Lan
D23 Charter Year Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2001
- Messages
- 1,312
The Great & Powerful Oz does it again...a dream vacation for my mom! Updated 06/17
- Thread starter Candice30
- Start date
thanks...uploading photos now for an update!
I just love those cheetah pics, you have now convinced me to stay at AKL just to go on that safari. Now all I have to do is find the $ to go after paying for our Sept trip.
loved it.....hope i get to do it again!
SUNRISE SAFARI DAY - CONTINUED
After the safari, we were all led to Pizzafari and into a private room where a huge breakfast buffet was laid out. The chef gave a speech first and then we were free to stuff ourselves. There was so much food and it was nice to have eggs and meat again. There were both scrambled eggs and cheese omelets, potatoes, fried plantains, 3 different kinds of sausages, bacon, ham, French toast sticks, banana stuffed French toast, biscuits, pastries, fruit, various juices, coffee and tea. Im sure I am forgetting something.
everything was so good. They had placed our names on the tables and there was a woman that was alone that mom and I had talked to on the safari so we invited her over. (Hi Carol!)
Turns out she was a cast member. She had just relocated to Animal Kingdom and is the manager for the safari drivers. She was taking the sunrise safari as part of her training and was being paid to do so. She thought this was the coolest and I agreed. Being paid to do the sunrise safari! Anyway, she was really nice and originally from Rhode Island I think. We talked for awhile about the park and lodge and it was nice to get her view on things and how much she loved her job. After breakfast we said our goodbyes and she went with the guides to return to the lodge to get her car.
Mom and I decided that we would continue on our animal tours. We walked through Pagani to see which pics we could catch.
I received a text from antss and disneymiss saying that they were in the park and wanted to meet up. Mom and I headed over to EE to meet up with them. Full bellies were making us move slow and by the time we got there, they had already grabbed FPs for EE. I was not going to force mom on this one NO WAY! I found her a cool spot so she could call home and fill my dad in on her morning and chat with disneymiss. Antss and I headed into the single rider line and made it on the same train. We were on in 5 minutes! YEAH! Afterwards, I had a plan to get mom on Dinosaur. She hates this ride she hates all the jerking and the darkness and of course the dinosaurs. I have to admit, Im not the biggest fan either but I figured if we just started walking that way, she wouldnt know. It worked!!!! Mom got on and made noises and kept her eyes shut the whole time! Sorry but ride pic wasnt that good so we didnt get it. Antss, disneymiss and I wanted to use our FP (I had gotten one too) for EE so we headed back over and mom again sat this one out. We got up to the front pretty quickly!
Mom and I still wanted to see a few more animals before heading out so we split up from the girls. This was going to be our last night so we made plans to all meet up again for one last WISHES!!! For this trip anyway! Mom and I headed to Maharaja to search for the tigers. Why cant people take their photos and then step aside? I hate it when they just stand there forever and others cant see. Finally getting tired of waiting, I thrust my camera over their shoulder to get a photo and they got the picture .sorry but I had to do it! Got some great photos though and I moved over to let others get theirs ..see how that works!!
We were so exhausted and mom could barely walk. I was afraid that if I stopped that I wouldnt get back up so I kept pressing on and she eventually caught up and we both limped all the way to the bus stop. What a full morning .. It was snack time in the lounge and I wanted to grab a snack for when I woke up so we stopped at the lounge to grab a plate of warm cookies YUM! When we got back to the room, I curled up on the bed under my robe and fell asleep. Mom went .where else yep on the balcony again to watch the animals. She just couldnt get enough. I did jump up once when she said a giraffe was approaching the water like she wanted to drink. It was amazing to see how she got down there to drink.
I went back to bed and eventually I heard her come in and start packing her suitcase. I just couldnt move. My mom later woke me up so I could start packing ..of course like a kid .i didnt listen and continued to lay there. There was a knock at our door and that made me sit up. I couldnt believe who it was ..who was it you ask? Youll have to wait for the next post for that ..sorry!
