Disney Is in our DNA About This Page:

[BJ Wanlund]

Loving the full TR!!

And BTW, I couldn't stifle my giggles at "Pooh Pretzels". Can't wait to see more!

BJ

[tdhc]

Finally got a chance to read through Your TR. Absolutely loving it!

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by mcc0313

I think the name would have such a better ring to it....come get your Pooh Pretzels

Um... actually... no...
Not appetizing!

[DisneyLuv]

Great start! Those Mickey pretzels look reeeeeaally good! Will have to make a mental note to pick up one of these next month!

[PrincessSharon]

Thanks for your comments, everyone! I have the next update ready to go, but I'm hoping the Photopass CD will arrive today. Even if it doesn't I'll post the next update tonight!

Originally Posted by lauriep

What a great update! Your PREMIER PASS is gloriously beeeoooootiful! The boys are as handsome as ever (I keep forgetting that Noah is still only 11--he looks so much older) and look like they're having the best time ever. Glad Isaiah stayed put on SM. Congratulations for always winning the monorail game .

The boys are all tall for their ages. Noah is 11, Daniel is 9 and Isaiah is 5. They play football and basketball and a lot of parents think they're ringers!

Originally Posted by honeybee723

My family is all about playing the "pick the monorail color" game too. Funny how us Disney freaks all do the same thing. Sounds like you had a wonderful first day at MK, and congrats on your brand spankin' new Premier AP.

We Disney freaks do have a lot in common, don't we?

Originally Posted by unewillow

Yay, the full TR has begun!! Your nephews are too adorable for words!!

Originally Posted by mcc0313

I love the sig pic...that is one beautiful AP (and I so want one ).

Can't believe you all lasted as long as you did after that early morning. What a great start at the MK...had to laugh when you discribed Isaiah on SM and how you did not see him fly out so you figured all was good. That is how I felt the first time I put Angel on...I kept thinking, wait it is so fark in there I won't know if she is still in the ride until we get to the end...but her screams of excitement gave me a hint she was still secure.

Love how the "big boys" all needed to ride with Auntie Sharon on the HM too cute. I can't believe how tall Noah has gotten and he is only 11 - can only imagine how much he will grow by next summer.

I'm still taller than Noah, but I think soon (by next summer) he'll be taller than me.

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

It's BEEE-YOOO-TEE-FUL!

One day, when I'm done socking college money away for those ungrateful kids... THEN I'm gonna get me one of those!

Originally Posted by bfth

Oh yeah! The Sharon report begins...my life is worth living again!

Originally Posted by Big Baloo

Here we go! (Said in my best Peter Pan imitation) Can't wait to read more of this TR. And although it's already been said, those are some handsome young men you travel with!

Originally Posted by pamcarey

I just love how those boys love all the thrill rides!! Isaiah just cracks me up!!

Isaiah is just too funny. The stories I'm gonna tell. You'll see!

Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace

Gotta have something to help bridge the gap to the next trip!

The Premier Pass, like the Grand Canyon, is most gorge-ous!

Originally Posted by JoanneS

Ooooh, that premier pass is pretty!!!!! I'm very jealous. I thought my AP was cool, but you are so much cooler!

It's kind of embarrassing how much I love that pass. I've been carrying it around with me even though I'm not at WDW. But if I need to leave for WDW or DL suddenly, I'm prepared.

Originally Posted by doccoc2002

Love the new Premier AP!!!
I'm a little surprise we haven't heard from Eileen about your karma...
Your nephews are so cute, love Daniel with his aviators.
I guessed wrong on who decided to go with you
I also was worried when I couldn't sit by Brenna(my 5 year old) on SM, but she never flew out either and giggled the whole ride too
Can't wait to read more...

SM is really the only one to worry me because I can't hold onto him. EE on the other hand is nice and secure and I even let him put up his hands.

Originally Posted by sc507

What a pretty little pass!! It's almost glowing (or is that just your glow of excitement reflecting off of it?? )

It's pretty and sparkly, but it doesn't show up well in the pic. If you ever meet me in person, I'll be happy to show it to you. Even if I happen to be in the grocery store at the time. I always have it with me.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Love the new Passport Sharon! I'm trying to decide if I can swing another DL trip next fall to justify upgrading my WDW AP in December.

