Sarah's Moving 2 AFRICA! The trip planned in 4 days! * THREE parks in ONE day! 5/10

Animal Kingdom - Solo Style - Part 3

Decisions, Decisions! I only had a little while...a little over an hour...before The Lion King started. I could go ride EE several more times. :yay: Or I could go check out the Safari. :confused3

Honestly, I was not that excited about the Safari to begin with. But, one purpose of this trip was to see if some of these rides would be accessible for Lauren. The Safari was on that list...can Lauren ride it? :confused3

I figured the line can't be that long. The park didn't seem too crowded. And I knew I could physically get there and to The Lion King (with my solo crowd winding skills!)...so I decided to go for it. Walked right past EE (bummer!) and headed to the Safari.

The line was, in fact, fairly long. Forty-five minute posted wait. But, what the heck, right! I was here! So I hopped in line. This line was uneventful. I spent most of it on my iPhone catching up on the DIS! (I highly recommend an iPhone if you are going solo! Lots of games, apps, etc that can keep you occupied if the guests around you aren't that talkative!)

Can I be honest here? :confused3 Of course I can!! :thumbsup2

I didn't care for this ride. :sad2: It seemed like a glorified zoo to me. They say that the animals can "roam the land" and all of that...but they do seem sort of trapped by their surroundings. They are not behind fences...but there are bushes and ravines, etc that do separate the animals. It's not like they are going to let the lion anywhere near the deer! :eek: That would cause nightmares for some poor children, ya know what I mean! And the animals weren't doing too much. It was probably that afternoon nap time for 'em. And the tram ride narration was pretty lame. The whole thing just seemed a little rehearsed to me.

The most interesting part of the ride was the guest that would NOT follow instructions. :upsidedow

Here she is...again altered to protect the guilty in this case...

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She continually stood up off and on the whole ride. People around her were telling her to sit down. :scared: The guide kept telling her to sit down. :headache: He finally had to STOP THE CAR to get her to sit down! :scared1: Good grief. :rolleyes:

On another note...this is not something Lauren can ride. It is too bumpy and jerky for her. But I don't think she is missing that much, really.

You guys have all seen pics of the animals...so I won't bore you. But I did get one good pic of a deer. I love deer! :yay:

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Once I got home from my safari...:rolleyes: I headed out to The Lion King! It started at 4:30 and I was pushing it to make it! So, I hustled, weaving in and out of the crowds carefully - and made it!

In fact, I made it in time to meet a Wish family. My first "run in" with a Wish family. I talked to them for a little while before the show and found out they had brought over 20 family members to Disney! (Not on MAW's dime! Don't be afraid!) So, there were a bunch of folks with her that had these cute matching shirts that declared they were part of this little girls "team"...very sweet! She was a sweet little girl! princess:

The Lion King show was good. How should I describe it? It was...circus meets musical! Cool tricks. Great songs. Awesome costumes! And I really enjoyed the set up...I felt like I was part of the show. :thumbsup2

My favorite part was one of the characters stopping during the show and grabbing the MAW child's hand...it was so sweet! :hug: Made me tear up. She will remember that for the rest of her life! And so will her sweet family!

Here are some of my better pics...

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And with that...my AK agenda was accomplished! TWO :thumbsup2 I was able to park, get my AP, eat, ride EE, see the Nemo show, ride the Safari and watch The Lion King! All in one afternoon! Not too shabby! And an indicator of things to come. :rolleyes1 Good things come to those who plan, let me tell ya! :thumbsup2
 
Sending some pixiedust: for your computer!! Have a great weekend!


Kathy

Man! I need to ask for pixie dust more often! I just turned it on and it was working!! :)

I was wondering where you were. and was wondering if you had heard from Sarah. I'm glad she got there okay.
more :tinker: :surfweb: for the computer.

Yeah...I have felt like my arm was cut off...I couldn't get on the DIS or talk to Sarah! It was no fun.

