Our Short but Sweet, Sizzling HOT Summer Trip to the World! Updated 12/3...Finally!!!

[eandesmom]

I was so happy to finally get a good elephant shot!! Trust me, it took many blurry pictures to get that one great one. Besides the elephant, I really wanted one of the lion!! I think it was your TR that I saw the great lion picture? Hopefully, next time I'll get it.

Is there a water play area? We have always missed it when we were there. I was just saying how great it would be to have one because I think it's the one park that needs it the most. Especially since I think they have them in all of the other parks?

Yep! I had the lion pic Well Evan took the Lion pic, I get no credit.

It's so wierd. I KNOW there is a water area, I have pictures to prove it. these are from the scrapbook of that trip.

Where it is, I've not a clue other than there was a shaded bar nearby. Which I think was Dawa. All the adults stood in the shade with beers and the kids got soaked. I recall everyone being excited about the beers, we didn't realize that AK wasn't a dry park until that moment and we were all quite warm. Happiness all around.

Then we took the second picture. The kids were wet from the pulley things in the first one that dumped on them, not Kali. Clearly we are in Africa. I believe this is across from Dawa or part of Dawa?. I've looked and looked online and there is no mention of this existing at all! I remember it as being in plain sight! It had to have been. All of the kids were between 3 and 7, we would not have let any of them out of our sight!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Love the Halloween costumes and pumpkins! Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my chin, but are those peanut butter cups plunked into the middle of those cookies?! Peanut butter cups rank high in my list of great inventions.

I tried taking trick or treating pics but I more or less ended up with several pictures of Ariana's butt as she was awaiting treats to be dropped into her bag and Demetri always stood in front of her so he was blocked. I ended up taking pictures of cool displays and pumpkins and such.

Oy, I'll be looking for that water area next time! Dunking the water like that looks heavenly on a hot day.

 

[Angies1274]

It's so wierd. I KNOW there is a water area, I have pictures to prove it. these are from the scrapbook of that trip.

Where it is, I've not a clue other than there was a shaded bar nearby. Which I think was Dawa. All the adults stood in the shade with beers and the kids got soaked. I recall everyone being excited about the beers, we didn't realize that AK wasn't a dry park until that moment and we were all quite warm. Happiness all around.

Then we took the second picture. The kids were wet from the pulley things in the first one that dumped on them, not Kali. Clearly we are in Africa. I believe this is across from Dawa or part of Dawa?. I've looked and looked online and there is no mention of this existing at all! I remember it as being in plain sight! It had to have been. All of the kids were between 3 and 7, we would not have let any of them out of our sight!

Thanks for posting the pics!!! (oh my, your kids are so little and so darn cute!!!)
But....yeah that definitely looks like a water play area and it's definitely in AK. Hmm....I will have to be on the look out for it next time we go!! LOL on the "Happiness all around" It seems like a perfect spot to put a play area to me--the kids were having fun and so were the adults.

Love the Halloween costumes and pumpkins! Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my chin, but are those peanut butter cups plunked into the middle of those cookies?! Peanut butter cups rank high in my list of great inventions.

I tried taking trick or treating pics but I more or less ended up with several pictures of Ariana's butt as she was awaiting treats to be dropped into her bag and Demetri always stood in front of her so he was blocked. I ended up taking pictures of cool displays and pumpkins and such.

Oy, I'll be looking for that water area next time! Dunking the water like that looks heavenly on a hot day.

Thanks!! Oh..I know..peanut butter cups make everything better!! I saw the cookies in a magazine but they used those chocolate covered caramels instead, huh?? I though the PB cups would be much yummier!!

Too funny about your trick or treating pics!! I only got a few of the boys actually trick or treating. Noah was pretty excited and practically running to the next house. I could barely keep up, much less get any pictures. Great idea on taking pictures of the cool pumpkins and displays!! Hmm....why didn't I think of that? Especially since we saw some really great decorations....

 

[Angies1274]

Thursday, August 27th


When I had left off, we had just finished riding Killimanjaro Safari's. It was a great ride like usual and I was extremely pleased that we were finally able to see the elephants!!--and I've been secretly using the fact that my father got alot of blurry pictures and even a few of the back of Lee's head...... to try and entice him to come back with us. Come on, Dad!! You know you want to get better pictures on the safari ride!!! Can't hurt to try, right?

