YES, touring Cinderella’s Dream Suite was Amazing!+14 Other Magical Days* Dismeet & Wrap

[fabulousfive]

I just love the Safari. It's my whole reason for going to AK! Well, now, I have to ride Everest, but the Safari is still my favorite ride at AK.

I'm so jealous that you are so close to DLand! How fun for you that you are able to go and have more Dismeets!!!

We've never done the safari but plan to this trip. How long should we allocate for it? And when is the best time of day to go in December do you think? Thanks!

 

[momabbate]

All your updates from DL makes me miss DL. I think last time I was there was back in Sept of 89. A lot has changed. Main Street still looks the way I remember it. Ok my memory isn't all that good. Thanks for the memories. One day I will make it back.

 

[KristinAnne]

Great pictures of the animals! The safari is definitely my favorite at AK!

I don't get to ease back to work part time. It would be nice. I'm a teacher, so I had July to enjoy with DD before DS arrived, and I am so thankful for it. We had so much fun together. DS was born at the end of July, and I took the rest of September off. Monday was really hard, but I'm starting to figure things out. DD was born in October, but I was really sick with gallstones during that pregnancy, so I was out from September-January. I got paid for all of it because the maternity time was sandwiched in between sick time. Silver lining.

 

[emmysmommy]

Awesome photos of the safari Brenda!

So, does your camera have an amazing optical zoom - or where the animals just that close?

I can't believe how many animals you were able to see - that is just magnificant!

D~

Hi D~! A lot of those photos were zoomed but the one hippo was very close to the truck along with some of the other savanna critters. The longhorn guy was very close. I have no idea what animals are normally out on the savanna or how active they are and such so it is interesting to read feedback here.

I hope you are having a great week. I fully intend to get caught up on your TR!!

Brenda your Safari pics are AWESOME! Seriously would do a collage of them for the wall! I espescially love the one with the 3 lions! They are so hard to even get pics of and all 3 were together for yours!

I agree with Kathy.. booking a one night stay at AKL may be worth it to do the Safari!

Hey Paula! I just thought the lions always hung out together. Maybe they go play with the zebras sometimes??

Definitely a great option if you stay CL!

I know I'm not saying anything groundbreaking here, but I have to add my "Oh my gosh I can't believe you have never done the safari before!" to the list! I adore it, I'm such an animal lover that the safari was among the tippy top priorities for me!

I will be offering remedial Photography 101 in the next semester.

Kidding! I still make all kinds of camera goofs, and that's 8 years after going to collage for it!

The rhinos give me the goosebumps. It's so amazing to see them in person when they're so endangered! (side note: ever seen the show Battleground: Rhino Wars? Pretty neat.)

The hippo hamming it up is so cute! And how cool to see the crocs getting fed. And oh, those giraffes and their eyes! NICE catch on the lions!

Great pictures Brenda! You joke, but you did an awesome job and got some great shots!

Ha ha! You would think that with a park named ANIMAL KINGDOM we would have toured the flagship attraction. I know, I know... it's hard to believe.

Did you really go to college for photography? You've got skills for certain whether from the classroom or just picking up a camera and doing it on your own.

Nope haven't seen that show but I was fascinated with the rhinos. I think I have about a dozen more photos of them.

Thanks Wendy.

The safari looks awesome! You got some great pictures. It looks like the sunrise safari goes a little slower than normal. Sometimes on the regular safari you feel like you are flying over the savannah.

Dont you just want to hug the animals? Theyre just too cute! That Hippo looked like he (or she) was just saying check me out humans!. Ive never seen more than one lion out at a time, obviously early morning is the way to go.

Christine

Hi Christine! We stopped often so the guide could talk a little about the animals and we could get plenty of photos. I'm sure we were on a time table but it wasn't rushed at all.

Ha ha!! That hippo was was a riot. Came right over to the edge and seemed to enjoy eating breakfast as entertainment for us. So those lions don't hang out together huh? Didn't know that. They looked tight!

My early morning selfie, looking blah or maybe that's my age showing!! I could have at least smiled, right?
What do you mean looking blah. In the words of the famous character on SNL, Fernando Lamas, played by Billy Crystal, "You look... mahvelous!," (now I'm showing my age, LOL)As for age, I would guess your not a day over 29.

Kathy, I agree. This is one of the main reasons why we have decided to book the AKL CL for our trip in June; we have added the sunrise safari on our bucket list and will do it when we are there.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome pics. You have me anxiously waiting for our trip in June so we can do the safari as well. I could not believe how many lions were in view in your pictures. I hope we get that lucky as well. ​

Hi Bob!! I'm thrilled to see you here!! (Again, I just have to gush about your amazing success with your weight loss journey! )

You are much too kind. And yes, I know exactly the character that you referenced! I've been a SNL fan for so long that the current cast were probably kids back then.

