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

[maroo]

Get some rest, hon. I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you! I did and I do feel better today. I have somewhere I have to go this afternoon...but will rest again this morning. Right after I update this TR!!

can't wait to hear about AK! I LOVE AK! And that is just soooo gross about the soap and shampoo

Alright...here ya go...a little AK for ya!!

 

[maroo]

Animal Kingdom - Solo Style - Part One

I arrived at noon. 12:06 PM, to be exact! My first ride...was...

the TRAM! Do you know...I didn't ride the tram one time on our last trip. Lauren's wheelchair doesn't fit on one...so we missed this ride! I was so excited about it - that I took a picture. Solo and taking pictures on the tram? You know those people thought I was NUTS!


My first stop was to get my Annual Pass! Now, while I did not really expect fanfare...a parade...or a full on celebration - I was surprised at how little they seemed to care that I got an annual pass! I was MUCH more excited than Disney was! My AP looks like a regular old ticket. But it is MINE! And all year long! If I feel like going to Disney - I can!

This was my first visit to AK. Ever. And I really, really liked it! It was such a calm park. But my touring style today was not at all calm. I really wanted to park, get my AP, eat, see both the Nemo and the Lion King show, go on the safari and ride EE. Yeah, right! In 4.5 hours. I don't think so. I was afraid this would be my only chance to experience AK this trip and I wanted to finish everything that my heart was set on doing! Just in case I didn't come back this trip.

First...I was hungry! The breakfast from the-last-Best-Western-that-I-will-ever-stay-in was long gone. And I was almost getting a little woozy. So, thanks to help from my DIS buddies...I headed over to...

I got in the shortest line I could find. I was next. But there was a family ordering in the left lane that was unable to speak English. He kept saying, "Fish, Fish - I want fish!" Here is a picture of this guy (don't ask me how I took it! My alter ego must be a spy! ) This picture is altered to protect the innocent. Or guilty. Whatever. Can you tell how adamant he was that he get some fish? Look at his hands! "I want FISH!"

The CM kept trying to explain that they don't sell fish. But to no avail. Another CM, the translator, eventually came over and rescued the order-taking CM. It was pretty funny, actually. And would have been even more funny if I wasn't so hungry.

I got ribs! This is significant, because I really don't like BBQ sauce or flavoring. And they were already "pre-BBQ'd." Here is your food art pic...for those of you that care about that sort of thing...

I enjoyed my meal. Although my food did look like it has spent a little too much time under a heat lamp. Maybe it was all that time my fellow guest spent asking for fish. It was good, though. And I plan to go back there and eat again.

I sat there - watching the ducks, of course! - and trying to create a game plan. It was already after 1:00. It did look like I could catch both the Nemo show and the Lion King. But I needed to catch the Nemo show fairly quickly. The times guide said you had to get there 45 minutes early.

When I arrived at the line, there didn't seem to be that many people there yet. So I asked the CM if the show was likely to fill up. He looked around and sneakily told me that the theater held 1700 people and that he thought I would be fine to go ride EE (single rider line!) before getting in the Nemo line!

Of to...

What an AWESOME ride! Single rider line - ROCKS! It was a 15 min wait instead of the 50 minute posted wait in the regular line. The ride is not jerky. No major drops. Good effects. Let's just say...it won't be the last ride on EE this trip!

Up next...Did I make it for Nemo?

 

[mom2lilnick]

Feel better! I can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[KathyRN137]

Yay! You're finally there!! I can feel your excitement!

I will give you some fanfare for the AP, Okay?

It is hard to see all the shows plus the must-do rides in one day...I think they must schedule them that way on purpose (to make sure you come back!)

Kathy

 

[maroo]

Yay! You're finally there!! I can feel your excitement!

I will give you some fanfare for the AP, Okay?

It is hard to see all the shows plus the must-do rides in one day...I think they must schedule them that way on purpose (to make sure you come back!)

Kathy

Thanks for the fanfare!!

I just loaded my PhotoPass pics on the photoshare acct! I am so excited about those, too!! I actually got some good pics...(wonders never cease!)

You are so right! They definitely do make it hard. Especially in one afternoon!

But...what are you doing over here on my TR...isn't there something over on yours that needs to be updated...