Anyways, Lee couldn't take any longer!! Mr. Thrill Ride himself...sat through the Nemo ride at Epcot and ITASW at MK. He liked them well enough...but he was finally ready for some excitement. A rollercoaster!! His very favorite!! Now, he enjoyed BTMRR..but it didn't go high enough, or fast enough, backwards or upside down. He told me he could live without the upside down..but he needed some speed!! We had gotten 4 fastpasses earlier, hoping that the boys would agree to go. DH and Dad opted out once they saw how high we had to climb. The heat was really getting to my Mom, she also decided to sit it out, hoping to relax a little bit in the shade with a snack. The boys thought that sounded good as well and again opted out. So, it was just Lee and myself who were going to be brave enough to face the Yeti! But....if you remember from Dinosaur, I wasn't all that brave, excited...maybe....scared...definitely!!

The plan was for us to head over to Asia, ride EE twice and then after their rest/snack in the shade, meet up. They were going to either take the train up to Rafiki's or they were going to walk around the trails. So, off we went in search of some excitement!!!! Can I just say how far away Africa and Asia are!! Oh my....maybe it just seemed like it because it was so darn hot that day, but boy it seemed to take forever to get over to EE. When we finally made it, after stopping a couple time to try and get cooled off by the giant misting fans, we proceeded to get in the fastpass line. We ended up behind a father who was waiting with his two sons. It was questionable whether one of the boys were tall enough and he was brought over to be measured. Poor kid, he was just a tiny bit too short. There seemed to be a collective Awww....from behind us, as a few people encouraged the CM to let him through since he was so close. But, he didn't and they sadly left the line.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I left my camera with DH hoping he would take some of the animals on the trail or Rafiki. Finally it was time to get on EE and
we went....up...up...up and then Dooooowwwwwn, around in the dark, and then STOP! Okay, seeing the track like that did freak me a little bit. I'm glad I wasn't sitting in the very front!! Then we went.....backwards...and STOP..Yeti...forward again. It was a great ride....an excellent ride even!!I didn't think after all the fun that we had on Dinosaur that anything could top it but I have to say EE did! I just loved it!! I only wish the boys would have rode it, because I know they would have as well. We used our second set of fastpasses to ride again and then called everyone else to meet up. We had to have been gone for about an hour at this point and you wouldn't believe it, but they were in the same place we had left them. Apparently, the place they picked for a rest ended up being Harambe School and they were too polite to get up and leave. So, they ended up missing Rafiki and the Trails...so no pictures which means I could have brought the camera with me. Oh well, from what I hear my mother and the boys really enjoyed it and learned alot too!!

At this point it was around 1:30pm. It was hot...we were sticky, sweaty and tired. The majority wanted to head back to POP, but I just didn't want to leave yet. I felt so bad that they had missed out on so much in AK. It seemed like they had spent most of the day waiting for us. I couldn't go...not yet....So, I suggested we head over to watch Finding Nemo the Musical. It's one of the boys favorite shows and I figured air-conditioning + sitting down and watching a great show= They agreed and we were off.

After winding down the hill a few hundred times....we made it inside!!

Not the best picture...I think I was trying to get Nemo swimming around in the bubbles.

Hi Noah!!

Hi Nick!

I was hoping that they would see the magic in AK as they had in Epcot and MK. Last year, on our first trip we ended up visiting AK on our last day as well, and I don't know if DH and Nick were tired or just sad to be leaving but they were sooooo GROUCHY that day! It seemed like I was constantly trying to get them to smile or say they were at least having a good time. The last thing we did that day was to watch Finding Nemo, and honestly as silly as it sounds...it saved the day!! Both the boys LOVED it and DH thought it was very cool!! We actually came home and bought the soundtrack and for months after the trip, you would find us singing along in the car to "Go with the FLOOOOOOWWWW!!" or some other favorite song from the show. I know that Nemo has mixed reviews...some like it and some not so much but...our family just loves it! I think it's because it was the very first show that the boys had ever seen like that and watching it through their eyes made so much more magical.

So would it work on my parent's as well? You'll see.

