We Came, We Saw, We Froze

Jambo!

The Dinosaur Institue and I welcome you to my trip report. There was one theme to this year's trip, and that was...

It was FREEZING this past week in Florida. They haven't experienced cold like this in years. And of course it starts when we arrive. But that's okay...we were in Disney World, nothing could ruin our trip! Luckily we checked weather reports before leaving and packed accordingly.

A little background on everyone. First there's my family- mom, dad, me (19), Shannon (15), and Zach (12). This is our fourth trip to Disney World. We began planning a year ago and have been anxiously awaiting the trip ever since. I think my parents were more excited than the kids were. :lol:

Then there's my best friend of 10 years, Jamie. She is a part of the family, so of course she had to come along! This was her first trip to the World and couldn't wait.

I think that's all. Arrival day coming up next!

 

[Nicole220]

Friday, January 8th. Last full day.

We started the morning out in Epcot. Jamie, Shannon, and I went without everyone else again. While waiting for everyone to catch up, we took some pictures.

When the rest of the family arrived, we all headed over to Test Track.

 

[Nicole220]

Arnie loves Test Track

And Shannon stood in the corner, again

After Test Track, we ate lunch at Electric Umbrella then went on SSE.

Arnie wanted to see the world, so we hit up World Showcase before leaving.

My mom really wanted a henna in Morocco, so we stopped to get that done. Everyone but my dad ended up getting one.

Jamie's and mine

 

[Nicole220]

After Epcot we went back to the hotel for a little while before heading over to Animal Kingdom. By this time the rain had started. It wasn't coming down hard, thankfully.

Animal Kingdom isn't very fun in the cold, but it's awesome in the rain! No one was there. Everything was a walk on. Sweeeeet. We went on Primeval Whirl, Dinosaur, and Expedition Everest 4 times in a row until the park closed. Love it!

 

[Uponastar]

This is, without a doubt, my favorite trip report ever. Epic.

HUGE DITTO!

Nicole...
Thanks for my ice cream cart! :kiss:

LOVE the Nicole and Luke story....YAY!
*starts crocheting you a blanket*

:lookaroun

 

[tiaragirl]

I know, right? Are you the oldest sibling, too?

Yeahh, I've got a younger sister who's 15. My BF and I have been dating for awhile though, so there isn't much to interrupt anymore (hahaha). Mostly we all play Wii together and they kick my butt.

Love the Arnie appearances.. especially on Dinosaur! Hahaha.

 

[Nicole220]

Finally finishing this thing up. Yay!

HUGE DITTO!

Nicole...
Thanks for my ice cream cart! :kiss:

LOVE the Nicole and Luke story....YAY!
*starts crocheting you a blanket*

:lookaroun

You're welcome. :kiss:

Ooooh...a blankie! yay!

Yeahh, I've got a younger sister who's 15. My BF and I have been dating for awhile though, so there isn't much to interrupt anymore (hahaha). Mostly we all play Wii together and they kick my butt.

Love the Arnie appearances.. especially on Dinosaur! Hahaha.

My sister is 15, too. Gotta love 'em! :lol:

 

[Nicole220]

We had originally booked Teppan Edo as our last dinner in the World, but after finding out that we had extra table service credits, we dropped that and booked Jiko. It was absolutely wonderful! Appetizers included the Taste of Africa and the olive flatbread. Both were delicious. As my dad said, "You experience flavors that you don't get anywhere else." Jiko, Sanaa, and Boma all did that for us. All the kids got the filet mignon and mac and cheese. Mom got the chicken and I forget what dad got. For dessert, Jamie and dad got the pistacio creme brule. Mom got the apple tart. Zach and Shannon got the white chocolate mousse, and I got the chocolate trio. The chocolate trio was a chocolate lovers dream! :slurp: Everything at Jiko was perfect. None of us can pick our favorite restaurant....it all exceeded our expectations.

After Jiko, we took advantage of EMH at Epcot. We went on our favorites SSE and Test Track for the last time. After that, Jamie and I stayed behind and wandered around for a while.

One last look at SSE. I was a mess.

Our flight on Saturday was at 6:45am. What?? So we had to be up at 4am. Oy. Early morning + leaving WDW isn't a good combination at all.

Aaaaand that's the end, unfortunately.

So thank you

for reading. Y'all were a lovely audience! Hope you enjoyed.

 

[HollyBelle]

It's over? So soon? Nooooo!

Thanks for sharing and I agree with everyone else, you all are such an adorable family!!

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

Thanks Nicole. Most enjoyable trip report I've seen in a looong time. :sohappy:

 

[lumpydj]

Thank you so much for your trip report. :wave:I really enjoyed following along. I cannot WAIT until we go in 23 days. I hope it's not as cold as it was when you were there. It doesn't seem like the same experience when it's cold out.

 

[Pongo]

LOVE the Nicole and Luke story....YAY!
*starts crocheting you a blanket*

Bah



Great report, Nicole! When's our next reunion?

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Great report Nicole, sounds like you guys had a blast!
You all looked just as scared the second time on Dinosaur as you did the first.
Thanks for spending the time to do such a fun report.

 

[blackthidot]

Thanks for the Disney Fever. I do not like you. :brick:

 

[Nemo14]

great report Nicole - you guys are awesome!

 

[mousefan1972]

Thoroughly loved it, Nic. Thanks for taking the time to post all of your great pics. :kiss: And glad you had such a great trip!

 

[Nicole220]

Thanks guys. I'm really glad you enjoyed it.

Great report, Nicole! When's our next reunion?

Tomorrow. Or this weekend. Or next week. SOON.

 

[Pongo]

Tomorrow. Or this weekend. Or next week. SOON.

Done.

 

[Uponastar]

Bah

What???
She's going to share it with you!

 

[disneygirl1]

Nicole just finished reading!!! So sad its over!! Awesome report. I can not wait to go back!

p.s. you and Luke are absolutely adoreable together!

 

[Disneybird]

Nicole, great trip report. We were there at the same time and froze too.