Our 2nd Shot at the Dream Team -TONS OF PICS. 10/28 New PTR LINK

[IluvXU]

Great Photopass pictures... they are so fun! Boma looks yummy... what exactly is in a Zebra Dome?

Love the AKL pictures... I sure hope we get to check it out this trip.

Bummer about DTD... that place is a madhouse at night, especially towards the weeks end. I love to go during the morning/lunch time, there is just not the mobs of people which makes that place hard with my little girls.

 

[dddisrunner]

We loved Boma too! Such great flavors and the soups were some of my faves! Glad the boys got to pin trade, fun stuff! And the Lego Story experience, ouch, waiting in line and then finding out you didn't have to? Frustrating but kudos to your DH for saving the day with ice cream!

Allyson

Thanks Allyson! We LOVED Boma! Yes DH did save the day!

Hope you had a great mother's day, too!!!

yay for getting your cd



I love that stitch photo


How do you get your ride photos on your photopass card? Just give it people behind the counters after your ride??

Thanks Kelly! At test track, there was a slot that you could stick your photopass card in and then it got copied onto the card! I thought that was cool!

Glad ya had nice meal at Boma. What was that blue drink?

That stinks ya had to wait in line all that time

But yay to hubby knowing what would make ya happy again



So, what were the boys' first pin trades?

The blue drink is called a blue glowtini and it was STRONG! Bryan helped me drink it! The boys 1st trades were, Matthew traded for a Donald pin and Eric for a jedi mickey!

Another wonderful update. Boma sounds wonderful, we had to change our dinner reservations to breakfast, hopefully we aren't disappointed. Too bad about ddd being so busy, glad to hear it all went well in the end though....what a thoughtful husband to return with icecream & an apology. Your pictures are great...looking forward to more...

I have heard wonderful things about Boma's breakfast! Thanks for all your sweet comments!

Loved the update! Boma looks excellent, I would love to eat there but DH doesn't rea;;y like the menu. I have only visited AKl and had CS in the Mara. But I loved the resort. Sorry to hear DTD was mobbed. My DH doesn't listen either but your DH at least said "Sorry" and bought you ice cream . BTW was the Lego store fun? We haven't been to DTD since 2002 .

Thanks Nichole! The lego store is INCREDIBLE!! If you drive in Oct. you should stop there on your way home! Thomas will go nuts in there! I hope he is doing well!

I really enjoyed Boma too. Sorry about the mix up at the lego store!

Thanks Chel!

It looks like your husband had a yummy dark beer

The boys' faces in that Stitch picture are awesome!

Your AK dinner sounds awesome. I guess I make fufu, and didn't even know it I love white and sweet potatoes mashed together.

Bryan LOVES all dark beer! His dream is to go to a true Irish Pub in Ireland and drink a warm guiness ! Thanks for all your sweet comments!

Great Photopass pictures... they are so fun! Boma looks yummy... what exactly is in a Zebra Dome?

Love the AKL pictures... I sure hope we get to check it out this trip.

Bummer about DTD... that place is a madhouse at night, especially towards the weeks end. I love to go during the morning/lunch time, there is just not the mobs of people which makes that place hard with my little girls.

A zebra dome is hard to explain, it has alcohol in it but you can't really taste it! It has crushed cookies on the bottom and like a mousse filling! If you go to the AKL the Mara sells 6 in a pack for a snack credit, you should check it out!

 

[carissanboys]

I love Guinness! It's my favorite beer. I also dream of going to Ireland and drinking Guinness in a pub I like mine cold though. I did go to an Irish pub here in Baltimore recently and they served their Guinness at the temp of their basement (not refrigerated). It's not really warm, but it's not as cold as I like it.

 

[kathleen27]

Great photopass pictures!

Downtown Disney does not sound good with that crowd!

Nice that the boys traded their first pins!
We started buying and a little trading of pins on our last trip and loved it!