My iPhone worked to read on the DIS and I could post some...and I could post when I was on hold at work...but I couldn't update. So...it is fixed...and here ya are! :)

OH NO! Get that computer fixed cause I'm having withdrawls from your TR!!! :rotfl2:


:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl:

Just remember that feeling :rolleyes1 ...because when you guys get home, we want a full report! :thumbsup2 :) :) :)
 
Hey Mary!

I just stumbled upon this new report (How did I miss it before now?!) and am loving it. How exciting that you got the chance to do this so last minute. And it's so great that you got to share WDW with Sarah and her sis before her big move to Africa. I am sure this was a very special way to spend time with her, and to show her the Magic!!

Oh, and although it was a couple of pages ago, I just must comment on how absolutely STUNNING Lauren looked in those pageant pics. What a beauty she is! Her "inside beauty" shines through, too, which makes her all the more gorgeous!

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your story!:thumbsup2
 
Yay! CPU is fixed. That didn't take long. :thumbsup2
I must say you probably didn't have a very good driver for the safari. I have always enjoyed it. But personal tastes also.
I saw the Lion King for the first time in November. We had never gone to Camp Minnie Mickey before. They are great performers.
 

Since we're all into being honest, I didn't care for the Safaris either! Same thoughts- a glorified zoo. My kids and I got off (this was in 2000) and we sorta looked at each other and said, "Hmmm, okay, that was kinda lame".

Ahh well, to each his own.

We haven't done the Lion King Show yet, but it's certainly on my list for 2010. The costumes look stunning, and yes, like there's no way I can afford Cirque, so this is abou as close as I'm ever gonna get. I can always pretend. :rotfl2:

My 3rd trip partner just sorta backed out, I'm sooooo bummed! Of course, we really wanted her to be part of our party, but we also really needed her to help us bring down the cost by sharing our room at POR. Ohhhh, the drama. I feel like I really should have a PTR up and running, but it just seems too early yet.

Well, as always, looking for more from you!
 

And with that...my AK agenda was accomplished! TWO :thumbsup2 I was able to park, get my AP, eat, ride EE, see the Nemo show, ride the Safari and watch The Lion King! All in one afternoon! Not too shabby! And an indicator of things to come. :rolleyes1 Good things come to those who plan, let me tell ya! :thumbsup2

::yes:: Truer words were never spoken!

You did a fabulous job getting everything in and how sweet of you to do some recon for Lauren! Her family must've been bitten by the WDW bug b/c it sounds like they're planning on again someday!! :cloud9:

Kathy
 
great 1st day at AK! I am a huge fan of the stage shows at AK, they re fabulous quality and very high energy! Cannot wait to see what adventure you have next!
 
You're like a park touring machine!!! :goodvibes

And I mean that in a totally good way. :thumbsup2 I'm so glad you got to do everything you wanted. I have to say, I totally love the Festival of the Lion King. That show was amazing, and I loved it. :thumbsup2
 
I am not much of a show fan..but you are making these shows look pretty good!!

Can't wait to read more!!:love:
 
Hey Mary!

I just stumbled upon this new report (How did I miss it before now?!) and am loving it. How exciting that you got the chance to do this so last minute. And it's so great that you got to share WDW with Sarah and her sis before her big move to Africa. I am sure this was a very special way to spend time with her, and to show her the Magic!!

Oh, and although it was a couple of pages ago, I just must comment on how absolutely STUNNING Lauren looked in those pageant pics. What a beauty she is! Her "inside beauty" shines through, too, which makes her all the more gorgeous!

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your story!:thumbsup2

I don't know how you could have missed me?!?! :confused3 I am HUGE! :rotfl: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: I crack myself up.

Glad you like the TR so far... I am needing to get on the stick and get another update out...but tonight is going to be "work on Big Give stuff" night! :) I am a little behind...:rolleyes1

You are so sweet. I have been so busy this weekend...but I did show Lauren your comment on Saturday. She was beaming! :) She likes the "inside beauty" comments we are always making.

Yay! CPU is fixed. That didn't take long. :thumbsup2
I must say you probably didn't have a very good driver for the safari. I have always enjoyed it. But personal tastes also.
I saw the Lion King for the first time in November. We had never gone to Camp Minnie Mickey before. They are great performers.