You can join the club!

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Karma, baby! It bit you right on the butt -- just like the mosquitoes!!


*sigh*

Three months... the girl is moaning about 3 months! I haven't had an AP since 2009, for crying out loud.

Originally Posted by WeRDisneyFanatics

Yay! So excited to read your TR. Glad you made it out ahead of Irene - I'm sure that was a nailbiter with all the closures being announced. Congrats on the Premier Passport - so jealous!

I'm sad that we're going to miss you by a few days in October - we check out of BWI on 10/9.

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

Love the update! I can't wait to ride the updated HM and check out the new queue. Your premier AP bragging cracked me up! It sure is beautiful!!!

More more more more, ya tease!

I wasn't bragging, I was sharing.

I don't even believe it myself!

Originally Posted by Cheeser

All I can say...is I WANT ONE.

A premier pass and a Mickey pretzel.

Not before I get me a DOLE WHIP though.

2 more days...did you hear that Tiki gods...two more days

Well, by the time I get to writing about having a Dole Whip, you probably would've had one (or more) yourself!

Originally Posted by Coop

It is a beautiful pass! I'm a bit But then I remembered that we are getting our first AP's in Nov. First.ever! Not Premier, Not Premium, just regular - but hey, I'm still so very excited! Loving the report so far!

I was super excited when I got my first regular AP. That's a pretty terrific thing too!

Originally Posted by mom2twingirlies

That pass is so beeeeutiful!

Sound like you guys had lots of fun.

You know it's funny - now that you mention about who's afreed of what rides, my DD2 loves the thrill rides, but won't ride HM without me, while DD1 won't ride the thrill rides (including Splash Mountain), but is fine with HM. They seem to view physical scary different from ghost scary. Hmmmm, there must be a study somewhere about this.

Those Mickey pretzels better still be around in January. They are on my list!

They all adore TOT, which can be a little spooky. Just scared of the HM. I haven't made them ride it at night. I think it might be too much for them!

Originally Posted by goofyboysmama

GOOD times! I love your blingy new pass - I woulda kissed it!

I was crackin' up at your skeered Maelstrom comment, lol

The boys are gorgeous - even if just a little nervous

I hope to get me one of those Pooh pretzels, I mean Mickey pretzels next time!

Well I may have given it a little kiss in a more private moment.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney0_0

Sharon, your Premier Passport costs as much as a piece of jewelry. I am telling you, I would make some sort of necklace and show it off every single day!

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Glad to know it is not just me...that pretzel looks very much like Pooh - and I think the name would have such a better ring to it....come get your Pooh Pretzels

Yeah, no.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

DH thought they looked more like pooh too! I will be getting one of those pretzels in just mere days!!!

Well if everyone in your big family group traveling with you gets one, the sales figures will go through the roof and they'll be more available!

Originally Posted by EmilyJ

Loving this report. Just read all 29 pages. Glad you were able to fly out. I must be living with my head under a rock, I didn't know hm had a new line. I'm sad though, the glorious ee picture everyone loves won't show up for me.

The HM queue is a lot of fun! You can still skip it though and take the shortcut. The picture is showing up for me. No worries, though. I'll be posting it again in the next update (not the one today, the one after that).

Originally Posted by Huntermom

As always, enjoying your trip report. And your nephews get cuter/handsomer every year.

Originally Posted by DisneyLuv

Great start! Those Mickey pretzels look reeeeeaally good! Will have to make a mental note to pick up one of these next month!

I'm making it my mission to popularize them so they won't be just "trial" anymore.

[Cheeser]

So...you are saying...I have to login tonight...before I leave tomorrow...to get your next update...you are killing me lady...just killing me.

[mom2twingirlies]

So it wasn't just me with the pretzels. When I first saw it, I thought it WAS a Pooh pretzel, until I READ that it was a mickey pretzel. I can see though were a Pooh pretzel might not be so appetizing.....

Waiting for the next update!