I am DYING to know where the boys have been all this time you have been shopping!

 

[maroo]

Feel better! I can't wait to hear all about it.

My first "real" day has started...not sure if you saw it or not...looks like our posts might have crossed each other?

 

[burly]

Hi, I'm in. Did you make the Nemo show. Hope so it's sooooooo good.

 

[mrskckitty]

I'm enjoying reading your trip report. My cousin was there the same time as you and I think she had something to do with GKTW that week. Do you know Karen Davis? She works for Hasbro and I believe they were opening a new playground while you were there. I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip!

 

[maroo]

I'm enjoying reading your trip report. My cousin was there the same time as you and I think she had something to do with GKTW that week. Do you know Karen Davis? She works for Hasbro and I believe they were opening a new playground while you were there. I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip!

Which TR? This past week? Or the October trip? I am glad you are enjoying it?


You must be talking about Matthew's Boundless Playground! It is SOOOOO cool! I got to play on it with a Wish family. Lauren never got to see it...but we hope to get back there to show her.

GKTW is a wonderful place. So hard to describe!

 

[muttshouse]

More on the TR and I will answer all of your sweet posts...but right now...I really only have one thing on my brain and heart that I need to get on paper in cyberspace...

You see, I have been trying for some time to describe GKTW.

And I have failed miserably.

So, I am going to try again…while it is still fresh on my mind. You see, I just left there an hour ago.



Give Kids the World

Smiles on worn out faces. Young and old. Smiles coming from a place so deep in your soul that you are sure have not felt this happy in a long time. Years, maybe. Your kids are playing. This must be the happiest place in the whole world.

Toys. Games. Treats. Music. Beautiful, happy music playing all around you. Dinosaurs that move. And dance. And spit! Trees that snore.

If you use a wheelchair…that’s ok. You can still ride the train. And play putt putt. And even ride on the golf cart.

Did I mention the trains? The big train you can ride. Heck, you can drive! Or the little trains that move, light up, play music – all at your command. The carnival starts at the push of a button. Or is it boats you like? They have them. Video games? They have those, too. Ice Cream? – there’s plenty!

The largest life size Candyland game in the world. Remember the gumdrop mountains? And the bridges and chocolate? Remember the bright colors and the lollipops? Imagine all of that, covered in a colorful canopy. Surrounded by castles and cottages. Wheelchairs are welcome. Encouraged, really, as you can roll anywhere you want on this playground. And it is real. Life sized. And celebrates life.

But do you know what the very best thing is?

All children and parents. Regardless of what brought them here. They “get it.” You are in the club. Because parents and children with special needs understand each other.

It is often unspoken. There is a comfort level at GKTW because you are all there for the same reason.

Your children are no longer different.

They are normal.

And happy. As happy as they have ever been.

Who wouldn’t be happy in Candyland?

Oh. Sighs and tears. Thanks for sharing your heartsong with us.

I can't imagine what we'll be encountering there in real life, but it's getting built up WAY out of perspective for me.

 

[muttshouse]

WOW. Lauren looks gorgeous and I Love the pink on her! She is glowing!

It is funny you took pictures of the tram! But, I'm glad you're doing things to make yourself happy! Love your attitude Mary.

Thanks for the restaurant review "bites" and photo porn.

Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[TarzansKat]

What a fantastic start! I'm so excited to be reading this! And I'm just as excited about the AP as you are, it means more trips for you and more reading material for us!

I'm glad to hear you thought Flame Tree was good, and I'm lovin' the food art. I haven't eaten there and would love to try it someday. And yay for getting on EE so quickly!

Sounds like a great start and I can't wait to read more.

 

[Khalana]

Yay!!! Animal Kingdom! You are just the greatest tr writer ever!!! Love it!!! I think you definitely deserve a bit of a reaction when you get your ap, actually a song and dance would be a lot more Disney like.

The food looked pretty yummy, I think i would've liked it too.

"I want fish!" Too funny!!!! I love how you sneakily took a picture of him.

Can't wait to hear how Nemo was!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Yay! Yay, and yay again! Just look at all you accomplished and enjoyed by 1:00! The purchase of the coveted AP, lunch at Flame Tree, AND a ride on EE! Rock on, girl!

Isn't the art around the FT fun?? I love the bright colors.

