Trip Report Thank Heaven for Little Girls.

A few years back my son and I took a trip out West and along the way spent a few estrogen free days in Disneyland. This year was the girl's turn, even if that wasn't part of our original plans.

Planning vacations as your children get older can be a difficult task. Demands from college, high-school, camps, activities, and even part time jobs end up leaving very few open spaces on the calendar. Lately it seems that mid July to mid August is our sweet spot for getting away and so it was again this year. Based on a great deal on a condo found by my wife Val, we came up with a somewhat last minute plan to visit Clearwater Beach Florida...and oh yeah, we decided to drive down from Pennsylvania. I also had an eye to sneak away to WDW for at least a day during our week stay.

My son Sterg had to bow out of the trip. He's starting college at Penn State this year and since he's on their swim team he needed to stay behind and train. See what I mean about other demand? Don't feel too bad for him however, he has had a few nice trips of his own over the last six months. It may have also saved his life as I'm sure having to deal with him for 18 hours in a car would have stirred some primal blood anger in me.

Without Sterg it would leave myself, my wife Val, my 21 year old daughter Alex (about to become a college senior) and my 13 year old daughter Toni. Not quite "little girls" anymore but as most Dads will attest to; they are always little girls. Anyone who has read my previous reports knows that Val is not the biggest Disney fan - but how could we be so close to WDW and not go? After much deliberations on the scale of the Yalta conference we hammered out an arrangement to make one day on our trip "Chris, Alex and Toni get to go to Walt Disney World" Day. Where there is a will...

The big day came - we departed on a Saturday at 3pm in the afternoon after loading up our trusty stead/Ford Explorer. Leaving Sterg home by himself for a week brought it's own set of issues but he was all smiles and willing to play photographer as we said our goodbyes...

At this point we had no idea what we were getting into...

Sterg's long arms came in handy here...

Alex and Toni settling in for a long voyage and adventure while Sterg makes sure we say our goodbyes to Prince our dog.

We were on our way to Florida!

 

[DznyRktekt]

Stumbling upon a new Fractal trip report is like finding a twenty dollar bill in a jacket pocket.

 

[FlaggNL]

So wow... I am back from my 2 week break and there is a TR from Fractal! Great! The pictures are as always marvelous and nice to see how grown up your girls are Can't wait for more! And also thanks for the share!!

 

[fractal]

I have no love lost for Dinoland and shared those feelings in my last TR. Toni however is always up for a thrill and we did enjoy Primevil Whirl last time and with no wait we couldn't resist. After being jostled and unnerved in Dinosaur, Alex decided to sit this one out.

We shared the car with a husband and wife couple - that seemed nice but were quiet. I on the other hand can't help hooting and laughing on rides.

My camera was still sporting the Minolta lens, so I had to work around the fixed focal length.

This ride is fun if you enjoy spinning and twisting and the feeling you get when your car drives over a big hump in the road.

"How was it?" Alex asked.

"Fun!" Toni answered " You should hear Big Pops on the ride, he's sooo loud!"

I was once again, the source of their amusement.

OK, keep moving forward. The sun was making its way higher as was the temperature and humidity. I was starting to regret wearing my dark grey Fractal shirt but I just had to. Plus, it would be great if somebody from WDWmagic spotted me and we got a chance to meet!

We left Dinoland behind and made our way towards the Tree of Life. See you later chochsky-ville!

 

[fractal]

At age 6 we took Alex into It's Tough to be a Bug. By the time the smoke was filling the theater and the black widow spiders were dancing over our heads she was in full hysterics; screaming her little head off while I had to take her outside before the show was over. Same thing happened to Toni when she was 6 (good parenting huh?). Let's be truthful here - it is an extremely intense experience. I personally think ITTBAB is way under-rated. First you get an amazing queue, can any queue top walking into The Tree of Life? The walk into the theater lobby not only transports you into the domain of the Bugs, it also serves to "miniaturize" you as you look up at the TOL. Is the tree that tall or are you shrinking? The lobby itself is wonderful themed as the interior of the tree with all the amusing bug posters. Then you get to put on your bug glasses, walk through a door and wow! who put a theater here?

