamburgers I have ever had on Disney property at Goods To Go once. Surprisingly, the other best burger was at All-Star Sports at the food court. Yep, those two totally random places gave me the most delicious Disney burgers I have had there.

It's so cute to picture the kids telling Dad all the exciting things they were doing. I know he missed them something awful, but I bet he had a big smile on his face listening to them recall the day.

Thanks for a great installment. I so wish I had spent today walking around Animal Kingdom instead of dusting shelves!

Thanks for reading MeMom. Morghan didn't get a t-shirt but you are right, she deserved one. She had her "fun money" sights set on more girly items! I should have ordered the burger. One can hardly go wrong with a burger. I totally wish my day was spent at AK too. Instead I sit at work.

What a great day you guys had a AK!! I know some people really don't care for this park, but I love it - so much to look at, it's just themed so well.

I'm glad you were able to get your jacket back so easily, that sure would have stunk if you hadn't been able to find it.

And, yay for nice cheerleaders! You always hear about the obnoxious ones that everyone complains about, so it's nice to hear someone say something positive about them.

You are right, there is lots of fun theming at AK. You feel like you are right there in Africa or whatever location it is you are visiting. The cheerleaders were great!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Wow! What a great day at AK you guys had!! I can see how much fun you were having!
Nice to hear that some of the cheerleaders were nice to your kids!!

It was definitely a great day overall! My girls say they want to be cheerleaders too someday.

What a wonderful update about my favorite park! You really made me feel very nostalgic!

That feeling of leaving is the worst, isn't it? Like you want to soak up every single memory that you can so that you can make it through to the next time you're there.

Your kids look like they had the greatest time! And they look like they get along so well. My girls got along better at Disney than any other place, ever. I think we should move there!

My DD10 just told me she really wants to go the Conservation Station next time. Is it more geared toward younger kids or not so much?

You may have noticed my lack of December questions...we're leaning more toward November now. I noticed that your ticker is for October next time...did you not want to do December again or didn't that have any bearing on your decision?

That's neat that AK is your favorite park. You rarely hear that for some reason. Leaving when you are having such a fun time is soooo hard! My kids fight too, believe me! So I was very thankful that they were getting along so well. I think that the Conservation Station is geared towards all ages. There were lots of little things to check out inside. November is a great time to go!! We're going to try for October for our next trip because the kiddos get a couple days off of school then.

Oh wow, what an awesome day! I can safely say that I don't think I will ever be able to see ITTBAB, because I'm a huge baby when it comes to bugs -- I am just terrified of them, especially stinging bugs and beetles. Ugh. I had to recruit my 16 year old sister to "help" me kill a beetle in my room last summer because I was flipping out.

I am dying to go to the Conservation Station again! We haven't been that way in a while. We haven't seen FOTLK in a while, either, so I am dying to see that again.

I can't believe Morghan wanted to go on EE again! I love it!

That is hilarious!! Could you watch the show and cover your eyes at the "scary" parts maybe? Morghan is a thrill junkie!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

WOW what a great day you had! AK and swimming!

Looks like you guys got a lot accomplished at AK and had a great time! We've never done the Conservation Station and Affection Section. Or seen Jiminy Cricket or Pocahontas. I guess we just don't usually spend a whole lot of time at AK. We have seen FOTLK though, and it is awesome!

Great pictures of everything, thanks for sharing!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a great day at Animal Kingdom!!! My kids were traumatized by It's Tough to be a Bug, but the pics of all of you in your glasses are too cute!!! How nice you were able to spend the afternoon with just the kids -- that had to be a welcome break! Sure wish I could have one of those frozen bananas right now.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I just loved your bug glasses pictures! Absolutely adorable! And you got to meet Jiminy Crickey!!!! AWESOME! We have never met him.

My favorite picture is the one of your 3 kids playing the drums. I just love pictures that capture that feeling of AK (like the one in your last post with the African entertainer guy). Those are the best. It makes you feel like you are standing right there again.

I know what you mean about not wanting to leave the park. We were dragging our feet several times like that on our trip too. The day that we had no crowds at MK.............. very hard to exit the park. I feel your pain on that one!

I really don't know why you said you are a terrible TR writer. I think you have done a great job and I have enjoyed it so much. Looking forward to more!

It's really neat to see pictures and feel like you are back in the park, isn't it? It's so much fun to be in Disney and when you leave a park for the last time on that trip, it's so sad! Thanks for the compliments on the report. I'm trying hard to be interesting.