Sorry about your lego line confusion.
Apology with ice cream sounds nice though!

 

[dddisrunner]

I love Guinness! It's my favorite beer. I also dream of going to Ireland and drinking Guinness in a pub I like mine cold though. I did go to an Irish pub here in Baltimore recently and they served their Guinness at the temp of their basement (not refrigerated). It's not really warm, but it's not as cold as I like it.

I can't imagine drinking warm beer and enjoying it! Bryan would die if I ever said I loved Guiness!

Great photopass pictures!

Downtown Disney does not sound good with that crowd!

Nice that the boys traded their first pins!
We started buying and a little trading of pins on our last trip and loved it!

Sorry about your lego line confusion.
Apology with ice cream sounds nice though!

Thanks Kathleen!

 

[dddisrunner]

DAY 5 ANIMAL KINGDOM

I was so excited for this day! We had never been to a character breakfast before and this morning we had a coveted 8:00am ressie at the Tusker House for a safari breakfast with Donald Duck! We woke at our usual 7am because the AK is sooooo close to the AKL so we arrived at the AK by 7:40! We were first in line!!!

We couldn't wait! Eric had colored a picture for Mickey Mouse and was so excited to give it to him! This was HUGE because Eric HATES to color!

At about 7:50 we still weren't being let into the park? I was getting anxious! I wanted to take empty park shots and be ready for that rope drop by 9:00am! Well I guess the server that was supposed to bring the ADR list to the gate hadn't shown up yet! Finally at 7:55 we were let in! Being that we didn't need to rent a stroller, we were basically alone walking back to breakfast!

Finally we arrive.......

They take your picture first and then let you in! Our server was really nice, she quickly told us about the food and characters and then I asked her if we could settle the bill ASAP! The reason for this was twofold. First, Bryan and I were paying OOP for this meal because the kids were going to have 2 more TS credits then Bryan and I because of our night out alone,so I wanted to make sure that it was handled properly. Second, I didn't want to have to wait forever when we were done just to settle up the bill. I wanted to be ready for rope drop at 9:00am (commando much! )

I have to say the food was delicious but that "jungle juice" is AMAZING!! Here come the characters one after another!!

They came one after the other, wham,wham,wham then it was time for Mickey, Eric was busting with excitement! Mickey came over and Eric says "Hi Mickey, I made this for you and Mickey turned him around to pose for a picture! That was it, Eric was so disappointed. I know they don't talk and he can't make a facial expression but throw the kid a bone!

Needless to say we were a little disappointed! Oh well our bill had already been settled and we ate a little more and were all done by 8:45! We headed out of Tusker House and stood by the rope that would lead to Asia! I could see how the old breakfast at Restaurantasaurus was advantagious for that 8:00am ressie because it is so close to Expedition Everest but it is a HIKE from Africa over to Asia! Bryan asked the CM standing by the rope what time they drop that rope and the CM said when the crowd starts to come this way!!! WHAT! Finally at 9:00am they didn't drop the rope and no CM'S were around? So what does Bryan do.............He ducks under the rope and charges his way to Everest to get fastpasses for us! I couldn't believe no one was there to drop that rope! We weren't the only ones to duck under either about five more people followed after Bryan!

So we all meet up at Dinosaur and go on! Here is our ride photo..We are in the middle row!

We got off and there was no line so we jumped on again!

Then we went to see the Flights of Wonder Show! This was really good! Afterwards Bryan went to fastpass the safari and then we headed over to Everest. This was BOTH boys first time riding. Matthew had been scared on prior trips but now that Eric was tall enough and so excited to ride Matthew decided he could not be outdone by his little brother!

An excited Eric!

A nervous Matthew!

We get seated in the last 2 rows and it was INCREDIBLE!! On the backwards part I swore I was going to go upside down! The boys were screaming! They LOVED IT!

Our ride photo! Bryan's face is hysterical!!

We exited Everest and decided to go to Raifiki's Planet Watch, we had never been!