After the safari, we were all led to Pizzafari and into a private room where a huge breakfast buffet was laid out. The chef gave a speech first and then we were free to stuff ourselves. There was so much food and it was nice to have eggs and meat again. There were both scrambled eggs and cheese omelets, potatoes, fried plantains, 3 different kinds of sausages, bacon, ham, French toast sticks, banana stuffed French toast, biscuits, pastries, fruit, various juices, coffee and tea. Im sure I am forgetting something.
everything was so good. They had placed our names on the tables and there was a woman that was alone that mom and I had talked to on the safari so we invited her over. (Hi Carol!)
Turns out she was a cast member. She had just relocated to Animal Kingdom and is the manager for the safari drivers. She was taking the sunrise safari as part of her training and was being paid to do so. She thought this was the coolest and I agreed. Being paid to do the sunrise safari! Anyway, she was really nice and originally from Rhode Island I think. We talked for awhile about the park and lodge and it was nice to get her view on things and how much she loved her job. After breakfast we said our goodbyes and she went with the guides to return to the lodge to get her car.
Mom and I decided that we would continue on our animal tours. We walked through Pagani to see which pics we could catch.
I received a text from antss and disneymiss saying that they were in the park and wanted to meet up. Mom and I headed over to EE to meet up with them. Full bellies were making us move slow and by the time we got there, they had already grabbed FPs for EE. I was not going to force mom on this one NO WAY! I found her a cool spot so she could call home and fill my dad in on her morning and chat with disneymiss. Antss and I headed into the single rider line and made it on the same train. We were on in 5 minutes! YEAH! Afterwards, I had a plan to get mom on Dinosaur. She hates this ride she hates all the jerking and the darkness and of course the dinosaurs. I have to admit, Im not the biggest fan either but I figured if we just started walking that way, she wouldnt know. It worked!!!! Mom got on and made noises and kept her eyes shut the whole time! Sorry but ride pic wasnt that good so we didnt get it. Antss, disneymiss and I wanted to use our FP (I had gotten one too) for EE so we headed back over and mom again sat this one out. We got up to the front pretty quickly!
Mom and I still wanted to see a few more animals before heading out so we split up from the girls. This was going to be our last night so we made plans to all meet up again for one last WISHES!!! For this trip anyway! Mom and I headed to Maharaja to search for the tigers. Why cant people take their photos and then step aside? I hate it when they just stand there forever and others cant see. Finally getting tired of waiting, I thrust my camera over their shoulder to get a photo and they got the picture .sorry but I had to do it! Got some great photos though and I moved over to let others get theirs ..see how that works!!
We were so exhausted and mom could barely walk. I was afraid that if I stopped that I wouldnt get back up so I kept pressing on and she eventually caught up and we both limped all the way to the bus stop. What a full morning .. It was snack time in the lounge and I wanted to grab a snack for when I woke up so we stopped at the lounge to grab a plate of warm cookies YUM! When we got back to the room, I curled up on the bed under my robe and fell asleep. Mom went .where else yep on the balcony again to watch the animals. She just couldnt get enough. I did jump up once when she said a giraffe was approaching the water like she wanted to drink. It was amazing to see how she got down there to drink.
I went back to bed and eventually I heard her come in and start packing her suitcase. I just couldnt move. My mom later woke me up so I could start packing ..of course like a kid .i didnt listen and continued to lay there. There was a knock at our door and that made me sit up. I couldnt believe who it was ..who was it you ask? Youll have to wait for the next post for that ..sorry!
Glendamax
<font color=blue>LOVES Old English Roses china at
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2005
- Messages
- 3,973
Your Animal pics are FABULOUS! I dont even try anymore! I hope I get to do the sunrise Safari someday.
You were brave to ride EE and Dino after eating all that food! I would've been too scared to!
-Gmax
You were brave to ride EE and Dino after eating all that food! I would've been too scared to!
-Gmax
they were good!
EE doesn't bother my stomach but dinosaur does and luckily it was far enough from breakfast for the food to be settled.
jmskinner
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2006
- Messages
- 4,267
Wow, those pictures of the Lions are fantastic! I will have to do the morning Safari and stay at AKL. Maybe next year I can sweet talk the DH. Great pics though. And I love the one of the giraffe drinking from the water you took from your room. That buffet looks fantastic also.
My DS hates Dinosaur. We have purchased the ride photo several times and every time you can't see him. Well, in one you could see his fingers holding on to the bar.
I know, I'm an awful Mom for laughing.
