Disney's Animal Kingdom! Part 2 of my Walt Disney World report.

(taken and revised from a previous blog post of mine)

Well, day 2 dawned - very early again. We were totally wiped from our busy day at Epcot, but raring to go and discover our second park of the trip, Disney's Animal Kingdom. (click on any of the pictures to enlarge them)

What a contrast in parks!! Epcot was all futuristic-y (is that a word?) and scientific, and Animal Kingdom was very tropical and jungle-y (pretty sure that's not a word, but it works here). Before we were even in the gates, we were greeted by a cast member with a gigantic, ug-ly millipede in a container, ready to answer any questions any of us had about it. Not really the type of thing you want to see first thing in the morning, but cool, none the less. Entering the park you hear jungle sounds, and music being piped through unseen speakers. Birds - real ones - are everywhere. Storks aplenty!! And real flamingos - that were actually PINK! Not the off-colored ones that we see in our zoo in Calgary - the pink of these gorgeous birds was unlike any color I've ever seen in nature before. Following the path, you pass various areas that house different types of tropical birds, waterfowl and little mammals. Bamboo trees are everywhere and the lovely sounds that they make as they move in the breeze are very much like wood-chimes. It's hard to describe, but very soothing. It wasn't very far into the park when we saw the famous Tree of  Life, the "symbol" of Animal Kingdom.

You really need to take your time and see how many animals, birds, bugs you can find carved into it's enormous trunk and branches. It is unbelievable. If you follow the path, you will go underneath and inside the huge tree and be taken to the "It's Tough to be a Bug" 3D show. It is so much fun, as are all of Disney's 3D experiences and we highly recommend it. Plus, who can resist the chance to wear yet another cool pair of 3D glasses!!

As in every Disney park, you will have the opportunity to meet some of your favorite Disney movie characters here. I had the chance to meet my pal Pooh again, this time with Tigger AND Eeyore, so of course, I had to take it!! Eeyore is soooooooooooo cute, I just wanted to squeeze the stuffing right out of him. I am happy to report that I was much more restrained this time with my Pooh encounter, much to the relief and delight of my husband. ;0)

 














I will say, just because you met a character at a different park, don't pass up the chance to meet with them again. If we had passed by this meeting place we never would have met Eeyore, nor would our girls have been given bouncing lessons by Tigger. Or would our youngest have gotten a skipping escort from Tigger all the way back up the path. Those are the spur of the moment things that cannot be duplicated, and will never be forgotten. 

Disney's attention to detail really is amazing. NOTHING is overlooked. There are no "backsides" of things. You won't see the "spot that they missed". It just doesn't exist. Crossing the bridge you look down upon a boat, seemingly moored there by its jungle-dwelling owner. The gibbon enclosure is anything but. It is an acheological site of a temple being restored. The gibbons swing on the scaffolding and climb all over "their" temple. 

 

I should mention, as Disney resort guests, we had access to the early morning hours and late hours - or Extra Magic Hours - at designated parks on different days. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS!!! This day, was the early morning admitting, and it was so worth it. You get in an hour or two before the general public, and really, not many people get up in the morning to take advantage of this. We had no lines for the attractions at all. I will talk more about other good tips like this in a separate post. Speaking of no lines, we then did the rapids (buy or bring a rain poncho) and then the safari ride. This was great, and not at all what I expected. We got quite up close and personal with a lot of animals. We came around one corner, into a beautiful open area and had this gorgeous giraffe standing right there! She was so close, my girls were so excited. Another thing that you see on the safari is ostrich nests everywhere. Real, live, ostrich nests!! With eggs in them!!! How cool is that!! We got a picture of this one sitting on its nest:

We boarded the Wildlife Express train which took us to Rafiki's Planet Watch - an interactive area that educates children on what is living in their own backyards, and how to protect them. It was a fun train, ride and a welcome relief from yet more miles that we were putting on. Thank goodness for good running shoes!!

