WDW 3/2-3/9 2007 The World With An ONLY Child!!!! COMPLETED!!! With Pics!!!

Tuesday, March 6th--Animal Kingdom

Let me start by saying, I don't like AK that much.

Now, before everybody gets mad at me, let me explain:

My father was a zookeeper at the Philadelphia Zoo for forty years. I have seen animals of all shapes and sizes all my life. He worked his way up from working in the bird house, to being Curator of Lions at the time of his retirement. I have seen the animals "up close and personal" too many times to mention.

I went into this park with very high expectations on our trip in 2004, and I was quite disappointed. I was hoping things would have changed a bit on this trip, but they didn't. As you walk through the entrance, there are viewing areas for birds and small animals. These types of exhibits are better at the Philly Zoo. More detailed, IMHO. Although, the Tree of Life was pretty impressive, I must say. The carvings of the animals in the trunk took my breath away.

Also, I never understood the carnival-like atmosphere at DinoLand USA.
It doesn't fit in with the over-all theme of the park. Just a few observations that lean toward the negative side. Everything can't be perfect at WDW, can it?

DH and DS were anxious to ride Expedition Everest. They decide to run ahead and grab Fastpasses. I just walked around at a leisurely pace and I would catch up to them later. I tried to soak in some of the detailing of the park. The Asia section was very well themed. All the buildings were really nicely decorated and , although I've never been to Asia, I could imagine that this is what it would look like.

The guys grabbed thier Fastpasses for EE, and they had about 1 hour to kill, so they decide they want to ride Dinosaur. I went on this ride in 2004. NEVER again. This attraction scared the crap out of me. Naturally, DS and DH love this ride. They hop in the stand-by line as there is about a 20 minute wait. I waited outside the ride for them. Called the fam, let them know how things are going, etc. About 40 minutes later, the boys come out of the ride.

I forgor to mention, it was HOT that day. I was roasting out in the sun. DH and DS high-tail it over to EE. Again, I am pacing myself as I am walking over. I spot a stand that is selling specialty teas, but it was so humid out, the last thing I wanted to purchase was a hot beverage!

Before I even get to the entrance to EE, they are done riding it. Boy, those fastpasses are really worth thier weight in gold!!

After EE, we decide to go to Kilimanjaro Safaris. We decide to wait in the stand-by line because I didn't want to have to roam around the park for at least another hour because of the heat. This was our first real wait our entire trip so far. This was the one thing I was looking forward to at this park. As a matter of fact, this was the ONLY attraction I rode on all day. As I've mentioned earlier in this TR, my father passed away right before I went to WDW in 2004. When we went to AK then, all I did was cry. He was such a lover of all animals, I know HE would have found this place interesting. Maybe that's why I don't like it that much. Brings back too many memories. I had wanted to bring my father on that trip. He was really sick back then, and I told him we'd rent him a scooter. I teased him and said we'd get in front of all the lines with him in the scooter. Sadly, it was not to be. I couldn't bring myself to watch The Festival of the Lion King at Camp Minnie-Mickey on this trip. Too much for me to take, I guess.

Anyway, the safari was OK for me. Most of the animals were hiding or asleep.

Over all, not a good day for me at AK.

We went back to POFQ to rest up for Fantasmic at MGM. I was NOT going to miss this. Especially after what happened the other night with Illuminations!!


We have another early dinner at the food court and head out for MGM around 7:00.

We tried to make the early show but it was standing-room only and I really didn't want to stand for the entire show.

So, DS and DH ride RnRC again. (Second time this trip so far) They are on and off this ride within 20 minutes time. The second showing of Fantasmic was at 8:30, so I tell them they can go get a treat and meet me at the front entrance of the ampitheater. Meanwhile, the line starts forming for Fantasmic again. It's getting reallycrowded. I'm getting really annoyed. Where are those two? How long does it take to get a treat, for God's sake?

Before you know it, they are opening up the gates and start letting people in. They are just pouring in the gates. They're still not back. This is where 2cell phones would really come in handy. Still filing in the theater. I'm telling you, there were thousands of people. Here I was--first in line--and now I didn't think we were goihg to get a seat at all.

