Where Pixie-Dusted Birthday Dreams Come True! A July Trip Report! PTR Link! Pg. 116

[DisMomAmy]

The only advantage of a short trip to Disney is that you don't get too far behind on your TR reading!

Love the meerkats!!

 

[twenty3curls]

I'm so incredibly behind on posting to your TR. Many apologies! I've been keeping up faithfully, but work has been such a zoo that before I can think about replying, I'm on to the next little crisis!

But...work has finally settled down, I'm back from our September Disney trip and ready to crawl out of lurker status on the Dis!

Along with everyone else, I love the meerkat photo shoot! Totally cracked me up! Jeff often voices the characters and animals as we walk by, but I've thought to do a photo shoot. Good stuff!

I'm looking forward to reading about Taste of Africa...if you guys ended up doing it.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

After being gone for ten days checking out the Grand Canyon, Rte 66 & Las Vegas, I'm finally caught up with your TR.

I loved the video of Conner telling fortunes. He is so dramatic, I sense stardom in his future.

The rhino encounter would have freaked me out. When we were in Yellowstone the bison came very close to our mini van & I swear they could have tipped it over if they were in the notion of doing so.

I'm still loving this TR, enjoying every page!

 

[xoktenox]

Those meerkat photos are hilarious with your captions

Too bad you didn't get to see the gorillas...we were hoping to get to see the new baby but didn't

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi Jackie! I've been off the DIS for a little while and got behind - I'm going all the way back to when you chickened out on riding EE Speaking of which, it's not going anywhere, you'll ride it next time, right???

Your meal at Yak & Yeti looked yummy! Such a great place to get a good meal and escape the heat for awhile. I can't believe there was a lady at the table next to you brushing her hair though - ewwwww! Did she really think everyone else wanted her hair in their food? Yuck!

Looked like Connor had a great birthday weekend! I know what you mean about boys and their noise level - it can be deafening! I was cracking up at him reading Chelsea's future - he was totally into his role, so funny!

That crowd at AK was scary! Glad it dispersed quickly.

I was very worried for you when you weren't seeing any giraffe's on the safari, thank goodness you finally spotted some!

Meerkat photo shoot!

Can't wait to hear about the Taste of Africa!

 

[eandesmom]

There's a slogan for an exhibit here.

Meerkat

Meerkute

And they are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to mention personality plus.

Great update!

 

[hollisterluva92]

Loved the update Jackie!!!!! Lol about the naked mole rats!! Is it just me or are meerkats adorable??? You had me laughing so hard with the photoshoot!!! Can't wait to hear about the taste of Africa, might have to try that on my next trip! Come check out my ptr, i've updated a ton!!!!!

 

[MagicShell]

My family loves meerkats. We get to see them at the zoo we go to in Memphis. I have never had an official photo shot with them before. I quite enjoyed yours though.

 

[momof2TNboys]

Just wanted to post and tell you that I have not forgotten you! I will catch up on your report tonight. I have let life get in the way of disboards.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I have always loved meercats, so I really enjoyed the photos. Our local children's museum recently redid their small zoo & have added 4 meercats. I have to get over there to see them.

If one has not done the trail where the tigers are, it must be done. It is so unique there.

 

[Momto4DisneyFans]

Jackie, I am loving your reports! I just wanted to say "Hi!" now that I have read all your reports and have finally caught up! The DIS is SO addictive. I think I started w/ MeMom's and then yours, but one report keeps leading to another and another...well you know what I mean. I have especially enjoyed reading about your AKL stay and your Oct. trip as we are staying at AKL during F&W this year. It was very helpful in planing what to do and what to eat (and drink!). I have a DD who is right behind Chelsea so I can def. relate to the pre-teen drama and my DS, who is 7, reminds me of an up and coming Connor. He always keeps us entertained. I would love to do a trip report of my own, but I can't even keep up with the one's I'm reading! If there is another DISmeet near Atlanta I am def. in! It is about 4.5 hrs. from me, but I have family near Atlanta so I think we could swing it. Can't wait to read more!

 

[TarzansKat]

Naked molerats, hairy hippos, posing meerkats.