Oh wow! You have a AKL CL trip booked! Awesome! I look forward to hearing how you liked it. (I know you are a WL fan as well.)

And now for a completely unsolicited tidbit...I know you have read the live dining thread and were interested to know about Monsieur Paul (at least several weeks back not sure if this is still something you are considering.) We went there this last trip and that was a top 5 restaurant for us! Definitely a great option.

That's it. If we stay at AKL next year with the kids, I'm booking one night CL before they get there so we can do the Sunrise Safari. And I'm blaming it all on you when I tell Mark.

Seriously, great pictures Brenda. I felt line I was right there with you.

Hi Kathy! You're hilarious! I'll take the blame for that one no problem.

Thank you! Those animals kept wandering into my shots of the savanna!

Wow!!! Really awesome pics of the animals. I have been on the Safari 3 times and there are animals you saw that I have never seen. Love the closeups of the hippos, cheetah and giraffes and you actually have a picture of the lions all together and awake, and OMG one of them is actually standing up.

Anyway glad you finally got to do the Safari and you can now cross it off the list.

Thank you! The 3 times you have been on the safari you have probably seen the elephants a time or two?? I really wanted to see those but oh well.

I get the impression that all three lions together, awake, and posing doesn't happen every safari. Sounds like we were lucky.

Exactly! Crossed off the list and now I want to go again.

Great pics of the animals! It's nice to finally see the lions! Every time we go they are all sleeping and all we've ever seen of them is a little hair/fur (what is it called on a lion? Must be too early for me!).

Reading trip reports are proving to be dangerous! My list of 'ohh I must try/eat/stay just continues to grow. Where is that star to wish up that would land me in my never never land (wdw) RIGHT NOW!

Thanks! Ha ha! Seeing a fuzz ball (mane?) and knowing it is a lion, I guess that has to do sometimes.

I'm a victim of the same thing. I read TRs and then I realize what I've been missing. It doesn't help that there's still so many things we've never done/eaten/stayed.

I highly doubt you will get one unless you are renting from a member. I believe most of the CL villas are gone at 11 months.

Jill in CO

Aha!! Makes sense.

All caught up after getting back last Wednesday!!

Hall of presidents is a great way to start your tour of MK!

We found it easy to accidentally miss or confuse the fast pass plus times too! But they were fantastic to use when we remembered correctly! Haha!

The Rapunzel restroom area is SO pretty! They did an amazing job and I really want to see more there than just restrooms!

Carousel of Progress TWICE in the same ride!? Lucky!! I love that so much!

Yay! For checking into AKL CL and mimosas! Awesome!

I liked your room pictures! The lounge looks nicely big and open! And the lobby is really pretty!!

I think I'll have to jump over to your DR and read about your Jiko dinner (and the rest!)...I consider one of the AKL restaurants every trip and just haven't been sure, so interested to read your review!

I think we need to stay AKL CL just once to take the sunrise safari!! Oh my goodness! Your pictures are amazing!! The hippos and the giraffes and all those lions!! Wow! You had a GREAT first safari!!

Welcome back TM!! I hope you had a great trip! I haven't dropped by your PTR in a bit so not sure if you are doing a TR. If so, I definitely look forward to reading. Let me know.

The AKL club lounge is so different from any of the other CL lounges we've been to for the exact thing you pointed out... it is open and spacious. It was odd at first but now it just seems so perfect since it overlooks the gorgeous lobby.

Thanks! We really enjoyed our very first safari! ​

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow Brenda, you HAVE been busy. That is a TON of birthdays all at once, my goodness. If you makes you feel any better, I go to an outside office and yet still sometimes just wear PJ's. Comfort is everything!

So glad you FINALLY got to do the Safari, and what a safari it was. That photo of the hippo looking up out of the water is brilliant! I'm not sure where these blurry photos are that you're referring to as they look pretty darn amazing to me. Maybe my blurry vision is compensating?

That must have been amazing to watch the crocs being fed.

Wow, the cheetahs and lions out and visible. Clearly the early morning is a great time to cruise. How awesome.

While it may have only been your first safari, boy do you do it right. Just wonderful photos.

Oh my gosh Rob you crack me up. As long as you are wearing those PJs you may as well wear these.... I know you have them!

Maybe that wasn't an ostrich by the jeep, perhaps it was a big feather duster?? Not sure since it's Blurry!! ha ha!! Actually, I nearly reached my photo hosting limit so I just eliminated all the other fuzzy photos.

I would have shared the video of the crocs being fed but it is tooo long to upload so you'll just have to take my word for it that it was pretty fascinating.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the safari photos.

Holy!! You know it's early when you get not only 3 lions on your safari, but they're standing up!!! WOW! lol, great pics, and factoids! Love it!