[POOH]

The Mickey pretzel looks so yummy.
The first thing I'm doing when I get down there next month, is getting one of those!

[mcc0313]

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Um... actually... no...
Not appetizing!

I was only joking...Pooh pretzels really would not sound appetizing to me either but those pretzels sure do look like Pooh

[BJ Wanlund]

Originally Posted by mcc0313

I was only joking...Pooh pretzels really would not sound appetizing to me either but those pretzels sure do look like Pooh

Either way, you made me laugh. Thanks for the giggles.

BJ

[truenancy]

Just catching up with the actual TR (the PTR and DTR updates from Eileen were great teasers!).

I love that you have so much fun with the boys! Great trip so far, you tasty thing (so say the mosquitos, I mean mosquitoes)...

[PrincessSharon]

Day Two – Sunday, August 28
Hands up!

I was up very early, which happened for most of the time at Mystic Dunes – perhaps I didn’t sleep soundly? I wouldn’t know, because I didn’t actually wake up at all. I know that sounds weird, but I sleep like a dead person, so I can sleep through uncomfortable situations but still be uncomfortable. Also, I had a stiff neck a few nights. Another thing to add to my book of grievances.

I puttered around, enjoying the quiet for the moment, and then finally got ready. I went next door (usually, because we have an outside door that opens to two inner doors which all lock, I would leave my door propped open if I wanted company, and closed if I wanted privacy). DM was making everyone breakfast, but it was eggs and bacon, which I don’t love. I kinda like bacon alright (and DM makes it just like I like it), but I don’t really enjoy eggs. So I had cereal and milk.

Everyone was ready to go by 8:30 (DM is the one I always have trouble getting started – something about wanting to take it easy while on vacation). Since there were a lot of us, we took two cars. Animal Kingdom is the closest park to Mystic Dunes, and there’s a nice short cut that we took to get there. We arrived at the park a few minutes after opening.

In my Premier Passport excitement the day before, I’d forgotten to also pick up a new Tables in Wonderland card, so I sent the family ahead with instructions to take Photopass pictures while I went and got the card. It didn’t take very long at all, so no photos were taken.

When we went inside, the boys looked at all the gross bugs. I usually pass this, but my nephews enjoy looking at bugs (and picking them up too, eww!).



Of course, they weren’t allowed to pick up these bugs, but Isaiah did ask! We weren’t in a big rush, so we kept stopping to look at the animals.















And then we stopped again in front of the Tree of Life. The boys posed for a Photopass picture, which I’ll post when the CD arrives (which should be any day now).



I was happy to see the cotton top tamarins were out today. I think they’re the cutest!





All this leisurely touring was starting to get to Daniel, and he got a little cranky. I know it’s important to DSIL to let Isaiah meet lots of characters, so when I spotted Flik, I asked her if she wanted to stop and meet him. She did. Cue Daniel’s pouting. He asked me if he and I could go ahead and ride EE together while the rest of the group waited. I asked DSIL if it was ok, but she wanted Daniel in the photo, so she said no. Then DM and I walked over and stood in a shady area. Then Daniel walks up and says his Mom said we could go. DM and I are suspicious, so DM asks if she said we could leave. She didn’t! That stinker! DSIL had a talk with Daniel and he behaved himself after that (especially since he knew he couldn’t get away with anything!).

In the end, Daniel wouldn’t stop pouting and didn’t pose for a photo.



And then, finally, we made it to EE. The standby was posted as a 15 minute wait, but it was even shorter than that. This is Isaiah’s favorite ride, and he’s somewhat obsessed with the Yeti. I mean, he talks about him all year long. We rode it a bunch of times in a row. The funniest was when we had a group of tween girls in front of us and Isi decided he would mimick them. He started screaming when they did. And he put his hands up when they did! Of course, during the really big drops, he held on nice and tight, but my heart swelled to see him enjoying himself so much!

And each and every time we were done, he’d walk through the gift shop and inspect the merchandise. The first time through, he got both versions of the stuffed Yeti, plus a hat that was on clearance. On subsequent trips through the gift shop, we would check to make sure nothing new was introduced since his last visit 15 minutes before. By the end of the week, there wasn’t a single item in there that he didn’t have!