Finally--after what seemed to me to be an eternity, they return and we make our way to the seats. Boy, that is some walk from the gates to the theater itself. Now, I've never seen this show before, so I didn't know just how much seating was available. This place was about the size of a football stadium. Plenty of seating for everyone there.

Fantasmic was the best thing I've ever seen at WDW, hands down. Again, I'm not going to give it away for those who haven't seen it, but OMG, that is some show!!!:wizard:

Again I am going to ask:

How do they DO that!!!!!

Next Up: The So-Called Down Day aka Mama's Shoppin' Extravaganza!!!
 
OK, now I know I've been saying all along in the TR that I couldn't wait for certain things during this trip, but this is THE day I couldn't wait for:

Chef Mickey's Breakfast Buffet and SHOPPING!!!!

We had a ADR for breakfast at 9:20, so we hopped on the bus to MK and took the monorail to the Contemporary. (See, I'm learning!)

We get to CR,we check in and have our picture taken. (We declined to purchase the photo package. I don't know about you, but who needs 3 shots of this picture?)

Now, I've always wanted to do a character breakfast. Mickey is my main man. I was so excited at the prospect of seeing HIM up close and personal that I didn't take into account the OTHER main men in my life. DH--I didn't have to worry about him. He did the breakfast for me because he knew it would make me happy. DS, on the other hand, was NOT into this.

I was having a ball. Waving my napkin in the air, singing, dancing, laughing my butt off. I think the reason DS wasn't into it was because I was EMBARASSING him. Moms aren't supposed to have fun, you know!

The food was good, too. There was a cheesy potato caserole here that was to die for. There I go with the potatoes again. Do you think I'm addicted to carbs, or what? DH and I really got our money's worth with this breakfast. However, DS hardly ate anything! I guess this was his way of letting me know that I was getting on his nerves. His meal consisted of three spoonfuls of breakfast potatoes, a piece of watermelon, and a rice krisipie treat!

Needless to say, DS will not be going to another character breakfast.

So what, next time I'll go by myself!!

After breakfast, we head over to AKL.

Some friends of mine are honeymooning in WDW at the end of May. They are staying at AKL. This will be the bride's first time at WDW and the groom hasn't been there since he was little. I don't think Epcot was even open when he went. So, for a bridal shower gift, I wanted to get them some souvenier mugs and an AKL pin. This resort is BEAUTIFUL!! My friends are really doing it up big!

After AKL, we head back to POFQ and it's pool time again. It was hot out this time so I stayed in the pool longer than the last time.

After the pool, we head to Downtown Disney. I LOVE DTD. We had heard about Earl of Sandwich from all ears, so we decide to check it out. The sanwiches at this place are really good. DS and I get the Original Roast Beef with horseradish sauce and DH got jerk chicken. Of course, we all share each other's sandwiches and they're all delicious!!! This place will definitely be a must on our trip (you know what I'm gonna say!)

I went to Pin Traders after we ate. Now, I could spend all day at this stand. I love the pins, but this is a very expensive hobby. I bought a Bride and Groom Mickey and Minnie for my friends. I also bought her an Ariel and Flounder pin as well. The bride isa big fan of The Little Mermaid.

Next, DS went to Once Upon A Toy. Now, don't forget, those Disney Dollars were burning a hole in his pocket. He was dying to spend them. Meanwhile, I was looking for souveniers for my nephews. I found the cutest Mickey stuffed animal for Christopher, my youngest nephew.The material it was made out of was so soft. I buy it right away. DS comes up to me and says he can't find anything!!!

In a TOY STORE!!!!

I just blew this off because I don't want to start an arguement in the store. DS says he wants to look around some more and DH and I wait for him outside.

He still doesn't find anything. We make our way to Team Mickey's. As you can probably guess, this is a store with sports merchandise.

Now, bear with me for a minute, I have to go off-topic for a second:

I have a brother. He is the father of my nephews that I'm shopping for. My brother is the FUNNIEST person I have ever encountered in my 34 years on this Earth. He is also my son's godfather and I love him to death.