Yea...my computer was broken...some of you sent pixie dust...and it was fixed. Without me doing anything. I think it ran out of battery and basically died. And when I turned it back on...my internet was back! (Guess I should have rebooted it before! :lmao:)

Since we're all into being honest, I didn't care for the Safaris either! Same thoughts- a glorified zoo. My kids and I got off (this was in 2000) and we sorta looked at each other and said, "Hmmm, okay, that was kinda lame".

Ahh well, to each his own.

We haven't done the Lion King Show yet, but it's certainly on my list for 2010. The costumes look stunning, and yes, like there's no way I can afford Cirque, so this is abou as close as I'm ever gonna get. I can always pretend. :rotfl2:

My 3rd trip partner just sorta backed out, I'm sooooo bummed! Of course, we really wanted her to be part of our party, but we also really needed her to help us bring down the cost by sharing our room at POR. Ohhhh, the drama. I feel like I really should have a PTR up and running, but it just seems too early yet.

Well, as always, looking for more from you!

Lame is my exact thought on the safari...but lots of people love it? :confused3 I guess it is similar to me not liking Fantasmic when people go wild over it.

You must see Lion King...Have you seen Nemo?

Aw...you lost your third trip partner...that stinks. (really) but...Are you taking applications? :lmao

*chanting* Pre-trip report! Pre-trep report! We want a pre-trip report!

You have a BUNCH of stories from your world, too...you have such an interesting life! I, for one, would love to follow a pre-trip report for ya! :)


You did a fabulous job getting everything in and how sweet of you to do some recon for Lauren! Her family must've been bitten by the WDW bug b/c it sounds like they're planning on again someday!! :cloud9:

Kathy

Thank you!! :)

I am TRYING to get Lauren and family back to WDW! It is hard going. Lisa is a little...uh...frugal? And Disney does not speak frugal.

I will be starting a pre-trippie soon, though, of the trip that Lisa and I will be doing...and I have a secondary plan - well primary plan! - to show Lisa all of the AWESOME things that her kids missed that they MUST see...it is all part of my master plan.

I am hoping to have the kids there spring break 2010! Another good excuse to get another AP. :)

great 1st day at AK! I am a huge fan of the stage shows at AK, they re fabulous quality and very high energy! Cannot wait to see what adventure you have next!

I agree!! The shows were FANTASTIC. Definitely will be going back there on my next trip.

You're like a park touring machine!!! :goodvibes

And I mean that in a totally good way. :thumbsup2 I'm so glad you got to do everything you wanted. I have to say, I totally love the Festival of the Lion King. That show was amazing, and I loved it. :thumbsup2


Girl...just wait! You have not even seen the touring machine yet. Wait till Day 3! :)

I am not much of a show fan..but you are making these shows look pretty good!!

Can't wait to read more!!:love:

The shows are WONDEFUL! Especially at the AK!

I will rate the shows I have seen (my personal opinion only!)

Nemo (AK) - 9/10
Lion King (AK) - 8/10
Beauty and the Beast (DHS) 7/10
Lights, Motor, Action - 4/10 (but a boy would love it!)
Castle Show (has another name - can't remember) 7/10 - but it did make me cry! :sad1:


And I think that is all I have seen. The favorite for Lisa/William and Rick was Indiana Jones, though...so I guess as a "family" we would give that an 8/10! :)


I consider Nemo, Lion King and Indiana Jones a MUST SEE!
 
:wave: Maroo

I admit it, I lost you -

another fan of Laurens - and LOVED :lovestruc :love: the pics you posted of the pagent!! :yay:

I'm another fan of the skype - hope you and sarah can get that hooked up! :thumbsup2 Glad that she is taking on such a huge task - missionary work!

Sorry I didnt get to voice my opinion on where you should go :rolleyes1 but, go figure you had a fantabulous trip without my help!! :faint:

cant wait to find out if you toured the Half route - and I'm thinking you did a lot of work weaving in and out to get to those shows on time!! :thumbsup2 I'm jealous of your AP - your solo trip, esp driving solo!! :woohoo:

Now, I think my dd, dh and I have all decided not to waste our time on the Nemo show... :rolleyes1 but gosh darn golly gee - your trip report has me rethinking that plan!