Hi Katt! You notice that the female lions were the ones that were active and attentive while the male was lazing around. Just like in my house!!

Great pictures of the animals. I guess my bucket list grows again.
Not to keep bring up the ribs, but that is how I like them, falling off the bone. My second favorite place to eat ribs at has them this way. My first place is at home. My husband Chris got his timing down just right this summer. Ok he still needs a little work they don't heat up as well, but he is getting there.
Can't wait to hear what gets crossed off next!

Hi Sandy! Now that you mention it and not keep dragging out the rib discussion again but.... I ate with Paula (Smile4Stamps) last night at Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian and had the short ribs. Not nearly as good as Jiko I tell ya! Most times there's nothing like home cooked ribs. I do better making pork ribs.

Hi Brenda! Love all the safari pictures! Are those animals that close? Incredible! I love the one of the cheeetah! How long does the safari take?

Thank you!! Yes, many of those photos were zoomed although for perspective, they were fairly close. The lions and cheetah obviously have the separator that you can't really see.

The safari took almost exactly an hour. From the time stamp on my photos we boarded the safari vehicle at 8am and exited at 8:59am.

Amazing photos! Camera envy. And how do those ostriches survive? Just leaving their eggs out like that. Poor mothering instincts!

Thanks Alysa!! That's hilarious!!! I wondered too why the eggs were so close to the "road". Obviously she wasn't standing guard over them either so maybe she was just laying blanks??

Right I have finally caught up - excuse my tardiness !
Love, love, love your safari photos but what I love even more is the term 'serious hornage'.

No worries Linda. I'm behind on my own TR!! thanks!! I'm sure that term is somewhere in Webster's Dictionary.

Wow!!! I've never seen the lions awake so you definitely lucked out! Normally the cheetahs are hiding in shady spots so you got to see a lot of great things your first time out. Sorry the elephants weren't out though. Great shots. Love it!

I'm getting the impression that the lions are just plain lazy! I'll tell you that I would gladly trade a cheetah sighting for a few elephants.

Awesome pictures of all of the animals! Most of the times I've ridden the lions were just lounging, except once. It was during one of my internships at WDW and I was at AK with one of my roommates. Near the lions area a rhino stood on the path and stopped the truck in front of us and ours too. The lions decided to have a mid day romp, so several parents had to very quickly explain the Circle of Life.

Hi there! Oh my gosh!!! You really had a show with your safari!

Hi!!! I'm very late to the party! I've followed your DRs before but not sure how I missed the boat on the TRs, but I'm here now and that's what counts, right? And thank goodness for the index to help a gal out. What a fun trip so far - how wonderful that you can go for such a long stretch! I love hearing about your Mom&Daughter adventures. My DD is 8 now, and I'm hoping we can steal away for a girls' trip someday. Only problem is DH is as addicted to us so he never wants to miss out on the fun!

Looking forward to the next installment!

Hi there and I'm so glad that you are joining here!! Welcome!!! No worries, you can read as little or as much as you like.

I can see your dilemma! It may be harder to sneak away for a girls' trip if your DH is a Disney lover. Maybe go and do some girl only events like the afternoon tea at the GF. If your DH likes tea too you may be out of luck.

Thanks again for joining!!!

I somehow fell behind.

I don't even know where to begin with the safari. It looks spectacular! I can't believe how lively the animals were. What an amazing experience that must have been.

I had an "Oh, Duh" moment reading about how they feed the crocodiles. During the africa trek tour last year our guide told us they fed the crocs chickens in the morning before the park opened. I assumed they were live chickens! Then I read your report. I pictured the keepers lowering a cage of chickens kind of like the cow scene from Jurassic Park. I can sleep again at night.

I agree with DisneyKid4Life, you and em chose a great way to experience the safari for the first time.

Hi Ashley! No worries about falling behind...I do that far too much myself.

Oh my gosh, you are precious. I didn't think about the feeding of the crocs but you're right that image from Jurassic Park would seem appropriate. No feathers were flying for these guys. It just looked like they went to the meat market.

Nice shot of the cheetah! Every time I see them they're laying flat on their side, so you can barely see them through the grass. Dang cats and their laziness.

Your early morning selfie is just fine my dear.

Ha ha! Yes, those cats need to be reminded that they are "on stage" and to look alive. Although I'd not want to be the zookeeper that makes them fall in line. Ugh! Thanks!

I just read up on your check-in to the AKL.

Sorry to hear about the room issues- the wet floor and the loud neighbors. Good call to switch rooms, but it leads me to ask- is this the most you have changed rooms on a single trip? I know you have a few more resort changes coming up.

The chocolate animal welcome is a nice touch, but I guess not so much for you.

