An Animal Kingdom State of Being with Cam and Fam COMPLETED 9/18 - Page 105 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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There are other changes as well.
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It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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What a nice morning and lunch! Stefanie looks thrilled to be there. I'm glad you were able to get together with your sister, too. That's one of the reasons I'm so excited about my trip in a couple of weeks; I'll get to spend time with my sisters.
We really enjoyed our family time!
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Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great pictures of the savanna from your room! Glad you had a great time with Pam and Bob!
We did have a truly pleasant visit!
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Originally Posted by scrappyjae
Boy, the wildlife was very active that morning! Great pictures. Glad you had some down time and got to enjoy visiting with family.
June 11...I remember what I was doing that day. I had 8 teenagers over at my place for my DS's 19th B-day. I think you had a much more relaxing and fun day than I did...I had to cook....ALOT!!
Glad you got to visit with your sister and BIL. Great pictures of the animals -- what an amazing thing to walk out of your villa and have all that right there! The more I read this, the more I think we may someday have to use our points over at AKL!
I truly believe it is worth it to use points or money to stay at least once at AKLV in a savannah view room. it!
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Originally Posted by OhToodles!
Love Luke's shirt! I got my DH the same one!
Luke got so many compliments on the Alien one and on the Muppets Abbey Road. And so nice that we got them for a good deal at Target!
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Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Great visit with your sister, and glad she took the news about not attending the wedding well.
It is funny to see Luke in that Aliens shirt, though, as my DD has the same shirt that she uses as a nightgown!! I saw the picture and wondered WHAT Luke was doing wearing an 11 year old's pajamas!?!?!?!
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Originally Posted by mousestruck
Great animal pics! Isn't it funny how you just can never get enough of them. We find our savannah rooms totally enchanting... we could just look at those animals all day and night, if it weren't for the parks! Glad you finally got to Rainforrest Cafe. We've never made it there, always rationalizing that there is one about a half hour from our house so why go there at Disney. Looks like you had fun!
From this point on in the vacation, I got to spend quite a bit of time out on the balcony as my buddies were sleeping late. But I was totally content.
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Originally Posted by OCEANGRLLG
Great pics and views of the animlas! My son would LOVE that glow cup! Do you know if T-Rex has anything like that?
We've never eaten at T-Rex, so I'm not sure. Hope someone else here might have an answer for you!
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Originally Posted by luvnwdwgal
Great pics Cam! Your room view is just fantastic! Don't you just love it when several different animals "hang" together! Although the ornery giraffe doesn't know that "everybody has to play nice".
I loved how many different animals we were seeing at one time this year. That giraffe I think may have wanted someone to play with him.
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Originally Posted by omd
I just love the picture of you and Pam and of Stefanie with her uncle Bob. I'm glad that you were able to get together.
We had a super time. My DBiL had just gotten back that morning from Indiana where he had been for his father's funeral. His family has been very dysfunctional, but the funeral seems to have mended some of the issues. We had been very concerned for him traveling up, so thankfully, it went well.
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Originally Posted by KMB733
Looks like a lot of activity on the savannah that morning! Glad you enjoyed your lunch at Rainforest!!
The animals were definitely playful!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsteiny23
Catching up! Love the giraffe statues. We lived in Africa when I was very young for a little over a year (my brother was actually born in Ethiopia). And, my mother brought home some beautiful things. I clearly remember a wooden carved elephant and giraffe, as well as masks, porcupine quill s&p shakers and some kind of monkey rug. Unfortunately, my mother gave a lot of them away as gifts when people commented on them not realizing she'd regret it later on. Or that her daughter would become a giraffe nut. I do have a small wooden giraffe that my friend brought back 3 years ago from her African safari. I think I'll have to hit up the AK gift shop when we go for dinner at Jiko in November.
I was hoping for a good picture of the orange Mickey giraffe t-shirt. Love the scrapbook story and the picture of Stef having her 'meltdown'. I have various pics of my boys during meltdowns...good fodder for when they bring home their first girlfriends.
The orange Mickey giraffe tee will be in more pictures coming up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsteiny23
I love the swirly head Mickey. I got that in 2008. I'm looking forward to picking out a new charm this trip.
Love Disney for the kitchen and I love that you post pictures of all your purchases!! (Craig might not like it as much )
I think I may have a few husbands who wish I'd stop posting our purchases.
Up Next: More Animal Watching and a Magical dinner
June 11 Part 2
We took a bus back to AKL, as Charlotte and Justin (my DNiece and her fiancée) would be arriving soon. We stopped briefly at Johari Treasures for two 2 liters and some snacks. Back at the room we did more animal watching plus more work on laundry. (I finally put the last load in the dryer right before bed.)
Charlotte and Justin were soon knocking on the door, so more talking and catching up was in order. Then the zebras began to play, so we were all back out on the balcony, except for Bob who had gone home to rest.
While we were animal gazing, one very funny bird sauntered up that reminded us all of an old man. He kept stopping, opening his wings, and then seemingly staring at his shadow.
He really got to be quite hilarious to watch.
The afternoon flew by and it was time for them to home and for us to go to dinner. I finally told Charlotte and Justin we couldn’t make their wedding and that was received very well, too. Thanks for all the s!
As we were about to leave, Stefanie noticed Charlotte had forgotten her purse. I quickly called Pam before they got to the parking garage and Charlotte ran back, meeting us in the hall. They’d have figured it out pretty soon as Justin’s car keys were in her purse.
On the way out we stopped at the front desk to see if they would check with Jambo House concerning some Nike water sandals that Stefanie had discovered were missing. Unfortunately, none had been found. She’s had those for probably 10 years.
