POP and MNSSHP Oct 08 + BONUS Weekend at WL in Dec -*2/20 Update - The End!*

[cdotla]

Great start! Looking forward to more!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

We loved it!!!!!! Infact, we miss it a bit The rooms were bigger then SSR and only $80/night, no tax. They charge based on your rank. My husband might be re-joining the Navy soon...it'd be fun to stay there once in awhile when we aren't using our DVC.

That sounds great! I hope you will be able to stay there again soon!

Happy Halloween! Keep safe & have fun!

Thanks Julia! I hope you had a great Halloween also!

Great start! Looking forward to more!

Thank you! Update coming up in a moment.....

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Once again - I apologize for the lack of pictures. I think my camera and pictures are gone for good and my mom only had four pictures from this morning. There will be more pictures in future posts! ​

I woke up this morning at 6 am without an alarm – I think the excitement of the coming day was setting in! I stayed in bed for a while so I my mom and Sam could sleep some more. Finally at 6:45 I couldn’t take it anymore and got in the shower. I figured a little noise to slowly wake the sleepy heads wouldn’t be so bad.

Sam and I had breakfast in the room with things I had brought from home. I find it is just easier for us this way on most mornings – Sam can eat when she wakes up and I can continue to get ready. My mom went to the food court to get her breakfast. She had a Mickey waffle which was good but she said it was crazy busy in there.

Here is Sam ready to go with Pal Mickey dressed in his safari gear:

And Sam outside by the bus stop in front of the wall that matched her shirt

I wanted to try and make rope drop this morning. I had originally planned on driving my car to AK but since we were so close to the main building and bus stop and my car was parked so far away, we decided to just take the bus. We left our room at 8:30 am and went straight to the bus stop – the line was HUGE! I was regretting my decision to not drive but thankfully many busses came quickly. We had to wait for 4-5 busses before we got on – but they really did come fast – one right after the other and even two at a time once.

We had a very funny and talkative bus driver – Patricia. She right away turned of the pre-recorded spiel and started doing her own spiel. She was trying to get us all pumped for our morning but I think half the people on the bus were still asleep! She was very funny and entertaining – a fun way to start our morning!

When we got to Animal Kingdom, my mom had to exchange her ticket voucher for the real ticket so Sam and I got our first photopass pictures done while we waited. The photographer was great – she took a lot of pictures and some funny poses. For some reason, they weren’t all on our card when we uploaded them though – not sure why that happens.

We didn’t make rope drop but we were still there early – I think we got in the park around 9:15. We decided to split up until lunch. Sam and I wanted to ride Everest and the safari and my mom didn’t really want to do either of those. She wanted to see Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo Musical and Flights of Wonder. I haven’t seen FOTLK or Nemo yet but knew we needed to get to Everest first thing. Sam and I had already seen Flights of Wonder and though we enjoyed it we knew we wouldn’t have time to see everything today. Our plan was to only spend ½ day in Animal Kingdom so we could go back to the resort and rest for a bit before the party that night.

So – my mom went first to FOTLK and walked right in. Next were Flights of Wonder and then Nemo. She said her timing was perfect for all three – she didn’t have to wait in line for any of the shows and pretty much was able to walk in. She enjoyed them all but FOTLK was her favorite. I really need to see that show – hopefully in December!

Sam and I went over to Expedition Everest first. We got a FP and then went through the standby line which posted only a 10 minute wait – basically a walk on. It was a fun ride as usual though we didn’t have the fully working Yeti.

Next we walked over to Kilimanjaro Safaris. The wait was 30 minutes so we decided to get a fastpass for later. We had never done the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail so we decided to try that. That is one of the things I love about Disney – no matter how many times we’ve been there, we always find something to do that we have never tried before. We had fun walking through and looking at all the animals. I could watch those gorillas forever – they are so interesting!

I think it was at the end of this trail that Samantha discovered the Discovery Kids Club. A CM there walked her through a series of clues and they tried to guess what animal had been there. At the end, Samantha got a little card with a stamp on it and there were other spots to be stamped around the park. We never knew about this before and now Sam was on a mission to get all her stamps and get her prize. I knew we couldn’t get all the stamps that day but figured she could bring it back with her next time.

After the trail, it still wasn’t time for our safari so we decided to take the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch – another place we hadn’t been to before. We both really enjoyed this too but didn’t spend enough time there. We watched a presentation about a Red Back Hawk which was really neat – the hawk was beautiful! It was from South America and supposedly he is the only one in the US – pretty cool! After the presentation we found the spot for Sam to get her next stamp and did an activity there. We had a safari to catch before lunch so we got back on the train. I’m glad we finally made it to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and hope we can spend more time there on another trip.

