We woke up and headed to Animal Kingdom. We started out at Pizzafari because none of us ate and I read that it was one of the places that served breakfast. When we got there, we just missed it, but the manager, Yusuf made sure that we got the last nine bounty platters, and if one of the plates was missing something, he threw in something else. He even threw in a plate for free because it was all he had left. It really helped us out and we were so grateful. I know I'll never forget his Disney touch of kindness.
After we finished eating, we headed over to Expedition Everest and rode it really quick and it was actually better on a full stomach. Jax couldn't ride Kali River Rapids, so we sat out with Aunt Rosie and hit the bathroom instead. By then, we were ready to use our Fastpass+ to ride Kilimanjaro Safari. Jax fell asleep, so I put him in the carrier and he slept through the whole thing. I noticed that they removed the Little Red/Big Red storyline and I think it was a good idea, but I did miss the guy saying, "Come in, Simba 1!"
After that, we enjoyed a few wonderful Mickey pretzels and then some of us went to It's Tough to Be a Bug and others to Festival of the Lion King. When the show was over, we met up and saw a character greeting spot with Pooh and Tigger. This was the deciding moment; would Jackson love the characters or be afraid of them? Well, Jax ran right over and into Pooh's arms. I did all I could not to cry like a baby. It made my day, no week, NO month! I was a proud Disney mama.
We all then headed over to Dinoland U.S.A. so some could ride Primeval Whirl and we could take Jax on Triceratop Spin. He held on to Poppy's shorts for dear life. We also played a carnival game and I won Jax a stuffed turtle. At that time, our dinner reservation at Yak & Yeti was drawing near, so we headed over there. I checked us in and grabbed a drink at the bar before we were seated. We had appetizers and entrees, and our waitress was very friendly. I don't remember her name but she was blonde and I was able to leave positive feedback on the card on the table.
When we were done eating, we left the park to get back to resort to get ready for Poppy's birthday surprise that night. I told a little lie that I wanted to try the craft beers at the Crew's Cup Lounge and we were all going to go, so I arranged for cabs for us and we went to the Yacht Club. They have a cool train set in their lobby for Christmas.
When we got to the marina, I checked us in and then we told my dad that we had a surprise for him. My mom and I had planned a pontoon cruise to view Illuminations, complete with birthday decorations, snacks, soda, coffee, a fruit plate, cheese and crackers, and a special Mickey cake. We were able to go by Hollywood Studios to see the Christmas tree and then under the bridge in France in Epcot before the show started. It was great to see Illuminations from another angle, especially with snacks (thanks to the folks on my Disney list serv for the great idea).
After the cruise, we went back in the hotel so I could make a stop at the Crew's Cup Lounge (so I really didn't lie) and buy a round for me, Uncle George and Tom. We took our beers and made our way to the Beach Club to see the chocolate carousel in their lobby. It was amazing that the whole thing was edible and perfect. We went back to the hotel after that to get to bed and prep for the Magic Kingdom again on Sunday.
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| The Tree of Life |
After that, we enjoyed a few wonderful Mickey pretzels and then some of us went to It's Tough to Be a Bug and others to Festival of the Lion King. When the show was over, we met up and saw a character greeting spot with Pooh and Tigger. This was the deciding moment; would Jackson love the characters or be afraid of them? Well, Jax ran right over and into Pooh's arms. I did all I could not to cry like a baby. It made my day, no week, NO month! I was a proud Disney mama.
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| A Mickey Pretzel |
When we were done eating, we left the park to get back to resort to get ready for Poppy's birthday surprise that night. I told a little lie that I wanted to try the craft beers at the Crew's Cup Lounge and we were all going to go, so I arranged for cabs for us and we went to the Yacht Club. They have a cool train set in their lobby for Christmas.
When we got to the marina, I checked us in and then we told my dad that we had a surprise for him. My mom and I had planned a pontoon cruise to view Illuminations, complete with birthday decorations, snacks, soda, coffee, a fruit plate, cheese and crackers, and a special Mickey cake. We were able to go by Hollywood Studios to see the Christmas tree and then under the bridge in France in Epcot before the show started. It was great to see Illuminations from another angle, especially with snacks (thanks to the folks on my Disney list serv for the great idea).
After the cruise, we went back in the hotel so I could make a stop at the Crew's Cup Lounge (so I really didn't lie) and buy a round for me, Uncle George and Tom. We took our beers and made our way to the Beach Club to see the chocolate carousel in their lobby. It was amazing that the whole thing was edible and perfect. We went back to the hotel after that to get to bed and prep for the Magic Kingdom again on Sunday.