This is quite the installment, CP.

 

[MegansMom]

Oh how I LOVE the meerkat!!!! What good play-by-play....we know that was what he was doing!

 

[carissanboys]

I adore meerkats! We have some at our zoo and I could spend forever watching them. They crack me up and make me smile.

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

The meerkats are the cutest things ever! You definitely made Jake happy with all of those pictures!

 

[Charleston Princess]

NOW that was an amazing update!!!!!!

Why thank you!

First of all...yes leave it to animals to give you more education than you bargained for LOL!! I love how into the animals Connor seems to get...must be a future scientist in the making!!!!

Oh, I know! Connor loves animals! I keep angling for him to be an Imagineer, though.

Okay Meerkat photoshoot...HILARIOUS!!! You had me laughing so hard it brought tears to my eyes!! Loved how he just worked the camera for you!!

He reminded me of my own kids. LOL!

Finally...we're getting to the food! Can't wait to hear what you had and if you enjoyed it!!!

Coming soon!

Hurrah! I love a Saturday morning update. The grocery store is way overrated anyway.

I think so, too. I hate going there.

I can see how hot it is in the kids' flushed cheeks. Glad you made the best of it!

It was very hot. We kept waiting for it to cool down.

Laughing at the animals sneaking off for "quiet time." I wonder if Disney trains the CMs with some standard explanations when that occurs. And weren't the bats just having quiet time too? Yikes...something was in the air apparently!

I guess it was something to do to pass the time. LOL!

The meerkat was totally working it for the camera!

I can't wait to hear about Taste of Africa!!

It almost seemed like he was doing it on purpose! Taste of Africa coming soon!

I snort laughed at your Meerkat photo shoot.

Thanks! I had fun with it!

Those poses of how hot it was are so very familiar to me!

Oh, I know! I don't think Chelsea and Connor had to act too much for those pictures.

Great Pix loved the Meerket photo shoot !!!!

Thanks, Rosie!

Connor sure knows how to work a picture! Looking at him I was ready to grab a hypothermia blanket and cold IV fluids!

He does look a bit wilted! LOL!

OMG....to the meerkats. Excellent pictures. It looks like a real photo shot!

Ha ha! Thanks!

So glad you decided to update and leave your family starving!

I made it up to them later in the day.

A great way to start a Saturday afternoon...thanks for the Update. All new to me, we melt before the trails and stuff at AK. For my family they think that stuff is like the zoo, which we go to all the time! The kids provide such great pictures!

While parts of Animal Kingdom do remind me of a zoo, I think the theming is so much better than ours. We always enjoy watching the animals.

Jackie, I am all caught up!

Looks like a HOT day!! But a fun one. I just love AK.... What a fabulous place!

I was with your meerkat commentary. Love it!!!

Hi, Katie! It was a hot day, but then every day on that trip was a hot day. Glad you enjoyed the photo shoot. We had fun watching that meerkat for quite awhile.

Meerkat photo shoot......

Glad you enjoyed it!

LOVE the meerkat photo shoot!!!! That is laugh out loud funny!!

Thanks!

Oh yes and the overheated children photos Somehow I think they weren't improvising too much

Nope, not at all!

Frisky little mole rats....good thing they were naked

Tracy

I love the meerkat photos. Too cute!
Can't wait to read more about Taste of Africa.

Thanks! Taste of Africa and some of our favorite moments coming soon!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love the meerkats! You did a great job on thier photo shoot!

Thanks! I felt a bit like Austin Powers. LOL!

This is way better than the grocery store!
Cute meerkat photo shoot!!
I'm ready to taste some African cuisine too!

I hate the grocery store, so I had a lot more fun doing an update. Taste of Africa coming soon!

Great update!! Love the meerkat photoshoot-- they certainly know how to work the camera lol

Yes, they do! It was fun watching them.

Oh my gosh...the meerkat photo shoot!

Glad you enjoyed it! We took so many pictures of those meerkats -- especially the one on the rock, that we felt like we were photographers by trade.