We had a great safari ride next! Our guide was great and we were in the front seat so we had the opportunity to ask questions easily. We saw a lot of animals quite close. There were two giraffes (my favorite) very close to our vehicle. I got a nice picture of them that you could see if I wouldn’t have lost my camera. I had heard they were phasing out the “little red” spiel and we had a toned down version of the story.

After our safari we were scheduled to meet my mom at Pizzafari for lunch. Sam and I both love Pizzafari – in fact, it is Samantha’s favorite counter service restaurant in all of WDW. Sam wanted pizza (of course) and it used to not be on the kids menu but I was surprised to see one there. I saw someone with one and it was tiny and I knew it wouldn’t be enough for Sam. She is a picky eater and doesn’t always eat a lot so if I find something she likes I want a big portion of it for her! So, unfortunately I was unable to get my favorite chicken parmesan sandwich and instead got a kid’s spaghetti and meatballs meal so that Sam could get an adult serving of pizza. I did talk my mom in to the chicken parmesan sandwich though so I got a bite.

After lunch we all wanted to ride Kali River Rapids so we walked that way. The standby wait was 40 minutes and none of us wanted to wait. We could have gotten a fastpass but we wanted to leave the park soon. So, we decided to split up again and meet in about an hour to leave.

Sam and I were planning to use our Everest FP but she really wanted to get another stamp on her Discovery Kids card. So we went to Asia to do the activity there. Afterwards, she said her belly was too full for Everest so we just went shopping until it was time to meet my mom. Sam really got in to the pressed pennies this trip so she got a book to keep them all in. And we got some pins too – we really got into the pins this trip also! My mom had gone to get some ice-cream and then just sat and people watched until it was time to meet.

We took our time walking out of the park, stopping to take many pictures along the way – both photopass and our own.

My mom and Sam:

Me and Sam:

We took the bus back to Pop Century and were in our room by 2:00 – perfect! Mousekeeping had left Sam’s teddy bear on the bed holding the remote and the TV was on a cartoon station – she thought that was pretty funny!

We were planning to leave for dinner before MNSSHP around 4:00 so we had two hours to relax a bit. Of course Sam wanted to go swimming or to the game room but that wasn’t going to happen! My mom painted Sam’s nails for the party – a pretty purple color to match her costume and then she added white Mickey heads on a few of the nails. Before long, it was time to get ready for our favorite party!

Up next – Kona and MNSSHP!

 

[Eventer98]

Great update!! I didn't know about the Kids Program in AK either...good to know for the future Has your DD tried Toy Story Pizza Planet? That's one of our favorite Disney CS. We haven't tried Pizzafari yet though. Can't wait for more

 

[cdotla]

Great update Michelle!!!!

And I am so glad that you have some photos! Too bad the photopass ones didn't make it, but hopefully you have plenty more!

 

[vermontgirl]

As always, LOVE your TR's. So sorry about your camera! We have all been sick, so I haven't been on much! Feeling better now and I am all caught up on your TR! . Sam looks just like you!!!! I never noticed it before but then I saw the picture of you and her infront of the waterfall.... (she's just really blonde)

I've stayed at POP before, and always on the first floor never had a problem with noise, but we were on the back side of the 50's. I love POP too.

Keep writing, so I can keep reading!

Have a great day,
Jeanette

 

[Poohtigeey]

I was happy to see an update. I can't believe that you STILL haven't seen FOTLK or Nemo!! We're going to have to change that! My mom's fave is FOTLK too, but she really loved Nemo as well. You're making me crave those yummy chic parm sandwiches at Pizzafari! Can't wait til December! Woo Hoo!!!!!

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Michelle,
Loved the AK update! Well at least you went to RPW. It's hard to get alot done at any park in a half day isn't it? I missed Nemo and FOTLK too. The pics you do have are very cute of you and Samantha. I didn't know about the kids program either. That will be on our list for next time. Still battling the Disney depression here ready to go back.

 

[mom2mek]

Michelle, I love your report even with if it's photography-challenged! I was totally picturing those giraffes though! Cool! Sam is just so adorable and I love that she got into the Kids Club stuff this trip! How fun! I've never had the Chicken Parmesan sandwich at Pizzafari so I'm looking forward to that in a few weeks! Glad you guys made it to Rafiki's - we went in Jan of 2006 and just weren't that fond of it - I think it's one of those places where if you hit it at a good time, you see some interesting stuff, but if you don't... well.... it's just eh...