I am thoroughly impressed with the AKL CL. The lounge is beautifully themed, the food looks fantastic and is really presented well. It seems like there are a lot of choices.

I didn't know there was a view of the lobby from the lounge. Cool! That is one place where the Y&BC lounges are seriously lacking. At the Poly you get the castle. The view from the BLT/CR lounge is pretty awesome, too right? What about the WL?

As Rob says- You gals really know how to do a safari!!! Incredible animal interactions and pictures. That is a serious score on the lions! And cheetah! The cats do NOT normally cooperate like that.

AMAZING picture of the hippos!!!

A little out of order- but I'm so glad you had another wonderful meal at Jiko and how cool that you met Chef Jon, even if he had to come around a couple of times to get noticed. Disappointed you didn't try any desserts. There were about 7-8 things I would have gladly sampled. Drooling thinking about the cheesecake and the crème brulee. I love chocolate and coffee, even if you don't.

Dee you know me so well. Yes, it was the most resort changing in one trip!! And yes, those welcome chocolates didn't tempt me at all.

We've only stayed CL at AK, BC, and YC. Not BLT/CR or WL so I'm not sure. But I did love the lounge at AKL - very open and overlooks the gorgeous lobby.

I'm getting the impression that next time I go on the safari the cats may not be so awake and photogenic.

Ha! Yes, poor Chef Jon. Not that he was mingling for anyone to really know who he is but he is rather known among the serious Disney dining followers. I am banished from their group I'm sure. You would definitely like the pistachio chocolate cookies then if you are a chocolate lover.

I just love the Safari. It's my whole reason for going to AK! Well, now, I have to ride Everest, but the Safari is still my favorite ride at AK.

I'm so jealous that you are so close to DLand! How fun for you that you are able to go and have more Dismeets!!!

Hi Christen. Now I can relate to all the safari lovers out there!! I'm definitely an EE gal though.

It works out well when Diser's come here!! It was definitely great.

We've never done the safari but plan to this trip. How long should we allocate for it? And when is the best time of day to go in December do you think? Thanks!

Hi there!! I'm sure you will LOVE the safari. I'm not sure how long the regular safari takes... maybe 30 minutes?? Someone here's going to have to jump in and help with that one. Unless you plan to do the CL sunrise safari and then it is a 2.5 hour tour with breakfast. (not all of it on the safari mind you.)

All your updates from DL makes me miss DL. I think last time I was there was back in Sept of 89. A lot has changed. Main Street still looks the way I remember it. Ok my memory isn't all that good. Thanks for the memories. One day I will make it back.

Oh, yes, a lot has changed in the last 24 years but I don't think Main Street will ever materially change. (Thankfully!)

Great pictures of the animals! The safari is definitely my favorite at AK!

I don't get to ease back to work part time. It would be nice. I'm a teacher, so I had July to enjoy with DD before DS arrived, and I am so thankful for it. We had so much fun together. DS was born at the end of July, and I took the rest of September off. Monday was really hard, but I'm starting to figure things out. DD was born in October, but I was really sick with gallstones during that pregnancy, so I was out from September-January. I got paid for all of it because the maternity time was sandwiched in between sick time. Silver lining.

Thanks KristinAnne! You are not alone, I understand that some people come into the park just to do the safari.

Oh, I'm glad that things are working out. There's just no easy way to transition back to work even with an amazing job.

Your DD will have a birthday soon. Our Sept/October birthday cavalcade is over. Nothing now until January, thankfully!

Take care!

 

[MEK]

Yay for a DISmeet! Sounds like a lovely evening!

I love that I am reading about more and more DISmeets! Remember when we were all so timid about DISmeets (i.e. meeting creepy internet strangers). Glad everyone has moved beyond that stage!

 

[DMGeurts]

It sounds like you had a fantastic Dismeet! I loved seeing all of the pictures! Thanks for sharing.

D~

 

[teekathepony]

Did you really go to college for photography? You've got skills for certain whether from the classroom or just picking up a camera and doing it on your own.

Yep I really did. It was a one year course at a local college. I also just dug up my text books from the course, I'm going to use them for my own lessons!

Love the DisMeet story! Sounds like you guys had a great time!

 

[goofy4prez]

Hi Bob!! I'm thrilled to see you here!! (Again, I just have to gush about your amazing success with your weight loss journey! )

You are much too kind. And yes, I know exactly the character that you referenced! I've been a SNL fan for so long that the current cast were probably kids back then.

Oh wow! You have a AKL CL trip booked! Awesome! I look forward to hearing how you liked it. (I know you are a WL fan as well.)

And now for a completely unsolicited tidbit...I know you have read the live dining thread and were interested to know about Monsieur Paul (at least several weeks back not sure if this is still something you are considering.) We went there this last trip and that was a top 5 restaurant for us! Definitely a great option.