We got to see a racoon having surgery!

a toad!

Eric made me take this picture! YUCK!

We then posed with Pocohantas...

Then Raifiki himself! Nice face Eric!

After Planet Watch it was time for lunch! Can I say the CS options for kids in this park STINK! What is up with a restaurant called PIZZAFARI not having pizza for kids! So where did we end up.............YUP Mc Donalds!

After lunch we used our safari fastpasses (I didn't take pics.) and then we FP Everest again. It was getting HOT at this point and the park was getting crowded! I swear the Californis Highway patrol and the New York City road dept. should have been consulted on how to manage traffic at this park because the layout STINKS it gets way to congested even at light attendance times of the year! Did I mention it was HOT! AK always feels 10 degrees hotter then any other park!

We were all losing steam fast! We rode dinosaur one more time and then headed for the exit!



Coming up next Yak & Yeti Dinner will we dare to come back to the AK?

 

[Trentmom]

Sounds like you had a nice breakfast at Tusker House. Nice character shots
What a bummer that Mickey could not be a tad bit more enthused about Eric's picture

That is funny about your hubby having to duck under rope to get those fast passes

looks like you all had fun on Everest


That is part of the reason why we do not care for AK...poor layout, gets congested easily, bad signage and always feel so much hotter there


It sounds like a good day, though

 

[bcbmom]

I was going to ask you if 1 day is enough for AK...now i'll just have to wait for the next installment to see if you go back, lol. Love the pics of the kids, they are too cute. I'm very excited for the AK day but really nervous about the heat...especially with it being September. Again really looking forward to your next installment...so far your trips my favorite

 

[stagemomx3]

Those 8am Tusker House reservations are so worth it for that walk back through an empty park!

 

[kathleen27]

Some great character shots at Tusker House.
Sorry Mickey did not make a big deal out of the coloring.

Glad the boys enjoyed EE!
I still haven't been on that one!

 

[IluvXU]

So overall were you happy with breakfast? I would love that breakfast... a meal with Daisy who my girls both love. Sorry that Mickey did not show a little more interest... that is not fair to little kids. AK is blazing hot... I think that is why we just fizzled there last summer and did not plan to get there this upcoming trip. Someday I want to really visit and do it justice.

 

[MomofCKJ]

Sorry that Mickey didn't acknowledge the picture more, he did a great job coloring! And I just love those early breakfasts, it is so cool to be in an empty park!

Allyson

 

[Jeanine3kids]

Nice update. I have to say I am not a big AK fan myself if it wasn't for my kids I think I might skip it because I always feel like I am sweating to death and that I am being eaten my thousands of mosquitos. My kids really do love all of the rides, but the CS options are awful you are correct about that.

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update! Sorry you were dissapointed with the Character breakfast. Way to go Erice for riding EE. Kaylee won't go on it ever again she said. I wonder if I should make them ride Dinosaur , with my luck they would cry and I would look like a bad mom. Is it very scary? I agree AK always seems packed because of the way it's laid out. Seems like every walkway is jam packed.

Thomas is doing alright, we are still hoping for a cancelation to get his sugery done sooner, no luck so far. He loves your tarantula picture BTW Things have been crazy lately, some crazy lady came peeling out of a parking lot onto the hwy and smashed into my minivan. I couldn't believe it but was so relieved my kids were fine. I was lucky Kaylee wasn't hurt because both passenger side door panels were smashed in. Looks like I will be driving a rental for the nest 3weeks with no DVD player . ALso in the middle of planning Thomas Bday party for this weekend, which will be a pool party at home. Unforutnately a cold front is coming in , it's been 80 everyday, LOL. Thanks for asking about Thomas, sorry I ramble often, people from NJ talk alot .

 

[NMAmy]

I'm a little behind. First off, I was about Bryan with the ice cream. Really, he's right. There is NO better way to sorry than a big batch of ice cream.