Having said all this, my daughters were ready to skip ITTBAB. They were getting hungry - but since the wait time was 5 minutes I convinced them to go. I was looking forward to this not only because of the great show, but I wanted to get good shots of Hopper, ...and Flik.

"Up here!"

"Tell me when the bees sting" Alex said as we sat down.

"Oh yeah, sure I will" I said sarcastically. "Besides, they're hornets".

Toni meanwhile was ready to be entertained and stung.

The show did not disappoint. During the maelstrom of chaos created by Hopper; infants, toddlers, teenagers and adults alike were screaming, yelling, laughing and squirming in their seats. Alex had her eyes shut while she covered her head and brought her knees up to her chest in some kind of defensive position. Toni was clutching my arm while screaming and I was laughing literally "out loud" like a jolly 'ol elf. I also managed to get some shots of that human hating grasshopper...

One final scream and squirm as the "beetles, maggots and cockroaches" exited and then we were out. My girls were laughing and loved that I made them go! Now onto Africa in a hunt for some nourishment.

But wait, let me take a quick picture of you two...

"Oh c'mon Pops! we're hungry!" said in unison.

"You pose or no food!"

"and smile!"

I win again.

 

[disneypearl]

Wow! Those are some amazing photos in ITTBAB! I love this show and you were able to capture it's beauty well. So glad your girls loved the fun of it too.

 

[Laurenciaa]

But wait, let me take a quick picture of you two...

"Oh c'mon Pops! we're hungry!" said in unison.

"You pose or no food!"

"and smile!"

I win again.

Hahahaha this sounds exactly like my Dad ! Bribing us with food Super Photos, as always !

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

I was also a 6 year old traumatized on ITTBAB. My brother was as well. 18 years later we still won't go on it. Thanks Mom, for not forcing us to go again.

Love the TR.

 

[MinnieM123]

Very impressed with those pictures inside It's Tough to be a Bug. Never thought I'd be interested in seeing those, but with the lighting and the design details in the funny bug characters, those photos are excellent!

We left Dinoland behind and made our way towards the Tree of Life. See you later chochsky-ville!

I laughed out loud over your departing "salute" to Dinoland!

 

[coachwnh]

"Oh c'mon Pops! we're hungry!" said in unison.

"You pose or no food!"

"and smile!"

I win again.

Love it!

 

[coachwnh]

As with your earlier posts, great pictures. Cant believe you were able to get shots off on Dinosaur! I'd be afraid my camera would be lost if I attempted that. Looking forward to more.

 

[fractal]

Here's something new! This was the first time we were seeing the new areas of Africa, and it looked great.

Initially I thought this was the area with the new food court, but alas it was the new Lion King theater and some gift shops. As much as I would have liked to see Festival of the Lion King and Kilimanjaro Safari, our schedule would not allow it. The sun's heat was becoming more intense which made these hidden Mickey's in front of Tusker House even more appealing.

After getting directions we headed towards the new Harambe Market, but first some pics along the way...

This lady had no problem with the heat!

Are we in Florida or Africa? A great theme park has you asking yourself these type of questions.

Quick selfie with Alex and I...

The park was starting to fill up...

Another selfie, this time with all three of us.

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Chris! I logged in just to come read this TR of yours!!!

I can't believe how much older Toni looks than last time! And Alex is 21?! Craziness I tell ya!

The photos from the beach are awesome! So much color and brightness! Glad you were able to get some sunset shots and that the fam didn't heckle you TOO much over it!

Great shots at AK! Dark rides are where I have a hard time getting good, clear photos. Practice makes perfect though!! Can't wait to read more!!