Can't wait to hear who was at your door.
My DS hates Dinosaur. We have purchased the ride photo several times and every time you can't see him. Well, in one you could see his fingers holding on to the bar.
I know, I'm an awful Mom for laughing.Can't wait to hear who was at your door.
MagicShell
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2008
- Messages
- 1,487
Wow, what a feast you had after your safari. And, how neat to be able to talk to a new CM. That would be such a great job. I love tigers, they are just beautiful. I am glad your mom enjoyed looking at the animals so much.
disneymiss
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2005
- Messages
- 344
Oh, this is making me wish I was back at WDW......and do not want to wait till Sept. Hum, since I just got at 40% off pin code have to see about going for a long week end, and do Boo to You in Oct.
now who wants to go and share a room 
now who wants to go and share a room Wow, those pictures of the Lions are fantastic! I will have to do the morning Safari and stay at AKL. Maybe next year I can sweet talk the DH. Great pics though. And I love the one of the giraffe drinking from the water you took from your room. That buffet looks fantastic also.
My DS hates Dinosaur. We have purchased the ride photo several times and every time you can't see him. Well, in one you could see his fingers holding on to the bar.
Can't wait to hear who was at your door.
dinosaur isn't one of my favorites either. i really just ride if other people want to. i could skip it and usually do if alone.
carol was really nice and it was great to get her take on things.
Oh, this is making me wish I was back at WDW......and do not want to wait till Sept. Hum, since I just got at 40% off pin code have to see about going for a long week end, and do Boo to You in Oct.
i'm hoping to go sometime in october. not sure when yet but will let you know. maybe we can meet up for MNSSHP!
JuneChickie
****
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
- Messages
- 2,248
What a great trip and I love all the surprises you planned for your Mom.
She looks like she's just loving every minute of it.
Can't wait to read more !
She looks like she's just loving every minute of it.
Can't wait to read more !
Glad you made it back safely.I know you had a good time.
i did! we had a great trip....though POP is a far cry from AKL club level...i made due. i was with great company so it was cool!
she did love every minute....she just was so excited to see what the next day's surprise would be.
Disney4nonah
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2009
- Messages
- 303
Love your TR, I cried your mom is so loved...
Your a wonderful daughter, can't wait to read more....
Oh Man i see DVC Concierge so we can ge the Sunrise Safari, so in our future...
Your a wonderful daughter, can't wait to read more....
Oh Man i see DVC Concierge so we can ge the Sunrise Safari, so in our future...
Love your TR, I cried your mom is so loved...
Your a wonderful daughter, can't wait to read more....
Oh Man i see DVC Concierge so we can ge the Sunrise Safari, so in our future...
oohhh.....DVC concierge sounds wonderful right now. i just got back from POP and though i like the resort.....big mistake staying there right behind AKL concierge.
SUNRISE SAFARI DAY - CONTINUED
When I left off last, there was a knock at the door. We couldnt imagine who it could be .. It was our tour guide Mel! She had come by with one of our co-workers to surprise us with some mementos. She said that she knew how interested we were in the giraffes and how we asked so many questions about them. We had also told her that we have been unable to catch any of the younger giraffes and zebras and she told us how and when to find them. Back to the surprise .she brought us these beautiful color photos of the giraffes and zebras along with their names and birthdates. It was so thoughtful and mom and I were speechless. She went out onto our balcony and pointed some of the animals out by name. What a great ending to the day! Hopefully these will scan in as the colors are so vibrant.
This is Makena born 02/29/2008.
This is Kidani born 03/08/2008 with her mom Kari.
And this of course is Georgia.
Thanks again Mel you made us feel really special! After they left, mom decided it was time for her to take a nap and for me to pack. After finishing packing, we headed over to the lounge for dinner. Tonight we had chicken skewers, mulligatawny soup and sausage with peppers. I couldnt remember what was in mulligatawny soup and there were a couple things I couldnt identify. Mom found a cast member who was all too happy to go and get the recipe and run it down with mom to be sure she was allergic to anything. She wasnt and was happy to be able to taste it. Of course, we accompanied dinner with bread, cheese, and hummus as always and probably my 50th glass of African smoothe. I called antss when we were done and told her that we would meet her down in the lobby. We headed over to MKG and met up with disneymiss by Pirates. Mom had not seen the new additions yet and though she still hates that it is dark, enjoyed the ride. On our way over to find a spot for spectromagic, I realized that I hadnt gotten a dole whip yet. Yummy as ever! Sorry I ate it too fast for any photos YUM!!! There wasnt many spots left but antss scoped this spot out for mom while she was getting popcorn so she sat while the rest of us stood. Thanks again antss very thoughtful!