Up Next--Now, it's time to say goodbye........

 

[eandesmom]

YAY! For Nemo!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's wonderful when something like that can turn it around. We had a similar thing at DHS...FP's were all gone, wait times were crazy, it was hot..

Cue AI and Beauty and the Beast! Not at all how we'd planned to spend the day but it worked out great.

I really want to see Nemo on the next trip.

 

[Angies1274]

YAY! For Nemo!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's wonderful when something like that can turn it around. We had a similar thing at DHS...FP's were all gone, wait times were crazy, it was hot..

Cue AI and Beauty and the Beast! Not at all how we'd planned to spend the day but it worked out great.

I really want to see Nemo on the next trip.

You should definitely see Nemo!! It's such a fun show!! I'm really glad that we stayed and made the effort to see it because it really did turn the day around for the better.

Glad to hear that AI and Beauty and the Beast did the same for you!!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

You've conquered EE! Isn't it fabulous? We've ridden in the front row and its crazy how close you get to the broken track!

You know how much we love Nemo! Well, minus the missing children part anyway! Good call on seeing it before leaving...

 

[dismagiclover]

for Everest and Nemo, but for your upcoming good bye. I hope the Nemo magic worked on your parents

 

[ellajeansmom]

Oy, the heat sounds awful So glad you had a good showing of animals on the safari ride

for braving EE - must be sibling pressure, doing Dinosaur and EE in the same day!!

Nemo is a wonderful show and a great place to cool off and recharge

Sorry your trip is coming to an end...you cetainly were able to do a lot in four days even with the heat and trying to take it slow!

 

[wdwgirl03]

haha, I remember when we saw the Nemo show and all the kids would freak out when they saw Nemo in the bubbles.

Glad you liked Everest! That is one of the best rides.

 

[Angies1274]

You've conquered EE! Isn't it fabulous? We've ridden in the front row and its crazy how close you get to the broken track!

You know how much we love Nemo! Well, minus the missing children part anyway! Good call on seeing it before leaving...

I know....I'm so proud of myself for conquering EE!! It was soooo much fun!! AHHH!!! You've rode in the front? Just seeing the broken track made me nervous and we were half-way back.

Nemo is a great show!! But...yes I do remember your scare. It does get really crazy trying to leave the show....people are everywhere!!

for Everest and Nemo, but for your upcoming good bye. I hope the Nemo magic worked on your parents

So sad that it's almost time to say good bye! I can't believe it's already been over 2 months since we've been back.

I'm so happy that I finally got to ride EE!! It really is a great ride!!

Oy, the heat sounds awful So glad you had a good showing of animals on the safari ride

for braving EE - must be sibling pressure, doing Dinosaur and EE in the same day!!

Nemo is a wonderful show and a great place to cool off and recharge

Sorry your trip is coming to an end...you cetainly were able to do a lot in four days even with the heat and trying to take it slow!

It was soooo hot that day!! We were really trying to make the best of it, but even the misting fan offered little relief. Nemo was just what we needed!!!

I was very surprised to see so many animals! I've read to go first thing in the morning, but we didn't go until around noon and still saw quite a few.

Dinosaur and EE, all in the same day.....yes it was definitely sibling pressure and the "I can do anything you can do" rivalry that we seem to have.
I'm happy that we were able to get so much done, in such a small amount of time!!! Very sad that it's coming to end....it's almost like saying goodbye all over again.

haha, I remember when we saw the Nemo show and all the kids would freak out when they saw Nemo in the bubbles.

Glad you liked Everest! That is one of the best rides.

That's so funny!! The boys LOVE watching for Nemo in the bubbles!! It's great that they do that because it really helps keep the kids entertained before the show starts!

 

[Angies1274]

Well.....I was planning to get this TR finished today. I know I have been dragging my feet long enough. But, of course after I had spent an hour typing up my update, all of sudden....poof it was gone. Huh?? Not sure what happened? But, unfortunately I really need to get some homework done so I don't have time to type it up again today. UGH!! It must have been something with my computer because for some reason facebook was acting up right after too. Oh well...hopefully I can get the update posted soon!!

Have a great day everyone!!! (hope it's better than mine has been)

 

[mickeystoontown]

Look at you Mrs. I'm A Thrill Ride Junkie Now! Expedition Everest is one of the best rides at Disney in my opinion.