Brenda, thank you with the kind words with my weight loss. I have been very hesitant in the past to really mention it, but Camille (Millie12591) knocked some sense into me and helped me realize it's not boasting, but instead it is helping to encourage and inspire others. I have been so suprised by the number of pm's I have received.

You are right, we are big WL fans...Love, love, love the resort. However, with my DD growing up so quick (Sunday is her sweet 16) I'm not sure after next summer we will be able to get away the following year. We allowed her to pick the resort and the AKL is the one she wants to go to.

Thank you on sharing your thoughts on Monsieur Paul; I value the opinions of three people above all others here on the DIS when it comes to Disney dining; DonaldDoleWhip, KatMark, and of course you. I am so looking forward to MP. It will be a great evening I'm sure. We will start our dining experience with a Candlight Processional lunch at Tokyo Dining, take in the Candlight processional for the first time, and then cap it off with a greatly anticipated dinner at MP.

I'm so glad I found you on one of Kathy's threads and began to explore your experiences from your links in your signature. I can't wait to hear more of your experiences in this trip report. Ok, now I"m done hijacking your thread.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi Brenda! I am still here and have to get caught up, but I just wanted to say those safari pictures are awesome! I love that ride so much. Look at your lion pictures! AMAZING! It is always a treat getting to see the lions.

 

[TMGosizk]

Welcome back TM!! I hope you had a great trip! I haven't dropped by your PTR in a bit so not sure if you are doing a TR. If so, I definitely look forward to reading. Let me know.

Thank you! We did have a wonderful time! I actually JUST started my TR last night! Well, just intros, but at least it's officially on the way now! The link is in my PTR

Hooray for a DisMeet in Disneyland! Looks like you had a great time! It must be so great living that close! We've never been, but if we get stationed closer to the west coast next year, we have talked about trying to work in a trip there! We will just have to wait and see!!

 

[jmm476]

Great pictures of your meet at DL. I like how you coordinated your outfit to match your leg brace!

Did anyone on the safari ask if the ostrich eggs were real? My DH insists that they are fake.

 

[Millie12591]

Brenda, thank you with the kind words with my weight loss. I have been very hesitant in the past to really mention it, but Camille (Millie12591) knocked some sense into me and helped me realize it's not boasting, but instead it is helping to encourage and inspire others. I have been so suprised by the number of pm's I have received.

Music to my ears.

Bob, I'm so proud of you for posting about your success, never hide your accomplishments, especially ones you worked really hard for.
There so many of us out here looking to be inspired, looking to be encouraged, and you Bob are inspiring and encouraging.

I use to be a person who thought they would never and I mean NEVER get out of the hell I had gotten myself into with my body.
It took someone who was going through an much bigger hell than mine (in my PTR if you want to read about it-sorry-not meant to be a shameless plug ) to inspire me and to set me on the path I'm on now. Had she hidden that journey thinking no one would want to know her story.....well, I hate to think what condition I'd be in right now.

All this to say....you just never know when you'll inspire someone!! It's always good share your journey to those who will listen and to leave them encouraged that they can do the same.


Sorry Brenda, I hijack your thread.

Looooved the safari pictures. I'm seriously thinking about adding a AKL night onto my trip!! I really loved seeing the lions all together!! And I thought I got some pretty good pictures this time around. Yours turned out amazing!!

I think the hippo had a crush on you. He was showing off for you Brenda. See! I told you how fabulous you looked! And it took a boy hippo to prove it. Sheesh!

The giraffes, are gorgeous!! Mackie and I had a beautiful encounter with some at the AKL, but I'm sure it was nothing compared to your experience.

Yeaaaa for a Dismeet!! Looks like y'all had a pretty great time and MEK is right, it's good to see other people have come out of their shells when it comes to meeting other Dis'ers. It is good to be safe about it, but still good to break the creepy barriers and show others how great it is when you do.

 

[princess_momma]

Sorry I've been so busy lately! Now I have 11 pages to catch up on! At least your trip reports are so good, it's worth it!

Glad you made it on to Splash! One of my favorites! And I can't wait for the Tangled bathrooms! I've never seen such gorgeous, beautiful, detailed bathrooms! I seriously doubt I will ever be so happy to see bathrooms, regardless of bladder status! I LOVE TANGLED!!! And especially Pascal! He's the best!

Yay for more club level time! I love living vicariously through other people's club level adventures! And a mimosa to boot? Lucky girl! I'm a big fan of mimosas! I would've hugged the girl who offered that! I also love the chocolate animals! Stinks about the connecting room issues! I hate the mindset that "we paid a lot of money so we can throw common courtesy out the window!" Of course, there's always the possibility that they never had any to begin with.

Also sad when you can tell people are scared of people freaking out on them that they act so nervous telling you what they think is "bad news". Aye aye aye! I am so glad you were so gracious to him!