 

[fractal]

Having fun following along! Glad you were able to get a Disney day in your trip. Some Disney is better than no Disney! Pictures look outstanding as always.

Thanks @Sharkreef11 !

I can sympathize with Alex ... Dinosaur is not exactly my favorite ride. Mostly because it jerks you around way too much. It gave me a back-ache the last time I rode it.

Still following along!

Good ride for chiropractors. Thanks for following!

Stumbling upon a new Fractal trip report is like finding a twenty dollar bill in a jacket pocket.

Haha! Thanks @DznyRktekt !

So wow... I am back from my 2 week break and there is a TR from Fractal! Great! The pictures are as always marvelous and nice to see how grown up your girls are Can't wait for more! And also thanks for the share!!

Thanks @FlaggNL !

Wow! Those are some amazing photos in ITTBAB! I love this show and you were able to capture it's beauty well. So glad your girls loved the fun of it too.

@disneypearl Thank you!

Hahahaha this sounds exactly like my Dad ! Bribing us with food Super Photos, as always !

My girls like to eat! Thanks @Laurenciaa !

I was also a 6 year old traumatized on ITTBAB. My brother was as well. 18 years later we still won't go on it. Thanks Mom, for not forcing us to go again.

Love the TR.

Need to exercise those demons! Thanks for following @TrolleyFollower91 !

Very impressed with those pictures inside It's Tough to be a Bug. Never thought I'd be interested in seeing those, but with the lighting and the design details in the funny bug characters, those photos are excellent!



I laughed out loud over your departing "salute" to Dinoland!

Thanks @MinnieM123 !

Love it!

As with your earlier posts, great pictures. Cant believe you were able to get shots off on Dinosaur! I'd be afraid my camera would be lost if I attempted that. Looking forward to more.

Thanks @coachwnh ! Are you still on your Disney break or any plans?

Chris! I logged in just to come read this TR of yours!!!

I can't believe how much older Toni looks than last time! And Alex is 21?! Craziness I tell ya!

The photos from the beach are awesome! So much color and brightness! Glad you were able to get some sunset shots and that the fam didn't heckle you TOO much over it!

Great shots at AK! Dark rides are where I have a hard time getting good, clear photos. Practice makes perfect though!! Can't wait to read more!!

@derelicte19 Darolyn, Thanks and so glad you found this and are following! How was your trip(s?) to Disneyland?

 

[fractal]

The entrance to Harambe Market!

One of the things that I love about Animal Kingdom is the incredible attention to detail. Probably more than any other park, AK's "lands" are oozing with large and small details driven by its own aesthetics. Harambe Market is no exception.

 

[fractal]

There are numerous store fronts that serve "African inspired" quick service meals. I stopped and ordered at the first one before Alex and Toni began to gnaw on my arm. There was a CM dressed in African garb at the front of the line explaining the menu. The two options reflected North African/Mediterranean type cuisine; A chicken ka-bob and a pita with specially marinated beef tips. The descriptions and pictures looked very tasty - Alex and I got the beef and Toni the chicken. Our side was a cold veggie/broccoli dish which seemed not only healthy but tasty and refreshing. We received our food and sat down at shaded and fanned tables which were surprising cool and comfortable despite the 90 degree plus temperature.

You can see the seating area on the left side of this picture...

Here was my meal...

and now my gripe. I'm a good Church going Greek. I've been (and am again) the Chairman of our annual Greek Food Festival. The meat you see in my pita is not what was displayed when you order. What was displayed was cut beef pieces apparently marinated in a African type sauce. The meat in my pita is nothing more than frozen Gyro patties. I know because I've previously eaten then, ordered them and used them at our festival. There is nothing wrong with this meat - in fact it is very tasty, but I was more than a bit ticked that I was lied to. I did voice my displeasure to the CM. End of rant.

The meal was satisfying and hit the spot with Alex and Toni. I didn't even have to bribe them for a smile.

More pics of the court yard...

