Monthly Archives: September 2014

Day 6- Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris & Sanaa

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Animal Kingdom!  After a good strong rain, we headed for Animal Kingdom.  The animals are so active and so fun to watch.  When you enter into Animal Kingdom there is the area called The Oasis, full of birds and various animals.  We were heading for Kilimanjaro Safaris!  Oh look!  What’s down the stairs in that cave?  I found myself looking at otters!  I love otters!  There were also some really big black fish.

On the way!
Discovery Island…
Pretty bird!
Scarlet Macaw
A fun bridge…
The Tree of Life area is being refurbished
Entrance to see the otters…
Otters!
Closer to the water…
Almost in…
Just keep swimming…
Underwater
Climbing out of the pond…

We stopped to trade a pin with a cast member; if you don’t know about pin trading, don’t worry!  We can tell you later.  The cast member was telling us that it had rained earlier today, but now it is less “mushy” wet.  Perfect!  Now, on to Kilimanjaro Safaris.  This time we were on the very back seat.  I liked being seated there, it’s perfect if you need a picture of an animal, (or several!) following you.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Main Entrance
FastPass+ Entrance to the far Right
Regular line is on the left…
Loading area…
Our row!
#SafariSelfie
Leaving!
The truck behind us…
Whee!

My favorites are the giraffes, and they were really close to the road.  One was so close I could have reached out and touched it, but, “Please keep your hands and arms inside of the vehicle at all times,” is a rule I choose to follow.  The other favorite is the rhinoceros, but today, there were rhinoceroses!!!  They, all six, were galloping and running; a couple were heading for the road!  We just got past them and four began following us and watching the water on the road right behind us, it was so cool!  SO COOL!

Sleepy Rhino…
Giraffes in the distance…
Closer…
Beautiful!
So close!
Mirrored… 🙂
Another one!
Love it!
Ankole Cattle
Sable Antelopes
Elephant
Bontebok
Bontebok
Flamingo
Rhino!
Lion

After the safari, we headed for Yak and Yeti Restaurant in the Asia section and admired all of the detail in the building.  I love architecture and how detailed the Africa section was, and now admired Asia.  We had a good sit down snack of Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken and a GF Cheesecake!  Oh, yum!

Africa to Asia…
Yak & Yeti
Lots of tasty options!
The front doors
The Menu
GF Sweet & Sour Chicken
GF Cheesecake and a hidden Mickey
In Asia
Time to head to AKL!

Animal Kingdom was closing early today (6pm), so we went to the Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village to eat at Sanaa. They have great Gluten-free Naan available with their amazing Indian Style Bread Service that includes 9 tasty dips. We tried to get last minute reservations and the only one was kind of late, so the only place available was the lounge. We had a wonderful visit with the bartender and a young family sitting at the bar with us. Had a blast! I love rainy days, which are most days in the summer in Florida! Be prepared.

Arriving at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Kidani Village
Sanaa Hours
Sanaa!
Great tea menu!
Loose-leaf Thunderbolt Darjeerling tea
Tea time!
GF Naan and dips!
The lounge area of Sanaa
Just outside…
a fire pit!
You can watch the animals!
Tooti and the fire
Rocking chairs by the fire
View from Rocker
Twinkie relaxing…
Heading back inside…
Lobby of Kidani Village

Day 5- Epcot: International Food and Wine Festival 2014 Opening Day

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Epcot!  Yes, finally!  We have looked forward to eating around the world during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  It is a really fun experience to have a food tasting for the day.  Once you near the World Showcase Lagoon, the feasting begins!  We arrived a bit early (the food booths open at 11am), so we began with the Festival Center in Future World. Here they not only have merchandise, including shirts, pins, wine and culinary tools, they also host many of the demonstrations and classes that are a part of the schedule.
As we headed to the Festival Center, we saw the Jamming Chefs playing beats on pots and pans. It was so entertaining!