The sunrise safari is an AMAZING perk! OMG. That alone is why AKL is the first CL stop on my list, if/when I ever make the big bucks! I didn't know you could watch the gators being fed! That is AWESOME! Makes me want to go even more now...how amazing! I also didn't know they could go that long without eating. FASCINATING creatures! I really love all the animals on the safari...it's such a unique experience! You got such great pictures of the lions too! What a wonderful experience!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Another great DISmeet Brenda. I honestly think that visiting Disneyland has become secondary to visiting with the Brenda Family from Beverly Hills!

Oh my gosh Rob you crack me up. As long as you are wearing those PJs you may as well wear these.... I know you have them!

Sadly I do not have these... but now you better believe I want them!! And I need a new pair of slippers too!

 

[khaleesi]

Hi there!! I just read through your entire PTR. So sorry once again about the diagnosis but sounds like you are doing ok. Yes?

Since I'm not a huge chocolate fan, I had a souvenir to take back to my hubby! I don't think he realized that those were gifts in the room. Shhh.

Aside from some tiredness and an occasional pins and needles type sensation in my legs, I'm doing VERY well!! Thank you for asking!

I promise not to tell that the chocolate was complimentary!! LOL.

The tour departed from the main lobby and we were divided up into two groups for the two buses that were taking us to the AK park. Our safari guide, Eddy, was a young man that we recognized from our February stay at AKL. We chatted with him briefly before the tour departed so it was nice to end up being in his bus/safari truck.


<snip>


The buses drove through the back stage area that included the medical facilities, “barns” and animal dorms and other research and support facilities. No photos were allowed until we arrived inside the park so being the compliant person that I am I didn’t sneak even one picture.

I love that you're there often enough that you recognize the CMs. So jealous!!!

When I was there back in 2009, I took the backstage safari tour and it was SO hard not to be able to take pictures!!!

My mom just had surgery so I'm cooking for her and my dad (my poor mom is in bad enough shape without me adding to her misery with my cooking! )

Hope your mom is doing well!!!!

 

[courtneybelle]

Hi Brenda! SO many great animal photos! That's crazy that they only feed the crocodiles every few months in the winter...I get cranky if I go a few hours without being fed

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Ok, so staying CL at AKL and doing the sunrise safari is now on the must do someday (soon!) list!! Wow, wow, wow!!!

I think I may have learned more factoids in your posts than I have in quite a few regular safaris. Very interesting. Except the rotting food in the gator's tummy (or are they crocs?) Just kidding, that was interesting too.

Love the hippo pics. Aren't they so cute with their little whiskers?

Can't believe you saw three lions. Wow! They seem to always be hiding when I go.

Bummer the elephants weren't out. But I guess that's the way it goes.

How long was the safari? Sure looks like you got to hear a lot of info and see some great interactions.

 

[pattiken]

Just caught up. What I love about your reports Brenda is little extra Disneyland stuff thks for that very fun.
Room very nice, blahhh on the noisy neighbours and wet floor...although I guess wet floor means clean floor lol I hope.
Very fun on the safari, great animal shots. This would be such a fun adventure rather than the regular old safari in the middle of the day.

I work from home so I totally get the pj reference

 

[emmysmommy]

Yay for a DISmeet! Sounds like a lovely evening!

I love that I am reading about more and more DISmeets! Remember when we were all so timid about DISmeets (i.e. meeting creepy internet strangers). Glad everyone has moved beyond that stage!

Hi Mary Ellen: It certainly was!

My first Dismeet was only last summer so I have a lot of catching up to get caught up with you!

It sounds like you had a fantastic Dismeet! I loved seeing all of the pictures! Thanks for sharing.

D~

Thanks D~!

Yep I really did. It was a one year course at a local college. I also just dug up my text books from the course, I'm going to use them for my own lessons!

Love the DisMeet story! Sounds like you guys had a great time!

Hi Wendy! Still impressed with your skills either with or without a course!

Thanks, we had a great time together!

Brenda, thank you with the kind words with my weight loss. I have been very hesitant in the past to really mention it, but Camille (Millie12591) knocked some sense into me and helped me realize it's not boasting, but instead it is helping to encourage and inspire others. I have been so suprised by the number of pm's I have received.

I'm glad Camille knocked sense into you!! Everyone who starts that journey is dying for inspiration and what is better than hearing about people who successfully reached their goals? People on the other side of success are looking for a personal story of how it was accomplished; therefore, your journey is definitely worthy of sharing!

You are right, we are big WL fans...Love, love, love the resort. However, with my DD growing up so quick (Sunday is her sweet 16) I'm not sure after next summer we will be able to get away the following year. We allowed her to pick the resort and the AKL is the one she wants to go to.