Except for being bamboozled by the Gyro meat, I thought Harambe Market was a winner and a great addition to a park that needed some more food options. Next time I will try the Sausage sandwich, er sorry, Sausage sammie.

With that, we said goodbye to Africa and started to make our way out of the park.

 

[coachwnh]

Thanks @coachwnh ! Are you still on your Disney break or any plans?

No plans yet. Im confident though we will get to DL before WDW. My wife's brother lives in Phoenix and its an easy 5 hour drive (we made it twice) to Anaheim. We said 2017 before WDW again, but we may wait longer. Might try Universal again before then as well, but nothing is certain. So many other things I'd like to see, but anyting can change at any moment. I"m not going to lie, I do have the itch to go and it feels odd not having anyting WDW to plan.

 

[DisneyMorgan]

From your last report, I can't believe how much older Toni looks!! She's so grown! Loving your report and all your pictures!! I hope you made it to all 4 parks! I did the same thing in 2009. We only had a day there, but we hit up every park except MK. We couldn't take part of EMH since we weren't staying on property. We hit up DtD too! Crazy but exhausting!

 

[gwhb75]

"Planning vacations as your children get older can be a difficult task. Demands from college, high-school, camps, activities, and even part time jobs end up leaving very few open spaces on the calendar.

I hear ya on this. We used to take our kids out of school for a week and a half and go mid-September. That all changed when our oldest started high school. Now between summer camps, sports and work, we're limited to the end of August. Looking forward to reading the rest of the report.

 

[fractal]

Making our way out of AK...

tried a couple different angles on this shot...

This was the first trip that I had pre-planned a number of photos I wanted to take. I knew that trying to get the most out of one day at WDW was going to be fast paced and keeping up with the girls was going to make photography more challenging. By having a list of "really want to do" photos I had a reason to stop for them; it didn't mean Alex and Toni had to like it.

"Hold on, hold on. Stop here" I commanded.

"Oh c'mon, we already were here" Toni cried recognizing the spot in front of the TOL I made them pose.

"Give me 5 fricken minutes!" I said in my mean voice.

"Pop's getting hype" was Alex's reply.

"Yeah, I'm hype alright! now Toni I need your help on this".

The lens you see below is the Minolta 50mm 1.4 with the aperture wide open. I took the photo with my Sony Zeiss 24mm 1.8 and was really happy with the results. At the time my two daughters were questioning my sanity.

"Alex, look what Pops is making me do"

"What the heck?" Alex said in a voice as if questioning a madman.

I wish I can claim this as my idea, but I saw this type of shot on a Sony mirrorless forum. A photo of somebody holding an open lens in the street and inside the lens you could see a building. It was a great shot! It also managed to jump start some creaky old gears in my noggin which created the idea for this shot...

Last shot of TOL as we were walking out.

It was then that we ran into one of Alex's college friend that were coming in AK. What a small world after all! They were on day 2 of a week's stay in Orlando. 5 days at WDW then going to Universal.

"I'm jelly" Alex said after her friend told us their plans.

"What?" I said using the same questioning a madman voice Alex had used a few minutes before.

"Jelly...Jealous. C'mon Pops get with it"

"Jealous, of course. What was I thinking"

We made a pitstop before leaving the park. Toni was thinking about our next move.

Animal Kingdom; When will I see you again?

Up next - we hit our next park!

 

[wdisney9000]

Animal Kingdom; When will I see you again?

I couldnt help but hear Barry Manillow's 'Weekend in New England' when I read this, lol.

This is seriously a fun TR. Your pictures tell the story so well that you dont even need to use words, but Im glad you are because its chalk full of comedy. I purposely left the Disney Day part of your report for today so I could enjoy it with my morning coffee. Congratulations to Sterg. Amazing school and making the swim to boot. Neither could have been very easy. Cant wait for the next part of the Disney Day. Thanks for the awesome report and pictures!