Starting off the morning!
The Festival Center!
Inside…
Some of the new merchandise
A cooking demonstration
The 3 of us!
Our “Passport” for tasting around the world!

We headed back to the World Showcase, turned right, and began our tasting in Greece.  Be assured, there over 30 different food booths, so bringing someone along to share with is a fun adventure.  Plus, if you split the dishes with a friend, you both get to taste more!

Almost to the World Showcase…
First Stop…
Greece!
Stamped!
Grilled Greek Cheese with pistachios and honey
Canada…
Menu
Passport Stamp
LeCellier Beef Filet and Mushrooms
Rainbow Trout
Tea time!
Chai tea lattes!

Oh, I totally forgot to stop in France for Guerlain, so we headed back that way…

On the way back to France, we were in Mexico when I saw a couple and asked, “Do you want me to take y’all’s picture?”  The husband said, “No,” but they would take one with me… he took his camera and put it on an extended handle!  I was totally surprised, but we all smiled and took a picture with a wonderful couple!  FUN!  You just never know when a fun new thing will happen…and it’s our first in park, in person tweet from someone! 🙂

https://twitter.com/goldhive/status/513011091908337664

On to France! Guerlain has wonderful ladies that make you feel so pampered and so pretty! I love being welcomed by them and having some time to see their newest products.

France Pavilion
Walking in!
Trying the Kiss Kiss lipstick…
Smile!
Love it!
Guerlain Kiss Kiss 325
Trying some gloss…
Pretty!
New face powder!
My turn…
Feeling pampered.
Happy 🙂
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale- My FAVORITE!
Love the product baskets!
‘Til next time!

We will definitely be revisiting the Food and Wine Festival!  Next time, we will get to the World Showcase and start our tasting as we turn left and begin feasting!

Our last stop of the day…
Scotland!
Love the tartan!

Here are some more pictures from our “Taste around the World.”

Ireland
Menu
Stamp! 🙂
Twinkie’s fave butter… Kerrygold!
Warm Chocolate Pudding
France
Menu
The Chef!
Stamp! 🙂
Caramel Creme Brulee
Brazil
Menu
The eating area
The eating area
Stamp!
Tilapia and Brazilian Cheese Bread
Music!
In America…
Apple Maple Latte
Africa
Menu
Stamp!
In Africa…
Beef tips and Pap (maize)
Singapore…
Menu
Lemongrass Chicken Curry
South Korea
Menu
Hawaii
Menu
Puerto Rico!
Puerto Rico
Menu
Stamp! 🙂
The eating area…
Pretty flowers…
Slow-braised beef and rice

Day 4- Animal Kingdom

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Animal Kingdom!  Wow, love this place.  We parked in the Dinosaur parking lot and caught the tram, a quick trip up to the gates.  First, there is your bag check, as with all parks.  Disney’s security looks through your bag and then lets you in.  Today the young man asked how I was doing, I responded with, “Great!  How are you doing?”  He stopped, almost frozen and said, “If I had called you on the phone, I would have thought you were 15!”  “Wow, thanks!!! Most people that call think I am 5. ‘Is your mom home?’  No!?!”  The people behind me couldn’t help but chuckle!

Off World Drive…
Almost there!
The Entrance…
Parking Lot… Not too busy!
#tram #selfie
At the gates…

We scanned our Magic Bands and I honed in on…where is the Vine Lady?  She is beautiful, she is graceful, and she is really tall!  DeVine is my favorite meet and greet in AK!

DeVine
DeVine and Me

The Kilimanjaro Safari ride is my other favorite thing to do at Animal Kingdom, but it will have to wait for another day.  We wanted to see the new baby gorilla, born on August 7th.  I love the Africa area of the park. I had to take a minute and really look at Africa, with its cracked streets, the waterway and music.  Then, a hike down the Pangani Forest Expedition Trail and see where the gorillas live and the surroundings are amazingly beautiful… like walking through the jungle.  We found the momma and baby cuddle and hoped to get a glimpse of its little face.  So very sweet!