Those meerkats were HIGHlarious!!! TOOOOO funny! So cute, what a great set up there

We had so much fun watching them. It wasn't crowded there, so we were able to just hang over the railing and indulge ourselves with taking lots of pictures.

I cant wait to hear about Taste of Africa!!!

Coming soon! I hope I can update before the day gets too crazy.

They are very convincing.

I don't think they were acting too much this time.

Brooklynn almost picked out a book about meerkats at her book fair yesterday. She had it in her hand, and of course I was all for it, but she ended up choosing something else. Great pictures, CP! It's fun just to watch them and wonder what they are thinking.

We love the meerkats -- last time they were all hiding, so this time we were really excited that so many of them were out and about. The one on the rock had his eye on a big bird circling overhead. I think he was a bit leery of it.

Love your meerkat photos! They are such enjoyable little creatures...
I'm convinced they are watching us watch them.

Thanks! I think they are very aware of all those humans watching them.

Can't wait for the next update!

Coming soon, I hope!

LOVED the Meerkat photos. They are so cute!!

Thanks!

Yup it looks hot!! I would not do well at all at that time of year. April or May is bad enough with me.

It will be awhile before we head back in the dead of summer again, that's for sure.

Cannot wait to hear about Taste of Africa!!

Coming soon!

Thanks for the great pictures to remind me that we really need to explore more while in AK. This will have to be in Jan. bc July is just too stinkin hot!

It was hot! One day I would love to tour Animal Kingdom when it is much cooler.

Gotta love the meercats! I too love desks and am a bit ridiculous about organization... are you a virgo by chance??

Actually, I am a Scorpio, but I love anything to do with desks, bulletin boards, and organization.

All caught up again.

I have yet to try the Jungle Trek and see the tigers. Every time we are there I always want to go there, but I seem to forget when I arrive at the park

We were lucky that we had time to explore the tigers while we were waiting for our Everest FP time.

Love Connor's bday party. We have a bunch of StarWars addicts here. Dh has been shopping on Ebay buying them all StarWars stuff.

We are huge Star Wars fans around here. Did you read where they are turning the movies into 3D? That will be fun!

 

[Charleston Princess]

How about office supplies? I'm way into those too!
Guess what - I'm a virgo!!!

I didn't know Virgos were all about office supplies. Connor is a Virgo but sadly seems to be lacking that aspect of his sign.

Sorry I've gotten behind.

It's been crazy around here, too, so don't worry!

Loved the animal photos from the safari. I'm so glad you found the giraffes. That rhino did look rather mean. Last year a rhino held up our ride. He had parked himself in the road and would not move. The had to bring in help to get him to move. Maybe he was planning more mischief while you were there.

Yikes! For some reason, the rhinos (and the crocodiles) really freak me out!

We love the forest trail. I'm sorry the gorilla's weren't out but it looks like the meerkats made up for it. They have such personality. Maybe that's why Timon is so popular.

Oh, yes, we weren't too upset about the gorillas since we had such a good time with the meerkats.

Yeah for the meerkats. We were at the Nashville Zoo this weekend and Brady thought they were called Come-eer-kats. He was so cute yelling to them" Come-eer-kats!" They do love to pose!

Brady is adorable!

You are too funny! I love the meerkats commentary. Henry found great entertainment in these guys too recently at a zoo here, I forgot they were on the trail at AK, we'll have to check that out in March!

Thanks! They are just so fun to watch when they are sitting on those rocks looking all around.

So, how did the hippo loose his hair?

If I remember the story correctly, the hippo was very vain about his hair, and one of the other animals set him on fire because they were tired of his preening! He ran into the water to put out the fire and was so ashamed of his nekkid hide that he decided to just stay there. It wasn't a very cheerful tale.

The only advantage of a short trip to Disney is that you don't get too far behind on your TR reading!

Love the meerkats!!

This is true! LOL! Thanks! We had fun watching them!

I'm so incredibly behind on posting to your TR. Many apologies! I've been keeping up faithfully, but work has been such a zoo that before I can think about replying, I'm on to the next little crisis!

