The Earls meet the Princesses:A June PTR *6/13 WE LEAVE IN THE MORNING!*

[999ghostslover]

when we originally started planning this trip we were going to stay at Caribbean Beach. I was looking forward to getting Abby's entire head breaded and beaded so I didn't have to deal with it for the trip. That would have been a present to me. She is so tender headed that trying to deal with it causes us both so much pain and tears. I am not a spanker or a hitter but I have had to catch myself on more than one occasion with a big paddle brush in my hands. I can do decent french braid pigtails now so hopefully every night after she gets out of the shower I will be able to comb and braid her hair. She will wake up with a halo of frizzies but that is what mouse ears are for, right?

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

The color of the eggs is so beautiful! Do you have any idea how long before they hatch? What a cool thing for your kids to get to witness.

 

[cjackearl]

when we originally started planning this trip we were going to stay at Caribbean Beach. I was looking forward to getting Abby's entire head breaded and beaded so I didn't have to deal with it for the trip. That would have been a present to me. She is so tender headed that trying to deal with it causes us both so much pain and tears. I am not a spanker or a hitter but I have had to catch myself on more than one occasion with a big paddle brush in my hands. I can do decent french braid pigtails now so hopefully every night after she gets out of the shower I will be able to comb and braid her hair. She will wake up with a halo of frizzies but that is what mouse ears are for, right?

I'd actually considered having Madeline's hair corn rowed before she went to camp last year. Unfortunately, no one around here does it. Braids are a good idea though. Now to see if she'll let me do them.

The color of the eggs is so beautiful! Do you have any idea how long before they hatch? What a cool thing for your kids to get to witness.

I know. I love their shade of blue. I checked online and the eggs take between 12 and 16 days to hatch. By late next week I bet we'll see some baby Robbins.

 

[MinnieNurse]

Hello, followed you over from my trip report and trying to get caught up. I am now on page 9 but had so many comments I thought I shouldnt wait until I am all caught up.

The Beach Club -I have always wanted to stay there, especially in the summer with there amazing pool. We had breakfast at Cape May last trip and loved it there. I cant wait to here more when you get back.

I also cannot wait to pick a pearl this trip. It is something I have never done and just want to do it. DS is excited to pick for me and see what we get. I am a little worried he will pick the most expensive thing he can find to put it in, he says he wants me to get a ring. Pearl is my birthstone also, so I am excited.

Your ADR's look great. We have done Hoop Dee Doo 3 times, if you have never done it, it is a lot of fun.

 

[cjackearl]

Hello, followed you over from my trip report and trying to get caught up. I am now on page 9 but had so many comments I thought I shouldnt wait until I am all caught up.

The Beach Club -I have always wanted to stay there, especially in the summer with there amazing pool. We had breakfast at Cape May last trip and loved it there. I cant wait to here more when you get back.

I also cannot wait to pick a pearl this trip. It is something I have never done and just want to do it. DS is excited to pick for me and see what we get. I am a little worried he will pick the most expensive thing he can find to put it in, he says he wants me to get a ring. Pearl is my birthstone also, so I am excited.

Your ADR's look great. We have done Hoop Dee Doo 3 times, if you have never done it, it is a lot of fun.

Thanks for reading. The kids are very excited about SAB, and honestly, so am I. Or at least about watching the kids with a fuzzy pool drink in my hand. So glad you liked HDDR!! I'm so anxious for this one. I went with my parents when I was 12 and thought it was fun then. I can't remember. Are you going this trip?

 

[cjackearl]

Before we visited Animal Kingdom in '05 we were told by friends that it was really a glorified zoo. Were they ever wrong. We enjoyed so much that was not animal related. In fact, we missed most of the animal exhibits on the last trip due to my belief that I might spontaneously combust at any moment due to the incredible heat. We did see some animals on the safari. Most of the pictures came out really blurry but we got some good ones of a tree.

African Baobab tree

We saw The Festival of the Lion King and it is hand's down my favorite show on Disney property. We were in the Warthog section.

The girls enjoyed excavating bones in the Boneyard. For a minute we thought we'd lost Madeline here. There is only one way in or out, but, if I remember correctly, once a child went up the climbing thing it exited to an area where mom or dad can't readily see. Anyway, it ended well. Sadly, this was only the first lost child scare on this trip.

All in all, we thought AK was fun, but we really missed a lot (like all of Asia) and weren't prepared for the heat. This trip we're determined to make up for last time.

 

[MinnieNurse]

Thanks for reading. The kids are very excited about SAB, and honestly, so am I. Or at least about watching the kids with a fuzzy pool drink in my hand. So glad you liked HDDR!! I'm so anxious for this one. I went with my parents when I was 12 and thought it was fun then. I can't remember. Are you going this trip?