Wow! What an absolutely wonderful AK day! I loved all of your pictures-both yours and PP. You got some really great shots!

My DS and I love EE! We would ride with your DD over and over until we couldn't take it any more! He also loves Dinosaur. I have always sat out with my DD...might have to change that on one of my trips coming up!

I also love your OKW photos. We just bought DVC there and will be staying there for the first time in June. We're so excited!

Can't wait for more!

Morghan would be thrilled to have fellow EE lovers! I'll ride it for her but it's not one of my favorites. Enjoy OKW!! We didn't really like our room location but the resort was lots of fun!

What a great day! I could "feel" how magical it was through your writing and pictures....love it!!!!



Beautiful picture! The color of the water, contrasting with the sand and the elephants....seriously awesome!




Ugh. Sorry to hear about the crabby CM!! Good to know though, mental note taken. We've never made it to this part of the park, despite it being on my list for the past FOUR trips!



How fun! What sweet kids to watch over them and befriend them!! I hear so many negative things about the Pop Warner kids, it's great to hear something GOOD!

You captured some beautiful pictures of your kids...the ones of them being all silly as you left that night just scream with personality....which is my favorite thing in a photograph! And this one:



Must frame it!!!!!

Aw, Brook, that you so much!! I'll pick up a couple frames for those two pictures I think. I was very pleasantly surprised with these girls. They were so happy and fun!

I was so glad to read that your sis got to do the Safari...she's been missing out on a lot of good stuff b/c of her pregnancy! (The back of the truck IS bumpy, though!) Glad you sat up front...

It's so very hard to tear yourself away from the park when everyone is having such a great time, isn't it?

I loved the funny pix of the kids goofing around with the Rainforest Cafe sign!

Down time at the pool is always good for the kids, though. I love soaking my legs in the hot tub after a long day of walking, too. Feels great!



Kathy

I was really thankful my sister was able to ride something! It is really hard to leave when you're having such a grand time. I have silly kids, they really enjoy being so goofy. The hot tub felt great!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

WOW what a great day you had! AK and swimming!

Looks like you guys got a lot accomplished at AK and had a great time! We've never done the Conservation Station and Affection Section. Or seen Jiminy Cricket or Pocahontas. I guess we just don't usually spend a whole lot of time at AK. We have seen FOTLK though, and it is awesome!

Great pictures of everything, thanks for sharing!

We definitely saw more than we ever have before at AK. It was a lot of fun! You are right, FOTLK is awesome!!

What a great day at Animal Kingdom!!! My kids were traumatized by It's Tough to be a Bug, but the pics of all of you in your glasses are too cute!!! How nice you were able to spend the afternoon with just the kids -- that had to be a welcome break! Sure wish I could have one of those frozen bananas right now.

Oh no!! I'm sorry your kiddos got so scared at ITTBAB. A frozen banana sounds great! I haven't had lunch yet!

 

[DisneyJo]

What a fantastic day and it's wonderful to read about all the fun you and your kids were having

I love all the silly photos your kids posed for, what great memories

 

[Lovemy3babes]

What a fantastic day and it's wonderful to read about all the fun you and your kids were having

I love all the silly photos your kids posed for, what great memories

Thanks Jo! We're all pretty silly!

 

[praisehisname]

Yay for your sister getting to ride some rides today! So nice of those cheerleaders to watch out for your kids! Sounds like you had a really fun, really full day!

Denise

 

[If U Had Wings]

Sounds like it really was the perfect AK day. You got some really great pictures of the kids while you were there.

I know exactly what you mean about traveling in the parks with others. You love them, but at some point you just need a break.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Sounds like a great day at AK!! I'm glad you found your jacket.

 

[Kimberly815]

What a fun day you had at AK! We never seem to spend too much time there, but you never know when things are going to work out into a perfect afternoon like you had! That's great!

 

[Panotchr]

Every time we go to AK we do the same things... safari, EE, eat at Flame Tree and see the Lion King. My oldest dd hates ITTBAB... well she is not a big 3D fan of anything, so we usually don't do that even.

I keep saying we are GOING TO SPEND MORE TIME THERE. Now your report makes me want to say it like this... WE ARE GOING TO SPEND MORE TIME THERE!!!