Happy Sweet 16 to your DD!!

Thank you on sharing your thoughts on Monsieur Paul; I value the opinions of three people above all others here on the DIS when it comes to Disney dining; DonaldDoleWhip, KatMark, and of course you. I am so looking forward to MP. It will be a great evening I'm sure. We will start our dining experience with a Candlight Processional lunch at Tokyo Dining, take in the Candlight processional for the first time, and then cap it off with a greatly anticipated dinner at MP.
Awww thanks! Ohh I have a CP dinner at Teppan Edo in December. This will be a first for us as well. I hope you enjoy your meals.

I'm so glad I found you on one of Kathy's threads and began to explore your experiences from your links in your signature. I can't wait to hear more of your experiences in this trip report. Ok, now I"m done hijacking your thread.

Hi Bob! No worries! I'm glad to see you commenting (NOT hijacking!) - seriously. Thank you for your kind comments as well. And Camille speaks highly of you so you must be a good guy!

Hi Brenda! I am still here and have to get caught up, but I just wanted to say those safari pictures are awesome! I love that ride so much. Look at your lion pictures! AMAZING! It is always a treat getting to see the lions.

Hi Sarah! No worries. I hope teaching is going well with your first graders!

Glad those lions cooperated and were willing to do a group shot for us!

Thank you! We did have a wonderful time! I actually JUST started my TR last night! Well, just intros, but at least it's officially on the way now! The link is in my PTR.

Hooray for a DisMeet in Disneyland! Looks like you had a great time! It must be so great living that close! We've never been, but if we get stationed closer to the west coast next year, we have talked about trying to work in a trip there! We will just have to wait and see!!

Hi TM! Welcome back! I popped in to your PTR and read through your return now I need to sub for your TR!

Thanks, it is always great when Disers show up at DL!

Great pictures of your meet at DL. I like how you coordinated your outfit to match your leg brace!

Did anyone on the safari ask if the ostrich eggs were real? My DH insists that they are fake.

Ha ha! I wear a lot of black for work so that wasn't hard to coordinate.

Are there ostrich eggs usually laying around? If so, hmmmmm he may be right. Makes you wonder.

Music to my ears.

Bob, I'm so proud of you for posting about your success, never hide your accomplishments, especially ones you worked really hard for.
There so many of us out here looking to be inspired, looking to be encouraged, and you Bob are inspiring and encouraging.

Amen sister!

I use to be a person who thought they would never and I mean NEVER get out of the hell I had gotten myself into with my body.
It took someone who was going through an much bigger hell than mine (in my PTR if you want to read about it-sorry-not meant to be a shameless plug to inspire me and to set me on the path I'm on now. Had she hidden that journey thinking no one would want to know her story.....well, I hate to think what condition I'd be in right now.
I've read up through your 'whole backstory' post and look forward to reading more. I love your boldness and honesty!

All this to say....you just never know when you'll inspire someone!! It's always good share your journey to those who will listen and to leave them encouraged that they can do the same.
Exactly! I think I almost quoted you for my DR.

Sorry Brenda, I hijack your thread.
My TR is your TR!! Anytime my dear. It is not a hijack at all but a group of folks just lovin' on and supporting each other!!

Looooved the safari pictures. I'm seriously thinking about adding a AKL night onto my trip!! I really loved seeing the lions all together!! And I thought I got some pretty good pictures this time around. Yours turned out amazing!!
I was glad to see those felines cooperating. I hear it's not often they get together for a family photo!

I think the hippo had a crush on you. He was showing off for you Brenda. See! I told you how fabulous you looked! And it took a boy hippo to prove it. Sheesh!
It could just be that he heard I was putting his photo on the internet and wanted his 15 minutes of fame!!!

The giraffes, are gorgeous!! Mackie and I had a beautiful encounter with some at the AKL, but I'm sure it was nothing compared to your experience.

I was fascinated with their delicate facial features and their long eyelashes. They are just so beautiful. I want to hear about your giraffe encounter.

Yeaaaa for a Dismeet!! Looks like y'all had a pretty great time and MEK is right, it's good to see other people have come out of their shells when it comes to meeting other Dis'ers. It is good to be safe about it, but still good to break the creepy barriers and show others how great it is when you do.

I love it when someone feels comfortable enough to even ask to meet let alone put an actual plan together. The other side of it is a pretty cool experience. And of course, so many Diser's are close friends now.

Sorry I've been so busy lately! Now I have 11 pages to catch up on! At least your trip reports are so good, it's worth it!

No worries. I'm glad you are here and getting caught up! Why thanks for the compliment!