Look close by her feet…
You can see the baby gorilla!
Heading to Africa
Africa
Almost to the trail
Pangani Forest Expedition Trail
Yay!
Heading to see the gorillas…
Me and Twinkie
Waterfall
Gorilla!
The oldest male gorilla
The oldest again…
The hut…
Zebras!
Gorilla
Mom and Baby
Wow!
A peeking gorilla…
Trail Marker 8
A fun bridge!
See the face in the rocks?
Map

We found a new place that we haven’t been to: Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Wildlife Express Train.  Yes, there is a train in Animal Kingdom!  It is so cool to see it with stuff piled on top just like they would in Africa!  It takes you to the Conservation Station.  We looked at the various small monkeys, lizards, bugs, snakes, and petted the Blue-tongued Skink. Fun! They even have a window where you can watch the veterinary staff if they happen to be taking care of animals while you are there.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch
A tiny Tamarin
The Wildlife Express Train
It has arrived!
Behind the scenes…
Conservation Station
Love the animals!
Rhino love!
Twink and the Skink
The Skink and me
Tooti and the Skink
The veterinary room…
They can fix shells!
Another pic of the vet room…
Toads!
Active little creatures!
Twinkie and Rafiki (and some little girls that were there, too)
Tooti, Rafiki, and Twinkie
The train!
Back at the Harambe Station
Headed back into Africa

It was a very nice morning and early afternoon. Before we left, we stopped by the “Gardens Kiosk” where they offer many food allergy friendly treats. Babycakes NYC has a few of our favorites… including donuts! So, we grabbed a gluten-free donut and glass of iced water and hit the trail home.

Leaving Africa…
Pretty!
The Gardens Kiosk
The Allergy Friendly Menu
Gluten-free Donut by Babycakes NYC
The Exit…
Leaving on the tram 🙂

Tomorrow marks the start of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. It’s going to be so much fun!

Day 3- Epcot

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We headed for Epcot today and had a perfectly wonderful afternoon and evening.  The day is cooler with cloud cover and the park was less crowded.

On the way…
to Epcot!
Getting close!
The entrance
Parking lot
Monorail

The first ride we went to was Maelstrom in Norway!  So, after passing through Future World, you go past Mexico and before China, you find Norway!  The line was pretty long and with the FastPass+, you just walk up, scan your magic band and walk in to ride the ride.  Best thing ever!  We took pics and enjoyed Twinkie’s favorite ride.  Maelstrom will be closing down for refurbishing and a redesign into a Frozen themed ride that will open in 2016.  We are SO excited to see what it looks like!

Norway Pavilion
At the entrance…
About Maelstrom
In Line…
Part of the ride goes backwards and looks like you are about to go over a waterfall… eek!
Troll hugs!

On the way to France, I stopped and got a strawberry shaved ice (Kaki Gori) with sweet milk in Japan.  We took pics for couple that asked as we passed by them… just a part of being at Disney.  Fun!

In Japan
The Menu
Strawberry & Sweet Milk

There are the most amazing crème brûlée in many of the restaurants, but if you don’t have a reservation, then Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie (in the France Pavilion) is a great choice!  The chef came out and made us some freshly torched crème brûlée. There are many beautiful desserts and breads to choose from, so we ask for some that have not been near any of the other bakery treats.  If you are gluten-free or have food allergies, you totally understand… The chef there is wonderful!  After great thanks and appreciation for our special sweets, we headed out!

Heading into France
The bakery
The treat menu
Creme brulee!!
One of our faves!
Rainbow of Macarons
Drinks
A place to sit
French themed merch…

We took a break and sat by the water fountain in France and a little girl was going to throw pennies when her mom and grandmother said they were out.  “Oh, I have some!”  So, I pulled out my change and found 5 pennies!  She readily took them and had fun throwing them in as her grandmother and I talked, she said that she usually has to give her quarter and dimes.  I told her a story, “when mine were little, we would get a roll of pennies and go to the mall.  Of course, they shared most of them with the other little kids there, but it was a lot of fun!”  She said that that was really a good idea…  we smiled and said our goodbyes.  Cute little kid!