Sounds like you had a good 1/2 day so far. It's nice that your mom doesn't mind splitting up and being by herself for part of the day - I don't think my Mom would do that! Well, maybe....we've never really tried...there's usually someone with her whether it's my step-dad, me, or one of the kids! Poor lady!

Can't wait to hear about Kona and the party! I'm gonna try to update my report today as well! Can't let you get too far ahead of me!

Sara

 

[wdwgirl03]

I am also enjoying your TR...and still hoping that somehow your camera will show up. That must've been so cool seeing the giraffes up close. They're my favorite animals on the safari along with the elephants.

The Discovery Kids Club sounds like fun and I'm glad Sam enjoyed it! That is also funny about her teddy bear watching TV when you got back. hehe

 

[Tat2ddisneymom]

I'm caught up on your updates!

I can not believe you lost your camera! OMG, that sucks so bad! I hope you can find a way to get it back.

Your room smelled like feet? EWW! I hope that smell went away eventually. That's why I always take my electric oil burner from Bath and Body Works when I stay in a hotel.

I loved your update on AK. Sucks that there was such a long line for buses. I hate Disney's transportation system! At least you had a good experience on the bus!

Waiting patiently for your next update!

 

[mansionterror]

Just stopping in to say hello Michelle. Great trip report so far and nice to put a face to your name (since you have been posting on my report). I am so sorry about your camera!

Sam is a beautiful girl, love the pictures. I look forward to reading more.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Great update!! I didn't know about the Kids Program in AK either...good to know for the future Has your DD tried Toy Story Pizza Planet? That's one of our favorite Disney CS. We haven't tried Pizzafari yet though. Can't wait for more

We have not tried Toy Story Pizza Planet - I keep forgetting about that! We will have to try that next time - I'm sure she will love it! Thanks!

Great update Michelle!!!!
And I am so glad that you have some photos! Too bad the photopass ones didn't make it, but hopefully you have plenty more!

Thanks. I'm thankful my mom took the pictures she did. I actually had a dream that Disney sent me a package but it wasn't my camera - it was bags of things we had bought and left in the room!

As always, LOVE your TR's. So sorry about your camera! We have all been sick, so I haven't been on much! Feeling better now and I am all caught up on your TR! . Sam looks just like you!!!! I never noticed it before but then I saw the picture of you and her infront of the waterfall.... (she's just really blonde)
I've stayed at POP before, and always on the first floor never had a problem with noise, but we were on the back side of the 50's. I love POP too.
Keep writing, so I can keep reading!
Have a great day,
Jeanette

Thanks Jeanette! I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. How was your trip? Are you doing a trip report? Good to know you've never had a problem at POP on first floor - must have just been a bad night.

I was happy to see an update. I can't believe that you STILL haven't seen FOTLK or Nemo!! We're going to have to change that! My mom's fave is FOTLK too, but she really loved Nemo as well. You're making me crave those yummy chic parm sandwiches at Pizzafari! Can't wait til December! Woo Hoo!!!!!

Hey Monica! We will have to go to Pizzafari for sure in December - I can't wait! And FOTLK is a must do also!

Hi Michelle,
Loved the AK update! Well at least you went to RPW. It's hard to get alot done at any park in a half day isn't it? I missed Nemo and FOTLK too. The pics you do have are very cute of you and Samantha. I didn't know about the kids program either. That will be on our list for next time. Still battling the Disney depression here ready to go back.

Hey Nichole! I know a way you can cure that Disney depression - December 4 is not very far away....

Michelle, I love your report even with if it's photography-challenged! I was totally picturing those giraffes though! Cool! Sam is just so adorable and I love that she got into the Kids Club stuff this trip! How fun! I've never had the Chicken Parmesan sandwich at Pizzafari so I'm looking forward to that in a few weeks! Glad you guys made it to Rafiki's - we went in Jan of 2006 and just weren't that fond of it - I think it's one of those places where if you hit it at a good time, you see some interesting stuff, but if you don't... well.... it's just eh...
Sounds like you had a good 1/2 day so far. It's nice that your mom doesn't mind splitting up and being by herself for part of the day - I don't think my Mom would do that! Well, maybe....we've never really tried...there's usually someone with her whether it's my step-dad, me, or one of the kids! Poor lady!
Can't wait to hear about Kona and the party! I'm gonna try to update my report today as well! Can't let you get too far ahead of me!
Sara

Hey Sara! I was glad my mom wanted to split up for part of the day - it was hard trying to fit everything that we all wanted to do in a 1/2 day - it really worked out well. How is that update coming?