I love the pictures from Tusker House--we haven't been since they changed it. It looks like a lot of fun but I'm sorry Mickey blew Eric off. Here's a little tidbit of info I picked up from dd's kindergarten teacher. Anytime your kids give a picture or a letter to one of the characters, write your child's full name and mailing address on it. Later, they send something to your home. Caitlin got an autographed picture and a letter from Mickey when she was little.

I'm glad you all enjoyed EE and Dinosaur! Can't wait to read more.

 

[SunnieRN]

Wow, great update!! I love your shirts!
How disappointing not to get too much character interaction when you made such an early reservation. You would think at the top of the day the CM's in costume would be especially friendly and upbeat and add the little extras when they see a child made a special effort to make them something!

Good plan to get the fastpass!! Man you really packed a lot in to a morning before lunch!! You guys rock!!
I love your ride picture! You could tell everyone had a great time!!
Thanks for the update!

 

[dddisrunner]

Sounds like you had a nice breakfast at Tusker House. Nice character shots
What a bummer that Mickey could not be a tad bit more enthused about Eric's picture

That is funny about your hubby having to duck under rope to get those fast passes

looks like you all had fun on Everest


That is part of the reason why we do not care for AK...poor layout, gets congested easily, bad signage and always feel so much hotter there


It sounds like a good day, though

Thanks Kelly it was a good day! AK is sooo hot!

I was going to ask you if 1 day is enough for AK...now i'll just have to wait for the next installment to see if you go back, lol. Love the pics of the kids, they are too cute. I'm very excited for the AK day but really nervous about the heat...especially with it being September. Again really looking forward to your next installment...so far your trips my favorite

Awww thanks so much! I am honored by what you said!

Those 8am Tusker House reservations are so worth it for that walk back through an empty park!

The empty park was AWESOME! Bryan said "can you imagine if it stayed like this"

Some great character shots at Tusker House.
Sorry Mickey did not make a big deal out of the coloring.

Glad the boys enjoyed EE!
I still haven't been on that one!

Thanks Kathleen! I think Mickey seemed rushed

So overall were you happy with breakfast? I would love that breakfast... a meal with Daisy who my girls both love. Sorry that Mickey did not show a little more interest... that is not fair to little kids. AK is blazing hot... I think that is why we just fizzled there last summer and did not plan to get there this upcoming trip. Someday I want to really visit and do it justice.

Yes, overall we were very happy with the breakfast and the characters were great we just thought Mickey would rub Eric's head or give him a hug. AK would be great in January!

Sorry that Mickey didn't acknowledge the picture more, he did a great job coloring! And I just love those early breakfasts, it is so cool to be in an empty park!

Allyson

Thanks Allyson!

Nice update. I have to say I am not a big AK fan myself if it wasn't for my kids I think I might skip it because I always feel like I am sweating to death and that I am being eaten my thousands of mosquitos. My kids really do love all of the rides, but the CS options are awful you are correct about that.

I was so stunned that the pizza place didn't have pizza for kids

Great update! Sorry you were dissapointed with the Character breakfast. Way to go Erice for riding EE. Kaylee won't go on it ever again she said. I wonder if I should make them ride Dinosaur , with my luck they would cry and I would look like a bad mom. Is it very scary? I agree AK always seems packed because of the way it's laid out. Seems like every walkway is jam packed.

Thomas is doing alright, we are still hoping for a cancelation to get his sugery done sooner, no luck so far. He loves your tarantula picture BTW Things have been crazy lately, some crazy lady came peeling out of a parking lot onto the hwy and smashed into my minivan. I couldn't believe it but was so relieved my kids were fine. I was lucky Kaylee wasn't hurt because both passenger side door panels were smashed in. Looks like I will be driving a rental for the nest 3weeks with no DVD player . ALso in the middle of planning Thomas Bday party for this weekend, which will be a pool party at home. Unforutnately a cold front is coming in , it's been 80 everyday, LOL. Thanks for asking about Thomas, sorry I ramble often, people from NJ talk alot .