Not doing HDDR this trip. We tried Spirit of Aloha (SOA) last trip and loved it. But I took my camera out of my bag to change batteries and forgot it at WL. I was so disappointed so we have to have a re-do at SOA this trip so I can get my pics!

 

[cjackearl]

Alright. I can't wait for another shot at Animal Kingdom. Please chime in if I miss one of your favorites.

Rides

Expedition Everest-George and Madeline and maybe Amelia! She told us last night that she wants to try RnRc, so who knows?

Kali River Rapids-Missed it last time. Sounds like the que area is neat.

Primeval Whirl-George and Maddy

Triceratops Spin-Prehistoric Dumbo!

Kilimanjaro Safaris-a must do

Events

Festival of the Lion King-Yea My favorite!!

Finding Nemo the Musical-looks cute

It's Tough to Be a Bug-We thought this was hilarious (psst..we cheated by leaning forward in our seats.)

Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade-If we're still in the park at 3:00, definitely.

Food

Turkey leg-I wish I would've gotten a picture of the girls with one last trip.
Flame Tree BBQ
Something from the Dawa Bar-any suggestions?

Souvenires

Reusable shopping bag-I have 6 boring ones that I use regularly, so I can't wait to get some fun Disney ones.

We also want to explore the animal trails this time. I bought some Misty misters, small misting fans and small fans to keep us less hot.

What does everyone think?

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm glad I am not the only one who wants a Disney reusable bag!

I love It's Tough to be a Bug too! I think it's so cute. I can't wait to see Finding Nemo!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I am all about those new Disney reusable bags! So much more glamorous than Walmart plastic bags to toss things into!

Animal Kingdom always seems so much hotter than the other three parks! Maybe it is part of the African and Asian theming, but I always feel like I must be lost in the jungles of Vietnam!

 

[MinnieNurse]

I got a reuseable bag at the Disney store close to us. It is so cute its black with big Mickey head. I called it my magical bag because at the time if you put sale items in your bag you got them an additional 50% off. DS and I had a great time, DH even threw a few items in the "magical" bag for his neices. And the bag only cost me $1. Fun time!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

How about Flights of Wonder?

What about Rafiki's Planet Watch? It was so nice to take a break from the crowds and it seemed a little cooler. Lots of shade and air conditioning.
We saw Jiminy Cricket there which was a first for us.

You are going to have so much fun!!!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Cute AK pics! We really enjoy Animal Kingdom and I really don't get the whole "glorified Zoo" thing. It's so much more than a zoo...at least any Zoo I've ever been to!

We really like It's Tough to Be a Bug too....very fun show! And definitely see Nemo....it's worth it.

Hmm...Everest is AWESOME! I really did enjoy the Flights of Wonder Show believe it or not! You may want to give that a try. And definitely walk the animal trails...very enjoyable.

Flame Tree....MMMMMM! Just watch out for the birds!

NO Dinosaur?? We like it but it's not for everyone.

Look for DeVine on the pathway between Africa and Asia...so cool to see in person!

 

[IluvXU]

I feel hot just thinking about AK--- I always leave so sticky and wanting to explore more. I hope I leave there satisfied!

BTW.. Flame tree is outdoor seating, have you done that before in the summer. I want to try there but that might scare me off!

 

[Laura.bora]

Oh Phew. I was in severe panic mode that you didn't like it or something!

I don't like 'em! Granted I clicked the quote tab so long ago that I can't remember what it is I don't like....

I'm all caught up!!

Yeah!! Did the Robin's eggs hatch yet? If they did - please post pictures! We're in the middle of studying birds! We're so jealous you have a nest to watch!!

 

[cjackearl]

I'm glad I am not the only one who wants a Disney reusable bag!

I love It's Tough to be a Bug too! I think it's so cute. I can't wait to see Finding Nemo!

Looks like there are a few of us with the same obsession!

Oh, I am all about those new Disney reusable bags! So much more glamorous than Walmart plastic bags to toss things into!

Animal Kingdom always seems so much hotter than the other three parks! Maybe it is part of the African and Asian theming, but I always feel like I must be lost in the jungles of Vietnam!

Maybe that's what Disney was going for.

I got a reuseable bag at the Disney store close to us. It is so cute its black with big Mickey head. I called it my magical bag because at the time if you put sale items in your bag you got them an additional 50% off. DS and I had a great time, DH even threw a few items in the "magical" bag for his neices. And the bag only cost me $1. Fun time!

Ooh, great deal!

