Disney day 4 - Animal Kingdom

Wednesday we went to Animal Kingdom. I really like this parks beauty. There are so many plants and animals - really it's like an overgrown Zoo!

There aren't a lot of rides though so the family is kind of "iffy" on the place. I'm not exactly sure anymore in what order we did which ride. I guess it doesn't really matter. Cameron wasn't interested in the "Tough To Be A Bug" 3D movie so we completely skipped the whole Tree Of Life "Discovery Island" area and started out over in Dino land. The only ride there that Cameron could ride was closed, Hester & Chester (which Jordan & I love) had a long line so we wandered over to the Dinosaur Ride. I was a little nervous - I didn't know if Cameron would love it or hate it. Luckily it was a love it. She didnt' even freak out when the T-Rex jumped out at us! I'm pretty sure from there we debated trying to catch the Finding Nemo show, but the timing wasn't right, so we headed over towards Everest & grabbed some fast passes.


We took in one of the walking tours where we found no animals! All the cold blooded animals had stayed inside because it was darn chilly out. Normally we see the Komodo Dragon and the bats but today, Nada. Just a couple of sleeping Tigers.

Eventually it was time for us to Ride the Everest ride. Cameron was kind of antsy, claiming she'd be cold because it was outside. After a bit of hemming & hawing, she did decide to try the ride. She didn't hate it - but she didn't love it either. I could tell because she didn't ask to ride it again like she had with Space Mountain. I'm not sure why really. Maybe the Yeti scared her more than she let on? Maybe it was just cold....

For lunch we ate Chinese take-out out doors. I do like that they have things other than hamburgers & hotdogs at Animal Kingdom. Not only is the food a little different, but so are the scavengers. This pair was at our feet the whole time waiting for food to drop.


Next up was the Safari ride. This one has always been a favorite of mine. I don't care for the quirky spiel the drivers go through, I just like looking at the animals. One of these years I'd really like to stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge so I could look out my windows and see the animals. (hint hint to my sweetie)



After the Safari we took the train to Rafiki's Conservation Station, which was something we'd never done before. There was a big building where they had a nursery/hospital of sorts and also a small petting area. I'm not sure what this guy was trying to tell me but he sure looked funny doing it!


Jordan & I watched the parade (no pictures because we were facing the sun) while Dave & Cameron rode the Dinosaur ride. After that, we caught a really funny bird show and headed home for the day. We'd planned on an early evening since it was mid week and Cameron needed a bath/some-rest. However, plans changed when I got a surprise call from my parents letting me know they were also in Orlando! So we used our free evening to meet them for dinner instead. Also no pictures because, well.. I'm lame.

The crack house

Ok. I know it doesn't look like a crack house .... but it's become a family euphemism for any house that we don't "get" the goings on. This particular house is 2 doors up from me. It's been occupied by the same family (?) for as long as we've lived here - almost 10 years. In that time period, I've never seen adults. Not real adults anyway. I've noticed the occasional older teenager come & go. No one has ever bothered with lawn work, there's a dead car in the back yard and the dog. Oh my word the dog. Poor thing is always left outside to yelp non-stop. He's also been known to charge the door and go for a run in the neighborhood. I assume he goes home when he gets hungry because they never bother to look for him, or try to catch him when this happens. While these people have never done anything to me, or even said anything to me in the past 10 years, I can honestly say I rejoiced when this little addition went up in the front lawn a few days ago.

Disney World - Day 3

Tuesday morning we woke up to clear skies. Although it was chilly, we were dry & happy! On tap for today was Hollywood Studios.


We immediately headed over to the area that has Tower of Terror & the Rockin Roller Coaster. We were really hoping Cameron would go on the tower ride. I really thought she'd enjoy it. However, I don't know what it was, maybe the name? But she flat out refused to go on despite numerous attempts to convince her to go. Jordan & I rode (it really is one of my favorite rides) while Dave & Cameron waited. We tried to catch as many shows as we could. This particular park is full of them. We managed to catch Beauty & The Beast, the stunt show, Indiana Jones , The Voyage of the Little Mermaid and more!