You crack me up Nichole! I wouldn't let them on Dinosaur, it is dark and loud! Maybe you tube has it so you could show them first! OMG about your van! I am glad you all are OK..just what you needed right! Lapu Lapu anyone?

I'm a little behind. First off, I was about Bryan with the ice cream. Really, he's right. There is NO better way to sorry than a big batch of ice cream.

I love the pictures from Tusker House--we haven't been since they changed it. It looks like a lot of fun but I'm sorry Mickey blew Eric off. Here's a little tidbit of info I picked up from dd's kindergarten teacher. Anytime your kids give a picture or a letter to one of the characters, write your child's full name and mailing address on it. Later, they send something to your home. Caitlin got an autographed picture and a letter from Mickey when she was little.

I'm glad you all enjoyed EE and Dinosaur! Can't wait to read more.

Hi Amy! I was gonna send out an SOS for you Just kidding! Yes Bryan sure redeemed himself with that ice cream! Wish I knew about the address thing before I went! Hey, I should get a do over right, I should go back!

Wow, great update!! I love your shirts!
How disappointing not to get too much character interaction when you made such an early reservation. You would think at the top of the day the CM's in costume would be especially friendly and upbeat and add the little extras when they see a child made a special effort to make them something!

Good plan to get the fastpass!! Man you really packed a lot in to a morning before lunch!! You guys rock!!
I love your ride picture! You could tell everyone had a great time!!
Thanks for the update!

Thanks Sunnie! We did get a lot done and we loved that early ressie too!

 

[casnider]

After Planet Watch it was time for lunch! Can I say the CS options for kids in this park STINK! What is up with a restaurant called PIZZAFARI not having pizza for kids! So where did we end up.............YUP Mc Donalds!

After lunch we used our safari fastpasses (I didn't take pics.) and then we FP Everest again. It was getting HOT at this point and the park was getting crowded! I swear the Californis Highway patrol and the New York City road dept. should have been consulted on how to manage traffic at this park because the layout STINKS it gets way to congested even at light attendance times of the year! Did I mention it was HOT! AK always feels 10 degrees hotter then any other park!

We were all losing steam fast! We rode dinosaur one more time and then headed for the exit!



I have to agree with you. This was the only park were we all just got dizzy, sick and woozy feeling. It is sooo congested and HOT. I like it and all but just not my favorite park.

 

[SunnieRN]

I have to agree with you. This was the only park were we all just got dizzy, sick and woozy feeling. It is sooo congested and HOT. I like it and all but just not my favorite park.[/QUOTE]

What a bummer. You would think they would have organized it with lots of shade and maybe misters in a lot of places! Hmm they needed better designers it sounds like!

 

[dddisrunner]

After Planet Watch it was time for lunch! Can I say the CS options for kids in this park STINK! What is up with a restaurant called PIZZAFARI not having pizza for kids! So where did we end up.............YUP Mc Donalds!

After lunch we used our safari fastpasses (I didn't take pics.) and then we FP Everest again. It was getting HOT at this point and the park was getting crowded! I swear the Californis Highway patrol and the New York City road dept. should have been consulted on how to manage traffic at this park because the layout STINKS it gets way to congested even at light attendance times of the year! Did I mention it was HOT! AK always feels 10 degrees hotter then any other park!

We were all losing steam fast! We rode dinosaur one more time and then headed for the exit!



I have to agree with you. This was the only park were we all just got dizzy, sick and woozy feeling. It is sooo congested and HOT. I like it and all but just not my favorite park.

I don't know really what they can do to make it better but they should try!

I have to agree with you. This was the only park were we all just got dizzy, sick and woozy feeling. It is sooo congested and HOT. I like it and all but just not my favorite park.

What a bummer. You would think they would have organized it with lots of shade and maybe misters in a lot of places! Hmm they needed better designers it sounds like![/QUOTE]