"OUR BIG, FAT DISNEY VACATION!" Ch.26 NEW! 2/11 pg. 121 "And they lived happily ever&

[S.Poppins]

If I had known that posting some bad blonde jokes would result in an installment, I would have told them a week ago! Great installment - I hate that it is almost over. We really need to get Disunc moving on his report! I have always laughed about the "no pizza at Pizzafari for the kids" thing. With the way they separate credits now, you can no longer get kids a slice of pizza on the DDP. So while the rest of your family enjoys a hot, gooey, yummy slice of pizza - your child can eat a delicious pb & j sandwich.

 

[dwheatl]

NEVER do the poncho on kali! You'll look like a dork and you wont be able to see and it wont really help...plus you'll be just 2 notches away from being an old lady with her dew- bonnet and indoor sweater. It's up to you.

Dew-bonnets! I was just trying to explain those to my kids. Grandma used to tie those on my head on a sprinkly day, and I would pray and beg the Baby Jesus that none of my friends would see me.

Today, Animal Kingdom was scheduled to close at 5PM , so we had just enough time to catch the Kilimanjaro Safari. I love the wiggly ears on the real live hippos. Aren't they just precious? They look so cuddly and sweet, if only our jeep would get just a teeny bit closer...

Cliff Claven fact: On the Nile River, more humans are killed by hippos than crocodiles

 

[lexmelinda]

Yes, I think there is! Didn't know there was a THIRD wonderful part to this day! I got to bed early even for EST.

Now I noticed immediately what's wrong with this sign. It's similar to the sign at CHH where your kids get to watch you eat french fries and chicken tenders while they feast on grapes and cold chicken. What are ya thinkin, Mickey? Cheater's (My) Solution: Seat the kiddies in the restaurant and get in line and order all adult meals.

Maybe we stunk?

So you got some good footage of Illuminations with great sound and no heads in the way. Bonus! Get Utahdaddy to post it!

It was dark on the bus, and even though we still had one full day left (my 39th birthday!) a couple stupid tears started up and I hugged the sleeping little girl closer.

All I asked for for my 40th birthday was a trip to WDW (three years in advance, mind you) and what I got was a surprise party at my SIL's house. Hold out so you can be there next year on your birthday!

 

[swankybeth]

I'm all caught up and loving your report.

 

[UtahMama]

Dew-bonnets! I was just trying to explain those to my kids. Grandma used to tie those on my head on a sprinkly day, and I would pray and beg the Baby Jesus that none of my friends would see me.



Cliff Claven fact: On the Nile River, more humans are killed by hippos than crocodiles

Oh, My, Heck! I laughed out loud loudly at your comments!
I used to "do" hair (before Norah) and way back when I was in Cosmetology School, all the old ladies used to come and have their hair done by the students (becasue it was only $3.00). And if it was a sprinkly or misty day they all had their filmy plastic accordian-folded "Dew Bonnets" to protect their "Do's"! No offense to the ubber-prepared elderly!

I LOVE your Baby Jesus reference! I can just see you yanking it off of your head the second you were out of G'ma's sight! At least she didn't make you wear Wonder Bread bags on your feet fastened with large rubber bands to keep your feet dry! The "mean girls" would have eaten you for lunch!

 

[UtahMama]

I'm all caught up and loving your report.

Thank You!

 

[Debbie]

Thanks for the installment with humour (and the Canadian/British inclusive spelling!) WISH I had been there with you!

 

[PrincessV]

Remember on the sitcom Cheers, the character Cliff Clavin? He was the self-proclaimed fore-most authority on everything. His posturing and convoluted explanations were always laughable. He was Mr. Useless information if ever there was one. And on our final Animal Kingdom day of September 12, he was manning the mic. I had never read on the DIS boards about a co-pilot on a resort bus, but there he was! We had our run of the mill bus driver and Cliff stood on the right braced against a pole holding on with one hand and holding his mic in the other. Too close to his mouth speaking in a monotone Cliff Clavin voice, with a “spitty” sounding twist. He was off putting. This was one long trip from POR to AK. He spouted off facts and trivia about each of the resorts we passed and the fire station and the weather and the insects. It was excruciating.

Wait... was Cliff an actual WDW employee, or an impersonator?! Is this somehting new they're trying. Ugh.