I do recommend the Planet Watch, as it has some great hands-on demonstrations and interractions for children of all ages, and we were very pleasantly surprised to meet 3 characters while there. Rafiki, himself, Jiminy Cricket, and a princess that we had totally forgotten about! Shame on us!! Can you guess who?? She lived in the woods.......very "in touch" with nature, shall we say.......oh come on.........POCAHONTAS!! We actually saw her before she saw us. Well, I saw her. She was shyly peeking out from behind a tree, watching the presentation and I pointed her out to the girls. I wonder how many other people walked right by her!!

Animal Kingdom does not have a fireworks, or night-time light show as they do not want to scare or upset all of the animals living there, but they do have a fantastic parade. Take the time to watch this. The park closes earliest of all the Disney Parks, so you will be back at your hotel in plenty of time to unwind. I will say, try to get a front-row seat. Park yourself on the ground and get ready to high-five and say hello to Balloo, Pluto, Mickey among others. Your kids will love it. Heck, I loved it!! I dare you to watch a Disney parade and NOT have a good time. I just dare you. When it was time to go, we headed to the Rainforest Cafe for our supper. It is not a Disney operated restaruarant, but it is right outside the park gates. If you haven't been to one, you should go at least once. There's nothing like an angry elephant, or a jungle rainstorm while you're eating. haha! We headed back to our resort - exhausted - again, but once again thrilled with another magical day. It sounds corny, but really, there is no other way to describe it! We still had some time before turning into bed, so took advantage of the early evening and went for a dip on the resort's pool. A great finish to another Disney day!! If you are thinking about going on your own Disney holiday, I would love to answer any questions you might have. Since I'm also now in the travel industry working for Some Beach Somewhere Ltd. I would be more than happy to help you plan your own Disney adventure!  Remember I love and welcome all feedback and would love to see comments here on my posts!!

Walt Disney World, Florida

In February of 2010, my family and I made our very first ever trip to any Disney park. We decided on Walt Disney World because we were going for 10 days and, of course, there are more Disney parks to see in Florida. I will be doing a series of blog posts on each of the Disney Parks in Florida over the next few days, highlighting what I think are some must see and do's. After an excellent direct flight from Calgary to Orlando, we boarded Disney's Magical Express at the airport and were delivered right to our Disney resort - All Star Movies. Check in was a breeze and we easily found our room. It was very clean and comfortable - exactly what we look for in a hotel. As it was already past supper time, we then headed back to our hotel's food court. It is made to look like the concession of a movie theater and we had no shortage of excellent food to choose from. (you can click on the pictures to see a larger size of them)

Our first morning we got up bright and early (with the Disney wake-up call, of course!) and after breakfast, headed outside to catch the resort shuttle to Epcot. One - huge - perk of staying on Disney property is that you have shuttle buses running every few minutes all day to each of the Disney parks, right from your resort. SO easy! There are lines that are clearly marked for each destination, so there is no guessing.

Epcot was amazing. And huge. Be prepared to do a LOT of walking. We wished that we would have taken a pedometer just to keep track of how much walking we did over our 10 days. Out of all of the Disney World parks, you will do the most walking at Epcot. We arrived before the park gates opened and were able to walk right on both Soarin' and Test Track. Both were FANTASTIC and I highly recommend them! We also found that Epcot was the BEST place to meet Disney Characters. Daisy Duck and Stitch were the first, right at the main gates. Then we walked right in to the meeting place for Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald. If that doesn't get you excited, then you really need to check your blood pressure. ;0) Continuing on into the World Showcase portion of Epcot, we visited pavillions from countries all over the world - beginning, of course, with Canada. It actually reminded me somewhat of Expo '86 in Vancouver, but with wayyyy more. The cast members working in each "country" are all actually from that country. Don't be shy - ask them how to say "Hello" in their home language!! Our girls learned how to say hello so many different ways! It was a great way for all of us to interact with the cast members. Also, each country has a cultural component, a shopping area, and of course, a dining area. I have decided to do a separate blog entry on just the dining at Walt Disney World. It really deserves it.