I'm glad that everybody enjoyed their day at the Animal Kingdom and you were able to see Nemo since it's one of your family's favorites.

I'm still sad that this is your last day.

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks for posting the pics!!! (oh my, your kids are so little and so darn cute!!!)
But....yeah that definitely looks like a water play area and it's definitely in AK. Hmm....I will have to be on the look out for it next time we go!! LOL on the "Happiness all around" It seems like a perfect spot to put a play area to me--the kids were having fun and so were the adults.

Well they aren't that little anymore as you can see on my PTR. lol! Everyone agree's its Dawa but no one can confirm if the water area is still there. This is from '04, I didn't see anything on this last trip (but didn't look either). I really hope it is since we will be there in Aug (or July but definitely in the HEAT!)

 

[Angies1274]

Look at you Mrs. I'm A Thrill Ride Junkie Now! Expedition Everest is one of the best rides at Disney in my opinion.

I'm glad that everybody enjoyed their day at the Animal Kingdom and you were able to see Nemo since it's one of your family's favorites.

I'm still sad that this is your last day.

Hi Lisa,
I know....I can't believe I rode those rides!! But I'm so glad that I got over my fear because they were so worth it!! EE ended up being my most favorite ride of the trip. I only wish the boys would have rode it as well.

Well they aren't that little anymore as you can see on my PTR. lol! Everyone agree's its Dawa but no one can confirm if the water area is still there. This is from '04, I didn't see anything on this last trip (but didn't look either). I really hope it is since we will be there in Aug (or July but definitely in the HEAT!)

Awww....not little anymore. They grow so fast don't they? But, it's so nice to have those memories to look back on.

Hmm....I hope the water area is still there. We have been tossing around the idea of going back in late June/July next year instead of April. The boys really want to go to a water park next visit and we know that April can sometimes be chilly. So, I agree in that heat...any water area would be wonderful!!!!!!



________________________________________________________________


Sorry, no new updates lately. I'm really hoping to get this TR finished up this week. It's been crazy busy here and I know with the holidays it's going to be worse. Hopefully, I can get caught up on all the PTR/TR's I've been following also because I'm soooooo behind. Hope you continue to stick with me--I promise a new update should be coming very soon!!!!

 

[Angies1274]

Well, I'm going to try this again. I'm hoping it doesn't magically disappear like last time and I can get this TR finished up. For only having 4 days to report on, I think I've dragged it on long enough. But...for those of you who have wrote a TR, doesn't it feel like we are saying good-bye all over again? Alright, let's get on with it......shall we?


Thursday, August 27th

When I left off, I had just conquered another fear of mine.....I rode EE for the very first time!!!--and if you remember from a previous update..I tend to be a chicken when it comes to these types of rides. So, I must say I was very proud of myself. It ended up being one of my favorite rides at Disney. The only thing that would have made it more perfect was if the boys had rode. Hopefully next time I can convince them.

So far in AK, we had arrived later after a Boma breakfast, grabbed fastpasses for Dinosaur (loved it!!!), Killimanjaro Safari's (great as usual), and EE (FUN FUN FUN!!). We got dizzy on Primeval Whirl, toured Dinoland, rode Dinosaur, rode Killimanjaro Safari's, checked out Africa, and rode EE!! There was still so much more we wanted to do in AK....but it was just so hot, everyone was losing steam FAST and wanted to head back to the resort. But...wait we couldn't leave without seeing some kind of show. The boys love Finding Nemo the musical so off we went to hear a little "Go with the Floooooooowwww!" from Crush and enjoy a little air-conditioning and relaxation. So....what do you think? Did my parent's and Lee enjoy it? They did!! I'm so glad too. I think it ended up being a great way to spend our last few moments in AK.