(If you didnt check out the half route, I can send you to disneyrunning that has a great very detailed report pics... almost step by step - it helped me with my first half - and well I just want to pass along to any other planners!!)

popcorn:: on with the show Maroo...

(and I just realized, I may just get to meet you... someday!)
 
There seems to be so many bad things happening lately with my friends...

I just wanted to ask you guys to pray for Lauren, William, Lisa and Rick. Their dog, Scruffy, is going to have to be put to sleep. He has a tumor in his back. They are very upset about it, especially William. William already has a lot of stress in his world, so we are all worried about him. They have Scruffy sleeping in Williams room.

Anyway...please pray for Lauren and her family!!
 
Quality Suites?

Before I get to my first night in the World... I promised you guys a review and some photos of the Quality Suites of Lake Buena Vista. So...here goes...

I loved the location. It was very close to Disney, especially DTD. The price I got from booking.com was very good! I ate my free breakfast every morning.
It wasn't Boma, though, you know what I am saying? You had to heat up your English Muffin! But pair it with the hot sausage and egg...it was really good! :) They had juice, cereal, fruit, and muffins. And I really do like to fill up on free breakfast before I go to the parks so that I don't spend so much money in the parks.

They had a pool with a hot tub! It was too cold to swim (although, it may be heated...I didn't even check!) The hot tub was HOT! (Which I like!)
And there were no kids in it! (Sorry, I like kids...but I enjoy a quiet hot tub! And those of you that read my last TR may remember why. :rolleyes1)

And I really, really enjoyed the FREE :woohoo: high speed internet access. I really hate fees! I would rather pay a higher price and have it all included than to have a surprise at the end of my stay. :thumbsup2

So...pictures.

This was the main room. Two very comfy queen beds. Lots of room to move around and store luggage. And a big closet to store clothes, etc.

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The bathroom...this, obviously, is not a handicapped accessible room. But they do have at least 2 rooms with roll in showers. The rooms with roll in showers do actually have 2 beds, but they are doubles. (We are always looking for rooms that have the ability to sleep 4 with the roll in shower...and this would certainly work for that!)

I did not get a picture of the vanity...there is a separate vanity that was pretty big, too.

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Then my favorite part...a full kitchen!! This was nice...even if I did not cook. I ordered a very good pizza and got to snack on that for my whole trip. :thumbsup2 But you could easily buy groceries and cook.

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And the den...

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This hotel was not a 5 star hotel! Not even a 4 star. I have stayed in some very nice hotels...and this is not one of them. But it is perfect for the large family that just wants to go do Disney...not do EMH and buy separate tickets. Especially at the last minute! :thumbsup2

I will definitely stay there again...maybe with Lauren and her family since it will sleep 6 and not cost as much money as 2 rooms at the Pop.

I had no trouble getting to and from the parks and with the free parking on my AP...I can hardly see any reason to stay onsite if I have my car...ya know??

I avoid EMH anyway...uh...right? :rolleyes1


 
:wave: Maroo

I admit it, I lost you -

another fan of Laurens - and LOVED :lovestruc :love: the pics you posted of the pagent!! :yay:

I'm another fan of the skype - hope you and sarah can get that hooked up! :thumbsup2 Glad that she is taking on such a huge task - missionary work!

Sorry I didnt get to voice my opinion on where you should go :rolleyes1 but, go figure you had a fantabulous trip without my help!! :faint:

cant wait to find out if you toured the Half route - and I'm thinking you did a lot of work weaving in and out to get to those shows on time!! :thumbsup2 I'm jealous of your AP - your solo trip, esp driving solo!! :woohoo:

Now, I think my dd, dh and I have all decided not to waste our time on the Nemo show... :rolleyes1 but gosh darn golly gee - your trip report has me rethinking that plan!