Glad you made it on to Splash! One of my favorites! And I can't wait for the Tangled bathrooms! I've never seen such gorgeous, beautiful, detailed bathrooms! I seriously doubt I will ever be so happy to see bathrooms, regardless of bladder status! I LOVE TANGLED!!! And especially Pascal! He's the best!

ha ha ha!!! Even if your bladder doesn't need a visit go and see the restrooms!! I'm with you - Tangled is our go-to travel movie.

Yay for more club level time! I love living vicariously through other people's club level adventures! And a mimosa to boot? Lucky girl! I'm a big fan of mimosas! I would've hugged the girl who offered that! I also love the chocolate animals! Stinks about the connecting room issues! I hate the mindset that "we paid a lot of money so we can throw common courtesy out the window!" Of course, there's always the possibility that they never had any to begin with.

Oh goodness. That mimosa was most welcome!

I don't think I would have minded as much if the people were just excited or weren't banging into the walls. Maybe the kids had some issues .. not sure but the mom was yelling to so I don't know.

Also sad when you can tell people are scared of people freaking out on them that they act so nervous telling you what they think is "bad news". Aye aye aye! I am so glad you were so gracious to him!

The poor guy looked like he didn't feel comfortable telling us there may be an issue. All was well though. He's the one I should have hugged!!!

The sunrise safari is an AMAZING perk! OMG. That alone is why AKL is the first CL stop on my list, if/when I ever make the big bucks! I didn't know you could watch the gators being fed! That is AWESOME! Makes me want to go even more now...how amazing! I also didn't know they could go that long without eating. FASCINATING creatures! I really love all the animals on the safari...it's such a unique experience! You got such great pictures of the lions too! What a wonderful experience!

We didn't know about the gator feeding either. Apparently, they don't do it often when guests are around. They could have just been telling us that so we felt special!

Thanks Kimmy!

Another great DISmeet Brenda. I honestly think that visiting Disneyland has become secondary to visiting with the Brenda Family from Beverly Hills!

Sadly I do not have these... but now you better believe I want them!! And I need a new pair of slippers too!

Get cracka lackin' Rob! Here's a website that even has Homer Simpson slippers for me! How fun!

Aside from some tiredness and an occasional pins and needles type sensation in my legs, I'm doing VERY well!! Thank you for asking!

I promise not to tell that the chocolate was complimentary!! LOL.

I love that you're there often enough that you recognize the CMs. So jealous!!!

When I was there back in 2009, I took the backstage safari tour and it was SO hard not to be able to take pictures!!!

Hope your mom is doing well!!!!

Thank you so much Khaleesi for mentioning my mom - she is doing so much better. Its amazing what a week does post op! I'm glad to hear you are doing so well. That's such a relief compared to what you must feel when you hear the diagnosis.

I know how hard that is to keep the camera in the bag. We did the KTTK tour and I was itching to take photos but I complied with their rules.

Hi Brenda! SO many great animal photos! That's crazy that they only feed the crocodiles every few months in the winter...I get cranky if I go a few hours without being fed.

Hi Courtney! Thanks! I hear ya about eating. Gotta keep me on a schedule!

BTW: I was looking at some of my photos today and I thought I spied your family in one of my photos but then I looked at your travel dates and it couldn't be. Psyched me out for a minute until I went to your TR to confirm that you could not have been in MK on 8/30.

Ok, so staying CL at AKL and doing the sunrise safari is now on the must do someday (soon!) list!! Wow, wow, wow!!!

I think I may have learned more factoids in your posts than I have in quite a few regular safaris. Very interesting. Except the rotting food in the gator's tummy (or are they crocs?) Just kidding, that was interesting too.

Love the hippo pics. Aren't they so cute with their little whiskers?

Can't believe you saw three lions. Wow! They seem to always be hiding when I go.

Bummer the elephants weren't out. But I guess that's the way it goes.

How long was the safari? Sure looks like you got to hear a lot of info and see some great interactions.

Thanks!! It was a great tour. I just wish I could retain all the factoids they shared. There was just too much to see since it was our first time it was all new.

The actual safari was about an hour. Then the breakfast was another hour or so.

Just caught up. What I love about your reports Brenda is little extra Disneyland stuff. thks for that very fun.
Room very nice, blahhh on the noisy neighbours. and wet floor...although I guess wet floor means clean floor lol I hope.
Very fun on the safari, great animal shots. This would be such a fun adventure rather than the regular old safari in the middle of the day.

I work from home so I totally get the pj reference.

Hi Patti!! Ha ha! yeah, DL bonus content included. Usually only when we have a Dismeet though otherwise it could be very boring!

Now I want to do the regular safari to compare the two AND to see those elephants.

That's so funny that you can relate to the "casual" attire for working from home. We had someone from our office dress as an "off premises worker" for Halloween last year and she wore PJs and had messy hair with crumbs all over her. An exaggeration for sure but you get the implication!

Thanks for getting caught up! I hope you had a great weekend!