While we were on this trip, he called me at least 25 times a day. I know he wanted to come on this trip and bring his kids. However, forces bigger than himself (his wife--who we can't stand!) made it impossible for him to do so.

He'd call and say:

"What's on the agenda for today?"

"Are you having fun?"

"What's T.J. doing?"

And, the obligatory food questions:

"Food any good?"

"What did you have to eat so far today?"

I felt so bad for him. Before we left, he actually sat me down at the table at my mom's house and wanted me to give him the play-by-play of everything we were going to be doing for the entire trip.

I'm saying this now and all of you reading this are witnesses:

I am kidnapping him next time. He's coming with us next trip and I don't care what wifey-poo says!!

There, I feel better.

Anyway,the only thing my brother wanted was for me to pick him up a shirt with an ESPN logo on it. My brother is a big guy. 6'4". 290lbs. I was really lucky that I was able to find something in his size. I buy the shirt, and DS is wandering round the football jerseys. He decides he wants to buy one. I thought he wanted a new Donovan McNabb jersey because his was starting to get a little raggedy.

He proceeds to buy a REGGIE BUSH JERSEY!!!!!!

For those of you who don't know, Reggie Bush plays for the New Orleans Saints. The team that beat the Eagles in the NFC Divisional playoff game just a few weeks eariler!!!

That TRAITOR!! DH wouldn't even look at him for the rest of the evening!!!

Oh well, it was his money. Plus the fact that it cost $75.00!! I would never have paid that kind of money for a shirt.

On to World of Disney! This is where Mama does some serious damage!

We buy obligitory keychains, refrigerator magnets, and such for the fam, and I just have to but some light-up Mickey ears for another one of my nephews, Stephen. This one is his father's son. He just bounds into a room and you just KNOW it's him. I wanted to get his name engraved on the back of the ears, but that required going to the Christmas store, and you should not let me into a store that sells Christmas ornaments with Disney characters on them. Bad idea. DH does not want me to go in there!! He knows he'll have to take out a second mortgage on the house if I do. I also bought a little gift pack of hot chocolate mix with Disney characters on it. They changed colors when you added hot water to them. I bought this for my oldest nephew, Ryan.

Of course, I just had to but the bride and groom Mickey ears for my friends.

(Her bridal shower just passed, and she loved all her gifts!)

After the shopping spree, we wanted to get a treat. I heard about the Girhardelli Ice Cream Parlor on all ears, but then we spot---Goofy's Candy Company!!!!

OMG, there would be no ice cream tonight!!!

Up at the counter of this store, there are little pieces of paper with a list of various treats on them such as caramel apples, pretzel logs, giant Oreo cookies, marshmallows, etc. You can have your treat dipped in milk, dark, or white chocolate. Then if that wasn't enough, you can also have your treat dipped in other kinds of goodies, such as MnMs, crushed Reese cups, sprinkles, or chocolate chips!!! Absolutely SINFUL!!!!

DS and I got caramel apples dipped in dark chocolate. I had chocolate chips on mine. DS had Reese cups on his. DH got an Oreo cookie dipped in dark chocolate with Reese cups.

We took the relaxing boat back to POFQ. We went back to our room and shared our treats while we watched TV.

Next Up: Our last full day at WDW spent where else--The Magic Kingdom!!!
 

Have you checked the technical boards on how to post pictures? They explian it pretty well there.:goodvibes
 
No, I haven't checked the technical boards, Goofy!

I'll check them out and see what I can do.

Thanks a lot!:thumbsup2
 
FLY EAGLES FLY
ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY
FIGHT EAGLES FIGHT
SCORE A TOUCHDOWN 1-2-3 (1-2-3)
HIT EM LOW
HIT EM HIGH
AND WATCH OUR EAGLES FLY
FLY EAGLES FLY ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES

Born & raised South Philly but live in Roxborough now


Loving the TR....
Janet
 
FLY EAGLES FLY
ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY
FIGHT EAGLES FIGHT
SCORE A TOUCHDOWN 1-2-3 (1-2-3)
HIT EM LOW
HIT EM HIGH
AND WATCH OUR EAGLES FLY
FLY EAGLES FLY ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES

Born & raised South Philly but live in Roxborough now


Loving the TR....
Janet

JANET, YOU'RE MY GIRL!!!!!!:cheer2:

Thanks for reading!!!