Cameron kept insisting that she hates the Muppets so Dave & Jordan went to that one alone while Cameron & I kicked around. We managed to spot Lightning McQueen & Mater from the
Cars movie. Since they can't sign or talk, the line
moves quickly and Cameron was willing to pose.









They've added a few new things since our last Disney vacation 2 years ago. One was the "Honey I shrunk the Kids" play area and another was a new Toy Story ride back in the Disney Animation area. The ride had super long lines & by the time we went back there, fast passes were all gone for the day so we didn't get to ride that one today. We did spend a little time in the play area though. It's really kind of neat. It was set up to look as though you'd been shrunk and were in your back yard - much like the movie. There were slides and places to climb etc... and of course, it was PACKED!

Jordan & I "forced" Dave and Cameron on the Great Movie ride. Unlike the kids in front of us who cried out loud, Cameron was completely unfazed by the alien. No doubt she's Dave's daughter. lol Her favorite for the day though was Star Tours. Same as 2 years ago, we rode it over & over & over.

Another new attraction is the American Idol experience. It wasn't slated to be open until after our visit but they were holding auditions. Jordan really wanted to try out. She was given an appointment time and was to report to the "backstage" area at the appointed time. They would only let one person in with her and if she made it, she'd appear in something where the audience judges you (not sure how thats pulled together since it didn't appear open) and then eventually you can make your way to the real AI if you're lucky. Unfortunately for Jordan, although she was told she had a nice voice it just wasn't in the cards. Perhaps if she'd known it was there and had some time to prepare ....

Day 2... Epcot

Monday we woke to cold rain. Um.. this is Florida, right? Sure couldn't tell by the weather. We donned our Mickey Ponchos and set off for the park. We had dinner reservations for the Princess dining in Norway so Cameron wore her Princess Aurora dress, weather be damned.


We spent most of the day riding rides in the front section of Epcot. There are lots of little rides and things to do in The Land Pavilion. Unfortunately when it rains, it gets packed! We got a fast pass for Soaring and set off to find other things nearby. Normally you can get right on the quirky little boat ride through the gardens - after all, most kids aren't at Disney to see 7lb lemons or tomatoes growing upside down right? Today, we had to wait about 20 minutes. I have to admit, I love this little ride! I just want to hop off and figure out how to replicate their success in my own garden. Were it not for the hours of complaining I'd endure, I'd sign up for the 45 minute walking tour in a heartbeat!

The 7 seas Pavilion is also a favorite. The Finding Nemo ride is fun and even in the rain, the line wasn't bad at all. It took longer to walk in than it did to wait our turn. Then, when you get off the ride, you're able to tour the huge aquariums they have set up there. I tell you, I could stay there all day.

We got to ride Mission Space and Test Track with a few trips to the big golfball and it's Spaceship Earth ride in between. They've changed that ride a bit in the last few years. It's more interactive now. It takes your picture and puts you in a mock up of your chosen future world. You can listen to the recording in a bunch of different languages. We played it "straight" the first time, then all subsequent rides we tried to take silly pictures or listened in a language we couldn't understand. Mature, right?

As dinner-time approached, we made our way back to the World area, sloshing through puddles and dodging rain. Jordan's jeans were wet up to the knees, all of our shoes were soaked through... Not much fun. We were a bit early for our reservation time so we went through the boat ride in Mexico and watched the movie in China. We met up with Mulan & Mushu while in China.

I have some really funny shots on my photo Pass card (haven't purchased them yet) of Mushu proposing to Jordan. After I get over the sticker shock and buy the pictures I'll post those too. lol. So anyway, finally it's time for our reservation at Norway. We slosh in and get our ponchos off and the girls have to go pose with a Princess for the photos that come with the meal. I really, really wanted to have a good photo this year because 2 years ago, the one with Cinderella really stunk. Unfortunately Cameron was all damp and frizzy and Jordan was soaked up to the knees and wearing a dirty, ripped sweatshirt. A good picture just wasn't in the cards. The one the Disney photographer took came out better, but not by much Oh well. They're my girls and I love them.