We are staying at AKL Kidani, so this should not be a problem.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Yay for your sister getting to ride some rides today! So nice of those cheerleaders to watch out for your kids! Sounds like you had a really fun, really full day!

Denise

I was happy we found plenty for my sister to ride too. The poor pregnant thing got soaked however! LOL!!

Sounds like a great day at AK!! I'm glad you found your jacket.

Thank you!! That was the only jacket I had brought with (and my favorite!) so I was really happy that it was exactly where I had left it. Whew!

Sounds like it really was the perfect AK day. You got some really great pictures of the kids while you were there.

I know exactly what you mean about traveling in the parks with others. You love them, but at some point you just need a break.

Thank you! I'm looking for some Animal Kingdom frames online so I can put some of them up in the house. And yes, a break is definitely needed when traveling with extended family. I love my sister but we just needed a little breather from each other.

What a fun day you had at AK! We never seem to spend too much time there, but you never know when things are going to work out into a perfect afternoon like you had! That's great!

Exactly! We hadn't planned on spending so long of a day there but the stars just aligned that way.

Every time we go to AK we do the same things... safari, EE, eat at Flame Tree and see the Lion King. My oldest dd hates ITTBAB... well she is not a big 3D fan of anything, so we usually don't do that even.

I keep saying we are GOING TO SPEND MORE TIME THERE. Now your report makes me want to say it like this... WE ARE GOING TO SPEND MORE TIME THERE!!!


We are staying at AKL Kidani, so this should not be a problem.

I'll help you! Here goes my best "loud voice": SPEND MORE TIME THERE!!!

******
I am so sorry about the delay in my updates. The weather here in MN has just been a crap shoot. So far, school has been delayed for two hours each morning this week. We have snow, ice and then wind making it all that much worse. I plan on a good update tomorrow! We had a break day and got to do some fun things and see a wonderful show so that's coming up next.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am so sorry about the delay in my updates. The weather here in MN has just been a crap shoot. So far, school has been delayed for two hours each morning this week. We have snow, ice and then wind making it all that much worse. I plan on a good update tomorrow! We had a break day and got to do some fun things and see a wonderful show so that's coming up next.

I hear ya. Last night Joe went out to shovel the drive way and came back in saying he didn't know where to put the snow. We got several inches, and the banks are already tall on either side of the driveway, so lifting it and putting it on top would take foreverrrrrrrrr! We need to find us a guy with a truck and a plow.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I hear ya. Last night Joe went out to shovel the drive way and came back in saying he didn't know where to put the snow. We got several inches, and the banks are already tall on either side of the driveway, so lifting it and putting it on top would take foreverrrrrrrrr! We need to find us a guy with a truck and a plow.

I'm right there with you ladies! The snow banks at the end of our driveway are now as tall as I am. I can't shovel it, Dh has to snowblow to get it up over the pile!
Crazy!! I feel for the folks in DC who probably don't have snowblowers! Might not even have shovels!
At least my road is plowed.

We'll be here waiting whenever you get around to updating. I neglected my TR for about a week too.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

The next morning was Wednesday, December 9th. When researching our trip, I heard many good things about taking a break day, built in downtime on your vacation. I thought this was a great idea so that’s what was planned for the day.

We all got a few more winks since there was no rope drop to rush off to. Once everyone was up and at ‘em, we had a little breakfast in the room. We actually had been doing that most of the week. I packed granola bars, fruit snacks, pop-tarts and mini boxes of cereal so that was what we dined on that morning. I called my sister to make plans and once again, met up with her and Jayse on the walk to South Point. Our mission for this day would be Downtown Disney! The kids had never been Downtown so they were excited to see all of the fun things offered here.

The bus dropped us off at the Marketplace and we were getting there around 10am or so. There was no set agenda for the day really except for one very special appointment for the girlies early that afternoon. It would be a great, relaxing day!

We didn’t do too much shopping really but did a lot of browsing and even more wishing! Isn’t that usually how it works? Can you imagine having all the money in the world to bring home any Disney souvenir you would like? That would be awesome!

We planned on coming here later for a treat.

We did make sure to look in this store. It totally fits within our price range. LOL!

The kids had their eyes on a few things but decided to see what other goodies they could find and maybe come back later.

We took a few fun pictures, just for giggles.

The next stop of course was Once Upon a Toy.