We of course had a lot of fun laughing at mom and the people around her. Most of the time not laughing at anything but she thought we were talking about them so it was funny anyway .guess you had to be there!
I had figured out the parade and fireworks settings on my camera and was anxious to get some good shots. Heres what I got.
And my favorite shots of Wishes! Couldnt believe I caught this one! Shhhh .I did cry this time!
After the fireworks, there was a massive crowd heading for the exit and disneymiss and antss had the great idea of heading over to caseys to wait while the park emptied. We were getting a little hungry so grabbed some corn dog nuggets while we waited. When we did head out, there were only a handful of people at our bus stop and the bus pulled right up. Disneymiss bus was there waiting when we arrived so we said our goodbyes as she was leaving in the early morning. We were so sad that this was our last night!
This was a long last day and I had to finish packing! Up next, we say goodbye to the world and antss.
When I left off last, there was a knock at the door. We couldnt imagine who it could be .. It was our tour guide Mel! She had come by with one of our co-workers to surprise us with some mementos. She said that she knew how interested we were in the giraffes and how we asked so many questions about them. We had also told her that we have been unable to catch any of the younger giraffes and zebras and she told us how and when to find them. Back to the surprise .she brought us these beautiful color photos of the giraffes and zebras along with their names and birthdates. It was so thoughtful and mom and I were speechless. She went out onto our balcony and pointed some of the animals out by name. What a great ending to the day! Hopefully these will scan in as the colors are so vibrant.
This is Makena born 02/29/2008.
This is Kidani born 03/08/2008 with her mom Kari.
And this of course is Georgia.
Thanks again Mel you made us feel really special! After they left, mom decided it was time for her to take a nap and for me to pack. After finishing packing, we headed over to the lounge for dinner. Tonight we had chicken skewers, mulligatawny soup and sausage with peppers. I couldnt remember what was in mulligatawny soup and there were a couple things I couldnt identify. Mom found a cast member who was all too happy to go and get the recipe and run it down with mom to be sure she was allergic to anything. She wasnt and was happy to be able to taste it. Of course, we accompanied dinner with bread, cheese, and hummus as always and probably my 50th glass of African smoothe. I called antss when we were done and told her that we would meet her down in the lobby. We headed over to MKG and met up with disneymiss by Pirates. Mom had not seen the new additions yet and though she still hates that it is dark, enjoyed the ride. On our way over to find a spot for spectromagic, I realized that I hadnt gotten a dole whip yet. Yummy as ever! Sorry I ate it too fast for any photos YUM!!! There wasnt many spots left but antss scoped this spot out for mom while she was getting popcorn so she sat while the rest of us stood. Thanks again antss very thoughtful!
We of course had a lot of fun laughing at mom and the people around her. Most of the time not laughing at anything but she thought we were talking about them so it was funny anyway .guess you had to be there!
I had figured out the parade and fireworks settings on my camera and was anxious to get some good shots. Heres what I got.
And my favorite shots of Wishes! Couldnt believe I caught this one! Shhhh .I did cry this time!
After the fireworks, there was a massive crowd heading for the exit and disneymiss and antss had the great idea of heading over to caseys to wait while the park emptied. We were getting a little hungry so grabbed some corn dog nuggets while we waited. When we did head out, there were only a handful of people at our bus stop and the bus pulled right up. Disneymiss bus was there waiting when we arrived so we said our goodbyes as she was leaving in the early morning. We were so sad that this was our last night!
This was a long last day and I had to finish packing! Up next, we say goodbye to the world and antss.
MagicShell
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2008
- Messages
- 1,487
You got some great fireworks pictures. It sounds like a great way to end a trip. We ended our trip by watching the Spectro parade as well. That baby zebra is too cute. I am glad you all got those pictures and learned more about the animals.
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