The meal included an appetizer buffet and your choice of entree.
I'd gotten some fruits & cheese from the buffet for Cameron and she was gnawing on some bread when it happened. Mere moments after this picture was taken. Those huge Brown eyes look at
me from across the table and she hands me something. "What is this?" I asked her. "MY TOOTH" She wailed. "Your tooth?!?" I repeated "I didn't even know it was loose!" "Neither did I" she sobbed. Blood was pouring out of her mouth by this time and let me tell you, a rain soaked princess, crying and bleeding is not a pretty sight. I worked at calming her and stopped the bleeding and let me tell you, not a second too soon either. Just as I finished mopping up the last tear, Ariel showed up. Seeing as you only get a few moments with each Princess, then they're off to the next table, it was going to be really awful if we were still covered in tears & blood.



The remainder of the meal was un eventful. It was still raining when we finished up so we decided to just head for home for the night.

Disney

Our family went to Disney in early February for a weeks vacation. It was another one of those spontaneous things. What happens is this... I start noticing that Dave is spending a lot of time on www.disney.com. After a few weeks of looking, he'll casually mention ticket prices. When combined by the not so subtle urgings of his parents, you know it's going to happen.

We opted for 7 day park hoppers this time. The longer you stay, the cheaper per day right? Luckily we were able to stay at one of the condos Daves parents own. That helps a little.
Naturally the girls were very excited. Cameron is tall enough to ride most everything down there now. The few exceptions are the Rockin Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios & the Hester & Chester Primevil Twirl in Animal Kingdom. Even though our plans were pretty last minute, I was able to get reservations for them both at the Bibbidy Boppidy Botique as well as a few character dining reservations.

We did the 12 hr car ride on January 31st. We arrived around 5:30 pm, got unpacked, hit the grocery store for dinner & provisions and spent the first night doing nothing much at all.

Sunday the 1st of Feb we were off for our first day at the Magic Kingdom. Cameron wanted nothing to do with any of the characters that hang out near the entrance, instead we made a bee-line to Space Mountain. It was to be the first of many, many rides. Cameron proclaimed Space Mountain "Totally Awesome". We spent most of our first day riding as much as we could. Luckily the lines were small! Cameron said no to most autograph opportunities throughout the day. I really thought she'd want to go see the Princesses and the Fairies in Toon Town but she had zero interest. She just wanted to ride. Fine by me!




The webway (Tomorrowland Transit Authority is it's official name I think) has always been a favorite of Cameron. I figured now that she can ride faster/cooler rides she'd have gotten over it, but it's still a favorite for her. Go figure.




The weather on our first day was pretty decent. High in the low to mid 60's I'd say. Unfortunately it got worse from there.


The only character we met all day was Goofy and the only reason she stood in that line was because it virtually non-existent. We got there just as he did. lol


The one huge drawback to going to Disney off-season is the parks close really early. Magic Kingdom closed at 8:00. They have a big fireworks display that I hear is really great - unfortunately we missed it. This first night, we were riding Space Mountain for about the 5th time and missed the whole thing. Oh well. I think the 2 Cabilleros had a great time. I know their parents did!

Princess Goofball

I bought a new Princess Aurora dress for Cameron to wear while at Disney. Naturally she just had to "try it on" before we go. The head gear is purely her creation alone ... Beautiful, I think.

Santa visit

I took Cameron to see the mall Santa today. We'd already done the whole Santa thing at her schools breakfast with Santa earlier this month but I needed a do-over. Turns out the only thing she asked him for (Barbie & the Diamond Castle playset) isn't available for under $250 anywhere! Being the good mother that I am, I carefully brainwashed her in to thinking she needed to ask him for something else. Luckily for me, she decided that what she really wants is an Easy Bake Oven. Joy of joys! I have that already carefully stashed in my secret hiding place! I love it when things go my way! ha ha.

Anyway, this year they were handing out photos care of Shutterfly on a little thumb drive. For $32 I got a jpg of her picture and a $25 shutterfly gift card. Wow cool. I can print out the picture at Walmart and make coffee mugs at shutterfly for free! Sweeeeet!