Here's our happy (dork-to-the max) matching outfits of the day! We wore them specifically to make you quinge. You know you did when you looked into the face of my 17 year old who had the choice of either wearing the shirt or losing his cell phone (thus the texting ability to his GF back in Utah). Look at the JOY and family harmony!!!!

This is just classic! I especially love Norah hiding her face in shame

At the monkey tree, two monkeys were, how shall I say this delicately? Playing Doctor! Proctology specifically!!! They drew a crowd and even paused to look at the people gapping in horror/delight but resumed their monkey games.

Reminds me of a chimpanzee incident a few years back at AK. A huge crowd was gathered to watch... chimps eating er... chimp poo.

 

[PrincessV]

This picture has nothing to do with anything. Can you see what is so subtlety WRONG with this picture? With, say...the Children's menu portion?

YES! They seriously don't serve PIZZA at the PIZZAfari???!!!

Poor, poor baby Norah - I'm hurting for her all over again!

Did I mention my feet hurt? I didn't, but I should have MANY times. This is the only CROC-less day (I flip flopped this day) and my feet ACHED.

I'm with you. I skipped the Crocs one day and my feet were killing me! Never again.

I'm refusing to accept the impending end of your trip and this TR. SO there.

 

[Disneyfreak92]

Well, UM, another great installment! I am sad that we are nearing the end of your TR. Maybe you should make it a really loooooooooooong installment.

 

[Beana9802]

You're back! Excellent installment. I love that you all were dressed similar...Your DS17 should love that shirt..it's cool....trust me.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh my gosh! How the heck are you Java-girl! CROCS are like cushions! The other times we've gone to any Disney park I wear Nikes that normally feel fine. But after miles of walking, the CROCS are heaven! To think, I used to make fun of CROCS! Now I love them and could care less how ugly others may think they are.

HeHe - I'm one of those that still makes fun of CROCS - I mean they really are ugly - but I'm starting to think I'm going to have to try them just to see what all of the fuss is about!

Thanks for the new installments - I was so happy to log on and see that I was about to be graced with your wonderful wit again!! Great trippie UM!!

I've also always found it odd that kids could not get pizza at Pizzafari! I mean anyone w/ small kids knows that all they eat is pizza, chicken fingers and mac & cheese!

 

[UtahMama]

HeHe - I'm one of those that still makes fun of CROCS - I mean they really are ugly - but I'm starting to think I'm going to have to try them just to see what all of the fuss is about!

Thanks for the new installments - I was so happy to log on and see that I was about to be graced with your wonderful wit again!! Great trippie UM!!

I've also always found it odd that kids could not get pizza at Pizzafari! I mean anyone w/ small kids knows that all they eat is pizza, chicken fingers and mac & cheese!

Yup, if you even TRY THEM ON your feet will be jumping for joy, and you'll be hooked. That's what I thought too.

We skipped that for Flame Tree (yuck) becasue I didnt want a scene! I could just see my kids stuck with PBJ watching us eat pizza! I would have to give up my pizza and eat their PBJ and feel all pissy. I think the answers are on the Dining boards.

Thank you for the eye-candy in your siggie

 

[mlill]

Yup, if you even TRY THEM ON your feet will be jumping for joy, and you'll be hooked. That's what I thought too.

I have to admit - I was a non-believer, too! I never understood what all the hype was about. I mean, come on! They're rubber shoes! But, after getting blisters from h*ll on our October trip, I decided to give them a try. It was the perfect time to do so since the Disney Crocs were just coming out. I ordered a pair online and they came two days before our Christmas trip. They are awesome!!! No blisters this time and we walked miles and miles for 2 weeks! Crocs are IT!

-Michelle

 

[Kay7979]

I just love controversy. Love it, LOVE IT! I love to pet my cat backwards. I go to movies the critics hate. I book my Advanced Disney Dining Reservations specifically based on the DIS boards reviews. If you went somewhere that gave you salmonilla, a long wait, or a pissy CM to serve you, THAT’s where I booked…hehehehehe…ICMU! I have REALLY good luck doing Disney and everyone around me is usually so nice and friendly and sweet-smelling (that one is a lie). If you hated it, I’ll love it.