Nemo was my favorite show (next to Hoop do Doo) at WDW! I do hope you got to see, but since you left us hanging ( ), I'll just have to wait...

 

[hematite153]

Up next...Did I make it for Nemo?[/SIZE]

I'm going to guess that you made it, because you already told us this:

I am in AK. Got here at noon, ate and have already done EE!! And I am at nemo with great seats! I love the solo tour! It is so fast!!

Sorry to spoil the suspense...

 

[maroo]

I'm going to guess that you made it, because you already told us this:

Sorry to spoil the suspense...

Very astute of you!!! You get the prize! Now what should that prize be...

 

[maroo]

Oh. Sighs and tears. Thanks for sharing your heartsong with us.

I can't imagine what we'll be encountering there in real life, but it's getting built up WAY out of perspective for me.

You are very welcome. It is a wonderful place! Not perfect, mind you, but very wonderful. I think you will come away from there with joy in your heart, for sure! And don't miss that playground. awesome.

WOW. Lauren looks gorgeous and I Love the pink on her! She is glowing!

Lauren is truly beautiful! Both inside and out!

It is funny you took pictures of the tram! But, I'm glad you're doing things to make yourself happy! Love your attitude Mary.

Thanks for the restaurant review "bites" and photo porn.

Looking forward to hearing more.

He he! I enjoyed my solo tour! That is for sure!

I had a blast. Thanks for the compliment. I was not so good about the food pics as the trip goes on, though, I must admit.

What a fantastic start! I'm so excited to be reading this! And I'm just as excited about the AP as you are, it means more trips for you and more reading material for us!

I'm glad to hear you thought Flame Tree was good, and I'm lovin' the food art. I haven't eaten there and would love to try it someday. And yay for getting on EE so quickly!

Sounds like a great start and I can't wait to read more.

I am so glad you are enjoying it!!

Yeah...I am already pondering more trips to the world...If I could just win the lottery. That will be hard...since I don't play the lottery!

More is coming! Maybe tonight...or tomorrow night. Still trying to decide if I feel well enough to work out tonight.

Yay!!! Animal Kingdom! You are just the greatest tr writer ever!!! Love it!!! I think you definitely deserve a bit of a reaction when you get your ap, actually a song and dance would be a lot more Disney like.

The food looked pretty yummy, I think i would've liked it too.

"I want fish!" Too funny!!!! I love how you sneakily took a picture of him.

Can't wait to hear how Nemo was!!

Oh my...definitely not the greatest TR writer ever! My friend...you gotta get out in the TR land more.

But thank u very much for the compliment!

TarzansKat...she is AWESOME. And KathyRN137. And Heather and Teresa...now THEY can write some TR's!!!! And too many more to name! ... well, you get the idea.

Yeah...what are you celebrating? I got an AP!!

Maybe I will just have my own dance!

Yeah...fish man. He was funny! And has no idea I took a picture of him!

Nemo was AWESOME!!! But you will have to wait for pictures...and the people watching story, too!

Yay! Yay, and yay again! Just look at all you accomplished and enjoyed by 1:00! The purchase of the coveted AP, lunch at Flame Tree, AND a ride on EE! Rock on, girl!

Isn't the art around the FT fun?? I love the bright colors.

Nemo was my favorite show (next to Hoop do Doo) at WDW! I do hope you got to see, but since you left us hanging, I'll just have to wait...

Looks like I got ratted out above! lol

Yes! It was fun! So, when are you coming back to the States so I can show you how it's done? I will meet you at the entrance of AK! Just name the time and date. lol

I agree on Nemo. I plan to take Lisa there...and then she will agree that the kids HAVE to come back to Disney World!!

 

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Can't wait to hear more. That corn bread muffin looks really yummy. Hopefully I'll get one in June.

 

[maroo]

Can't wait to hear more. That corn bread muffin looks really yummy. Hopefully I'll get one in June.

It WAS good! I don't even like cornbread. But this was really sweet.

 

[Laurel03]

Hi I just found your pretrip/trip report. I'm very excited to read the rest of it! I'll be in Disney in 50 days! I can't wait, so i'm reading your trip report to feel like i'm there already. What a great CM! I hope he was right that you had time to make it back for Nemo! Great writing!