We met and/or saw several princesses while at Epcot as well. We were so very impressed by just how kind and unrushed all of the Disney characters were. They always took the time to really talk to our girls and ask about them, as well as sign autographs and pose for pictures. Our girls couldn't have been happier.

Now, everyone has their favorite Disney character. Admit it, you do too. Mine just so happens to be Winnie The Pooh. I LOVE Pooh. By this time, I was totally on the hunt for the meeting place for Pooh Bear. We found the place, only to discover that they weren't there. After striking up a conversation with one of the cast members who was at the place, he told me that if I wanted to wait a few minutes, Pooh would be coming out. Those of you reading this who know me, will not be surprised at how totally excited I was. Truly. I would have shoved people out of my way just to be first in line, but luckily I didn't have to. ;0) The moment finally came, and the "chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff" walked in. In true Jodi style, I fell into Pooh's arms and said "I've waited my whole life to meet you!!". It was worth the wait. If there was ever a place where "grown ups" can feel like a kid again, it really is Disney World.

The architecture and attention to detail is something that Disney is famous for, and there are times, when, if you didn't know any better, you would swear you were in a different country. We had many favorites, but the United Kingdom was definately one of them - and not just because that is where I met Pooh. There are so many little "side streets" and quiet areas to see and enjoy where, often, you will be the only one there. That was one of our favorite things to do was to "take the path less travelled". The little courtyard behind some of the buildings was just like something out of Mary Poppins, and one of my very favorite places. I highly recommend, if you find yourself at Epcot, to take your time and discover your own little places.
 

Another of my favorite "countries" was Morocco. It was absolutely beautiful. The buildings, the marketplace, the music, the people - everything about it, we loved. Now I'm not so naive to believe that it is exactly like the real Morocco, but we definately added it to our list of "must go to" countries.

 We finished our day at Epcot with the amazing IllumiNation light show. It really is a light show - with music, fireworks, special effects. The best view is right in front of the Canada pavillion, as close to the lagoon as you can. Buy a bag of popcorn from the Canadians working at the cart and chat about home while you wait. The park is alive with gorgeous music and colors and lights at night and walking back to our shuttle was a totally different experience than walking in was - even though it was past the same things. Take some time to watch the dancing fountains, and stop on the illuminated sidewalk, and of course, take pictures of the giant Epcot "ball".

We were absolutely exhausted, but totally exhilirated at the end of our first Disney day. The ride back to the resort on the shuttle was a quiet one, to say the least!!  Coming up next, Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Give This Kid a Box.........

Remember a few weeks back when I FINALLY got a dishwasher??   Well, that dishwasher came in a big ole box.  My youngest daughter LOVES boxes.  She always has.  Not like teeny boxes, but big enough that she could squeeze her 9 year old self into - and trust me, she can squeeze into a LOT of boxes.

You can imagine her pure joy at the sight of the big one.  She quickly got to work and made that box her own.

Welcome to my home!! 



Here we have the typical Welcome mat.



...complete with a key hidden underneath.

 

Pull up a chair and watch a little tv with me!



There's an excellent show on. 



But if you really don't like it, here's the remote.

 

Like I said, you give this kid a box, she'll make you a dream house. 







Twelve Years Ago Today...

Twelve years ago today I married the love of my life.



And I would do it all over again today.

And then just like that...

This past week has been an absolute emotional rollercoaster.  It has been a week of fear, anger, determination, resolve, and pride.  I have discovered, about myself, that I actually DO have it in me to not only talk-the-talk, but to walk-the-walk. 

This past week went from being an average week, to a decidedly above average week.  A week that I will remember for the rest of my life.

This past week, I became more and more informed, as to just how messed-up our education system is today.  Not just on a couple of hours of Oprah, but here, in my little town.  Where there are less than 100 students in our school.