After Nemo, we sadly made our way out stopping to admire some shirts in the gift shop and then we were on our way back to Pop Century for the very last time. As you have probably noticed so far, I took very little pictures during this time.I guess I was just too sad to be leaving and wasn't in the mood. Anyways, when we got back to Pop we decided to grab something quick to eat and finish up our shopping. This was the plan anyway as simple as it sounds...but...two little boys were having a very hard time deciding what to spend their money on. So, while DH went to help them I grabbed a couple quick things for myself. (the procrastinator that I am, always looks and looks, then waits until the last minute to buy.) Here are a few things I picked up---

When I went over to find the guys, I was hoping that they would be finishing up as well. We still needed to grab something to eat and it was getting late. Noah had finished and was over with Lee in the food court. But, Nick was still trying to decide. He had very little money left since he had bought most of his souvenirs at the beginning of the trip. But you know kids they want to spend every last cent. I can laugh about it now, but then I admit I was getting a little stressed combined with already being sad and grumpy that we were leaving. I just wanted him to decide already!! He wanted to get a pin for his croc but.....he also wanted candy. Not any candy though, the messy, fill the tube powder candy that I really don't like!! (Basically, a fancy pixie stick!) But, we are at Disney and I usually let them decide so I kept quiet and just encouraged him to please make a choice. Time was ticking away and I needed to go through the bags to make sure everything was organized for the flight. He couldn't decide because as he said he really wanted them both, in other words he wanted me to buy one for him. We had made an agreement before we left since it was our second trip this year, it was a budget trip. They had so much money to spend and once it was gone--it was gone. He's usually not the demanding type of kid--usually so easy going but the heat and having to leave was obviously affecting him as well. In the end, I did give in and buy the candy for him and his brother (had to make it fair) We were already sad enough, and I didn't want to leave Disney that way...arguing and being grouchy with each other too.

It took so long to decide that I barely had enough time to grab a quick cookie to eat, while I was busy reorganizing the bags before the Magical Express bus pulled up. Before we knew it DME had arrived, we boarded the bus,watched the Disney video, held back a tear as we got off the bus for the last time this year. Desperately hoping that we would find a way to come back again soon!

If you read my last TR you may remember our whole incident with Noah's missing boarding pass. I don't know what it is with Noah and the Orlando Airport but this time it wasn't a boarding pass but an incident that occurred while we were making our way to security. Now, we always fly out of very small airports so they don't have the conveyor belt walkway? (what's it called?) Anyway, the boys thought it would be fun instead of walking so on we went for a ride. We were all chatting and not really paying attention....okay big mistake. Do you remember the escalator incident? Well, everyone else got off and apparently the boys were busy talking away....when oops....the conveyor belt stops and Noah slips right off onto the floor. Aww...poor kid, he wasn't hurt, more embarrassed than anything. He picked himself up, brushed himself off and away we went toward security. Another lesson learned.....always watch Noah around escalators and now conveyor belts?

We made it over to our gate and I finally took out the camera again. Can you believe it? A few while we were waiting.....

It wasn't long before our flight was announced and we were saying our final goodbye to Orlando. We were on our way home........

I hope you've enjoyed coming along for the ride. It was wonderful reliving the trip again!! Hopefully, I will have my final thoughts about the trip up in a few days. Thanks for reading!!!


The End


Up Next-- Final Thoughts......

 

[wdwgirl03]

Nooo, I hate the endings! I agree with what you said about feeling like you're saying good-bye all over again. This is going to make me sound like such a dork but as I was typing mine I started to get a little misty-eyed just thinking about it. That's how much I hate leaving.

Anyways, I enjoyed reading your report. Sounds like you had a good time. When will the next one start?

Oh yeah, love your souvenirs too.

 

[mickeystoontown]

It sounds like your hot day at the Animal Kingdom ended on a good note. I know that you all love the Nemo Show.

I really liked the souvenirs that you bought. John has to buy one of those coffee cups every time he goes. He says they keep his coffee hot...just like he likes it.

So, now that the trip report is over, do you have any idea when you may be heading back?

 

[dismagiclover]

Always a sad day when vacations and trip reports end. I totally understand that feeling of your trip ending all over again. Hopefully you'll have another trip to plan soon.

I love those mugs. Too cute

 

[eandesmom]

I'm SOOOOOOOOOO sad it's over!

CUTE souvies you got for yourself. I can't stand those darn pixie stix things either, BLEH!

You really had a lovely last day. I can completely relate to the stress of needing to go and kids not being able to make up their minds on how to spend their money!

Looking forward to your final thoughts.