Then we were off to catch a bus to Epcot. A little before 6 PM we arrived, went through a lineless bag check and then the ticket gates. Once inside we stopped for the obligatory PP pictures in front of Spaceship Earth.
After climbing part of the hill, we walked right on Spaceship Earth. Finally, I was able to help Stefanie get at least part of her face in the photo for later. She made most of our choices on the return trip, sO I wound up gardening in an argyle sweater vest. The pictures were taken with my iPhone and are a bit blurry.
Luke played Super Driver, earning chief status and then we were back out in Future World. We checked out the Character Spot, but the line was predicted to be 30 minutes, so we decided to try it another day. We moved on through Future World to enter World Showcase at Canada, hearing Off Kilter in the background. We wandered through Canada, browsing the stores and then moving on to England where we browsed more stores. When we reached the character meet and greet, Stefanie said she didn’t need Pooh and Tigger again, so we moved outside to enjoy the British Revolution concert that was just beginning. Excellent 30 minutes set with quite a few favorite songs plus a couple of interesting dancers.
When the concert was over, we had about 5 minutes before we needed to check in, so Luke made a restroom stop. Stefanie and I people watched and I took a few pictures.
By the time Luke returned we could check in. I requested a patio seat and then we waited probably about 5 to 10 minutes before our pager went off. We did get a patio seat but on the side and somewhat back rather than in the front as we had in 2008. I feared the view was going to be an obstructed one.
You can probably see in this picture how close to the patio entrance we are, which means we’re not too close to the lagoon. The hostess who seated us assured me our view would be good and if I wanted, our server could move me to a more photographic area near the start of Illuminations.
Our server Tori was somewhat frazzled by some less than happy guests, but quite good at her job. The bread and rolls were scrumptious that she brought very quickly after we were seated. Stefanie picked the girlled chicken with mashed potatoes, two of her favorite foods. I chose the Roasted Chicken with mushroom dressing and green beans. And my third surprise food picture of the trip.
Luke picked the fish and chips. At some point during dinner, the umbrellas were closed and several table in front of us emptied out so our view of the lagoon was much better. Our dessert, Chocolate Scotch Cake, was ordered right before Illuminations. So delicious! !
Stefanie needed an emergency restroom break at 5 minutes until Illuminations. We rushed inside and made it back out in plenty of time. A minute later a young couple entered from the park and stood right in front of us. I got up and asked them to sit as we could not see through them. They apologized profusely and left as they were not actually Rose and Crown guests. Then a mom and daughter did the same, so Luke got up this time. Same scenario as before. I had never realized this was problem with people walking off the street to the R&C patio. Just as we began to enjoy a decent view, a man came over to stand and talk on his phone. My turn again – he was a diner, but moved to an area where standing was okay. Now before you think it was bad, it wasn’t. Eating cake, watching Illuminations, and being with my family – Priceless!
When Illuminations was over, Luke paid our bill and we slowly began to trek to the park entrance.
Stefanie reminded us that she could shop again today . But she hadn’t yet, so we veered off to MouseGear. She found a Cars Activity Book and a Marie journal. Luke bought an Alien bobble head and I got some wooden Mickey coasters and a Mickey lens cloth for Pam as she had like mine.
From there we leisurely walked to the bus stop with Luke taking unusual shots of Spaceship Earth.
He also got a few of the monorail.
A bus was waiting for us with a few folks already on board.
We would have seats for the bus ride home. Back at Kidani we made the long walk to our room, I emptied the dryer and filled it with the last load, and Luke unpacked. I searched for yesterday’s mystery photo, and finally lights were out at midnight.
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Just caught up on your last 2 updates. I bet it was great to sleep in a relax some!! Love all the animal encounters you were lucky to have. I just thought that you and Stephanie's Future Pics she designed were great. Good Job Stephanie!!!! That is one of the reasons I ride Spaceship Earth!!! Nice shopping items!!
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What a great day!
There is nothing better than being with family, enjoying the savannah and the amazing animals and then heading to Epcot for a lovely dinner on the patio! (with all of your new friends who didn't think you really needed to see those fireworks! )
Great pictures!! I don't know why, but I really like the picture of just a part of the Spaceship Earth!
More fun treasures on your small shopping stop!
The old man ird is actually drying his feathers after being in water someplace by.
Cam not sure about the Zebra you spoke about the other day, Was he showing off that he could head butt or is able to be a butt head?
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Whew! I have fallen ridiculously far behind but finally got all caught up....just in time to catch the update where we meet again! Let me say again what a thrill it was to see you and your family again and to meet Ann, Carly, and Lorraine. I just love being able to put voices to the faces I see here. When I left y'all at the Speedway, I think I took about 5 steps and caught Doug and the kids coming down the steps after riding the Speedway themselves. Talk about impeccable timing!
I absolutely the pictures from your most magical AK day of Stephanie with Chip & Dale. We have had the best encounters with them! It sounds like your room at KV is right about where ours was located back in '09! We felt like we were on an African Safari Trek every time we needed to walk over to the lobby! However, it was still one of our absolute best visits ever and Doug is just dying to stay there again!
Hopefully I can stay on top of your updates better now that I'm all caught up!
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Glad you had a great time with Pam and Bob! 
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Pixie Dust
it!
s! 
She’s had those for probably 10 years. 
The pictures were taken with my iPhone and are a bit blurry.
! 
Susan
!! Love all the animal encounters you were lucky to have
Our 3 princesses LOVE the RED SOX!!!!
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