You've got more guts than I do!!!
 













Ok, here are some pictures!


Double click on them to make them bigger.

Let me know what you guys think!
 



























These are the rest of the pctures that were good enough to post.

Sorry they are out of order, but I just learned how to do this.

I know what you are thinking, where's the Eagles stuff?

I didn't take any pictures the day he had his Eagles stuff on. I could kick myself for that!!

I know you think I'm a liar or something, don't you?
 
You did it, Way to go!!:thumbsup2 Great pictures.:woohoo: TJ IS a handsome young man.
Thanks for the pictures! I can't wait for our trip. Keep the report coming!:flower3:

Rene'
 
You did it, Way to go!!:thumbsup2 Great pictures.:woohoo: TJ IS a handsome young man.
Thanks for the pictures! I can't wait for our trip. Keep the report coming!:flower3:

Rene'



Thank you so much, Rene'!

I'm getting sad because the TR is almost over!!!

Stay tuned!

My baby is cute, isn't he?:groom:
 
Great Trip report, You tell the story so well!

Thank you, satman!

Believe me, I'm not a writer. I've seen some trip reports on here that are hysterical!

Also, I'm not the funny one in the family! I've said that my brother is the funny one. He has had me in stitches over the years!!

Keep reading!:thumbsup2
 
I love reading this!:thumbsup2
I have nine more days until I fly out....can't wait!:cool1:
 
I love reading this!:thumbsup2
I have nine more days until I fly out....can't wait!:cool1:

Hey Lilo!!!

Thanks for reading my TR--almost finished though!!!:sad1:

Have a good time on your trip!

Make sure you write a TR when you get back so I can read it!!!:goodvibes
 
Mousermom

Now did you really think that a 12yr old Philly Guy would enjoy a character meal...Ya gotta know they're just too cool for that!:confused3 LOL
 
Mousermom

Now did you really think that a 12yr old Philly Guy would enjoy a character meal...Ya gotta know they're just too cool for that!:confused3 LOL

always, my buddy:

You got that right!

Like I said, I'll go by myself next time!!!:rotfl2:
 
You did get him to pose for pics with the characters & actually look like he's having fun! The grounds of the POFQ look really nice. We stayed at Riverside when it was still called Dixie Landings when we did the Land & Sea & found it a little hard to get our bearings. The place is huge & people were always wandering around asking each other how to get to their rooms. We usually stay at at OKW now & the boat to Downtown passes by PO on the way.

We leave 3 weeks from Sunday for 5 nights. We really wanted to stay for the whole week but didnt have enough points for a 2 bedroom villa & didnt want to stay in a 1 bedroom with my Brother & his 8 yr old son..Noone wants to sleep on the sofabedfor a whole week.

I hope it's less crowded since Easter break is over. Did you see any of the Flower Power concerts?
 
You did get him to pose for pics with the characters & actually look like he's having fun! The grounds of the POFQ look really nice. We stayed at Riverside when it was still called Dixie Landings when we did the Land & Sea & found it a little hard to get our bearings. The place is huge & people were always wandering around asking each other how to get to their rooms. We usually stay at at OKW now & the boat to Downtown passes by PO on the way.

We leave 3 weeks from Sunday for 5 nights. We really wanted to stay for the whole week but didnt have enough points for a 2 bedroom villa & didnt want to stay in a 1 bedroom with my Brother & his 8 yr old son..Noone wants to sleep on the sofabedfor a whole week.

I hope it's less crowded since Easter break is over. Did you see any of the Flower Power concerts?


That was because I threatened him, always!!!!:lmao:

POFQ is very small compared to Riverside. 5 Minute walk to everything from everywhere!!! The grounds were beautiful and the jazz music we heard playing from the food court was a very nice touch.

You should try to get 2 nights at POFQ at the last minute. You'll really enjoy it, I'm sure.

I know you want to stay for the whole week, don't you?:rolleyes1

I don't know about the Flower Power concerts, what are they?
 







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