But...work has finally settled down, I'm back from our September Disney trip and ready to crawl out of lurker status on the Dis!

Hi! Work has been crazy this year for me, too! I never seem to have enough time to do everything I want! How was your trip? Are you going to post some pictures over on Facebook?

Along with everyone else, I love the meerkat photo shoot! Totally cracked me up! Jeff often voices the characters and animals as we walk by, but I've thought to do a photo shoot. Good stuff!

Thanks! Oh, I bet it is hilarious having Jeff voice the characters and animals. LOL!

I'm looking forward to reading about Taste of Africa...if you guys ended up doing it.

Oh, yes, we made it!

After being gone for ten days checking out the Grand Canyon, Rte 66 & Las Vegas, I'm finally caught up with your TR.

How was the trip? Sounds like a lot of fun! I would love to check out some of Route 66 sometime!

I loved the video of Conner telling fortunes. He is so dramatic, I sense stardom in his future.

Thanks! I tried to get him to join the drama club at his school but he was worried he would be cast in a role he didn't want.

The rhino encounter would have freaked me out. When we were in Yellowstone the bison came very close to our mini van & I swear they could have tipped it over if they were in the notion of doing so.

I'm still loving this TR, enjoying every page!

Oh my goodness! That bison would have really freaked me out!

Those meerkat photos are hilarious with your captions

Thanks!

Too bad you didn't get to see the gorillas...we were hoping to get to see the new baby but didn't

You were able to get great pictures of the other gorillas, though!

Hi Jackie! I've been off the DIS for a little while and got behind - I'm going all the way back to when you chickened out on riding EE Speaking of which, it's not going anywhere, you'll ride it next time, right???

Hi, Michelle! I am so glad you decided to come back to the DIS! We will gladly adopt you into our family for future Disney trips, if you want!

Yes, Everest will be there on a next trip if I ever get up the nerve.

Your meal at Yak & Yeti looked yummy! Such a great place to get a good meal and escape the heat for awhile. I can't believe there was a lady at the table next to you brushing her hair though - ewwwww! Did she really think everyone else wanted her hair in their food? Yuck!

It was very good, but I was a little stunned that the woman saw nothing wrong with brushing her hair at her table.

Looked like Connor had a great birthday weekend! I know what you mean about boys and their noise level - it can be deafening! I was cracking up at him reading Chelsea's future - he was totally into his role, so funny!

You'll know what I mean when I say the boys were very well-behaved but so loud. It was like they couldn't turn their volume down to a normal level.

That crowd at AK was scary! Glad it dispersed quickly.

Me too! I am NOT a fan of big crowds and doubt we would have lasted as long as we did.

I was very worried for you when you weren't seeing any giraffe's on the safari, thank goodness you finally spotted some!

I was so worried when we rounded the corner onto the savannah and there was nothing there!

Meerkat photo shoot!

He was totally into it!

Can't wait to hear about the Taste of Africa!

Coming soon!

There's a slogan for an exhibit here.

Meerkat

Meerkute

And they are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to mention personality plus.

Great update!

Love it, Cynthia!!!

I think that's one of the reasons we love the meerkats so much! They have so much character!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Loved the update Jackie!!!!! Lol about the naked mole rats!! Is it just me or are meerkats adorable??? You had me laughing so hard with the photoshoot!!! Can't wait to hear about the taste of Africa, might have to try that on my next trip! Come check out my ptr, i've updated a ton!!!!!

Hi! Yes, I think the meerkats are just precious! I will try and head over to your PTR this weekend!

My family loves meerkats. We get to see them at the zoo we go to in Memphis. I have never had an official photo shot with them before. I quite enjoyed yours though.

Thanks! We have meerkats at our Atlanta zoo, but they aren't quite as charming as the Disney ones for some reason.

Just wanted to post and tell you that I have not forgotten you! I will catch up on your report tonight. I have let life get in the way of disboards.

Hi!!! Life has been getting in the way of my DIS board time, too. This time of year is always so full of things.

I have always loved meercats, so I really enjoyed the photos. Our local children's museum recently redid their small zoo & have added 4 meercats. I have to get over there to see them.