After we’d had enough of EE (Isaiah never had enough, but we had to do things everyone could ride) I checked the Lines app and saw that the Nemo show would be starting in just a few minutes. We made it just in time, and got pretty good seats as well.









Then my phone started vibrating, letting me know it was time to check in DB for his flight the next morning. I ended up doing it under the bench I was sitting on, so as not to disturb other people around me (though I probably was more of a distraction from people wondering why I was hunched over and doing something under my seat! ). It paid off though, because I was able to get DB A54.

When that was over, we were ready to get wet. I didn’t mention how hot it was this day. It was brutally hot (and at AK, it always seems worse!). Some of us were ready to get soaked on KRR (even me, which is a bit unusual). DSIL decided to sit it out even though she enjoys rides like that. I was ready to ride, and you can imagine how hot it was because I was willing to ride it while wearing a white t-shirt!

There are always two people who end up absolutely drenched on this ride and I was hoping not to get too wet. Isaiah and I were sitting together and we got a fairly good splash, enough to cool us off, but we weren’t too wet. Noah and Daniel barely got wet at all. The rest of the people were wearing ponchos. Cheaters!

I called to find out where the rest of our group was – they were sitting in the Y&Y counter service seating area. They were not drinking Yak Attacks. But you know, I didn’t have one this trip. It was too hot for me to want to drink alcohol. I’m a little odd that way. And in a bunch of other ways.

It was going on hours since Isaiah had gone on EE (which he, and now all of us, calls the Yeti ride). We headed over and took a few spins (of the ride and the gift shop).

I was able to drag him away with promise of food. The boy is an eater. He’s kind of a dream kid. He’ll eat and enjoy any food you put in front of him. A miniature foodie in the making! His brothers, on the other hand, are typical kids’ menu eaters. So they decided they wanted pizza. Gag! I don’t do theme park pizza. So I grabbed some teriyaki chicken on the way. I was a bit disappointed to discover that it was just regular chicken nuggets with teriyaki sauce poured over it. Oh well, it wasn’t bad – certainly better than the pizza!



I grabbed us a table while DSIL and DM went to get the food. Isaiah sat at the table and DSIL had the audacity to get him apple juice when he wanted chocolate milk! I offered to go see if I could swap them out, and the CM kindly did without a problem. But she refused to take the apple juice back, even though it was unopened. Isaiah, a.k.a. the human garbage disposal, suddenly decided he wanted the apple juice and ended up drinking both!

After lunch, we were heading to the safari, passing the face painting station. Now all three of these boys love face paintings, so we had to stop. Isaiah wanted to get his face painted every day, and the only time we managed to escape having to wait to have it done was when we distracted him as we passed the face painting station. The boys each picked out a design and hopped in the chairs.












Daniel’s favorite animal is a tiger, so he gets that one often. Isaiah always wants something scary (we miss the days of the adorable baby bear face painting he’d get when he was 2 or 3 years old). Noah was the smart one and got a face painting with minimal coverage. It was hot!


Are you scared?





When their faces were done, I gave each of them a portable fan to help with the sweating. It worked well for Noah and Daniel, but not so much for Isaiah, mainly because Isaiah thought it was much more fun to fan the air around his knees. I guess he was too lazy to hold it up to his face! Eventually, I just took it back and used it myself (I only had 3 little fans).

Up Next: Getting the stink-eye… from a gorilla!

[taylan1]

Great update!! Those faces, just so stinkin' cute! But I have to say- apple juice AND chocolate milk. Ewwwww...... Can't wait to hear about the Gorilla.

[lauriep]

Lots of great photos! Not one of you yet, though, apart from your hand holding the gleaming new pass. The one of Daniel contemplating the bug is wonderful. Glad he found out early in the day he couldn't put anything over on you and cheered up-- he looks great, as always, as "Daniel Striped Tiger". Noah looks very majestic in his face design and Isaiah looks so scary (NOT!) How is Isaiah going to get all his loot into his suitcase?

[doccoc2002]

Great update!!! I need to take you on vacation with me next week...They are calling for rain all week