France Pavilion

The sun was beginning to set so we started back to Spaceship Earth, i.e. the Epcot ball.  That ride is packed in the mornings, but in the evenings you can just about walk straight up and get on quickly, just a hint if you plan on riding that ride.

Pretty clouds!
A garden full of birdies!
Ducks and birds coming to rest at the beach…

We are looking forward to the opening of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that opens on this Friday, September 19 and runs until November 10, 2014. There will be feasting, festivities and special events, including awesome concerts.

Almost ready to begin!
The 3 of us
Woohoo!
Yum!

Finally, here are some of the places to eat at around the world…

A definite fave!
Ireland
Greece
Puerto Rico has a big area to eat in…
Scotland
They uncovered the menus!
Happy day!
Veggie Haggis? Twink is happy.
Even a menu needs a hug!
Concert list! Yay!
‘Til later!

Day 2- Hollywood Studios

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Hollywood Studios, what can I say about it? It has more fun skits and funny drama on the streets than your average theme park.  We saw Evie Starlight in her cute white car with her driver!  We waited a few minutes watching her hold babies for a picture, little girl climb up and sitting with Evie as she is talking in a 1940’s voice.  We talked for a minute as she asked what Twinkie’s name is, that started a fun exchange!  Then, Tooti went to get her picture and I heard, “Well, if her name is Twinkie, what is your name?”  The driver said, “Zinger?”  “Haha, my name is Tooti.”  Oh, that got Evie to talking and said that she wanted to be in our family, and asked what nickname would we give her.  After a few seconds, I said, “Bubbles!”  She loved it.  Fun time.

Walt Disney World!
The signs off World Drive…
The Main Entrance… 1 of 2 that lead into the HS parking lot.
One of the perks of an afternoon, off-season day… No Lines!
Frozen Summer Fun through Sept. 28.
Evie Starlight!
Evie Starlight and Twinkie!
Evie Starlight and Tooti!

We started to walk off when a little dude came from behind me telling her it was his Birthday, she came down and took his little hand and they walked to the center of the road and she yelled, “Hey everyone this is his Birthday, he will be 5.  Say Happy Birthday!”  Too cute, then she told him that was his gift and then, gave him a kiss on his cheek! His dad was out of battery on his phone, so we offered to take the pic, and his mom just walked up as we were getting ready to email it to them!  FUN!

Walked up to the cross street and saw the “Funniest” Citizens of Hollywood, listened to their skit of impromptu jokes, really funny.  Then we looked around at one of the stores nearby.  I love the architectural style of the building!  This store carries a good selection of merchandise, including the Disney Vera Bradley line and Disney bracelets by “Alex and Ani” (made in the USA!).  My girls love their bracelets, especially since they are fun to collect and you can wear different ones at once!

The Funniest Citizens of Hollywood!
One of the stores… Sunset Club Couture!
Any Tink fans? They have some cute merchandise…
Alex and Ani Bracelets

Off to look around in the Animation Building…  There are characters you can meet and lots of fun things to look at!

The Magic of Animation!
Great animation place!
A sneak peek!
Wreck it Ralph and Vanellope
Wreck it Ralph and Vanellope
Wreck it Ralph and Vanellope
Fun!
Waiting in line… Only 2 or 3 ahead of us!
Academy Awards!
Walt Disney’s

Before leaving home, we ate a small snacky lunch and we decided to grab a meal at the ABC Commissary.  Disney is testing a new gluten-free menu at a few select locations and this was one of them. (Usually, we have to speak with the chef or a coordinator and they will go over options that we can have and sometimes we have to read the ingredient list from their special binder as well before we make our selections, so this is really nice!) We picked the GF chicken tenders and split two between the three of us since each basket comes with four chicken tenders each… More than enough for one person!