Ah, I bet that would be a fun visit!

If one has not done the trail where the tigers are, it must be done. It is so unique there.

Yes, it is! The theming is just incredible!

Jackie, I am loving your reports! I just wanted to say "Hi!" now that I have read all your reports and have finally caught up! The DIS is SO addictive. I think I started w/ MeMom's and then yours, but one report keeps leading to another and another...well you know what I mean. I have especially enjoyed reading about your AKL stay and your Oct. trip as we are staying at AKL during F&W this year. It was very helpful in planing what to do and what to eat (and drink!). I have a DD who is right behind Chelsea so I can def. relate to the pre-teen drama and my DS, who is 7, reminds me of an up and coming Connor. He always keeps us entertained. I would love to do a trip report of my own, but I can't even keep up with the one's I'm reading! If there is another DISmeet near Atlanta I am def. in! It is about 4.5 hrs. from me, but I have family near Atlanta so I think we could swing it. Can't wait to read more!

Welcome!!! Yes, the DIS is very addictive! You are so going to love, love, love both Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Food and Wine Festival! Are you going to the Halloween party, too? It is so much fun!

Naked molerats, hairy hippos, posing meerkats.

This is quite the installment, CP.

Lots of animal fun of all varieties!

Oh how I LOVE the meerkat!!!! What good play-by-play....we know that was what he was doing!

Without a doubt! I am convinced he was playing model there.

I adore meerkats! We have some at our zoo and I could spend forever watching them. They crack me up and make me smile.

Me too! Meerkats have to be one of my favorite animals to watch! Their antics are so endearing!

The meerkats are the cutest things ever! You definitely made Jake happy with all of those pictures!

Hi, Lauren! Ah, I am glad Jake enjoyed looking at them!

 

[Charleston Princess]

July 20, 2010: Part Seven

Taking all those pictures of posing meerkats had made us hungry, so it was time to wander over to the Taste of Africa.

Which way to go?

Our stomachs said we should head back to Harambe Village.

The Kusafiri Bakery beckoned us in with the tantalizing smells of Chicken Curry and Berebere Rubbed Beef. One of each, please.

The Harambe Fruit Market lured us in with their coconut macaroons. One of those, please.

Tamu Tamu tempted us with mango shakes. Cold drinks were definitely needed! Two of those, please.

We weren't quite finished with gathering our treats, though.

The Dawa Bar was calling to me. There was a Sugar Cane Mojito waiting just for me.

With all of our African bounty, we found seats at the Dawa Bar and proceeded to eat, eat, eat.

Chelsea with her mango shake and the Berbere Beef.

Connor with his mango shake and the chicken curry.

The mango shakes were very thick, but oh, so good! I wish they had them year-round! The chicken and beef were delicious as well -- I think I liked the chicken curry better.

Coconut macaroon for dessert! Very, very, very sweet!

My special Taste of Africa treat: the Sugar Cane Mojito. I liked it, but it was a little too sweet for me. I think I will stick with the Lost on Safari.

Chelsea managed to get sticky from her mango shake -- if you have read past trip reports, you know this is standard procedure for her. I don't what it is about Disney World, but that child always manages to get shakes or floats all over herself.

Anyway, after we ate, we went to the bathroom so Chelsea could clean herself up. Then, it was time to browse through the Mombasa Marketplace. Chelsea found a two-pack of Kilimanjaro tank tops that she really liked that were on sale for $15, and Connor decided we needed to donate money to the Disney Conservation Fund. He received a button for it. I did, however, have to persuade him that he did not really want to spend his souvenir money on a six-foot plastic snake. Ick!

As we left the Marketplace, we encountered the dancing in the streets. One of the African dancers grabbed Chelsea and started dancing with her. It was one of my favorite moments of the trip!

He then grabbed Connor to join in with the dancing, too!

So much fun!

We strolled slowly out of Africa.

Connor -- My Tree Hugger:

Even Conservationists can be tough guys.

What's in here?

Before we left, we had to add our own rhythms to the sounds of Africa.

A great time was had in Africa, but it was time to ride the Rapids again!