I haven't read your trip report straight through. I think I missed some segments here and there, so I have a good excuse to go back through and re-enjoy your report. The part I quoted above is one of my favorites. If there was a TR hall of fame for funny segments, I would vote this in. It sticks in my mind even though I read it weeks ago, because it so perfectly captures you as a person and sets the stage for the perspective the reader can expect as you share your report. Thanks for taking your time and writing such an enjoyable report.

Which brings me to: I was thinking a while ago about how people's unique writing styles and outlooks on life make for such very different trip reports. Despite writing about exactly the same things: the rides, resorts, restaurants, and general experiences, no two trip reports are alike. In fact, if you, LaLa, Zzub, Mel HappyHaunt, and any number of other TR writers spent an identical day and later wrote a report, it would be fascinating to hear how different each "story" would be.

I'm not sure if it would be allowable on a board dedicated to writing factual reports, but I think it would be great fun to have a "trip report contest" wherein the writers were given a specific set of places and events to incorporate into their report, and could then write it as they saw fit, using those elements. Readers could vote on their favorite in poll format. I'm afraid the competition might make hard feelings, otherwise I would LOVE to see this done. In fact, I'm not sure I would be able to pick a favorite. I just think it would be so much fun to see how each report turned out using the same elements in each story. So, someday if a bunch of you guys have finished your trip reports and miss writing, maybe you can give this idea a try. I bet a lot of people here would enjoy it as much as I would.

 

[daisy_77]

Great update to your TR, UM!

I am sorry about the germ infested paintbrush...EWWW! Thanks for the headsup!

I love your matching Disney outfits! They look purty! I am thinking of some ideas for matching outfits for us! I am not sure DH will go for it, though!

I am REALLY looking forward to your next installment!

 

[pigget74]

Another great installment. Thanks to you we skipped the paint your onw cookie at Concourse. Sorry you has such a bad experience at FT in AK. We always eat here and have never had bad service. Granted we usually get the ribs. Funny--we have teh smae outfits. Was going to use them on our cruise in March, but had to cancel cruise due to having to purchase a new car I cried when I canceled it. Great pictures.

 

[DisneyObsession]

I was htrilled to get here and see a new installment! YAY!!!

The painted cookie looks harmless enough, but I guess when you look closer you realize the paintbrush is far from new! However, I would think they would be sanitized as they were washed, killing ALL germs! Guess not!

I think you are very brave to wear a dress in the parks! I would have asked DH for a shirt like the guys! (I am a capri's and shirt kinda gal!)

Anyway, can't wait to hear more. Soon?!?

 

[KangaFan]

I think once I read on some dining review that you could just order your kids a regular adult slice. I dont know for a fact, though.

Kanga! How are you!!!? It's good to "see" you!!!

Thanks, wasn't my best picture, but it was handy and I was anxious to get going on my report. BTW, I just LOVE the expression on DS face for the group picture--quintessential teenager!

Can't wait for the next UT installment . . .

 

[TwinkieMama]

It was nearing time for the Jammin Jungle Parade, so we parked our buttocks across from Tusker House (shoulda gone THERE!) on a tree sized planter next to a lovely pair of cynical lesbians. They were a TREAT to listen to during our wait.I called TwinkieMama (remember Twink?) to look like I wasn't eavesdropping. They were tres catty (ME-ow!) commenting on every single woman who walked by. It SO entertained me, untill I chuckled! OH NO! What should I do? They were kind of bigger than me...so being a quick thinker, I joined them! I appologized about being nosey and said they were totally right about the extra large tube top lady and her daisy-dukes...(I have a picture if your interested).

Just as I was about to post your picture on a milk carton idea: now I can save that spot for DISUNC pic!) you come up with this Grand Slam of a triple trip installment!!!!

1. You ROCK! Excellent job.
2. I love love love the first family picture with Norah hiding her head! Oh the inhumanity!
3. I double dog dare you to take it up a notch on your next trip: SEW matchy-matchy homemade outfits!!!! I have a great Hawaiian shirt pattern (men and boys sizes) that I won't be using being as I can not sew.
4. I do remember the Phone Call! My girls were following me around and giggle-screaming as only small girl children can.... I was so happy to hear from you (if by happy I mean insanely jealous )

Thanks so much for the update! I know it is hard to write about leaving but please don't leave us hanging here like so many tube tops......