GF Menu
The ABC Commissary
Walking in the door
The Menu

While we had a moment to wait for the food, we checked out the wait times… Got to love this time of year!  Toy Story Mania only had a 45 minute wait… It’s usually at least 90+ mins. during busier times.

Wait TImes…

We ended up in the Streets of America, I love it, my favorite is all of it, but I love seeing San Francisco.  As we were walking we saw the Frozen Show Ticket for the sing-a-long.  Only about 45 minute wait, so we grabbed a cup of coffee at the Writer’s Stop. We sat for a few minutes as Twinkie browsed the books. Then it was off to the Sing-Along!

We giggled at the Health & Beauty in the same window as Ice Cream!
Looking…
They are starting to put up the Christmas lights!
San Fran!
More lights!
Olaf and our Ticket!

As the Sing-Along started, I found myself tearing up.  I thought why am I tearing up so much?  Then, I listened quietly and heard the voices of all the Dads and Granddads singing along with the little ones!  Oh, my!  My tears were huge to hear these mighty voices singing along side their kiddos.  The play is so worth it.  I would not miss this for anything!

Taking our seats…
The stage
The Historians of Arendelle
Singing “Let it go…”
Elsa, Anna & Kristoff

What a wonderfully cool day!

Heading back home!

Day 1- Magic Kingdom

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The days before our start of 365 days at Disney were filled with total anticipation.  Where will this take us and what does God have in mind to send us on the journey?  I am so excited to see this unfold and glad to get to take you along with us on the ride!

We started our beautiful day going to Magic Kingdom. After you park, there are two options to get to MK- the Monorail or the Ferryboat.  We took the boat ride today and were so excited to see the boat not so full.  Maybe that means there won’t be long lines! We started across the water to see Cinderella’s Castle…  So pretty.  As we disembarked, the lines were pouring into the park from the Monorail, resort busses and the boats, so the area was full of people.

As we entered into Magic Kingdom, the place was bustling with Disney Magic.  Mickey’s signature flowers were out front, pumpkins dotted the landscape and the bustle of excitement is contagious.  Little people coming for the first time; their eyes sparkling with anticipation of what the day will hold.  Lots of families laughing together and making their way to the castle!  There, in front of the castle, was the “Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it! Street Parade” dance party going on.

IMG_0026

There’s just something about a dancing monkey… or orangutan!
After we watched the conga line start, we headed around Cinderella’s Castle and noticed the line for Merida was much shorter than summertime lines, so we stopped to meet her for the first time!

Shirley was attending the line to let us into Merida’s home…
A peek of Merida’s place.
Merida’s Family
Jimmy was the character attendant assisting Merida today!
Merida and Me
Merida and the girls!

After Merida, we headed towards Liberty Square and rode the Liberty Belle Riverboat for the first time.  It’s a great way to see Tom Sawyer’s Island and even watch Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as you pass by.

The entrance…
Walking on!
On the boat…
On the river…
Pretty views…
You can see the Castle!
Helloooo!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
How cool!

We then headed off to Pirates of The Caribbean, but the line was quite a bit longer than expected for an “off-season” September day. We did get to see a bit of the Pirate show with Captain Jack Sparrow though!  Next, we decided to pick up one of our favorite treats- DOLE WHIP FLOATS!  They are tasty and even gluten free. 🙂  Twinkie and I like the pineapple and vanilla swirl and Tooti likes the orange and vanilla swirl.  They make the floats with Dole Pineapple Juice instead of soda.  YUM!

Captain Jack!
The Pirates of the Caribbean ride…
A 40 minute wait or Fast Pass + Option
Aloha Isle
The Menu… It’s even on the Disney Dining Plan for resort guests.
Delicious!

We headed towards Main Street to head back to the front gates, but paused to watch the end of the parade on the way out.  The line for the Express Monorail was short and it was a quick trip back to the Ticket & Transportation Center and MK parking lot.

The parade coming back down Main St.
Express Monorail line
The Monorail arriving… and the Ferryboat in the background.

A fun first day!!