How about Flights of Wonder?
This does look pretty fun. I'll have to see how Ian does. He's a little attention span challenged.
What about Rafiki's Planet Watch? It was so nice to take a break from the crowds and it seemed a little cooler. Lots of shade and air conditioning.
We saw Jiminy Cricket there which was a first for us.
Really? I would love to see Jiminy Cricket!
You are going to have so much fun!!!

Cute AK pics! We really enjoy Animal Kingdom and I really don't get the whole "glorified Zoo" thing. It's so much more than a zoo...at least any Zoo I've ever been to!
I know, right?
We really like It's Tough to Be a Bug too....very fun show! And definitely see Nemo....it's worth it.

Hmm...Everest is AWESOME! I really did enjoy the Flights of Wonder Show believe it or not! You may want to give that a try. And definitely walk the animal trails...very enjoyable.

Flame Tree....MMMMMM! Just watch out for the birds!

NO Dinosaur?? We like it but it's not for everyone.
I actually meant to put this down. I think some of us will try it.
Look for DeVine on the pathway between Africa and Asia...so cool to see in person!

Missy, your pictures of her are amazing. I hope to see her.

I feel hot just thinking about AK--- I always leave so sticky and wanting to explore more. I hope I leave there satisfied!
I completely agree!
BTW.. Flame tree is outdoor seating, have you done that before in the summer. I want to try there but that might scare me off!

No, last time we ate at Pizzafari. I'm hoping we can find some decent shade, but we'll see.

I don't like 'em! Granted I clicked the quote tab so long ago that I can't remember what it is I don't like....
That would be school bread.
I'm all caught up!!

Yeah!! Did the Robin's eggs hatch yet? If they did - please post pictures! We're in the middle of studying birds! We're so jealous you have a nest to watch!!

Not hatched yet. Allowing 12-16 days for hatching, we'll probably see babies next week. I'll definitely post pictures. We found another next yesterday that I'll post pictures of later. This is our year of the birds.

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

The only other ride I like is Dinosaur, but it might be too scary for the kids. It's still scary to me every time I go on it! It's just such a unique ride that I force myself to go.

My only suggestion (and I am going to try to follow my own advice this time) is to finish everything in one area of the park before you move on to the next area. AK is SO HOT, and we always seem to make it worse by criss-crossing the park all day. I swear we walk 5 more miles a day at that park than any other. It usually starts with "Let's just get a Fastpass to Everest and then go to the Lion King show." Hopefully we will do better this time.

 

[cjackearl]

The only other ride I like is Dinosaur, but it might be too scary for the kids. It's still scary to me every time I go on it! It's just such a unique ride that I force myself to go.

My only suggestion (and I am going to try to follow my own advice this time) is to finish everything in one area of the park before you move on to the next area. AK is SO HOT, and we always seem to make it worse by criss-crossing the park all day. I swear we walk 5 more miles a day at that park than any other. It usually starts with "Let's just get a Fastpass to Everest and then go to the Lion King show." Hopefully we will do better this time.

I want to try Dinosaur, I think. I'm getting mixed results from the kiddos so we'll play it by ear.

Good advice to not backtrack too much. Hey, look at our countdowns!!! We're getting close.

 

[dismagiclover]

I just found your PTR and haven't read through the whole thing yet. We're heading to the Beach Club the same time as you (June 11-18) Super excited because we've never stayed on property before. We have a couple days planned the same as you as well. We're doing rope drop @ DHS on Tuesday and rope drop @ MK on Wednesday. Maybe we'll see you on the bus. How are you going to get to DHS on Tuesday? I was actually thinking about walking over. I like the idea of being in control and not having to worry about the boat schedule. I've heard its around a 20 minute walk.
Happy planning. It will be here before we know it

 

[cjackearl]

I just found your PTR and haven't read through the whole thing yet. We're heading to the Beach Club the same time as you (June 11-18) Super excited because we've never stayed on property before. We have a couple days planned the same as you as well. We're doing rope drop @ DHS on Tuesday and rope drop @ MK on Wednesday. Maybe we'll see you on the bus. How are you going to get to DHS on Tuesday? I was actually thinking about walking over. I like the idea of being in control and not having to worry about the boat schedule. I've heard its around a 20 minute walk.
Happy planning. It will be here before we know it

Hello! I can't wait to check in to the Beach Club! I'm not sure about the trip to DHS. I agree that the boat might be a little unreliable for trying to make rope drop. The walk may be a little long in the June heat though. Hmmm...I'll have to ponder.

Looks like you have a 4 year old son, too. Aren't they fun?


ETA: Oh, and a 9yo daughter, too. Maybe the kids will meet at SAB.