(If you didnt check out the half route, I can send you to disneyrunning that has a great very detailed report pics... almost step by step - it helped me with my first half - and well I just want to pass along to any other planners!!)

popcorn:: on with the show Maroo...

(and I just realized, I may just get to meet you... someday!)

Hello, Sandy!!!

How did you lose me?!?! :) lol

I am now on Skype! Expecting a call soon, actually! :)

I will go ahead and tell you that I did not trace the half route. I did drive those streets...but it would have been very hard, because they go through Epcot and MK. I did notice how flat the course is, though! Aside from the bridges, it is a pretty flat course. :)

Yes, I did have a good trip! I don't blame you for missing the planning. It was only up there for a few days. :)

Oh gosh...the Nemo show was so wonderful. :) I would recommend it to anyone. Especially if you are a fan of Nemo or Crush. :thumbsup2

And I have discovered www.disneyrunning.com. I love that site! Spent a lot of time on there, actually!!! :)
 
Looks like you stayed at a very nice hotel. It was reasonable you say, with free breakfast, sleeps six and has a kitchen (love the kitchen). I am partial to staying on site, but we have APs now and I had forgotten about the free parking. HMMMMMM.......I'm thinking this has very good possibilities. Thanks!:thumbsup2
 
Looks like you stayed at a very nice hotel. It was reasonable you say, with free breakfast, sleeps six and has a kitchen (love the kitchen). I am partial to staying on site, but we have APs now and I had forgotten about the free parking. HMMMMMM.......I'm thinking this has very good possibilities. Thanks!:thumbsup2

Oh yeah...I forgot that part...

For 5 nights it was $351.00. I don't think that included tax...but it did include breakfast each morning and the internet. I thought it was pretty good! :thumbsup2

Don't get me wrong...I will stay onsite again...probably my next trip. But if you are driving anyway...or renting a car...and don't have to pay parking...and avoiding EMH...:confused3
 
First off, I am so sorry to hear about Scruffy. I'll keep them all in my prayers, especially William. The poor thing. It's so hard to lose a pet, but especially as a child.

Secondly, wow that room looks nice. 5 star maybe not, but tons of room to spread out! I could see that being very nice for a family, and I'm glad you got some use out of the kitchen and enjoyed your free breakfast. It's the little things in life, eh?:goodvibes
 
WOW! That was a BIG room! Especially for the money!
And neat that it included breakfast! I am waiting on pins and needles for your next day at the parks!! :woohoo:
 
First off, I am so sorry to hear about Scruffy. I'll keep them all in my prayers, especially William. The poor thing. It's so hard to lose a pet, but especially as a child.

Secondly, wow that room looks nice. 5 star maybe not, but tons of room to spread out! I could see that being very nice for a family, and I'm glad you got some use out of the kitchen and enjoyed your free breakfast. It's the little things in life, eh?:goodvibes

I know...William slept with Scruffy all night. Scruffy can't walk. And Lisa said his breathing is labored. Sounds like he could have some sort of lung mets. I hate cancer. :headache: And I resever the word hate for things I really detest.

It was a nice room!

And I can't wait to share the rest of this day with you guys. Because it isn't over yet! And you will really like the next part. :thumbsup2


WOW! That was a BIG room! Especially for the money!
And neat that it included breakfast! I am waiting on pins and needles for your next day at the parks!! :woohoo:

It was big! Which is great for a family! :) And especially a family with someone in a wheelchair or other special need because there was quite a bit of room and storage space! I forsee a trip there in my future! :) :thumbsup2

And I am not done with the first day, yet! he he!

I just went to check in and freshen up a bit before I headed back out again. :thumbsup2 For my first night in the World! :)
 
JUst getting on for the evening- and thought it looked like a decent room- well even better than decent- I like a place to get my AM coffee with room to spare and free breakfast, who doesn't like that?

I would NOT miss EMH though. I admit, I'm one of those who lingers around until security has to politely ask you to "make your way to the exit" people. We did EMH every time on our last trip, and never found it to be overly croweded at all, especially the really late ones.

Has Sarah called you yet??

And how is William?? Everyone doing okay?
 








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