This past week, I decided that it was time that I did something about it.  And then, just like that, I am a homeschooler to my youngest daughter.  That's right, you heard me.  This is something that I never thought I would do - or have to do.  But here it is.  At first, I was terrified: "I'm not a teacher!", "What about her friends?", "What will people think?"  Then, thankfully, I snapped out of that.  "No, I'm not a teacher, but nobody has my girl's best interest at heart more than me and her dad."  "She has played with the same friends since her first day of Kindergarten, and as it turns out, they will be homeschooling with her."   And, really, I don't care what people think, but if I had to give it any sort of attention, I would hope that it cause them to be more involved in their own children's education.

No, I'm not preaching.  But I am sounding the alarm.  We, as parents, truly do need to be more proactive in our children's educations.  Sadly, gone are the days when we can trust that our kids are learning what they are required to know to live productive lives in society.  This "nobody gets held back" has failed our children miserably.  More and more of them are falling through the cracks as a result.

Yep, this has been quite the week.  But now, I am excited, and looking forward to the coming year.  I will have the amazing opportunity to see, first hand, my daughter learn new things and grasp new concepts.  And I will know that I had a hand in that.  I am proud of myself too.  I haven't felt that in a VERY long time. 

How was your week?

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!

What a week!!  Some weeks are just like that - running the roads every day.  For a reclusive homebody like myself, that does not usually bode well.  BUT my road trips this week have been most satisfying!  Our latest one, yesterday, is the best one yet.  Life-changing, even. 

Yesterday, my amazing, wonderful husband, bought me this:

A beautiful, shiney, brandy-new dishwasher!!!!  (insert game-show music and rowdy applause)

We have lived in our home for 7 years and although there has always been a spot for a built-in dishwasher, we never have had one.  We just used the cut-out for our garbage and recycling containers. 

I used to not mind doing my dishes by hand.  I have a nice view to look at, and I find it sort of meditative.  For about the first 6 1/2 years.  Then it just became a chore.  Especially now that I am baking more than I ever have.  You can imagine my pure joy and excitement of having this lovely appliance finally!!!  YAHOO!!

We are all on a mission now to dirty enough dishes to run it through it's first cycle..... I tell ya, it's a trip being me.



That Dang Sweet Tooth

Well, my sweet tooth struck again.  It's a rotten pain in the butt, and I give in to it far too often, but I think I'm stuck with it for the long haul.  Sometimes I just want something that requires leaving my house for, and since I only leave my house when absolutely necessary, that creates a problem for me and my sweet tooth.  Last night I really wanted a mini Blizzard from DQ - and let's all take a moment and give thanks that they FINALLY came up with a mini size!!!  Woo hooo!!!!  Anyway, for those of you who don't know, the nearest DQ is a good 30-35 minutes away from me.  My closest town has a booming population of about 350 people, so no fast food drive-thrus there.  I REALLY didn't want to drive, but would have if it meant satisfying that darn sweet tooth.  Fortunately, I put my thinking cap on and reason came back to me.  'Why don't I just make them here at home?'   Why, indeed!  So, that is just what I did.  A quick trip to town for some supplies and Bob's your uncle........  incidentally, who the heck is Bob, anyway??  Where did that saying come from??  Anyone??

Ok, so first, you will need some ice cream - vanilla is likely the best base for this.

Throw some in either a blender or food processor and add with it whatever "flavor" you would like.  My girls both had Smarties in theirs, or you can add Skor bits (do you have Skor bars in the states?  I think Butterfinger is close) or Oreo cookies, or peanut butter cups, whatever blows your skirt up.  I did bananas.

Tossed in a little chocolate syrup for good luck:

 

And whizzed away.  That makes me giggle - whizzed....... hahaha...he he he....*ahem* ...moving on...

You don't want to liquefy it, just blend it up so it's more like soft ice cream.  I think I had too much banana in here and that really changed the texture - note to self, add less banana next time.

Spoon it into a parfait glass (which I don't have) or whatever, and eat it all up!!

Your sweet tooth will thank you.  Mine did.