I am also enjoying your TR...and still hoping that somehow your camera will show up. That must've been so cool seeing the giraffes up close. They're my favorite animals on the safari along with the elephants.
The Discovery Kids Club sounds like fun and I'm glad Sam enjoyed it! That is also funny about her teddy bear watching TV when you got back. hehe

Thanks! The giraffes were really great - I had never seen them so close before! We hadn't done the safari on the last few trips so it was nice to do again.

I'm caught up on your updates!
I can not believe you lost your camera! OMG, that sucks so bad! I hope you can find a way to get it back.
Your room smelled like feet? EWW! I hope that smell went away eventually. That's why I always take my electric oil burner from Bath and Body Works when I stay in a hotel.
I loved your update on AK. Sucks that there was such a long line for buses. I hate Disney's transportation system! At least you had a good experience on the bus!
Waiting patiently for your next update!

Hey Nikki! Nice to see you here. Yeah - the room smelled like feet at first but it did go away - thank goodness! We really never had any problems with bus transportation.

Just stopping in to say hello Michelle. Great trip report so far and nice to put a face to your name (since you have been posting on my report). I am so sorry about your camera!
Sam is a beautiful girl, love the pictures. I look forward to reading more.

Hi! Thanks for reading - I'm glad you found me! Are you still updated your TR? I will have to try and find it again - I really enjoyed it!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Oh my goodness! I can't believe you had to wait for so many buses before you got on one for AK!

I'm thinking we're going to try to eat breakfast in our rooms when we're there too...better chances of making rope drop!

I'm sorry that your camera hasn't been recovered. That's a bummer. Your TR is great anyways though!

 

[Poohtigeey]

Hello? Update please.

 

[julezdisney]

I just read your last update Michelle, and it was great! Even without pix! Too bad about some of the Photopass pix. That happened to us too- the only pix of DD w/Minnie in her costume and none of them were captured on the card we were given.... Oh well, I guess I'll have to go back again when Minnie's in costume to get it again, right?

 

[princessjv]

I'm going to try that sandwich! Hey... At least the pictures you DO have are super CUTE!!!

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Hey Michelle~ I'm all caught up! Feel free to continue now! *hint, hint*

p.s. We love Planet Watch too! It's a not-to-miss for us! I am surprised by the amount of people who have never gone out to it... especially since you get a cool train ride out of it!

 

[julezdisney]

Hey Michelle~ I'm all caught up! Feel free to continue now! *hint, hint*

yea....*hint, hint*

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately - I had some computer problems and have been swamped with work. Small update is coming up shortly!

Oh my goodness! I can't believe you had to wait for so many buses before you got on one for AK!
I'm thinking we're going to try to eat breakfast in our rooms when we're there too...better chances of making rope drop!
I'm sorry that your camera hasn't been recovered. That's a bummer. Your TR is great anyways though!

Thankfully the buses came quickly that morning! I think at least twice there were two there at the same time.

We almost always have breakfast in our room - major timesaver unless we have a special ADR planned somewhere.

Thanks for continuing to read!

Hello? Update please.

Coming right up......

I just read your last update Michelle, and it was great! Even without pix! Too bad about some of the Photopass pix. That happened to us too- the only pix of DD w/Minnie in her costume and none of them were captured on the card we were given.... Oh well, I guess I'll have to go back again when Minnie's in costume to get it again, right?

Thanks Julia! It is so weird that some of the pictures never showed up - but I'm glad we got as many as we did. And oh darn! You'll have to go back to Disney - what a shame!

I'm going to try that sandwich! Hey... At least the pictures you DO have are super CUTE!!!

Thanks Jen! You should definately try that sandwich - delicious!

Hey Michelle~ I'm all caught up! Feel free to continue now! *hint, hint*
p.s. We love Planet Watch too! It's a not-to-miss for us! I am surprised by the amount of people who have never gone out to it... especially since you get a cool train ride out of it!

Oh good - Nicole is here! I've been waiting for you so I could continue....

I'm so glad we finally made it to Rafiki's Planet Watch - we will definately be back!

yea....*hint, hint*

Coming......