If you have children and are visiting DTD, there is no way you could get out of that place without a visit to this most wonderful toy store. Wow, they have so many fun things there!! The train and monorail in the front of the store struck the fancy of Dimitri and Jayse. These little guys sat and watched that thing for a good, long while.

You can even sit and put together Mr. Potato Head parts and not have to spend a dime. I couldn’t resist playing with these with the kids for awhile.

Dimitri ended up spending some of his souvenir money on a light saber that he built himself. He’s a big Star Wars fan and seemed to need another saber to add to his collection at home.

He then saw the batch of Transformers and looked around there for a long time too. He loves Transformers just a tiny bit more than he loves Star Wars. We have plenty of Transformers at home (believe me!) so we didn’t buy anything else.

The girls looked and looked but didn’t want to part with their money quite yet. Mykenah did find a cute set of ears to take a picture in.

The Lego Store was next. Just like Star Wars and Transformers, Dimitri loves Legos. He pretty much loves anything that falls into this general “boy” category. The girls like to build with Legos too so we all headed that way.

After browsing for a long time and realizing how expensive Legos pretty much are, we dropped some more souvenir money and filled up one of the large plastic containers of random pieces. This proved to be a good idea as the kids played with these all the time throughout the rest of our trip. I filled that puppy to the brim to get my money’s worth and the very nice staff person there taped it shut so it didn’t spill everywhere. LOL!

Our tummies were telling us that it was time to eat. Earl of Sandwich was the plan. Now, we probably should have eaten earlier. It was prime lunch time and we walked into a mad house here. The line was crazy long, wrapping all the way to the back of the store, to the shop Earl connects with. But, we held our ground and hopped into the very large line. It actually didn’t take too, too long. Finding a table to sit at was going to be more difficult. I got myself the Earl’s Club, which was really good. I don’t normally like my sandwiches toasted and warm but this really hit the spot that day. Morghan and Dimitri got the turkey and swiss, while Mykenah got the grilled cheese. They all enjoyed their sandwiches and finished the entire thing.

All 6 of us crammed into a really small booth/table. It was cramped and not that comfortable. With a place as popular as EoS, you think they could perhaps expand their seating a bit. After we were done eating, we used the rest room outside and headed onto the rest of our day.
I for sure wanted to stop in the Christmas shop.

Each year I get a Disney Christmas ornament and this year would be no different. I looked and looked in this shop. We were in here for a good, long half hour. I just couldn’t decide! I knew I wanted something with the year 2009 on it to always remember our vacation. But I couldn’t make a choice. I must have picked up and put back twenty different ornaments. I also heard from a CM that all 2009 ornaments were now half price so that made my decision that much harder! I decided to come back on our last night in Disney and make my purchase then. (Would I regret this later?)

Continued in next post

 

[Lovemy3babes]

By that time it was getting close to 2pm. And at 2:10pm we had a very special appointment. The girls were going to be treated to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

We had a little time before their appointment so we browsed around the huge World of Disney store and saw many beautiful things.

I wanted this and should have purchased it looking back now.

Scary stuff!

It was now time! They were so excited! When entering they were sprinkled with pixie dust by these lovely ladies.

We announced ourselves at the counter and didn’t wait more than 10 seconds before we were whisked inside. It was empty!! What a great time to visit. My girls were the only two beauties getting their makeovers for a good 20 minutes or so before two other girls came along.

They had such a great time!! They both got the same makeover, with the nails, makeup and hair. Since they are older and don’t wear princess dresses anymore we opted out of that. I took a ton of my own photos and then there was also a hilarious Photopass photographer there. He was an older man and kept lightly teasing Dimitri about getting a princess makeover too. Dimitri thought he was really funny! So, I have a million pictures of their experience. I’ll try and limit them all here though.

For us, it was really worth the money! The girls just loved the experience. I know they won’t enjoy things like this for much longer so I was really happy about them being able to enjoy the BBB. Mykenah loved her hairdo and kept it in until it fell out, which took awhile because that stuff is hard as a rock! Morghan loved hers too but did feel it was a little “poofy”. She kept trying to flatten it down and took most of it out the next day but keeping the little crown in her hair.

M and M signed the guestbook-

I paid the bill and was thrilled to find out I could get the Christmas blanket deal here. I don’t remember what it was, something like spend $50 and get the blanket for $15? Does that sound right? But anyway, I paid for the girls and got a lovely Christmas throw as well. What a great deal!!

Continued in next post